Natural Awakenings of Greater Lansing Michigan - January 2023

LANSING

Publishers John & Trina Voell III

Assistant to the Publishers Carolyn Coogan

Design & Production John & Trina Voell III

Editor Martin Miron Proofreader Randy Kambic Calendar Theresa Archer

Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III

Distribution Kathy Matteo John & Trina Voell III

Website Design Locable Website & Social Media SherTech

CONTACT US 734-757-7929

Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com HealthyLivingMichigan.com P.O. Box 2717, Ann Arbor, MI 48106

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513

NaturalAwakenings.com

© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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The Future is Now W

elcome to 2023, Natural Awakenings style! January is a cosmic restart and the perfect time to begin anew, greeting the year ahead with anticipation for what’s to come and taking stock of the acquired perspective of this older and slightly wiser version of ourselves. As we step forward into 2023, it is a choice opportunity to renew our passion and spark for life and the work we do, take hold of the promises and the vision we’ve held for ourselves and rethink how we connect, create and find meaningful solutions for the issues we face.

The future is now, and today is the moment! How are you going to get started? Try this and see what happens... Find some quiet time to take a good look within, asking yourself a few important questions as you start the year.

Are you in touch with your body and paying enough attention to what it is telling or showing you? Do you notice pain or discomfort in certain areas that need attention? Have you considered what you are feeding it from a physical, mental and emotional standpoint?

Is there something you should be doing, but you’re not? Are you wrestling with an internal struggle to make changes on any level? What is holding you back? Is there one small step you can take today to move you closer to fulfillment?

Now is the time to take control of your life; forge a fresh path and find a new journey; create it and direct it with harmony and discipline. With only the vehicle of your body to travel a lifetime in, it’s important to be sure you are honoring it by tuning in to your environment. Even the simplest changes can make a world of difference and have far-reaching, positive effects on your health. Imagine where you could be at this time next year!

John and I are proud and honored to share Natural Awakenings, a valuable resource filled with knowledgeable, inspiring people to meet and a sense of community that cares— we feel so blessed! Publishing in greater Ann Arbor, Detroit-Wayne County and Grand Traverse Region for the last 17 years, education still stands at the heart of our mission, and we aim to bring forth content that empowers individuals to take charge and make healthier, informed decisions. Our vision for this upcoming year is to reach out and connect with even more of our dear readers, businesses and community influencers, so naturally, we are overjoyed to announce that we have expanded our reach!

Greater Lansing’s new edition of Natural Awakenings launches this month, meaning that our larger pursuit is underway and the magazine is now being widely distributed from the top to the bottom of our beautiful state! We look forward to being of service, highlighting and connecting with the communities we serve and bringing you the most beneficial information available to encourage improved health for yourself, your family, friends and our larger human collective.

With this issue at your fingertips, we hope you have all you need to become inspired to start creating a new year of contentment, joy and a whole new, healthier you! In 2023 you can take more naps, enjoy long baths and get a massage, or simply find somewhere to sit for a few minutes in silence to listen to your own deep breaths and the rhythm of your body. We are committing to walk a path of authenticity and integrity this year, finding promise, meaning and a deep sense of peace wherever we go. Let’s do it together. Happiest New Year Wishes to You and Yours,

Trina and John Voell, Publishers

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue you’ll find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 734-757-7929 or email Publisher@HealthyLiving Michigan.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingMichigan.com Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit Calendar Events at: HealthyLiving Michigan.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com

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Holistic Care

Mood Support

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Cancer Support

• Family

Medicine

• Holistic Medicine

• Innovative Medicine

• Bioidentical

Hormones

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Noninvasive Relief for Meniere’s Disease Symptoms

Each year, hundreds of patients come to The Burcon Chiropractic Research Institute, in Grand Rapids, from across the United States and the world to receive specialized chiropractic care for Meniere’s disease, a chronic disease of the inner ear that can cause debilitating vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. While there is no known cure, traditional treatments to manage the disease have included dietary changes, medication and surgery.

“Unfortunately, medical doctors don’t know what Meniere’s disease is, what causes it, and as a result they don’t know how to treat it,” says Michael T. Burcon, B.Ph., DC, director of the Chiropractic Research Institute. “At best, they try to control the symptoms with drugs and surgery. It remains one of the most baffling and incapacitating conditions a person can experience.”

Fortunately for those that suffer, Burcon made a major discovery almost two decades ago that established a connection between both Meniere’s disease and trigeminal neuralgia with patients that endured head and neck injuries which misaligned the top of the neck and the base of the skull. He found that these types of traumas can lead to Meniere’s disease as much as 15 years later, but that noninvasive chiropractic care specifically for the issue can dramatically improve or even eliminate symptoms.

“I continue to enjoy being considered the world’s leading expert on Meniere’s disease, both chiropractically and medically,” says Burcon, whose research is quoted in the Merck Manual. Burcon also presents at annual international Meniere’s disease symposiums (most recently in Shanghai, China, last April), regularly publishes his research and holds video recorded Health Talks on his findings.

Location: 3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Ste. 252, Grand Rapids. For appointments and more information, call 616-575-9990, email DrBurcon@yahoo.com or visit BurconChiropractic,com. See ad page 24.

Hypnosis Certification Course Beginning

Cheryl Beshada, CMHt, owner of Clinical Hypnosis Institute, will begin a hypnosis certification course on February 11. The state-licensed school, established in 2001, offers both online and in-person certification training, private hypnosis sessions and group workshops. Personalized attention and ongoing support is included through their mentor program and membership in the Clinical Hypnosis Professional Group.

She says, “If you are interested in learning about the subconscious mind and helping yourself and others, this is the school for you. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a truly rewarding career that you really enjoy? Do you feel drawn to help others navigate on their journey down this path called life? Have you ever wondered what it is like to help people improve their self-esteem, with relationships, to improve in school or sports or to just feel better physically through pain relief and alleviating the effects of illness? Hypnosis can be the vehicle of transformation for you as well for the clients you work with.”

Location: 8200 Old Thirteen Mile Rd., Ste. 110, Warren. For more information, call 586-8999009 or visit ClinicalHypnosisInstitute.com. See ad page 30.

Michael T. Burcon

Cheryl Beshada

Ozone-Assisted Dentistry

The practice of Dr. Jonathan J. Bechtel, DDS, uses the Longevity DOU120 Dental Ozone System. He says, “At Bechtel Dentistry, dental ozone therapy is incorporated into all of our dental procedures, including treating gum disease, restorative dentistry and oral surgery, to enhance our treatments for the benefit of our patients’ oral health.” Bechtel provides patients with a consultation on dental ozone therapy to help discover whether adding ozone therapy to their dental health care would be beneficial, noting, “We are experiencing an increased demand from patients requesting dental ozone therapy because it is holistic, conservative, painless, minimally invasive and can dramatically decrease healing time.”

Ozone therapy is an advanced and scientifically backed approach to dentistry with the ability to kill harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease or cavities in the mouth. This harmless gas is powerful enough to use as a natural antibiotic and has gained significant attention as bacteria become more and more antibiotic-resistant. Applications include tooth cavities and dental decay, gum disease/

periodontal disease, tooth sensitivity, oral infections, root canal infections and other oral health concerns.

Location: 609 E. Jolly Rd., Ste. 10B, Lansing. For more information, call 517-882-7132, email dr.jjbechtel@yahoo.com or visit Lansing FamilyDentist.com.

Regenerative Medicine with Dr. Pham

QCKinetix provides services tailored to each patient’s needs. No matter the condition or its severity, their team has the tools and knowledge to provide the best possible treatment for each situation. Owner Don Pham, DO, says, “Regenerative medicine is a natural way to tackle pain and restore mobility and function to your body. Call us to see if we can help take the pain away. Regenerative medicine uses your own biologic substances. The process helps reduce inflammation and heal/repair injured tissues. Chronic pain relief is possible. Schedule a

Don Pham

Jonathan J. Bechtel

free consultation at QC Kinetix to find out if regenerative medicine is right for you.”

The benefits of regenerative medicine include restorative function; less medication; no surgery and enhanced quality of life. Scientific research shows that regenerative therapy prompts the body to enact a self-healing response. For many patients, regenerative therapy is a welcome treatment for both recent injuries or lifelong degenerative and disabling conditions.

Location: 3370 E. Jolly Rd., Ste. C, Lansing. For appointments and more information, call 517-579-7433, email Lansing@QCKinetix.com or visit QCKinetix.com.

Integrative Healing at Center for Optimal Health

The Center for Optimal Health, the office of Dr. David Pawsat, DO, and Dr. Alicia Williams, DO, wants to end the quick fixes to health complaints and put patients back in charge of their healing for 2023. Their multidisciplinary approach to health care allows them to address underlying causes of dysfunction from many perspectives in order to truly affect the health of patients.

Integrative medicine treats patients using both science-based alternative and conventional therapies against aging-related diseases using early detection, prevention and reversal, instead of just treating symptoms. Their osteopathic physicians are trained to understand the connection between body systems and how dysfunction in one system can affect the others, practicing a whole-person approach to health care. Patients are assessed for their unique needs, and a plan will be devised that may include targeted methods of testing and treatment not limited to conventional standard-of-care methods.

Location: 1520 Ramblewood Dr., East Lansing. For appointments and more information, call 517-324-9400 or visit cfohealth.com.

Food as Medicine

For those taking too many conventional medications, Inspire Integrative Wellness & Care can help minimize medication and maximize health because food is medicine. The same applies to extra weight, low energy and overall wellness. Owner Michelle Matousek, DO, says, “Our experienced medical professionals put your healing needs first. We are proud to provide a high quality level of customer service, medical experience and a commitment to the health and wellness of our patients. We treat even the smallest members of the family! From infancy to over 100 years old, we are here for examina-

tion, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing wellness for the entire family. We would like to support and follow you through your life.”

Matousek’s care focuses on the whole person, including all aspects of their life. This individualized approach strengthens the therapeutic relationship between patient and physician. Standard medications will be limited by using food as medicine and supplements when needed. After practicing medicine for more than 20 years, she realizes the value that integrative medicine has on improving the overall health of patients.

Location: 1770 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. For appointments and more information, call 517-803-4399 or visit InspireIntegrative Wellness.com.

Dentistry With a Smile

Christine Tenaglia, DDS, goes the extra mile for her patients, providing complimentary services to keep them happy during visits, including cozy blankets, television, DVDs, a refreshment bar with coffee, hot or cold tea, hot chocolate and water, paraffin dip for hands, seasonal gifts, internet, email service, neck pillows, lip moisturizer and Nucalm.

Over the course of 25 years, Tenaglia has developed a reputation in the region for attention to detail while offering a spa-like, upscale experience unlike anything seen at a dentist’s office. In a world where most people have learned to dread the dentist, she has earned her patients’ trust, allowing them to look forward to check-ups while other people avoid them. She took a simple idea and made it the cornerstone of the practice—dentistry should be comfortable and enjoyable.

Tenaglia uses the latest procedures and technology, constantly learning and re-educating herself about advanced treatments by traveling nationwide, to provide the most efficient and effective methods of oral health care.

Location: 3985 Okemos Rd., Okemos. For appointments and more information, call 517-940-8684 or visit TenagliaSmiles.com.

Christine Tenaglia

Bundt Cakes for

All

Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened at 2090 West Grand River Road, Suite A, in Okemos. Jerry Yurgo co-owns this location with his wife, sister and brother-in-law. Their bundt cakes come in a variety of sizes and flavors. Bundtlets are mini-bundt cakes.

“Our bundtlets are more than just dessert. They can serve as smash cakes for a baby’s first birthday, place card holders for special occasions and even table centerpieces. Our bundtlet tower is the perfect personalized gift for teachers, friends and family. You can customize it with their favorite bundtlet flavors, too. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, preorder early. Nothing says, ‘I love you’ like a delicious bundt cake!” he says.

“Running a bakery was an opportunity to bring joy to people’s lives,” notes Yurgo. “This was something that was just a great business. People were happy there and that’s what we wanted. We’d had enough of the bad days.”

For more info, call 517-220-0303 or visit NothingBundtCakes.com.

KUDOS

Dr. Shelby Babowicz has joined the chiropractic team at Creative Wellness. She earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and holds a doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic, specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which sets her apart from many chiropractors. Babowicz also has a wealth of knowledge in the area of wellness and nutrition.

She is taking new patients and her passion is women’s health and working with athletes. Creative Wellness has served the community for more than 30 years. They also partner with the medical community and they are becoming recognized by insurance companies.

Location: 2045 Asher Ct., Ste. 100, East Lansing. For appointments and more information, call 517-351-9240, email Health@Creative Wellness.net or visit CreativeWellness.net.

Shelby Babowicz

Multiple Benefits for Early Rising Active Seniors

Older adults that consistently get up early and stay active throughout the day are happier and perform better on cognitive tests than those with irregular activity patterns, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The researchers studied 1,800 adults 65 or older and divided them into four subgroups of activity patterns: earlier rising/ robust, shorter activity duration/less modellable, shorter active periods/very weak and later activity offset/very weak. Both groups with weak rhythms had twofold odds of clinically significant depression symptoms and cognitive performance deficits. As we age, disruption in activity patterns may be common. More research is needed into why earlier and robust patterns appear to be protective and whether modifying disrupted patterns improves health outcomes.

Glycine and NAC May Delay Aging

A new clinical trial by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, found that a combination of N-acetyl cysteine and glycine (GlyNAC) boosted glutathione—often referred to as the body’s master antioxidant—and improved or reversed many signs of aging. Twenty-four older adults and 12 young adults were studied. The older group was randomized to receive either GlyNAC or a placebo for 16 weeks, and the younger adults received GlyNAC for two weeks. Participants were studied before, after two weeks and after 16 weeks of supplementation to assess glutathione concen-

trations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation, molecular regulators of energy metabolism, inflammation, endothelial function, insulin resistance, aging hallmarks, gait speed, muscle strength, walking (via a six-minute test), body composition and blood pressure. Supplementing with GlyNAC in the older adults was found to improve or correct these markers. Researchers concluded that this nutritional supplementation was a safe, well-tolerated and effective method for improving or reversing multiple, age-associated abnormalities to promote health in aging adults.

Two Cups of Tea May Avert Early Death

A few cups of black tea a day might help to avoid an early death, a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests. Among nearly half a million adults ranging from 40 to 69 years old, those that consumed two or more cups of tea a day saw a modest, but lower risk for

all causes of mortality over a median follow-up of more than 11 years. Participants of the large cohort study, called UK Biobank, self-reported tea intake from 2006 to 2010, while researchers noted mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The researchers concluded that drinking

than two cups of tea per day can be part of a healthy diet.

Parental Depression May Affect Childhood Development

According to a new study funded by the Welsh government, children that live with a parent that has depression are more likely to also develop depression and not achieve educational milestones. Information on children born in Wales from 1987 to 2018, as well as their parents, was used in the study.

The researchers found that living with a parent with depression is detrimental to a child’s outcome, but having a parent that has had a history of depression, even prior to the birth, increases the risk of depression and lowers the educational attainment of the child. The highest level of childhood depression risk was associated with exposure to a mother that had depression both before and after the birth of the child.

The risk of failing school exams was highest when the child was exposed to either a mother or father (or another stable male figure) with a history of depression, both before and after the child’s birth. These results suggest that exposure to a chronically depressed parent(s) is important in determining if the child will develop depression and have trouble with schoolwork.

Other findings included: having no father figure in the child’s life resulted in a higher risk of childhood depression and poorer results in school, and having a father with depression was associated with poorer results in school.

Depression is an issue that impacts the entire family, not just an individual. Taking a whole-family approach to addressing mental health will help ensure positive outcomes for both parents and children in the long term.

global briefs

Sea Soundscapes Help Regrow Oyster Reefs

The researchers recorded sounds from the healthy Port Noarlunga Reef and played them underwater near two large reef restoration sites offshore from Adelaide and the Yorke Peninsula. They attracted up to 17,000 more oysters per square meter to these sites and close to four times more large oysters grew in the test areas over the next five months, further accelerating habitat growth.

Mechanical Devices Inefficient at Removing Ocean Plastic

In new research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, Australian scientists amplified the natural sounds of the sea via underwater speakers, inducing baby oysters to swim toward desirable locations for regrowing oyster reefs. Thousands more larvae swam to those locations than to control areas to settle on bare rocks. Oyster reef restoration in Australia and globally is viewed as a way to re-establish healthy ecosystems. Shellfish filter and clean large volumes of water as they feed, and shell piles provide habitat for fish. Many marine animals use sound to communicate over long distances, because it can carry more information than sight or smell underwater. Healthy reefs emit crackles and pops from shrimp and fish as they feed, and that makes oyster larvae aware of a healthy habitat for them to settle on a rock and begin growing their shell.

A new study led by researchers from the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the UK University of Plymouth suggests that while mechanical devices like Seabin do remove plastics and other items of marine litter, the quantities can be comparatively low and they may trap marine organisms. Scientists have been studying the issue of marine microplastics for more than 20 years.

The Seabin device continuously takes in water via a submersible pump that is then filtered, returning clean water to the area while leaving the litter in a catch bag. Hundreds around the world are said to have captured more that 2.5 million kilograms of litter from calm, sheltered environments like marinas, ports and yacht clubs.

The study found that the equivalent to 58 items a day were collected, mainly comprised of plastic pellets, polystyrene balls and plastic fragments. The Seabin also captured one marine organism for every 3.6 items of litter, or around 13 a day, including sand eels, brown shrimp and crabs. Around 60 percent were found dead.

During the study, five manual trawls were conducted at the same marina using nets from pontoons or vessels which collected an average of 19.3 grams of litter during cleaning periods of up to five minutes. The Seabin only captured the equivalent of 0.0059 grams in the same time. The researchers say that based on their findings, the device was of minimal benefit at this location.

Our Helium Is Running Out

Liquid helium, the world’s coldest element, is needed to operate the magnets in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The high-resolution, 3-D images generated by this critical medical tool allow doctors to see details in the body that might not show up on X-rays, so that they can diagnose brain tumors, strokes, spinal cord injuries, liver disease and cancer.

Begin the journey to your health goals

Helium is a nonrenewable element found deep underground, and supplies are becoming harder to find for the Federal Helium Reserve, in Texas. Russia was gearing up to supply nearly a third of the world’s reservoir, but the war in Ukraine has halted trade. Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, says that four of five major U.S. helium suppliers are rationing the element, prioritizing the healthcare industry over less essential customers. Donna Craft, a regional construction manager for Premier, Inc., which contracts with helium suppliers for about 4,000 hospitals, says, “Helium is on allocation, for sure.”

Inside an MRI magnet, helium lets the current travel resistance-free. Harvard University physicists Amir Yacoby and Philip Kim shut down about half of their projects. Kim says, “There’s only a finite amount of helium in the Earth’s crust. Once it evaporates off, it’s completely lost into outer space.”

“A lot of people are wary about hypnosis, they think it’s kooky or witchcrafty, but really it is a very comfortable relaxation...and it onlyhelps you do what youwant to do.” says onesatisfied client.

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Fellow Travelers on the Path to Truth

We’re on a Mission!

For almost 30 years, Natural Awakenings franchises across the country have used a hybrid of top-shelf national content and a hyperlocal focus in a free publication to inform, educate and alert readers about contemporary issues of sustainability, personal health and social justice. John Voell II was one of the founders, and his son, John Voell III, with his wife Trina, began their journey with the Ann Arbor edition. They have expanded to Detroit-Wayne County, Grand Traverse Region and Greater Lansing because these crucial issues continue to affect and resonate with the public.

The Souls Behind the Scenes

Our staff are a hardworking lot, toiling on weekends, holidays, COVID -19 and vacations with none of the benefits one might expect, because they are all independent contractors. Their “business within a business” model allows us to keep overhead low, and with the help of our valued advertisers, stay in the black through rising production costs and turbulent times.

Martin Miron. Editor

Martin Miron is a professional journalist of 20 years, including associate editor of the Naples Daily News . His writing and editing have appeared in NAPC national POP files and he has produced the Global Briefs department for more than a decade.

An avid photographer, he enjoys good books and long walks on the beach, but seldom has the time to take them. Marty is committed to the mission of Natural Awakenings to inform and educate readers about healthy living topics and the stewardship of humanity.

Born in Detroit, he hitchhiked around the United States and Canada for two years as a hippie, looking for a place to escape. What he learned during that time was that people are naturally good and will give you the shirt off their back to help. Deciding on Florida, he moved from a city of 5 million to the rural Suwanee River and managed a food co-op in Gainesville.

Randy Kambic, Proofreader

Randy Kambic, a freelance editor, writer and proofreader based in Fort Myers, Florida, has been providing these services for the Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation’s national editorial content and for local franchise publications around the country

on a regular basis for nearly 15 years. He proofreads the Greater Ann Arbor, Detroit-Wayne County, Grand Traverse Region and Greater Lansing editions of the magazine. As a lifelong advocate for environmental protection and conservation and with a love of nature and wildlife, he brings a strong kinship for the magazine’s topics and passion for helping to spread helpful information and tips on healthy living. Further, he’s an avid tennis player, hiker and skier—especially from growing up and living in the northeast for most of his life—so he also is a proponent for all forms of exercising, as well as enjoying the outdoors.

Carolyn Coogan, Assistant to the Publishers

Carolyn’s early career has roots in health and wellness, and soon after graduating from Westfield State College, she began working in operations for a corporate fitness and wellness company in the Northeast. Subsequently, she has managed several businesses in various industries, including a short stint as owner and operator of her own small New Age gift shop.

She shares more than 20 years of experience as a creative leader in business management, communications and design with us. Carolyn also published her own edition of Natural Awakenings magazine in New York state from 2013 until 2020, and her support for the mission of the magazine, combined with her attention to details and ongoing operational systems of publishing, make her an integral part of the team.

Theresa Archer, Calendars

The baby boy in the picture, my son Alex, is now a very energetic 7, and my most important job. I hold a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music history and literature, as well as credits at the Ph.D. level for musicology and historical performance practice.

I am a trained classical and baroque cellist and have worked for the Natural Awakenings franchises since 2008 in various editing roles. I also have recently started substituting as a special education paraeducator; it is difficult physically and mentally, but extremely rewarding. I love cooking, but hate doing the dishes.

I’m also a huge animal lover and have two dogs and two cats. I write down one thing I’m grateful for every day and place it in a jar—a practice I began in 2013 after the loss of my daughter Cecilia, in 2012. It reminds me on the difficult days of how blessed I am.

Distribution Team

Last, and certainly not least, these awesome individuals are responsible for delivering Natural Awakenings magazines to hundreds of establishments throughout our community through rain, sleet and snow—JP Paucsh, Rachel Cara, Kathy Matteo, Steven Brembry, Gordon Kutella and Al Goree—and yes, publishers/owners John and Trina Voell are still out there bringing magazines to you as well.

Okemos Family Chiropractic Offers Cutting-Edge Solutions

Okemos Family Chiropractic provides many different, cutting-edge alternative and natural therapies under one roof, including alternatives to surgery for disc or joint issues and protocols for maximizing health, wellness, endurance, longevity and weight loss. They stay up-to-date with the latest technologies available to maximize health.

A graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic, in Bloomington, Minnesota, owner Kirby Perrault, DC, says, “My wife hurt her back after I had graduated premed and was going to medical school. A family friend, a chiropractor, helped her and enlightened me to the amazing benefits of chiropractic care.” Okemos Family Chiropractic opened in August 1998. He also owns InAlignment Nutrition and Weight Loss.

To make patients more pain and stress free, with a sense of well-being and greater adaptability to their environment, Perrault says, “We start by establishing baselines and/or metrics for where they’re at health-wise. We test, don’t guess. Then we help determine what course of natural therapies (magnetic, nutrition, red light, Softwave, decompression or oxygen) would benefit them in coordination with their chiropractic care, opening their nerve system.”

Okemos Family Chiropractic and InAlignment Nutrition and Weight Loss are located at 2199 Jolly Rd., in Okemos. For appointments and more info, call 517-381-1880 or visit OkemosChiro.com or InAlignmentNutrition.com. See ad on page 11.

Okemos Family Chiropractic helps their patients become more pain and stress free, with a sense of well-being and greater adaptability to their environment.

Dr. Kirby Perrault and his wife.

BRAIN POWER BOOSTERS

TIPS TO PRESERVE MEMORY AT ANY AGE

by Sheryl Kraft

Although it is completely normal to feel like our memories are failing us as we get older, this is not the time to panic. Regardless of age, it is always possible to learn, store and recall information, and there are numerous practices we can adopt to nourish and optimize our brains. Whether we’re looking for the car keys in all the wrong places or experiencing way too many tip-of-the-tongue moments, it may be high time to adopt the brain-boosting recommendations by these four experts.

Eating for Cognitive Power

“Having a better memory now and in the future means taking care of your brain and making the right lifestyle choices to slow

down the aging process,” says Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of BrainHealthKitchen.com, who believes that what we choose to eat is one the most significant decisions we make each day.

Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium have been shown to slow age-related memory loss. Think berries, grapes (which contain resveratrol, a memory-enhancing compound), beets, broccoli, almonds, avocados, carrots, eggs, salmon, onions and dark, leafy greens.

Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. Studies find that high cholesterol diets can increase the risk of memory loss, among other cogni-

tive functions.

Whole grains and legumes like cracked wheat, whole-grain couscous and lentils are complex carbohydrates that boost the brain by providing a steady, sustained supply of glucose, and are high in folate, the memory-boosting B vitamin.

Finally, don’t forget to include culinary herbs like curcumin, rosemary, saffron, oregano and mint. They all help support brain health, especially saffron, which contains a potent constituent called crocin that is associated with slowing cognitive decline in human and animal studies.

Wendy Warner, M.D., the founder of Medicine in Balance, an integrative healthcare practice in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, recommends Ginkgo biloba (one of the oldest living tree species in the world) and ginseng, which have both been found to help enhance memory with their neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. Noting that the brain works best with adequate nourishment, she asserts that these supplements can play a role in increasing blood circulation to the brain, thus improving its function.

Also on her list are Bacopa monnieri for its antioxidant capacity, Rhodiola rosea for its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects and licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra) for its ability to increase circulation in the central nervous system.

Warner recommends regular stress management techniques like yoga, qigong and tai chi as well, noting, “These all help lower inflammation and cortisol (an inflammatory stress hormone) and have been shown to improve memory.”

Medicinal Herbs for Mental Clarity

Heather Houskeeper is a certified herbalist, long-distance hiker and author. When venturing out into the wild, she is able to spot and identify hundreds of medicinal herbs, including her favorite, top five memory boosters, starting with Ginkgo biloba, as well as:

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) supports healthy blood flow to the brain. It can be enjoyed through food, tea or diffused as aromatherapy.

ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera), traditionally ingested as food or tea, can support mental alertness, focus and clarity of mind. Mix ashwagandha powder with warm milk, hot water or broth.

HOLY BASIL (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is rich in antioxidants and supports cerebral circulation. Enjoy this delicious and fragrant herb as tea up to three times per day, use in cooking or take as a tincture.

GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) is a restorative herb that can support alertness and mental clarity. It is also popularly used as a tea, tincture or extract for up to 14 days at a time.

Slumber Savvy

Insufficient sleep can result in a variety of cognitive problems, including memory loss. Those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder condition that affects breathing, should not ignore it.  High-quality sleep is key to reactivating memories, especially recalling the names

of people we’ve recently met, according to Northwestern University researchers. Other experts have reported a strong association between sleep and the formation of memories. Strive for uninterrupted and deep sleep, as follows:

n The ideal amount for most adults is between seven and nine hours a night.

n Wind down before bed with a consistent routine like reading, stretching or meditation.

n Keep the bedroom cool—somewhere around 65° F—and dark.

n Shut off all electronics.

n Avoid late-day caffeine, alcohol and spicy, heavy meals too close to bedtime.

Treating OSA is important to improve both sleep and brain health, says Thomas M. Holland, M.D., of the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, explaining, “Impaired sleep can lead to biochemical processes that can impact memory and cognition.”

Sheryl Kraft writes about health and wellness for Sage by Gaia and a variety of print and online media sources. Visit SherylKraft. com and SageByGaia.com to read more of her work.

More than Skin Deep

Healing the Heartbreak of Psoriasis

by Lorraine Maita

Psoriasis affects approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of the Institute of Functional Medicine, the condition involves terrible suffering from scaly, itchy, inflamed and peeling skin; aching joints; burning genitals; broken

nails; and the resulting depression that inevitably comes from such conditions—all of which explains why it is often referred to as “the heartbreak of psoriasis.”

The Cleveland Clinic describes psoriasis as an autoimmune condition of the skin. The immune system of people with psori-

asis overreacts, causing inflammation and an overly rapid growth of new skin cells, which in turn causes a buildup on the surface that creates the appearance of scaling, but the effects are much more significant than cosmetic.

Psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, lymphoma and cardiovascular disease. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) describes a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome known as the “march of psoriasis”. Widespread inflammation may cause insulin resistance that triggers cells lining the blood vessels to malfunction, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart attack or stroke. The ailment also increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

Traditionally, psoriasis is treated with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs that can be harsh on the body and quite expensive while failing to address its root cause. Alternatively, the functional medicine approach is to treat the disease’s underlying causes: inflammation and triggers.

“I have psoriasis,” says Dr. Brad Shook, a chiropractic physician and member of The Institute of Functional Medicine. “I worked hard, and I’ve had my psoriasis and my autoimmunity under control and in remission. Through functional medicine, we can identify these drivers and help you to unwind this process, heal your body

Psoriasis Triggers

Functional medicine practitioners use the acronym STAIN to categorize five triggers that activate inflammation and psoriasis: stress, trauma or toxins, antigens or adverse food reactions, inflammation or infections and nutrition. Removing these triggers allows for healing.

Stress

Psoriatic patients report worsening of symptoms with stress. Modulating the reaction to stress and adding relaxation techniques can calm the inflammatory response. Practicing relaxing activities such as deep belly breathing, yoga, tai chi, prayer, meditation, visualization, Heartmath, massage, acupuncture or biofeedback can relieve stress. Exercise can also release endorphins that reduce pain perception.

Trauma or Toxins

The NPF states that physical trauma can induce the development of psoriatic plaques. Toxins such as smoking and alcohol have been shown to increase the risk and severity of the disease. Obesity may also play a role in worsening symptoms because toxins are stored in fat, which emits inflammatory cytokines. It’s recommended to maintain ideal weight, abstain from

smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoid trauma. Detoxifying and removing heavy metals can decrease the inflammatory response, as well.

Antigens or Adverse Food Reactions

Studies show that a Western diet rich in sugar and fat leads to an imbalance in gut bacteria known as dysbiosis. These harmful bacteria may contribute to psoriasis. Allergens or reactions to food can cause increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut. The most common triggers tend to be wheat and dairy.

The Chopra Center recommends the 4 R Gut Healing program. Removing foods patients are sensitive to is key to calming down the immune system, as well as avoiding sugar, wheat, dairy and processed foods. To improve the gut, replace digestive enzymes, replenish healthy bacteria with a probiotic and repair the gut lining with butyrate or L glutamine.

Inflammation or Infections

To diminish inflammation, modify the diet to include more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats found in fish, avocado, nuts, seeds and olives, and fewer inflammatory omega-6 fats found in wheat and dairy. Look for and eradicate hidden infections. Decrease inflammation with a high-quality fish oil, curcumin, probiotics and a whole foods diet free of food sensitivities.

Nutrition

Studies show that having adequate amounts of vitamins A and D, fish oil, probiotics and zinc are important for maintaining both a healthy gut and a healthy immune response. Supplementation can be helpful in maintaining appropriate levels of these vital nutrients. Some patients using topical vitamin D products found they had effects similar to topical corticosteroids.

“When I started working at the Ultrawellness Center, I learned about how to address the root causes of a problem, not just the symptoms, and have found a new way of approaching psoriasis,” says Adonica Nichols, a psoriasis patient and a licensed practical nurse at the center, in Lenox, Massachusetts.

“Living with psoriasis is still an everyday struggle for me, but I have implemented many of these changes in my diet and lifestyle over the past several months, and I am feeling better than I ever have.”

Psoriasis is a multifaceted, complex illness that may require a deeper look at the triggers. A functional medicine physician can offer a systematic approach to uncover and remove these triggers, helping patients heal from the heartbreak of psoriasis.

Board-certified in integrative, anti-aging and internal medicine, Lorraine Maita, M.D., is an award-winning functional medicine specialist and author in Short Hills, NJ. For more information, visit HowToLiveYounger.com.

Cooling the Fire Within Healthy Eating Tips to Ease Chronic Inflammation

by Tom O’Bryan

Putting more thought into what we eat and why may be among the most important factors in determining how long we live. Researchers in Norway recently compared the long-term effects of a typical Western diet to an optimal one, and their findings can be a source for inspiration. The optimal diet had a substantially

higher intake of whole grains, legumes, fish, fruits, vegetables and a handful of nuts, while reducing red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and refined grains.

According to their results, a sustained change from a typical Western diet to the better plan can make a big difference on

life expectancy. Here are their predicted impacts on longevity for people after starting—and sticking to—an optimal diet:

Start at age 20—women add 8.4 to 12.3 years; men add 9.4 to 14.3 years

Start at age 60—women add 6.2 to 9.3 years; men add 6.8 to 10 years

Start at age 80—women and men add 3.4 years

So, it is never too late to start a positive activity.

This improved diet gets to the underlying causes of most of the reasons Americans die. According to the National Institutes of Health, 14 of the top 15 causes of death in 2019 were chronic inflammatory diseases. This means it is more than likely that the cause has existed for a long time under the surface (chronic), with too much inflammation for too long (inflammatory), affecting the brain, cardiovascular system, blood sugar system or wherever there is a genetic weak link (disease). Rather than ask what the ailment is, ask, “Where is the long-term, hidden inflammation coming from that is fueling this disease?”

Dr. George Slavich, founding director of the Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research at the University of California in Los Angeles, says that understanding when inflammation promotes either good or poor health and how and when to intervene to reduce inflammation-related disease risk, “should be a top scientific and

Mystic Arts

public priority.” Identifying and reducing individual triggers of inflammation opens a path to regenerating a healthier, younger individual.

Not all inflammation is bad. Time-limited increases in inflammation are critical for promoting wound healing and recovery, as well as reducing the spread of communicable infections. Humans would not have lived very long without a well-developed internal protection from threatening environmental triggers such as bugs, parasites, viruses, mold, fungus and bacteria. For better health outcomes, we need to address excessive systemic inflammation. There are many likely contributors to the fueling of inflammation, but one of the most common sources is what is on the end of our fork. Begin there.

LIFESTYLE HACK 1: If there is one prime directive for better health, it is to focus on living as much of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle as possible. Become more aware of the daily environmental exposures that ramp up inflammatory genes. Know, for example, what chemicals are used on the soil in which the food is grown or sprayed with before it is harvested. Then, armed with this knowledge, choose a better alternative, like organic and regenerative organic foods. As enough anti-inflammatory messages are accumulated, a reversal in the direction of health is possible.

LIFESTYLE HACK 2: Food is the most common source of gasoline on the fire of inflammation. Dr. Deanna Minich, president of the American College of Nutrition, recommends the Rainbow Diet, which acts like a fire extinguisher to put out the excess inflammatory fire in the body. Selecting multiple colors of fruits and vegetables at every meal tempers the inflammatory cascade. Strive over time to eat 50 different fruits or vegetables per week.

Begin today. Just bringing up to awareness the question, “Is this food inflammatory or anti-inflammatory?” will feed our health habits, and over time, healthier habits equal a healthier life.

DACBN, is an internationally recognized expert on gluten, bestselling author and speaker focused on food sensitivities, environmental toxins and the development of autoimmune diseases. He is a chiropractic doctor, certified clinical nutritionist and the founder of TheDr.com

ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH SALMON AND ARTICHOKE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

6 zucchinis, medium to large, firm and straight, cut into “noodles”

2 lb fresh, wild salmon fillets, skin removed

Sea salt and pepper

2 Tbsp high-heat cooking oil (avocado or grapeseed)

3 Tbsp olive oil

4 Tbsp shallots, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 artichoke hearts (in water), quartered

1 lemon, zested and juiced

KnoWEwell Chief Health Officer Dr. Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN,

4 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Pinch of cayenne

conscious eating for 2 minutes. Add the artichokes and lemon zest, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and add the parsley, lemon juice and cayenne; stir to combine. Add the bacon and adjust seasonings to taste.

6 slices crumbled, crispy turkey bacon; crispy bacon; or crispy pancetta

Zucchini can be fashioned into noodles one of two ways. For “fettuccine”, use a potato peeler to produce long, flat noodles or lengthwise ribbons. Peel off several from one side, then turn the zucchini and peel off more. Continue to turn and peel away ribbons, until reaching the seeds at the core of the zucchini, which can be discarded. For “spaghetti”, use a spiralizer, mandolin or knife. The spiralizer is the easiest option. With a mandolin, hook up the julienne attachment for perfectly formed noodles. If using a knife, cut the zucchini into thin slices, stack them up and cut again lengthwise into thin strips. Discard the core. Salt the zucchini noodles, let sit for a few minutes, then massage and squeeze the water out. Drain any excess liquid.

Season the salmon with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium to high heat. Add the salmon, top sidedown, and sear until golden and crispy, then turn over to finish cooking. Cover only with a splatter screen, or it will not get crispy. In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and shallots, and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the zucchini noodles, increase the heat to medium-high and cook

Distribute evenly on 4 plates or low bowls. Place the salmon on top and serve with extra lemon.

All recipes courtesy of Dr. Tom O’Bryan.

ARTICHOKE AND SPINACH GREEK OMELET YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

10 eggs

1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, packed in water

1 large tomato

4 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

⅔ cup green olives, chopped

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp coconut oil

In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the oil. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pour the mixture into the skillet. After 1 to 2 minutes, when the omelet has begun to brown, fold it in half and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the center is cooked through. Serve immediately.

CURRY CHICKEN SALAD

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

4 organic, boneless, chicken breasts

1 to 2 bay leaves

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped walnuts

⅔ cup avocado mayonnaise

2 tsp gluten-free Dijon mustard

1 tsp curry powder

Sea salt and black pepper

Wash and pat dry the chicken. Add water to a steamer (per manufacturer’s instructions) and add bay leaves. Place the chicken in the steamer basket and steam for 45 to 50 minutes. Do not overcook. Allow to cool, then shred or chop.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, walnuts, mayonnaise, mustard, and curry. Blend well with a fork, taste and season with salt and pepper.

Add the salad greens to plates and mound with the chicken salad. Garnish with parsley, avocado and pomegranate arils (seeds). If desired, drizzle salad greens with juice of a lemon and extra-virgin olive oil.

Health in a Smile

A Holistic Solution to Impaired Mouth Syndrome in Children

by Brooke Goode

One of the first things we notice when we meet someone is their smile, so it is easy to understand why children with crowded teeth might be self-conscious when they encounter new people. But the condition is not just a cosmetic concern. “Teeth crowding are

surface markers of structural chaos below,” says Felix Liao, DDS, author of Your Child’s Best Face: How to Nurture Top Health & Natural Glow. Dental crowding results from a deficiency in jaw growth, which can contribute to a partially stunted face, narrower airway, poor sleep and consequent

learning and behavior problems.

According to a recent medical research review, its prevalence among children and adolescents is up to 84 percent. Fortunately, parents can take steps to nurture healthy dental/facial development in their children so that there is enough room for all 32 teeth to line up straight and for the tongue to operate between the two jaws without occupying the airway.

Crowded teeth are the tip of an iceberg called Impaired Mouth Syndrome (IMS), a term coined by Liao in 2017 for a wide-ranging set of medical, dental and mood problems in children, from sleep and growth disturbance to respiratory infections and poor focus. According to a 2013 study by the Stanford Sleep Center, “Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea in nonobese children is a disorder of oral facial growth.”

IMS is an all-too-common condition that often goes undiagnosed, untreated or incorrectly treated. The result is a child that falls short of their full genetic potential and an adult that suffers recurring pain and fatigue. An underdeveloped maxilla—the upper jaw that also forms part of the nose and eye socket—can lead to a litany of symptoms, including teeth grinding, a weak chin and jaw pain, and may also impact the appearance of the face, causing imbalanced features. By contrast, a well-developed facial structure will support better breathing, sleep and postural alignment, and benefit from high cheekbones and full lips.

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“Rarely does managing symptoms result in a healthy child,” says Ben Miraglia, DDS, a board member of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry. IMS symptoms improve when the jaws are activated to grow to their full potential. This is now possible with a partnership between parents and a new breed of dentists known as Airway-centered Mouth Doctors (AMD) that receive specialized training on the syndrome and its treatment.

These specialists work in the realm of whole health, looking at the interconnectedness of the body rather than individual body parts in isolation. They collaborate with other doctors and therapists, including myofunctional therapists that devise exercises for the mouth muscles and encourage nasal breathing. AMDs also work with dietitians to devise a bone-building diet free of the toxins, pollutants and chemicals found in processed foods that can impair normal facial development.

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AMDs approach the condition without drugs or surgery, often without having to use braces which can result in a deflated midface. By designing retainer-like oral appliances to be placed over the teeth, they spur the growth and alignment of the jaws to help widen the airway and support sleep.

Mouth structure and jaw alignment are foundational to wholebody health in children, and Liao’s vision for achieving thriving health in kids includes these recommended steps:

n Early recognition by parents of IMS red flags in their child, including chapped lips, a weak chin, crooked teeth, dental cavities, disrupted sleep, slumped posture, fatigue, lethargy, hyperactivity and learning or behavior problems

n Diagnosis of an impaired mouth by a trained AMD

n Complying with AMD guidance, including the use of a professional oral expander appliance

n Eating a non-inflammatory, bone-building diet

n Following whole health team protocols to align the head, jaws and spine, and integrate mind, body and mouth

Growing the jaws is the groundbreaking solution to crowded teeth in children that parents have been hoping for. A plant will blossom more fully in sunshine than in shadow. The same can be said when it comes to a child’s smile and overall health.

Brooke Goode is the National Editor for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health hub.

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AMDs approach the condition without drugs or surgery, often without having to use braces which can result in a deflated mid-face.

Hidden Dangers in Pet Food

The Scary Truth About Toxic Ingredients

by Karen Becker

Among the many reasons to switch from ultra-processed diets to fresh food for our furry family members, unwanted toxins are high on the list. Because pet food manufacturers are not

required to conduct quality control testing, consumers never know exactly what toxins their dogs and cats are inadvertently ingesting. According to PetFoodIndustry.com, “Some level of contamination is unavoid-

able.” Here is a look at the most common toxins found in many popular pet foods.

ARSENIC is used in herbicides, insecticides, wood preservatives and insulation, as well as in chicken feed in factory farms. According to Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., associate professor and pet food program coordinator at Kansas State University, “The measured presence of arsenic in pet foods does not equate to toxicity for this naturally occurring earth element.” While this may be true, bioaccumulation can do significant damage over time if sublethal doses are consistently consumed. The gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and skin are most vulnerable to arsenic damage, which interferes with hormones and causes cancer and death. To help pets with elevated arsenic levels, try iodine- and selenium-rich foods, including sea vegetables and Brazil nuts; sulfurous foods like garlic; alpha lipoid acid; and N-acetylcysteine.

MERCURY is released into the air and waterways primarily through burning coal, and seafood is the most common route of exposure. It is best not to feed pets an exclusive diet of fish protein. On the other hand, seafood contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to a pet’s well-being. Consider feeding them low-mercury options like wild-caught salmon, sardines packed in water, mussels or rainbow trout

in rotation with other proteins, or supplementing their diet with krill oil or an omega-3 fatty acid that is third-party validated as contaminant-free and sustainably sourced. Mercury detoxification can be achieved by using chlorella and cilantro.

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) and POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHER (PBDE) are used as fire retardants and can bioaccumulate at high levels in large, predatory fish at the top of the food chain like tuna, tilefish, king mackerel, shark and swordfish. Research suggests that cats are especially sensitive to PBDEs and PCBs found at high levels in both canned and dry pet foods. Although PCBs were banned in the U.S. in 1979, they are still used elsewhere in the world and continue to pollute the oceans. These fat-soluble toxins can be cleared through the bowels, so add fibrous veggies and chlorophyll-containing foods or supplements to the pet bowl.

BISPHENOL A (BPA) is used in plastics and coatings inside pet food cans. It imitates the body’s hormones, especially estrogen, in ways that are damaging to the health of both humans and animals. A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri concluded that even a short-term (two-week) feeding of canned dog food resulted in a three-fold increase of BPA in dogs. Avoid canned pet foods and #7 plastic food and water bowls and storage bins. Provide ongoing BPA detoxification support by offering foods rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus (kefir and yogurt) and glutathione-rich foods, including culinary and medicinal mushrooms.

DIOXINS, a byproduct of industrial processes, can disrupt the signaling of both male and female sex hormones in the body. They’re found in much of the U.S. food supply, including factory-produced meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter. Offer pets organic food whenever possible. Because dioxins are fat-soluble, they are stored in adipose tissues. Try the Ayurvedic practice of lipophilic-mediated detoxification, which uses healthy fats, including ghee, coconut and MCT oil, to pull out fat-stored toxins.

AFLATOXIN contamination has been the cause of several pet food recalls and major disease outbreaks for more than 20 years. Known to cause acute toxic illness and cancer, they are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by fungi in agricultural crops. Corn, peanuts and cottonseed have the highest rate of aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxicosis is more common in dogs than cats because commercial dog food more often contains corn. Many animal studies demonstrate the efficacy of using ginger, thyme, broccoli, turmeric and carrots for aflatoxin detoxification. The only way to know exactly what a pet is eating is to buy the ingredients and prepare nutritionally complete meals at home. When choosing a commercial pet food, make sure that it contains human-grade ingredients and that manufacturers employ quality control steps in their operations to test for contaminants.

Veterinarian Karen Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians in making knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com

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Welcoming the Unknown

by Marlaina Donato

Ushering in a brand-new year can be filled with hope, but it can also feel as daunting as a blank sheet of paper. We might pause at the threshold with pen in hand, recounting past mistakes and failures, hesitant to make our mark. The unforeseen is like a stranger, easy to mistrust. Dreading the unknown can be a self-sabotaging habit that obstructs the view and keeps us wishing instead of living.

Nature’s great gift is her constancy of seasons, but she thrives on change. Despite the human propensity for clutching what is familiar and predictable, we do best by leaving the door ajar for the unexpected. If we are fortunate, we will have 12 more months to have another go at it.

Setting a place at the table for delight shifts our frequency from resistance to receiving our highest good, and swapping anxiety for excitement can be a spiritual practice during our most uncomfortable moments. Instead of making a resolution, what if we made the simple decision to not believe our fears?

With no concept of limitation or worry of scraped knees, we once learned to walk, happily undiscouraged when we stumbled. That first spark of eager curiosity remains deep in our memory, not confined to youth. Embracing possibility this year can be a subtle, mantra-in-motion as we go through our days, a cellular willingness to expect an outcome tailored specifically for us. Here are some prompts for embracing possibility:

n On scraps of paper, write down 12 things you have postponed doing or trying and keep them in a special canister. Pull one out each month and follow through with joyful anticipation.

n Witness the sunrise once a week and designate it as an opportunity to open your heart and mind to the new and glorious.

n Change things up in the kitchen: Buy new dishes and donate the old to a local thrift store. Try a new food every week and explore herbs and spices not usually in the cupboard.

n Notice something in your daily surroundings that might have gone unnoticed before.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Fasting Seminar – 6:30-7:30pm. Dr. Jean-Guy Daigneault will dive into fasting and everything to know about it. Learn how to fast safely, what fasting style is best for them and what results are possible for the fasting, faith-filled person. Admission free. Gilead Healing Center, 306 S Creyts Rd, Lansing. RSVP: 517-319-5818 or Tinyurl.com/FastingSeminar. GileadHealingCenter.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Online: Hottest Natural Products for 2023 – 1011am. Learn what products are helping people and making lots of money. Do you distribute natural products or want to learn how? With Dr. Jesse R. Brown. Free. Zoom. Register: 313-255-6155 or WholisticTrainingInstitute.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

90th Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show – Jan 10-11. Hosted by the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Features more than 100 expert speakers plus a new, redesigned trade show. 333 E Michigan Ave, Lansing. More info & to register: MiAgBiz. org/events/winter-conference.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Online: Lose Weight and Win in 2023 – 10-11am. Looking for a safe, natural, wholistic method of losing weight and keeping it off without sacrificing your health? It may be as simple as a 5-step plan. With Dr. Jesse R. Brown. Free. Zoom. Register: 313-255-6155 or WholisticTrainingInstitute.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

Acu-Harmony: Acupuncture + Sound Bath Therapy – 7-8:30pm. A uniquely integrated healing session offering the medical benefits of acupuncture & crystal bowl sound therapy in a community wellness setting. LiveWELL: The HEALing CommUNITY, 2820 Covington Crt, Lansing. GoLiveWell.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

MLK Day of Celebration – 11am. With the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King. $60/person, $425/table. The Lansing Center, 333 E Michigan Ave, Lansing. Tickets: MLKMidMichigan.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Water as a Human Right – 11am-12:30pm. Presented by Registered Nurse Sister Mary Ellen Howard. An educational seminar covering water issues. Admission free. The Greatroom at Allen Place, 1629 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing. 517-3672468. AllenNeighborhoodCenter.org.

Mushroom Grow Course – 5-8pm. Learn to grow any type of mushroom from start to finish. Featur-

ing two dynamic mycology educators. In-person & online. 6810 S Cedar St, Ste B, Lansing. More info: Tinyurl.com/vfzzrjsy.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

Online: Medicinal Herbology – Tuesdays, Jan 24-Feb 14. 6-8pm. Beginning level class on herbal identification, selection and preparation. Learn which herbs are medicinal, how to select and use them for different conditions. Register: 313-2556155 or WholisticTrainingInstitute.com.

ongoing events tuesdays

Terpy Tuesdays at The Jade Collection – 9am9pm. Selected for potency, flavor, terpene profile and distinguished genetic heritage. Special deals. 1098 E Main St, Morenci. 517-458-3009. Weedmaps.com/dispensaries/jade-collection.

Hypnotherapy with Cheryl Beshada, C.M.Ht. –9:30am-7pm, by appt. Also Weds. Cheryl teaches and specializes in personal empowerment, releasing blocks and patterns of negative behavior, higher self-communication. Free consultation. Warren. 586-899-9009.

wednesdays

Allen Farmers Market – 3-6:30pm. Year-round. Closed Jan 4. Stock up on groceries and visit the Eastside Lansing Food Co-Op onsite at the same time. 1629 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing. Facebook. com/AllenFarmersMarket.

saturdays

Online: Self Love Focused, Live Chat Session with Oracle Card Pulls – 9-10am. Set time aside for you to chat with like-minded people and receive messages of inspiration from the divine as well as motivation to move forward from Coach Sherry. Free. TikTok.com/@find_ur_happy.

Certified Hypnotherapists Education and Networking Meeting – 9:30am-12pm. 1st Sat. Certified Hypnotherapists welcome. Includes educational presentation, workbook and digital material. Clinical Hypnosis Professional Group, Warren. Register: 586-899-9009.

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AROMATHERAPY

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HEALTH MATTERS OF LANSING

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FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY

DEXTER DENTAL STUDIO

7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360

DexterDentalStudio@gmail.com DexterDentalStudio.com

From the moment you walk through the door, you will experience a friendly and relaxed environment where the focus is always on you and your overall well-being. Dentistry is about more than just filling teeth. We place great emphasis on investigating root causes, patient education, and providing a positive and helpful dental experience.

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

ANN ARBOR

SMILES

DENTAL GROUP

2365 S Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor & 1795 W Stadium, Ann Arbor 734-887-9667

AnnArborSmiles.com

Ann Arbor Smiles is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental office dedicated to treating the whole person in a caring and compassionate manner. Most insurances accepted and financing is available. See ad page 18..

PACKARD FAMILY DENTISTRY

2444 Packard St, Ypsilanti 734-519-6191

PackardFamilyDentistry.com

Our doctors are committed to holistic dentistry as the best way to care for our patients and keep them and our team as healthy as possible. We strive to treat the cause of a problem, not just the symptoms. We provide insight and answer any questions you may have regarding the tools and techniques we use for your care.

HOLISTIC DOCTOR

DR. MALCOLM SICKELS, M.D.

210 Little Lake Dr, Ste 10, Ann Arbor 734-332-9936

DrSickels.com

Malcolm Sickels earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan, where he taught fellow medical students about different approaches to health. Board certified in Family Medicine and Holistic Medicine, he is in solo practice on the west side of Ann Arbor. Learn more at Dr. Sickels.com. See ads, pages 6 and 10.

MOTHER BEAR SANCTUARY

DAVE TUSCANY, CPC 586-907-6125

MotherBearSanctuary.com

Mother Bear Sanctuary’s mission is to remind people of their innate connections to their bodies, the Earth, all animals, and each other. Dave is a certified life coach specializing in shadow healing, men’s sexual empowerment, creating alignment in integrity, accountability. FIREWALK Empowerment events, “Thru The Eyes Of The Horse”Leadership & Sales Enhancement. See ad page 20.

HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY

CASTLE REMEDIES

2345 S. Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor In the Parkway Center 734-973-8990

CastleRemedies.com

Serving Michigan for nearly 40 years. Castle Remedies offers over 1,000 homeopathic remedies as well as herbs, essential oils, flower essences, books, unique gifts and jewelry. We carry top-tier nutritional supplement brands such as Metagenics, Ortho Molecular, Xymogen, Integrative Therapeutics, Karuna, NOW, and more.

Classes available online. See ad page 21.

HYPNOSIS

CLINICAL HYPNOSIS INSTITUTE

Cheryl Beshada, C.M.Ht.

8200 Old Thirteen Mile Rd., Ste 110, Warren 586-899-9009

ClinicalHypnosisInstitute.com

Become a Certified Hypnotherapist. Saturday and Sunday classes begin February 11 In-person and/or on-line. State-licensed School—Ongoing Support. Private Sessions Available.

INTEGRATIVE / HOLISTIC WELLNESS FOR PETS

COMPASSION 4 PAWS VETERINARY HEALING CENTER 517-412-7171

10444 W Grand River Hwy, Grand Ledge Compassion4PawsHealing.com

Offering a wide array of holistic services, including acupuncture, herbal medicine & food therapy. Arthritis, allergies, digestive issues, and behavioral issues, are just a few examples of conditions that benefit greatly from holistic therapies. See ad page 26.

MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION

MOLDPRO

John Du Bois, CMI, CMR 247 W. Main Street, Milan 734-439-8800 • MoldProllc.com

MoldPro offers chemical-free mold remediation, independent certified mold testing, inspection and consultation services all over SE Michigan specializing in mold biotoxin illness clients.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION 503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714

Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.

RELIEF FROM TRAUMA, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

ACT ABSOLUTE CHOICES TODAY COUNSELING NANCY WARNARS, LPC

OperationAbleNancyW@gmail.com 248-845-0513

AbsoluteChoicesTherapy.com

Virtual Teletherapy for all ages. Immediate appointments available. Accepting most insurance. Office in East Lansing. Change happens when you take responsibility to create thinking that supports ways to feel better. Family of origin, groups and media can have a profound effect on your inner being. Letting go of the negativity is critical to co-create new pathways toward hope, peace and love for the life you have a choice to envision.

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

ANN ARBOR SCHOOL OF MASSAGE, HERBAL & NATURAL MEDICINE 734-769-7794

NSHAAssociates@gmail.com NaturopathicSchoolOfAnnArbor.net

Massage therapy training is a one-year program that fulfills the 717-hour, state-licensed professional training with the required 80 hours of clinical internship. The rate for scheduled, Tuesday through Friday appointments at our student massage clinic is $45/hr.

MOTHER BEAR SANCTUARY BARBRA WHITE M.A, DI,HOM 734-796-6690

MotherBearSanctuary.com

Mother Bear Sanctuary’s mission is to remind people of their innate connections to their bodies, the Earth, all animals, and each other. Barbra specializes in transpersonal therapy, horse retreats, trauma-informed nature therapy, healer training and leadership programs. See ad page 20.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714

Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.

SMOKING CESSATION

FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

Center - A Joyful Journey 734-883-8775

Stop smoking in one visit. Afraid it’s going to be too painful or too difficult? Our unique specialized and proven system makes it easy. Become a happy and permanent non-smoker today. See ad page 13.

WEIGHT LOSS

FREE AT LAST! HYPNOSIS

CENTER - A JOYFUL JOURNEY 734-883-8775

Lose weight now with hypnosis. Achieve permanent positive life and habit changes through our safe, rapid and effective system. Tap the potential of your mind to create the health and vitality you’ve always wanted. See ad page 13.

WELLNESS

OKEMOS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 2199 Jolly Rd, Ste 140, Okemos 517-381-1880 OkemosChiro.com

Chiropractic, PEMF, Softwave, Nutrition Response Testing, Qest Biofeedback, Neuropathy, Red Light Trifecta Bed, Superhuman Protocol, Decompression, BrainTap, Normatec Compression and Halo Light therapy. See ad page 11.

WELLNESS / HYPERBARICS

NATURAL BALANCE HYPERBARICS CENTER 1601 Briarwood Cir #475, Ann Arbor 855-942-7246 NBHyperbarics.com

Natural Balance Hyperbarics affiliated with Natural Balance Wellness Medical Center of Ann Arbor provides convenient, safe and cost-effective in-home hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) options for our clients and patients. We rent and sell the highest quality soft- and hard-sided hyperbaric chambers specifically designed for use in private homes or clinics. Because we are affiliated with a medical center, we also provide medical oversight and specific medical protocols that facilitate physical healing and alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with a wide range of medical conditions.