Natural Awakenings Coastal Carolinas - June 2023

Not feeling like yourself anymore? Gaining weight, no matter what you do? Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”

Dr. Lorraine Maita, the Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier, can help you have boundless energy, stable moods, a lean body, sharp, clear mind and balance your hormones so you can feel like yourself again and even better.

If you need support in getting your life back, apply for a free clarity call to see if we are the right fit at https://you.feelgoodagaincourses.com/ foundations-program.

The Feel Good Again Institute (formerly HowToLiveYounger.com)

Tried every diet plan? Not losing weight, no matter what you do? Do you lose weight and gain it back the next year? IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!

Hormones, Adrenals, and Digestion play havoc with your metabolic system making it impossible to get the weight off.

I have the solution for losing up to 1 pound of fat a day. And, it works! 99% of the women in my Program lose 20 pounds in the first 6 weeks and keep it off!

If you are ready to get your body back, feel good in clothes again and increase your self-esteem, apply for a free call to see if we are a fit.

Ready to take steps to change this? Book a Drop20 in 6TM call with me at: https://marcellepick.com/drop20-in-6

Marcelle Pick, OB GYN, NP

“I want YOU to Feel Good Again”

Awaken your Root Chakra!

Day Retreats: Full day from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. on a 15-acre farm in Siler City, North Carolina

4 Root Chakra Day Retreats this summer: June 3 • June 10 • July 15 • July 22

Amidst picturesque rolling hills with grazing cows, attendees will participate in a large Sherpa style tent, learn about root chakra, group reiki, vibrational Tibetan singing bowls, gentle yoga, grounding techniques, group sharing sessions, and enjoy a light lunch.

Cost: $444/per person per event; group discounts are available.

For more information or to register (upon which time address will be provided), email RootSourceHealth @gmail.com

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“Stand up straight and let your body thank you for it.”

As I sit and write this letter, I am being more cognizant of my posture as I am trying to make sure my back is straight, and I am not hunched over. Many days I find myself doing rechecks of my posture to ensure I am maintaining a straight and lengthy spine. Are you like me, checking all the time to prevent the ever so known text neck a version of hunching over? Do you know that strengthening your core can help stabilize a correct posture? Shoulders back and suck the belly in are the reminders I keep in mind when standing and/or walking. I recently have been experiencing some type of sciatica pain, probably partly due to poor posture and time on the computer. I have been determined to exposure myself to something new each month this year, may it be food, place, activity, who knows? The past month I have tried reflexology for the first time; such an amazing experience is an understatement. If you have not yet experienced a reflexology session, you must put it on your to-do list. The relief from my pain was almost gone after just a few sessions. I feel more balanced, calm and have more clarity; it might sound weird, but you must do it to experience it for yourself. Check out Bill from Reflexology and Relax, as seen on page 30; he will come to your house and can do your session outside, what more can you ask for?

All in all, standing up straight is not just something our parents remind us to do, it also happens to be good for our health. Posture describes the position of the body in space, but the realities of how we stand and move in day-to-day life is much more complex. Healthy postures encourage proper alignment of body structures, while unhealthy postures can lead to a host of issues, including muscle and joint pain, balance impairment and decreased mobility. Awareness of the body’s proper static and dynamic position is essential to maintaining a healthy spine. See page 24 for “Straighten Up and Feel Right, Tips for Good Posture and a Healthy Spine,” by Cristina Parker, PT, DPT.

Remember the saying “You are what you eat” from many years ago? It’s now becoming a reality for many of us. It may be a bloated belly, skin rash, no energy and the list goes on. When you put pure, unprocessed foods into your body, it can process it quicker and the whole food gives you energy amongst other benefits. On the other hand, processed foods or junk foods, slow our body down and don’t give us the energy or the nutrients we need to sustain or keep going. In our Conscious Eating department this month, we focus on “Converting Food to Energy–Learning How Metabolism Works,” by Linda Sechrist on page 20 and look for healthy and delicious recipes, too. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

We are far from perfect and are all works in progress; this is why through our magazine we can help support and educate you to optimal health by your own learned efforts or by utilizing many of our valued practitioners through these pages. It can take determination and a transformation to grow into the best versions of ourselves.

Happy Summer,

Lori Beveridge, Publisher

GRAND STRAND

Gullah Geechee Festival Comes to Atlantic Beach

Diamond Dynasty Productions and The Atlantic Beach South Carolina Gullah Geechee Organization present The Historical Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Cultural and Nature Festival from June 23 to 25 on the streets of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. This new event celebrates the history of the region and the culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and brought to the lower Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to work on the coastal rice, Sea Island cotton and indigo plantations.

Planned activities for the free festival include a parade of fashion from throughout Atlantic Beach history as well as a full lineup of speakers, authors, storytellers, dance performances, music, arts and crafts, and evening receptions. The event highlights and celebrates the historical relevance, resilience, self-sufficiency and tenacity of the Gullah Geechee culture. Organizers say this festival is the first of its kind in 20-plus years and that they hope to make it an annual tradition in Atlantic Beach.

Admission is free and open to all. For more information including a full schedule of events and their corresponding locations, visit AtlanticBeachSCGullahGeechee.org.

Resetting the Metabolism for Weight Loss

Inlet Physical Medicine, the Murrells Inlet-based office of Dr. Craig Cohen, takes a whole-person approach to customized treatment plans for those looking to lose weight and be healthier. Cohen, who has been helping people live healthier lives for over 15 years, uses a combination of chiropractic and medical approaches, and his practice is helping countless numbers win the battle of the bulge. He says, “Being overweight doesn’t just have an effect on the way you look; it plays a big role in your overall physical, mental and sexual health.” Cohen’s practice offers a variety of weight loss programs and, after hundreds of clinical patient studies, he believes he has created the ultimate weight-loss system. The approach is about resetting the metabolism and making patients hormone-sensitive again without drugs, pills, lotions and prepackaged food. “It’s an amazingly safe and effective weight loss method that offers you a life-changing solution,” he adds. “We can help you lose weight, feel better physically and mentally and help you recapture your sex drive, too.”

Location: 4111 Murrells Inlet Rd. For more information, a free consultation or to make an appointment, call 843-652-5678, email info@InletPhysicalMedicine.com or visit InletPhysicalMedicine.com.

All-Day Fun for Everyone at Unity Fest

Unity Fest, a celebration of community and all that is happening at Unity Myrtle Beach, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 10 on the church’s grounds. Enjoy music, handmade local arts and crafts, a bake sale, plant sale, healing practitioners, food trucks and more.

The Don Albers Daylily Garden will be dedicated at an 11 a.m. ceremony. Attendees can also view and learn more about Unity’s new Burgess Community Garden. “This event offers a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a day outdoors. Bring your family and friends, and join our celebration,” encourages Rev. Margaret Hiller, who has been the church’s minister since 2005.

Unity Myrtle Beach is a welcoming, multi-cultural, inclusive community dedicated to spiritual growth and well-being of all—children or adults, individuals or families, youths or elders. “We teach the principles of acceptance and oneness of all life. We honor diversity and the universal wisdom of love and kindness that is a part of all spiritual paths,” adds Hiller.

Unity Fest is free and open to everyone. Location: 6173 Salem Rd. (off Hwy. 707, near St. James High School). For more information including on being a vendor, call 843-215-0260, email UnityMyrtleBeach@ gmail.com or visit UnityMyrtleBeach.org. See ad, page 8.

A Weekend for Art Lovers and Wine Enthusiasts

Thefirst annual Georgetown Art & Wine Walk will be held from June 9 to 11 on the streets of Georgetown, South Carolina. This multi-venue and event art festival is for art lovers of all ages, wine enthusiasts and anyone else that enjoys strolling the streets of a beautiful, historic Southern harbor city, sampling its food and shops.

Enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibitions and events along the Front Street Business district. There’ll be living and interactive art displays, juried art and photography exhibits, an open air art fair, kids’ art projects, local artists painting live and live music. On Saturday, join in the Art & Wine Stroll, a wine tasting event at various venues.

The main event is a juried fine art show sponsored by in part by the Georgetown Business Association. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Village Group, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that offers afterschool programs for children living in the county. Over $3,000 in cash awards are planned for the art section and judges will select winners in 2D art and 3D art with prizes ranging from $125 to $600. Free admission; the Wine Stroll is ticketed. For more information, tickets and a complete schedule of the weekend’s events, visit ArtWineWalk.com.

Aqua Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years

Aqua, a popular restaurant known for unique libations and flavorful dishes of all sizes, including gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free options, is celebrating 20 years in business. Located in historic Beaufort, North Carolina, Aqua originated as a tapas restau-

rant in 2003 and has grown into a favorite spot for residents and visitors year-round. Fresh, local flavors take priority at Aqua, and diners will notice sun-ripened local tomatoes, fresh-caught grouper, regional cheeses and additional seasonal extras among the menu choices. Executive Chef John McGregor and Chef de Cuisine Hannah Minter are creative with these regional finds and Aqua’s wine and martini list is curated with the same focus on the unexpected.

O wner Joey McClure, who also owns nearby Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant and Pub, says, “We believe dining out should be both memorable and fun.”

Location: 114 Middle Lane. For more information, call 252-728-7777 or visit AquaExperience.com.

Sunday, June 4th: 11 am

“Unity – A Brave Way of Thinking”

Sunday December 6th:

11am Facebook Live Stream with Rev. Dr. Rob Fulwood

* Rev. Margaret Hiller, Ordained Charismatic, Lic. Unity Teacher, UMB Spiritual Leader

Sat., June 10th:

Sunday December 13th:

Affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries and Daily Word

Affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries and Daily Word

Sunday Services,11am

Sunday Services, 11am

Prayer24/7 withSilentUnityat Unity.org/Prayer

Prayer 24/7 with Silent Unity at Unity.org/Prayer

6173 Salem Rd., Myrtle Beach

1270 Surfside Industrial Park Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

UNITY FEST * 10 am – 3 pm * Music, Food Trucks, Arts/Crafts, Plant Sale, Bake Sale, Book Sale * Dedication of Don Albers Daylily Garden

11am Facebook Live Stream with Rev. Dr. Rob Fulwood

Sunday, June 11th: 11 am

“Unity Thinking– Part 2” * Rev. Margaret Hiller

Sunday, June 18th:

Sundays December 20 & 27:

“Physical & Spiritual Energy of Our Father”

* Unity Min, Rev. Marilynn Mattox

Unity Myrtle Beach Spiritual Leader, Rev Margaret Hiller, M.A.

Sunday, June 25th:

843-215-0260

843-238-8516

Facebook Unity Myrtle Beach UnityMyrtleBeach@gmail.com

Facebook: Unity Myrtle Beach UnityMyrtleBeach@gmail.com

Sunday Message Series

“Pathways to Self-Healing: Reiki and Laying On of Hands” Anton Knoll, Reiki Master, Reconnective Healer – 11 am Service & Afternoon Reiki Share, 1 – 3 pm. Love Offering

November 15, 22, & 29: Rev. Margaret Hiller, Spiritual Leader, Unity Myrtle Beach,

Area Doctor Makes Personalized Care a Priority

AtRivertown Family Medicine, an MDVIP family practice, in Conway, South Carolina, Dr. Siena Shields Alford is dedicated to providing the best possible care for her patients. “I believe in carefully listening to my patients as they discuss their health and personal circumstances, and working with them to develop a comprehensive, individualized plan to achieve better health. Personal care, not conveyer belt medicine, is my number one priority,” she shares.

As a female primary care physician

with over 30 years’ experience, her practice focuses on preventive care and wellness.

Alford, a board-certified family medicine physician and doctor of osteopathic medicine, offers a unique approach to primary care, as well. She sees fewer patients, which means more time for each one. “Our office visit times range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes while the average doctor’s appointment is only eight minutes long,” notes Alford. Patients appreciate same/next-day appointments that start on time and aren’t rushed; plus they can usually reach the doctor 24/7. In addition, Alford’s practice also offers comprehensive, advanced health screenings and diagnostic tests that go far beyond those found in most other concierge medicine practices. New patients are currently being accepted. There’s a membership fee to be a patient at an MDVIP practice, though, so those interested are encouraged to call the office directly.

Location: 1210 Main St. For more information or to make an appointment, call 843-488-1700 or visit MDVIP.com/doctors/ sienashieldsalforddo or at Facebook.com/ SienaShieldsAlfordDO.

Dr. Siena Shields Alford

Photo ©Save the Manatee Club

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.

Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

Rise in Children With Autism

New Insights on Water Consumption Requirements

We have been conditioned to believe that eight glasses of water are required each day, but new research published in Science found that daily water needs vary based on numerous factors. Researchers studied 5,604 people aged 8 to 96 from 23 countries, measuring their water turnover—the amount of water lost and replaced each day. They found that for most healthy adults, drinking eight cups of water a day is unnecessary because water needs vary depending on age, sex, body size, physical activity level, athletic status, pregnancy, socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics such as latitude, altitude, air temperature and humidity. People that lived in less developed countries had higher water turnover than people from developed countries. While hydration should be prioritized, most people that pay attention to their bodies and drink when thirsty are likely drinking enough water.

In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been steadily on the rise. One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018, and one in 150 children in 2000 when the CDC first established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network to track ASD prevalence in this country.

Autism was 3.8 times as prevalent among boys (4 percent) as girls (1 percent), and for the first time among 8-year-old children, the prevalence was slightly lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services.

The report included communities in 11 states that participate in the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network—Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Children included in this report were born in 2012 and lived in surveillance areas during 2020. ASD prevalence varied from state to state, with Maryland having the lowest and California the highest observed rates.

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Smartphones Make Poor Babysitters

Parents are busy people, often juggling multiple commitments. Add a toddler meltdown to the mix, and it is easy to understand why parents may reach for a tablet, smartphone or other screen to calm and occupy the child. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children pay a price for this strategy.

Researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the frequent use of mobile devices to calm young children may displace their opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies over time. The cohort study involved a sample of English-speaking parents of typically developing children aged 3 to 5. The scientists gathered baseline data at the start of the study, as well as follow-up evidence after three months and six months.

The participating parents used a five-point scale to report how often they used mobile devices to calm upset children. At each follow-up, the child’s executive functioning and emotional reactivity were assessed. The study found that the frequent use of mobile devices for calming young children was associated with increased emotional dysregulation, especially in boys, and included rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, greater impulsivity and sudden mood changes.

Herbs and Spices Promote Gut Health

A 2022 research study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that herbs and spices may be unsung heroes in the quest for gut health. The three-period, randomized, controlled-feeding study involved 54 obese or overweight adults aged 30 to 75 with at least one other risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as elevated glucose or triglycerides.

Participants consumed the same average American diet for four weeks, along with one of three daily doses of spices and herbs—0.5 gram, 3.3 grams or 6.6 grams—which included cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme. Fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and the end of each diet period.

Researchers determined that consuming 3.3 or 6.6 grams of herbs and spices per day increased levels of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria, a major player in the maintenance of gut health. The highest levels of this beneficial bacteria were observed among those that consumed the highest levels of herbs and spices. The scientists recommend further investigation to identify the metabolic implications of their findings.

Daily Intense Activity Prolongs Life

A new study in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that short bursts of intense movement are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The UK researchers analyzed data from about 25,000 non-exercisers with an average age of 62 that wore movement tracking devices on their wrists. Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to short, sporadic bursts of exertion done as part of daily living, such as walking very fast while commuting to work or climbing stairs. The scientists found that compared to participants that engaged in no VILPA, those that did just one to two minutes of VILPA three to four times daily exhibited a 38 to 40 percent lower risk of death over the course of seven years. They also noted that just a few minutes of VILPA throughout the day reduced cardiovascular diseaserelated mortality by up to 49 percent.

Similar results were obtained when they analyzed vigorous physical activity in roughly 62,000 participants that exercised regularly. VILPA in non-exercisers appears to elicit similar effects to vigorous physical activity in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise on a regular basis.

Ruslan Huzau/ShutterStock.com Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Microplastics Released by Tea Bags

Most mesh tea bags are made of 20 to 30 percent plastic, which can release microplastics and nanoplastics, causing harmful effects for both human health and the environment. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that one standard tea bag made with plastic released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a cup of tea. The particles in the tea matched the nylon and polyethylene terephthalate in the original tea bag.

Open Letter to Pause AI Experiments

A group of leading technology executives, researchers, academics and others from around the world have signed an open letter prepared by the Future of Life Institute calling for a six-month pause on large, humancompetitive artifi-

cial intelligence (AI) experiments. As of March 31, more than 1,800 CEOs and 1,500 professors had signed the letter.

“AI labs are locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one— not even their creators—can understand, predict or reliably control,” the letter contends. The authors are concerned that “AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks.”

While AI systems grow more powerful, there is no natural law or barrier to technical progress. The letter’s authors and signers are asking all AI labs to pause the training of powerful AI systems so that safety protocols can be implemented to ensure the effects of these systems will be positive and the risks manageable. According to the letter, “If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

Individuals can view and sign the letter at Tinyurl.com/ AImoratorium.

jatupronAdobeStock.com

Safer alternatives include steeping loose teas with a stainless steel or silicone tea strainer, or purchasing tea from brands that offer plastic-free teabags. Organic teas may still have plastic in the tea bag, as the packaging is not overseen by organic-certifying organizations.

Plastic Rocks Found on Remote Brazilian Island

Brazilian researchers have discovered rocks formed from plastic debris in the permanently preserved area of Trindade Island, approximately 680 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is a remote refuge for green turtles, which come by the thousands every year to lay their eggs. The only human inhabitants of the island are members of the Brazilian navy.

The team of researchers ran chemical tests on the rocks, called plasticglomerates, and determined that they were formed when fishing nets were dragged by the current and accumulated on the beach. It is believed that the nets melt when the temperature rises and they become embedded with the sedimentary granules and other debris on the beach.

Dramatic Drop in Arctic Ice Levels

New research published in the journal Nature has found dramatic changes in the composition of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean since 2007 caused by climate change. Norwegian Polar Institute researchers have monitored sea ice thickness in the Fraim Strait (a sea channel connecting the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas that runs between Greenland and the Norwegian archipelago) for the past three decades. In 2007, a “regime shift” was noted in Arctic sea ice composition, from thicker and deformed to thinner and more uniform ice cover.

Researchers found that the amount of thick and deformed ice had dropped by half, and they believe the thinning may be irreversible. They link the ice thinning to a rise in Arctic surface temperatures, more energy absorption because of a reduction in reflected light off the sea ice and warmer ocean water. Younger, thinner ice could result in a loss of habitat for Arctic creatures, as thicker, ridged sea ice can be a haven to hide from predators. There are also consequences for humans. Thinner, more level ice is less challenging for ship navigation and, along with less ice and shorter ice seasons, may permit an increase in Arctic maritime traffic.

Artificial Intelligence That

Can See With the Mind’s Eye

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Stanford

University are using artificial intelligence (AI) to decode human brain scans and determine what a person is picturing in their mind.

Participants underwent brain scans using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine while looking at more than 1,000 pictures, such as a red firetruck, a gray building and a giraffe eating leaves. This fMRI data was processed by an AI model for roughly 20 hours per patient, as it trained to associate certain brain patterns with the different images.

To test the learning capabilities of the AI model, the subjects were then shown new images while undergoing fMRI. Upon reviewing the brain waves, the AI system generated a shorthand description of each person’s brain state and sketched its best-guess facsimile of the image the participant saw. The AI-generated image matched the attributes (color, shape and other details) and semantic meaning of the original image approximately 84 percent of the time. Researchers believe that in a decade the technology could be used on anyone, anywhere.

COMING IN THE JULY ISSUE

Regenerative Organic Farming

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Dr. Mark Hyman ON

LIVING HEALTHY TO 100 AND BEYOND

by Sandra Yeyati

Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, bestselling author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, founder and senior advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and board president for clinical affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the founder and chairman of the Food Fix Campaign, dedicated to transforming our food and agriculture system through policy change, and hosts The Doctor’s Farmacy, a podcast with more than 150 million downloads. Hyman is a regular contributor to CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, The View, Fox and CNN. His latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, champions the latest science on healthy aging.

Photo by Masha Maltsava

How is the emerging science on longevity changing the way we view aging?

Many things we’ve come to accept as a normal part of getting older are not. Decrepitude, frailty, disease, diabetes, cancers, dementia—these are optional. We can’t change chronological aging, but we can slow and reverse biological aging by influencing the hallmarks of aging, which are these underlying processes that go awry as we get older.

What are the hallmarks of aging?

In my book I wrote about 10 hallmarks of aging, which are all part of one ecosystem of problems. They’re not separate; they influence each other; and they’re dynamic. It’s things like inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, zombie cells, shortened telomeres, microbiome changes and epigenetic changes, which are changes in how our genes are expressed. They’re all important, but the most important hallmark of aging is called deregulated nutrient sensing, which means how our body interacts with food and how that influences us for good or bad. Problems with nutrient sensing affect almost all the other hallmarks and make them worse.

How can we address deregulated nutrient sensing?

We have built-in longevity pathways and over 3,000 survival genes, and we can activate this innate healing intelligence at any time. A major way to influence four of these pathways is through food. I call them longevity switches, which we need to learn how to regulate to make our health span equal our lifespan.

The first one is activated by too much sugar and starch, which drives too much insulin signaling, causing diabetes, prediabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease or obesity. When insulin is over-expressed, it causes weight gain, fat storage, inflammation and lots of other problems.

The next one is mTOR [mammalian target of rapamycin], a pathway that makes new proteins and builds muscle, but gets overstimulated because of our constant eating and snacking and eating before bed. mTOR needs to be inhibited periodically by intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating to allow autophagy to happen, which is like a recycling and repair crew that comes in at night and cleans up all the damaged proteins.

The other two pathways, sirtuins and AMPK [adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase], sense a lack of nutrients and switch on survival pathways. If we’re constantly eating sugar and starch, then AMPK and sirtuins are overstimulated, and they’re not given a break to activate these pathways.

What is the role of exercise in longevity?

If it were a pill, exercise would basically fix everything. It’s probably the most potent intervention there is, other than calorie restriction or fasting, and it works on many of the longevity pathways. The most important type of exercise is resistance training as you get older, because you need to build muscle. Without muscle, you become frail and dysfunctional.

Exercise influences our DNA stability; lengthens telomeres; preserves the genome; affects the proteins; regulates mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins; preserves mitochondrial function; prevents zombie cells; helps with stem cells; reduces inflammation, cardiovascular risk and diabetes; and it’s also really important for becoming insulin sensitive.

What is hormesis and how can it help with healthy aging?

Hormesis is the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The concept is not new. We know that exercise, for example, is a stress on the body, but it actually makes you rebound stronger. When you lift weights or you run, it’s a stress, but

you’re getting thinner and stronger. There are other forms of hormesis that activate longevity pathways. Hot sauna therapy reduces your risk of cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent. Cold immersion therapy has many benefits, like increasing dopamine, activating brown fat and regulating metabolism. Fasting is a kind of hormesis, and longer fasts—for a day, three days, a week—are very powerful.

What role does finding community have in this quest for longevity?

The science is pretty clear that the body has innate systems that can be regulated by our thoughts. We now understand the mechanisms by which our social relationships and connections can influence our gene expression and everything from inflammation to insulin resistance to everything else, so building connection with others and building relationships and community is very important.

What longevity strategies do you implement on a typical day?

A lot of this is just habit development and routine. This morning I worked out with my resistance bands for half an hour, took a steam shower and an ice bath, then had a longevity shake with goat whey, creatine, urolithin A and adaptogenic mushrooms. Then I took a walking meeting for an hourand-a-half outside while I was on a call. Tonight, I plan to spend time with friends. I eat pretty simply most of the time. Last night, I had lamb chops, sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, artichokes (which are a great prebiotic food) and some broccoli with lemon, garlic and olive oil. I take my supplements as well. So it’s very simple, very easy.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings

WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

Maintaining Libido and Energy

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

Optimizing Hormones

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a com-

bination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

Treating Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDAapproved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”

Incorporating Lifestyle Solutions

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks.

Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich

in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a noninvasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Allistair F/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock.com

Greener Grilling

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass. This year, consider adding a few eco-friendly upgrades to America’s favorite summer tradition.

Fuel Source Matters

The biggest environmental impact from outdoor grilling comes from the fuel source. Here is a handy comparison of the options.

■ Charcoal briquettes are little chunks of carbon made by baking wood byproducts, sawdust and other additives. Charcoal burns inefficiently and produces caustic smoke before and after the useful temperature for cooking. To reduce the carbon footprint, consider sustainably sourced bamboo or coconut shells to flame up the barbie.

■ Gas grills burn fossil fuels like propane or natural gas. On the other

hand, they produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal, heat more quickly and can be turned off immediately.

■ Electric grills may seem more eco-friendly for backyard cookouts, but most electricity is derived from fossil fuels. If the home runs on renewable energy, electric wins. Otherwise, gas grills have a smaller carbon footprint.

■ Infrared is the latest in barbecue technology. These pricey outdoor grills can reach high temperatures quickly, use less fuel and cook foods evenly. Because they use electric or gas heating elements that radiate infrared waves to the food, they generally run for less time than other grills. One drawback is that their high temperatures can easily overcook or burn foods, especially ingredients that don’t need high temperatures, like fish, vegetables and other seafood.

Cleaning Is Paramount

Regardless of the fuel source, it is important to keep the grill free of grease and food particles to prevent more smoke. When the grill is still warm, clean the grates with a wire brush. If grates are already cool, scrub with baking soda and water.

Caramelized Fruits and Vegetables

Burgers and ribs may be synonymous with traditional cookouts, but the modern barbecue menu isn’t all about meat. Recipes abound for grilled veggies and fruits that lend a delicious smoky and caramelized flavor to these nutritious foods. Embrace the appeal of slightly charred corn on the cob, browned portobello mushrooms and grill-marked pineapple. If meat-free burgers won’t please the crowd, look for certified organic, grass-fed and locally raised meats.

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the

Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

Correcting Liver Function

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

Personalized Diet Plan and Nutritional Coaching

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.

NEM LUI HUE (LEMONGRASS SKEWERS WITH PORK OR CHICKEN)

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 lb ground pork or chicken

1 Tbsp finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp finely minced shallot

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

12-15 stalks of lemongrass

Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop.

Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the groundmixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.

CHICKEN CURRY

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped

1 chicken breast, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp mild or medium curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove

Vegetable stock

If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH MANGO DRESSING

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1½ cup arugula

¼ cup olives, pitted

1 Tbsp chopped shallots

1 mango

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the core and cut into small cubes. Purée the olives with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Purée some of the mango cubes with the dressing and set aside the remainder. Add the shallots to the dressing. Wash, clean and dry the arugula. Mix in the dressing and sprinkle the remaining mango cubes on top. Pair this salad with any protein, such as a fish filet.

Photo courtesy of Metabolic Balance

Straighten Up and Feel Right

TIPS FOR GOOD POSTURE AND A HEALTHY SPINE

by Cristina Parker, PT, DPT

Standing up straight is not just something our parents remind us to do, it also happens to be good for our health. Posture describes the position of the body in space, but the realities of how we stand and move in day-to-day life are much more complex. Healthy postures encourage proper alignment of body structures, while unhealthy postures can lead to a host of issues, including muscle and joint pain, balance impairment and decreased mobility. Awareness of the body’s proper static and dynamic position is essential to maintaining a healthy spine.

The Spine and Its Role in Posture

The body’s main support system is the spine, which consists of three sections. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and connects it to the shoulders, enabling us to turn our heads from side to side as well as up and down. The thoracic spine stabilizes the rib cage, which protects the vital organs. The lumbar spine consists of thicker, more robust vertebrae, as they are the main load bearers and enable us to rotate our bodies and bend forward and to the side.

Muscle tightness or joint immobility can shift the spine out of its ideal positioning, causing postural dysfunction. A recent study published in the journal Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science estimates that 66 percent of the population is living with forward head posture (FHP), a cervical spine dysfunction that occurs when the head moves forward in front of the body. FHP can lead to headaches, migraines and jaw pain. Thoracic kyphosis, a rounded

upper back, reportedly impacts 20 to 50 percent of the population and impairs numerous functions, including digestion and breathing. The lumbar spine is at particularly high risk for joint disease as both lumbar muscle strength and pelvic mobility decrease in sedentary individuals. Low back and pelvic immobility are contributing factors for the estimated 103 million individuals worldwide that live with lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that may cause pain or numbness in the legs.

Three-Step Process to Take Control of Our Posture

STEP ONE: IDENTIFICATION

In her book Rethink Your Position, biomechanist Katy Bowman recommends that we pay attention to a few common signals the body sends out to alert us to an imbalanced weight distribution, including aches in the feet or low back and tension of the shoulders or neck. “Good alignment isn’t about any one fixed position, but a healthy range of positions,” she says. “By focusing less on memorizing postures and more on learning about load on parts of the body, you can optimize your positioning for many different activities.” Bowman recommends a quick and

easy way to self-assess if a postural imbalance is present and, if so, to identify where the imbalance begins: “The body’s joints stack in a vertical line. You can use a plumb line to indicate where your parts are supposed to be. If you take a string with a weight at the end and drop it down from your shoulder, it should line up with the hip, knee and ankle on the way down.”

STEP TWO: CORRECTION

Dr. Krista Burns, co-author of The Posture Principles and founder of the American Posture Institute, recommends a twominute exercise routine, performed while standing against a wall, that addresses each segment of the spine. Repeat each exercise five times.

1. Neck retraction: Push the head forward away from the wall as far as possible, then pull it back so the base of the skull contacts the wall. Keep the eyes parallel to the horizon, rather than looking up toward the sky.

Posture angel: Stand with the back

against the wall, elbows bent and tucked in close to the waist. Keeping the back of the hands against the wall, reach up as far as possible then slowly lower back to starting position. This movement, which is like making a snow angel while standing, should be felt between the shoulder blades when performed correctly.

3. Pelvic tilt: Arch the back so there is a small space between the wall and the lower spine, then tuck in the tail, flattening the spine against the wall and closing that space. This exercise helps initiate movement into the lower joints.

STEP THREE: MAINTENANCE

The key to maintaining a healthy posture is frequent movement, which can include an hourly stretch break or a bi-hourly range-of-motion routine to move muscles and joints throughout the day. To make postural exercises a habit, physical therapist and integrative health coach Margie Bissinger recommends pairing an exercise routine with something that is already done multiple times a day–for example, mealtime. “People are busy, so it is hard to always dedicate that mental space to awareness of their head or back position,” she states. “When they pair it with something they’re routinely doing, it becomes a habit, and that is when the mental load of the task starts to go away.”

Cristina Parker holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She is a researcher, health content writer, educator and clinician specializing in neurologic disorders, limb-loss rehabilitation and adaptive sports techniques.

Leaps and Bounds

KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

Preventing Mishaps in a Jumper

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

Getting Dogs in Shape to Avoid Injuries

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

Avoiding Cervical Disc and Neck Injuries

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.

For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.

Maintaining an Exercise Regimen

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.

Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals.

Barefoot Blessings

BASKING IN THE SOUL OF SUMMER

by Marlaina Donato

Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.

Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, well-worn lives.

Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those that do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world.

June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.

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

calendar of events

NOTE: Visit NaturalAwakeningsCC.com for guidelines and to submit entries online. Email Editor@ NaturalAwakeningsCC.com with questions. Deadline for calendar/events: 12th of the month. Please call ahead to confirm event times.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Tuesday Evening Metaphysics – 6:30-7:30pm. Based on book, Brave Thinking, by Mary Morrissey. Transform fear and doubt, accessing a consciousness where the impossible becomes possible. Rev. Marilynn Mattox. Cost: Love Offering. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Fire Ceremony – 6:30pm. Prayer and Silent Meditation. Based on the teachings of Joseph Rael, a Based on the teachings of Joseph Rael, a Native American visionary, author, artist, Nobel Peace prize nominee and shaman. Ceremony facilitated by Anton Knoll and fire will be lit at 7pm. Bring a lawn chair and blanket. Cost: Love offering. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

ongoing events

sunday

Sunday Morning Circle – 9:30-10:15am. One Mind: How Our Individual Mind is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why it Matters by Larry Dossey, MD. Facilitator: Rev Marilynn Mattox. Meeting ID: 844 7403 8748 Passcode: 110811. Unity Myrtle Beach. 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-238-8516. Youth Ministry – 10:45am-12:15pm. Bring Your Toddlers to Tweens to participate in the Sunday Children/Youth Ministry Program. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave, Wilmington. 910763-5155.

Sunday Service – 11am. Every Sunday via Facebook Live Stream, and open-air services are held in the pavilion under ceiling fans. Music, Meditation, Message. For schedule of events, request UnityMyrtleBeach@gmail.com or Facebook. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach.

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is minimum $25 (up to 25 words) + $1/word over 25 words. To place listing, email content to Editor@HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

JOBS

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR: Seeking reliable individuals in the greater Myrtle Beach area and North Wilmington area to oversee monthly magazine distribution. Reliable transportation, driver’s license and insurance required. Call 910-9982244 if interested. Pay commensurate with experience or barter of services if applicable.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

save the date

Unity Fest – 10am-3pm. A day of celebrating community and all that is happening including music, food, plant sale, bake sale, handmade & local arts/crafts, healing practitioners and food trucks. There will be an 11 am ceremony for Dedication of the Don Albers Daylily Garden. Be sure to check out the new Burgess Community Garden. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

Flag Day

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Happy Father’s Day

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

Summer Solstice Gathering – 6:30pm. Led by Nikki Shaffer, Leah Pegram & Shelsea Novosel Open to all. Children welcome. Kirtan, Movement and Ceremony. Cost: Love Offering. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Pathways to Self-Healing: Reiki and Laying on of Hands – 1-3pm. What is Reiki? Where does it come from? Was Jesus a Reiki Master? Join us for a message of healing and reflection. Come and experience Reiki and laying on of hands facilitated by Anton Knoll. Cost: Love Offering. Unity Myrtle Beach, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

Kirtan at Unity – 12:30pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Engage and experience Kirtan, a non- denominational practice that has been passed down since time immemorial and a constant in all paths and religions. Cost: Love Offering. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Av, Wilmington. 910-763-5155.

wednesday

UnityMB Bookgroup– Noon-1:30pm. In-person. Dialogue: Our innate strengths and powers for resilience, what Unity Co-Founder, Charles Fillmore, called the 12 Powers. Book, Adventures in Resilience by Unity Minister, Sharon Connors. Facilitator: Rev Margaret Hiller, Cost: Love Offering. Unity Center, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. 843-215-0260.

Meditation – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Prayer Ministry team will offer an opportunity to receive a midweek burst of love, joy and peace through a monthly prayer and meditation session. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Av, Wilmington. 910-763-5155.

thursday

A Course in Miracles – 2-3:30pm. In-person. Facilitators Marc & Connie Breines. Cost: Love Offering. Unity Center, 6173 Salem Rd, Myrtle Beach. UnityMyrtleBeach.org. 843-318-0711.

N/A Serenity Group – 5:30pm. Meet in the Community Room. All are welcome. Unity Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ln, Wilmington. 910-763-5155.

friday

Word of Wisdom Book Group – 10am-noon. The Words of Wisdom (WOW) Book Group will begin meeting on Friday, June 2nd the Community Room. The WOW group meets every Friday and focuses on books that are inspirational in nature. Cost: Love Offering. Unity Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ln, Wilmington. 910-763-5155.

Dr. Buffalino uses a non-invasive, drug-free, natural solution to alleviate allergies of all kinds from eggs, to grass and pollen, to chemicals, and many more. If you have symptoms that are not responsive to traditional care, it is possible that you are suffering from undiagnosed allergies, which can manifest as countless symptoms that one may not associate with an allergy. We are here to evaluate and help you move forward with your health goals.

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, visit our website and find out all the ways we can help you feel like yourself again!

910-679-4079

drbuffalino@yahoo.com

community resource

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, visit NaturalAwakeningsCC.com or call 910-998-2244.

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

BIO SYMMETRY

Dr. Allen Holmes, MD

265 Racine Dr, Ste 102, Wilmington 910-399-6661 • BioSymmetry.com

Are you experiencing any of the following: muscle loss, weight gain, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, memory loss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, erectile dysfunction? You could have declining hormones and benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for both men and women. See ad, page 9.

BODYWORK THERAPY

ACTIVE LIFE BODYWORK & NUTRITION

Brandon Sutton, LMBT

1002 Arerndell St B, Morehead City 252-646-4271 • BrandonBSutton.com

Specializes in the Barnes method of Myofascial Release Therapy. MFR improves structure, function, and quality of life by addressing the root/source of the problem for healing. Over 25 years’ experience. Online booking available.

CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS

DR. ADA SUTER, DC

14886 US Hwy 17N, Hampstead

910-406-1200 • DrAdaAniniba.com

Dr. Ada Suter is a Max Living Doctor at Innate Health Family Chiropractic and Wellness. She focuses on five essentials of health: maximizing the mind, chiropractic, nutrition, lean muscle and minimizing toxins. Innate Health is a family-centric practice open to patients of all ages. Corrective and wellness care programs provide a primary source of wellness, nutritional support, immunity and allergy support, education, inspiration and fitness. See ad, page 5.

ENERGY HEALING

ENERGY WORK

BlueLagoonWellnessCenter.com

5000 Blue Clay Rd, Castle Hayne, NC 910-685-2795

Pat and Jo are excited to continue offering Energy Healing in the Wilmington area with over 8-years of experience. Everything is Energy. Using energetic frequencies from multiple sources, Reiki, Crystals, Munay-Ki, and balancing of the Chakras achieve balance and harmony. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically benefits from your energy fields. Call for appointment.

STACEY FORD, REIKI MASTER TEACHER

Multiple locations in Jacksonville 910-333-2552

YogaRoom27MT.com

WellnessMassageHome.com

Are you experiencing anxiety, grief, PTSD, addictions? This non-invasive energy healing helps balance your energy system for any emotional, physical, spiritual issue you may be encountering. Offering sessions specializing in Traditional Usui Reiki. Call or email to schedule an appointment. Mention Natural Awakenings and receive free intuitive reading at visit.

~David Brinkley

FARM

SHELTON HERB FARM

340 Goodman Rd, Leland 910-253-5964

SheltonHerbFarm.com

Specializing in growing a large variety of culinary herbs, and grow seasonal vegetable plants, heirloom and native plants; butterfly and bee plants. Open year-round with seasonal varieties. Provide fresh-cut herbs, edible flowers and microgreens to local restaurants, caterers and home use. Also participate in local farmers markets, garden shows and special events. Farm tours, workshops and classes available. See ad, page 5.

HOLISTIC DENTIST

WILMINGTON HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Jessica Shireman, DMD, AIOMT 6200 Oleander Drive, Wilmington 910-777-4020

WilmingtonHolisticDentistry.com

Dr. Shireman is excited to bring holistic dentistry to Wilmington. She and her family recently relocated from Raleigh where she had a holistic practice for 5 years. She holds both SMART certification and is accredited by the IAOMT in safe-mercury removal and has a unique, patient-based approach to dentistry. See ad, back cover.

HOLISTIC DISPENSARY

HOLISTIC EDGE DISPENSARY

18 S Front St, Wilmington 910-769-3077

HolisticEdge.net

Open 7 days a week from 11am-8pm and offer student, military, and first responder discounts. We also showcase local artists jewelry, art, and tarot readings and host monthly yoga classes.

HOLISTIC NATURAL MEDICINE

FALK FAMILY TOTAL HEALTH

1501 Ninth Ave, Conway 843-248-0104

FalkFamilyChiropractic.com

Medicine that includes Trigger Point, Joint, Vitamin and Regenerative Injections/Infusions. Ozone Treatment,Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for healing, Cosmetic Facials, Primary Care.

HOLISTIC REIKI

ANGEL LIGHT DISTANCE REIKI

Serving Greater Wilmington

AngelLightDistanceReiki@gmail.com

AngelLightDistanceReiki.com

Relax at home with Reiki Healing through the Art of Distance Reiki. Schedule your therapeutic session to facilitate emotional and physical healing.

Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.

~Theodore Roosevelt

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

INTEGRATIVE DENTISTRY

CAPE FEAR SMILES

Norma Cortez, DDS

716 Medical Ctr Dr, Wilmington

910-763-0931

CapeFearSmiles.com

We are an integrative dental office providing dentistry in a more natural way, understanding the oral-systemic connection, and collaborating with other health care providers. See ad, page 3.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

MADAME MEERKAT’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

1001 S. Kerr Ave, Wilmington

MadameMeerkat.net

A community metaphysical shop supplying crystals, tarot, incense, and local art in a welcoming atmosphere complete with coffee bar, energy healers, intuitive readers, and workshops to help you learn and grow. Facebook/ Instagram: @MadameMeerkat. See ad, page 5.

NATURAL AESTHETICS

BLISS AESTHETICS STUDIO

Bonnie Briceno

4712 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

910-515-7641

BlissAestheticsStudio.com

All-natural skin care services and treatments using unique, naturally corrective products for all types of skin and ethnicities to treat all skin care concerns; including fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, enlarged pores acne and more! Permanent makeup and lash extensions also available. Mention Natural Awakenings for discount. See ad, page 4.

ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICE

ANNA’S ORGANIZATION SERVICE

Anna Mann

AnnaMann910@gmail.com

910-470-9121

Whether it’s help with organization for homes, offices, businesses, storage units, etc. Organize your space, organize your mind!

Contact Anna for a free consult. New Hanover and surrounding counties.

PET SERVICES

ANGEL LIGHT DISTANCE REIKI

Serving Greater Wilmington

AngelLightDistanceReiki@gmail.com

AngelLightDistanceReiki.com

Reiki Healing at home for your pets through the Art of Distance Reiki. Schedule a therapeutic session for your pet to facilitate emotional and physical healing.

FOREVER BY MY SIDE

Serving Greater Wilmington

Amy@ForeverByMySide.com

ForeverByMySide.com

910-852-3011

Compassionate, experienced, pet services. Animal Reiki, Parents of Pets Reiki, Dog Walking, In-Home Pet Sitting, Holistic Services for Aging Pets, Pet Loss, and Bereavement.

No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of nowhere.

REFLEXOLOGY

BOARD-CERTIFIED REFLEXOLOGIST

Bill Moore, ARCB 910-523-9873

ReflexologyAndRelax@yahoo.com

ReflexologyAndRelax.com

ARCB board-certified reflexologist. Experience a new kind of healing and relaxation. The profound and calming effects of reflexology have to be experienced.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

UNITY MYRTLE BEACH

6173 Salem Road, Myrtle Beach 843-238-8516 • UnityMyrtleBeach.org

Our uplifting mission of prayer, service and education enriches and transforms lives. We are a spiritual community of individuals dedicated to knowing Self and knowing God, and doing our part in supporting the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of children, individuals and families on the Grand Strand. See ad, page 8.

UNITY OF WILMINGTON

717 Orchard Ave, Wilmington

910-763-5155 • UnityWil.com

A positive path for spiritual living committed to expanding consciousness and inspiring transformation, Unity teaches a culturally Christian and spiritually unlimited way of life. Unity is an open-minded, accepting community emphasizing practical, everyday application of spiritual principles for more abundant and meaningful living. Check Facebook and Meetup for events. See ad, page 5.

THERMOGRAPHY

BEACON THERMOGRAPHY, INC.

Shelly Laine 910-803-2150

BeaconThermography.com

Thermography is a state-of-the-art, radiation-free diagnostic tool which creates a digital map of your body, illustrating heat patterns that may detect some condition or abnormality using a scanning-type infrared camera that measures your body’s surface temperature. Thermography aids in the detection and monitoring of many types of diseases and physical injury. Multiple scanning locations throughout the Wilmington area. See ad, page 25.

WEIGHT LOSS

BIO SYMMETRY

Dr. Allen Holmes, MD 265 Racine Dr, Ste 102, Wilmington 910-399-6661 • BioSymmetry.com

Experts in weight loss programs designed to help keep weight off for good. Body composition test and metabolic test along with bloodwork to rule out what could be preventing losing weight. Medications available if needed. Call/text to book appointment with Wilmington’s weight-loss expert. See ad, page 9.

WELLNESS CENTER

SEASIDE WELLNESS OF SHALLOTTE

Deborah Varnam MSN FNP-BC FAANP

FNLP

Nancy Murdock DNP FNP-BC 4748 Main St, Shallotte 910-754-2273

SeasideWellnessofShallotte.com

Integrative family practice, offering acute and chronic disease management focusing on disease prevention; hormone optimization with Evexipel BHRT; certified dementia care and weight loss. See ad, page 3.

~Sheryl Crow

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