Natural Awakenings ~ West Michigan ~ November 2018

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E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Plant Based Pies for Every Palate

Rub Rover All Over

Massage Promotes a Dog’s Health

Boost Your

IMMUNE SYSTEM Natural Ways to Stay Healthy

Nurturing Creativity

Hobbies Engage & Grow Healthy Kids

November 2018 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com November 2018

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Copper device stops a cold naturally last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going around, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

Copper may even stop flu if used earNew research: Copper stops colds if used early. ly and for several days. Lab technicians ew research shows you can went away completely.” It worked again placed 25 million live flu viruses on a stop a cold in its tracks if you CopperZap. No viruses were found alive every time he felt a cold coming on and take one simple step with a soon after. he hasn’t had a cold since. new device when you first feel a cold People have used it on cold sores He asked relatives and friends to try coming on. and say it can completely prevent ugly it. They said it worked for them, too, so Colds start when cold viruses get in outbreaks. You can also rub it gently he patented CopperZap™ and put it on your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat the market. don’t stop them early, they spread in infections.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it your airways and cause misery.

The handle is curved and finely texand given feedback. Nearly 100% said But scientists have found a quick tured to improve the copper stops way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. colds if used withcontact. It kills in 3 hours after the Researchers at labs and universities germs picked up first sign. Even up agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills on fingers and microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, to 2 days, if they hands to protect still get the cold it just by touch. you and your That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp- is milder and they family. tians used copper to purify water and feel better.

Copper even heal wounds. They didn’t know about Users wrote kills deadly germs Sinus trouble, stuffiness, cold sores. that have become viruses and bacteria, but now we do. things like, “It Scientists say the high conductance stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it resistant to antibiotics. If you are near of copper disrupts the electrical balsupposed to work that fast?” sick people, a moment of handling it ance in a microbe cell, destroying it in Pat McAllister, age 70, received one may keep serious infection away. It may seconds. for Christmas and called it “one of the even save a life.

Tests by the Environmental Protecbest presents ever. This little jewel really The EPA says copper still works tion Agency (EPA) show germs die fast works.” Now thousands of users have even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of on copper. Some hospitals tried copper stopped getting colds. different disease germs so it can prevent for surfaces like faucets and doorknobs.

People often use CopperZap preserious or even fatal illness. ventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci This cut the spread of MRSA and other CopperZap is made in the U.S. of used to get colds after crowded flights. illnesses by over half, and saved lives. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave back guarantee when used as directed times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off he felt a cold coming on he fashioned “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” each CopperZap with code NATA5. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when Go to www.CopperZap.com or call people are sick around her she uses Cop- toll-free 1-888-411-6114. gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold perZap morning and night. “It saved me Buy once, use forever.

N

ADVERTORIAL 2

West Michigan Edition

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

Contents 16 SUPERCHARGE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Natural Ways to Stay Healthy

20 KRISTI NELSON

on Why Gratefulness Brings Happiness

22 SAFE DRINKING WATER Home Systems to Purify H2O

24 EASE REPETITIVE

22

STRAIN INJURIES

Targeted Exercises Lower Risk of Injury

25 ABUNDANT LIVING 10 Practices Open Doors

26 THANKSGIVING DESSERTS

Plant-Based Pies for Every Palate

16

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

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28 ECO-PACKAGING PROGRESS REPORT Innovative Uses of Pulp, Paper and Mushrooms

26

30 NURTURING CREATIVE KIDS

Hobbies Engage and Grow Healthy Kids

32 GIVE ROVER A RUBDOWN

Massage Keeps a Dog at Peak Health

DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 7 community

spotlight 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 14 eco tip 20 wise words 22 healing ways 24 fit body

30 25 inspiration 26 conscious

eating 28 green living 30 healthy kids 32 natural pet 34 calendar 37 classifieds 38 resource guide November 2018

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Immune System Boosters for Health Defense

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here are some really great articles this month offering insightful tips for boosting and maintaining the immune system in an effort to keep unwanted health problems at bay. We simply never know what triggers might be lurking around the corner that will sideline us unexpectedly.

Recently when I was visiting Colorado, one of my friends became locked in our hotel bathroom. The maintenance person arrived within minutes and quickly began taking off the door handle, then the doorframe. After using a crowbar on the locking mechanism in the wall, he passed my friend a screwdriver under the door, and she worked on the hinges from the inside. She is claustrophobic but maintained her cool quite admirably. After about 30 minutes, he finally got the door open.

After that fiasco, we went hiking in the mountains and had a beautiful day.

While hiking, the manager sent me a text asking how I would rate them. I messaged—I would have given a 10, but then my friend was locked in the bathroom. Though considering, you did get her out in less than 30 minutes, and the maintenance man was awesome, I think I’ll still give you a 10. When we returned to the hotel room, the mess had been cleaned up, and a new handle had been installed. Also, there was a beautiful bouquet of red roses along with a lovely note signed by the entire staff.

Later that evening, my friend awakened with terrible stomach cramps, a burning throat and a headache. I believe that span of 30 minutes my friend had been trapped in the bathroom, had exposed her to extreme anxiety, weakening her immune system. Consequently, the affliction had taken her out of action for a few days. My personal philosophy is that the whole incident gave us a great story to tell, but it also demonstrates the power that stress has on the immune system.

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EDITORS Rachel Scott McDaniel

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Scott Carvey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashley Carter Youngblood Marlaina Donato Dan Gleason Deirdre Kohley Barbara Lee VanHorssen Rachel Scott McDaniel Christine Schoenek

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

NATIONAL EDITOR Alison Chabonais

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano RANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs F WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield

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To conscious living,

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

news briefs

Holistic Care Approach Announces New Medical Director

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olistic Care Approach, in Grand Rapids, would like to announce Dr. Peter MacField MD as their new medical director.

Dr. MacField earned his medical degree in Bangladesh at Chittagong Medical College before moving to Grand Rapids for his residency in general surgery and family practice. He specializes in alternative/complementary medicine, hormone Dr. Peter MacField MD replacement therapy, osteoporosis management, chronic pain management, functional medicine and geriatric medicine.

Naturopathic medicine is available under MacField’s guidance. With doctors specializing in non-invasive techniques, these holistic medical services are an excellent alternative to traditional healthcare options.

MacField’s goal along with the entire staff at Holistic Care Approach is to help people create healthier lives by providing integrative therapies that promote wellness from within in a healing environment.

Location: 3368 Beltline Ct. Ne, in Grand Rapids. For more information, visit HolisticCareApproach.com or call 616-361-9221. See ad page 13.

Hunting Widow’s Day Spa

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he Healing Center of Lakeview is hosting Hunting Widow’s Spa Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., November 17, at their facility in Lakeview. Come get pampered with their fabulous spa package, which for a fee of $40, includes a 30-minute foot detox, 30-minute infrared sauna session, and a 30-minute session on a Migun Bed (automatic massage bed). Appointments will also be available for full spectrum healing, massage, craniosacral, and reflexology, thirty minutes for $30. Attendees can also get a reading from one of their intuitive/psychic readers, thirty minutes for $45. Participants may also enjoy a soothing cup of organic tea from the tea bar while browsing the sales throughout the store.

Location: 332 S. Lincoln Avenue, in Lakeview. For more information, call 989-352-6500 or visit thcoflakeview.com. See ad page 21.

Aramaic Jesus Classes – Seven Keys to Understanding Jesus

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pirit Space is holding Aramaic Jesus classes from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on the second and forth Saturday through the months of November and December, at their center in Saugatuck.

The class on November 10 will cover the mysticism and the practical, and the class on November 24 will discuss the culture of Jesus. The psychology of the near east will be the class topic on December 8. The class on December 22 will cover the symbolism and amplification of the near east.

Each week will consist of listening to a body prayer and learning a new Aramaic word that Jesus would have often used.

This study will bring together many aspects to consider regarding Jeshua. The class will touch on world view, psychology, and cosmology of Semitic languages and cultures. All of this will be brought together in order to get a glimpse of Jesus through a Middle Eastern lens. Feel free to join one class or the series. All are welcome to participate.

The cost is a love offering. Location: 3493 Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck. For more information, call 616-886-2716 or email Info@Spirit-Space.org. See ad page 29.

New Naturopathic Doctors at Grand Rapids Natural Health

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rand Rapids Natural Health is thrilled to announce the arrival of the two new Naturopathic Doctors to our team! Janna Hibler, ND and Carrie Dennie, ND will be bringing a new variety of expertise and naturopathic specialties to the office this fall.

Dr. Hibler is a devoted doctor and mother who specializes in Women’s Health and Pediatric care while Dr. Dennie specializes in Dermatology and General Family Wellness. The expertise these women will bring to Grand Rapids Natural Health are sure to be an essential addition to the health and wellness of individuals and families looking for a trusted health care provider. The specialties of a naturopathic doctor focus on a whole person approach, learning and understanding each person’s concerns. We are proud to be welcoming two new doctors with those same values to our team and look forward to the West Michigan community to meet them, too!

For more information about naturopathic care, please call 616264-6556 or visit our website for a full list of team members and services at GRNaturalHealth.com. See ad page 7.

November 2018

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Dive In!

Become an EnergyTouch Praccconer

The Next Prerequisite Training Weekend is November 02, 03 and 04 in Grand Rapids, MI

visit www.energytouchschool.com/events

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

Harmony ‘n Health Colon Hydrotherapy

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 6

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Mary A. DeLange C.C.T. L.M.T. 616-456-5033

Some Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy: ~ Remove Toxic Waste from Ones Body ~ Relieves Cons�pa�on ~ Removes Stomach Bloat ~ Increase Ones Energy

Therapeu�c Massage Also Available

Mary@HarmonynHealth.net www.HarmonynHealth.net

community spotlight

Unearthing the Roots of Illness at Bluewater Wellness

by Marlaina Donato

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rom the holistic point of view, health problems take time to manifest, and the path to healing is not a one-sizefits all journey, but every patient deserves to feel empowered, even in the face of daunting, chronic conditions. “It is an undisputed fact that acute-care medicine and conventional approaches save lives, but the combination of holistic and functional medicine brings home a method to address chronic conditions. I see people opening up to the realization that they are in charge of their health. They deserve more than a cursory look at a symptom. They deserve answers to why they don’t feel well when all the lab numbers look ‘normal’. They deserve to spend their healthcare dollars on what works for them and their food budgets on real, life sustaining nutritional food,” says pharmacist and health coach Deirdre (Dee) Kohley of Bluewater Wellness in Spring Lake, Michigan.

Bluewater Wellness was founded in 2015 on the principle of treating the whole person, and their 12 and 24-week program options have changed lives with cutting-edge testing that can include ZRT, Genova, Doctors Data, Diagnostic Solutions, Precision Analytical and SIBO breath tests. This thorough approach has given Bluewater Wellness the reputation of successfully spearheading many autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders and Sjogren’s Syndrome. “Functional Medicine is really looking at the whole body instead of dividing up symptoms for treatment. Chronic illness is allowed to develop due to genetic, environment, nutritional and other lifestyle factors and Functional Medicine addresses all of them. We take a look at how the body’s microbiome affects all aspects of chronic and acute illness. We partner with Cleveland Heart Lab to offer affordable testing for thyroid, gender hormone, diabetes, heart disease risk, etc.,” says Kohley.

Hormone imbalance, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, HPA Axis Dysfunction, ADHD, migraines, depression and bipolar disorder are also among the many conditions addressed at Bluewater.

The center also addresses lifestyle factors that can create or contribute to children’s

symptoms of attention deficit, constipation, sleep disorders and food sensitivity.

There is a free 15 minute-consultation to determine level of commitment and introduces Bluewater’s philosophy.

“The path to your best health requires a dedicated team to get to the root cause of what may be causing dysfunction. We ask for a 12-week commitment to create a personalized and sustainable plan which includes diagnostics, clinical data, lifestyle changes and accountability. Through our team, you have access to physical and mental health care providers, a massage therapist, an energy work specialist, fitness experts, health coaches and equipment such as sauna, low level light therapy and more,” explains Kohley.

Results are determined by the level of commitment of each individual, and the team is often amazed at the improvements members make in their own health. “We have programs that work for anyone looking to change the trajectory of their downward health spiral. Our focus in on removing the labels, such as ‘diabetic’, and providing solutions for a person with a blood sugar dysfunction. It’s not about what’s wrong but what happened to the systems of the body along the way,” says Kohley.

In essence, the team at Bluewater Wellness believe that there is a better way to health by adjusting lifestyle and finding alternative methods to what is traditionally offered by a pharmaceutically-driven health care system. Kohley is proud to offer these alternatives. “Basically, we were ready to change our involvement in the broken traditional medical system that focused on a ‘pill for an ill’. The most exciting feedback I receive is when a member looks back on how they felt coming in on the first day and how they have benefited!

There is an evolution of medicine, and we are happy to be part of it.”

Bluewater Wellness is located at 17214 Van Wagoner Rd, just off of US 31 in Spring Lake. For more information, visit BluewaterWellnessTeam.com or call 616-296-2422 or 231-730-5211. See ad page 26.

Marlaina Donato is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

DO YOU EXPERIENCE? PAIN INFERTILITY AUTO-IMMUNITY CHRONIC ILLNESS DIGESTIVE CONCERNS ANXIETY & DEPRESSION DIFFICULTY LOSING WEIGHT

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November 2018

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Eating Well Protects Hearing A healthy diet can lower the risk of moderate to severe hearing loss by 30 percent or more, conclude researchers from Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Studying the diets of 33,000 women for 22 years, they found that hearing was better retained among those that ate closer to the Mediterranean Diet—with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish and virgin olive oil.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, high in fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy, as well as low in sodium, also was associated with better hearing.

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West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Artem Kutsenko/Shutterstock.com

Raw fruit and vegetables are better for mental health than canned, cooked or otherwise processed produce, report researchers from New Zealand’s University of Otago. Their survey of more than 400 young adults from their country and the U.S., published in Frontiers in Psychology, found a correlation between eating raw produce and measures of psychological well-being, positive mood and life satisfaction.

“The cooking and processing of produce likely limits the delivery of nutrients that are essential for optimal emotional functioning,” says co-author Tamlin Conner, Ph.D. The top 10 raw foods for mental health are carrots, bananas, apples, dark leafy greens, grapefruit, lettuce, other citrus, berries, cucumbers and kiwis.

Early-stage breast cancer can be accurately detected via a simple breath test and urine sample, report researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in Israel. Using electronic nose sensors and gas-chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze breath and urine, respectively, they were able to identify biomarkers for breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide. “Our new approach… with inexpensive, commercially available processes, is non-invasive, accessible and may be easily implemented in a variety of settings,” says study co-author Yehuda Zeiri, Ph.D.

Mammography, the common screening test for breast cancer, is typically 75 to 85 percent accurate, a figure that drops for full-bodied women and those with dense breast tissue. Dual-energy digital mammography is more accurate, but increases radiation exposure, and MRIs are more expensive.

The Israeli research, published in the journal Computers in Biology and Medicine, compared breath and urine samples taken from 85 women with breast cancer and 81 healthy women. The electronic e-nose device, picking up on a unique breath pattern, detected cancer cells accurately 95 percent of the time. The urine test proved 85 percent accurate. “With further study, it may also be possible to analyze exhaled breath and urine samples to identify other cancer types, as well,” says Zeiri.

Pumpkin Compounds Inhibit Cancer Growth In addition to being tasty, autumn’s pumpkin pie may also help prevent cancer. Two studies have confirmed the ability of certain nutrients in pumpkins to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Researchers from the Italian Institute of Food Science found that carotenoid compounds from pumpkins delayed the growth of human colorectal cancer and bone cancer cells by an average of 40 percent. In China, Harbin Medical University researchers found that a polysaccharide compound from pumpkins halted the growth of human liver cancer cells.

topseller/Shutterstock.com

Raw Fruit and Veggies Key to Mental Health

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock.com

Breath and Urine Tests Detect Breast Cancer

health briefs

kckate16/Shutterstock.com NYS/Shutterstock.com

Air Pollution Harms Developing Brains Fetal exposure to air pollution, even at levels considered safe by current standards, has been linked by Dutch researchers to thinning of the outer layer of a child’s brain and later cognitive difficulties. Following 783 children ages 6 through 10, the researchers concluded those brain abnormalities contributed in part to impulsiveness that could lead to addictive behavior and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

metamorworks/Shutterstock.com

Tim UR/Shutterstock.com

Aerobic Fitness Helps Prevent Word Loss Tip-of-the-tongue word loss, an aggravation for many seniors and other adults, occurs less frequently in those with higher levels of aerobic fitness, regardless of age or vocabulary, reports a study of 56 men and women from the UK’s University of Birmingham. Lead researcher Katrien Segaert also clarified that tip-of-the-tongue word loss is not associated with memory loss—a common concern by those that often experience it.

Gut Bacteria Linked to Artery Health A lack of diversity of gut bacteria is linked to hardening of the arteries, a new study concludes.

By analyzing the gut microbiome and measuring the arterial stiffness of 617 middle-aged female twins, researchers from the University of Nottingham and King’s College London found that those with a greater diversity of healthy bacteria had more flexible arteries.

The finding explains why women, young adults and others may suffer heart attacks without traditional risk factors such as smoking or obesity. It opens the door to reducing cardiovascular disease by targeting the microbiome through diet, probiotics and other supplements.

Hostile Teachers Hamper Learning Teachers that antagonize their students by belittling them, showing favoritism or criticizing their contributions can damage their learning potential, warns a new West Virginia University study of 472 undergraduates. Split into two groups, the students watched either a class taught by a teacher with antagonism or a standard lesson taught without antagonism, and then took a multiple-choice quiz.

Test scores were up to 5 percent lower for those that watched the antagonistic teacher because they disliked what they were being taught. They were also less likely to put forth as much effort and were unwilling to attend that teacher’s future courses.

Eating Walnuts Boosts Gut Bacteria Eating a handful of walnuts daily boosts certain types of healthy gut bacteria that appear to contribute to cardio, metabolic and gastrointestinal health, according to a study of 18 adults by University of Illinois scientists published in the Journal of Nutrition. The researchers found that eating walnuts increased species of healthy gut bacteria, while decreasing species of unhealthy bacteria. Eating walnuts also improved cholesterol levels.

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November 2018

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global briefs

Really Natural

End Game

Extinctions of Threatened Species Continue

The death of the world’s last male northern white rhino has rendered the species functionally extinct, which means the only hope of reviving the population is through in vitro fertilization. World Wildlife Fund head of campaigns Colin Butfield calls this a “uniquely bad situation.” Two other animals, the vaquita, a very rare porpoise discovered in 1958, and the Javan rhino are facing the same fate. Many other species, including the Sumatran rhino, black rhino, Amur leopard, forest elephant and Bornean orangutan are considered critically endangered, some with fewer than 100 individuals left. The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently considers 5,583 species of plant, mammal, bird, amphibian and marine life critically endangered.

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West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Dumping Disincentive

Big Bank Acts to Protect Oceans from Mine Waste

Citigroup is no longer financing mining projects that dump mine waste into the ocean. The move comes in response to pressure from the Ditch Ocean Dumping campaign, which calls on financial institutions to divest from any project or company that employs the practice. “Banks and financial institutions must actively take steps to ensure that they are not bankrolling the destruction of our oceans,” says campaign coordinator Ellen Moore of Earthworks.

Mine waste can contain up to three dozen dangerous chemicals, including arsenic, lead, mercury and cyanide. These metals accumulate in fish, and ultimately, the wildlife and people that eat them.

The pollution contaminates drinking water, decimates ecosystems and destroys fisheries. While the outdated practice has been phased out in many parts of the world, new mining proposals in Papua New Guinea and Norway signal that such dumping is being ramped up, not phased out.

Laurent Renault/Shutterstock.com

Organic shoppers may see additional labeling on produce.

More than a dozen farmers and scientists from around the country met to create the standards for an additional organic certification pilot program called the Real Organic Project (ROP), which they plan to initially introduce at 20 to 60 farms.

Under the current U.S. Department of Agriculture program, the organic label means that produce has been grown without synthetic substances or genetic engineering; it doesn’t specify whether produce was grown in water or soil, which the new labeling would address.

SurfsUp/Shutterstock.com

Organic Labeling Evolves to Meet Challenges

Plastic Pushback Kanittha Boon/Shutterstock.com

Countries Ban Single-Use Plastics

Bans on plastic consumption have been increasing globally for the last two years. Single-use plastics will be officially banned in the Bahamas by 2020, including plastic bags collected at the point of sale, straws, Styrofoam food containers and plastic utensils.

Also, the release of balloons in the air will be illegal. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda have already banned single-use plastic products. In Kenya it’s illegal to produce, sell or use plastic bags. Haiti has banned plastic bags and Styrofoam products.

Belize moved to ban single-use plastics by April 2019. The UK has outlined a plan to eradicate plastic use completely by 2042.

The Clean Seas Campaign, launched in 2017 by the United Nations Environment Programme, aims to increase global public and corporate awareness of the critical need to reduce marine litter.

Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock.com

Teeny Town

Tiny Houses Can Benefit Seniors

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is building a small, modular home on its Evansville campus to demonstrate how the tiny housing model could make independent living accessible for people of all ages and abilities. It’s part of a larger effort aimed at creating a cultural transformation related to aging in a community. The home’s small size is a selling point for people unable to maintain a larger dwelling as they age and help them remain independent. Dr. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician and national expert on aging partnering in the project, envisions a pod-like village of such “Minkas” with older people living within a community instead of being sequestered in nursing homes.

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Soybean Slowdown

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Chinese GMO Regulations Dampen U.S. Exports

Even before recent disruption of U.S. trade with China through increased tariffs, China had made importing genetically modified (GMO) soybeans more difficult after a regulatory crackdown last December.

The agricultural GMO regulation scheme strengthened the soybean approval process, leading to delays at Chinese ports. Certificates for certain GMO import crops granted by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture have included cotton, soybeans, corn and rapeseed. The U.S. is looking for alternative GMO markets in case tariffs, restrictions and export slowdowns continue.

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• BlueHorizonsWellness.com • November 2018

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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.

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Mon—Fri: 10 am - 6 pm | Sat: 10 am - 2pm | Sun: 12 pm - 3 pm

Topic: Abuse & Neglect Elder, Child, and Domestic Violence

Saturday, Nov. 17th from 10 am to 1 pm

Pizza from Marco’s • Registration Not Required Everyone is invited to this Collaborative Community Event

Family Support Group:

Fourth Tuesday of every month at 7pm

Parents of Children with Disabilities:

Breathe Easier Hamburg Gets Serious About Diesel Fumes

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global briefs

Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is experimenting with restricting diesel-powered vehicle access to portions of two major streets, with exemptions for new, cleaner models. Environmentalists and ecologically minded politicians celebrate the move as a breakthrough on the path to cleaner urban air. A German court ruled last February that cities have the right to prohibit dirty diesel vehicles, and local authorities in other cities are making plans to bring their roads into compliance with strict European Union emissions requirements. “Symbolically, it’s a big step,” says Manfred Braasch, a local leader of Friends of the Earth Germany. “This has been a diesel nation.”

The federal German government is considering a comprehensive strategy designed to clean up heavy polluters among the nation’s 15 million diesel cars via hardware retrofits like those mandated in the U.S.

Third Tuesday of every month at 7pm

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A California jury has found Monsanto liable in a lawsuit filed by groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson, 46, a pest control manager for the Benicia Unified School District, in California, near San Francisco. His was the first claim to go to trial alleging that Roundup and other glyphosate-based weed killers cause cancer. The company was ordered to pay $289 million in damages—$39 million compensatory and $250 punitive. Monsanto, recently acquired as a unit of the German conglomerate Bayer, faces more than 5,000 similar lawsuits across the U.S.

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Fructose; The Root of Much Evil

By Dr Dan Gleason, DC

F

ructose is a type of sugar found in fruit juice, honey, agave syrup and high fructose corn sugar. These are all harmful when consumed in large amounts, which is what most Americans do. In 2009, the average American consumed about 35.7 pounds of high fructose corn syrup alone.

All cells in the body can use glucose whereas only liver cells can deal with fructose.

When people over-consume fructose, the liver becomes overloaded and starts to rapidly age. This is the leading cause of two very common liver diseases—Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis (NASH).

The same liver pathway that metabolizes alcohol also metabolizes fructose. Thus overconsumption of either leads to significant damage. When a pathologist examines biopsy samples of a fructose-damaged liver, it’s indistinguishable from one damaged by alcohol (thus the term non-alcoholic). Just like alcohol, fructose is metabolized directly into fat. It cannot be used for energy like glucose can.

Dr. Lustig, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California calls fructose a “chronic, dose-dependent liver toxin.” He explains that fructose and alcohol both: 1. Help convert dietary carbohydrate into fat promoting obesity, diabetes and elevated cholesterol.

2. Lead to the production of superoxide free radicals resulting in inflammation.

3. Create habituation and possibly dependence, meaning they’re both very addictive.

Carb intake in general and fructose consumption in particular is by far the most common cause of being overweight and obese. These epidemic conditions go hand in hand with type 2 diabetes. Overconsuming carbohydrates (sweets and starches) causes insulin levels to soar, leading to inflammation, fluid retention, weight gain and weight loss resistance. While overeating carbs in the form of grains, potatoes and sweets causes much havoc, eating excess amounts of fructose is even worse.

Dr. Richard Johnson, head of nephrology at the University of Colorado reports that his research shows that eating refined sugar, including fructose, effectively blocks the burning of fat. He states, “When you give fructose to animals they lose their ability to control their appetite, they eat more and exercise less. Fructose looks like it’s playing a direct role in weight gain.”

Fructose, like alcohol, can also be addictive. We have all seen the poor fructose addict walk into a store or the post office with a half-consumed two-liter bottle of soda. Some cities, notably New York, have even proposed a tax on soda or restricting the individual serving size. These efforts are met with a firestorm of resistance from soda manufacturers and their lobbyists. If soda were taxed at a rate to compensate for the medical costs that it causes, then a bottle of pop would cost twenty dollars!

How much fructose is safe to consume on a daily basis? For someone who is obese or diabetic, they should be careful of eating very much of most fruits that have substantial fructose content. Some fruits

like lemons, limes, grapefruit, kiwi and berries have relatively low fructose content.

However fruit juices, dried fruits and fruits such as pears, apples and plums are high in fructose and should be eaten very sparingly. Many experts suggest a maximum daily dose of 15-25 grams of fructose per day. For example a large banana may have 20-25 grams or a large sweet apple may have 15-20 grams of fructose.

How did we get into this mess?

Historically, our fruits were small and only available during the fall. Now we have imported fruits all year round. The varieties of fruit we raise are propagated to be large and sweet, unlike their heirloom ancestors. The USDA subsidizes the growing of corn making high fructose corn syrup very cheap to produce. It is added to many foods, even things like salad dressing and ketchup. We have convenience stores, refrigerators and freezer to make easy, frequent consumption possible.

Excessive fructose and sugar consumption also leads to nutrient deficiencies. We become depleted in many B vitamins as well as some minerals. The fructose-induced inflammation challenges our levels of anti-oxidants like A, D, C, K, E and omega 3 fatty acids.

One of the most powerful steps one can take to healing an ailment and preventing serious health conditions in the future is to limit sugar intake, particularly fructose.

In addition to being a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and an Applied Kinesiologist, Dr. Gleason is a 4th generation home builder and engineer—he correlates the two sensibilities in his approach, “A person’s health is similar to that of building a house- good planning, good science, good materials make for good health as well as a good home”.

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 616-8465410. See ad page 19.

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Registration Now Open: Integrative Health Speaker Series Join us for our educational events, as we explore medicine beyond medication: complementary and alternative health treatments and some of the local professionals who provide them.

These events will be held throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area to provide all of our community members an opportunity to participate. Visit uhsmi.org to learn more about our presenters and event locations.

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T U ES DAY, NOVEMB ER 13 T H 6:30 P M –8 : 0 0 P M Mercy Health St. Mary’s Downtown GR Parenting on the Spectrum Presented by: Molly Buist, Occupational Therapist, Owner and Clinical Director of The Center for Childhood Development There are many treatment approaches to use with children on the autism spectrum. One of the most important keys in treatment is the parent-child relationship. This can often be a difficult relationship to build, but we’ll offer some suggestions for support. We will address the important component of self-care and suggest some techniques that are beneficial to help support parents and caregivers.

M ONDAY, DECEMB ER 3 R D 6:30 P M –8 : 0 0 P M Aquinas College’s Donnelly Center

Mastering the Art of Meal Planning & Food Prep: Winter Edition Presented by: Andrea Hop, BS, MA, Certified Health Coach at Grand Rapids Natural Health Sticking with healthier and more nutritious foods can come down to one thing when we’re busy or tired: what’s easy and quick to get on the table. Explore the importance of meal planning and food prep, learn how to eat seasonally to build immunity during the winter months, get some healthy swaps for holiday treats, and hear how to navigate the holiday eating scene!

Learn More & Register: www.uhsmi.org

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Rebirthing Books New Life for Old Friends

Spread the wonders and joys of reading to others while conserving woodlands and other resources and keeping books out of landfills by donating them. Many outlets welcome books that may have been collecting dust at home, but can enrich the lives of others of all ages, both locally and worldwide. n Many public libraries are supported by community volunteer “friends of” organizations that sell donated books at deep discounts to the public. Funds raised help underwrite host library programming. n Along with selling new and used books online, BetterWorldBooks.com accepts book donations that support national and global literacy initiatives, including in Latin America and Africa. They recently forwarded 37,000 donated books to UK teachers and other educators, and also operate a senior book outreach program. n Local chapters of national organizations like Girl Scouts, Kiwanis International, Rotary International and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs frequently collect gently used children’s books. n Other donation sites include The Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift shops and used and antique bookstores. n BooksForSoldiers.com lists specific titles military members are requesting. BooksForAfrica.org has shipped 41 million books to Africa’s 54 countries. BooksThroughBars. org supplies prison libraries, while BooksToPrisoners.net links books donated by the public to requests. n Include unwanted books when planning a yard sale. n Consider the novelty of regifting books. With the Christmas gifting season approaching, parents can bestow a Shakespeare play or Mark Twain tale that meant so much to them decades ago to their kids—including a card explaining its poignancy and significance. The gesture can even spark a greater interest in reading.

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A Bridge to Better Health

What you should know about the Highly Sensitive Person in your Life

By Ashley Carter Youngblood, LMSW, LMFT, CADC

R

esearch reveals that about 20% of the population is composed of highly sensitive people (also commonly called “empaths”). But, being a highly sensitive person doesn’t mean that the person takes things too personally or is weak. Being a highly sensitive person means that someone is extremely in tune with their surroundings—sights, sounds, emotions, etc. A highly sensitive person is like an emotional sponge who is skilled at empathy and often knows what others are thinking or feeling before the other person does. Because of this sensitivity to environment, a highly sensitive person tends to have higher rates of allergies, food and environmental sensitivities, and chronic pain/illness.

Being a highly sensitive person isn’t just some new age concept used to label people who feel deeply. Dr. Elaine Aron, the leading researcher on the highly sensitive person, describes in her book, The Highly Sensitive Person, how the biology of a highly sensitive person is different.

A highly sensitive person has a nervous system that has a faster, more intense, and longer-lasting arousal period when stressed. What is not even on the radar for a non-highly sensitive person can be extremely overwhelming for a highly sensitive person.

It is also important to remember that, for a highly sensitive person, stress can mean a lot of things. Stress can be giving a presentation, going to a doctor’s appointment, or just being in clothes that feel too scratchy.

Dr. Aron describes how strong evidence taken from identical twin studies suggests that sensitivity is a trait that’s inherited at least environmentally, but that it’s also likely to be genetically determined.

Circumstances can cause the sensitivity trait to either disappear or to form, just like any other trait. However, part of the question being explored currently for research

on the highly sensitive person is whether sensitivity is a trait that’s already present when born.

This question is being addressed by measuring how a child responds to external stimuli. As Dr. Aron explains, the highly sensitive person likely had more insomnia, colic, and constipation than the average child. Heart rates are also generally higher and, when under stress, pupils dilate sooner and vocal cords become more tense than a non-highly sensitive person. Highly sensitive children are even found to have higher levels of norepinephrine—a chemical associated with arousal—when exposed to stressors. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is also observed to be present in higher levels for a highly sensitive person. Harvard researcher, Jerome Kagan, found that 20% of all babies (that percentage should sound familiar based on the statistic at the beginning) are highly reactive even from birth, causing them to cry more frequently, flail limbs more when startled, and even demonstrate attempts to move away from a stimulus.

While all of this information may be fascinating and may help one to understand, in fact, they’re not crazy, but rather a very specific kind of human being, the next question is what to do. In my frequent work with highly sensitive people, I find that there are common themes for the highly sensitive person: 1. Boundaries: The highly sensitive person is a natural giver. But, often so much is given that they don’t prioritize themselves. This suggests the importance of practicing saying “no” and being assertive. This also may require creating daily emotional or energetic walls from the world in order to prevent soaking in all of one’s environment, including others’ emotions and problems.

2. Self-care: Because of the highly sensitive person’s tendency to over-extend themselves using their gift of com-

passion, it’s essential for the highly sensitive person to actively care for their body, mind, and spirit. Because the world is so highly-stimulating for the highly sensitive person, a balance must be found between being in a safe space to recharge, while also not isolating from the world because it feels so overwhelming.

3. Anxiety: I have never met a highly sensitive person who doesn’t have anxiety. Whether such anxiety reflects perfectionism or self-critical thinking, often, anxiety specifically needs to be treated in order to best manage living as a highly sensitive person in the world, which can be just as much of a challenge as it is a gift.

Anyone interested in a guide to help better explore whether they are a highly sensitive person, Dr. Elaine Aron includes a self-assessment quiz on her website: https:// hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test.

Additionally, if anyone has any concerns or wants to explore their experiences as a highly sensitive person, it’s important to consider working with a therapist who specializes in, or at least understands the concept of, counseling a highly sensitive person. Remember, being a highly sensitive person is characterized by the nervous system’s unique response. So, a highly sensitive person is unique and deserves to be treated as such order to learn how to best regulate their own experiences. I’m assured that their body and mind will thank them for it!

Ashley Carter Youngblood is a licensed clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist who practices in Kalamazoo. Her specialties include Highly Sensitive People, a holistic approach to women’s issues, anxiety/ trauma, mindfulness, and couples counseling. Find out much more about her at her website, Kalamazoo-counseling.com See ad page 38.

November 2018

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Supercharge Your Immune System

Natural Ways to Stay Healthy

by Kathleen Barnes

L

ike many other health conditions, challenges to our immune systems are on the rise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 26.5 million adults and kids have asthma, 50 million have allergies and up to 20 percent get the flu each year. Catching a cold is common, with U.S. adults generally coping with two or three a year and children about twice as many.

As many as 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac and lupus, costing $100 billion a year to treat, which is nearly twice the amount spent on cancer care, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association. Initial statistics released 20 years ago estimated that 9 million Americans had autoimmune diseases; a five-fold increase since then illustrates the magnitude of the problem.

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West Michigan Edition

People that are free of some degree of immune system dysfunction are relatively uncommon.

Identified Culprits

“We are absolutely seeing a rise in immune disorders,” says Michael T. Murray, a doctor of naturopathy in Lyons, Colorado, and author of Chronic Candidiasis: Your Natural Guide to Healing with Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise and Other Natural Methods. “Many factors are responsible for the increase.” He cites the most notable as the widespread use of antibiotics and pesticides; dietary factors, including too much sugar; decreased intake of essential vitamins and minerals; overconsumption of calories in general; lifestyle factors like not getting enough sleep or exercise; excessive alcohol; stress; and exposure to cigarette smoke.

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“The microbiome—the bacterial structure that supports a strong immune system—is largely inherited from the mother during a vaginal birth,” says Sayer Ji, of Miami, Florida, founder of GreenMedInfo.com, sponsor of the 2017 Immune Defense Summit and a member of the National Health Federation’s board of governors. “The rising number of Caesarean sections, at nearly one-third of all U.S. births, up from 18 percent in 1997, deprives infants of those naturally occurring bacteria, and can result in immune deficiencies at an early age.”

Low-level chronic stress of the kind that occurs in everyday modern life is a leading underlying factor in immune system compromise, says natural health and healing expert Dr. Deepak Chopra, of Carlsbad, California, author of The Healing Self: A Revolutionary New Plan to Supercharge Your Immunity and Stay Well for Life. Along with emotional stress, he points to any kind of inner or outer challenge that pulls us off center.

Everyone experiences some stress every day; when unrelieved, it’s been widely shown to have a huge negative impact on our health. “Imbalance can be negative or positive, and so can stress,” says Chopra.

“Winning the lottery is just as stressful as going through a divorce. So the challenge isn’t to achieve static balance, but to successfully thrive in stressful surroundings.”

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Internal Communiqués

Medical science now generally agrees that the greatest part of the immune system resides in the gut. “We need those trillions of bacteria that live in the digestive tract.

Without them, we are unable to defend ourselves from all types of assaults, including the autoimmune diseases, in which the body turns upon itself,” says Ji.

“The immune system lines the large and small intestines,” says Dr. Susan Blum, of Rye Brook, New York, author of The Immune System Recovery Plan: A Doctor’s 4-Step Program to Treat Autoimmune Disease. “The microbes in the gut lining speak to the immune system. Anything that alters the microbes in negative ways—like antibiotics or viral illness, among others—can also negatively alter the immune system.”

Unavoidable Toxin

We can’t avoid the toxic exposure that underlies much of the immune dysfunction we are experiencing today, says Wendy Myers, a functional diagnostic nutritionist in Los Angeles, California, and author of Limitless Energy: How to Detox Toxic Metals to End Exhaustion and Chronic Fatigue.

“Toxins, especially heavy metals like lead and mercury, are in the air, water and soil.

Since we can’t escape them, we need to know how they are affecting us and work to neutralize them.”

Experts agree that immune challenges can be neutralized and overcome with the right diet and lifestyle, stress management and appropriate supplements to restore and maintain the whole system balance needed to flourish in a world of our own making that stresses us on every level.

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challenge diet in which gluten, dairy, corn, soy and eggs are all eliminated for three weeks. People with arthritis should also eliminate nightshades like tomatoes and potatoes. “Then add back in the eliminated foods one at a time and carefully note the body’s reaction. It’s not that hard to get a clear picture of what aggravates inflammation such as arthritis pain,” Blum says.

The Right Food

Eliminating wheat and dairy can end half of current immune system dysfunction through helping to repair the microbiome and healing the immune system, Ji believes. As one example, “If my mom had known I was allergic to cow’s milk when I was a child, I wouldn’t have suffered for 20 years with bronchial asthma,” he says.

An anti-inflammatory diet also speeds gut healing and strengthens the immune system, says Blum. Highlights of her program for a basic clean-up include

The Right Supplements Multivitamins: “High-quality vitamin

and mineral supplements are foundational to immune health,” Murray says. “Vitamins C, E and B and selenium are especially important.”

Digestive enzymes: “Digestive eliminating anything white (sugar and all products made with flour); eating quality fats (cold-pressed vegetable oils, nuts and seeds); protein (grass-fed beef, organic and free-range poultry, wild game and wildcaught fish); organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible and fermented foods daily; limiting and preferably eliminating dairy; and reading labels and banishing additives, chemicals and processed foods.

According to CDC statistics, almost everyone has some level of immune dysfunction, so this clean-up diet will benefit most of us, Blum says. After a basic regimen of three weeks or longer, she recommends exploring an elimination and

enzymes are key to restoring gut health, and thereby healing the immune system.

They’re useful in reducing immunemediated inflammation in autoimmune disorders,” Murray explains.

Australian research from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research confirms that supporting the immune system helps heal inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Instead, these are commonly treated with immune system suppressants that leave the patient with diminished resistance to other diseases.

Raw foods, especially pineapple and papaya, are good sources of digestive enzymes. They’re also available as supplements.

Prebiotics and probiotics: Prebiotics, plant fibers that ferment in the colon helping to increase desirable bacteria in the gut, and probiotics, live beneficial bacteria, help restore balance in the microbiome, effectively feeding and strengthening the immune system. Myers suggests that declining levels of friendly bacteria in the gut may actually mark the onset of chronic degenerative disease.

Vitamin D: Several studies, including one from Israel, have shown that people with the highest vitamin D levels have the lowest number of upper respiratory infections. “To ensure optimal vitamin D status, many health advocates, myself included, are recently advocating daily dosages of 2,000 to 5,000 international units (IU), even in apparently healthy adults,” Murray says.

November 2018

17

charides; soluble fiber naturally occurring in the cell walls of grains, bacteria, yeast, algae and fungi. Natural sources include oats, barley, seaweed, and shitake and reishi mushrooms. In supplements, look for products extracted by fermentation if grain or yeast is a concern. These sugars are known to help prevent and shorten durations of colds and flu and provide relief for allergies and sinus congestion, and may help regulate an overactive immune response in cases of autoimmune disorders.

Both internal and external factors can affect us all the way to the cellular level.

Chopra says, “You are talking to your genes all the time, and what you say affects every cell in your body. Through lifestyle choices, you can make healing decisions rather than damaging ones.”

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books including The Calcium Lie: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know, with Dr. Robert Thompson. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

T

Flu Shot or Not

he effectiveness and safety of flu shots has long been questioned. At best, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reckons that the flu vaccine is 60 percent effective and less so for those older than 65. Plus, it admits it will have zero effect if scientists wrongly project which strains will be prevalent in the coming year. Having a strong immune system is the best bet to prevent flu, says Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo.com.

Further protection can be found in vitamin D, says Naturopathic Doctor Michael T. Murray. He notes, “It may prove to be more effective and less costly than conventional flu shots.”

If a cold or flu strikes, Murray suggests zinc lozenges. For coughs, German research from the Department of Integrative Gastroenterology at the Kliniken Essen-Mitte shows that a South African medicinal plant, Pelargoniium

sidoides, commonly known as Umckloab (an ingredient in Umcka ColdCare) is especially effective in treating coughs caused by colds, bronchitis and sinusitis.

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wise words

Kristi Nelson

on Why Gratefulness Brings Happiness

by April Thompson

K

risti Nelson has dedicated her career to leading, funding and strengthening organizations committed to progressive social and spiritual change. Today, at the helm of the Network for Grateful Living, she is helping awaken thousands of people around the world to the life-changing practice of gratefulness. Co-founded by Benedictine monk, teacher and author David Steindl-Rast, the network offers educational programs and practices that inspire and guide a commitment to grateful living, and spark the transformative power of personal and societal responsibility.

Earlier in her career, Nelson founded a values-based fundraising, consulting, training and leadership coaching company, working with groups such as the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society. She also served in director-level positions for the Soul of Money Institute, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society.

Nelson lives in Western Massachusetts with her family, grateful to be surrounded by the wonders of the natural world and connected to a vibrant, loving and grateful global community.

Why is it helpful to differentiate between gratefulness, gratitude and thanksgiving?

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West Michigan Edition

Gratefulness is a proactive orientation to life that originates inside.

You wake with a sense of thankful awareness for the gift of another day, of all the miraculous things your body did overnight to keep you alive and healthy and an all-encompassing sense of the great fullness of life.

Gratitude is more of a response to something going well; anything from receiving the perfect present to five green lights on the way home to beautiful weather. It can become an addictive pursuit to try to get life to deliver something positive again and again, whereas gratefulness emanates from a more unconditional core.

Thanksgiving bubbles up when we’re so filled with a sense of gratefulness—that great fullness—that we overflow into finding ways to express thanks aloud and in actions, such as delivering praise or being of service.

In what way is happiness related to gratefulness?

The truth is that it’s not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy. We can have all the things that should make us happy, and that we wish would make us happy, but unless we feel grateful for what we have, it’s likely nothing will truly make us happy. Happiness can be susceptible to outside circumstance, whereas gratefulness is an orientation we can more consistently maintain.

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How do we cultivate gratefulness as a way of being, rather than an intermittent feeling?

It’s a three-step process: stop, look and go.

First, we pause to be present; slow down enough to notice all the things for which we can be grateful.

Second, we enlarge our perspective to take nothing for granted and acknowledge that life is short and uncertain, so we are grateful each day we wake up. This step is also about being aware of our privileges, starting with our ability to see, hear, move about and function. It keeps us aware, awake and alert.

Consider how we feel when electricity returns after an outage or when we can use our hand or foot after a cast comes off. Within minutes, we can forget how appreciative we were for those things, so we need to build reminders into our lives.

Third, we generate possibilities. Find ways to express appreciation or nurture something we care about by engaging in an actively grateful way. Even when we suffer hardship, shifting our awareness to notice whatever is sufficient, abundant and beautiful enables us to be grateful.

This creates a ripple effect, bringing more reasons to be grateful. It’s a radical way to live.

Which other qualities of life that people now seek give you hope?

It gives me hope when people seek contentment. Paradoxically, discontent gives me hope too, because when people recognize injustice and social biases, it pushes us to engage; to stand up and take note of what’s not okay and needs to be changed.

Love also gives me hope, especially when individuals seek to love more generously, inclusively and compassionately. It brings me the most hope of all when I see people building bridges and stretching their own capacity to love beyond their comfort zone.

Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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healing ways

SAFE DRINKING WATER Home Systems to Purify H2O

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by Jim Motavalli

A

New Student Special One Month Unlimited Yoga for $38.00 Some Restrictions Apply

208 W 18th Street Holland, MI 49424 616-392-7580 info@miBodhiTree.com www.miBodhiTree.com

22

West Michigan Edition

mericans trust bottled more than tap water, but that confidence might work better if reversed. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors tap water for more than 90 contaminants, and it must meet the strict standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Nationally distributed bottled water, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, isn’t as carefully or frequently checked.

A quarter of all bottled water is actually filtered tap water, reports the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Concern about safe tap water is relatively recent—in the 1960s, for instance, people worried more about fluoridation than contamination. But since 1990, partly driven by bottled water ads, Gallup polls have shown tap water concerns rising; 63 percent of us now worry about our drinking water “a great deal”.

Bottled water is usually safe to drink, but isn’t environmentally friendly. Plastic bottle production in the U.S. requires 17.6 million barrels of oil annually, reports the nonprofit Riverkeeper; plus the energy used to transport it to market, refrigerate

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it and collect the empties equals filling the bottles a quarter full of oil. Then, 77 percent of discards end up in the landfill, the Earth Day Network reports.

Retail costs range from 89 cents a serving to $8 a gallon for designer water, averaging $1.11 a gallon, compared to .002 cents per gallon for tap water.

What’s in Tap Water Legitimate concerns about tap water exist, mostly because homes built before 1986 likely have lead in their pipes, solder and fixtures, possibly contaminating municipally sourced water. Well water is also susceptible to outside contamination from chemicals and microorganisms that must be monitored.

Because lead accumulates in stagnated water in pipes, run the water until it gets as cold as possible; up to two minutes if the taps haven’t been turned on in six hours or more. Other chemicals found in tap water include low levels of chlorine, arsenic, nitrates, atrazine, perchlorate and pathogens, reports the NRDC. Pharmaceutical products can also get into tap water, warns the World Health Organization (WHO).

A recent study from the EWG and North-

eastern University, in Boston, showed small quantities of toxic chemicals in tap water serving 15 million Americans in 27 states.

Testing Our Hydration IQ

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Filter Options Filters can allay tap water worries from municipal or well supplies.

Several types—tap-mounted, under-sink and pitchers—are effective and affordable, ranging from $20 to $300. Seek filters certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) testing agency that check for specific contaminants of concern.

NSF-42 coding certifies filters that improve water taste and remove both chlorine and particulate matter. NSF-53 is more stringent and requires removal of metals and harmful chemicals.

The highest standard, NSF-401, covers filters that eliminate bacteria, pesticides/herbicides and residue from drugs like ibuprofen.

Activated carbon filters, which require regular replacement cartridges, remove large particles like sediment and silt. Reverse osmosis filters remove dissolved inorganic solids (including salts) by pushing tap water through a semi-permeable membrane.

Ultraviolet water purification is effective at treating bacteria and viruses, but not contaminants such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds or heavy metals.

Charcoal pitcher filters are the most common, easiest to use and least expensive, although cartridges add to the cost and are only effective for processing about 40 gallons each. To save money, DIY products allow individuals to refill used cartridges with new activated charcoal. Filter pitchers need to be cleaned regularly because the charcoal can leak, producing mildew, calcium and grime.

Faucet-mounted models are easy to install and can be switched easily from filtered to unfiltered water (e.g., for washing up). Under-sink filters and cartridges are effective for up to 200 gallons, but more challenging to install. Connecting to refrigerators and ice makers makes installation more complex, and leakage can be an issue; countertop filters take up space, but are less likely to clog.

Consumer Reports says reverse osmosis filters are effective at removing contaminants, but can operate slowly, consume cabinet space, need periodic cleaning with bleach and create three to five gallons of wastewater for every gallon filtered.

WHO indicates that conventional municipal water treatment processes can remove about half of the compounds associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Advanced treatment like reverse osmosis and nanofiltration can be more efficient, removing up to 99 percent of large pharmaceutical molecules.

The first step is a water test. Some state and local health departments offer free test kits and they are also sold at hardware stores. Certified laboratories test tap water samples, with information often available from the local water provider.

Find a state-by-state list of certified labs plus program contacts at Tinyurl.com/DrinkingWaterCertificationInfo. The EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline is 800-426-4791.

Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author, freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environmental topics. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.

by Ronica O’Hara

M

yths abound regarding proper hydration—many of them encouraged by purveyors of bottled water. Gauge personal hydration know-how by answering these true-or-false questions.

1

If we’re thirsty, we’re already dehydrated.

True. Our kidneys let us know when we need water by sending a “thirsty” message to the brain. “If you ignore that warning, it will go away and other symptoms will occur, such as headache, brain fog, muscle cramps and dry, cool skin, making the dehydration more serious,” warns Chiropractor Livia Valle, of Valins Chiropractic, in Smithtown, New York.

2

We must drink eight glasses of water every day.

False. Eating fruits and vegetables also bolsters hydration (watermelon and spinach are almost 100 percent water by weight), as do milk, juice and herbal tea, advises the Mayo Clinic.

3

It’s impossible to overhydrate.

False. Although rare, hyponatremia can result from some diseases, medications and consuming too much water too quickly, causing sodium (salt) levels to plummet; this can lead to nausea and coma, to which marathon runners can be prone (WebMD.com).

4

Electrolyte-enhanced drinks beat out water.

False. Experts say that for most people most of the time, plain water hydrates just as well, which is good news, considering the sugar and artificial dyes in Gatorade and similar electrolyte drinks. Even for athletes, hydrating with electrolytes is called for only after more than an hour of intense, sweaty exercise, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. If concerned about hydrating on an active, steamy day, consider stirring additive- and sugar-free electrolyte tablets or powder into water.

5

Caffeine causes dehydration.

False. A UK University of Birmingham study of 50 people that drank three to six cups of coffee daily found no significant effects on hydration—perhaps because the water in coffee and tea makes up for any dehydrating effects.

6

The volume of urine is a better hydration indicator than its color.

True. “Urine color varies based on many factors, including diet,” says exercise physiologist Mary Jayne Rogers, Ph.D., of Albuquerque, New Mexico. “But if you are not producing much urine, it can be a sign that your body is clinging to water and may need more.”

November 2018

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fit body

Some people

are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. ~Alphonse Karr

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West Michigan Edition

Ease Repetitive Strain Injuries Targeted Exercises Lower Risk of Injury

by Marlaina Donato

W

eekend athletes, office workers and hobbyists greatly benefit from a balanced array of regular exercises as a preventive measure against injury. In our technological age, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is all too common, and anyone using a computer daily can be at risk. Sedentary lifestyles help set the stage for injury.

RSI is classified as a cumulative trauma disorder that can affect muscles, tendons and nerves of not only the forearm and hand, but also the neck and shoulders. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness or compromised motor control. Carpal tunnel syndrome is just one example.

“Repetitive injuries occur by executing the same motions over and over again with little or no variation, and become syndromes when they occur frequently or chronically,” says Brian Lebo, a strength and conditioning coach and

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director of the Athletic Performance Training Center, in North Royalton, Ohio.

RSI Risk Factors

Poor posture, faulty movement technique and lack of periodic breaks from activities can play a major role in developing any form of RSI. “I find that people that maintain a balanced exercise routine tend to do the best in jobs that apply repetitive stresses. People that sit at a desk need core strengthening, flexibility work in the hips, wrists and hands, and work on the neck flexors of the cervical spine,” says Felipe J. Mares, a physical therapist and owner of PT First Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “People that exercise on a daily basis, regardless of their job, hold up better at work. There’s a lot of stored equity in muscle tissue and strength that comes in handy.”

Lebo elaborates, “Exercise is critical for improving quality of life for people that

inspiration

ABUNDANT LIVING

RSI Exercises from Alston Advanced Bodywork, Tinyurl.com/RSIExerciseVideo Functional training movement patterns from Gray Cook, Tinyurl.com/BodyMovementKnow-How

suffer from repetitive injuries or RSI because it provides variation from repetitive movement, strengthens muscle and connective tissue, stabilizes joints and improves the body’s response to physical stress. For people with desk jobs, I recommend taking 10 minutes to get up every hour on the hour and move around. Focus on mobility.”

Weekend Warriors

The impulse to get outside, engage in a sport or push through limitations on weekends can lead to injury if exercising is not also part of the work week. “Do something on weekdays to support your weekend activity to prepare and strengthen your body specifically for it,” says Lebo. “For recreational athletes, I recommend performing some type of strength training to support the demands and movement patterns of your activity. For tendinitis or inflammation of the tendons—the most common type of repetitive injury—exercise can reverse or minimize injury following appropriate rest, together with physical therapy when indicated.”

Basic strength training, maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated all help prevent injury and decrease the risk of reoccurrence.“Repetitive injuries that I see often are iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, lower back pain and rotator cuff injuries. The main cause of these is overuse, faulty alignment and muscle compensation,” says Brooke Taylor, a functional training expert and owner of Taylored Fitness NY Ltd., in New York City.

“Functional training engages the body in multiplanar movements that simulate everyday motions. This forces the body to work as one unit, as opposed to isolating various body parts. The beauty is that with a well-designed program, you leave no muscle untouched. Functional training is beneficial for everyone, and one hour of training a day can make a huge difference. Get out and explore different activities and work opposing muscles. Make all parts of the body work as one,” counsels Taylor.

Whether injuries occur at the desk, on the soccer field or not at all, keeping the body fit is key. Mares reminds us that exercise is like sleep—something we all need and cannot avoid, saying, “Exercise is the great equalizer in life.”

Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer and authors books related to the fields of alternative health and spirituality. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

Apostrophe/Shutterstock.com

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Helpful Resources

10 Practices Open Doors

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by Dennis Merritt Jones

ractices designed to enrich life with purpose and meaning yield empowering results for anyone that takes them to heart. Whether striving for a new job, higher salary, stronger relationships or spiritual acceleration, these “rules of the road” offer inspired guidance to free thinking and enlarge possibilities beyond anything we’ve ever imagined.

Be one with life: Belief in our oneness with “more than enough” sets us free to receive.

Be aware we live in an expanding universe: The creative life force of the universe constantly conspires for our good as we consciously participate in the process.

Be accountable for individual consciousness: How we perceive ourself and our world defines our experience. Changing our point of view can change everything.

Be focused: Establish and maintain a disciplined mind, focusing on what’s right with life rather than what’s wrong.

Be in the flow: The law of circulation manifests as either a cornucopia of more than enough or a vortex of not enough, depending on how freely energy flows through us. Remember that we are the gatekeeper that directs the flow.

Be passionate: Honoring our passions sets us free from the tyranny of a joyless life. Unearthing and living what creates joy, love and peace brings the gift of our authentic self to the party called life.

Be blessed: To be blessed and know it is to affirm that we are a whole person, with nothing missing. Sharing our abundance becomes our daily norm. This state of being blesses our world.

Be of service: When we serve others selflessly, we are recognizing that they matter. When someone knows they matter, they are intrinsically guided to demonstrate it in ways that serve others… and the circle is complete.

Be courageous: Boldly move beyond false limits to horizons that call us to new levels of self-expression and fulfillment, often in collaboration with a spirited community.

Be a catalyst for good: Such actions connect us directly to the secret of creating an abundant life—our innate oneness with the universe.

Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., of St. Petersburg Beach, FL, speaks and writes books on human potential and spirituality. His latest, The Art of Abundance, is the source of this essay. Connect via DennisMerrittJones.com.

November 2018

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conscious eating

Lili Blankenhship/Shutterstock.com

Find Your Path to Wellness

November Events & Classes

• Wednesday, Nov. 7th — 6:30p-7:30p: The Aging Brain Webinar: Join from home! Dr. Ramona Wallace will focus on Alzheimer’s and memory issues. She will share how Functional Medicine and the Bredesen Protocol can help to protect yourself and loved ones from brain disease. | FREE

• Saturday Nov. 10th — 10:00a-12:00p: Suffering is Optional, Even During the Holidays... An Introduction to The Work of Byron Katie lead by Sue Hartman, Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie. Learn to do The Work and discover peaceful, happy holidays. During this workshop you will have the opportunity to identify some stressful thoughts about the holidays and with the group, use the four questions and find turnarounds... We will do The Work! | $10/Members & $20/Non-Members • Saturday Nov. 17th — 8:00a-11:00p: A great introductory class taught by Lisa Cobb.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or “Tapping” utilizes the energy meridian system within the body. | $35/Members & $40/Non-Members • Sunday Nov. 18th — 8:00p-9:00p: Attend The Keto & Virtual Gastric Band (VGB)™ Webinar from home! Learn about the innovative lifestyle plan Dee Kohley, RPh & Morgan Buck LSE™ have developed using hypnosis and health coaching for sustainable weight loss! | FREE

Please contact us for more information about events and to register.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS IS REQUIRED

Ramona Wallace, D.O. Dee Kohley, RPh 231.730.5211 • 616.296.2422 17214 Van Wagoner Road Spring Lake, MI 49456

West Michigan Edition

Plant-Based Pies for Every Palate

G

We Moved Next Door!

NaturalWestMichigan.com

by Judith Fertig

ratitude for the bounty in our lives has been a constant in every American Thanksgiving since the Pilgrims’ first celebration at Plymouth Plantation. What has changed is the menu.

Many holiday hosts today wish to be inclusive and respect everyone’s increasingly restrictive dietary needs. A few dishes that offer naturally gluten-free, paleo and plant-based options never go amiss, especially when we’re talking pie.

It’s easy to make a plant-based pie—think pumpkin, sweet potato and chocolate. As a bonus, many vegan pies can be made ahead and actually taste better the next day.

The Crust

A mellow nut crust might be the best way to go; pecans or almonds, sweetened with dates, crumbled in the food processor and pressed into a pie pan. It’s deliciously easy and can be made the day before, always a plus at holiday time. Gluten-free vanilla, chocolate or gingersnap cookie crumbs, mixed with a little coconut oil pressed into the pan, can serve as an alternative to nuts.

The Filling

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THANKSGIVING DESSERTS

The freshest filling makes the freshest-tasting pie. Winter vegetables such as squash, small sugar or pie pumpkins or sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven and puréed in the food processor days ahead of time. Or, make the purées weeks ahead and freeze them, ready to thaw for a recipe.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Award-winning cookbook author Deborah Madison, author of Seasonal Fruit Desserts: From Orchard, Farm, and Market, in Galisteo, New Mexico, preheats her oven to 375° F. “Cut the squash in half, the pumpkins into quarters, scrape out the seeds and brush the cut surfaces with a vegetable oil such as sunflower or safflower,” she suggests.

“Place the squash or pumpkins cutside-down on a sheet pan. Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake the vegetables until tender, about 40 minutes,” says Madison. When baked, scoop out the flesh, discard the rinds or skin and purée the flesh in a food processor. About two cups of purée equals a 15-ounce can of pumpkin, sweet potato or butternut squash. Pies made with fresh purées will have a lighter color and flavor.

Madison says she prefers natural sweeteners. “Honey and maple syrup are so dynamic—they’re more like foods in their own right than just sweeteners.”

Maple and date sugars give pies a deep, caramelized flavor.

Always taste test during preparation, recommends Alissa Saenz, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, who blogs at ConnoisseurusVeg.com. She loves a big dose of chai spices and little dose of sweetener in her Vegan Chai-Spiced Sweet Potato Pie. But pie is personal. “I recommend tasting your batter to decide if you’d prefer a little more or less of each,” she says.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Finishing Touches

An ethereal cloud of coconut whipped cream can taste just as delicious as the dairy version, says vegan baker and cookbook author Fran Costigan, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She refrigerates a 14-ounce can of unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk for at least 24 hours. After opening it, she spoons out only the solid coconut cream into a chilled bowl, saving the remaining liquid coconut milk for another use. She whips the coconut cream with an electric mixer until fluffy, adding a natural sweetener and vanilla extract if desired. It all makes for a perfectly healthy plant pie.

Judith Fertig writes award-winning cookbooks plus foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

on

Natural Awakenings Magazine of West Michigan November 2018

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Eco-Packaging Progress Report

Innovative Uses of Pulp, Paper and Mushrooms

by Avery Mack

Manufacturers need to protect their products from damage and theft, and also want them to stand out on retail shelves.

A common result has been hard-to-open containers relying on excessive cardboard and plastic. Today, more manufacturers are responding to consumer requests for less packaging, making it easier on both people and the planet.

W

hether shopping online or in a local store, more eco-friendly options are available and they’re worth seeking out.

In grocery stores, look for cellophane packaging made from corn, wheat or potatoes that replaces traditional plastic packaging used for candy, spices, nuts, produce and bath products. Cellulose, made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, one of nature’s most abundant materials, makes for a sturdy bio- and marine-degradable bag that is suitable for home composting. Resistant to oil, fat and grease, it is also microwavable and oven-safe at low temperatures.

Fenugreen uses antibacterial, antifungal spices infused into a tea that is soaked into clean, biodegradable FreshPaper. It works in conjunction with store packaging or storage containers to keep bread, fruit, vegetables and cheese fresh. Kavita Shukla, founder and CEO, says, “Each paper lasts about a month.

A distinct, maple-like scent says the paper is actively working to keep food fresh two to four times longer than usual, preventing food waste due to spoilage.”

Quinn Snacks’ revolutionary Pure Pop Bag of microwave popcorn contains no genetically modified corn, synthetic chemicals or plastic coatings, so unlike other brands, its packaging is compostable and biodegradable. Consumers add the included salt and spices after the popping, allowing the addition of natural ingredients while maintaining the integrity of the food’s natural oil and flavor.

Food carry-out used to mean polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers, but now consumers have the safer option of pulp products that break down completely in backyard compost heaps or through commercial recycling. The pulp comes from North American-sourced hardwoods, which reduces its travel footprint and supports environmentally aware suppliers.

Mycelium, another Styrofoam substitute, uses mushroom roots as glue to hold together other sustainable, compostable agriculture byproducts like corn stalks. The result creates shipping materials that cradle wine bottles, computers and other fragile items to prevent breakage.

In beauty products, look for refillable glass jars. While glass is endlessly recyclable, it carries a large carbon footprint.

Glass is heavy and must be transported, sometimes out of state, to reach a treatment plant. Furnaces capable of melting glass containers must run nonstop at about 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Taking the time to refill glass jars saves energy and prevents greenhouse gas emissions.

Some personal products such as deodorant are available in paper pushup tubes. Standard plastic tubes can be difficult to empty completely and are sometimes made of more than one type of plastic, which makes them non-recyclable.

Eco-friendly packaging can be especially challenging for small businesses.

Katherine Dexter, owner of Wild House Body Care, in College Station, Texas, says, “I needed a green product that was oilproof and waterproof. One of the best I’ve found for wrapping solid lotion bars is an unbleached, soy waxed paper. It works as effectively as paraffin-coated waxed paper and is 100 percent biodegradable.” She uses sustainable and natural materials for all of her product packaging.

As part of the adult coloring book craze, Najeeb Kahn, founder of the Monthly Coloring Club, noticed books were shipped shrink-wrapped, so the club has switched to compostable and recycled rigid cardboard mailers.

Online mattress sales have increased from a 5 percent market share in 2016 to 10 percent in 2017, thanks to moneyback guarantees, free in-home trials and innovative compressed mattress-in-a-box delivery. A mattress is squashed to fit in a box measuring 18 by 44 inches; about the size of a medium file cabinet. One person can easily carry it up stairs or around corners. Released from the box, the foam mattress expands to normal size in eight to 12 hours. The cardboard package can be reused or recycled.

Email manufacturers to either congratulate them on better choices or complain about excess. Each purchase voices an opinion. Let’s make it count.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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NaturalWestMichigan.com

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green living

Supporting the Immune System

by Christine Schoenek, ND

F

all is finally here, and that means beautiful color tours, apple picking, chunky sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. That also means cold and flu season is upon us. Don’t fret. There are natural methods which help boost the immune defenses so no one has to miss a single football game, haunted house or any other fall time activity Michigan has to offer.

Essential oils are the perfect go-to for both preventing and treating seasonal illness. Essential oils can be used around the home and office. Oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, oregano, frankincense, and clove are just a few options that can be incorporated into a daily routine to boost the immune fighting power. These oils all have a variety of properties that provide health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory and decongestant qualities. Some of the more common uses around the home are to diffuse the oils next to the bed at night time, in the office around a desk or in a child’s playroom. When congestion is at a high, steam inhalation is another common trick to clear airways. Boil a pot of water with a few drops of an oil of choice (my favorites are peppermint and eucalyptus), and then, carefully cover the head with a towel over the steam from the pot to provide immense congestion relief. For a multi-tasker, these oils can also be added to a bath or shower—as the steam combined with the oil will pose the same benefits.

A trick that’s not too common but very effective is applying oils on the bottoms of the feet before going to bed. A substantial amount of toxins can be drawn out of the feet, and this technique can jumpstart detoxing seasonal sickness from the body. Always be sure to test a small area of skin, and check for irritation or reactions before utilizing this tip.

It’s important to support the body’s natural defenses by following some simple steps. These tips may seem like common sense, but as a naturopathic doctor, trust me when saying these are some of the most crucial steps to take when helping the immune system.

1. Rest as much as possible. Sleep and physical relaxation give body the opportunity to focus solely on fighting off infection.

This also includes digestive rest, such as eating light, easy to digest meals (i.e. soups, fresh juices and smoothies, etc.).

2. Drink lots and lots of water. Staying hy-

drated is key to flushing out any toxins lingering in the body.

3. Sweat it out. Anything that supports sweating will help the body remove toxins through the skin—the body’s largest organ of detoxification. This can be accomplished through saunas, hot tubs, steam baths, etc. This is where oils could be thrown in, too! An increase in body temperature can support or induce a fever, creating an environment that viruses and bacteria can’t survive and the infection is easier to fight off.

4. Supporting movement of lymph. The lymph nodes are where a lot of immune fighting cells reside. Supporting movement of these cells throughout the lymphatic system helps bring them to where the infection is, and thus coming to our defense. To accomplish this, try dry skin brushing, starting from lower limbs working toward the heart, doing the same with upper limbs.

Another way to strengthen the immune system is to incorporate probiotics.

Taking a probiotic more regularly during cold and flu season may be the easiest and most beneficial way to help the immune system fight off illness. Because 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut, taking probiotics directly defends against inflammation and harmful microbes. These helpful bacteria reinforces the lining of the gut to prevent pathogens from getting into the bloodstream. Getting a quality probiotic is necessary to obtain these benefits.

Look for bottles labeled with at least 10-20 billion CFUs and have a broad spectrum of bacteria strains. If one is still not sure what to get, it’s recommended to speak with a health care professional or come see me at Grand Rapids Natural Health to determine which probiotic is best.

As a naturopathic doctor, these are tips that I personally implement during the cold and flu season and encourage my clients to do as well. Whether choosing to use one or all of these tips, keeping the body and immune system healthy before illness is the goal. Grab the oils, run a hot bath, and fill the body with beneficial fluids so this cold season is happy and healthy.

Relieve Stress and Anxiety Call Today to Schedule Your Massage Appointment 5260 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood, MI. 49508 616.827.2350 www.NaturalChoiceChiro.com

Dr. Christine Schoenek, ND, works at Grand Rapids Natural Health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to GRNaturalHealth.com or call 616-2646556. See ad page 7.

November 2018

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art exhibits. Look for public art in your area. Local libraries often offer great activities for kids.”

healthy kids

Nurturing Creative Kids Hobbies Engage and Grow Healthy Kids

by Marlaina Donato

U

nplugging with creative and fun activities fosters skills that can last a lifetime. Studies published by the National Endowment for the Arts Office of Research & Analysis show that participating in performing and visual arts enhances children’s social skills and emotional processing, builds confidence and improves academic aptitude.

“Not every child needs to play a team sport. Team experiences such as working with peers toward a goal, learning to win and lose gracefully and to get along with others can also be learned through the arts,” explains Antonella D’Aloia, a developmental and expressive art teacher with The Whole Child, in Upton, Massachusetts. “Both crafts and expressive artistic creation have huge benefits because they’re usually seen as nonthreatening activities, especially for kids with anxiety or on the autism spectrum. Art 30

West Michigan Edition

offers a safe place in which they can hone new responses to difficult feelings.”

Earth-Based Self-Expression

Weaving, scrapbooking, making friendship bracelets and other art projects involving organic or re-usable materials can demonstrate sustainability while teaching children how to follow directions, cultivate patience and strategize.

Healthy cooking classes are a creatively engaging avenue for youths to learn about connections between a healthy Earth and maintaining personal health. Expressing themselves through the visual arts, drama and dance promotes problem-solving and innovation, as does joining a science or Lego club.

“It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to try new things,” stresses D’Aloia.

“Go to local school concerts, plays and

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Instilling mindfulness in children can be both fruitful and far-reaching. “Origami— the Japanese art of paper folding without cuts or glue—is a quintessential hobby for centeredness. The act of folding paper is so engrossing that one is very present and in the moment,” says Kathleen Sheridan, origami master and founder of Origami and You, in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Origami stimulates both sides of the brain and helps to build self-esteem. Most of all, it’s fun, portable and inexpensive.”

Fostering imagination and using the written word through journaling or storytelling nourishes a child’s inner world.

“Creating a short story requires divergent thinking; young writers use their imaginations to generate unique ideas for characters, settings, plots and conflicts. We help them think deeply, write authentically and respect the perspectives of others, while learning to create and share their own stories and experiences,” explains Kimberly O’Connor, young writers program director at Lighthouse Writers Workshops, in Denver, Colorado.

“Expressing the exact shape of an iris or the sound of a cricket, for example, requires intense curiosity and attention, two qualities that can serve children and teens indefinitely,” she explains. Such skills can help students anywhere—in the classroom, on the sports field and later, when they begin to search for and find jobs.

According to Stanford University research published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, learning an instrument helps to improve children’s reading skills, especially those struggling with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Researchers at the German Institute for Economic Research revealed that learning music amplifies cognitive and non-cognitive skills twice as much as engaging in sports, dance or theater arts.

The Wellbeing Project, in Great Britain, has inspired activities such as sewing to benefit well-being. According to research published in the Journal of Public

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Mindful Investments

Health, quilting boosts cognitive ability, emotional equilibrium and creativity.

Introducing life skills and hobbies that nourish selfhood can be one of our greatest gifts to the next generation. D’Aloia remarks, “Helping our children to express who they are, rather than who we expect them to be, is the most powerful thing we can do.”

Marlaina Donato is a multimedia artist and freelance writer who authors books related to the fields of alternative health and spirituality. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

Links to More Discoveries Crafting a Green World: The Home for Green Crafts and Materials, CraftingAGreenWorld.com YouTube all-level instructional videos from OrigamiSpirit. com, Tinyurl.com/OrigamiInstruction YouTube intermediate-level origami videos from Jeremy Shafer, Tinyurl.com/JeremyShaferOrigami From juggling to calligraphy, broad-spectrum activity ideas, Tinyurl.com/50Non-SportsActivities

Kletr/Shutterstock.com

Scrapbooking for kids, Tinyurl.com/HowToDoScrapbooking Benefits of journaling, Tinyurl.com/WhyJournal Eco-friendly fabric companies for sewing projects, Tinyurl.com/EcoFabricSources Vintage sewing patterns online database, Tinyurl.com/ VintageSewingPatterns

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3790 28th Street SW, Suite B • Grandville, 49418 November 2018

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Give Rover a Rubdown

Massage Keeps a Dog at Peak Health

by Karen Shaw Becker

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nimals have performed massage on themselves or others since the dawn of time through natural grooming behaviors,” reports the Northwest School of Animal Massage, in Vashon, Washington. “Any animal’s quality of life can be enhanced with massage.”

Therapeutic Massage Results

“Maintenance massage is great for helping your pet stay at their peak level of health for as long as possible. It’s also a great tool for monitoring and early detection,” says Kim Tews, a certified small animal massage practitioner located near Portland, Oregon.

Jonathan Rudinger, a registered nurse, licensed massage therapist and authority on canine massage in Toledo, Ohio, explains that massage supports oxygen exchange, helping animals to breathe more deeply, and even encourages coughing to loosen phlegm and debris in the lungs.

Increasing both blood and lymphatic circulation is another benefit. “Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a good immune booster, and benefits pets of all breeds and ages,” says Tews. Massage shortens postoperative recovery time for pets and helps decrease inflammation and pain while lowering blood pressure and working to 32

West Michigan Edition

normalize breathing patterns and digestion.

For dogs with arthritis, Rudinger says that massage works to increase the natural fluids within the dog’s body, along with improving lymph and blood circulation and hormone and energy flow. When it comes to sporting events and intense recreation, massage can be used to increase blood flow to muscles beforehand and reduce muscle soreness afterward.

Massage is a comfort for beloved dogs receiving treatment for a terminal illness or palliative care. The practice can also reduce the need for pain medication, decrease metabolic end products in tissues, ease constipation and feelings of anxiety and isolation, and instill greater peace.

therapeutic massage makes being touched more tolerable. Rudinger explains that it can clear physiological energy blocks. His approach with dogs is to work on the stomach energy meridian, which flows down around the mouth, down both sides of the midline and underneath the abdominal side of the body. It ends up around the anus, beneath the animal’s tail.

As the meridian is associated with the emotional brain or limbic system, working on this area is particularly useful for dogs that are fear-biters, food- or dog-aggressive, have separation anxiety or problems with their gastrointestinal tract.

Generally speaking, dog massage can be a useful tool for stress relief and relaxation.

Find the Right Expert

An integrative veterinarian can provide advice and recommend an experienced area canine massage therapist to treat an animal’s specific need. At-home or in-clinic sessions may last from 30 to 80 minutes.

Having a family member massage a pet can add calming and bonding benefits, especially in palliative care. A workshop or continuing education course will teach basic to advanced hands-on massage skills.

Offering the benefits of therapeutic massage to a dog is one of the greatest gifts we can give to support their happiness and quality of life. It can also work wonders for cats.

Karen Becker, a doctor of veterinary medicine, is a proactive, integrative practitioner who consults internationally and writes for Mercola Healthy Pets (HealthyPets.Mercola.com).

Behavioral Results

Massage therapist Michelle Rivera with the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, remarks in the journal Integrative Veterinary Care, “It was in China that I learned that many behavioral problems can also be alleviated or eliminated with the addition of massage therapy.

In my own practice, the majority of issues I successfully work with using massage are behavior problems and seizures.”

Highly sensitive animals may find that

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Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. ~Alphonse Karr

Rasulov/Shutterstock.com

natural pet

Gumpanat/Shutterstock.com

MASSAGE FOR CATS

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by Sandra Murphy

lthough the method of massage and results can be similar to that for dogs, cats have their own rules about how they are touched. “Every massage must be individualized,” says Katie Mehrtens, owner of The Right Spot Pet Massage, near Chicago, and a nationally certified small animal massage therapist. “Cats are typically more sensitive to touch than dogs, and can become overstimulated. I am hyperaware of the cat’s reactions, and often give them more breaks to avoid stress,” she says.

“If your cat doesn’t like to be touched, you just haven’t figured out the best moves yet,” advises Maryjean Ballner, a massage therapist in Santa Barbara, California. “Common mistakes include rubbing, instead of caressing, and going too fast. Felines get the reputation they’re difficult. Pay attention to the basics.”

“Although many bones and muscles in cats and dogs have the same names and locations, they may not be identical in physical appearance or function,” Mehrtens says.

“A cat’s skeleton is slender, with lean, fluid muscles designed for leaping distances with stealth and agility. They’re likely to experience less wear and tear on joints than dogs.”

Ballner offers tips to let the cat be the teacher as to what works best: n Get down to their level. n Approach at shoulder height, not the top of the head. n Caress using full palms, not just fingertips. Slower is safe, enjoyable and desirable.

n Caress under the chin and around the cheeks using finger pads and full palms or the flat area between the knuckles. n Focus totally on the cat for four minutes. Make it routine. n Voice soft, soothing, low-tone phrases— not baby talk; maybe repeating, “Oh, you good boy, good boy.”

Susi Rosinski, a certified feline, canine and equine massage therapist and owner of Ancient Far East Healing Arts, in Tonawanda, New York, offers, “Most of my [feline] clients have joint pain or back mobility difficulties. Working on legs and joints after they’re fully relaxed helps them, as well as being safer for me, as I slowly add pressure to the areas where they need it most.”

“For four minutes a day, cat massage is therapeutic, whether it’s for you or the cat,” says Ballner.

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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November 2018

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calendar of events

loved ones from brain disease. Free to attend. Info: BluewaterWellnessTeam.com.

ALL MONTH LONG

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.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4

Dìa de los Muertos: Celebrating Day of the Dead – All day. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed on. This is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died. Altars from members of the community honoring family and friends will be on display. Every altar is unique and creates a fascinating portrait of what citizens of Grand Rapids hold close to them. Free. 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids. Info: Commreq@grpl.org.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2 - 4

EnergyTouch Prerequisite Training Weekend – Fri, 9am-1pm, Sat and Sun, 9am-6pm. This event is designed to give the necessary skills to help deal with health issues while also serving as prerequisite training for application to the EnergyTouch School.

The Energy Touch Center, 1331 Lake Dr SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids. Info: EnergyTouchSchool. com/events.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3-4

Healing Body, Mind & Spirit Expo – 2nd Annual Holistic Expo, Professional Healers, Mediums, Intuitives & So much more!! Free lectures, speakers & prizes included w/ admission $10 daily, (12 & under free). DeltaPlex, Grand Rapids. View exhibitors at HealingBodyandSpirit.com

Reiki Share – 10am-12pm, 6-8pm. Being offered twice in one day! Come check out what Reiki is all about, and have a mini session done. Open to those that know Reiki and those that don’t. Donations welcome. The Remedy House 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225.

Parenting on the Spectrum Session – 6:30-8pm.

Presented by Molly Buist, Occupational Therapist.

All families, educators and others are invited to learn about proven methods, such as music therapy, that can be utilized to help children living on the spectrum and in need of additional support. $5. Grand Rapids.

Learn more and register: UHSMI.org.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14

Aramaic Jesus Class: The Mysticism and the Practical – 11am-12:30pm. Come listen to a body prayer and learn a new Aramaic word. The class will touch on world view, psychology, and cosmology of Semitic languages and cultures. This will all be brought together for a glimpse of Jesus through a new lens. Join one class or all. Love offering. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck.

Info: Spirit-Space.org.

The Miraculous Life-Medicine of Forgiveness – 1-4pm. Come discover how the restorative power of forgiveness works to heal lives. Learn science and practical approaches to achieve forgiveness, relieve pain and anxiety to clear the path to joy and freedom. $30.00. Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225, cprins@sbcglobal.net.

Workshop: Suffering is Optional, Even During Holidays – 10am-12pm. Come for a 2-hour event which is an introduction to The Work of Byron Katie. Led by Sue Hartman, certified facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie. Learn to do The Work and discover peaceful, happy holidays.

During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to identify some stressful thoughts about the holidays and with the group, use the four questions and find turnaround. $20 per person, $10 for Bluewater Wellness Members.

17214 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake. Info: BluewaterWellnessTeam.com.

Muscle Testing and Neurological Response – 6-7pm. Come discover how muscle testing works with neurological response. Free. 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake. Info: Info@ TheGleasonCenter.com.

SoulCollage® – 9:30am-1pm. This class offers participants an engaging way to listen to their inner voice and express their creativity. Each workshop includes an overview of the SoulCollage® process for beginners, information on selected SoulCollage® topics for returning participants, and all supplies for creating three unique collage cards! $35. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register: email Valerie Helgren at honnej@keemail.me.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11

MONDAY NOVEMBER 5

Why Can’t I Lose Weight? 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 Healing Center of Natural Health, 4288 3 Mile Rd NW, Suite 3, Grand Rapids. Register: Drowings.Weightseminar.com.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7

Your Mind, Your Energy: An Anchor or a Stepping Stone – 6-7pm. Come learn perception of the mind. Free. 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake.

Info: Info@TheGleasonCenter.com.

The Aging Brain Webinar – 6:30-7:30pm. Join from the comfort of your own home for a webinar with Dr. Ramona Wallace. This event will focus on Alzheimer’s and memory issues. Dr. Wallace will share how Functional Medicine is used and the Bredesen Protocol to protect yourself and

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West Michigan Edition

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13

Reiki Level I with Morgan Buck – 10am-4pm. In this Level I Reiki Training, participants will receive their Reiki Practitioner’s initiation. This first degree class will be on opening the energy channel within to connect with the universal life force energy through an Attunement. The student will be introduced to Level I practices and will be encouraged to practice Reiki on themselves for a minimum of 21 days before receiving the Level II training or Second Degree Attunement. $149. 1991 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon. Register: BlueHorizonsWellness.com.

Eckankar Special Event – 10-11:15am. Watch a talk by Harold Klemp, the Spiritual Leader of Eckankar, from the October 2018 ECK Worldwide Seminar. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Room 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: ECKMI.org, eck.mi.info@gmail.com, 269-370-7170.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Intro to Laser – 5:30-6:30pm. Come learn the healing properties of cold laser therapy. Free. 19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake. Info: Info@ TheGleasonCenter.com.

The Healing Power of Hemp Oil – 10am-12pm, 6-8pm. Being offered twice in one day! Reduce the holiday stress with the healing power of Hemp!

Come clear up some of the confusion with the difference between Hemp, CBD, and Marijuana.

Learn all the wonderful healing benefits being proven by Hemp products from Naturopathic Doctor, Jodi Jenks. $25. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register by Nov 12: TheRemedyHouse.org, 616-443-4225.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15

SoulCollage® – 9:30am-1pm. This class offers participants an engaging way to listen to their inner voice and express their creativity. Each workshop includes an overview of the SoulCollage® process for beginners, information on selected SoulCollage® topics for returning participants, and all supplies for creating three unique collage cards! $35. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register: email Valerie Helgren at honnej@keemail.me.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17

Free Yoga at the Library – 11:30am-12:30pm. Suitable for all levels. A lighthearted class with an emphasis on feeling good physically and mentally. Bring a mat or towel, and a friend! Free. 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: HeartsJourneyWellness.com Emotion Freedom Techniques Class – 8-11am.

This introductory class is taught by Lisa Cobb.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or “Tapping” utilizes the energy meridian system within the body. By focusing on a specific issue, while tapping these points, signals are sent to the brain and the body to release that which no longer serves us. $40 per person, $35 for Bluewater Wellness Members. 17214 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake.

Info: BluewaterWellnessTeam.com.

Hunting Widow’s Day Spa – 10am-4pm. Come get pampered with their spa package, including a 30-minute foot detox, 30-minute infrared sauna session, and a 30-minute session on a Migun Bed for $40.

Appointments will also be available for full spectrum healing, massage, craniosacral, and reflexology, thirty minutes for $30. Attendees can also get a reading from one of their intuitive/psychic readers, thirty minutes for $45. Participants may also enjoy a soothing cup of organic tea from the tea bar while browsing the sales throughout the store. 332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview.

Info: 989-352-6500, thcoflakeview.com.

Reiki I & II Class: Introduction to Reiki – 9am5pm. Become attuned to the universal energy, learn how to give treatment to self and others and meet the Reiki guide. $250, fee includes a $50 deposit due at registration. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register by Nov 10: TheRemedyHouse.org, 616-443-4225.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18

The Keto & Virtual Gastric Band (VGB)™ Webinar – 8-9pm. This event is presented by Dee Kohley, RPh, owner of Bluewater Wellness, and Morgan Buck, LSE™ of Focused on Wellness. Learn from the comfort of home about the innovative lifestyle plan Dee and Morgan have developed for sustainable weight loss! Keto and VGB™ will help participants reach their weight loss goals. This program offers the right tools and a great support system to get participants feeling their best and looking amazing!

Free. Info: BluewaterWellnessTeam.com.

Advanced Reiki Class – 9am-5pm. Enhance energy work to a new level. Learn how to perform psychic surgery, and how to set up and utilize a crystal grid with energy work. $275, fee includes a $50 deposit due at registration. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Register by Nov 10: TheRemedyHouse.org, 616-443-4225.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19

Emotion Code Technique continued – 6-7pm.

Emotion code information for daily healing. Free.

19084 North Fruitport Rd, Spring Lake. Info: Info@TheGleasonCenter.com.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20

Dream Catcher Workshop – 6-8pm. Come explore the benefits and some of the history of dream catchers. Participants will create one to protect and empower their dreams through an ancient practice of creating a Dream Catcher. $35, all materials included. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Must pre-register by Nov 16: TheRemedyHouse.org, 616-443-4225.

Why Can’t I Lose Weight? 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 Healing Center of Natural Health, 4288 3 Mile Rd NW, Suite 3, Grand Rapids. Register: Drowings.Weightseminar.com.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21

Sound of Soul by Eckankar – 7-8pm. Third Wednesday each month. Experience singing HU. Sung for thousands of years, HU stirs the eternal force of divine love within the heart. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Room 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: ECK-MI.org, (269) 370-7170.

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.

mark your calendar SATURDAY, December 1

SoulCollage® with Ruth Zwald – 1-4:30pm. This class welcomes new and experienced SoulCollage® students. Class provides instruction, card creation and use in an accepting and nonjudgmental atmosphere. $35 new attendees, $30 repeat attendees, all supplies included. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Must register: RuthZwald55@gmail.com.

mark your calendar SATURDAY, December 8

2nd Annual Blanket Solution Party – 1-4pm. Presented by Reynelda Jones, founder of A Solution B, licensed mental health therapist. This event is to create tie blankets, donate toys and jewelry shop. General public welcome. Proceeds will be donated to support local youth and individuals rescued from human trafficking. Cost is one toy. 543 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Info: ASolutionB. com/workshops.

Aramaic Jesus Class: The Psychology of the Near East – 11am-12:30pm. Come listen to a body prayer and learn a new Aramaic word. The class will touch on world view, psychology, and cosmology of Semitic languages and cultures. This will all be brought together for a glimpse of Jesus through a new lens. Join one class or all. Love offering. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Info: Spirit-Space.org.

mark your calendar mark your calendar SUNDAY, December 2

Mindful Meditation at Bodhi Tree – 2:30-3:15pm. Come and prepare for the holidays. The opportunities are here to learn some new defenses for the stress that the holidays can bring. Come and learn more. 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: mibodhitree.com, 616-392-7580.

SATURDAY, December 22

Aramaic Jesus Class: The Psychology of the Near East – 11am-12:30pm. Come listen to a body prayer and learn a new Aramaic word. The class will touch on world view, psychology, and cosmology of Semitic languages and cultures. This will all be brought together for a glimpse of Jesus through a new lens. Join one class or all. Love offering. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Info: Spirit-Space.org.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24

Aramaic Jesus Class: The Culture of Jesus – 11am-12:30pm. Come listen to a body prayer and learn a new Aramaic word. The class will touch on world view, psychology, and cosmology of Semitic languages and cultures. This will all be brought together for a glimpse of Jesus through a new lens.

Join one class or all. Love offering. 3493 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. Info: Spirit-Space.org.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27

Walking a Path to Wholeness – 6:30-8pm. The labyrinth is an ancient gift inviting all to walk a path to wholeness, integrating life’s positive and negative experiences along the way. It has an uncanny ability to open one’s receptivity, intuition, and inner knowing, offering guidance on how best to proceed on life’s journey. $35. 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Register: DominicanCenter.com.

mark your calendar MONDAY, December 3

Mastering the Art of Meal Planning and Food Prep: Winter Edition – 6:308pm. Presented by Andrea Hop, BS, MA, Certified Health Coach. This class will explore why meal planning and food prep, especially during hibernation months, are so important to sticking with dietary goals; plus, learn the basics of successful meal planning and simple hacks for advance food prep. $5. Learn more and register: UHSMI.org.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

November 2018

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on going events 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.

SUNDAY 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 – 6:15-7:30pm. 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

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West Michigan Edition

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 iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Series – 7-8pm.

A four-week class beginning November 13. iRest Yoga Nidra is one of the most accessible meditation practices. It effectively helps in recognizing underlying peace of mind and sense of well-being that is always present amid all of life’s changing and challenging circumstances. This practice effectively supports the healing process, whether dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and more! $59 for all 4 classes. 1991 Lakeshore Dr, (in Lakeside shopping district) Muskegon. Register: BlueHorizonsWellness.com, 231-755-7771.

Peer Support Group for Parents of Children with Disabilities – 7-8:30pm. Third Tuesday every month. This peer support group is for Parents of children with developmental disabilities and is led by Laura Marcus-Nolan. This is an opportunity to share stories and discover resources with other parents of children with developmental disabilities.

Free. 712 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: ExtendedGrace.org.

Serenity Yoga – 4-5:15pm. Come for a very gentle class geared toward developing and maintaining balance and strength. As always, class ends with a 20-minute guided meditation. By donation. 1991 Lakeshore Dr, (in Lakeside Shopping District) Muskegon. Must Register: BlueHorizonsWellness. com, 231-755-7771.

Chair Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice. With an emphasis on the 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. 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.

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation/Study Group – 7:15-8:30pm. Explore in a practical way the practices associated with Tibetan Buddhism, including concentration, mindfulness, analysis and visualization. Free. Jewel Heart, 1919 Stearns Ave, Kalamazoo. Info: Call 734-368-8701 or 269-9441575 or email: GregSupa@gmail.com

NaturalWestMichigan.com

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-ofWest-Michigan-Weston-A-Price A Course in Miracles – 9:30-11am. A complete self-study spiritual thought system. It teaches that the way to universal peace is by undoing guilt through forgiving others. The Course focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy.

It expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Unitycsg.org. 616-682-7812. $20 off BioMeridian Assessments – Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Grand Rapids. 616-3659176. IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com.

WEDNESDAY Yoga for Veterans and First Responders (Military, Fire, Police, etc.) – 5:30-7pm. Enjoy yoga for 50 minutes and then a guided iRest Meditation.

These practices help support one’s wellbeing on and off the mat. iRest Meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with PTSD and trauma. The instructors are trained through Warriors at Ease. By Donation. 1991 Lakeshore Dr, (in Lakeside shopping district) Muskegon. Must Register: BlueHorizonsWellness.com, 231-755-7771.

SMART Recovery – 6-7:30pm. Every Wednesday.

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 be 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. As participants progress in recovery their focus can shift to enjoying the activities of a healthy, fulfilling and productive life, including the satisfaction of assisting new participants in SMART Recovery. Free. 712 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: SmartRecovery.org, 517-862-5394, SmartHollandMI@gmail.com.

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.

FRIDAY

The Law of Attraction Speaking Club – 6:308pm. Do you want to learn how to apply the law of attraction in your life and in your business? We are a group of like-minded individuals who support each other in our growth. Come to Toastmasters where we provide a supportive learning experience where individuals can become better communicators and leaders. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE Ada. Info: lawofattractiontm@gmail. com or 616-717-3203.

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

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 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.

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.

Gentle Yoga – 5:30 - 6:30pm. This gentle class offers a peaceful session to gradually build strength and range of motion. With this quiet practice, experience how mindful movement and breath work can deliver much needed nurturing, rest, and clarity.

Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids. Info and register: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325.

Chair Yoga – 4-5pm. Chair Yoga uses a chair for greater support and stability within the practice.

With an emphasis on the breath, alignment, and moving at your own pace, Chair Yoga brings simplicity to the practice and easeful connection with the healing and restorative benefits yoga offers. Taught by Kathy Julien, certified yoga instructor. $10/session. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids.

Info: DominicanCenter.com, 616-514-3325.

Emotions Anonymous – 12-1pm. This is a 12-step program for recovery of mental and emotional illness. Free. The Momentum Center, 714 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven. Info: 616-414-9111.

SATURDAY 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.

1st Saturday QiGong Class – 3-4pm. Instructor Raymond Wan teaches about internal energy, self-healing breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, bring a cushion or pillow to sit on, and to not eat a big meal one hour before class.

Donation based. Academy of Alternative Healing Arts, 3790 28th St SW Ste B, Grandville. Info: AOAHA.com or 616-419-6924.

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

Your Market is Our Readers.

Let Us Introduce You to Them!

Contact us today to advertise in our next issue 616-604-0480

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

HELP WANTED Sales Help Wanted – Experienced in media sales and public relations. Experience in the Natural Health Community a plus. Commission based. Part- time. Please send resume and letter of intent to Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan. com. No calls please.

November 2018

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community resource guide

HAKOMI THERAPY

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. .

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.

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 19.

COFFEE SHOP / FAIR TRADE JUST GOODS GIFTS AND CAFE’ 714 Columbus, Grand Haven 616-414-9111 justgoods@extendedgrace.org www.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 12.

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 6.

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West Michigan Edition

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 d i s c o v e r h o w o n e ’s i n n e r wisdom can contribute to the healing of the mind, body, spirit, and relationships.

ENERGY HEALING TONYA NICHOLS, RPH

Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner 332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 Info@THCOFLakeview.com THCOFLakeview.com Do you feel like you have no energy? Do you feel disconnected and out of balance? Let Tonya help you find your center again.

Combining Emotional Clearing with Full Spectrum Healing, Tonya helps her clients to remove emotional, mental, and energetic blocks that are keeping her clients stuck and preventing them from reaching their full potential for a healthy, happy, and meaningful life. See ad page 21.

ESSENTIAL OILS MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC

Cottage of Natural Elements 351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids 616-735-1285 • MoondropHerbals.com Your local source for all things natural and botanical.

Essential oils, bulk herbs, tea, hand-crafted bath & body products, raw ingredients, containers, local artwork, unique gifts. Practitioner discounts. Space rental and artisan consignment. See ad, page 22.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS Marilyn York Independent Distributor # 489656 877-436-2299 myYL.com/naturalhealth4u

Essential Oils – Revered for thousands of years for their naturallyenhancing support of body, mind, and spirit. Become a Young Living Essential Oils Member/Customer, and/or an Independent Distributor.

See ad, page 27.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

KEN PORTER CST, CHT 3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107, Grand Rapids 616-262-3848 BodyAndSoulGR.com

Hakomi Therapy can truly change your life. It’s a mindfulnessbased, experiential therapy for transforming the unconscious patterns that keep you from the love, joy, and fulfillment you deserve. Offered with exquisite care and attentiveness.

HEALING SERVICES THE REMEDY HOUSE

Jodi Jenks Natural Health Practitioner, Reiki Master 616-443-4225 TheRemedyHouse.org Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, raindrop therapy, CranioSacral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-communication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad, page 33.

HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTER 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 21.

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 12.

LGBTQIA COUNSELING

PAIN MANAGEMENT

DILSWORTH COUNSELING AND THERAPY SERVICES

THE LASER PAIN AND NEURO CENTER AT THE GLEASON CENTER

Sue Dilsworth, Ph.D, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT 6189 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale Sue@drdilsworth.hush.com 616-307-1617 • HeartsJourneyWellness.com

19084 North Fruitport Rd. Spring Lake, MI 49456 info@thegleasoncenter.com 616-846-5410 • TheGleasonCenter.com

Counseling services tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

Through various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness and EMDR, individuals will have an opportunity to explore personal challenges in an open, receptive, and supportive environment. Member WPATH. Most insurance accepted including Medicare and Medicaid.

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 19.

LIFE COACH

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

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 31.

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

Over 24 years of professional experience and trained in a complete range of modalities.

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 6.

DECEMBER

Coming Next Month

Uplifting Humanity Plus: Holidays

BVI SCHOOL OF AYURVEDA Ruth Small, Ph.D., Director 269-381-4946 Ayurveda@SambodhSociety.us AyurvedaMichigan.org

School of Ayurveda. State licensed.

Certificate program for healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, yoga teachers, wellness educators, massage therapists, holistic health specialists, chiropractors, dieticians and those seeking to learn selfhealth-care. Instructors highly qualified (B.A.M.S.).

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 19.

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.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

616-604-0480 November 2018

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West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com