F
E E R
HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
KIDS AT PLAY Unstructured Fun Crops in The City Urban Agriculture Breaks New Ground
Forest Bathing Restores Body and Mind
Builds Brains
Abundant
GRACE
Five Practices to Create a Rich, Full Life
July 2019 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com
July 2019
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Social and recreational opportunities for individuals with mental illness, addictions and disabilities. Call 616.414.9111 for information or to enroll!
Home of Just Goods Gifts and Cafe’ Fair trade and social cause merchandise and local baked goods.
The café is a place of social interaction and integration where people of all different backgrounds can sit and enjoy a beverage or baked good, in a safe and nurturing environment.
t!
Visi
JustGoods@ExtendedGrace.org
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Enjo
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Mon—Fri: 10 am - 6 pm | Sat: 10 am - 2pm
Regular discomfort from gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, even brain fog are signals that your body might have something deeper going on. Your gut is the gateway to your overall well-being and these symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible. Links are now no being made between our digestive health and our immune system, mental health, endocrine system, skin diseases and even certain cancers. At PrivaMD we test the quantity and quality of your microbiome and take a comprehensive assessment of your genetics, environment, nutrition, and lifestyle to get to the root cause of your digestive dysfunction. Schedule a FREE 15-minute consult with Dee Kohley, RPh + Health Coach to find out what your gut is really telling you.
Free Dinner & Movie Nights Dinner at 6 pm (potluck dishes welcome) Movie at 7 pm Free and Open to Everyone JUNE 28: Brave JULY 26: Black Panther AUGUST 30: Up
Summer Series: Disabilities Mondays @ 6:30 pm
Everyone is encouraged to come and learn about disabilities so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding.
August 12 – Defining Disability August 19 – Autism August 26 – Disability and Dementia
A grassroots movement to create a stigma free community.
714 Columbus • Grand Haven • 616-414-9111
located within the Momentum Center for Social Engagement
Office@ExtendedGrace.org
facebook.com/extendedgrace • ExtendedGrace.org
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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 14 CROPS IN THE CITY
Urban Agriculture Breaks New Ground
18
18 HELP FOR
HOME GARDENERS Extension Agents at Your Service
20 ALICE ROBB ON THE Transformative Power of Dreams
22 TONING THE VAGUS NERVE
20
Relief for Pain, Anxiety and Inflammation
24 SUMMER EATING The Herbal Connection
26 FOREST BATHING
Mother Nature’s Rx for Body and Mind
29 THE GRACE
OF ABUNDANCE
Five Practices to Create a More Abundant Life
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.
30 THE PURE JOY OF PLAY
32
Why Kids Need Unstructured Fun
32 BEYOND ANTIBIOTICS
Pets Can Heal With Natural Approaches
DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 7 chiro news 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 12 eco tip 16 community
spotlight 18 green living 20 wise words 22 healing ways
24 conscious
eating 26 fit body 29 inspiration 30 healthy kids 32 natural pet 33 calendar 34 classifieds 37 resource guide July 2019
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
letter from publisher
Listen to your gut!
O
ur cover this month seemed a logical choice because of my own vivid dreams of flying. A recurring theme throughout my life is one where I spread my arms wide, catch an updraft and lift off to soar across the sky. At age eighteen I realized an aspect of this dream after taking a job with Northern Air Service at the Kent County Airport (now Signature Aviation at Ford International) and was able to earn my pilots license. Just one example of our ability to manifest dreams when we follow our own intuition, our gut feelings, which is hard to do while immersed in the whirlwind of life. Fortunately, this issue offers many suggestions to help us quiet down, get grounded and tune in. Such is the power of play, power being a recurring theme for July: There is the power of the vagus nerve, the superhighway that connects the gut-brain axis; the power of forest bathing, which renews mind and body; and the transformational power of dreams. Remember when kids were once shooed out the door to play and told not to return until mealtime? In “The Pure Joy of Play: Why Kids Need Unstructured Fun,” writer Ronica A. O’Hara reminisces about those bygone days and presents compelling evidence that free play is so important to children that pediatricians are actually writing prescriptions for it. Agriculture takes center stage this month with fresh perspectives on where and how we produce our food these days—and why it matters. In “Crops in the City: Urban Agriculture Breaks New Ground,” writer April Thompson profiles some of the noteworthy pioneers that are forging a path to organic city farming on a commercial scale—tapping into new technologies and markets, and turning challenges like dealing with space constraints into innovative opportunities. Learn how these enterprising entrepreneurs have found their niche on rooftops, in vertical tower gardens and abandoned warehouses in former food deserts, reconnecting urbanites to their food sources while bettering the environment, communities, diets and health. Meantime, budding backyard growers can get a boost from a small army of experts planted in nearly every county in the nation, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Help for Home Gardeners: Extension Agents at Your Service” details the resources available, including low- or no-cost soil testing, the latest research, handbooks on a variety of local gardening topics and workshops on everything from making rain barrels and creating rain gardens to implementing eco-friendly pest control, cultivating native plants and employing best practices for organic gardening. July is an ideal time to add a healthy dose of fresh, organic herbs to a home garden for cool salads, luscious smoothies and other hot-weather eats and treats. Herbs are not only a flavorful addition to any meal, they’re also chock-full of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure and improving mineral balance to increasing immune support, hydration, energy and healthy skin. Discover the best ones to choose for this time of year in “Summer Eating: The Herbal Connection.” Lots of food for thought this month! To conscious living,
Pamela Gallina, Publisher
Natural Awakenings Magazine of West Michigan
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NaturallyWestMI
West Michigan Edition
NaturallyWestMI
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Natural Awakenings Magazine of West Michigan
WEST MICHIGAN EDITION PUBLISHER/EDITOR Pamela Gallina DESIGN & PRODUCTION Scott Carvey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marlaina Donato Dan Gleason Deirdre Kohley Julie Peterson Barbara Lee VanHorssen
CONTACT US P.O. Box 330 Spring Lake, MI 49456 Ph: 616-604-0480 • Fax: 616-855-4202 Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com NaturalWestMichigan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 © 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
they will also offer “Hemp Chats,” educational discussions on July 8, 19 and 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Chemist Creates Natural Soaps
Life Force Energetics, 730 Chicago Dr (inside Simio Health and Wellness), Holland. To book a session, email contact@lfenergetics.com, visit LFEnergetics.com or call 616-953-0095. A complete listing of classes and events is in the Calendar of Events and on the Life Force Energetics website. See ad page 19.
M
omma’s Home is an allnatural soap and body care company in Southwest Michigan. The founder, Amy Furman, has two sons with allergies and needed items safe for sensitive skin. Luckily, she has a chemistry degree that she could use to develop soaps and body care products that use safe ingredients. Momma’s Home products have even won national awards. The family business makes soaps and skin care products with natural ingredients in small, controlled batches. Beyond providing natural skin care, Momma’s Home also assists the community locally and globally. A minimum of 10% of every batch of Momma’s Home soap is donated to local women’s shelters. In addition, after a devastating earthquake, Momma’s Home packed up their entire inventory and shipped it all to Haiti. In addition to the products being natural, they provide essential vitamins and fatty acids that skin needs to stay healthy. Serums that nourish, masks that clarify, bath soaks that soothe skin and floral waters that lift the mood. Products can be ordered by phone and will be shipped. They are also available at several stores, which are listed on the website. Momma’s Home, LLC, 616-951-1397, Momma@MommasHome. com, MommasHome.com. See ad page 16.
Choosing More Consciousness
T
here is a modality that many people have never heard of, which is growing exponentially around the planet. It’s called Access Bars® and it’s available at Life Force Energetics in Holland. When Rebecca Stephens and John Scott Campbell received their first Access Bars session, they knew the modality was how they wanted to change themselves and the world. In January 2019, Stephens and Campbell opened Life Force Energetics to offer Access Bars and many other modalities that transform the energy of the mind and body and allow clients to reset and create new possibilities in their lives. “Access Bars is 32 points on the head, that when touched eliminates any limitations in your life that are connected to your thoughts, ideas, attitudes, decisions and beliefs about it,” says Stephens. “It facilitates more consciousness for all who choose it.” Since opening in January, Life Force Energetics offers a host of energy healing modalities in private sessions, helpful monthly classes and informative discussions. Beyond Access Bars, clients may choose Holy Fire® Reiki, Access Facelift® and other energetic body processes. There is also Forest Therapy, which studies have shown supports an array of health benefits to the cardiovascular and immune systems along with stress reduction, through immersion in forests and other natural environments. This month,
New Leader and Practitioner at The Remedy House
T
he Remedy House in Grand Rapids is entering a fifth year of business and a time of transition. Jodi Jenks, ND, owner and creatrix of the business, is moving to Arkansas to expand her practice and to live out a family dream of warm weather and pasture. Megan Lendman, Jenks’ daughter, is blossoming into role as Manager of The Remedy House. Mallory Feyen is also joining The Remedy House as a Natural Health Therapist. In addition to Feyen and Lendman, the holistic team within The Remedy House is an empowered healing force with Jamie VanDam as lead Reiki Master, CranioSacral Therapist, and Essential Oil Therapist; Anna Parker as lead Massage Therapist; and Reynelda Jones of A Solution B, a holistic mental health private practice. The class list is also full of Natural Health 101 classes, Reiki shares and women’s circles. And the list of products is growing to include a wider range of essential oils, herbs, crystals, natural personal care items, locally made kombuchas and snacks, and much more. “Regular customers and new customers can always expect The Remedy House to have high-quality holistic health products, services and education,” says Lendman. “The Remedy House will still be a major holistic health hub on the northeast side of Grand Rapids.” The Remedy House is located at 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. More information can be found online at TheRemedyHouse.org or by calling 616-443-4225. See ad page 29.
Linda S. Squires, DC Non-Force Chiropractor
lindasquiresdc@gmail.com • LindaSquiresDC.com Holistic Care Approach • 3368 East Beltline Court Grand Rapids, MI 49425 • 800-987-1368 July 2019
Leslie Cornwel
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Energy & Lights
A
s a Physician Assistant, educator and instructor with more than 35 years of experience, providing health care in the Grand Rapids community, Mary Wisniewski developed a passion for studying alternative modalities to help herself, family and friends along with others who are ready to seek alternative natural health options that complement Western medicine. Then she discovered pulsed low-level light therapy (LLLT), which has been shown in independent medical and scientific research to deliver powerful therapeutic healing benefits to living tissues and organisms. “After seeing the amazing results and benefits in my own life using LLLT, I have now taken another path in my career to empower and educate others in taking a more proactive path to improving the quality of their life,” says Wisniewski, who is now a Professional Certified Light Therapist. LLLT uses near infrared light with blue and/or red light, which is applied directly to the body using pads. The pads contain pulsed low-level light emitting diodes (LEDs) to disperse the light over a wide surface area, minimizing session times. “Pulsed light is the most profound, non-invasive, drug-free way to stimulate the innate capacity to heal the body from within,” says Wisniewski. “It assists the body to heal itself naturally on a cellular level, safely complementing your healthcare provider’s treatment.” The National Institute of Health database adopted the word photobiomodulation (PBM) as the new medical science heading keyword for the science of light therapy and its technology. There are more than 5,000 research articles about PBM and its technology on the PubMed website (pubmed.gov). Search for keywords photobiomodulation, LLLT or polychromatic light therapy to learn more. Those who are interested, can contact Energy & Lights to set up a personal session to learn more about how applied light and frequency to the body can help with health goals or host a get together to learn about the healing benefits of LLLT. Contact Mary Wisniewski, Energy & Lights, at GR Natural Health, grnaturalhealth.com or 616-264-6556. More information at Energy & Lights, energyandlights.com. See ad page 7.
Tackling Summer Slide
B
etween the Covers Bookshop announces Summer Reading Bingo. It will run from May 28 through August 31 to assist families and educators with the issue of summer reading loss. The program is offered in four categories: early readers, juvenile, young adults and adults. It is intended to promote literacy in all ages and walks of life. Those who want to take part can register at the bookshop to get a bingo card. Throughout the summer, cards that are returned with a bingo (five boxes checked off across, down or diagonally) earn an entry into a prize drawing, as well as a coupon for a free book for each bingo entered. There is no limit to the number of entries a participant may acquire through the program and no cost to register. Prizes for each age category will include gift cards to or products from local businesses. A 2015 study by the Northwest Evaluation Association summer showed that reading loss accounted for a 20 percent drop in school year reading gains for third grade students and 36 percent for seventh grade students. With the implementation of Michigan’s Read by Grade Three law coming for the 2019-2020 school year, this program can assist students to retain fluency. Between the Covers Bookshop, 6660 Blair Ln, Holland (off US-31 north of Port Sheldon). 616-377-7202. btc.second.story@gmail.com. btcbookshop.com. Between the Covers Bookshop sells pre-loved books with deep discounts from retail. The goal is to make books available to all and to reduce the environmental footprint of the book industry.
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
How CBD Works
chiro news
The Buzz on CBD, Cannabis and THC By Dan Gleason, DC
N
ow that marijuana is legal in Michigan, The Gleason Center is receiving many questions about what it does and how to use it. Cannabis is a family of herbs that includes marijuana and hemp. It has been used safely for thousands of years in many parts of the world. In the U.S., it has been criminalized for nearly 100 years. “This prohibition for a victimless crime has ruined the lives of countless people by imposing fines and imprisonment,” says Daniel Gleason, DC, owner of The Gleason Center in Spring Lake.
Healing Properties
CBD (cannabidiol) is the part of the cannabis plant that does not produce a “high.” THC is the psychoactive part that makes people feel high. Some CBD has a small percentage of THC in it, although there are some that have none. There have been many anecdotal reports over the years on the use of these cannabis products and, as of 2018, clinical studies were being run on CBD for issues such as anxiety, cognition, mood disorders and pain. A quick web search will produce tens of thousands of reports of success using CBD to treat myriad disorders. Many pet owners even use the THC-free formulas on their animals (please consult a veterinarian or animal expert as THC can be toxic to animals). “There is some overlap in what THC and CBD can treat, but THC is particularly effective in relieving anorexia, insomnia and nausea. Products containing both may work where the individual components don’t,” says Dr. Gleason. “Now that it is legal in Michigan many people will try THC in the form of cannabis for recreational purposes. I suspect even more will experiment with it for its medicinal effects.” Marijuana is from the cannabis sativa plant and has a high level of THC. CBD extracted from marijuana remains a Schedule 1 drug and is not approved as a prescription drug or dietary supplement or allowed for interstate commerce by U.S. federal law. Therefore, nearly all the CBD currently available is derived from hemp.
CBD affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of a group of neurotransmitters and neuro-receptors found in all animals with vertebrae. The ECS affects nerves throughout the brain and peripheral nervous system regulating a variety of processes including memory, fertility, pregnancy, appetite, pain, mood, memory and mediates the effects of other cannabinoids and THC. The ECS is also involved in physical movement and is responsible for the phenomenon of “runner’s high.” In 2018, the FDA approved the CBD drug Epidiolex for epilepsy. This drug’s side effects include sleepiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness and sleep disorders. Those who use CBD may experience some of these same symptoms. These side effects nearly always go away with discontinued use.
Using CBD
With the loosening of regulations on marijuana in general there is tremendous interest in CBD. The good news is that CBD has no lethal dose or known serious side effects. The bad news is that numerous products are marketed as containing CBD but, upon testing, are found to contain little or none of the active ingredient. It is best to buy from a known source that uses independent testing labs to assure label potency. There is much information online about how to dose CBD, including charts for micro, standard and macro dosing based on weight. Again, buying from a reliable source should include suggestions on how to dose. CBD comes in liquid, capsules and other forms. It can be used topically, orally or sublingually. Some people are using it in a vapor form or in an infuser. It has a half-life 18 to 32 hours, which means that your liver and intestines excrete half of it in that time. This is good in the sense that it is somewhat time-released. Users may only need to use it every 12 to 24 hours. “Our office is receiving many reports of success with CBD, including better sleep, less anxiety, less pain and stiffness, fewer headaches, better focus and more energy,” says Dr. Gleason. “It is great that the citizens of Michigan have made these herbal products legal to use. When used properly, they can help with myriad health problems. Hopefully, in the near future, federal legislators will do the same so that more research can be done, and more people can be helped.” 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 27.
Did You Know...
Pulsed Low Level LED Light Therapy is a safe, no side effects, drug-free nutrient to assist the body to heal itself naturally?
Energy & Lights
• Assists the body to safely heal itself naturally on a cellular level • Cleared by FDA to Increase circulation & reduce pain/Inflammation • Safe & easy to use • No side effects – Drug-Free • Assists the body in repairing acute/ chronic injuries naturally
Innovative and Effective Pulsed LED Low-Level Light Therapy
Mary Wisniewski, Physician Assistant, Professional Certified Light Therapist • energyandlights.com • Call: (616) 264-6556 July 2019
7
health briefs
In further confirmation of the importance of the gut-brain axis, 18 Italian students at the University of Verona from ages 18 to 33 that took a freezedried mixture of four probiotics for six weeks experienced less depression, anger and fatigue compared to a control group of 15 that consumed a placebo. The positive effects continued, as discovered in follow-up testing three weeks later. The probiotics group also slept better. The probiotic bacteria blend of 4 billion colonyforming units included Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum.
Munch Nuts for a Healthy Brain
Emily Li/Shutterstock.com/Shutterstock.com
Seniors that ate more than 10 grams—about two teaspoons—of nuts a day were able to ward off normal cognitive decline and even improve their cognitive functions by up to 60 percent, according to University of South Australia researchers. The study was based on 22 years of records of 4,822 Chinese adults ages 55 and older; 17 percent of them ate nuts every day, most often peanuts. These seniors had as much as 60 percent improved cognitive function compared to those that didn’t eat nuts, and they showed better thinking, reasoning and memory. “Nuts are known to be high in healthy fats, protein and fiber with nutritional properties that can lower cholesterol and improve cognitive health,” says study author Ming Li.
Mega Pixel/Shutterstock.com
Sleep Better and Feel Happier With Probiotics
With the aid of a new infrared camera technology called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), early Alzheimer’s disease can be detected by checking the back of the eyes for weakened and decreased blood vessels, reports a new study. Northwestern Medicine researchers reached the conclusion by comparing the vessels in the eyes of 32 people that exhibited the forgetfulness typical of early-stage Alzheimer’s with those of another 32 people with normal cognitive
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
abilities. The vascular changes were detected non-invasively, without the need for dyes or expensive MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. The technology quantifies capillary changes in great detail and with unparalleled resolution, making the eye an ideal mirror for what is going on in the brain. Early detection of Alzheimer’s is critical because existing therapies are more effective if they are started before extensive brain damage and cognitive decline have occurred.
Prokrida/Shutterstock.com
Get Eyes Checked to Detect Early Alzheimer’s
Maja Drazic/Shutterstock.com
Take B12 to Help With Parkinson’s
Emily Li/Shutterstock.com
Creativision/Shutterstock.com
Terry Putman/Shutterstock.com
Eat Mostly Plants to Ease Gum Inflammation The inflamed gum condition known as gingivitis is fairly common and often mild, but can be a precursor of more serious periodontal disease linked to Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis. German researchers at the University of Freiburg tested 30 people: half in a control group that did not change their diet, and half that switched to a diet low in meat and processed carbohydrates and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, antioxidants, plant nitrates and fiber. After four weeks, those on the plant-based diet had significantly less gum inflammation and bleeding. They also lost weight and had higher vitamin D levels.
New research has found the basic micronutrient vitamin B12 may be the first good tool for averting the hereditary form of Parkinson’s disease, which accounts for about 15 percent of such cases worldwide. In lab tests, an international team of scientists found that AdoCbl, one of the active forms of vitamin B12, inhibits the activity of a mutated enzyme linked to Parkinson’s. Inhibiting this enzyme appears to help stabilize dopamine release in the brain. Dopamine deficiencies manifest in the muscle rigidity and tremors that are hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s. Another recent study from the University of California San Francisco that included nonhereditary Parkinson’s patients found that symptoms worsened more quickly in early-stage patients that had low B12 levels than in those with higher levels of the vitamin.
Try Cordyceps to Strengthen the Lungs People suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, can breathe easier by taking the Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis, a new meta-analysis shows. Researchers at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine conducted a review of 15 high-quality studies that involved 1,238 COPD patients and found that cordyceps significantly improved lung function, exercise endurance and quality of life with no report of any serious adverse effects. Cordyceps, which is said to relax and open the airways, has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an anti-asthmatic, expectorant and cough suppressant.
Snack on Walnuts to Slow Growth of Breast Tumors
The gene expression in the breast cancers of women that ate a handful of walnuts each day for about two weeks changed in a way that suppressed the growth of the tumors, according to a small clinical study from the Marshall University School of Medicine, in Huntington, West Virginia. Five women in the experimental group with biopsies that had revealed breast cancer tumors ate two ounces of walnuts a day until their surgery two to three weeks later. Using cells taken during surgery, researchers identified 456 genes in the walnut-eating group that had significantly changed their expression and slowed tumor growth.
July 2019
9
Too Blue
global briefs
Cannabis is enjoying a renaissance of sorts, and one new application for hemp, the no-buzz industrial variety used in fabrics, oils and foods, is cleaning nuclear radiation from toxic soil and removing metals like cadmium, lead, mercury and other pollutants via phytoremediation. Allison Beckett, a cultivation expert at Marijuana.com, says, “Industrial hemp has been used in areas of high radiation, such as Fukushima, [in Japan,] with promising results. Not only does hemp pull toxic, heavy metals from the soil, it actually improves soil structure, making it usable as productive farmland again. Plus, hemp is a vigorous plant that absorbs CO2 rapidly, making it an encouraging solution to climate change.” Hemp phytoremediation has been used in Italy to clean up the small town of Taranto, where a steel plant has been leaking dioxin into the air and soil. The Pennsylvania Industrial Hemp Council and Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, are running a project to test the process in an arsenic-contaminated area in Upper Saucon Township that once harbored a zinc mine.
Alarm Sounded
Ireland Declares Climate Emergency
The Republic of Ireland is the third country worldwide to declare a climate emergency, with both the government and opposition parties agreeing to an amendment to a climate action report. “We’re reaching a tipping point in respect of climate deterioration,” says Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton. “Things will deteriorate very rapidly unless we move very swiftly, and the window of opportunity to do that is fast closing.” The UK governments of Wales and Scotland have also declared climate emergencies. Suggested responses include limiting oil and gas exploration, and issuing an additional biodiversity emergency measure.
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West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com
Dangerous Dozen Produce to Avoid
The 2019 Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce (Tinyurl.com/ DirtyDozen-Clean15List) highlights increased pesticide use on up to 70 percent of conventionally grown U.S. produce. Several different types of pesticide, insecticide and fungicide residues are present on many fruits and vegetables. The Dirty Dozen list includes strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery and potatoes. The clean 15 list includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, frozen sweet peas, onions, papayas, eggplant, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupes, broccoli, mushrooms and honeydew melon. The EWG advises that eating organic produce, especially for pregnant and nursing mothers and young children, should be a national priority.
Shutterstock.com
Hemp to the Rescue at Detox Sites
The world’s oceans may be getting bluer, thanks to climate change. The effect is more likely to be detected by satellites than Earthbound people, and is caused by the depletion of marine phytoplankton as seawater warms. A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published in the journal Nature Communications predicts that more than 50 percent of the oceans’ collective 140 million square miles of surface area will likely be affected by 2100. Marine ecologist and leader of the study Stephanie Dutkiewicz says, “These microscopic organisms live in the water and are the base of the marine food chain. If there are less of them in it, the water will be slightly bluer.” Phytoplankton serves as a food source for small sea creatures that are eaten by fish, squid and shellfish. If phytoplankton populations dip too low, vital fisheries in certain areas could be decimated.
AccuArt/Shutterstock.com
Wonder Weed
Aleksandr Kurganov/Shutterstock.com
Algae Loss Colors Ocean
Sunny Solution Piyaset/Shutterstock.com
Wastewater Turned into Hydrogen Fuel
Rob Crandall/Shutterstock.com
Action Alert
Greenhouse Gases Hit Landmark
Certainty that we are facing a climate crisis today and not just in the future was reached in May through an alarming milestone in carbon dioxide levels. Data from the Mauna Loa Observatory, in Hawaii, shows that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached 415 parts per million, the highest ever recorded. However, environmental organizations charge that ominous news like this is not being communicated to the public to the degree warranted. While the CBS, NBC and ABC nightly TV news reports combined devoted nearly 18 minutes of coverage to the birth of the royal baby between May 6 and 12, airtime regarding climate change and extinction during the same period only amounted to one minute and 21 seconds, and only on CBS. For more information and to get involved, including signing a petition to demand that the media cover the climate crisis and extinction more frequently and in greater depth, visit Tinyurl.com/ClimateCrisisCampaign.
Pastoral Pollution krugloff/Shutterstock.com
Drugs Found in Rural Rivers
Researchers at King’s College London and the University of Suffolk have found a diverse array of cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in UK river wildlife, as described in a study published in Environment International. The team collected samples of freshwater shrimp from five catchment areas and 15 different sites across the agricultural county of Suffolk. Cocaine was found in all samples tested, and other illicit drugs, pesticides and pharmaceuticals were also widely recorded in the survey. Dr. Leon Barron, from King’s College London, notes, “Such regular occurrence of illicit drugs in wildlife was surprising. We might expect to see these in urban areas such as London, but not in smaller and more rural catchments. The presence of pesticides that have long been banned in the UK also poses a particular challenge, as the sources of these remain unclear.”
Producing pure hydrogen is expensive and energy intensive, but a research team at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, at Princeton University, used sunlight to pull hydrogen from industrial wastewater by using a specially designed chamber with a “Swiss cheese”-like black silicon interface. As reported in the journal Energy & Environmental Science, the process is aided by bacteria that generate electrical current when consuming organic matter in the wastewater; the current, in turn, aids in the water splitting. It “allows us to treat wastewater and simultaneously generate fuels,” says Jing Gu, a co-researcher and assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at San Diego State University. The scientists say the technology could appeal to refineries and chemical plants, which typically produce their own hydrogen from fossil fuels and face high costs for cleaning wastewater.
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Advancinglives.TeamASEA.com Jacque@AdvancingLives.biz These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cl.Ire, or prevent any disease.
July 2019
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eco tip
Eco-Friendly Outdoor Eating
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Save Resources, Reduce Food Waste and More
Midsummer is prime time for outdoor family meals, barbecues and picnics. Selecting the healthiest food, along with eco-friendly materials in preparing for the fun feasts, can fulfill a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle and conserve resources at the same time. n GreenAmerica.org recommends using organic cloth, reusable mesh or string produce bags when grocery shopping; use bamboo utensil sets and plastic straw alternatives made of stainless steel, food-grade silicone, bamboo or glass. n To keep uninvited flying pests like mosquitoes, flies and the like away from humans and food, apply natural repellents—many made of natural, essential oil; plant-based and foodgrade ingredients can be found at ChasingGreen.org. n According to WebMD.com, charcoal grilling of meat can expose us to two potentially cancer-causing compounds—polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that form when fat from meat drips onto hot coals and are “deposited on food courtesy of flame-ups and rising smoke,” and heterocyclic amines that “are produced when red meat, poultry and fish meet high12
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heat cooking.” Instead, consider using a closed-flame gas grill to reduce exposure to toxins and cook fresh and organic fruits and vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, onions and mushrooms. n Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warn against eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish due to high levels of mercury, and to consume no more than six ounces of albacore tuna per week for the same reason. Some studies point to avoiding farmed salmon due to potentially high amounts of PCBs. Bypass larger fish of the food chain; look for those that have earned the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council labels. n The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently estimated that between 30 to 40 percent of all food in the country is wasted. To improve this situation, use glass containers instead of plastic bags to store leftovers. Also consider sustainable food wraps like Bees Wrap (BeesWrap.com). Made from beeswax, organic cotton, jojoba oil and tree resin, they seal and conform to the shape of whatever food is being stored.
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~Wendy Coleman
Wendy Coleman, founder of LA Urban Farms, works with chefs, resorts, hotels, universities and corporate clients to set up aeroponic tower gardens, such as these kale and lettuce crops.
from elementary school gardens where kids learn to grow, cook and eat nutritious food to corporate gardens inside a new office building for lender Fannie Mae’s employee café. One of its crown jewels is a 6,500-square-foot rooftop garden on the Nationals Park baseball stadium, where edible flowers end up in cocktails and organic produce feeds fine diners and VIP ticket holders. Ray grew his business organically, fueled by passion and curiosity, rather than any horticultural background. “I grew up in NYC, where I had nothing to grow on. When I moved to Florida for grad school, I had a huge backyard to play around with,” says Ray.
CROPS IN THE CITY Urban Agriculture Breaks New Ground by April Thompson
T
he average American meal travels 1,500 miles to reach its plate, according to the nonprofit Center for Urban Education About Sustainable Agriculture. Yet, enterprising green thumbs across the country are bringing the farm back to plate’s reach, growing hyperlocal food in backyards, on rooftops, through indoor farms and more. City farming reconnects urbanites to their food sources while bettering the environment, communities, diets and health. Urban agriculture, harkening back to the Victory Gardens planted to ward off food shortages during World War I and II, is nothing new. While today’s home gardeners have staked out balconies, window boxes and vacant lots in this locavore resurgence, noteworthy pioneers are
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West Michigan Edition
forging a path to organic urban agriculture on a commercial scale—tapping into new technologies and markets, and turning challenges like dealing with space constraints into fresh opportunities.
A View From the Roofs Take Niraj Ray, whose company Cultivate the City is working to transform urban food deserts in the nation’s capital into thriving local food systems. “We want to get more people interested in growing their own food and show them how they can grow more with less square footage through vertical gardens and sustainable techniques like [soil-less] hydroponic systems,” says Ray. Cultivate the City manages numerous gardens for clients around Washington, D.C.,
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Like many other urban farms, Cultivate the City offers a seasonal farm subscription known as a community supported agriculture (CSA) program that allows city dwellers to buy directly from local producers. Ray’s rooftop greenhouse, located on top of a local hardware store that sells his edible plants at retail, offers all the fixings for a healthy, diverse diet: hydroponic towers of leafy greens, trays of microgreens for corporate clients, specialty varieties of hot peppers for the company’s hot sauce and stacking cubes of an albino strawberry variety that Ray crossbred himself. “There are so many ways to contribute to urban farming, from aquaponics to vermicomposting; it’s about finding your niche,” he says.
Growing Up With Vertical Farming By 2050, it’s estimated that 9 billion people will be living on the planet—7 billion
photo courtesy of LAUrbanFarms.com
City planners need innovative solutions like vertical farming to feed the growing population. We can grow at scale, with minimum space and environmental impact.
in cities. “City planners need innovative solutions like vertical farming to feed the growing population. We can grow at scale, with minimum space and environmental impact,” says Wendy Coleman, who began her California-based business LA Urban Farms in 2013. Today, Coleman’s team works with chefs, resorts, hotels, universities, greenhouses and corporate clients like Google and Ikea to set up aeroponic tower gardens across the U.S. and Europe. With aeroponics, nutrient-enriched water is pumped through a garden tower to shower the roots of plants suspended in air. “It actually uses 90 percent less water than conventional growing, which is a huge benefit in a place like California, and avoids any kind of agricultural runoff,” says Coleman. In conjunction with urban farming partners, the business churns out 30,000 seedlings a month using aeroponic technology to grow for their diverse client base and working with chefs to plan seasonal menus around their produce. Aeroponics and other innovative farm technologies are transforming spaces in cities across the U.S., reclaiming peripheral and idle spaces like alleys and warehouses to grow herbs and vegetables in abundance, using 90 percent less land by growing vertically, notes Coleman. “With our gardens, diners can see their food growing at their table; they get such a personal connection with their food. It’s an interactive way for hotels and restaurants to demonstrate their commitment to local, sustainable food,” she says.
Breaking into Hives: City Beekeepers “I had a backyard garden that wasn’t doing so well, and I thought it was the lack of pollinators, so I got bees; but then I realized I was just a bad gardener,” quips master beekeeper John Coldwell, of Fort Lauderdale. Since this humble beginning in 2012 with a few backyard hives, Coldwell and his wife Teresa have been leading a movement to repurpose public land for “microapiaries” and provide apiary education for youth and adults throughout South Florida. Through their entity The Urban
Beekeepers, the Coldwells offer beekeeping classes, consult with local governments, sell equipment and rescue “feral hives” to integrate into managed hives. They’ve worked successfully with parks, airports, golf clubs and country clubs to put honeybee habitats on site. Urban beekeeping works in synergy with city farms, as honeybees forage up to five miles for food, and in so doing pollinate a lot of crops. Seventy of the top 100 human food crops are pollinated by bees, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. “We often hear people say their garden is doing better than it has in years, thanks to the apiaries nearby,” says John Coldwell. The challenges of growing at scale are a recurrent theme among urban farmers. Ian Marvy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outreach specialist for the greater New York City area, ran his own urban farm, grossing six figures for 14 years. However, Marvy says most farmers growing in the city aren’t operating at a profitable scale or producing enough for everyone to eat local. Even so, locally grown produce is a booming market in New York City. Greenmarket, founded in 1976, operates more than 50 farmers’ markets, limited to vendors that grow within a 200-mile radius, some of whom take home five figures on a good day, says Marvy. Interest in growing at the community level has also mushroomed, adds Marvy, who estimates that 90 percent of the city’s more than 500 school gardens weren’t there 15 years ago when he started this work. “The USDA has a huge opportunity here and nationally to make cities more sustainable and feed more people. I’m really excited and committed to that,” he says. While urban agriculture efforts are sometimes criticized for catering to upper income residents that can afford to pay top dollar for specialty items like microgreens, many businesses and organizations are working on multiple fronts, with lucrative specialty crops helping to subsidize programs serving families lacking access to healthy affordable food. Grow Ohio Valley takes an integrated approach to food sovereignty in Wheeling,
West Virginia, and the Upper Ohio Valley. “This part of the Appalachian Rustbelt has lost much of its population, jobs and economic base over the last generation. We want to promote health and wellness through fresh food, while helping to transform the urban landscape from falling-down buildings and vacant lots into productive community assets,” says founder Danny Swan. The operation’s food hub aggregates produce from small local farmers, providing a guaranteed market for their produce and the opportunity to reach a larger market, usually only served by food grown thousands of miles away. The produce is supplemented by four urban farm sites run by the organization, including an apple orchard on the site of a demolished housing project. Grow Ohio Valley also works to reach the “last-mile customers” that lack access to high-quality affordable produce via a mobile farmers’ market that goes to housing projects, senior communities and schools six days a week. Their latest project, the Public Market, is a retail location on Wheeling’s Main Street that will serve as a year-round farmers’ market. The organization is also building alliances between local farmers and healthcare providers through a project called The Farmacy. A partnership with a local free clinic, it targets people suffering from diabetes and other diseases linked to poor diets with a doctor’s prescription for organic produce offered free through the organization’s CSA. These urban agriculture pioneers are helping to not only grow food, but community, and are nurturing renewed connections to the Earth. City growing has so many benefits: decreasing packaging, costs and food miles traveled, making it easier to eat organic seasonal food and a more diverse diet. “The connection people feel when they plant seed and get to harvest the mature plant is transformative. Growing food is something we can all do to make a difference, for our health and the environment,” says Coleman. Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com. July 2019
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community spotlight
The Natural Healing Center: Integrative Care for Weight Loss and More by Julie Peterson Whether it’s weight loss, headaches, skin conditions or something else that brings a patient in, the experts at the Natural Healing Center aim to zero in on what is causing the problem.
First Appointment
C
hiropractic care and proper nutrition can work together to heal the body and allow for weight loss, which is why John R. Owings, DC, opened the Natural Healing Center of Grand Rapids in the same building as his other business, the Advanced Family Chiropractic Center. The Natural Healing Center has a mission to use integrative care strategies to identify the root cause of a patient’s health issues. Then, through a variety of methods, patients are offered a healthy plan to get on the road to overall wellness and a healthier weight.
The initial consultation at the center is up to 90 minutes and includes a complete health history and biometric workup. In order to identify what a patient needs, Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) is conducted, which is a non-invasive test to find out what the body is lacking in micronutrients. Other tests used include Heart Rate Variability Testing, which assesses the autonomic nervous system, and bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measures body composition. All of the test results are combined to come up with an create an individualized report and devise a treatment plan for each patient.
“NRT is a tool we use to see how the body is working, or not working,” says Dr. Owings. “We can then use that information to get, and keep, the body healthy.” The NRT experts at the center include Dr. Owings and Jo Anne Moe, who both have certification in NRT and participate in continuing education. Not only do they do the initial consults, but the follow-up visits, as well.
Ongoing Care
Patients who decide to act on a personalized plan don’t have to count calories or carbs, they simply keep a food journal. In addition, they are given approved food lists, lifestyle plans and suggested supplements, all based on the initial NRT and other diagnostics. “Everyone can benefit from nutritional supplements,” points out Dr. Owings. “In the U.S., our food is lacking many key nutrients that the body needs to function.” However, he notes that in the first few months of a treatment plan, patients often require fewer and fewer supplements as the body begins to heal itself. To stay on track, patients have a weekly one-on-one consult with their weight loss/detoxification expert. During that consult, emotional support, review of food journals, weigh ins, and talk about wins and struggles are covered. While the food journal may feel daunting at first, it’s an important step in being aware, which is part of making progress.
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“Many Americans eat in a way that does not support a healthy, well-functioning body. It is so easy for people to pick up fast food or already made and highly processed food. Going over food journals with patients not only aids in making dietary recommendations, it also keeps the patient conscious of what they are consuming on a daily basis,” says Dr. Owings.
Additional Services and Treatments
In addition to weight loss services and chiropractic treatments, The Natural Healing Center of Grand Rapids is known for several other services that provide health benefits. The infrared sauna can help with weight loss, as a 30-minute session burns somewhere between 200 and 600 calories. But it is also used for detoxifying the body, pain relief, improving circulation and clearing up skin issues such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and lesions or cuts. Brain tap is a non-invasive treatment that supports people who have stress, brain fog, low energy and difficulty concentrating, among other things. It is the combination of five technologies that creates a blending of light frequencies, guided visualization, music, tones and acupuncture points on the ears. Patients say that it helps them let go of negative thoughts and mindsets and relax. The experts say that it’s a high-tech way to retrain the brain. Another detoxing service is the ion footbath, which uses ionized water to release toxins such as mercury, cadmium, aluminum and lead from the body and helps the patient feel more relaxed. By combining the latest techniques, state of the art physiotherapy procedures, and providing the newest and best natural vitamins and mineral supplements, the Natural Healing Center offers patients a healthy way to accelerate their journey to wellness. Natural Healing Center of Grand Rapids, 4288 3 Mile Rd NW Ste 3, Grand Rapids. 616-888-2416. NaturalHealingGR@ gmail.com. NaturalHealingGR.com. See ad page 21.
Greatness comes from fear. Fear can either shut us down and we go home, or we fight through it. ~Lionel Richie
Julie Peterson has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JPtrsn22@att.net. July 2019
17
Organic on the Rise
HELP FOR HOME GARDENERS Extension Agents at Your Service by Yvette C. Hammett
M
any home gardeners readily list flies, wasps and beetles among the “pests” in their gardens. However, many of these are actually pollinators that help boost production of fruits and vegetables; others are beneficial insects that keep the real plant-killers at bay. A quick call to the local cooperative extension service can help sort out friend from foe— and that’s just the beginning of what this valuable, underutilized resource can offer.
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Each year, millions in federal taxpayer dollars help fund county agricultural extension programs administered through the 108 colleges and universities that comprise the nation’s land grant university system. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which supplies the money, also helps fund science-based research meant to reach not only farmers, but home gardeners seeking advice on best practices.
“The good news is that the 2018 Farm Bill provided increases for many of our programs, including the organic agriculture research and extension initiative program for which we received significant funding,” says Mathieu Ngouajio, program leader for the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The USDA is eager to see the connections their constituents are making with the research. “We want to identify the needs of organic gardeners, and the best way to meet those needs to get our research into their hands,” Ngouajio says. County extension agents are on the front lines of this effort, offering low- or no-cost soil testing, handbooks on a variety of local gardening topics and workshops on everything from making rain barrels and creating rain gardens to implementing eco-friendly pest control, cultivating native plants and employing best practices for organic gardening. Master gardeners that volunteer their expertise are central to supporting extension outreach activities. “We would love more business from the public,” says Weston Miller, an associate professor with Oregon State University’s extension service. “The public service of the master gardener program is to answer questions,” including what and when to plant and how much irrigation is required.
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The USDA is trying to do a better job of raising public awareness of assistance that’s readily available, free of charge, especially now that it’s getting more funding.
green living
In Oregon, there are 3,500 master certified organic products you can use and The good news is that the gardeners, with 650 volunteers in Portland still be organic.” One thing to look for on 2018 Farm Bill provided alone. “We train master gardeners in how a label is the seal of the Organic Materiincreases for many of our to use our resources and interpret the als Review Institute, which indicates the programs, including an research to the public,” Miller says. product is suitable for organic gardening. “There are trained volunteers in organic program for which we However, there aren’t many good pretty much every county in the country received significant funding. options for weed management, he adds. ready and willing to answer any gardening “You have to do weeding by hand or use an ~Mathieu Ngouajio question,” Miller says. For example, a new herbicide that isn’t organic.” organic gardener might not know the cor Another issue that extension prorect soil amendments to use or how to start a composting pile to grams can help with is making sure organic gardeners receive supplement the soil in an organic garden. only scientifically researched information, says Nicole Pinson, an There is also a nationwide network called Ask the Expert urban horticulture agent with the Hillsborough County Extension (USDA.gov/ask-expert) and questions will automatically go to an Service, in Tampa, Florida. extension staff person or master gardener in the area where the “Gardening information is available on websites and on soinquiring gardener lives. cial media. Some information that pops up is not research-based, or they are selling a product and are not unbiased,” Pinson says. Reducing Confusion “We generally stick to recommendations we have been able to vet Many of those getting into organic gardening might feel confused through research. When we make a recommendation, we give as to what connotes organic, Miller says. “Organic gardening is folks all of the options of what they can do.” using a naturally formed material for fertilizer and pesticide, from plant, animal or mineral sources.” To find a nearby extension office, visit Tinyurl.com/ExtensionFinder. The biggest area of confusion is that many people think organic means pesticide-free. But that is not always true. There is Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, organic pest control, Miller says. “In terms of gardening, there are Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.
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wise words
Alice Robb on the
Transformative Power of Dreams
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e know and your study that sleep of them? is good for It was where it all got mental and physical started for me and health, but whether even though it was dreams can play a role eight years ago, I still is a fascinating topic. remember my first luWhen we journey cid dream as if it was into that state, science yesterday. If I hadn’t journalist Alice Robb had that experience feels we can reap even of doing the exercises more benefits and make to elicit lucid dreamour waking lives more ing, I don’t know if I productive, healthier would’ve written the and happier. book—although I’ve Her recent book always been fascinated Why We Dream: The Knowing you are by my regular dreams, Transformative Power lying in bed, but also which have been of Our Nightly Journey, vivid, and have often feeling, physically, that which blossomed from you are in another place, wondered what was a trip to Peru, posits a going on in my brain new way to look at our is very powerful. to produce them—esdreams including how pecially when I felt ~Alice Robb to recall and even influthey were affecting my ence them, and how doing so benefits us moods or my daily life. when awake. Rich with recent studies and evoking famous artists, thinkers and othHow is lucid dreaming different ers over centuries, she traces the intricate than normal dreaming? links between dreaming and creativity, and offers tips on how we can relish the intense In lucid dreams, you are aware that you adventure of lucid dreaming. are dreaming. A lot of people will be in Robb was a staff writer for The New a nightmare; it’s really scary, and you say Republic and has also written for New York to yourself, “This can’t be real, this must Magazine, The Atlantic, Elle, The Washbe a dream,” and then maybe you can get ington Post, the BBC and British Vogue. A yourself out of it. You can train yourself to graduate of Oxford with Bachelor of Arts prolong those lucid moments. Some people degrees in both Archaeology and Anthrodo it naturally while others can do different pology, she resides in Brooklyn, New York. meditation exercises to learn to gain awareness within their dreams. Before you start trying to have lucid How did your experience in dreams, it’s important to have very good
Peru shape both your dreams
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photo courtesy Don Razniewski
W
by Randy Kambic
recall of your regular dreams. We’re all dreaming every night, every time we have a REM cycle, about every 90 minutes that we are asleep, even if you don’t remember your dreams. It’s easier for most people to improve their dream recall. It’s as simple as saying to yourself before bed, “I want to remember my dreams tonight.” The more intention you have, the more you think about your dreams during the day, can be enough to trigger you to better remember your dreams. If you pay close attention to your environment, looking and examining it and asking yourself whether it’s real, you will then ask yourself the same question in a dream.
How do you feel lucid dreaming can improve our overall well-being?
You can practice a speech you are worried about. If you are an athlete, you can mentally prepare. It can help with your mental health. You can use lucid dreams to confront your demons; you can summon someone that you want to have a conversation with and practice talking with them. They are awe-inspiring. Knowing you are lying in bed, but also feeling, physically, that you are in another place, is very powerful.
What steps can we take to improve our ability to recall dreams?
Keep a dream journal. It doesn’t have to be pen and paper; you can speak your dreams into your phone in the morning or in the middle of the night if you wake up… whatever you can do to train yourself to hold onto them because if you don’t remember them when you wake up, then they will fade pretty quickly. As soon as I started keeping a dream journal, I was amazed at how many I was remembering. When getting started, make sure to write something every morning, even “I don’t remember anything.” The habits will become ingrained and you’ll start to remember dreams. Randy Kambic, of Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.
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healing ways
AUGUST
Natural Pet Care Plus: Children’s Health
Toning the Vagus Nerve Relief for Pain, Anxiety and Inflammation
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by Marlaina Donato
esearch is helping doctors connect the dots between seemingly unrelated conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, revealing a common denominator: the multitasking vagus nerve, the longest in the autonomic nervous system. The superpower of this doublebranched cranial nerve lies in transporting major neurotransmitters along what is known as the brain-gut axis. “The vagus nerve stems from the brain to the abdomen like a communication superhighway between your gut and brain,” says Hannah Aylward, an Orlando-based certified holistic health coach and gut health expert. “Studies show that the vagus nerve regulates inflammation throughout the body.”
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Promising Research
Recent studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can improve quality of life for individuals suffering from numerous conditions. One type is a device that can be implanted by a neurosurgeon, which sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve
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in children that suffer from seizures and adults with depression as a supplemental treatment when surgery or medications are not possible or effective. There is also a handheld, non-invasive VNS option called gammaCore, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved device that offers hope for sufferers of cluster and migraine headaches. Its effectiveness for chronic pain management, as well as in cases of epilepsy and depression, was published in the Neuromodulation Journal in 2015. PTSD researcher Imanuel Lerman, M.D., and his colleagues with the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, found that VNS affects areas of the brain responsible for processing emotional pain. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE earlier this year, also show that VNS delays the brain’s response to pain signals in individuals with PTSD.
Mental Health, Trauma and the Gut When it comes to the vagus nerve, anxiety is physical. Post-traumatic stress is rooted in neurobiology and experienced in the body, not just the mind, says Arielle Schwartz,
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Coming Next Month
Ph.D., a Boulder, Colorado-based clinical psychologist and author of The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole. “This is why you can’t simply think or talk your way out of your trauma reactions.” According to Schwartz, “Disruptions in the gut flora, which often occur with overuse of antibiotics, can have a significant impact on mental health. An imbalance in the gut can lead to an inflammatory response in the immune system and a wide range of disruptive symptoms.” Aylward notes that 95 percent of the body’s mood-boosting chemical serotonin resides in the enteric nervous system, which governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract. “The brain-gut axis is becoming increasingly important as a therapeutic target for psychiatric and GI disorders,” she says. Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and founding co-director of UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, explains the trauma loop. “Developmental trauma impairs the integrative circuits of the brain and nervous system—the prefrontal cortex. When this happens, the brain will be hyperalert, interpreting some non-threatening situations as threatening. “Learning to be aware of our internal state and learning calming techniques helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system and can go a long way,” says Siegel. “High ventral vagal tone means having a state of calm.”
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Vagus Power Everyone can benefit from increased vagal tone, which goes handin-hand with engaging the parasympathetic nervous system for optimum equilibrium at the cellular level. Acupuncture, chiropractic—with a focus on the cranial nerves—massage, meditation, singing, laughing loudly, chanting mantras, gentle yoga and exercise, positive social interactions, belly breathing and chanting all make the vagus nerve a happy camper. These activities promote relaxation and help to decrease inflammation. “As a certified yoga instructor, I can attest to a wide range of natural vagus nerve stimulation techniques, especially using the breath,” says Schwartz. “Diaphragmatic breathing creates a gentle massage across your digestive organs, releases the diaphragm and stimulates nerve fibers within the lungs. Heart rate is reduced.” Brief exposure to cold water or cold air improves vagal tone and is a good option when anxiety is high. Eating coldwater fish like wild salmon or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, seaweed, hemp, flax or chia seeds provides vagal nourishment.
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~Nathaniel Whitmore
SUMMER EATING
The Herbal Connection by Kajsa Nickels
S
ummer is an ideal time to add a healthy dose of fresh, organic herbs to make cool salads, luscious smoothies and other hot-weather eats and treats. Herbs are not only a flavorful addition to any meal, they are also chock-full of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure and improving mineral balance to increasing immune support, hydration, energy and healthy skin. Most people consider using herbs in small amounts as seasonings for recipes such as spaghetti sauce, soups or desserts. However, they are edible plants, just like kale and spinach. Although they tend to have strong flavors when dried, fresh herbs are usually quite mild and can be eaten in large amounts like any other vegetable.
Cool Benefits “Summertime herbs are important for dealing with the heat and humidity that the season brings,” says Nathaniel Whitmore, a Chinese medicine herbalist and shiatsu massage practitioner in Milford, Pennsylvania. An herb that he recommends for this time of year is American ginseng, which, unlike its Chinese namesake, is considered a “cooling” herb and helps keep the body moist. When combined with fresh chrysanthemum flowers, the result is a powerful elixir that both hydrates and energizes. “A piece of American ginseng root and a few chrysanthemums placed in a jar of water and set on a windowsill for a few days makes a great cold infusion,” says Whitmore. “You can store it in the fridge for a few days and drink it in small amounts at a time to benefit from its energizing and hydrating properties.” 24
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Soft-stemmed herbs such as parsley and dill can be used in large amounts in salads and summer sandwiches. Other heat-tolerant herbs that are easy to grow include lemon balm, rosemary, lavender, mint and basil. “Lemon balm is great for headaches and insomnia that are common during summer heat waves,” says Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D., an herbalist and doctor of natural medicine, in Ontario, Canada. “Basil can help reduce summer achiness, while lavender serves as a relaxant and an excellent bug repellant.” In addition to relieving headaches and restlessness, lemon balm is also beneficial for those that suffer from high blood pressure. A study in the Journal of Herbal Medicine reports that it is helpful in reducing blood pressure in patients with chronic stable angina. Rosemary, another herb used for sleep disorders, was found to also help improve memory and decrease anxiety in a study conducted in Iran at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences. One study in 2009 by researchers in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Allahbad, in India, revealed that polyphenols found in herbs and plants harbor antioxidant properties that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders.
Fresh Is Best While herbs can be used in their extracted and dried forms, the most significant health benefits are often found in the raw, organic plant. “Fresh is better,” says Whitmore. “This is especially true when it comes to the more aromatic plants such as basil and lavender. A lot of the more volatile constituents are lost during the drying process.” Most herbs grow best in dry garden areas that receive at least eight hours of sun each day. Although some herbs can grow in partially shaded locations, they won’t be as flavorful. Many herbs can also be grown in containers or pots. Maria Noël Groves, a clinical herbalist in Allenstown, New Hampshire, and author of Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies: How to Create a Customized Herb Garden to Support Your Health & Well-Being, lists lemon balm, Korean mint, anise hyssop and purple basil as among her favorite summer culinary and beverage herbs that are easy to grow in pots. These make easy pickings for wraps, salads, sandwiches and more. “Lemon balm can also be used to make infused water,” says Groves. “With lemon verbena, lemon grass or holy basil, the result is refreshing and calming.” Just take a few sprigs and place them in either plain or seltzer water. The result is a delicately flavored beverage that’s also healthy and hydrating. Kajsa Nickels is a freelance writer and a music composer. She resides in northeastern Pennsylvania. Contact her at Fideleterna45@gmail.com.
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Summertime herbs are important for dealing with the heat and humidity that the season brings.
conscious eating
Microbiome of the Gut Can Affect Entire Body by Deirdre Kohley, RPh
T
he gastrointestinal system has a microbiome that may determine the health of the rest of the body—from the brain to the toes. “Think brain fog and foot fungus,” says Deirdre Kohley, Registered Pharmacist and Director of Wellness at PrivaMD in Grand Haven. She points out that it’s not easy to keep the good gut bugs robust with the trappings of nutrient-deficient and toxic foods and then poor lifestyle habits on top of it all. “Even finely sculpted athletes can be feeling nauseous, looking bloated and having intestinal troubles, despite what appears to be a good diet and plenty of exercise.” Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes ends up being a catch-all phrase for any number of symptoms related to gastrointestinal upset. IBS-D, IBS-C, and IBS-M are titled by the focus on the symptoms of disturbance (diarrhea, constipation or a mix). It’s important for people with any of these symptoms to work with a health care provider or gastroenterologist to seek a diagnosis. Crohn’s disease and colitis can have similar symptoms but must be treated differently. So successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis.
Getting a Diagnosis
“We start by getting a person’s history,” says Kohley, adding that there is much that can be learned there. Finding out if they were bottle fed, given an early introduction to solid food, prone to frequent infections requiring antibiotics or exposed to multiple adverse childhood events could all have effects on the gut. In addition, people who are now talented athletes may tend to exercise too much, which Kohley says is another trigger for gastrointestinal dysbiosis that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. “The clues from the gathering of historical data give hints as to why many children have reflux as infants, constipation as toddlers and frequent stomach aches as youngsters. They are usually treated with popular prescription or over the counter medications instead of attending to the root cause,” says Kohley. “As they grow to adulthood, they are plagued by vague symptoms of irritable bowel, acid reflux or gall bladder disease. When practitioners use the clues from the patient and instead
examine the microbiota of the gut, they may head off the tendency for the dependency on more medications, uncomfortable testing or surgical intervention for the relief of symptoms in the future.” There are several stool testing companies that can provide data about the quantity and the quality of the microbiome in the gut. Information about inflammation, digestion and nutrient absorption can also be determined, and when interpreted by a qualified professional, it can provide a diagnosis needed to direct treatment and repair. There are also direct to consumer products that will provide a gut flora analysis to determine if there is an imbalance in the diversity of the flora leading to symptoms of bloating, unpredictable bowel habits, fatigue and weight gain. Companies that do these tests will make suggestions for food, probiotics and supplements to support microbiome balance. There is ongoing research and new tests coming out. One is a breath test that determines if hydrogen or methane producing microorganisms are living in the small intestine. It’s important to determine if small intestinal bacterial or fungal overgrowth could be the cause of symptoms. Another new test is a blood test that can verify IBS by identifying specific biomarkers in your blood. This technology that can measure the presence of antibodies from food poisoning and can drive therapy to provide relief. “There has also been research on the importance of the appendix as possibly ‘reseeding’ the microbiome after an event that severely disrupts it, which has brought forth an exciting discovery,” Kohley says. “Researchers determined that 45 percent of appendicitis was caused by food poisoning, most often Campylobacter. Instead of surgically removing what may now be determined to be a vital organ providing microbiome balance, the infection could be treated to restore the function of the appendix.”
Treatment
Symptoms such as pain, extreme gas or bloating, severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea or constipation can disrupt lives and often takes too long to diagnose. Protecting the precious gut microbiome takes proper nutrition, building healthy diversity and
balanced lifestyles to maintain gut integrity and resilience. “Treatment of gut dysbiosis can be rigorous and requires patience and persistence. Once a diagnosis is made, specific diets with food restrictions may be necessary. Sleep, moderate exercise, and stress reduction contribute to healing,” says Kohley. “Relapses are common, but a return to a comfortable life is possible.” Deirdre Kohley, RPh, is the Director of Wellness and Health Coach at PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd Ste 180, Grand Haven. 616-3122438. PrivaMD.org. See ad page 2.
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fit body The main purpose is not exercise or getting from point A to point B, but rather having a mindful, sensory experience in nature.
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FOREST BATHING Mother Nature’s Rx for Body and Mind
I NaturallyWestMI
Gut health is the key to overall health. ~Kris Carr
26
West Michigan Edition
by Marlaina Donato
n 1982, the Japanese government coined the term Shinrin-yoku (“taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing”) to inspire people to visit and appreciate national parks. Today, that walk in the woods has become a medically recommended activity worldwide for improving immunity, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, managing chronic pain and promoting better sleep. The research supporting the physical and mental benefits of forest bathing is so compelling that it’s advocated by the National Institute of Public Health of Japan and prescribed to patients there. Researchers from the University of East Anglia, in England, examined years of studies and found significant evidence that experiencing nature has a positive impact on health. Published in the journal Environmental Research in 2018, the metaanalysis involving 290 million participants from 20 countries concluded that spending time in green spaces lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. The study also noted a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and death from heart disease.
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Terpenes and Tree Therapy
Another recent review of studies, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, concluded that Shinrin-yoku can ease the symptoms of adult depression. “Forest bathing plugs us into something we all seek—a source of peace and well-being. The thing that first hooked me into being a forest bathing guide was reading the robust body of research that proves the benefits of forest bathing,” says Judy Beaudette, board secretary of Friends of North Creek Forest, in Bothell, Washington. Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a certified forest therapy guide and author of The Joy of Forest Bathing: Reconnect With Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, attests to the therapeutic value of forest bathing. “Even occasional nature immersion can have beneficial health effects that can last for days. Many doctors are now prescribing nature to patients. There’s an organization devoted to this called Park Rx America.” She recommends just 20 minutes during a lunch break to sit on a bench or on the ground beneath trees.
There are many theories of why spending time in the woods or any other natural place makes us feel good; for example, findings published in the journal Toxicological Research in 2017 attribute the immune-boosting, mood-lifting benefits of forest bathing to natural terpenes released into the air by trees, especially conifers. Terpenes contain anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
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Sensory Immersion, Not Exercise Shinrin-yoku is intended to engage the trinity of body-mind-spirit. “The main purpose is not exercise or getting from point A to point B, but rather having a mindful, sensory experience in nature. It isn’t some prescribed task you need to do, like pushups,” explains Hannah Fries, a poet and author of Forest Bathing Retreat: Find Wholeness in the Company of Trees. She communes with the wild for both health and inspiration. “Even if it’s only 20 minutes a week, go outside without a phone or other electronic device. Walk slowly. Look more closely. Listen. Smell. Touch. Interact with the living, breathing world around you. It’s that simple.” Choukas-Bradley says that observance is key. Recalling her first forest bathing experience, she says, “We paid attention to our breath and tuned in to the sights, sounds and sensations all around us. I noticed a perfect spider’s web, just barely trembling in the slightest breeze, its creator clinging to the center.” She recommends finding a “wild home”—a neighborhood park, garden or backyard tree. “Make it a practice to find a ‘sit spot’ where you can quietly observe beauty and are apt to feel a sense of awe. Psychology researchers have shown that experiencing awe has many positive effects on emotional health.” It doesn’t matter if we commune with nature in a rural or urban setting, only that we remain dialed in to our surroundings. “Forest bathing is a tool for slowing down our buzzing minds and practicing a secret superpower—the skill of consciously choosing what we put our attention on,” says Beaudette. Marlaina Donato is the author of several books, including Multidimensional Aromatherapy. She is also a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
A Simple Meditation Forest bathing guide Judy Beaudette suggests: n Find something you can put your attention on that is natural— a plant, a stone, a bird’s song, a stream or a forest, the sky, even a tuft of grass or weeds growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. n Practice noticing something small in nature, like an acorn, a leaf or a grain of sand. Put it in the palm of your hand and for five minutes, notice the details. Keep noticing. See what thoughts come to mind and keep returning your attention to this small thing. After the five minutes have elapsed, write down your observations.
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When we are in alignment, everything flows. There is ease and doors open for us. People, money and resources will show up on our path to help us achieve our goals. Therefore, we must always be awake to our goodness and take inspired actions to manifest our desires into reality.
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inspiration
C = Commitment
The Grace of Abundance Five Practices to Create a More Abundant Life
A
by Meriflor Toneatto
Commit to gifting ourselves with an abundant mindset because our mindset is critical to our success. One way to quickly shift our mindset to the positive is to concentrate on our desire and ask ourselves, “What do I have to believe for this to be true?” Our mind will creatively generate many possibilities that can get us excited, which then shifts how we think and feel to what is positive. As we do this, we will also create greater confidence in the knowledge that the universe is always working in our favor.
E = Expression Express our passion by first doing what we love. Then find a way to use our passion, purpose and life to serve others.When we do this, our world, our financial abundance and our joy will expand exponentially. Meriflor Toneatto is the author of Money, Manifestation & Miracles: A Guide to Transforming Women’s Relationships with Money. Connect at Meriflor.co.
bundance means plenty—a flowing of love, vitality, wealth, joy, prosperity, success and more. GRACE is an acronym representing five practices that can magnify abundance in all areas of life, including finances.
G = Gratitude There is tremendous power in being grateful, because what we focus on expands. Gratitude opens our heart to receive and give blessings. This puts us in a space to have more things to be grateful for. Practicing gratitude can be as simple as saying, “I am grateful for…” or “I am thankful for…” If we find ourselves in a negative state, practice gratitude even for as brief a period as 60 seconds. It will positively shift our emotion, thereby allowing us to be open to abundance.
R = Receiving To graciously receive can be as simple as accepting a compliment. Another way to receive is by requesting our heart’s desire. There is nothing wrong with wanting more. The truth is that we can have more—as much as we are willing to receive.
A = Alignment The key way to get into alignment for more abundance is to know our purpose, follow our passion and work on releasing internal fears and doubts. July 2019
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healthy kids
If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.
The Pure Joy of Play
Why Kids Need Unstructured Fun
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West Michigan Edition
by Ronica O’Hara
ot so long ago, kids would be shooed out the door to play and told to return home at meal time. But the rising use of digital devices and kids’ highly scheduled sports and school activities, as well as parental fears about safety, has made that kind of unstructured play rare—with resulting drops in children’s independence, resilience and creativity, experts say. In fact, play has been shown to be so critical to children’s development that an American Academy of Pediatrics 2018 clinical report, “The Power of Play,” recommends that doctors write prescriptions for it. “Play is not frivolous; it is brain building,” concludes the report. It defines play as voluntary, fun and spontaneous activities that engross a child, often resulting in joyous discovery, and includes imaginative make-believe, experimenting and risk-taking. It cites 147 studies showing that play builds skills critical for adult success such as problem solving, collaboration and creativity; decreases stress, fatigue, injury and depression; and
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increases range of motion, agility, coordination, balance and flexibility. Here are some ways to up the play in children’s lives:
1
Give them lots of free time away from devices. Yes, they
might be bored at first—but boredom enhances creativity, partly by allowing for daydreaming, concludes a study from the UK’s University of Central Lancashire.
2
Encourage fun, rather than competition. By age 6, 60 percent
of American boys and 47 percent of girls are participating on organized sport teams, but three out of four kids quit sports by age 13—one major reason being, “I was not having fun.” Play, on the other hand, is based on pure enjoyment and spontaneous collaboration among kids, minus overanxious adult “sidelining”. “When children play in their own ways, they generally play cooperatively. We adults impose competition, unfortunately. Yet even in our competitive society, the really successful and
happy people are the ones who are oriented toward cooperation,” says Peter Gray, Ph.D., a Boston College psychology professor and author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.
Play is how children learn to create and govern their own activities and solve their own problem independently of adults.
from me. But I knew there was no better way for him to learn the limits of his own body than to test them,” she says. Mariana Brussoni, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of pediatrics and the School of Population and Public ~Peter Gray Health at the University of British Columbia, Canada, concurs: Encourage them to take the “When they’re given the chance, even lead. Let kids decide whether they very young children show clear abilities want to play with friends, siblings or alone. to manage risks and figure out their They will happily make up their own own limits. The potential for learning games with lots of raw materials that are is enormous.” on hand—blocks, balls, puzzles, crayons, boxes, wooden spoons, old costumes and Don’t worry. “The data show that hats, sand, water, tarps and shovels. “Play children are far more likely to get inis how children learn to create and govern jured in adult-directed sports, where they their own activities and solve their own are pushed to compete, than in free play,” problems independently of adults,” says says Gray. “Moreover, the kinds of injuGray. “Stated differently, it is how chilries that occur in free play are relatively dren learn to become adults. This value easy to recover from.” As for the fear of is destroyed when adults take charge of kidnapping by strangers, the odds are children’s activities.” very small—one in a million, according to the latest U.S. Department of Justice Back off from hovering data. “Weigh the effect of the limits you supervision. It can rob them of a place on your kids to prevent that very, sense of ownership and accomplishment. very, very unlikely possibility versus the Leigh Ellen Magness, a clinical social fundamental importance for their own worker and registered play therapist in health and development of exploring Athens, Georgia, grappled with anxiety as freedom,” advises Brussoni. she watched her 5-year-old son clamber up a roadside sculpture designed for Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based climbing. “He climbed so high that my freelance health writer. Connect at stomach flip-flopped to see him so far OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
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Explore Free Play OutsidePlay.ca: This online, 20-minute, self-quiz helps parents reflect upon their own childhood adventures and figure out a plan they feel comfortable with for their children’s unstructured “risky play”. Preliminary study data show that by three months, 93 percent of parents using the quiz had accomplished their goals. “The Power of Play”: Tinyurl.com/ThePowerOfPlay-AAP This study by the Ameri-
can Academy of Pediatrics lays out the body of research on the benefits of unstructured play for children.
“Say Yes to Play”: A Psychology Today online article offers 12 strategies to encourage play, as well as additional references. Tinyurl.com/SayYesToPlay-PT.
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Alternatives to Antibiotics
Beyond Antibiotics Pets Can Heal With Natural Approaches by Karen Shaw Becker
L
ike people, pets can develop allergies to medications that are overprescribed, including antibiotics, which also have a long list of side effects—many of which are long-term. There is also the escalating problem of resistance, which is the result of too-frequent and unnecessary use of these drugs. One of the most important things to know is that dogs and cats are exposed to antibiotics when they eat food containing the meat of factory-farmed animals, which includes about 99 percent of pet foods on the market today. The exception is a very small number that contain free-range, organic ingredients.
Antibiotic Resistance
In many cases, even when bacteria are exposed for the first time to a particular antibiotic, the majority will die, but some will survive and pass on that resistance to other bacteria. The problem is not that certain disease-causing bacteria are antibioticresistant, but that the resistance genes in any type of bacteria can transfer their ability to survive to billions of other bacteria. 32
West Michigan Edition
This is how superbugs are born. These are a strain of bacteria able to withstand assault by multiple types of antibiotics. When a veterinarian can no longer eliminate bacterial infections with antibiotics, the life of the animal is threatened, and that’s the biggest concern. If a veterinarian makes a diagnosis of infection, ask for a culture and sensitivity test. Otherwise, he or she is making a guess at what type of organism is present and the best antibiotic to treat it. Each time an unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic is prescribed, the potential for resistance increases. Only in an emergency situation should a veterinarian prescribe an antibiotic before the culture and sensitivity test can be performed. The vet can then switch medications if necessary when the results arrive. Giving the proper dose of the antibiotic at the proper intervals and using up the entire prescription is important, even if the pet seems to be fully recovered before the medication has run out. This will ensure the infection is totally resolved and prevent the pet from having to take another full course of antibiotics because
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Many conditions for which antibiotics are often indiscriminately prescribed respond very well to a combination of natural therapies, including herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutraceuticals, immune system stimulants and specific nutritional interventions. Functional medicine veterinarians, a group that is thankfully growing in number, realize this and are able to partner with pet parents to offer alternatives to antibiotics. A 2016 study showed cranberry extract to be as or more effective in preventing E. coli-related urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs as short-term antibiotic treatment. In addition, cranberry extract can help fight multidrug-resistant bacteria in dogs with recurrent E. coli UTIs. In a study of shelter dogs, researchers compared the use of probiotics to antibiotics to treat acute diarrhea caused by stress. They concluded probiotic therapy was as effective as antibiotic therapy. In addition, dogs that were unresponsive to antibiotics appeared to benefit significantly from subsequent probiotic treatment. Oregano oil, propolis, olive leaf, essential oils, colloidal silver and Manuka honey help reduce bacterial skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with good success. If a dog or cat isn’t facing a lifethreatening health situation, talk with the veterinarian about alternatives to antibiotics. In these situations, pet parents often find it beneficial to consult a functional medicine or integrative veterinarian whose goal is to treat these problems by starting with the least toxic options first. Karen Shaw Becker is a proactive, integrative doctor of veterinary medicine who consults internationally and writes for Mercola Healthy Pets (HealthyPets.Mercola.com).
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the first one wasn’t fully administered and the infection wasn’t effectively cleared. It’s important to reseed the pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) system with friendly microorganisms—probiotics—during and after antibiotic therapy to reestablish a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This will also help keep a dog or cat’s digestive system working optimally and the immune system strong.
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-theLakeshore. 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.
MONDAY JULY 1
EcoTrek Fitness – 6:30-7:30am. Cari Draft leads. $10 drop-in. Meet at Petty’s Bayou boat launch parking lot at 17698 N Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake. Signup at SignUp@EcotrekFitness.com.
TUESDAY JULY 2
Detoxification Workshop – 6:30pm. This class will address the roadblocks that hinder people from losing weight in a natural and healthy manner. The staff will discuss their services and why their weight loss techniques are different than others. Seating is limited to 24. Free. The Natural Healing Center of Grand Rapids, 4288 3 Mile Rd NW, Suite 3, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-888-2416. More info: NaturalHealingGR.com.
WEDNESDAY JULY 3
EcoTrek Fitness – 6:30-7:30am. Cari Draft leads. $10 drop-in. Meet at Grand Haven channel deck, angle parking in front of the lighted deck on Harbor Dr at Lafayette (aka, Dairy Treat Street). Signup at SignUp@EcotrekFitness.com.
THURSDAY – SUNDAY JULY 4-7
Natural Health Independence Freedom Festival – The event will feature family friendly, educational, clean and fun filled activities to celebrate natural health. National speakers include Don Huber, presenting The Round-Up Truth and Robert Delaney, presenting PFAS in Our Water. Activities include adult and children’s workshops, natural health olympics, hay rides, fireworks and much more! Register before June 21 to receive a discount. The Naturopathic Community Center, the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education and Herbs Etc., Symbiosis Ranch, Mount Pleasant. Entry forms at NaturopathicInstitute.info/nhiff. Info: call 989-3174787 or contact@naturopathiccommunitycenter.info.
SATURDAY JULY 6TH
Forest Therapy Walk – 8-10:30am. July 9, 23 &
27. Wake up with the forest. You may have heard of forest therapy or forest bathing. Is now the time for you to experience this practice? Meet in the trees with ANFT Certified Guide Scott Campbell. For reservations and more info email Scott@LFEnergetics. com or check out WildHeartGuide.com. Access Bars® Class with Rebecca Stephens & John Scott Campbell – 10am-5:30pm. July 11, 24 & 28. 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 Stephens at Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or 616-510-6525 or go to LFEnergetics.com.
SUNDAY JULY 7
EcoTrek Fitness – 8:00-9:15am. Cari Draft leads. $10 drop-in. Coast Guard Park, 18161 N Shore Rd, Spring Lake. Signup at SignUp@EcotrekFitness.com.
MONDAY JULY 8
Healthy, Not High: Hemp Chats – 6:30-7:30pm. July 19 & 23. Do you have questions about hemp, cannabis, or your Endocannabinoid system? How much hemp/cbd oil should you take? What are the ways and methods to take it? Bring your questions and join us in this educational and informative class/ discussion. Brought to you by Cannabis Consultants and Coaches Rebecca Stephens and John Scott Campbell with over 30 years’ experience. $5. Simio Health and Wellness in Holland. Contact Rebecca Stephens to RSVP or for more info Rebecca@ LFEnergetics.com
TUESDAY JULY 9
Essential Oil Basics–Natural Health 101 – 1011am & 6-7pm. Interested in learning about essential oils but overwhelmed with where to start? With the popularity of oils increasing and an endless amount to choose from, we will discuss a little bit about the history of oils, how to use them, why they are beneficial in supporting our health and wellbeing, and the top essential oils you should have on hand. Class fee of $10. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Info & register online at TheRemedyHouse.org or by calling 616443-4225. Access Facelift® Class – 10am-5pm. July 9 & 27. 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. First time class fee $300. Simio Health and Wellness in Holland. Contact Rebecca Stephens to RSVP or for more info Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com.
FRIDAY JULY 12
Shining Light Gathering – 6-9pm. Warm atmosphere for a time of sharing in round table, favorite finger food snacks, circle of peace dancing, drum-
ming and ohming. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Church of Muskegon, 2091 Bourdon St, Muskegon.
SUNDAY JULY 14
EcoTrek Fitness – 8:00-9:15am. Cari Draft leads. $10 drop-in. Rosy Mound Natural Area - 13925 Lakeshore Dr, Grand Haven. Signup at SignUp@ EcotrekFitness.com. Replacing Fear with Love by Eckankar – 1011am. Replacing Fear with Love by Eckankar10-11am. Monthly ECK Light and Sound Service. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. ECK-MI.org. hu4heart@ gmail.com. 269-370-7170. Waking Up In 5D Book Chat & Discussion Group – 11am. Led by Rebecca Stephens from Life Force Energetics. Using the book by Maureen St. Germain Waking Up In 5D to guide us through this discussion. It is helpful if you have read the book, however, it is not a requirement. We discuss tools, experiences, and transformation as we ascend into 5D. In-kind donation. Simio in Holland. For more info and to register contact Rebecca Stephens at Rebecca@LFEnergetics.com or 616-510-6525 or go to LFEnergetics.com. Access Bars® Trade with Rebecca Stephens & John Scott Campbell – 1-4pm. For Access Bars® certified practitioners and/or facilitators only. Inkind donation collected to help cover the cost of the space. Contact Rebecca at Rebecca@LFEnergetics. com to RSVP. LFEnergetics.com.
MONDAY JULY 15
Free EcoTrek Fitness Adventure – 6:30-7:30pm. Cari leads a “Meatless Monday” adventure for VegLakeshore. Potluck begins at 5:45pm. Bring a plant-based dish with recipe. Meet at Howard B. Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave, Holland. VegLakeshore@gmail.com for info. Reiki Share – Offered twice in one day! 10am12pm & 6-8pm. See 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. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Info & register online at TheRemedyHouse. org or by calling 616-443-4225.
TUESDAY JULY 16
Detoxification Workshop – 6:30pm. This class will address the roadblocks that hinder people from losing weight in a natural and healthy manner. The staff will discuss their services and why their weight loss techniques are different than others. Seating is limited to 24. Free. The Natural Healing Center of Grand Rapids, 4288 3 Mile Rd NW, Suite 3, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-888-2416. More info: NaturalHealingGR.com.
WEDNESDAY JULY 17
Discover the Difference at PrivaMD – 6-7pm. Looking for health care that puts you at the center of the care and addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental influences that affect your health? We address both the patient’s immediate needs as well as the effects of the long-term and complex interplay between a range of biological, behavioral, psychosocial and environmental influences. Free. PrivaMD, 16986 Robbins Rd, Ste 180, Grand Haven. Call 616-213-0253 or visit PrivaMD.org for info.
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Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 7-8pm. Experience singing HU, a sacred sound that connects heaven and earth. For all beliefs. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. ECK-MI.org. hu4heart@gmail.com. 269-370-7170.
SATURDAY JULY 20
Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki I & II Level Class – July 20, 9am-5pm & July 21, 9am-3pm. With Usui/ Holy Fire® III Reiki Master John Scott Campbell. This beginning training is one of the most thorough and comprehensive available. It includes both Reiki I & II and is a combination of the western style as introduced by Mrs. Takata and the Japanese style and the holy fire energies. On completion of the class, you will be able to give reiki treatments to yourself and others. A class manual, certification, reiki grid, meditations, placements, and more will be given. Class cost $350 for both days and certification. Contact Scott@LFEnergetics.com for more info and to register.
THURSDAY – SUNDAY JULY 25-28
YogaFest at Song of the Morning – 3:00pm Thurs-2:00pm Sun. A four-day celebration of spirit, nature, and all things yoga. There are uplifting programs from before dawn until after sunset including meditation, sacred music, energy & sound healing, spiritual discussions, and yoga classes from many traditions, teachers, and paths. Kids 12 and under are free. Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat, 9607 Sturgeon Valley Rd. E. Vanderbilt, MI. Info: programs@songofthemorning.org. online: YogaFestMI.org
FRIDAY JULY 26
Dinner and Movie Night – 6-9pm. The last Friday of every month, we offer a free dinner & movie night for the whole community. Feel free to bring a dish to pass, or just come as you are. Extended Grace, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven.
SUNDAY JULY 21
SATURDAY JULY 27
MONDAY JULY 22
WEDNESDAY JULY 31
Body Peace Breathwork Healing – 6-7:30pm. Release + Renew in this session with Sam Kalawart. Breathwork Healing is a powerful experiential session that allows for deep self-exploration & transformation. In this intimate group session, you will experience the power of your breath in a new way. $35 per person. Pre-registration & pre-payment required. 208 W 18th St, Holland. 616-392-7580. MIBodhiTree.com to sign up and for more info. Lowering Stress and Anxiety Naturally – 6-7:30pm. Sam Kalawart with The Healing Space, will teach you to effortlessly strengthen your nervous system by using a combination of food, nutrients, breath work, meditation and mindfulness. Embark on a natural healing journey to deepen your own mind+body connection and naturally lower stress in your life. $25. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register/info: DominicanCenter.com.
Infinite Possibilities – 10-6 pm. Rules to the game: live intentionally and learn how life is EASY and FUN! An intensive day workshop of learning how the universe loves and supports you and how to manifest even more of what you want because your thoughts become things. Led by Elise GreenwoodSargent. Workshop fee is $499. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Must RSVP by July 20th. Info & register online at TheRemedyHouse.org or by calling 616-443-4225. New 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. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Must RSVP by July 30. Info & register online at TheRemedyHouse.org or by calling 616-443-4225.
THURSDAY JULY 25
The Common Denominator of Common Diseases – Natural Health – 10-11am or 6-7pm. Many people in our country today are struggling with a chronic ailment or dis-ease and have found little help or only temporary relief from modern medicine. Issues such as Lyme’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammation, candida, skin issues, asthma, and many more may all have a surprising common denominator. Join us to learn what that is and how we might be able to work with it and help heal the body. Class fee of $10. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Info & register online at TheRemedyHouse.org or by calling 616-443-4225.
save the date 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. 34
West Michigan Edition
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
Natural Awakenings
Magazine of West Michigan The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul. ~Alfred Austin
mark your calendar WEDNESDAY, 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.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
mark your calendar FRIDAY-SUNDAY, 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 616453-9909. 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 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. 3 Principles of the Path to Enlightenment – 7-8:30pm. A class 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. People’s Church 1758 N 10th St, Kalamazoo. 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-West-MichiganWeston-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 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.
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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 616-516-1479. Meditation – 6-7pm. Every Wednesday we meet in our meditation room from 6-7pm. We begin and 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 Sacred Self-Care: Well-Being for Every Body – 6-7:15. Starting May 9. Join Susan Duesbery to care for your whole self (body, mind, and spirit) by committing to self-care 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.
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West Michigan Edition
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.
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
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.
FRIDAY Sunrise Dance – 7:30-8:30am. Dance in community. Mindful movement. Self-exploration. Freeform dance. Led by Kara McNabb. $20. Magnolia Wellness, 6167 28th St, SE #13, Grand Rapids. KaraMcNabb@gmail.com. Dinner and Movie Night – 6-9pm. Join us for dinner at 6pm. Bring a dish to pass, or just come as you are! The film starts n at 7pm. The last Friday of every month for the whole community! Anyone can join us- we love making new friends! We try to tie in the movie with our community conversations, Inspire! Events. Extended Grace, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: ExtendedGrace.org, 616-414-9111. jenna@extendedgrace.org 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 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.
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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 26.
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 11.
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 11.
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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 5.
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 27.
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 6.
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 2.
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 18.
COUNSELING INNER PEACE COUNSELING, PLC
Ashley Carter Youngblood, LMSW, LMFT Owner/Therapist 4155 S 9th Street, Suite D, Kalamazoo, MI 269-254-1211 • Kalamazoo-Counseling.com Ashley Carter Youngblood is a licensed therapist who provides a holistic approach to counseling by empowering others to discover how one’s inner wisdom can contribute to the healing of the mind, body, spirit, and relationships.
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.
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FUNCTIONAL HEALTH
ENERGY HEALING
SOLANA INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
TONYA NICHOLS, RPH
Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner 332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com
Sara Douglas, Holland and Grand Rapids 616-615-5123 SolanaIntegrative@gmail.com SolanaIntegrativeHealth.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 13.
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.
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 12.
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 17.
FOREST THERAPY WILDHEART GUIDE SERVICES John Scott Campbell ANFT Certified FT Guide scott@lfenergetics.com WildheartGuide.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 / WELLNESS CENTER PRIVAMD | WELLNESS
16986 Robbins Rd., Suite 180 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616.312.2438 • wellness@privamd.org PrivaMD.org
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 19.
West Michigan Edition
KEN PORTER CST, CHT 3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107, Grand Rapids 616-262-3848 BodyAndSoulGR.com
ESSENTIAL OILS
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HAKOMI THERAPY
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 13.
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 11.
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 2.
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 18.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE GRAND RAPIDS NATURAL HEALTH
638 W Fulton St. SW Ste. B, Grand Rapids 616-264-6556 • GRNaturalHealth.com Our Naturopathic doctors (NDs), Christine Schoenek, Janna Hibler, and Carrie Dennie, offer a whole person approach to health, including services such as lifestyle management, functional lab testing, supplements and herbs, dietary counseling, cleanse programming, constitutional hydrotherapy, among other natural therapies. Our goal is the get to the root cause of your health concerns. See ad page12.
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 40.
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 27.
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. See ad page 19.
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 2.
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 16.
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 20.
July 2019
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Sponsored by the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education
Family Friendly, Educational, Clean and Fun Filled Activities to Celebrate Natural Health!
July 4th - 7th, 2019 @ Symbiosis Ranch, Mt. Pleasant MI
National Speakers: Activities:
Don Huber, The “Round-Up” Truth Robert Delaney, PFAS in our Water
Adult and Children’s Workshops, Natural Health Olympics, Hay Rides, Fireworks, and much more! Early registration discount before June 21, 2019!
Register Early: Forms available @ naturopathicinstitute.info/nhiff Call 989-317-4787 ⸰ contact@naturopathiccommunitycenter.info
The Path You Have Always Wanted! Inspire a world of health! Your diploma in Massage Therapy, Natural Health or Holistic Doula is here.
Naturopathy
(each year 600 hours)
Natural Health Educator ............... 1st Year Natural Health Therapist............... 2nd Year Natural Health Practitioner ........... 3rd Year Certified Naturopath ..................... 4th Year
4th Year Graduates are Eligible for Doctor of Naturopathy National Test & Title
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Bodywork Practitioner 1 Year
Holistic Doula Practitioner Doula ..................6 Months
All Classes Meet on Weekends
Friday: 5-9pm and Sat & Sun: 9am-6pm Naturopaths: 1 per month - Massage: 2 per month
Individual Classes:
(989) 773-1714 • Mount Pleasant, MI Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info
Herbology - Aromatherapy - Nutrition Live Food Preparation - Light Healing Touch Reflexology - Homeopathy & Much More!
Over 20 Years of Experience • Licensed and Accredited • NaturopathicInstitute.info 40
West Michigan Edition
NaturalWestMichigan.com