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E E R
HEALTHY
LIVING
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Healing Harmonies Music As Medicine FEEDING HEALTHY HABITS A 10-Step Guide for Helping Children Thrive
21 Century Parenting st
Wild and Wonderful
Foraging for Foodies
Preparing Kids for the Future
August 2019 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com August 2019
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Research has shown that focusing on self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Focus on making yourself a priority by building a well-being routine. Whether you challenge yourself to a new yoga pose or try an exciting spa treatment, small changes will lead you to the best version of yourself. Not only will you impact your health in a positive way, you’ll have more confidence, courage and more love to give to others. Show us how you do wellness #WellfiePrivaMD. Visit our Well Spa to build a regime for a healthier, happier you.
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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Contents 12 21ST CENTURY
20
PARENTING
Preparing Kids for the Future
15 BEYOND
SUSTAINABILITY
Regenerative Agriculture Takes Aim at Climate Change
20 AYSHA AKHTAR ON Our Symphony With Animals
22 HEALING HARMONIES Music As Medicine
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24 WILD AND WONDERFUL Foraging for Foodies
26 LOVING
OURSELVES MADLY
Practice Intentional Self-Love
28 TAKE A CEREBRAL SPIN Cycling for a Healthier Brain
30 FEEDING ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-604-0480 or email Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for ads and News Briefs: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com or submit online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. 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 616-604-0480. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.
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HEALTHY HABITS A 10-Step Guide for Helping Children Thrive
32 VET CHECK
Treating the Whole Pet Natural Approaches
DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 7 chiro news 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 15 green living 17 eco tip 18 herbal immune support 20 wise words
22 healing ways 24 conscious
eating 26 inspiration 28 fit body 30 healthy kids 32 natural pet 33 calendar 37 resource guide 39 classifieds August 2019
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
letter from publisher
Cool ideas for a hot summer!
WEST MICHIGAN EDITION
T
he kids are heading back to school and it’s an ideal time for parents to hit the reset button, taking stock of myriad challenges today’s children face. Meredith Montgomery confronts these head-on in “21st Century Parenting: Preparing Kids for the Future.” She offers insights into raising kind, resilient and resourceful kids in a world vastly different from the one we grew up in.
Part of that equation is nourishing young bodies as well as minds and Food Sleuth Melinda Hemmelgarn tackles that component in “Feeding Healthy Habits: A 10-Step Guide.” Supporting school gardens, teaching kids cooking as a life skill and bonding with them in the process are steps on the road to opening their eyes to media manipulation and helping them overcome this “invisible parent” that tricks them into buying foods that are not good for their bodies or the Earth. Adults and kids will find plenty of healthy activities and options in this month’s issue. Take a walk on the wild side with April Thompson’s “Wild and Wonderful: Foraging for Foodies” as your guide. Or take a cerebral spin with Marlaina Donato’s well-researched article about the positive impacts of bicycling on the brain: It can improve cognitive function, depression, chronic anxiety and other conditions boosted by happy neurotransmitters. Studies show benefits related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain disorders, as well. Our August spotlight shines on animals, too. Writer Julie Peterson interviews neurologist Aysha Akhtar, author of Our Symphony With Animals: On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies, who weighs in on the biology of the human/animal bond. Julie also presents a helpful overview of the natural approach used by holistic veterinarians. Welcome to a hot summer issue! To conscious living,
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© 2019 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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news briefs
Fun Outdoors with EcoTrek Fitness
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ll fitness levels are welcome in EcoTrek Fitness classes and founder, Cari Draft, works hard to take the intimidation factor out of getting in shape. She starts by calling herself the “lead funmaster.” Group sessions are designed to never be boring as they are held outdoors in a different location each time. The 75-minute workouts integrate strength training, cardio and flexibility. Participants get to explore parks and trails while being guided along on an invigorating workout, but each individual works at their own level so there is never a feeling of competition. EcoTrek also books group events for businesses, church groups, bridal parties and any group that wants a one-time or series of sessions to celebrate a milestone or promote togetherness. In addition to outdoor workouts, EcoTrek Fitness offers seasonal mini-series such as standup paddleboarding, kayaking, snowshoeing and bicycling throughout the year. Cari Draft also provides one-on-one personal training sessions and has helped more than 3,000 people on their wellness journeys since founding EcoTrek Fitness in 2006. Learn more about EcoTrek Fitness offerings at EcoTrekFitness.com. Cari@EcoTrekFitness.com See ad page 14.
PrivaMD Functional Medicine STEMS Program
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n Tuesday, September 10 & 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., join Dee Kohley, RPh, to learn about achieving optimal health with the PrivaMD STEMS program. The class will cover how Functional Medicine and its protocols can help you sleep, think, eat, move and supplement your way to live your absolute best life. Cost is $20/person or free for PrivaMD members and curriculum materials are included. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven. 616-2130253. privamd.org. michelle.bowen@privamd.org. See ad page 2.
Grand Rapids VegFest
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n Sunday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Delta Plex Arena in Grand Rapids will be the site for the 5th Annual VegFest to promote health, sustainability and animal
rights. Exhibitor and food vendor space is still available. The event connects interested consumers in West Michigan with vegan-friendly products, services and businesses, but the event isn’t just for vegans. It’s intended for anyone who is interested in making healthy choices and would like to learn more about a plant-based diet and compassionately made products. The day will include food trucks, live speakers, activities for kids and lots of free samples. Vendors will be selling clothing, cosmetics and food. Some will be providing information about animal rights, environmental conservation and wellness. There will be several cooking demos, including Chef Bee Harriette Brown from Sisters on a Roll Mobile Cafe, Chef Cory and Tarra Davis from Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Chef Josh Musinski from Water & Wheat Vegan Cafe and Chef Valerie Wilson who hosts REAL FOOD. The Deltaplex Arena is located at 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Admission to VegFest is $12, parking is free. For more information or to fill out a vendor application, see GRVegFest.com, email info@PlantBasedRoots.org or call or text 616-581-8079. See ad page 2.
Forest Therapy with Wildheart Guide Services
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ildheart Guide Services provides opportunities to join in forest therapy sessions, which have been proven through research to provide health and wellness. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” studies have shown this practice of spending time in forests and other natural environments yields health benefits for the cardiovascular system, the immune system and for improving mood. John Scott Campbell, Life Guide and Wellness Coach, is Wildheart. In addition to forest therapy, he assists clients to find the answers to life’s questions and supports them on the journey to living a life of joy, ease and glory. Whether it is relationships within the mind and body or relationships with other humans, Wildheart enjoys exploring mindfulness with his clients to bring them to a place of greater wellbeing. He readily points out that time in the forest can reset the nervous system and reduce stress. He provides scheduled group sessions, two hours or longer, at a variety of locations in Michigan. Contact Wildheart Guide Services at 616-215-0232, see WildHeartGuide.com, email iamcoach@sbcglobal.net. See ad page 23.
August 2019
Leslie Cornwel
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who is shifting the larger global conversation on climate change from “doom and gloom” to a sense of opportunity, possibility, and hope for the future. We will engage in local solutions such as policy advancement, clean energy, food waste reduction, mass transit, sustainable building and operation methods, etc. and will be encouraged to act locally. The solutions to climate change exist right here in Michigan and are economically viable. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www. drawdownmichigan.org See ad page 14.
Beyond The Biscuit
B
Drawdown on Climate Change
D
rawdown, the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming, is coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 25, 2019 via a climate change conference focused on community, collaboration, solutions & action. Paul Hawken, the editor of the New York Times Bestseller Drawdown and world-renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur, author and activist will be keynoting the conference. Over thirty non-profit organizations, known as Drawdown Allies are collaborating for one common purpose: to create action in our community towards the reversal of human induced climate change. The conference is taking place at DeVos Place in the Steelcase Ballroom from 8:30am to 5:00pm including multiple breakout sessions on solution tracks, lunch, speakers, and a happy hour. The event will host speakers such as Mayor Rosalynn Bliss of City of Grand Rapids and Dr. Brandy Brown, Climate and Energy Advisor for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Attendees will begin the day hearing from our local & state leaders and policy-makers followed by Paul Hawken,
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eer City Dog Biscuits (BCDB), a non-profit company located in Grand Rapids, is dedicated to crafting delicious and nutritious dog treats while employing disabled adults. BCDB’s business is tailored to meet the unique abilities of their disabled employees and volunteers to enable them to participate in all aspects of the business. From planning/ forecasting demand, assembling, baking, labeling, packing and processing orders. The immediate goal is to provide them with an opportunity to be productive every day. BCDB strives to help each Brew Baker, a team of disabled adults who are the core of our company’s culture and business process, develop valuable skills throughout every step of the biscuit baking process. With the support of the BCDB community of friends, family, and treat lovers, 100% of donations and sales are re-invested into their mission to support disabled adults in their personal and professional growth. All treats are made from nonalcoholic spent beer grains, proudly sourced from Grand Rapids’ own Founders Brewing Company.
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Nutrition for Your Skin By Dan Gleason, DC
T
he largest organ in the human body is skin, which is composed primarily of proteins and fats. It is constantly bathed in secretions from our oil, sweat and sebaceous glands. These emollients and antibacterials contain substances from the foods and supplements a person eats. It’s true then, when it comes to skin, “you are what you eat.” Skin Absorbs Chemicals Unlike all other organs, skin is on the outside of the body and provides protection. But it also absorbs things, and some of them are bad. Body care products such as lotions, sunscreens and soaps can contain harmful ingredients. Toxic chemicals that can be present in skin care products include: • Parabens • Glycols • bisphenol A • PABA • sodium laurel sulfate • phthalates The choice of skin care products not only affects the health and appearance of the skin, it can affect the health of all the organs. Too Much Soap In addition to absorption of chemicals, skin can be harmed by using too much soap because it removes many of the specialized secretions from glands in the skin. Soaps, especially anti-bacterial soaps disrupt the normal ecosystem that thrives on skin. There are specialized bacteria and skin mites that preen dead skin cells and produce a healthy ecosystem. This normalizes the hormonal, neurological and immunological function of skin. When this is disrupted, troubling skin symptoms can result, including: • Psoriasis • Eczema • Acne • Dermatitis • Dry skin • Premature aging Internal Toxins There are many internal toxins that affect skin. Particularly problematic are things that make up the Standard American Diet (SAD), including: • Processed vegetable oils • Processed grains • Food additives and preservatives Toxins can come from internal sources that disrupt the normal gut flora. Digestive symptoms that occur concurrently with skin problems indicate the need for comprehensive GI testing to identify and correct imbalances in normal bacteria, the presence of foreign microbes and deficiencies of digestive secretions. Skin conditions often resolve after testing for and then avoiding food intolerances. A diet that consists primarily of SAD is deficient in many of the necessary nutrients to support normal skin. The skin requires all known nutrients including all vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and polyphenols from healthy, unprocessed food.
Solving Problems First, identify and stop eating foods that destroy skin health and stop using topical products that disrupt and poison the protective outer layer. The labels on many skin care products may announce “All Natural,” “Organic” or “Gluten Free.” These labels can be misleading. It’s important to investigate products and the companies that produce skin care products. Checking the ingredients can be done at EWG.org, an independent rating agency that rates nearly all skin care products. Second, make sure that skin is getting the nutrients it needs. Skin problems that have persisted for years may take more time to recover as deficiencies are replenished. In-depth nutrient testing is recommended to determine what individual needs are. For those who can’t get tested, the “Fab 5 supplements” are recommended. These are supplements that have been found to be deficient in many people. • Quality fish and flax oils • Vitamin D • Probiotics • Easily absorbable magnesium • Multivitamins Third, choose the highest quality skin care products that are food-grade and organic. Consult with experts who can guide you in the selection and use of topical products that cleanse, renew, moisturize and repair your skin so that the skin’s unique ability to absorb nutrients is used well. Light therapy, sunlight or cold laser treatment can also help many conditions. Taking care of the amazing organ called the skin is an important step in taking care of the whole body. Dr. Dan Gleason is the owner of The Gleason Center located at 19084 North Fruitport Road in Spring Lake. For more info: go to TheGleasonCenter.com or call 616-846-5410. See ad page 29.
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August 2019
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Eggs should only be a now and then thing, the latest research from Northwestern Medicine, in Chicago, indicates. The new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at pooled data on 29,615 U.S. racially and ethnically diverse adults with an average of more than 17 years of follow up. It found that for every 300 milligrams (mg) of dietary cholesterol eaten per day, risk of death from heart disease increases by 17 percent and mortality from any cause increases by 18 percent. One large egg has a whopping 186 mg of cholesterol in the yolk, and eating three to four eggs a week increases heart disease mortality by 6 percent and all-cause mortality by 8 percent. Frank Hu, M.D., at the Harvard School of Public Health, comments that low to moderate intake of eggs can be included as part of a healthy eating pattern, but they are not essential. Dietary cholesterol also comes from red meat, processed meat and high-fat dairy products such as butter and whipped cream.
Use Probiotics to Shed Pounds
At least one-third of early deaths could be prevented if people moved to a largely plant-based diet, prominent scientists from Harvard University Medical School have calculated. An international initiative, “Food in the Anthropocene,” published in the medical journal The Lancet, linked plant-based diets not only to improved health worldwide, but also to global sustainability. The report advocates a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and low in red meat, sugar and refined grains. “Unhealthy diets pose a greater risk to morbidity and mortality than does unsafe sex, and alcohol, drug and tobacco use combined,” it concludes. 8
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For the one-third of Americans struggling with obesity, new research on probiotics from the Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, in China, offers a promising approach. In a meta-review of 12 randomized, placebo-controlled studies that tested 821 obese and overweight people, probiotic supplementation was found to significantly reduce body weight, weight circumference and fat mass, and to improve cholesterol and glucose metabolism measures. Probiotics were administered in forms that included sachet, capsule, powder, kefir yogurt and fermented milk, in durations that ranged from eight to 24 weeks.
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Eat Plants to Live Longer
Montmorency tart cherries, first discovered by Roman legionnaires along the Black Sea, have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to scientists. Now a study from the UK’s University of Hertfordshire published in the Journal of Functional Foods has found that the cherries can mitigate factors that lead to metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Just two hours after being given cherries in the form of juice or capsules, subjects showed significantly decreased systolic blood pressure, and insulin levels were significantly lower after one and three hours compared to those given a placebo.
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Take It Easy on the Eggs
Savor Cherries to Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk
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health briefs
Social and recreational opportunities for individuals with mental illness, addictions and disabilities. Call 616.414.9111 for information or to enroll!
Summer Series: Disabilities Mondays @ 6:30 pm
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Everyone is encouraged to come and learn about disabilities so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding.
Quit Smoking to Avoid Rheumatoid Arthritis Stopping smoking has the long-term benefit of reducing the risk of developing seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by 37 percent over 30 years, say researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston. The study was based on data from the 230,000 women that participated in two longitudinal Nurses’ Health Studies, and focused on the 969 women that developed seropositive RA. Risk began to go down about five years after women quit smoking and continued to decrease the longer they stayed non-smokers. Patients with seropositive RA generally have more severe disease manifestations, including joint deformities and disability.
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Walk or Run to Keep Blood Vessels and Brains Young Running novices that trained for six months and then ran their first marathon actually reversed the aging of major blood vessels— and older and slower people benefitted most, report researchers at University College London. The study of 139 healthy firsttime marathon runners, ages 21 to 69, was presented at the 2019 European Society of Cardiology Congress. It found that those first-timers reduced their arterial age by four years and their stroke risk by 10 percent over their lifetime. In another study presented at the Congress that was based on data from 605 heart failure patients, researchers reported that those walking the farthest in a six-minute test, indicating better fitness, were significantly less likely to have the cognitive impairment that afflicts 67 percent of patients with heart failure.
August 12 – Defining Disability August 19 – Autism August 26 – Disability and Dementia (CEU’s Available!)
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August 2019
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Coral Care
global briefs
Climate change has inspired farmers to turn to regenerative agriculture, which pulls carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and stores it in their soil. Regenerative agriculture incorporates the practices of planting trees, cover cropping, no-till farming and rotational grazing. As the groundswell of support grows, 250 soil health bills have been introduced in state and federal legislatures in the last two years. At a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee climate change hearing, Nebraska soybean farmer Matthew Rezac said that keeping soil healthy, not just reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was a key part of what farmers could do to cool a warming planet. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the bills have different justifications, but they all focus on soil health. As disastrous floods and drought sweep away farmland, the idea that regenerative agriculture could make for more productive farming is gaining traction.
Moon Rocks
Tectonic Activity Shakes Geologists
Long considered to be geologically inactive, our 4.6billion-year-old moon is showing signs of tectonic activity via seismometers deployed between 1969 and 1972 during the NASA Apollo program. Although some “moonquakes” have been recorded near cliff-like fault scarps on the surface, they may be caused by the irregular gravitational effects of orbiting the more massive Earth or extreme temperature differences created by sunlight in the vacuum of space. Employing more sensitive equipment has been proposed for future missions to assist in choosing potential colonization sites. 10
West Michigan Edition
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Farmers Responding to Climate Change
Critical habitat is threatened for 12 coral species in Florida, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, while all corals worldwide are experiencing dramatic declines due to the impacts of climate change, pollution and overfishing. The Center for Biological Diversity, a Tucson-based nonprofit focused on species protection, intends to file a lawsuit against the federal government for failing to protect coral habitat as required under the Endangered Species Act. Benefits of securing a critical habitat designation from the National Marine Fisheries Service include improved water quality throughout the coastal zone, limits on overfishing, protection of spawning grounds, reduced impact from development and dredging, and reduced human pressures on thousands of species that inhabit the reefs. Nearly 30 percent of all corals have already been lost to warming ocean temperatures and ocean acidification due to greenhouse gas pollution; scientists predict that the rest could be gone by the end of the century without help.
Fluorescent Findings
Artificial Light Tied to Inflammation Fluorescent lighting is one of the most common sources of artificial light, but new research from Texas State University suggests there may be unexpected consequences at the genetic level. Team member Ronald B. Walter says, “Over the past 60 years, we have increasingly relied on artificial light sources that emit much narrower wavelength spectrums than does the sun. Yet, little research has been conducted to determine gene expression consequences, if any, from use of common artificial light sources.” Their findings, published in the online journal Genes, show increased inflammation in tissue and organs and increased immune response in the subject animals, regardless of whether the species is primarily active in the day or night.
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Hot Topic
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Reefs to Get Their Day in Court
Bagging It
Floating Solar
On Earth Day, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in retail stores that goes into effect next March. It’s estimated that New York uses 23 billion plastic bags every year, with 50 percent ending up in landfills and around cities and waterways. New York is the third state in which plastic bags are illegal, after California and Hawaii.
Solar panels currently generate only about 1 percent of our nation’s energy needs, but new research from the federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that installation of “floatovoltaics”— floating, electricitygenerating photovoltaic panels—on only one-fourth of our manmade reservoirs would generate about 10 percent of U.S. energy needs without taking up valuable real estate. Floatovoltaics cost less to install than traditional, landbased solar panels because there’s no need to clear land or treat soil, and research shows that the natural cooling effect of the water below can boost the solar panels’ power production by up to 22 percent. Of the approximately 100 current floatovoltaic installations, only seven are in the U.S., mostly at wineries in California and water treatment facilities. About 80 percent are in Japan, where limited land and roof space make water-based solar panels especially suitable.
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New York State Bans Plastic Bags
Bad Air
Pollution Harms Mental and Physical Health
It’s well established that air pollution’s poisons and particles shorten lives, impair learning and increase risk for dementia. Now, a study published this spring in JAMA Psychiatry, which followed 2,232 children in Britain for 18 years, has found significant associations between exposure to air pollution and psychotic experiences during adolescence. Air pollution is believed to be responsible for 7 million deaths per year globally, according to the World Health Organization.
Copper Conflict
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Opponents Fight Mine in Arizona Desert
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reversed course without explanation, greenlighting the Rosemont copper mine proposed by Canadian mining company Hudbay Minerals in Arizona’s Santa Rita mountains, 30 miles from Tucson. The Corps approved Rosemont’s Clean Water Act permit this spring after recommending its denial more than two years earlier. Environmentalists, local leaders and indigenous people are suing over the violation of this environmentally sensitive habitat. The Tohono O’odham, Pascua Yaqui and Hopi tribes consider the land sacred. The Cienega Aquifer will be severely impacted by a conical pit a mile wide and up to 2,900 feet deep. Tailings will cover miles of streams and trucks would haul an estimated 50 daily shipments of copper concentrate down the adjacent twolane highway.
Catching Some Rays on the Water
Tiny Flossers
Miniature Robots May Become Dental Technicians
A team of engineers, dentists and biologists from the University of Pennsylvania has developed a microscopic robotic cleaning crew that can precisely and non-invasively remove plaque buildup. Instead of the time-consuming and often unpleasant scraping with mechanical tools to remove plaque from teeth, a dentist could deploy either of two types of robotic systems— one designed to work on surfaces and the other to operate inside confined spaces. Robots with catalytic activity could destroy biofilms, the sticky amalgamations of bacteria enmeshed in a protective scaffolding, which would reduce the risk of tooth decay, endodontic infections and implant contamination. The work was published in Science Robotics.
August 2019
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PARENTING Preparing Kids for the Future by Meredith Montgomery
T
oday’s children have more opportunities to change the world than ever before. Teenagers are organizing global activism movements, LEGO lovers are mastering robotics and young entrepreneurs are launching successful businesses before they’re old enough to drive. But for Mom and Dad, this fastpaced, technology-driven childhood looks drastically different from their own. To help kids thrive, parents must learn to mindfully embrace today’s modern advances without losing sight of timeless virtues and skills such as kindness, creativity and critical thinking.
Finding Balance After-school hours used to be filled with outdoor free play in which kids independently developed their natural capabilities as self-learners and creative problemsolvers. The Children & Nature Network has reported that just 6 percent of children ages 9 to 13 play outside on their own. Instead, stress and anxiety are on the rise in our competitive culture as many kids attempt to balance heavy homework loads with an overflowing schedule of extracurricular activities. With the ability to connect to the world at our fingertips, Thomas Murray, director of innovation for Future Ready Schools, in Washington, D.C., notes that devices can also disconnect us from those right next to us. “It’s a massive struggle to find balance and mindfulness, but it’s vitally important. How often do we see an AP [advanced placement] kid that is falling apart emotionally? As parents, we need to recognize that kids have a lot on their plate—more than ever before.” 12
West Michigan Edition
Salt Lake City-based Courtney Carver, author of Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, worries that parents are creating résumés for a life their children probably don’t want. On her BeMoreWithLess.com website, she focuses on living with less clutter, busyness and stress to simplify life and discover what really matters. “It’s challenging to maintain close connections when we’re overwhelmed with what’s in our inbox, or on Instagram or what the kids are looking at online,” she says. On her own journey to practical minimalism, she gained a greater sense of presence with her daughter. “When you can pay attention to a conversation and not feel distracted and antsy, especially with young kids, that is everything,” says Carver.
Managing Technology The ubiquity of digital devices is a defining difference between today’s youth and that of their elders, making it difficult for parents to relate and know how to set boundaries. As senior parenting editor at nonprofit Common Sense Media,
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It’s a massive struggle to find balance and mindfulness, but it’s vitally important. How often do we see an AP [advanced placement] kid that is falling apart emotionally? ~Thomas Murray
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21 CENTURY st
Caroline Knorr helps parents make sense of what’s going on in their kids’ media lives. “We can think of media as a ‘super peer’: When children are consuming it, they’re looking for cues on how to behave and what’s cool and what’s normal.” Parents need to be the intermediary so they can counterbalance the external messages with their own family’s values. Today’s devices are persuasive and addictive. “As parents, we need to set boundaries, model good digital habits and help
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kids to self-regulate more—which is our ultimate goal,” Knorr says. To raise good digital citizens, Richard Culatta, CEO of International Society for Technology in Education, in Arlington, Virginia, believes conversations about device use shouldn’t end with screen time limits and online safety. “Ask kids if their technology use is helping them be more engaged and find more meaning in the world or is it pulling them out of the world that they’re in,” he says. “Talk about how to use technology to improve the community around you, recognize true and false info, be involved in democratic processes and making your voice heard about issues you care about.” Parents are often uncomfortable with their kids socializing digitally, but Culatta encourages the introduction of interactive media sooner rather than later, so they understand how to engage with the world online before they are old enough to have social media accounts. Geocaching, which uses GPS-enabled devices to treasure hunt, and citizen science apps provide family-friendly opportunities to engage in both outdoor activities and online communities. “The majority of our kids will need these digital communication skills to be able to work with anyone at any time,” says Murray. He’s witnessed the impact of connecting classrooms around the world, observing, “When students learn to navigate time zones and language barriers to communicate and collaborate, they see that they can solve the world’s problems together.”
Raising Innovators “The world doesn’t care how much our children know; what the world cares about is what they do with what they know,” says Tony Wagner, senior research fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, an education research and policy nonprofit in Palo Alto, California. In his latest book, Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for The Innovation Era, he emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving and the joy of discovery, especially as more jobs become automated. “We’re born with a temperament of creative problem solvers. But then something happens. The longer
We need to create an intentional family culture where virtues like kindness and respect are talked about, modeled, upheld, celebrated and practiced in everyday life. ~Thomas Lickona kids are in school, the fewer questions they ask, the more they worry about getting the right answer and fewer and fewer think of themselves as creative in any way,” he says. “Instead of listening and regurgitating, kids need to learn how to find and be a critical consumer of information,” says Murray. Fewer employers are asking for college transcripts—including Google—as they discover the disconnect between what students are taught and what innovative skills they actually need.
While most schools are slow to adapt to the modern needs of the future workforce, parents can proactively foster the entrepreneurial spirit and discourage a fear of failure at home by offering safe opportunities for risk-taking and independence. After speaking extensively with compelling young innovators around the world, Wagner discovered that their parents explicitly encouraged three things: play, passion and purpose. Their children were provided with many opportunities to explore new interests, as well as to learn from their mistakes. “The parents intuitively understood that more important than IQ is grit, perseverance and tenacity. You don’t develop that when Mom is yelling at you to practice; you develop it because you have a real interest.” To create a culture of innovation, Murray encourages teachers and parents to get to know the interests, passions and strengths of today’s children “and prove to them every day that they matter.” When that interest blossoms into a passion, it can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference. According to Wagner, this happens when parents and teachers instill one simple, but profound moral lesson, “We are not here on this Earth primarily and only to serve ourselves; we have some deep, profound obligation to give back and to serve others.”
PARENT RESOURCES
Common Sense Media (CommonSenseMedia.org) provides education and
advocacy to families to promote safe technology and media for children. They provide independent, age-based, media reviews for TV shows and movies. Each detailed review includes pertinent information for parents, plus talking points to foster critical thinking skills.
Let Grow (LetGrow.org) seeks to restore childhood resilience by pushing back on
overprotection, and shows concern that even with the best intentions, society has taught a generation to overestimate danger and underestimate their own ability to cope. Its programs work with schools and parents to give kids more of the independence to do the things their parents did on their own as children—bike to a friend’s house, make themselves a meal or simply play unsupervised in the front yard.
The Choose Love Movement (JesseLewisChooseLove.org) offers a free social
and emotional learning program for educators and parents. Students learn how to choose love in any circumstance, which helps them become more connected, resilient and empowered individuals. August 2019
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When you choose love, you transform how you see the world from a scary and anxiety-producing place to a loving and welcoming one.
GROW
~Scarlett Lewis
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In a culture that is obsessed with selfies and threatened by cyberbullies, it’s a tough task for parents to teach compassion and kindness. “We need to create an intentional family culture where virtues like kindness and respect are talked about, modeled, upheld, celebrated and practiced in everyday life. What we do over and over gradually shapes our character, until it becomes second nature—part of who we are,” says Thomas Lickona, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and education professor emeritus at the State University of New York College at Cortland, and author of How to Raise Kind Kids: And Get Respect, Gratitude, and a Happier Family in the Bargain. Sesame Workshop’s 2016 Kindness Study found that 70 percent of parents worry that the world is an unkind place for their kids, but Scarlett Lewis believes it’s all in our mind, saying, “When you choose love, you transform how you see the world from a scary and anxiety-producing place to a loving and welcoming one.” After losing her 6-year-old son Jesse in the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, she attributed the tragedy to an angry thought in the mind of the shooter. Her compassion fueled the founding of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement to educate and encourage individuals to choose loving thoughts over angry ones. “Although we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can always choose how to respond,” she says. The evidencebased Choose Love Enrichment Program teaches children to live a life with courage and gratitude, practice forgiveness and be compassionate individuals. While we don’t want to overwhelm kids with all the evils in the world, Lickona notes that it is valuable to make them aware of human suffering and how we can help. “Cultivate the belief that we’re all members of a single human family. Teach [them] that one of the most important ways to show gratitude for the blessings in our life is to give back.” Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).
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green living
Beyond Sustainability Regenerative Agriculture Takes Aim at Climate Change by Yvette C. Hammett
M
ost people have never heard of regenerative agriculture, but there’s plenty of talk about it in the scientific and farming communities, along with a growing consensus that regeneration is a desirable step beyond sustainability. Those that are laser-focused on clean food and a better environment believe regenerative agriculture will not only result in healthier food, but could become a significant factor in reversing the dangerous effects of manmade climate change. This centers on the idea that healthy soils anchor a healthy planet: They contain more carbon than all above-ground vegetation and regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. “We have taken soils for granted for a long time. Nevertheless, soils are the foundation of food production and food security, supplying plants with nutrients, water and support for their roots,” according to the study “Status of the World’s Soil Resources,” by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Most of the world’s soil resources, which also function as the planet’s largest water filter,
are in fair, poor or very poor condition, the report states. Tilling, erosion and chemicals all play significant roles in soil degradation. Regenerative agriculture seeks to reverse that trend by focusing on inexpensive organic methods that minimize soil disturbance and feed its microbial diversity with the application of compost and compost teas. Cover crops, crop and livestock rotation and multistory agroforestry are all part of a whole-farm design that’s intended to rebuild the quantity and quality of topsoil, as well as increase biodiversity and watershed function. “True regenerative organic agriculture can improve the environment, the communities, the economy, even the human spirit,” says Diana Martin, director of communications for the Rodale Institute, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Rodale, a leader in the organic movement, has been carrying the global torch for regenerative agriculture since the 1970s, when Bob Rodale, son of the institute’s founder, first began talking about it. “He said sustainability isn’t good enough. In the U.S., we are depleting our topsoil 10 times faster than
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a lot of the carbon we are replenishing dioxide, which it. We only have 60 burns off carbon.” years of farmable Cover crops topsoil remaining,” can be planted right says Martin. after harvesting a The institute cash crop to help is working with regenerate the soil, corporate brands in adding nitrogen conducting a pilot project on farms In the U.S., we are depleting and organic matter, he says. “It is a around the world to our topsoil 10 times faster long-term benefit, certify food as rethan we are replenishing it. so a lot of farmers generative organic. are hesitant. It takes It has three pillars We only have 60 years of that were created farmable topsoil remaining. a while to improve soil fertility through with the help of the ~Diana Martin cover crop use.” It U.S. Department doesn’t cost much, of Agriculture’s but for a corn or soybean farmer making National Organic Program: soil health; almost no money right now, every expense animal welfare; and social justice, the latter matters. “The real things we are working because people want to know that workers on are more toward different cropping are being treated fairly, Martin says. systems,” he says, in which farmers are “In some ways, we felt the organic growing perennial tree crops that produce program could do more, so we intronuts and fruits, absorb carbon and don’t duced the regenerative organic certificarequire replanting or tilling. tion. It is a new, high-bar label that is There’s considerable interest in revery holistic,” says Jeff Moyer, an expert generative organic agriculture in Idaho, as in organic agriculture and the executive many farmers there have already adopted director at the Rodale Institute. The pilot no-till practices, says Sanford Eigenbrode, phase involves 21 farms with connections a professor at the University of Idaho, who to big brands like Patagonia, Lotus Foods specializes in entomology, plant pathology and Dr. Bronner’s. “We needed relationand nematology. Farmers want to try to ships with brands to make this a reality,” Moyer says. Product should be rolling out improve retention of soil carbon to both stabilize soils and improve long-term proby this fall. ductivity, he says. “There are economic and “There’s kind of a broad umbrella of environmental advantages.” things going on,” says Bruce Branham, a crop sciences professor with the UniverYvette C. Hammett is an environmental sity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be “No-till farming certainly is a small step contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com. toward regenerative ag, because every time we till the soil, we essentially expose
eco tip
Eco-Camping
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Keeping It Earth-Friendly
August is prime time for camping out in the woods or at a music festival. Communing with nature or enjoying the beat outdoors for extended periods can stress the environment—but with proper planning, it doesn’t have to. The Association of Independent Festivals has launched its Take Your Tent Home campaign in the UK, according to Treehugger.com. The group is urging concertgoers to not discard their tents at venues and retailers to stop marketing camping gear as intended for single-use; festival organizers also have been asked to eliminate single-use cups, bottles and straws. In America, MindBodyGreen.com reports that carbon credits are being offered to help offset trips to and from Lollapalooza, in Chicago, from August 1 to 4. Pickathon, taking place on the same days outside Portland, Oregon, will have a free bike parking lot, as well as a dedicated shuttle for cars, plus no single-use serving ware. ChasingGreen.org advises campers to look for tents and related products made with recycled material and natural fibers like hemp, cotton, coconut husks and bamboo. Marmot, Lafuma, Sierra Designs and The North
Face all use recycled materials in making their tents, including coconut shells, polyester, water bottles, garment fabrics and factory yarn waste. The website also suggests carpooling with family and friends, choosing a site that’s closer to home and packing light to reduce weight in the car, thus improving mileage. Also, if we bring trash into a campsite where there are no receptacles, leave with it. Don’t burn it in the fire, as that contributes to air pollution; instead, pack it up and dispose of it properly at home. Set up a method for collecting rainwater to use to wash dishes. EcoWatch.com recommends bringing unbreakable, washable plates, cups, utensils and napkins, a small basin or bucket, sponge and biodegradable soap, and a bag to store items that are too dirty to reuse. Stock up on batteries to power lights and lanterns or use solar power with a LuminAID light lamp. Follow the “leave no trace” motto: no litter, smoldering fire pits, ripped-up grass, crushed bushes or repositioned boulders. Stay on marked trails, never pick plants, flowers or berries, and never harm or disturb wildlife. August 2019
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Herbal Immune Support for Children by Lena Wilson
W
hen considering bolstering and supporting a child’s immune system with herbs, the most prevalent concerns are safety and effectiveness. Even though folk medicine and herbalist remedies have been used for a long time, they are not necessarily supported with scientific research. Therefore, there are guidelines to starting with herbs and dosages that provide immune action but are generally safe for children. Many herbalists recommend children under six months should not be given herbs because their digestive systems are immature. Some suggest that mothers could take a full dose of an herb so that it might pass through her breastmilk. If in doubt, it is recommended that one consult with an appropriate physician. As is practical with anyone, if there are ever any signs of discomfort or reaction, herbs should be discontinued immediately. Age-Old Immune System Herbs The following herbs have been used in traditional herbalism and found to be safe over many years. As with all herbs, one should take care to determine the variety and quality of herb one is procuring. Adverse reactions and ineffectiveness could be the result of improper use or usage of the wrong herb. Ashwaganda has been gaining popularity, largely due to its use for reducing stress levels. It is commonly used for stress-induced or disease-induced insomnia, fatigue and inflammation. It is considered an immune tonic, which means it enhances overall functioning. In Ayurveda, Ashwaganda is used to restore Ojas (the ultimate vital energy or life
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energy). Ashwagandha sometimes causes drowsiness and, if taken in large doses, could cause diarrhea or vomiting. Astragalus is an adaptogen, meaning it helps one to adapt. It is antibacterial and antiviral. It’s also considered tonic. Astragalus is believed to strengthen, modulate, stimulate and restore the immune system. It has been used historically in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It has no demonstrated toxicity from regular, daily use or large doses; however, it can cause flatulence for those sensitive to legumes since it is in the legume family. Echinacea is a commonly recognized herb, but there has been some recent dispute on the efficacy of different varieties. Some experts say that Echinacea purpurea is not as effective as E. angustifolia. There is also dispute as to whether echinacea provides any prevention to colds, but it is generally believed it can be helpful if used every half hour at the onset of a cold or flu. It is believed to help raise immune function in active infections if taken internally in the right dosage, although some feel it is more effective for people younger than middle age. Echinacea is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and an immune modulator and stimulant (not a tonic). One should not take large doses for a long time or use for repeated illness; in which case one should repair and recuperate the body. Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) actions include adaptogen, adrenal tonic, antidepressant, antifatigue, antistressor, immune tonic, normalizer and mental clarity stimulant. It is an extremely safe herb and there are reports of Russians using extremely
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large doses for 20 years with no ill side effects; however, others believe that extreme overuse could case tension and insomnia. Those with high blood pressure should get approval from a physician before using. Eleuthero is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to tonify vital energy (Qi and Jing). It is believed that it helps build resistance to infectious disease, decrease likelihood of autoimmune reactions, increase work capacity and reduce occurrences of influenza, when consumed regularly. Reishi, the mushroom of immortality, has been found to be liver regenerative and protective, analgesic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antistressor, antitumor and immunomodulant, among other things. In China and Japan, it has been used for at least 4,000 years. It is traditionally used as an antiaging herb and has a wide range of health benefits. People taking Reishi report a sense of peacefulness. This appears to be cumulative. There are few cases of adverse reactions reported, although caution is advised to anyone allergic to mushrooms.
Rhodiola is used to treat brain fog, chronic fatigue syndrome, low immune function, nervous exhaustion and recurrent infections. It is an adaptogen, adrenal protectant, anticancer, antidepressant, antifatigue, antioxidant and antistressor, in addition to an endocrine tonic, immune tonic and nervous system tonic. Rhodiolas have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. It appears to increase the body’s ability to respond to outside stressors, including diseases. Some people experience some inability to relax with the herb, in which case it should not be taken at night. Pediatric Dosages There are proposed general guidelines for calculating pediatric dosages of herbal remedies. The most popular are Clark’s and Young’s Rules, with Clark’s Rule of determining dosage by weight being more favored (see sidebar). Still, many people feel the best method is to titrate doses: begin with a very small dose and slowly increase until desired results are achieved or the already accepted dose is reached. To begin an herbal journey, one could also seek out a physician who employs herbs, look to community and families already practicing herbalism and turn first to herbs that have been found to be safe over thousands of years. Sources for some of the herbal information above and recommended books to further assist with an exploration of herbalism include Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Buhner, Herbal Remedies for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar, The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs by Ron Teegaurden and Ayurveda by Scott Gerson. Lena Wilson has a B.S. in Mathematics and is an herb enthusiast. She currently works in marketing, outreach and design for the Health Hutt based in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Connect at TheHealthHutt.com/contact. See ad page 7.
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How do you explain that an untrained animal, like Sylvester, the abused dog you bonded with, can help a person heal and recover?
wise words
Aysha Akhtar on
Our Symphony With Animals
It’s the fact that the animal is not a human being. Animals help diffuse the humangenerated pressure in our lives. If you treat an animal with kindness, that is the only thing that the animal will judge you by. Animals don’t care about your past, your money, your mistakes in life—they have no preconceived notions about you. Animals have a purity that helps us be our true selves without worrying about being judged.
by Julie Peterson
A
s a neurologist, Dr. Aysha Akhtar wanted to acknowledge that medicine has largely overlooked our relationships with animals and their impact on our health. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and bullying, she gained strength and courage to change her situation after forming a deep bond with an abused dog. She found there were more stories like hers that explain how the health and happiness of humans and animals are interlaced. After traveling to interview people whose lives have been profoundly influenced by animals, Akhtar used her experiences and those of others to demonstrate the science behind the intricate and mutually beneficial associations between humans and animals. The result is her book, Our Symphony with Animals: On Health, Empathy, and Our Shared Destinies. After time spent with homeless people, a former
What is the most memorable moment of your journey to discover more stories like your own?
mobster, a Marine veteran, a serial killer, animal sanctuary workers and farmers, she relates what happens when people forge (or break) bonds with animals, and how the love we give them comes full circle back to us.
It was a beautiful, warm, summer evening, and I was just sitting at an animal sanctuary with a pig named Ivy. She was such a sweet girl and such an emotional being, she reminded me of Sylvester. While Ivy was sleeping, I was listening to the sounds around me—ducks, chickens, cows, horses, dogs and nature. The sun was setting. I became immersed in the moment and felt a profound sense of connectedness. All the sounds came together for me like a Mozart symphony. I had never felt that kind of peace. It was beautiful.
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There is a moral consciousness growing within our species. We are waking up to the fact that how we treat each other needs to be more ethical, and that includes animals. ~Aysha Akhtar
What is the science behind the neurological and biological phenomena you describe in this interaction between humans and animals?
First, studies are emerging that suggest that the way we feel empathy toward each other is not very different from the way we feel empathy toward other animals. It appears that we may feel stronger empathy toward other animals because, like children, we see them as vulnerable. Second, medical studies show that just being with animals provides measurable physiological changes within us, showing a boost to our well-being. For example, just being with a dog for five to 10 minutes can decrease blood pressure and stress hormones, and provide a long-term boost to cardiovascular health. It also leads to increases in positive neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin—the chemicals that make us feel happy. What’s even more interesting, studies suggest that the same positive effects are also happening in the animal.
How did you come to believe that compassion for animals is the next step in the moral evolution of humans?
Animals are more on the radar of the current younger generation than they used to be. This means that empathy for animals is growing with each generation. Part of the reason is that there is a moral consciousness growing within our species. We are waking up to the fact that how we treat each other needs to be more ethical, and that includes animals. We’re witnessing that the destruction of other species is causing the unraveling of ecosystems, and that is causing increases in things like mosquito-borne diseases. In other words, our disruption of other species is coming back to hurt us. Slowly, our collective consciousness is waking up to recognize that how we treat nonhumans affects us, as well.
If readers could learn just one thing from Symphony, what would you like it to be?
Go forward in life feeling a sense of empowerment and hope, recognizing that our well-being is very much tied in with the wellbeing of other animals. Julie Peterson lives in rural Wisconsin with her husband, dogs and chickens, and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JPtrsn22@att.net.
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and improvement in people with certain types of epilepsy.
healing ways
HEALING HARMONIES Music As Medicine by Marlaina Donato
F
rom ancient Mongolian shamans that used drumming for physical and emotional healing to modern, board-certified music therapists that work with special needs kids, science now confirms what we’ve always known: Music makes us feel better. Decades after Don Campbell’s groundbreaking work about the cognitive
effects of listening to the music of Mozart, growing research reveals music’s ability to reduce chronic and acute pain, restore brain connections after a stroke, boost immunity and promote brain development in children. Recent studies of the benefits of music published in BJPsych International show decreased depression in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders
Listening to music we find pleasurable can have an analgesic effect on the body, and researchers theorize that the brain releases a cascade of natural opioids, including dopamine. A pilot study on cancer patients published in the Indian Journal of Palliative Care in 2016 shows a significant reduction of pain when individuals are exposed to music for 20-minute intervals. Music also minimizes chronic pain associated with syndromes like fibromyalgia. Collective studies published in Frontiers of Psychology in 2014 suggest that relaxing, preferred choices of music not only reduce fibromyalgia-related pain, but also significantly improve mobility.
Dementia, Stroke and Brain Development
Board-certified music therapists like Sheila Wall use live and recorded music to catalyze therapeutic changes in their clients. In her Eau Claire, Wisconsin, practice, Wall works with a wide range of clients ranging in age from 3 to 104. “Music bypasses the language and intellectual barriers in the brain that can prevent healing. Music helps the brain compensate for whatever damage that has occurred through illnesses, disease or trauma,” she says. “I also work with
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Neurochemistry and Pain Reduction
Music bypasses the language and intellectual barriers in the brain that can prevent healing. ~Sheila Wall children to help them build language and motor skills through music. Research last year by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles has shown that music training strengthens areas of the brain that govern speech, reading skills and sound perception in children. The results, published in Cerebral Cortex, indicate that only two years of music study significantly changes both the white and gray matter of the brain. Kirk Moore, in Wheaton, Illinois, is a certified music practitioner who provides live therapeutic music for people that are sick or dying. He says he sees daily changes through music. “I see heart rates slow down and blood pressure reduced. Breathing becomes steadier; pain and nausea cease.” Moore has also witnessed patients with aphasia—a language impairment caused by stroke or other brain damage—spontane-
ously sing-along to songs and regain the ability to speak. One memorable patient could only utter a single word, but listening to Moore ignited a dramatic change. “I sang ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and within seconds, she was singing. After 20 minutes of music, I expressed to the patient my hopes that the music had been helpful to her. ‘Oh goodness, yes!’ she responded.”
Pick Up a Drum
Drumming has been proven to be able to balance the hemispheres of the brain, bolster immunity and offer lasting physical and emotional benefits for conditions ranging from asthma to Parkinson’s disease, autism and addiction recovery. Medical research led by neurologist Barry Bittman, M.D., shows that participation in drumming circles helps to amp up natural killer cells that fight cancer and viruses such as AIDS. Recent research
published in PLOS/ONE reveals a profound reduction of inflammation in people that took part in 90-minute drum circles during the course of the 10-week study.
Music and End of Life
Music’s capacity to bring healing and solace also extends to the end of life. Classically trained musician and certified music practitioner Lloyd Goldstein knows firsthand the power of providing music for cancer patients and the terminally ill. “I feel a deep responsibility to be as present as I can possibly be, to what I’m doing, the people I’m playing for,” says Goldstein, who left a secure orchestra position to join the team at The Arts In Medicine Program at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. “It’s taught me how to be a better musician and a better person.” As much as the musician gives, music gives back. “I end up calmer than when I begin a session. That healing environment travels with me,” Moore says. Marlaina Donato is a composer and the author of several books. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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Wild and Wonderful Foraging for Foodies
by April Thompson here is such a thing as a free lunch, From Dirt to Plate. Mustard garlic, a comand it awaits adventurous foragers mon invasive plant, is the most nutritious in backyards, city parks, mountain leafy green ever analyzed, says Kallas, meadows and even sidewalk cracks. From who holds a Ph.D. in nutrition. “Hownutritious weeds and juicy berries to deliever, the real dietary benefit of foraged cate, delicious flowers and refreshing tree plants is in their great diversity, as each sap, wild, edible foods abound in cities, has a unique profile of phytochemicals. suburbia and rural environments. There is no such thing as a superfood, Throughout most of history, humans just superdiets,” he adds. were foragers that relied on local plant knowledge for survival, as both food and medicine. Know Thy Plant Today’s foragers are reviving that ancestral Rule number one of foraging is to be 100 tradition to improve diets, explore new flapercent sure of your identification 100 vors, develop kinship with the environment, percent of the time, says Leda Meredith, and simply indulge in the joy and excitement the New York City author of The Forager’s of finding and preparing wild foods. Feast: How to Identify, Gather, and Prepare
T
Wild Foods As ‘Superdiet’ “There are many benefits to eating wild food,” says Deane Jordan, founder of EatTheWeeds. com, of Orlando, Florida. “Wild plants, because they must take care of themselves, tend to be more nutritious than cultivated plants—particularly in terms of phytochemicals and antioxidants. They also tend to be lower in sugar and other simple carbs, and higher in fiber.” Purslane, a wild succulent, has more omega-3s than any other leafy vegetable, says John Kallas, the Portland, Oregon, author of Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods 24
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Wild Edibles. Foraging experts say the fear of wild plants is largely unfounded. “The biggest misconception is that we are experimenting with unknowns,” says Kallas. “Today’s wild edibles are traditional foods from Native American or European cultures we have lost touch with.” For example, European settlers brought with them dandelions, now considered a nuisance weed, as a source of food and medicine. All parts of it are edible, including flowers, roots and leaves, and have nutritional superpowers. To assess a plant, Kallas adds, a forager must know three things about it:
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the part or parts that are edible, the stage of growth to gather it and how to prepare it. “Some plants have parts that are both edible and poisonous. Others can be toxic raw, but perfectly edible cooked,” he says. Timing is everything, adds Meredith. “A wild ingredient can be fantastic in one week, and incredibly bitter a week later, so it’s important to know when its prime season is.” Kallas recommends staying away from highly trafficked roadsides and polluted areas. Given that many lawns and public areas are sprayed with herbicides, Sam Thayer, author of The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants, recommends not foraging in an area if it’s uncertain whether chemicals have been applied. Environmental awareness includes understanding how foraging may positively or negatively affect the ecosystem, says Meredith. “Overharvesting can endanger future populations. But there is a ‘win-win’ way to forage, where I get fantastic food and the landscape is better for my having foraged, by clearing invasive plants around natives or planting seeds while collecting a local plant gone to seed.” Thayer, of Bruce, Wisconsin, suggests collecting where species are abundant and thriving: “Fruit, for example, can be harvested limitlessly, as can wild invasives that disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and crowd out native species.”
Meal Preparation Vinegars, jams and cordials from wild fruits and flowers can be wonderful, but require some patience for the payoff, yet many wild edibles can be eaten raw or lightly sautéed, requiring very little prep work. Thayer recommends sautéing wild greens with just a little soy sauce, vinegar and garlic. Foraging builds confidence, powers of observation and connections to the natural world. The biggest benefit, says Thayer, may just be the fun of it. “You can experience food and flavors you cannot have any other way. A lot of these foods you cannot buy anywhere, and really, it’s better food than you can buy.” Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
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conscious eating
Three Strategies for Healthier Kids By Kate Lyzenga-Dean
T
oday’s parents are bombarded with “shoulds” from friends, family members and the media regarding how not to mess up their kids. It can be overwhelming, especially for those who are already short on time and energy. Information overload leads to anxiety, comparison, feelings of guilt and defensiveness, but it doesn’t lead to healthier kids. There are three simple steps any parent can take to improve the health and happiness of a child. Start them all, or take one at a time, to begin a journey of greater wellness for the entire family.
Eat the Rainbow Most children are deficient in micronutrients; the vitamins and minerals that come from colorful fruits and vegetables. Some children struggle to eat fiber-filled, whole foods, but that means they may miss out on nutrient-packed foods such as dark purple blackberries, deep green spinach or the bright red sweet peppers. Skipping these foods may increase risk of infection, decrease sleep quality, predispose kids to headaches and muscle pain or even stunt growth. Start adding more color by making simple substitutions. Choose blueber-
ries instead of applesauce, sweet potato instead of white potato and green lettuce wraps instead of bread. Children’s food preferences change rapidly; which is an advantage that makes it easy to encourage tasty, colorful food.
Include Healthy Fats Healthy fats are often overlooked in a child’s diet, but they are critical for growth and development of the brain. Fish, nuts, olives, coconut milk and anti-inflammatory oils aren’t common “kid foods,” but the fats in these foods are the building blocks of the brain. The types of fats that children eat directly affects their ability to learn, anxiety and mood swings, attention, behavior and sleep patterns. Sneaking these fats in is as easy as tossing some avocado into a morning smoothie or swapping sugar-packed peanut butter for a natural almond butter. If a child can’t be convinced to try sushi or salmon, consider a daily, high-quality fish oil supplement.
Decrease Sugar Intake The recommended daily allowance for added sugar is 25 grams or less. Most kids
consume at least three times that amount. It adds up fast. One tablespoon of ketchup has about 5 grams of added sugar. One-half cup of ice cream (a tiny serving) has about 20 grams and one serving of flavored Greek yogurt has 12 grams of sugar. At an age when food preferences are being formed, high sugar intake can affect a child’s ability to choose healthy foods for life. Added sugar contributes to childhood obesity, hyperactivity and digestive dysfunction. Even a diet heavy in natural sugars can be a problem. A medium-sized banana has 14 grams of sugar, as does one tablespoon of maple syrup. Sugar can be lurking in what looks like a healthful diet. Simple swaps include subbing an apple with almond butter for that banana or scrambled eggs instead of yogurt for breakfast. Some parents find it helpful to track sugar intake for a week or so, and then reduce it incrementally instead of going “cold turkey.” Small steps toward reducing daily sugar intake is more manageable. Three steps for raising healthier kids— helping them feel better, in addition to learning, growing and behaving better, too! Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean is an associate at DBC Natural Holistic Health Center located at 2851 Michigan St NE #101, Grand Rapids 616- 940-7027. An expert in natural, holistic medicine, Dr. Kate focuses on finding the root cause of health concerns, utilizing lifestyle and nutrition to help her patients heal. She also hosts WellnessVisitsBlog.com.
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25
LOVING OURSELVES MADLY Practice Intentional Self-Love
I
by Scott Stabile
t’s not enough to wish for more self-love. We must be intentional about creating it and commit to loving ourselves by practicing these habits every day.
Don’t believe our thoughts. Our minds lie to us all the time, especially where our self-worth is concerned. The moment we become aware we are mentally abusing ourselves, we can refuse to believe these thoughts. The fact is, we are worthy and enough exactly as we are. Any thoughts that contradict this truth are lies. We must not go to war with our mind, but should definitely get in the habit of challenging our mind’s lies and not believing them when they run amok.
Replace self-abuse with self-love. Not believing our crueler thoughts is step one. Replacing them with kinder, more compassionate and loving thoughts is step two. When our minds call us ugly, we must sink into
our hearts and remind ourselves that we are beautiful, as we are. When our minds insist we’re weak, we must declare our strength. Every single thought and word that speaks to our worth is a powerful and sustaining reflection of self-love. Substitute self-abuse with love as often as possible and then watch our lives change in powerful ways.
Set boundaries and enforce them. To love ourselves, we have to set clear boundaries with the people in our lives. State what works and what doesn’t work. If we don’t clearly speak our boundaries, people will trample them, and we’ll only have ourselves to blame. Boundaries show respect for all involved. A lack of boundaries will almost certainly lead to resentment.
Make time for happy places. We all have places that tend to bring us peace and/or joy: a walk among the trees, curled up with a good book, coffee with a close friend. Make time for these experiences. Every second we spend giving energy to the people, places and things that bring us joy is a second of dedicated self-love. It matters. Just as important, pay attention to the people, places and things that are depleting, that feel unhealthy and toxic, and give less energy to them. Knowing what to eliminate can be as impactful as knowing what to add. How we love ourselves is our responsibility. The greater commitment we make to self-love, the greater chance we create of living a more peaceful, joyful and meaningful life. Scott Stabile is the author of Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. Learn more at ScottStabile.com.
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27
Build Stress Resistance
Take a Cerebral Spin Cycling for a Healthier Brain by Marlaina Donato
Shorter Sessions, Better Results
H
opping on a bicycle on a beautiful day or taking a spin class at the gym offers proven cardiovascular benefits like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Now, growing research shows that it also packs a powerful punch for brain health. Aerobic exercise has been found to have the greatest impact on cognitive ability, and low-impact cycling leads the way. David Conant-Norville, M.D., a Portland, Oregon psychiatrist, recommends cycling to help children challenged by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Depression and Memory
“Cycling brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells,” says Carmen Ferreira, owner of SunShine Barre Studio, in Rocky Point, New York. “When we ride our bikes, our brains also increase their production of proteins used for creating new brain cells.” Cycling has been shown to significantly boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, as well as brainderived neurotrophic factor—BDNF—a protein that increases during aerobic exercise. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to obesity, excessive appetite, clinical depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. 28
West Michigan Edition
In general, living a sedentary life sets up a hair-trigger stress response in the body, while forms of exercise like cycling help to regulate excessive levels of age-accelerating stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Kinsella says, “Exercise like cycling makes us channel that part of the ancient brain that helped our ancestors run from a tiger, and when we engage the brain to run, chase or survive, the aging process slows down.” Cycling can also be beneficial for people with fibromyalgia. Ferreira notes, “I have a few students with fibromyalgia who have reported having more energy, as well as better mood.”
According to a 2016 study by the New York University Langone Medical Center published in the journal eLife, higher levels of BDNF help decrease symptoms of depression while improving memory function. BDNF helps maintain brain health and stimulates the growth of new neurons. Pedaling regularly can fire up brain cell production by at least twofold; cycling only 20 to 30 minutes a day can decrease symptoms of depression—and might even prevent it.
Cycle for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
“For years, we’ve been touting the benefits of mental exercises for Alzheimer’s disease, but physical exercise is also highly beneficial. There is not one neurological disease that cannot benefit from aerobic exercise, from Parkinson’s disease to Lou Gehrig’s disease,” says Laurence Kinsella, M.D., a neurologist at the SSM Health Medical Group, in Fenton, Missouri. According to 2017 Canadian studies involving Parkinson’s patients, cycling improved motor function during a 12-week period. The results, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, also show a marked improvement in gait. Promising 2018 research published
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While cycling can be a memory booster, it can also temporarily impair cognitive function if sessions are too intense or long. Kinsella recommends that his students work up to 75 percent of maximum heart rate. He also emphasizes common sense. “Strive for a reasonable pace, and by that, I mean ramping up your heart rate gradually over three weeks. Go slowly with beginning any vigorous exercise and accept that it will take months.” For Alzheimer’s patients, he recommends breaking a sweat with five, 30-minute sessions a week. Ferreira also advises moderation. “Do as much as your body allows—15, 20 or 45 minutes, the latter being the duration of a fulllength class. Have clear communication with the instructor to help you reach your goals.” Whether objectives are accomplished on an outdoor or stationary bike, it is important to be consistent. Kinsella suggests making it enjoyable. “You can get on your bike and watch your favorite television show for 30 minutes or more and get a good workout.” Marlaina Donato is the author of Multidimensional Aromatherapy and several other books. She is also a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals cycling and other forms of aerobic exercise to be the most effective activity in slowing Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline.
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healthy kids
If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.
Feeding Healthy Habits A 10-Step Guide for Helping Children Thrive by Melinda Hemmelgarn
I
t’s not easy raising children in today’s media-saturated landscape. From TV and video games to internet and mobile devices, our kids are exposed to a steady stream of persuasive marketing messages promoting low-nutrient junk foods. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association warn that media’s pervasive influence over children’s food preferences increase their risk for poor nutrition, obesity and chronic diseases later in life. Protecting children against marketing forces may seem like an uphill battle, but these strategies can help provide a solid foundation for good health.
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30
West Michigan Edition
1
Teach children to be media savvy. Andrea Curtis, Toronto-
based author of Eat This! How Fast-Food Marketing Gets You to Buy Junk (and how to fight back), says, “Kids don’t want to be duped.” By showing children how the food industry tricks them into buying foods that harm their bodies and the Earth, we can turn kids into food detectives that reject processed foods and sugary drinks.
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2
Feed children’s curiosity about where food comes from. Take
children to farmers’ markets and U-pick farms; organic growers reduce exposure to harmful pesticide residues. Kids that might turn up their noses at supermarket spinach tend to eat it in bunches when they’ve helped grow, harvest and prepare it. That’s the story behind Sylvia’s Spinach, a children’s book by Seattle-based author Katherine Pryor.
3
Introduce children to the rewards of gardening. Connie
Liakos, a registered dietitian based in Portland, Oregon, and the author of How to Teach Nutrition to Kids, recommends introducing children to the magic of planting seeds and the joy of caring for a garden—even if it’s simply a pot of herbs on a sunny windowsill or a small plot in a community garden.
4
Teach children how to cook.
Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian based in Bend, Oregon, says learning how to cook frees us from being “hostage to the food industry.” She believes cooking is such an essential life skill that we should be
Keep emotion out of eating, and allow children control over how much they eat. ~Connie Liakos teaching it along with reading, writing and arithmetic in kindergarten. When we cook, we’re in control of the ingredients’ quality and flavor. Plus, cooking together creates parent-child bonding. Invite children to help plan and prepare family meals and school lunches. (Remember to slip a note inside a child’s lunch box with a few words of love and encouragement.)
5
Visit the library. From simple children’s stories about
food adventures to basic cookbooks, libraries open up a world of inspiration and culinary exploration. Find stories about seasonal foods to prepare with a child.
6
Prioritize family meals. Children that eat with their
families are better nourished, achieve greater academic success and are less likely to participate in risky behaviors. Family meals provide time to share values, teach manners and enjoy caring conversations. To foster peace and harmony at the table, Liakos advises families to “keep emotion out of eating, and allow children control over how much they eat.” Establish rules banning criticism, arguing and screens (TV, phones) during mealtime.
7
Reject dieting. Weighing, shaming and putting chil-
dren on restrictive diets is a recipe for developing eating disorders. Instead of stigmatizing children by calling them
“obese”, Liakos emphasizes creating healthy eating and activity habits for the entire family. Children may overeat for many reasons, including stress or boredom. Pay attention to sudden weight gain, which could be an indication that something is wrong, she says.
8
Find or create a “tribe” of like-minded parents.
Set up play groups with parents that share similar values. Advocate together for improved school food policies, establish a school garden or plan group field trips.
9
Spend more time in nature. The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends one hour of daily physical activity. Locate parks and hiking or biking trails to strengthen children’s innate love for their natural world. According to research at the University of Illinois, spending time in nature also helps reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
10
Protect children’s sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against TVs, computers and smartphones in children’s bedrooms. Children, depending on their age, need eight to12 hours of undisturbed sleep each night to support physical and mental health, and help prevent obesity. Remember that our children are hungriest for parental time, love and support. Melinda Hemmelgarn, the “Food Sleuth,” is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer, speaker and syndicated radio host based in Columbia, Missouri. Contact her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.
Resources to Help Children Thrive Oksana Klymenko/Shutterstock.com
Center on Media and Child Health: cmch.tv/clinicians/eatingexercise-tips. Common Sense Media: CommonSenseMedia.org. Eat This! How Fast-Food Marketing Gets You to Buy Junk (and how to fight back), by Andrea Curtis: AndreaCurtis.ca. Prevention Institute: Tinyurl.com/StopJunkFoodMarketing.
Nutrition
How to Teach Nutrition to Kids, Connie Liakos: NutritionForKids.com. I’m Like, So Fat!: Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World, by Dianne Neumark-Sztainer.
Gardening Activities
KidsGardening.org/garden-activities.
Media Literacy
American Academy of Pediatrics: A Healthy Family Media Use Plan: HealthyChildren.org/mediauseplan. Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood: Screen-free Activism: CommercialFreeChildhood.org.
Storybooks About Gardening, Cooking, Farms and Food
Review of farm-to-school children’s literature: Growing-Minds. org/childrens-literature. Sylvia’s Spinach: KatherinePryor.com.
Nature Play
Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life, by Richard Louv: RichardLouv.com/books/vitamin-n. August 2019
31
Integrative medicine is about broadening our medical options, blending both conventional medical and holistic approaches. It focuses on client education and participation in the healing process of their pet.
VET CHECK Treating the
~Danielle Becton, DVM
Whole Pet by Julie Peterson
A
bout 10 years ago, Kim Krouth’s dog, Buckeye, was suffering from severe allergy symptoms. The mixed-breed shepherd was licking and biting her paws until her toe pads were bleeding. “Our conventional vet prescribed steroids,” recalls Krouth. “It helped some, but also agitated Buckeye. When I found out that other side effects could include serious health problems, I didn’t want to put her at risk.” The Madison, Wisconsin, animal lover headed to a holistic pet supply store to ask about alternative treatments for the dog’s allergies. She learned about herbal remedies, and was advised to take Buckeye to a holistic veterinarian. “Treating her holistically seemed like a better option than the side effects of treatment with drugs,” she says. The holistic veterinarian recommended acupuncture. It helped, but the dog later became sensitive to the needles. At that point, she was given homeopathic plant-based treatments that worked well with no side effects. Buckeye, now 15, has also received laser light therapy and spinal manipulation to help with mobility in her senior years.
The Holistic Difference
Holistic veterinarians have been treating dogs, cats, chickens, livestock and exotic animals across the nation for some time, but many people aren’t entirely clear about how their approach—and their training— differs from a conventional vet. Both enter the profession after earning a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree. 32
West Michigan Edition
Holistic practitioners can then choose to train in a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, herbs and physical rehabilitation, plus trigger point, megavitamin and stem cell therapies. “Any method that is sufficiently different from conventional medicine requires extra training ... over a period of weeks, months or years,” says Nancy Scanlan, DVM, the executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation, in Mount Shasta, California. Veterinarians, holistic or not, typically do the same initial examination of an animal, she says. From there, a holistic vet may look at additional areas or assess things in a slightly different way. “For example, someone trained in veterinary osteopathy or veterinary chiropractic would explore the range of motion of joints or the spine.” In treatment, holistic DVMs use an integrative approach. The goal is to look at the animal as a whole and treat the underlying condition, rather than treating the symptoms. “Integrative medicine is about broadening our medical options, blending both conventional medical and holistic approaches. It focuses on client education and participation in the healing process of their pet,” says Danielle Becton, DVM, of Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.
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Holistic veterinarians may also choose to use fewer conventional drugs and limited vaccinations. “Vaccine titers can be used to determine if a patient has adequate antibodies to a disease to create immunity,” says Becton. “If a pet is already immune, they may not need another vaccine booster that year.” Becton and Scanlan agree that alternative treatments such as acupuncture, laser therapy or massage can be used in lieu of drugs for pain management. However, Scanlan does note that in an acute or emergency situation, many natural methods do not work fast enough, “and that is when holistic veterinarians are more likely to use drugs.”
Choosing a Holistic Veterinarian
Pet owners seek out holistic veterinarians for different reasons. In Krouth’s case, it was the unacceptable side effects to drugs that led her to explore other options. Becton points out that she gets clients looking for a more natural approach for their pets after they personally have had success with human integrative medicine. However, it’s important that pets are treated by professionals that are trained to treat animals. People with holistic training for humans may not understand animal anatomy or physiology. Ultimately, choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision, and seeing a beloved pet thrive is the best confirmation that it was the right one. “We are so glad that we still have Buckeye at this golden age, and believe it’s due to holistic care that she has lived a comfortable, long life,” says Krouth. Julie Peterson lives in rural Wisconsin with her husband, dogs and chickens. She has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JPtrsn22@att.net.
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natural pet
calendar of events ALL MONTH LONG
Tackling Summer Slide – Between the Covers Bookshop has announced their Summer Reading Bingo program to take place through August 31. Participants register at the bookshop and receive a bingo card for their category. Throughout the summer the cards that are returned with a bingo will earn participants an entry into a prize drawing for their category, as well as a coupon for a free book up to a $3 value for each bingo entered. There is no limit to the number of entries a participant may acquire through the course of the program and no cost to register. Contact btc.second.story@gmail.com visit BTCBookshop.com for info and registration. Lakeshore Wellness Practitioners – Looking to connect, collaborate and develop relationships with other holistic health providers? This includes anyone who specializes wellness, natural healing or integrative approaches. Meetings will be held monthly. Holland. Info: Amanda@StillGrooving.com. Meetup. com/Wellness-Practioners-on-the-Lakeshore. BVI School of Ayurveda Accepting Applications: Ayurvedic Consultant Certificate Program. Webinar and On-Site Courses, one weekend a month. State Licensed. NAMA Member. The Sambodh Society, Inc. 6363 N. 24th St., Kalamazoo. Info and Catalog: AyurvedaMichigan.org or 269-381-4946.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
GR Reads Pop Up Market – 3-8pm. Inspired by Ayoola’s fashion sense in the GR Reads’ selection My Sister, the Serial Killer, the library is hosting a pop-up market. Come shop and support small local businesses that offer clothing, organic bath and beauty products, delicious food, and more. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids. Full list of vendors at grpl.org/grreads.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Reiki Yoga Workshop – 9am. Receive a brief discussion of what reiki is and its connection to yoga, 35 min vinyasa flow followed by 40 min yin yoga all infused with reiki energy either distance or hands on receiving. Tickets are available. Space is limited. Contact Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com for more information. $35. Class will be held inside Simio Health and Wellness, 730 Chicago Drive, Holland.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5
Reiki Share – 10am-Noon & 6-8pm. Come check out what reiki is all about, and have a mini session done. Open to those that know reiki and those that don’t. $10 donations welcome. Register in advance, call ahead day of to find out if there is space for walk-ins. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org. Greek Cooking – 7pm. Aug 5 & 7. Join Esther Koukios, owner of Greek to Go, to learn to make tourlou. Tourlou is a vegetable medley that can showcase the bright flavors of your garden with a Grecian touch. You will also learn to make tzatziki, a tasty cucumber yogurt dip that goes far beyond a gyro sandwich. You’ll end on a sweet note with an authentic taste of baklava. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Get to Know Your Gut: Natural Health 101 – 10-11am or 6-7pm. The health of our gut can affect
almost every aspect of our bodies such as immunity, respiratory function, glandular health, neurological health, our cardiovascular system and so much more. Join us in this class to learn the profound effect the gut has on our physical, mental and emotional health and what herbs and supplements may greatly benefit the healing process. Class fee of $10. Register in advance, call ahead day of to find out if there is space for walk-ins. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-4434225. TheRemedyHouse.org.
Kombucha 101 – 7pm. Kon-bu-cha: A fizzy, fermented tea that is rich in probiotics. Geoff Lamden, co-creator of Sacred Spirits, will present the history of kombucha, the possible health benefits, and how to brew kombucha. The first ten people to sign in at the program will receive a complimentary kombucha culture. The culture is not required to participate in the program, but it can be purchased at the event. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids.
Wellness for Educators: Caring for Yourself FIRST – 4-8pm. Reconnect your mind and body with gentle yoga. Explore mindfulness and belief systems. Learn techniques to cope with the job pressures educators face and its potential impact on students with Lisa Cobb, LMSW. Cooking demonstration and bring your own wine to pair with healthy finger food. Enter to win a PrivaMD Wellness Service or a HotLogic® Mini. Space is limited, call 616-213-0253 or PrivaMD.org to RSVP. $55/person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven.
Access Bars® Certified Practitioner Class – 10am-5:30pm. Access Bars® is a gentle hands-on technique that quiets the mind and allows for the energetic imprinting of what is no longer serving to you dissipate. Class includes: Access Bars® Manual (most recently updated), head charts, facilitation, clearings, certification and more. After one Access Bars® class you will be considered an Access Bars® Certified Practitioner and attend Access Bars® Trades. First time Class fee $350, repeat class $175. Simio, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. For more info contact Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or 616-510-6525 or go to LFEnergetics.com.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Wake up with the Forest – 8am. Called Shinrinyoku or “forest bathing” in Japan, this practice is a guided walk in the forest where you can experience deep peace and calm, increased levels of health and healing and a vibrant overall well-being. The Forest is the therapist, a guide will open the door. Forest Therapy is sweeping the planet. Come experience the benefits for yourself. $25. Contact Scott@ LFEnergetics.com for more info. Face Yoga, Skin Care & Shopping – 9-10am. Introduction to techniques and benefits of Face Yoga + tips for treating your skin with natural products to look and feel your very best. $15. Moondrop Herbals, 351 Cummings, NW, Grand Rapids. Preregister at RebloomAndGlow.com/book-online or call 616-735-1285.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
What is Life Teaching Me Now? – 10-11am. Learn practical ways to see and connect with divine love daily. Monthly ECK Light and Sound Service. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. 269-370-7170. hu4heart@ gmail.com. ECK-MI.org.
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
Imagine BEing You: Teen Mindful Mini Retreat – Noon-3pm. An afternoon of yoga, healthy snacks, smoothies and an open discussion about the challenges you experience in school, extracurricular activities and relationships. Learn skills to let go of self-criticism and judgement, manage stress and how to keep calm and clear-minded before responding. Let Lisa Cobb, LMSW teach you how to live your best life, have fun and feel free to BE you. Enter to win an Ionic Foot Detox or a month of Yoga for you and a friend. Space is limited, call 616-213-0253 or PrivaMD.org to RSVP. $55/ person. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven. Summer Series on Disabilities: What is a Disability? – 6:30pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and learn about disabilities so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding. Topic will include: What is a disability? How do you qualify for disability payments? How can we all create a more accessible environment for all? Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
Tuesdays with the Trees – 6pm. Experience the nature immersed mindfulness practice that has gone global. Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. $20. For tickets & to RSVP contact Scott@LFEnergetics.com or LFEnergetics.com. Healthy Lunch Packing with Renee Kohley – 6:30-7:30pm. Healthy Lunch Packing with Renee Kohley. Let Renee Kohley show you how to feed hungry mouths faster, easier, cheaper and more nutritiously. Learn how to pack healthy, affordable, stress-free lunches for your entire family. Plus, find out how to make delicious hot lunches on the go with the HotLogic® Mini. Space is limited, reserve your spot today at 616-213-0253. $20/person. Free for PrivaMD members. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven. Zentangle®: Tangled Camellias – 6:30-8:30pm. The beautiful petals of the Camellia flower make wonderful strings to fill with tangles in this nature based Zentangle class. Learn how to layer watercolors and clear glaze Gelly Roll to add texture and a new depth to your work of art. $25. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids. To register or for info DominicanCenter. com/events/. Summer Foraging in the Midwest – 7pm. Join herbalist, forager, and author Lisa Rose on a wild journey to learn about local plants that can be used for food and herbal medicine. Come away with tips on how to locate the wild edibles of summer and learn the safe harvesting rules of urban foraging. Proper identification, harvesting ethics, traditional uses and recipes will be discussed. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Full Moon Women’s Circle – 6-8pm. Megan Lendman will guide a circle of women through meditation, story, and song. This is a space for sister support and expression. All women are welcome with a limited capacity of 12. $10 donations welcome. Must RSVP by Aug 14. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Access Facelift® Certified Practitioner Class – 10am-5:30pm. The Access Facelift™ is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and reverse the appearance of aging on the face and creates similar effects throughout the body. Working with the energy that you and your body have access to though gentle soothing touch to your face and neck, the Access Facelift™ works with your body’s cells to restore, enliven and rejuvenate. After one Access Facelift® class you will be considered an Access Facelift® Certified Practitioner and attend Access Facelift® Trades. Class included manual, facelift charts, facilitation, clearings, certification and more. Simio, 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. For more info contact Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or 616-510-6525 or go to LFEnergetics.com.
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Momentum Center Tours – 4-6pm. Stop by the Momentum Center for a tour to see what great programs we have to offer. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Contact 616414-9111 for any questions. Summer Series on Disabilities: Autism Spectrum – 6:30pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and learn about disabilities so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding. Topic will include: Working with kids and families effected by autism. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
Blend Essential Oils into Your Life: Natural Health 101 – 10-11am or 6-7pm. Do you know the basics of essential oils and want to dive in a little deeper? In this class we will touch on some of the basics then expand to learn more extensively the properties and benefits of different oils. We will also discuss how oils can be valuable for emotional release as well as how they can work physically in the body in a Raindrop Therapy Session. Class fee of $10. Register in advance, call ahead day of to find out if there is space for walk-ins. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org. Creative Transformations: Visual Journaling – 6:30-8:30pm. We communicate through verbal and auditory ways, yet many also communicate visually, so why not process visually too? In this workshop, make and use a visual journal to support processing through life’s daily journey and gain stronger awareness of your relationship with yourself and others. $35. 2025 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids. To register or for info DominicanCenter.com/events/.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 7-8pm. Experience chanting HU, a sacred sound which draws you closer to God. For all beliefs. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. 269-370-7170. hu4heart@gmail.com. ECK-MI.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Reiki I & II Certification Class – 9am-5pm. Introduction to reiki, become attuned to the universal energy, learn how to give treatment to self and others and meet your reiki guide. Class fee is $350. The fee includes a $50 deposit due at registration. Must register by Aug 17. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org.
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Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki I & II Level Class – 9am. Aug 24 & 25. Reiki Master Teacher, John Scott Campbell brings you Holy Fire® III 1 & 2 Practitioner Certification Class. Scott practices the embodiment of reiki walking bringing years of experience & the confidence to know yourself. $350. 730 Chicago Dr, Holland. Contact Scott@LFEnergetics.com for more info or visit LFEnergetics.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
Advanced Reiki Certification Class – 9am-5pm. Enhance energy work to a new level. Learn how to perform psychic surgery, and how to set up and utilize a crystal grid with energy work. Class fee is $400. The fee includes a $50 deposit due at registration. Must register by August 17. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
Summer Series on Disabilities: Dementia and Disabilities 101 – 6:30pm. Everyone is encouraged to come and learn about disabilities so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding. Earn one Social Work CE. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Wake up with the Forest – 8am. Called Shinrinyoku or “forest bathing” in Japan, this practice is a guided walk in the forest where you can experience deep peace and calm, increased levels of health and healing and a vibrant overall well-being. The Forest is the therapist, a guide will open the door. Forest Therapy is sweeping the planet. Come experience the benefits for yourself. $25. Contact Scott@ LFEnergetics.com for more info.
calendar events Must be submitted online each month at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Events priced $80 or more require a corresponding display ad. There is a $40 charge per listing, up to 50 words. Current advertisers, distribution sites or nonprofits, use this listing in place of your two free listings.
mark your calendar September 9
Rainbow Therapy Weekly Class Series for Adults – 6-8pm – This 9-week class is designed to give proactive support to those who are struggling with day-to-day pressures of anxiety and depression and those that desire to generally work their emotions through a holistic approach. We will tap into the seven main energy centers of the body, known as the Chakras, teaching ways of understanding, coping, and developing emotions throughout troubled times. The class is $349 & includes all materials needed. Must register by August 30. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225.TheRemedyHouse.org.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
mark your calendar September 10 & 24
PrivaMD Functional Medicine STEMS Program – 6:30-7:30pm. Join Dee Kohley, RPh + health coach to achieve optimal health. Learn how functional medicine and its protocols can help you sleep, think, eat, move and supplement your way to live your absolute best life. Curriculum materials included, $20/person. Free for PrivaMD members. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven.
mark your calendar September 22
Grand Rapids VegFest – 10am-4pm. Learn about the benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle through delicious food, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations and many local vendors and organizations, plus children’s activities. $12. DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids. GRVegFest.com.
mark your calendar September 25
Rise Up to Drawdown: A Conference on Climate Change Solutions – 8:305pm. Featuring World Renown Keynote Speaker Paul Hawken. Join us for local solutions and opportunities for engagement on the important subject of climate change. DrawDownMichigan.org. DeVos Place, 146 Monroe Center NW, Ste 500, Grand Rapids. 616-691-1243.
mark your calendar September 27-29
M y c e l i u m M y s t e r i e s : A Wo m e n ’s Mushroom Retreat – Sept 27-29. Retreat will focus on understanding fungi as the grandmothers of our ecosystems, with workshops at beginner through advanced levels. Keynote speakers: Katherine MacLean, PhD, Mama Mushroom: Navigating Birth, Caregiving & Death with Psilocybin Mushrooms; Gina Rivers Contla, Guardians of the Ecosystem: Can Mushrooms speak to trees and save the bees? Workshops presented by Cornelia Cho, MD, Sarah Foltz Jordan, Linda Conroy, Linda Grigg, Sonia Horowitz and more. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI. For more info & registration: MidwestWomensHerbal.com/mushrooms.
on going events
Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: ExtendedGrace.org.
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NAcalendar@NaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NaturalWestMichigan.com/submit-calendar-events/ to submit online.
Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability. With an emphasis on breath, alignment, and moving at one’s own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice and easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers. This class it taught by Kathy Julien. $10 per session. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register: dominicancenter.com, 616-514-3325.
SUNDAY Narcotics Anonymous: Just for Today – 9-10am. Free. Momentum Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Call Jessica for more info: 616-632-4775. Student Hot Yoga Night – 7:30-8:45pm. Come for a traditional HOT yoga class, discounted for students! Sign up in advance or just drop-in. Open to non-students as well, but additional pricing options apply. $5 with student ID. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. Meditation-Self Realization Fellowship – 1011am. Every Sunday we gather to meditate, chant, & explore the wisdom of the Hindu/Yoga tradition as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Free will offering. Marywood Center 2025 Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: Fred Stella 616-451-8041, GrandRapids.srf@ gmail.com, GRSRF.org Sunday Worship and Youth Services – 10:30am. A warm and inviting New Thought Spiritual Community, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those seeking spiritual truth. Unity of Grand Rapids, 1711 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Info: UnityGRoffice@gmail.com or 616-453-9909. Celebration Services – 10:30am. Join us each Sunday for our Sunday Celebration Service. Unity is a positive, peaceful path for spiritual living. We offer spiritual teachings and programs that empower a life of meaning, purpose, and abundance in all good things. We seek to discover the “universal” spiritual truths that apply to all religions. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: office@Unitycsg.org or 616-682-7812. Spirit Space Sunday Worship – 10:30am. An interfaith, non-denominational gathering place for worship and spiritual enrichment. Join for inspiring messages called Reasoning’s. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org Sunday Series – 6pm. Explore spirituality, universal truths, self-mastery and balanced, positive, loving and joyful living with The Coptic Center and their ongoing offering of enlightening ministers, teachers and guest presenters. Love offering. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr, Grand Rapids. Info: TheCopticCenter.org
MONDAY Restorative Yoga – 6:45-8pm. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come learn gentle yet powerful poses for the body, mind and spirit. Through these postures one will be seeking and finding balance. This balance will recharge, refresh and rejuvenate. Restorative Yoga is an antidote to stress. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MiBodhiTree.com, 616-392-7580.
Qigong and TaiChi Easy Class – 10:15-11:15am. Qigong and Tai Chi Easy™ are moving meditations which use slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to strengthen the mind-body connection, reduce stress and improve circulation thereby enhancing overall health. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MIbodhitree.com, 616-392-7580. Support Group: for Loss of Loved One Due to Addiction – 6-7:30pm. First Monday of every month. This support group is for those who have lost a loved one due to addiction, including, but not limited to death due to drug overdose, addictionrelated disease, and suicide. Free. The Momentum Center Annex, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: ExtendedGrace.org, 616-632-4775. Restorative Yoga – 6:15-7:30pm. This class offers participants time for themselves to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment. Props support restorative poses, giving the body and mind time to fully sink into relaxation. $10 cash drop in, $12 with card. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. 3rd Monday Support Group – 7-8:30pm. This support group is available for parents, guardians and caregivers of teenagers and pre-teens facilitated by Nicki Kubec, LMSW. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111. A practice of A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Learn miracle-mindedness. Got joy? This is how to have it. Hint: You already do. All are welcome. Free. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-458-5095.
TUESDAY 3 Principles of the Path to Enlightenment – 7-8:30pm. Based on a text by 14th century master and founder of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism, Je Tsong Khapa, this course explores the spiritual determination to be free, unlimited compassion and the nature of reality. Free. 1758 10th St N, Kalamazoo. WestMI@JewelHeart.org. Trauma Informed Yoga – 6-7pm. Through August 27. Discover the power of GRIT (Grounding, Restoration, Identity and Transformation) the empowering and foundational 6-week system for healing through trauma-sensitive yoga. This model invites you to explore the relationship with yourself through grounding, restoration, identity formation, and transformation as we change the narrative of our lives. $10/session. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register/Info: DominicanCenter.com. Peer Support Group: for Parents of Children with Disabilities – 7-8:30pm. Third Tuesday of every month. Led by Laura Marcus-Nolan, these meeting are an opportunity to share stories and discover resources with other parents of children with developmental disabilities. Free. Momentum
Nourishing the Lakeshore – 7pm. Meetings the second Tuesday of each month. Open to the Public! Formed to provide education on the health enriching benefits of traditional diets, to increase access to clean, nutrient dense foods, and to teach traditional preparation and storage methods. Nourishing the Lakeshore of West Michigan is a chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation serving Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. The main purpose is to act as a resource for local, clean, nutrient dense food. We also provide informational meetings on health related topics, often those which are politically incorrect. Nourishing the Lakeshore respects that everyone is at a different point on the path to better eating. Our goal is to educate and enrich the wellness of our community. Location: The Century Club on Western Ave, Muskegon. Info: Meetup.com/Nourishing-the-Lakeshore-of-WestMichigan-Weston-A-Price A Course in Miracles – 9:30-11am. A complete self-study spiritual thought system. It teaches that the way to universal peace is by undoing guilt through forgiving others. The Course focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy. It expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Unitycsg.org. 616-682-7812. $20 off BioMeridian Assessments – Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Grand Rapids. 616365-9176. IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com.
WEDNESDAY Chakra Based Power Vinyasa – 10-11am. Begins Aug 21. Practice finding your own, unique balance between effort, ease, steadiness and grace in this unique breath to movement yoga class. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras located in your body. This is a small class of only seven students max which will create an intimate environment for you to focus on your needs and which will allow you to receive more personalized instruction for deeper growth. Individual class $18. 7 class package $99. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org. Chakra Based Slow Flow Vinyasa – 6:30-7:30pm. Begins Aug 21. Take some time to care for and connect with yourself by slowing down and moving your body through space in an intentional way. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras (energy centers/endocrine glands) located in your body. This is a small class of only seven students max which will create an intimate environment for you to focus on your needs and which will allow you to receive more personalized instruction for deeper growth. Individual class $18. 7 class package $99. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org.
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Chakra Based Mindfulness & Meditation – 8-9pm. Begins Aug 21. You will be guided through many different types of techniques which will allow you to discover the ones that work best for you in different situations. Each class will focus on one of the seven main Chakras (energy centers/endocrine glands) located in your body. By practicing being in control of your thoughts you will gain more control over your entire life and this will directly lead to a life filled with more peace and joy. Individual class $18. 7 class package $99. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225. TheRemedyHouse.org. Yoga at The Market – 9-10am. First Wednesday of each month. The Holland Farmers Market and Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio are excited to announce plans for Yoga at the Market. Join us on second floor of the Holland Civic Center for an hour-long yoga class before you head to the Market to do your shopping. Drop-in class for all ages and skill-levels. No advance sign-up is required. $10. (Ages 18 and under must have a parent/guardian present.) Please bring your own yoga mat or towel. We hope to see you there. Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St, Holland. MIBodhiTree.com. Spirit Song: Native American Ceremony of Healing (Medicine Wheel) – 7pm. First Wednesday of each month. Come honor our earth mother and all our relations with this ancient tradition. In this sacred space, we begin to remember that we are all part of a greater whole, and we begin to understand how our relationship with every other being on this earth truly matters. Bring your drums and rattles and join in the ceremony, or simply observe and enjoy. Free. People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St, Kalamazoo. Info: Call or Text Ann at 269-350-1320. Smart Recovery – 6-7:30pm. Recovery through Self-Empowerment: the purpose is to help participants gain independence from any addictive behavior. Individuals seeking recovery should be fully informed about the range of recovery options and free to choose among them. This program encourages participants to take responsibility for their own recovery. The meetings support their capacity to regulate their own behavior. Free. 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: ExtendedGrace.org. A Course in Miracles – 9:30-11am. A Course in Miracles begins. Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God. As its title implies, the course is arranged throughout as a teaching device. It consists of three books: Text, workbook for students, and manual for teachers. The order in which students choose to use the books, and the ways in which they study them, depend on their particular needs and preferences. Come for a study group. We have an open door policy, meaning guests can come anytime. Guests do not have to attend every week. Love offering. 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. Info: Office@unitycsg.org. The Law of Attraction Speaking Club – 6:308pm. Do you want to learn how to apply the law of attraction in your life and in your business? We are a group of like-minded individuals who support each other in our growth. Come to Toastmasters where we provide a supportive learning experience where individuals can become better communicators and leaders. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: lawofattractiontm@gmail. com or 616-717-3203.
end meditation time with live, native flute music. Join us for the full hour or any part of the time. Call 616-836-1555 for more info or visit our meditation page to learn more. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Info: Info@Spirit-Space.org.
THURSDAY Holy Ground Yoga & Fitness – 7-8pm. Create space in your heart and connect with the Lord by offering your body and strength through yoga and fitness. Kari Jo Shephard, Holy Yoga and Revelation Wellness Instructor will move your body, mind + spirit with postures and workouts that challenge, renew, refresh and enlighten you. Get fit, gain strength and build faith. $15 Non-members, $10 PrivaMD members. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven. Sacred Self-Care: Well-Being for Every Body – 6-7:15. Join Susan Duesbery to care for your whole self (body, mind, and spirit) by committing to selfcare as a sacred practice. This free, weekly class will have an inclusive spiritual focus that weaves together meditation, breath work, guided imagery, chair yoga, and deep relaxation. All are welcome. No yoga experience necessary. Class and parking are free. First Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place, NE, Grand Rapids. Info: visit online: SusanDuesbery.com Restorative Yoga – 7-8pm. Calm the mind and nourish the body with Restorative Yoga. Restorative poses are held on a mat and deeply supported with yoga props. The practice seeks to balance the physical, mental, and spiritual while also experiencing profound rest and relaxation. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info and register: DominicanCenter. com, 616-514-3325. Gentle Yoga – 5:30 - 6:30pm. This gentle class offers a peaceful session to gradually build strength and range of motion. With this quiet practice, experience how mindful movement and breath work can deliver much needed nurturing, rest, and clarity. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info and register: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325. Chair Yoga – 4-5pm. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice. With an emphasis on the breath, alignment, and moving at your own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice and easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325. Restorative Yoga – 12-1:15pm & 7:15- 8:30pm. All levels are welcome and encouraged to come learn gentle yet powerful poses for the body, mind and spirit. Through these postures one will be seeking and finding balance. This balance will recharge, refresh and rejuvenate. Restorative Yoga is an antidote to stress. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: MiBodhiTree.com, 616-392-7580.
Meditation – 6-7pm. Every Wednesday we meet in our meditation room from 6-7pm. We begin and
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NaturalWestMichigan.com
FRIDAY Dinner and Movie Night – 6-9pm. The last Friday of every month, we offer a free dinner & movie night for the whole community. Anyone can join us- we love making new friends. We’ll be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs to have dinner at 6pm. Feel free to bring a dish to pass, or just come as you are. Then at 7pm, we’ll be starting the movie. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. 3rd Friday Narcan Training and Distribution – 12-2pm. Red Project offers Free Narcan Training and Distribution for those interested. This event is held the Third Friday of every month from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Free. The Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-4149111 or Office@ExtendedGrace.org
SATURDAY Laughter Yoga – 9-10am. Are you someone who wants to bring more laughter and joy into your life? Laughter yoga is simple and profound and is a complete well-being workout. Join us every other Saturday as we workout through laughter. Class fee of $10. Register in advance. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. 616-4434225. TheRemedyHouse.org. Yoga in the Park – 8-9am. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio and the Holland Recreation Division have teamed up to offer our 5th annual outdoor yoga classes at beautiful Kollen Park. Bring your beach towel and your yoga mat and join us by the band shell for this fun, all levels outdoor class. A $5 cash donation will go towards the Sal Perez Youth Scholarship program Hot Yoga – 8-9:15am. Vinyasa style yoga in the Far Infrared-heated yoga room will provide participants with a focused heat that works with their body’s own energy to raise room temperature as they move through the practice. Open to all experience levels. $10 cash drop in, $12 with card. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com. 3rd Saturday Inpire Event – 10am-1pm. SeptMay. Everyone is invited to this collaborative community event. Brunch/lunch served. Registration not required. Extended Grace, Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: 616-502-2078 or online ExtendedGrace.org Sweetwater Local Foods Market – 9am-12pm. A double-up bucks and bridge card market. Mercy Health Lakes Campus, 6401 Harvey St. Located inside during inclement weather. Muskegon. SweetwaterLocalFoodsMarket.org
Natural Awakenings
Magazine of West Michigan
community resource guide
JUST GOODS GIFTS AND CAFE’
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE ALTERNATIVE CARE SOLUTION Raymond Wan 3790 28th St. SW, Ste. B, Grandville 616-419-6924 AltCareSolution@gmail.com
Raymond Wan is a Certified Medical Acupuncture Practitioner, Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Holistic Health Counselor. For more information, visit AltCareSolution.com. See ad page 22.
ANTI-AGING ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Age better and live younger longer. A breakthrough science, Redox Signaling molecules help cells communicate more effectively. Cells perform at peak levels which helps us age more slowly, internally and externally. Protect your cells; detect problems within your cells; rejuvenate cells. Look Better. Feel Better. Live Better. See ad page 27.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Looking for peak performance or improved recovery time? When everything else is equal, endurance and recovery are everything! Athletes using ASEA experience improved recovery time, less fatigue, less soreness after workouts, lower average heart rates and Ventilatory Threshold endurance gains averaging 12%. See ad page 27.
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CHIROPRACTIC CARE
DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 • DynamicChiro.com
Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.
LINDA SQUIRES, D.C., P.C.
3368 East Beltline Ct., Grand Rapids 800-987-1368 LindaSquiresDC@gmail.com LindaSquiresDC.com I am a non-force chiropractor who has practiced 30 years (25 years in the Boston area). I apply myofascial release and energy therapy techniques during treatment and empower patients with exercises to maintain their alignment. Located within Holistic Care Approach. See ad, page 27.
THE GLEASON CENTER
Dr. Dan Gleason DC & Dr. Dan Weessies, MS, DC 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake, MI TheGleasonCenter.com 616-638-6234 An alternative, holistic approach combining chiropractic and kinesiology as well as the latest in metabolic and hormone testing. Cold Laser Pain and Neuro treatments for: spectrum disorders, injuries, chronic pain, and pre/post surgical rehab. See ad, page 29.
COFFEE SHOP / FAIR TRADE GLOBAL INFUSION
143 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids 616-776-9720 WeLoveChai.com Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-5 An eclectic marketplace of fairly traded handcrafted gifts, decor, accessories and more. Offering coffee and chocolate, bulk loose leaf teas, herbs and provisions. Featuring an extensive tea and coffee bar. See ad page 17.
714 Columbus, Grand Haven 616-414-9111 justgoods@extendedgrace.org ExtendedGrace.org
Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’ is located within the Momentum Center for Social Engagement. Fair trade and social cause merchandise. Local baked goods and beverages. Open 9am to 6pm M-F and 10am to 2pm Sat. A creative space for community integration and the end of stigma. See ad, page 9.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY HARMONY ’N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT, LMT 1003 Maryland Ave, N.E., Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 • HarmonyNHealth.net Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach, colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad, page 27.
COUNSELING MARKETPLACE MINISTRY
2020 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids 616-949-4911 MarketplaceMinistry.org Christian Counseling since 1970. Licensed therapist. Negligible fees/ donation. Personal counseling, relationships, life coaching/ adjustment, health concerns, alternative health counseling for catastrophic illness including cancer. Specialties include PTSD incidents including bullying, addiction, alternative health counseling. Also writing skills workshops for personal development.
ENERGY HEALING TONYA NICHOLS, RPH
Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner 332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com Do you feel like you have no energy? Do you feel disconnected and out of balance? Let Tonya help you find your center again. Combining Emotional Clearing with Full Spectrum Healing, Tonya helps her clients to remove emotional, mental, and energetic blocks that are keeping her clients stuck and preventing them from reaching their full potential for a healthy, happy, and meaningful life. See ad page 6.
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ESSENTIAL OILS
HAKOMI THERAPY
MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC
Cottage of Natural Elements 351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids 616-735-1285 • MoondropHerbals.com Your local source for all things natural and botanical. Essential oils, bulk herbs, tea, hand-crafted bath & body products, raw ingredients, containers, local artwork, unique gifts. Practitioner discounts. Space rental and artisan consignment. See ad, page 22.
YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Marilyn York Independent Distributor # 489656 877-436-2299 myYL.com/naturalhealth4u
Essential Oils – Revered for thousands of years for their naturally-enhancing support of body, mind, and spirit. Become a Young Living Essential Oils Member/Customer, and/or an Independent Distributor. See ad, page 19.
FOREST THERAPY WILDHEART GUIDE SERVICES John Scott Campbell ANFT Certified FT Guide scott@lfenergetics.com WildheartGuide.com
FUNCTIONAL HEALTH SOLANA INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Sara Douglas, Holland and Grand Rapids 616-615-5123 SolanaIntegrative@gmail.com SolanaIntegrativeHealth.com
Functional Health, Wellness and Nutrition - Certified Health Coaching, Certified Cellular Therapy and BEMER rentals. Get the help you need to redirect your health and attain desired health, wellness and lifestyle goals.
West Michigan Edition
3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107, Grand Rapids 616-262-3848 BodyAndSoulGR.com
Hakomi Therapy can truly change your life. It’s a mindfulnessbased, experiential therapy for transforming the unconscious patterns that keep you from the love, joy, and fulfillment you deserve. Offered with exquisite care and attentiveness.
HEALING SERVICES THE REMEDY HOUSE
Jodi Jenks Natural Health Practitioner, Reiki Master 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, raindrop therapy, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad, page 29.
HEALTH FOOD STORES
Forest Therapy is a research-based framework for increased levels of health and wellness through guided immersion of the human senses into a reciprocal connection with the more-than-human world. See ad page 23.
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KEN PORTER CST, CHT
HEALTH HUTT
700 Washington Ave # 170, Grand Haven 3112 Henry St, Norton Shores (Café) 1519 E River Rd, Muskegon 356 W Western Ave, Century Club Muskegon TheHealthHutt.com Your local haven for everything healthy, organic, natural, allergen-free; grocery, supplements, bulk items, sports nutrition, beauty, home care, pet food. Full Deli in Norton Shores with juice, sandwiches, soup, vegan, GF and more. On Facebook. See ad page 7.
HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTER PRIVAMD | WELLNESS
16986 Robbins Rd., Suite 180 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616.312.2438 • wellness@privamd.org PrivaMD.org PrivaMD |Wellness: A relaxing affordable Functional Medicine practice where our patients become family. Our skilled practitioners work with you to create individualized plans which lead to optimal health. We help you with thyroid health, emotional wellbeing, autoimmune and digestive issue relief, find hormone balance + more. Call for a FREE 15 minute consult! See ad, page 2.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
THE HEALING CENTER
332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com Naturopathic/Holistic Practitioners and retail health store. Natural health consultations, classes, oils, herbs, homeopathy, hypnosis, foods, candles, crystals, books, CDs, massage, reflexology, emotional clearing, foot detox, DOT/CDL health cards for truck drivers. See ad, page 6.
HEALTH / WELLNESS PRODUCTS ASEA, RENU 28 & RENU ADVANCED Jacque Jennings Carter, Independent Associate 269-779-2900 Jacque@advancinglives.biz AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com
Live younger longer, internally and externally. A breakthrough science called Redox Signaling is the basis for a new category of wellness products which rely on molecules native to the human body to enhance vital cellular functioning and improve overall health and wellness. Look Better. Feel Better. Live Better. See ad page 27.
HUMAN RIGHTS/ SOCIAL JUSTICE EXTENDED GRACE
barbara@extendedgrace.org 616.502.2078 • ExtendedGrace.org Extended Grace is a nonprofit grassroots social lab that builds community while solving problems. It does so through: Community Conversations including Inspire! and Deeper Dive events and Town Hall Meetings on Mental Illness; Mudita Gifts; Pilgrim Spirit Tours cultural immersion experiences; Momentum Center for Social Engagement; Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’. See ad, page 9.
LIFE COACH LIA COACHING AND CONSULTING
Pamela Gallina, MA CMC PamGallina@LIAConsulting.org 616-433-6720 • LIAConsulting.org/coaching Pam works with highly– motivated individuals as they aim for their highest self. Focusing on Small Business Development, Major Life Crisis and Change, Weight Loss & Fitness, Relationships, Budget Management & Reorganization, Decluttering Home and Life. Helping you to achieve your very best life! See ad, page 23.
SANDRA MITCHELL LIFE WEST MICHIGAN
616-460-4696 • hello@sandramitchell.life SandraMitchell.life Certified Personal Life Coaching: Give yourself the space and support to help you find yourself again, live intentionally, make peace with yourself, fulfill your potential, and have the life you most long for.
MASSAGE THERAPY DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY Jaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 • DynamicChiro.com
Offering Swedish massage with integrated techniques, chosen specifically for your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate. Call for on-going monthly specials and discounts.
HARMONY ‘N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT., LMT. 1003 Maryland Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 • HarmonyNHealth.net Since 1991, professional, experienced and trained in a complete range of integrative methods. Whether you are seeking relaxation, renewal or treatment for a specific condition, Mary will help find an approach that is helpful for you. See ad, page 27.
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.
THE REMEDY HOUSE
Jodi Jenks, ND Naturopathic Doctor, Reiki Master 5150 Northland Dr NE Ste N Grand Rapids 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Ed Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, r a i n d r o p t h e r a p y, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad page 29.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY LIVING WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNITY Amanda Chocko Holland, MI 616-212-7703 LivingWellWithAutoimmunity.com amanda@stillgrooving.com
Certified in Nutritional Therapy and an Autoimmune Coach, Amanda helps women reclaim their health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching, using a holistic approach that addresses diet, sleep, stress. This method helps you reduce inflammation, regulate your immune system and promotes healing. Schedule your complimentary nutritional assessment today!
PAIN MANAGEMENT THE LASER PAIN AND NEURO CENTER AT THE GLEASON CENTER 19084 North Fruitport Rd. Spring Lake, MI 49456 info@thegleasoncenter.com 616-846-5410 • TheGleasonCenter.com
Cold laser therapy can provide drug-free pain relief. This noninvasive treatment is for those suffering from arthritis, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, inflammation and other pain syndromes. Our MLS cold laser also treats neurological degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, ADHD, spectrum disorders and peripheral neuropathy. See ad, page 29.
SCHOOL / EDUCATION ACADEMY OF ALTERNATIVE HEALING ARTS, LLC
3790 28th St. SW, Ste. B, Grandville 616-419-6924 AltCareSolution@gmail.com AOAHA.COM Our massage program is a State of Michigan certified massage program. After completing our massage program, you will be able to take the state massage board exam, and become a state licensed massage therapist. Call or check out our website for more information.
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 29.
SKIN CARE MOMMA’S HOME, LLC
Amy Furman 140 W Washington Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464 616.951.1397 MommasHome.com Momma’s Home passionately believes in luxurious, quality skincare at an affordable price. Our all-natural products are “food for your skin” and are naturally safe for the skin, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. See ad page 20.
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANCED THERMAL IMAGING OF WEST MICHIGAN
Julie Bennett 616-724-6368 info@advancedthermalimagingllc.com AdvancedThermalImagingllc.com Thermography is a safe, tested, painless, and effective procedure providing information for breast cancer risk assessment, breast cancer prevention and early detection, possible hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, musculoskeletal inflammation, and neurological problems.
YOGA BODHI TREE YOGA & WELLNESS STUDIO 208 W 18th St., Holland 616-392-7580 Info@MiBodhiTree.com MiBodhiTree.com
We are more than just Yoga. We offer diverse classes, workshops, spa treatments, massage, Reiki and meditation training. We are committed to making you stronger and to live a more peaceful, balanced, purposeful life. See ad page 16.
classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word\per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@ naturalwestmichigan.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month.
VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Instructors – Mental illness is a community issue and it requires a community solution. The Momentum Center for Social Engagement offers social and recreational activities for people with mental illness, addictions and disabilities. We are seeking people willing to share their skill, hobby, vocation, or interest with our members once a month or as often as available. We welcome yoga, tai chi, exercise, dance, self-defense, cooking, sewing, and so much more. Extended Grace, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: Call Jenna, if you want to be part of the solution, at 616-414-9111 or email office@extendedgrace.org
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New discovery stops colds “It worked!” sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had he exclaimed. a 2-day sinus headache. When her “The cold never CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am got going.” It shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, worked again no more headache, no more congestion.” every time. He Some users say copper stops nighthas not had a time stuffiness if used just before bed. single cold for 7 One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” New research: Copper stops colds if used early. years since. He asked Copper can also stop flu if used early cientists recently discovered a relatives and friends to try it. They said and for several days. Lab technicians way to kill viruses and bacteria. it worked for them, too, so he patented placed 25 million live flu viruses on a Now thousands of people CopperZap™ and put it on the market. CopperZap. No viruses were found alive are using it to stop colds and flu. Soon hundreds of people had tried it soon after. Colds start when cold viruses get in and given feedback. Nearly 100% said Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you the copper stops colds if used within confirming the don’t stop them early, they spread in 3 hours after the first sign. Even up to discovery. He placed your airways and cause misery. 2 days, if they still get the cold it is millions of disease In hundreds of studies, EPA and unimilder than usual and they feel better. germs on copper. versity researchers have confirmed that Users wrote things like, “It “They started to die viruses and bacteria die almost instantly stopped my cold right away,” and “Is literally as soon as when touched by copper. it supposed to work that fast?” they touched the That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp“What a wonderful thing,” wrote surface,” he said. tians used copper to purify water and Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more People have even Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills heal wounds. They didn’t know about colds for me!” used copper on cold cold viruses. viruses and bacteria, but now we do. Pat McAllister, 70, received one sores and say it can Scientists say the high conductance for Christmas and called it “one of the completely prevent outbreaks. of copper disrupts the electrical balance best presents ever. This little jewel really The handle is curved and finely in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in works.” textured to improve contact. It kills seconds. Now thousands of users have simply germs picked up on fingers and hands to Tests by the stopped getting colds. protect you and your family. EPA (EnvironPeople often use Copper even kills deadly germs that mental Protection CopperZap preventivehave become resistant to antibiotics. If Agency) show ly. Frequent flier Karen you are near sick people, a moment of germs die fast Gauci used to get colds handling it may keep serious infection on copper. So after crowded flights. away. It may even save a life. some hospitals Though skeptical, she The EPA says copper still works tried copper for tried it several times a even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of touch surfaces day on travel days for 2 different disease germs so it can prevent Sinus trouble, stuffi ness, cold sores. like faucets and months. “Sixteen flights serious or even fatal illness. doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. CopperZap is made in the U.S. of and other illnesses by over half, and Businesswoman Rosaleen says when pure copper. It has a 90-day full money saved lives. people are sick around her she uses back guarantee when used as directed The strong scientific evidence gave CopperZap morning and night. “It saved to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When me last holidays,” she said. “The kids each CopperZap with code NATA11. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call he felt a cold about to start he fashioned had colds going round and round, but toll-free 1-888-411-6114. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it not me.” Buy once, use forever. gently in his nose for 60 seconds. Some users say it also helps with
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