Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ August 2017 by Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ West Michigan

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Feast in the Fields

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Prevent & Fresh Looks Heal Cancer at Autism Natural Ways to Keep or Regain Your Health

Focusing on a Child’s Optimal Potential

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August 2017

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contents 5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 15 chironews 8 16 fitbody 18 healingways 20 consciouseating 22 wisewords 24 inspiration 26 healthykids 10 28 greenliving 30 naturalpet 36 36 ecotip 41 calendar 42 classifieds 45 naturaldirectory

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WHERE TO PICK UP NATURAL AWAKENINGS

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.

12 LIVE CANCER-FREE Natural Ways to Prevent and Heal Cancer by Linda Sechrist

16 TAKE A HIKE

Escape into Nature with a Day Trip by Marlaina Donato

18 GET A GOOD

NIGHT’S SLEEP Five Solutions for Sleep Apnea by Lloyd Jenkins

20 FEAST IN THE FIELDS by John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist

22 ELLEN LANGER

How Changing Your Thinking Changes Everything by April Thompson

24 CREATE A LOVE NEST Set Out a Welcome Mat for a Soulmate

by Arielle Ford

26 FRESH LOOKS AT AUTISM

Focusing on a Child’s Optimal Potential by Linda Sechrist

INJURED WILDLIFE

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30 DOGS AT WORK

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Finding the Right Dog for the Job

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Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (12 issues) to the above address. © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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Natural Common Sense

am inspired by the food-based answers to fighting cancer explored in this issue by healed patients and natural practitioners. Many of the diseases that we struggle with today didn’t exist before food processing, packaged foods and industrial agriculture became prevalent during the latter half of the 20th century. Even when we reduce or eliminate processed foods from our diet, we must continue to be mindful of avoiding genetically modified (GMO) crops and pervasive toxic pesticides and herbicides. In an effort to simplify my life and remain peaceful in the face of overwhelming possibilities, I try to keep it simple and clean. Buying local, organic foods whenever possible is a good start; I like to double up on what’s in season. I always wash produce before consuming and have reduced purchases of anything with multiple ingredients. It seems a universal goal to minimize stress, despite extraordinary demands on our time to pay attention to just about everything. Stress is now considered a factor in most health issues. As Dr. Dan Gleason reminds us in his article, “I Wish You Ill Health,” when we don’t acknowledge that something’s out of balance in our lives, symptoms can show up as physical pain, a wake-up call signaling a lack of alignment. The rule applies not only to our physical well-being but to every facet of life. Three years ago I felt in peak health. I had returned to school to study life coaching and upon finishing the course work, an opportunity to purchase this magazine came up. I jumped in with both feet, causing my whole life to change. The stress of learning a new business, fear of failure and a somewhat sedentary work environment caused healthy practices like yoga, meditation and strength training to go by the wayside—just when I needed them the most. This week I was again practicing yoga when a knot that had shown up in my left hip suddenly popped. I let out a long sigh and nearly collapsed with relief. The experience reminded me once again that it’s easier and healthier to make time for what’s good for us now rather than wait until a problem presents itself. May this issue contribute to the tools you need in your own journey of maintaining radiant health and well-being. To conscious living,

Pamela Gallina, Publisher

Never Glossy. Always Green. Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by printing on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink. This choice avoids the toxic chemicals and high energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is hard to recycle.

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newsbriefs Mary Jane Dockeray Honored for the Advancement of the Nature Center Profession

he Association of Nature Center Administrators is honored to distinguish Former Blandford Nature Center Founder and Director Mary Jane Dockeray as the inaugural ANCA President’s Award recipient for foundational leadership in the Nature and Environmental Learning Center Profession. During a near 70-year career, Mary Jane has helped instill youth environmental

just one of literally thousands of lives she has touched.” Mary Jane Dockeray exemplifies the exceptional contribution to the nature and environmental learning center profession that the President’s Award was created to acknowledge. ANCA Board President, Francis Velazquez, writes, “It is how Mary Jane’s story touches on all the aspects of our profession that captured my attention. It was the humility, simple directness, foresight, and sustained effort that brought her consideration for the President’s Award. It was how she educated one child, through one program, one field trip, one nature center, one pioneering idea after another and how she influenced one community and one profession with such lasting effects that made it clear she should be awarded by ANCA.” The President’s Award will be given to Mary Jane Dockeray at the Association of Nature Center Administrator’s Annual Summit in August in Nauvoo, Alabama. Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, call 616-735-6240 or online at BlandfordNatureCenter.org

Mary Jane Dockeray education as part of the nature and environmental learning center profession. Since boldly asking for the donation of ten acres of private land in 1964 for “getting kids boots on the ground”, Mary Jane has displayed what Jason Meyer, current President/CEO of the Blandford Nature Center calls “her characteristic willingness to push boundaries.“ Over 43 years, Mary Jane grew those ten acres into a 143-acre refuge that has served over two million visitors, an astounding accomplishment. Among her innovative achievements is the foundation of the Blandford School, a sixth grade program where 60 public school students spend their entire school year using the nature center as their classroom. Beyond Blandford, Mary Jane helped build youth environmental education into the ethos of the profession by freely offering her knowledge. She hosted and supported an early professional association of nature center administrators: the Michigan Coalition of Nature Centers. Corky McReynolds, PhD, CPF, and former Coalition member writes, “Her inspiration to me helped launch my career, and I am

Protecting the Great Lakes from a Catastrophic Oil Spill

he case against Line 5, the dual 64-year-old petroleum pipelines running under Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, has deepened. The question now is whether government officials will do anything about it and end the risk of a catastrophic oil spill affecting a large area of the Great Lakes. A report that surfaced in June revealed that Enbridge, the pipeline owner and operator, has for years routinely violated a legal agreement to properly anchor Line 5 against the swift currents in the Straits. The company tolerated lengthy unsupported spans in violation of the 1953 easement agreement through which the state of Michigan granted Enbridge conditional occupancy of the lakebed. “Enbridge’s willful neglect to properly support Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac is a game changer,” says Liz Kirkwood, executive director of FLOW, a Traverse Citybased Great Lakes water law and policy center. She said the state now must apply the law, stop Line 5’s oil flow and hold public hearings as it considers the Canadian natural awakenings

August 2017

newsbriefs EcoTrek Fitness Welcomes New West Series Leader

E company’s application to continue to use the decaying steel infrastructure. Ed Timm, Ph.D., an engineer advising FLOW, notes it is likely that damage to the pipe has already occurred because unsupported spans were not detected and repaired in a timely way by Enbridge. A University of Michigan study found that more than 700 miles of shoreline in Lakes Michigan and Huron and on their islands are potentially vulnerable to damage from an oil release in the Straits. On June 29, the state’s Pipeline Safety Advisory Board released an analysis of alternatives to Line 5 that fails to examine existing pipeline infrastructure and that is biased toward allowing Line 5 to continue to operate through new oil pipelines and further expand its operations, says Kirkwood. Enbridge was responsible for the nation’s largest-ever inland oil spill in Michigan’s Kalamazoo River watershed in 2010. There have been at least 29 spills from Line 5 releasing more than 1 million gallons of oil and gas into the environment. Public comments on the study of alternatives to the pipeline can be made at mipetroleumpipelines.com/document/ alternatives-analysis-straits-pipeline by Aug. 4. For more information, visit FlowForWater.org/Line-5. Additional information is also available at the Oil and Water Don’t Mix website, oilandwaterdontmix.org/comment_to_shutdown

Holistic Nutrition Center is Changing

olistic Nutrition Center is retiring the clinical portion of their practice. They are exploring nutrition online, as a way for people to get healthy and stay healthy. Their focus will be customers who have had 23 and Me online gene testing. For more Information: Pam@HolisticNutritionCenter.net, 616 834-0124 or online at HolisiticNutritionCenter.net 6

West Michigan Edition

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coTrek Fitness, the West Michigan leader in outdoor fitness, offering unique group outdoor workouts since 2006, welcomes Hudsonville resident Melissa Feldt as their Grand Rapids West EcoTrek Series Leader. She is wife and a mom to 3 boys, who are all outdoors people. Born and raised in West Michigan, Melissa LOVES trail running and runs the North Country Trail race every year. She ran the Fifth Third Riverbank 25K race three times as a charity Melissa Feldt runner for the AT Children’s Foundation and has completed 20 half marathons. Melissa has a secret desire to run an ultra-marathon (50 miles or more). She graduated in 2016 from GVSU with a B.S. in Exercise Science with a Health and Fitness Instruction emphasis and a minor in Biology, and is an ACE certified Health Coach. Her passion is helping people find something that they love doing that they can do for the rest of their lives to become the happier, healthier people they want to be and EcoTrek Fitness can be a part of that! She also believes that exercise should be a fun activity that you look forward to doing. It shouldn’t be something you ‘have to do’ but rather something you ‘get to do.’ Melissa joins several energetic leadership professionals of EcoTrek Fitness including Brenda Rogersleads, from the Lansing Area Series and Rachel Butlerleads from the Up North Series in the Boyne City, Gaylord and Petoskey areas. As well as Amy Millerleads in the Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland areas and Carol Reensleads in Coopersville. The original Lead FunMaster Series celebrated its 11th anniversary in 2017 with owner & founder Cari Draft in Spring Lake, Grand Haven and Norton Shores. EcoTrek sessions run 75 minutes and incorporate the elements of cardio, strength training and flexibility. Each leader adds their individual spin to the workout according to the location, which is different every time. This keeps it fun and interesting yet effective, because EcoTrekkers will burn fat, increase lean muscle mass and improve their flexibility, all in one workout. Added bonus: in a group, you’re never alone! All schedules, costs and location information, as well as easy online sign-up, can be found on the website EcoTrekFitness. com. See ad page 30.

Inspire! Exploring Mental Health

very year 1 in 5 Americans will suffer from mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. The Inspire! summer series focuses on exploring mental illness. Everyone is encouraged to come learn about the signs, symptoms and treatments available and separating fact from fiction so that together we can defeat stigma with understanding. This is a community free event.

“MOST PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA HOW GOOD THEIR BODY IS DESIGNED TO FEEL.” Kevin Trudeau

503 E. Main St. | Edmore

989.427.3457 FIND US ON

Presenters and topics are:

HALSEY

FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

August 14-Brett VanTol, Pine Rest; Bipolar & Depression August 21-Michele VanderSchel, Ottawa County CMH; Schizophrenia August 28-Dr. Greg Green, Healthwest; Panic & Anxiety Disorders All events will take place at 6:00pm at the Momentum Center for Social Engagement, 714 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven. The Center is a social and recreational space and program for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and addiction. It provides education, activities and resources for this population as well as for their friends and family members. Just Goods Gifts and Café is housed within the Momentum Center and offers handmade fair trade and social cause merchandise, beverages, and baked goods provided by local bakeries. The Momentum Center is a division of Extended Grace, a grass roots social lab dedicated to building community while solving problems. It has no religious or political affiliations and maintains we all do better when we extend more grace to one another. For additional information, call 616-5022078, send an email to barbara@extendedgrace.org or visit extendedgrace. org See ad page 25.

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I keep dreaming of a future, a future with a long and healthy life, not lived in the shadow of cancer but in the light. ~Patrick Swayze

study from the University of Washington, in Seattle, tested the relationship of immune system functioning to lack of adequate sleep. To rule out genetic factors, which experts say account for 31 to 55 percent of individual sleep patterns, researchers tested blood samples from 11 pairs of adult identical twins (genetic matches) with differing sleep habits. They found that the immune system was depressed in the twin that slept less. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans are sleeping 1.5 to two hours less than they did 100 years ago, and more than 30 percent of working people average fewer than six hours a night. Dr. Nathanial Watson, lead author and co-director of the university’s Sleep Medicine Center at Harborview Medical Center, observes, “Seven or more hours of sleep is recommended for optimal health.”

Massage Relieves Chronic Back Pain

esearchers from Indiana University-Purdue University, in Indianapolis, set out to find out if massage therapy—typically an out-of-pocket expense not covered under most insurance plans—can provide effective treatment for individuals suffering with chronic back pain. The study followed 76 primary care patients with chronic back pain for 24 weeks. The researchers measured pain, disability and quality of life at the beginning of the study, after 12 weeks and again after 24 weeks of massage therapy. Each patient was referred to a licensed massage therapist for 10 no-cost sessions in a real-world environment during the initial 12 weeks. More than half of the patients that completed the core study reported clinically meaningful improvements for physical and mental measures. For bodily pain, 40 percent were clinically improved. Older adults and Baby Boomers reported the highest percentage of changes. Plus, the study found that sufferers that avoided taking painkillers were twice as likely to experience reduced pain than those using opioids.

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Sufficient Sleep Supports Immunity

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healthbriefs

Scientists from the University of Oxford and the Chinese Medical Academy studied 500,000 healthy adults in China for seven years, tracking medical records of illnesses and deaths. They found that a 100-gram serving of fruit per day (primarily apples and oranges) reduces the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke by one-third. 8

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EATING FRUIT LOWERS CARDIAC RISK

esearchers from Capital Medical University, in Beijing, China, tested the effectiveness of Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine derived from fungi, on the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. They followed 120 subjects, divided into two groups of 60. One group received a capsule containing 1,200 milligrams of Cordyceps sinensis three times daily for three months. The control group was treated with conventional medications. Health-related quality of life was measured, along with the incidence of asthma exacerbation, pulmonary function and inflammation indicators in both groups. The Cordyceps sinesis group reported reduced asthma symptoms, improved lung function, a better inflammatory profile and an overall better quality of life when compared to the conventional treatment group.

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Meditating Raises Spirits More than a Vacation

NATURAL SOUNDS SOOTHE THE BRAIN Sussex University researchers in the UK tested the brain activity of 17 healthy subjects as they listened to a series of soundscapes from either natural or artificial environments. Brain scans and questionnaires found that natural sounds led to relaxation and positive feedback, while artificial sounds activated stress and anxiety-related brain activity.

MAPLE SYRUP GIVES GOOD GUT MaraZe/Shutterstock.com

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Chinese Fungi Relieve Asthma Suffering

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island have discovered that pure maple syrup contains inulin, a complex carbohydrate that serves as a prebiotic. It encourages growth of beneficial gut bacteria and extends the lengthy list of beneficial vitamins and minerals contained in this natural sweet. Consume it in moderation, limited to a few times a week.

cientists from the University of California at San Francisco, and Harvard Medical School, in Boston, tested the effect of vacations and meditation on the genes of 64 women between the ages of 30 and 60 that were novice meditators. They all spent six days at the same resort in California. Half participated in a meditation program that included yoga, self-reflection exercises and mantra meditation; the other half did not engage in onsite meditation. The researchers also studied a group of 30 experienced meditators already participating in the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meditation program. Blood sample tests and surveys from all 94 women were conducted at intervals: once right before their stay, once right after, a third one month post-vacation and then 10 months after the trip. All the women displayed significant changes to their molecular network pattern after the six days, with the most substantial genetic changes related to immune function and stress response. One month after the resort experience, all groups continued to display improvements. However, the novice meditators showed fewer symptoms of depression and stress for a significantly longer period than the women not participating in the meditation exercise.

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August 2017

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News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Accepted Misfits

Due to customer requests and petitions, more stores are beginning to stock the one in five pieces of produce that never made the cut before due to quirky shapes or other blemishes. Often, these are displayed next to their better-looking, more expensive counterparts to give consumers an eco-friendly choice. The 133 billion pounds worth of misshapen or scarred fruits and vegetables annually plowed under, buried in a landfill or fed to livestock is sharply at odds with the reality that 48 million Americans face food insecurity. Whole Foods Market created a pilot program in some of its California stores, testing sales in April 2016 with Imperfect Produce (ImperfectProduce. com), a service that delivers to homes. Walmart brought weather-blemished apples to 300 of its Florida stores to kick off their imperfect role in the movement. Five Pittsburgh Giant Eagle stores call their program Produce with Personality, and focus on navel oranges, russet potatoes, peppers and apples. Fourteen Hannaford stores in Albany, New York, offer the Misfits line, while donating unsold produce to local nonprofits. Hy-Vee’s 242 stores, located in eight central states, rolled out the Misfits last December.

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Ugly Produce Gains Status

Orca Finale

Sea Mammals Freed from Showtime

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For more information, visit EndFoodWaste.org.

Tuna Turnaround

Lower Mercury Levels Tied to Drop in Coal Emissions Levels of highly toxic mercury contamination in Atlantic bluefin tuna are rapidly declining, a trend that has been linked to reduced mercury emissions in North America, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. Average mercury concentrations dropped by more than 2 percent per year, for a total decline of 19 percent between 2004 and 2012. Scientists believe that most of that reduction has occurred because of a shift away from coal, the major source of mercury emissions, to natural gas and renewable fuels. Pollution control requirements imposed by the federal government have also cut mercury emissions, but these have been rolled back or eliminated by President Trump’s commitment to “bring back coal.” Source: Scientific American 10

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The California Orca Responsibility and Care Advancement Act, sponsored by Congressman Adam Schiff, is aimed to end the famous SeaWorld orca shows. “It means no more wild capture, no more breeding. We would essentially phase out the captive orcas that are currently in these water parks,” says Schiff. This means that SeaWorld must end their Shamu shows by the end of this year. However, the animals already at the San Diego park will continue to live there. Parks in Orlando and San Antonio will end their shows by 2019. Under pressure from activists and faced with declining ticket sales, SeaWorld is now moving to end its theatrical orca shows and breeding program. They announced the unveiling of a new attraction this summer, Orca Encounter, as an educational experience. Gabriela Cowperthwaite, director of the documentary film Blackfish, says that the new show is designed to make the audience feel better, not the animals. “The trainers aren’t safe, and the whales aren’t happy,” she states. “They’re still just doing manic circles around concrete swimming pools.” The company is developing its first SeaWorld park without orcas in the Middle-Eastern country of Abu Dhabi.

Buzzing RoboBees

Tea Time

Harvard University researchers led by engineering professor Robert Wood have introduced the first RoboBees—bee-sized robots that can ascend and hover in midair while tethered to a power supply. The project is a breakthrough in the field of micro-aerial vehicles. It has previously been impossible to pack all the components onto such a tiny workable robot framework and keep it lightweight enough to fly. The researchers believe that within 10 years, RoboBees could artificially pollinate a field of crops, a critical development if the commercial pollination industry cannot recover from the severe bee losses of the past decade.

RnDmS/Shutterstock.com

Source: Science

Nature Rights

Waterways Granted Personhood This year, the Whanganui River, in New Zealand, became the first in the world to be granted the same legal rights as a person. Equally vital, a court in northern India has given the sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers, as well as several glaciers, the legal status of “living human entities” to help in the preservation and conservation of the country’s highly polluted waterways, thus allowing polluters to be sued. These decisions are variants of “rights of nature” measures that date back to the 1970s. More than three dozen U.S. localities have ordinances ascribing varying types of rights to nature or to specific natural objects. In America, rights of nature activism usually takes the form of ballot initiatives that emerge to contest the power of corporations wherever local natural resources are seen as being threatened. The first such ordinance was passed in 2006, when Tamaqua Borough, in Pennsylvania, sought to protect the town’s drinking water from the nearby dumping of sewage sludge. More recently, an ordinance from the Boulder (Colorado) County Protectors, with assistance from the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, asserting the “right to a healthy climate,” was recognized as a federal constitutional right by Judge Ann Aiken, of the U.S. District Court in Oregon. Source: BBC

Citizen Scientists Needed for Carbon Storage Experiment

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Tiny Robots Seen as Tech Fix for Reduced Bee Population

Australian scientists have launched a project to bury tens of thousands of teabags in wetlands around the world to discover how efficient different kinds of wetlands are at capturing and storing carbon dioxide. Already, more than 500 citizen scientists are involved on every continent but Antarctica. The bags will be monitored over a three-year period, and then dug up and measured at intervals of three months, six months and each year after that. Wetlands are important for carbon capture and storage, a process known as carbon sequestration, holding up to 50 times as much carbon as a comparable area in a rainforest; some are better than others. There are hundreds of thousands of wetlands around the world, and a standardized technique for monitoring the carbon sink is needed for accurate comparison—but monitoring devices can be expensive to install. Faster decay of the tea inside the bag means more carbon is being released into the atmosphere, while a slower rate means the soil is holding the carbon. Once researchers can establish which wetlands are most effective at carbon sequestration, work can begin on protecting and restoring them, and ensuring they are not disrupted. Volunteers that contact BlueCarbonLab. org will receive a kit containing teabags and information on how to bury them.

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LIVE CANCER-FREE Natural Ways to Prevent and Heal Cancer by Linda Sechrist

ictorious warriors against cancer are speaking to other patients about their journeys of recovery and healing. Two who regularly speak to physicians, as well, are Glenn Sabin, author of n of 1: One Man’s Harvarddocumented Remission of Incurable Cancer Using Only Natural Methods, and Kathy Mydlach-Bero, author of EAT: An Unconventional Decade in the Life of a Cancer Patient. Their stories demonstrate the healing effectiveness of healthy lifestyle measures still widely categorized as prevention.

Whole Life Triumphs

Determined to become free of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia that had defined his life for 20 years, Sabin, who lives near Washington, D.C., appointed himself the subject of his own research experiment. He subsequently became a poster child for the remedial synergy of biological individuality, a whole systems approach to integrative oncology and self-induced healing through lifestyle and supplement interventions. Sabin now 12

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dedicates his business development firm, FON Consulting, to advancing integrative medicine as the new standard of care. His mission is to open minds to the idea that knowledge, empowerment and self-efficacy are our best allies against a life-limiting diagnosis, and we can do much to help the healing process. Writing to Joe Biden regarding the vice president’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, he candidly describes America’s present cancer-friendly environment. “The public has become conditioned to existing in a broken food chain that remains in disrepair due to misguided farming subsidies [and] untested or otherwise questionable chemicals (many of which are banned in other countries) that are present in the water we drink, the air we breathe, food we consume and products we use. Current therapies or those in the drug pipeline won’t improve the 50/50 odds of developing cancer. What will have the greatest impact are consumer education toward powerful lifestyle changes and access to the building blocks of basic health.”

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combat harmful growth of new blood cells, and the benefits of growing and eating foods containing angiogenesisinhibiting compounds that oppose such growth and so work to prevent, improve and avert recurrences of chronic disease. “Cancer hijacks the angiogenesis process triggered by inflammation and keeps it permanently activated to ensure that cancerous cells receive a dedicated, uninterrupted blood supply,” explains Mydlach-Bero. For three years, she largely consumed only items from the list of angiogenesis-inhibiting foods now posted at KathyMydlachBero.com/food-research. These include green tea, strawberries, blackberries, red tart cherries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes, cinnamon, purple potatoes, kale, grape seed oil and pomegranate. In 2008, she completely replaced both the drugs to combat the side effects of chemo and radiation and a long-term medication for preventing recurrence with healthful foods. Her physicians were admittedly uncomfortable with her decision to combine chemotherapy and radiation treatments with “food as medicine”,

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Mydlach-Bero made her remarkable recovery from rare and unrelated aggressive Stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer and a high-grade tumor in her head and neck. To tell her story, the resident of Delafield, Wisconsin, relied on her 18 journals as a surrogate memory to chronicle a 10-year journey of courageous exploration, self-evolution, self-advocacy and self-transformation that connected her with her healing potential. Then the mother of two young daughters, Mydlach-Bero rejected a 21-month prognosis in 2005, along with the notion that disease and medicine would determine her fate. Defying the odds, she applied what she learned from research regarding Avastin, a pharmaceutical created to

reiki, prayer, meditation, mindfulness and supplement intervention. But that didn’t deter her. To awaken others to the practicality of food as medicine, she founded NuGenesis Farm, in Pewaukee, a nonprofit modeled after her home practice.

Prevention is Paramount

Pioneering physicians and researchers agree with Sabin and Myldach-Bero that comprehensive prevention, the key to solving the cancer epidemic, is missing from conventional medicine. Leading voices include Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Arizona (AzCIM), in Tucson; Dr. Carlos M. Garcia, founder of Utopia Wellness, near Tampa, Florida; advocate Susan Silberstein, Ph.D., founder of BeatCancer.org, in Richboro, Pennsylvania; and Ajay Goel, Ph.D., director of the Center for Epigenetics, Cancer Prevention and Cancer Genomics at Baylor University Medical Center’s Research Institute, in Dallas. Weil pioneered the earliest efforts to develop a comprehensive curriculum in evidence-based integrative medicine and the field of integrative oncology. “We’ve known for nearly 15 years that inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases. Since 2012 scientific evidence has proven that a healthy lifestyle and an anti-inflammatory diet can influence various cancers,” says Weil.

We’ve known for nearly 15 years that inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases. ~Andrew Weil

His curriculum for health professionals and the general public was the first to cite the role of a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet in cancer prevention and treatment. “Health professionals graduate armed with a better understanding of the complex interactions between cancer, gut microbiome and nutrition,” advises Weil, whose paradigm inspires his chain of True Food Kitchen restaurants. It includes lots of fruits and vegetables, small amounts of non-GMO whole or cracked grains, al dente pasta, healthy fats and plant-based proteins from legumes, nuts and seafood as well as poultry and lean, antibioticfree grass-fed meats, cheese and eggs. Plus, he likes organic white, green and oolong teas, fresh herbs and spices, up to two glasses of red wine a day (less

Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Food Pyramid Source: Tinyurl.com/DrWeilFoodPyramid

for women; possibly none for those at high-risk for breast cancer), and dark chocolate for antioxidant polyphenols. For a different point of view, also condsider Dr. Mercola’s food pyramid (Mercola.com), which shows vegatables and healthy fats as the base, with grassfed organic meat and poultry and wild Alaskan salmon above that, followed by organic fruits, and topped with very small amounts of grains and sugars. Always do your own research and make informed decisions with the assistance of your healthcare team. Integrative Oncology, authored by Weil and Dr. Donald I. Abrams, an integrative oncologist, is mandatory reading for AzCIM students that learn to use complementary interventions in prevention and conventional cancer care. Subjects such as antioxidants, cannabinoids, energy medicine, mindbody medicine, music and expressive art therapies are covered, as well as naturopathic oncology, plus the roles that community and spirituality play in prevention and treatment. Goel’s 20-year career in cancer prevention research has produced a wealth of related articles. Among his findings, he advises, “Curcumin, a yellow compound extracted from turmeric, has become a gold standard for prevention and the natural treatment of many chronic health conditions, including colon cancer. It targets cancer stem cells, disrupts cancer cell communication, triggers cancer cell death and helps to prevent cancerous mutations to cells. It’s also been shown to improve the efficacy of conventional treatments including fewer adverse effects.” He recommends only taking turmeric products with BCM95 percent active curcuminoids.

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August 2017

Customized Protocols

Considering each individual’s biological individuality as a Petri dish, Garcia’s studies help achieve an anti-cancer life. He advises, “There is no ‘one size fits all’ medical protocol box for cancer treatment. Customized modifications to lifestyle and diet are required because food nutrients directly impact the mechanisms by which cancer cells grow and spread. The right nutrition can reverse a compromised immune system, which research shows is a major contributor to the development of cancer.” Whether for improvement or prevention, Garcia’s patient protocols always begin with a comprehensive evaluation appointment to learn about the individual he is treating. For cancer patients, his two-phase, eight-week program involves immune-enhancing therapies followed by immunotherapy aimed to de-cloak the camouflaged protein coating of wily cancer cells so the body’s immune system can identify and destroy them.

Mind/Body Detox

To maintain good health, Judy Seeger, a doctor of naturopathy near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, recommends a regular detoxification regimen to cleanse environmental and product toxins and toxic emotions. Through experience, she has learned that individuals living with cancer need to substantially support their abnormally functioning elimination system to rid it of dead proteins from destroyed cancer cells and chemotherapy drugs that are overtaxing the immune system. “Clearing out toxic, stressful emotions that produce acid, weaken the immune system and create an environ-

ment for cancer to propagate is essential,” says Seeger. “Fulfilling the body’s requirement for an ongoing healthy nutritional plan that maintains a healing alkaline environment reduces both the risk of a cancer as well as recurrence.” She has observed that when an individual’s healing process has stalled despite their doing all the right things to improve their biochemistry, it’s frequently because they haven’t done an emotional detox and lack feeling a spiritual connection to something larger than themselves. Silberstein categorizes cancer as epidemic. She speaks regularly regarding preventing cancer and its recurrence at medical and nursing schools, continuing oncology nursing education programs and universities. “What is needed more than new treatment research is public education regarding the true causes of cancer and continuing education credits in lifestyle training for medical professionals,” she says. Silberstein’s nonprofit organization provides online holistic cancer coach training for health professionals as well as research-based education and counseling on how to prevent, cope with and beat cancer through immune-boosting holistic approaches. The list of books authored by cancer survivors continues to grow, offering helpful insight into how individuals are negotiating the challenges of their healing journey. Two recent books, Surviving the Storm: A Workbook for Telling Your

Cancer Story, by Psychotherapist Cheryl Krauter, and Cancer Survivorship Coping Tools: We’ll Get You Through This, by Barbara Tako, are particularly helpful regarding the onslaught of toxic feelings and emotions that stress the mind and body—fear, anger, isolation, anxiety, depression and uncertainty, as well as loss and grief. Emphasizing the need for individuals diagnosed with cancer to tell their stories, the authors encourage keeping a journal. The act of getting thoughts and experiences out of the mind and onto paper supports emotional cleansing. “It’s important to share the real story of the emotional storm that is cancer, as well as the ravages of its treatments and invisible, but lingering side effects; to tell the tale of the cancer survivor who is moving from patient to person; and to explore and discover who you are after having faced down your mortality,” Krauter counsels.

Changed Paradigm

Results of the Human Genome Project, as well as the work of Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., stem cell biologist and author of The Biology of Belief, and other epigenetic researchers support the point that “environmental signals” that directly affect our DNA expression include our thoughts, emotions, belief system, exposure to sunlight, exercise and everything we put into our body. Such new science shatters the idea that we are victims of our genes and environment. It shines light on the fact that we have tremendous power to shape and direct our own physical health. Our entire lifestyle is pivotal. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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I Wish You Ill Health By Dr. Dan Gleason

ot the kind of ill health that kills you or makes you miserable. I am taking about something just serious enough to get your attention, something with just enough pain and inconvenience to make you stop and think. In this thinking process I challenge you to look for what is causing your problems. What are you doing too much or not enough of? What are you eating too much or too little of? What nutrient needs are you as an individual failing to provide your precious mind and body? Personal experience has given me the opportunity for some painful lessons learned. As an undergraduate engineering student at the University of Michigan I was plagued by severe sciatica. Excruciating and incapacitating bouts of hip pain would hit me out of the blue (Go Blue). I would go to the student health service and on to the University Hospital for consultations with orthopedists, neurologists and rheumatologists. Tests and X-rays did not lead to a specific diagnosis other than arthritis and sciatica. The idea that I might be unwittingly contributing to my own misery, was not even discussed. I was not encouraged to try and figure this out myself. Exercise and PT were not recommended because at that time physical therapy was reserved for rehabilitation following an accident or surgery. I was sent to the pharmacy with a prescription for pain pills, which spaced me out, making it difficult to study and barely took the edge off the pain.

Because the meds weren’t working and also my engineering mindset, I began to look for what might be causing my problem. I tried different shoes, mattresses and chairs. I tried different ways of sitting, standing and walking. I tried various stretches and exercises. I was totally unaware at the time that my student diet, which was pro-inflammatory and also the stress of college, might be contributing factors. The physical modalities gave me slight temporary relief, but I was still living under a cloud of worry that another debilitating episode could happen at any time. This went on for several years until sometime after graduation, while doing heavy work I “threw my back out.” A friend referred me to his Doctor of Chiropractic. Having never been to a chiropractor before I was skeptical, but due to my predicament, I was willing to give it a try. After just a few visits to Dr. Winchell, I was able to feel relief from my back pain and the severity of my sciatica was significantly reduced. This experience led me to return to school and to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Personal experience and lessons learned from “A bit of Ill Health” helped me to find my lifelong passion as a health care provider. The idea for this article came from a commencement address given by John Roberts, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was speaking at an elite prep school to his son’s 9th grade graduating class, their parents and families. It is a great lesson in learning from adversity and privilege.

Here is an excerpt: “Now commencement speakers will typically wish you good luck and extend good wishes to you. I will not do that, and I’ll tell you why. From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will be treated unfairly, so that you will come to know the value of justice. I hope that you will suffer betrayal because that will teach you the importance of loyalty. Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time so that you don’t take friends for granted. I wish you bad luck, again, from time to time so that you will be conscious of the role of chance in life and understand that your success is not completely deserved and that the failure of others is not completely deserved either. And when you lose, as you will from time to time, I hope every now and then, your opponent will gloat over your failure. It is a way for you to understand the importance of sportsmanship. I hope you’ll be ignored so you know the importance of listening to others, and I hope you will have just enough pain to learn compassion.”

Research indicates that 90% of all health problems in the U.S. are self-inflicted by our lifestyle, diet and environment. Your life and health are wonderful gifts that should not be taken for granted and squandered. Hopefully when you have symptoms or receive a diagnosis you will pause and ask yourself “What am I doing to contribute to my problem and what can I do to remedy it?” Ill health can be a blessing in disguise when it wakes us up and motivates us to address the cause(s) of our dis-ease. 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 616-846-5410. See ad page 45.

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TAKE A HIKE Escape into Nature with a Day Trip by Marlaina Donato

o many, hiking means long-distance treks through forests or backpacking remote terrain. “In reality, it’s more about getting out into green areas close to home,” says Wesley Trimble, of the American Hiking Society. “It’s about immersion in nature.” Day hiking can be easily tailored to personal preferences and interests. “Excellent apps and websites list and describe trails in your area or community. We have a database on our site that’s helpful,” says Trimble (AmericanHiking.org). He’s personally high on old rail lines that have been converted to wide, accessible paths (RailsToTrails.us).

A Trail for Everyone Whatever our location, age or fitness level, a hike can provide opportunities for calming solitude or connecting with people we care about. Individuals with disabilities can also get outdoors at accommodating trails such as those at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, in Delaware. There’s always something to be learned in identifying wildlife and plants. “Families can enjoy time walking outdoors together in ways impossible in other settings,” observes Verna Gates, founder of Fresh Air Family, a Birmingham, Alabama, outdoor activities educational foundation. “Nature aids in well-being in many ways.” She points to studies cited at NatureAndForest Therapy.org/the-science.html that reveal how trees emit enzymes into the air that help improve our emotional and physical health. “When I lost a child, the only place I found solace was in nature. Sitting in a patch of wildflowers truly brought me back to living,” recalls Gates. 16

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Hiking in nature is a ready way to reset frazzled nerves.

long with checking your state’s departments of tourism and parks and recreation, here are some broader resources for finding local trails. n AmericanHiking.org

Explorers’ Heaven

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Where to Go

Following a lovely trail, much like inspired cooking, is as intriguing and delightful as we wish it to be. From wildflower paths to wine country trails, the great outdoors invites exploration of woodlands, glens, forests, mountain valleys, coastal areas, bayous, deserts and other terrain. Experienced daytrippers recommend revisiting favorite trails in specific seasons. “I love being in the natural world, be it New Jersey, Florida or Alaska. Every trail offers surprises,” marvels distance hiker Craig Romano (CraigRomano.com). As the author of several day hike guidebooks, he’s seen firsthand how, “Every part of the country offers different perspectives and forms of beauty. The greatest biological diversity in our country is found in the Great Smoky Mountains, where the rhododendrons are breathtaking in spring.” The world’s largest mapped cave system is in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park. Hiking to observe other subterranean wonders in Indiana or Virginia’s Natural Bridge Caverns is no less exhilarating than walking Alabama’s covered bridge trail or painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch country, in New Mexico. The Appalachian Trail, running between Maine and Georgia, attracts thousands of adventurous long-distance trekkers, but such trails also offer sections ideal for day hikes. Geomagnetic points in Arizona’s vortex region or America’s Stonehenge, in New Hampshire, afford unusual destinations. The wonders of California’s Sonoma County include Planet Walk, a scale model path that illustrates our solar system. The Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Arkansas, is the only place in the world where hikers can dig for diamonds and keep what they find, although quartz diamond sites (semiprecious stones less hard than diamonds) can be accessed at other U.S. locales. Coastal walks lead to discovering sea glass and shells. Arboretums in urban areas offer trails flush with local flora. Joining or starting a hiking club based on common interests is one way to go. “One of our guidebook series encourages outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural world in their immediate backyards. This approach especially appeals to families, first-time trail users and athletes looking for a quick nature fix after work,” offers Helen Cherullo, publisher of Mountaineers Books (MountaineersBooks.org), a nonprofit committed to conservation and sustainable lifestyles. Wherever we venture, take nothing but pictures and leave nature untouched. Cherullo reminds us, “Connecting people to treasured natural landscapes leads to active engagement to preserve these places for future generations. The future of public lands—owned by every American citizen—is literally in our hands.” They deserve our vote.

n AmericanTrails.org n Backpacker.com n BluePlanetGreenLiving.com n ClimateRide.org n FreshAirFamily.org n GearPatrol.com n HikingProject.com n NWF.org (National Wildlife Federation) n OutsideOnline.com (Outside Magazine) n SectionHiker.com

What You Need

ime spent outside is best when we’re well-equipped. Here are some basic tips.

4 Be prepared for weather, stay alert, plan ahead and have a trail map so you know what to expect. 4 Inform others where you will be and what time you plan to be back. Set a deadline to turn around and head back well before sundown. 4 Plan on not having cell phone reception. 4 Wear proper footwear and clothing. 4 Take a compass and a flashlight. 4 Bring water, in plastic-free bottles, and well-sealed snacks. 4 Apply natural, reliable sunscreen (such as Think Sport) 4 Use DEET-free insect and tick repellant. (For an easy home recipe, add 15 drops of geranium and eucalyptus essential oils to a two-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake well before each use.) 4 Consider a natural first-aid kit. (DIY guidelines for creating alternative kits are found at Tinyurl.com/Natural RemediesTravelKit and Tinyurl.com/ AnHerbalFirstAidKit.)

Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com. natural awakenings

August 2017

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by Lloyd Jenkins

n estimated 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of sleep apnea. From the Greek expression for “want of breath,” sleep apnea causes cessation of breathing during the night. Bouts usually last from 10 to 30 seconds and can occur from just a few times to several hundred. The main cause is the throat muscles becoming too relaxed during sleep and constricting the airway. Two out of four people with the condition do not even realize they are sleep deprived due to apnea, and thus are at greater risk of suffering from both short-term ailments such as migraines or extreme fatigue, and long-term effects that include stroke and heart disease.

Lose Weight via Diet and Exercise Most people find the problem clears up or is greatly improved when they lose weight. One of the easiest and healthiest ways is eating only fruit from morning until noon, and then eating healthy, nutritious meals for lunch and dinner. Avoid processed, sugar-laden and deep-fried foods. Exercise at least four times a week. Doing moderate exercise for just 40 minutes has been shown to significantly reduce sleep apnea (Sleep journal). Use a

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medicine ball to follow a trainer tutorial at Tinyurl.com/25-MinMedicineBallWorkout. A mini-trampoline also offers a safe and effective workout. A brisk 20-to-30-minute daily walk is a must for better sleep.

Sleep on Either Side Lying on the back encourages throat muscles to close up and the tongue to fall toward the back of the throat. Shifting onto one side reduces this discomfort and potential apnea episodes. Using one pillow beneath the head allows the neck to rest at a more natural angle, rather than pushing the chin toward the chest, which restricts the airway.

Vitamins D and C Almost everyone is deficient in vitamin D, even many in sunny regions, reports Dr. Joseph Mercola in his report, The Amazing Wonder Nutrient. Wisely managed sun exposure supplies vitamin D—no more than 20 minutes a day, 10 minutes on each side—without suntan lotion. Alternatively, a high-dose of a quality vitamin D supplement measuring 5,000 international units is adequate, but always take it along with vitamin K2, which helps the body process calcium properly to avoid overdose problems.

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Our body does not store vitamin C, so we need at least 2,000 milligrams daily to maintain good health. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that vitamin C can reduce damage caused by sleep apnea. High-content foods include bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwi fruit, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peas and papayas.

Magnesium, the Master Mineral From 70 to 80 percent of mankind is deficient in magnesium, which has been connected with prevention of degenerative diseases and mental health and is often the missing mineral in an individual’s wellness equation, according to Enviromedica’s Ancient Minerals. It also regulates muscle function, including those in the upper throat involved with apnea. Organic foods and farmers’ market offerings may have higher levels of magnesium, especially those packed with green chlorophyll. Liquid chlorophyll is available in most health stores. Start by drinking one glass (250 milliliters) per day for a week, and then take two tablespoons daily. Spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, bananas and dark chocolate (avoid brands with white sugar) are good sources.

Helpful Natural Medicines n Just before bedtime, consume one teaspoon of olive oil (or organic honey) combined with three drops of lavender essential oil.

The Proper Pillow by Randy Kambic

he right natural pillow is a key component to restful sleep. In fact, pillow comfort and support are as critical to good sleep as the proper mattress. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) (SleepFoundation.org), 91 percent of Americans say that a good pillow is key to their sleep quality. Investing in a high-quality, supportive pillow can be transformative, both personally and professionally. The RAND Corporation calculates that poor sleep among U.S. workers annually costs the U.S. economy some $411 billion. Replace old, worn-out pillows. Pillows can harbor dust mites and their excrement, dead skin cells and bacteria that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. If a pillow is clumping, losing support or yellowing, replace it, says Michelle Fishberg, co-founder of sleep wellness company Slumbr (Slumbr.com). “Quality, properly sourced, down and feather pillows can be comfortable for those that like classic, soft pillows. Buckwheat and natural latex pillows each have unique qualities promoting better sleep. Buckwheat is therapeutic for back pain, all-natural and hypoallergenic, and reduces snoring for some,” advises Fishberg.

Pillow care. The NSF suggests using pillow as well as mattress protectors; PureCare mattress (PureCare.com) is their official source including a range of down pillows and its MiteTight protector. Organic cotton covers are kind to people and the planet. Slumbr.com likewise advises using a protective cover to extend pillow life. Don’t dry clean pillows, because chemicals and heat can do damage. A down pillow can be washed, but it’s best to have it professionally cleaned by a down specialist every three to four years. Or wash them at home no more than twice a year on the delicate cycle, alone in a large or commercial washing machine, to avoid breaking down the down’s natural oils and structure. Latex pillows can be occasionally hand-washed with mild detergent and air-dried flat. Don’t wash buckwheat pillows—if the hulls get wet, pour them into a fine mesh bag and air-dry them in the sun.

n Supplement with serotonin precursor 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), which complements magnesium. n One of the best pure sources of omega-3—a top remedy for sleep apnea by protecting cells from stress—is krill oil (Alternative Medicine Review). Sleep apnea causes long-term oxidative stress and puts severe demands on the body, which is thought to deplete omega-3 levels. Lloyd Jenkins is a certified naturopath native to Canada and owner of the Budwig Cancer Clinic, in Malaga, Spain. He’s the author of seven books and many articles on treating common diseases using natural therapies.

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he flip side of enjoying farm to table is taking the table to the farm. Socalled “pop-up feasts” are booming at farms throughout the country during growing and harvest seasons. While the format varies, dinners are typically hosted on working rural or urban farms, last about three hours and include aperitifs and a tour before the meal. Wine pairings or beer tastings and live music may be among the enticing activities offered. Gabriele Marewski, owner of Paradise Farms, near Miami, Florida, was a pioneering forerunner of the trend. For 10 years prior to retirement, she hosted more than 50 chefs, served thousands of guests an organic Dinner in Paradise and raised more than $50,000 for area charities. Periodic onsite dinners continue (ParadiseFarms.net). “Many chefs are active in farm-totable dinners on the West Coast. We also see participation among wineries, orchards, cheese makers and breweries,” says A.K. Crump, CEO of TasteTV, in San Francisco, which also supervises PopUpRestaurants.com. “People like to meet the meal maker and know more about the origin of what they eat.”

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“I started Dinner on the Farm nine years ago to create unique experiences that connect people to the places their food is grown and the people that grow them,” says Monica Walch, whose popup dinners are served picnic-style for friends and families that bring their own tableware. Her company’s Midwest events, usually offered on Minnesota and Wisconsin farms, always feature local chefs, food ingredients and breweries (DinnerOnTheFarm.com). “There’s nothing like being comfortably seated in the field where your food is growing and having the opportunity to enjoy it just hours after it’s been picked. Then, add in one-on-one conversations with your chef, brewer and farmer, as well as like-minded community members,” observes Walch, who grew up on an organic dairy farm in Minnesota. Setting the bar for high-end, white tablecloth, adults-only communal events, Outstanding in the Field tours the country to offer a taste of fresh, local cuisine prepared by top regional chefs. They’re known for serving meals on long tables set up in fields on

prairie ranches, in olive groves or fruit orchards, as well as at urban rooftop farms or near vegetable row crops. “Our mission is to get folks out to the farm and honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table,” says organization founder and chef/artist Jim Denevan. More than 90, five-hour events that include appetizers and a guided farm tour are being held all the way through November in more than a dozen states (see OutstandingInTheField.com). “Some of our most popular events feature farmers of the sea, and are set alongside the ocean or other bodies of water,” adds Lisa Supple, publicist for the company. “They feature local fisher people and oyster and abalone farmers.” “Epicurean San Diego offers popup farm dinner events at Dickinson Farm, in National City, California,” explains

Guests enjoy appetizers and cocktails at a Dinner on the Farm event at Primrose Valley Farm, in New Glarus, Wisconsin.

fundraising events, like The Foodshed Alliance’s Farm to Fork Dinner and Wine Tasting, now in its seventh year (Tinyurl.com/Foodshed-AllianceFarm2Fork). It’s held at the Alba Vineyard, in Milford, New Jersey, which practices renewable viticulture. “We already have eight chefs lined up to prepare an eight-course, locally sourced, wine-pairing dinner served among the vines,” explains Kendrya Close, executive director of the alliance. Expert winemakers select each course’s pairing. “We’re proud to be the hardworking roadies that set the stage for America’s rock star farmers,” says Denevan. John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, co-authors of ECOpreneuring and Farmstead Chef, operate the Inn Serendipity, in Browntown, WI.

Pizza on the Farm event at Dream Acres, served by a waiter on stilts, in Rogers, Minnesota. owner Stephanie Parker (Epicurean SanDiego.com). “We strive to completely source our produce from the farm.” The veteran-owned, certified organic Dickinson Farm features heirloom fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on a large city lot. “We have focused on urban farms to inspire more people to grow their own food and to show that you don’t have to live on a huge piece of property in the countryside,” Parker notes. Some pop-up feasts are managed directly by local farmers in partnership with lead chefs. Others serve as annual

MooGrass Band performance at Dinner on the Farm event at Sandhill Family Farms, in Brodhead, Wisconsin.

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How Changing Your Thinking Changes Everything by April Thompson

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or 40 years, Social Psychologist Ellen Langer has conducted pioneering research on the power of our minds to shape health and well-being. Langer’s work demonstrates that changing what we think and believe can transform not only our experiences, but also our bodies— a once-radical idea now common among neuroscientists. Her unconventional experiments often involve mind tricks: taking elders’ subjective thoughts back 20 years to reverse objective metrics of aging; fostering weight loss in a group of hotel maids by simply suggesting that their jobs qualify as exercise; and even changing blood sugar levels in diabetics by speeding up or slowing down perceived time during a video game session. Affectionately dubbed the “Mother of Mindfulness”, Langer was the first female professor to earn tenure in Harvard University’s psychology department. A prolific writer and scientist, she has authored more than 200 related articles and 11 books, including Mindfulness; The Power of Mindful Learning; On Becoming an Artist: Reinventing Yourself Through Mindful Creativity; and Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility. Langer lives, paints, works and observes the world from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Learn more at EllenLanger.com.

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What is mindful learning, and how can we best practice it? All learning is mindful; the only way to learn is by noticing new things. When we stop observing and get into our heads, wondering if that answer was right or if we responded quickly enough, we exit learning mode and enter mindlessness, where no learning can really take place. Part of what makes travel exciting, for example, is that we are primed to experience new things and pay attention to them, but actually, newness surrounds us at all times, no matter where we are. What makes us mindless is the mistaken notion of already knowing, when everything is always changing.

What techniques, with or without meditation, can we adopt to change our mindset and mental habits to reduce stress and increase health and happiness? Most mindlessness occurs by default, rather than design. If we all realized that through mindfulness we could look better, feel better, be better received and do better things—all claims that are supported by scientific research—it wouldn’t be hard to choose. Meditation is essentially a tool to lead you to the simple act of intentional

noticing, but many routes lead to that destination. One way to learn mindfully is to learn conditionally; to see the world as “it would seem that” and “could be”, which is very different than “it is.” If we recognized that evaluations occur in our heads rather than the external world, much of our stress would dissipate. Negativity and stress are typically a result of mindless ruminations about negative things we think are inevitable. If we simply ask ourselves why the dreaded event might not occur, we’d be less stressed. Next, if we ask ourselves how it may actually be a good thing if it does happen, again stress would diminish.

How do the mental constructs we attach to our experiences affect outcomes of health and well-being? Mental constructs are positions we consider as accepted certainties. When a physician makes a diagnosis, most people take it as a certainty and behave accordingly. Assuming that pain, decline or failure is inevitable can cause an individual to give up hope of complete recovery. But science only suggests probabilities, and if we understand this, we’ll go to work on a solution. We have a tremendous amount of control over our health that goes

untapped. Placebos are today’s strongest medications demonstrating this fact. Initially, placebos were frowned upon by the pharmaceutical industry because a drug couldn’t be brought to market if a placebo was just as effective. When someone gives you a pill and you get better not because of the pill, but because of your beliefs about it, you realize that what stands in the way of healing is your own mindset.

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natural awakenings

August 2017

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CREATE A LOVE NEST

Set Out a Welcome Mat for a Soulmate by Arielle Ford

Many of life’s

failures are people that did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas A. Edison

West Michigan Edition

ust as we need to create space in our daily schedule to nurture a new relationship, we must create space in our home to welcome in new love. It’s called “feathering the nest”. Think about the first time that our soulmate will walk into our home—what they will they see, smell and feel. Even an inviting, cozy environment may need an upgrade. The underlying vibration or feeling of a place reflects the home’s energy. Whatever has happened there since its beginning, including arguments, illnesses or times of loneliness, have all left an unseen layer of negative energy. You could say that the walls “talk”. To begin preparing our home to welcome a mate, first remove the clutter. Piles of magazines, stacks of unshelved books and excessive furnishings are blocking and keeping in old energy and preventing good, clean new energy from flowing. Be sure to remove all photographs and souvenirs that are reminders of past lovers; throw them away or put them in a box away from your home. These daily, unconscious memory triggers keep you stuck in the past. Clearing everything out is like putting out a cosmic welcome mat to the Universe that we are now ready, willing and available to receive new love. Next, it’s time to dispel the unseen energies. The fastest, easiest method is the Native American technique of smudging. The smoke will purify the space. Light a piece of white sage on a NaturalWestMichigan.com

small plate and when it is smoking (not flaming) run the smoke up, down and around every room, closet, door and window frame throughout the entire home. Alternatively, on a sunny day, open all the doors and windows and, applying a broom and imagination, sweep out the old energies. Just as nature abhors a vacuum and calls in matter to fill the empty space, so making space in our home assists in calling in love. Consciously create “space” by placing an empty nightstand on “their” side of the bed, plus have at least one empty dresser drawer waiting for them. Create inviting space in a closet and clear a shelf in a bathroom cabinet. If we have a two-car garage and have been parking in the middle, pick a side and begin only parking on “our side”. The most essential ingredient to “feathering the nest” is a strong intention to remove any old, outdated, limiting or negative energies that may be preventing love from finding its way to our door. Once free from unwanted clutter and obstructions, it becomes our sanctuary of vibrant, attractive energy. Arielle Ford is the author of 11 books, including Turn Your Mate Into Your Soulmate and The Soulmate Secret: Manifest The Love of Your Life With The Law of Attraction. Her latest, Inkspirations: Love By Design, is a transformational coloring book. She lives in La Jolla, CA. Learn more at SoulmateSecret.com.

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natural awakenings

August 2017

healthykids

Fresh Looks at Autism Focusing on a Child’s Optimal Potential

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by Linda Sechrist

Natural Awakenings

Magazine of West Michigan

West Michigan Edition

new paradigm shift regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) centers on evolving beliefs about the possibilities for those living with autism, as well as the unimagined brilliance they possess and their need for supportive help. Everyone can benefit from the results of hands-on research and experience by parents and caregivers that are finding nontraditional ways to help special needs children deal with issues related to emotional and cognitive detachment and isolation. Momentum for this major shift in perspective is fueled by young adults that are telling their encouraging stories online and in books such as Carly Fleishman’s Carly’s Voice. Parents of the one in 45 children diagnosed with ASD know that their lifetime commitment requires extraordinary courage, perseverance, patience, determination, emotional strength, outside-the-box thinking and unconditional love. These parental characteristics are most cited by those that have mastered related developmental disorders, which they now regard as gifts, because they are thriving. Dr. Andrea Libutti, author of Awakened by Autism: Embracing Autism, Self, and Hope for a New World, offers her insights for understanding the multifaceted

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nature of autism and the need for a personalized plan for healing. Janice Vedrode, a special needs coach, consultant and child advocate in Saginaw, Michigan, founded Spectrum Speaks and writes at JaniceVedrode.com/blog to inform parents about numerous issues regarding ASD. “Because I live in a town that didn’t have an existing support group for parents with ASD children, I took it upon myself to get the ball rolling and advise parents that they need to build a dream team—doctors, therapists, special needs teachers, spiritual community, friends and family—that will make sure their child succeeds and lives a happy and successful life,” says Vedrode. Wanting to help both their own two sons with developmental disabilities and others, Boaz and Minerva Santiago, residents of Pembroke Pines, Florida, became early trailblazers ushering in the self-employment movement for special needs individuals. Their Picasso Einstein online educational platform at SelfEmploy.org has launched the #JobCreators Bootcamp Training for parents and professionals and the #JobCreators Integration Program that collaborates with organizations, financial institutions and government agencies.

Check It Out: Tinyurl.com/ Chris-Varney-Talk Tinyurl.com/ KerryMagroTalk “If you focus on pursuing a business for your child for the sake of their independence, you won’t get caught up in only the business and money aspects. Self-employment allows even greatly impaired individuals the maximum opportunity to experience independence, not just in the present, but for the rest of their lives,” explains Boaz. He cites an example of a young boy with an avid interest in folding clothing. His parents learned how to create a meaningful job for him by creating a simple small laundry business from the family garage. Although at the beginning he was only asked to fold clothing (which he already expressed interest in), his father now accompanies him around the neighborhood to pass out business cards and promote his service. Being in business has helped him grow as a person. “Begin by assuming your child is competent and make it possible for them to follow their passion and create a future they can be proud of,” advises Boaz.

Shining lights are leading the way. With her father’s help, Carly Fleishman, diagnosed at the age of 2 with nonverbal severe autism, wrote a book by striking one computer key at a time that described living in a mind and body afflicted with this condition. Still nonverbal, she hosts a YouTube radio show on which she interviews celebrities via a device that turns keystrokes into verbal language. Kerry Magro, with Autism Speaks, a research and advocacy organization, answered the question, “What Happens to Children with Autism When They Become Adults?” in his TEDx talk, one of his many media ventures. Chris Varney, an “I can” advocate for children’s rights, won rave reviews for his TEDx talk, “My Unstoppable Mother Proved the Experts Wrong.” Such powerful stories specifically relate how parents, grandparents and helpful friends forged networks that freed them and their afflicted children of the inhibiting stigma of autism and enabled them to realize their fullest potential. A bedrock philosophy in supporting ASD and other special needs children is to assume they are competent and learn to see them through God’s lens, rather than the lens of the world. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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natural awakenings

August 2017

greenliving

Help for Injured Wildlife Margaret M Stewart/Shutterstock.com

Caring Rehab Gives Them a Second Chance by Sandra Murphy

eeing lost, injured or orphaned animals is heartbreaking, but unless a wild animal is in immediate danger from prey or traffic, it’s best to wait and observe. Mothers forage for food and return to the babies intermittently. If in doubt, call a wildlife rehabber for advice. “Rehabilitators are trained, tested, licensed, take continuing education courses and file annual reports. All care provided must meet government standards,” explains wildlife rehabilitator Regina Whitman, of Queen Creek, Arizona, via her Desert Cry Wildlife website. She rehabs rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, baby javelina and coyote pups. The Dan & Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Lee’s-McRae College, in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is the only college program in the U.S. that allows students to work hands-on 28

West Michigan Edition

with veterinarians in the rehab center. “We see native species of reptiles, raptors, songbirds and mammals like eastern gray squirrels,” says Jenna Glaski, a program senior mentor. “When fawns and bobcats are orphaned, it’s usually because the mother has been hit by a car or shot.” In the Georgetown area, South Carolina Coastal Animal Rescue and Educational Sanctuary (SC-CARES) rehabbers care for injured wildlife and other animals. Miss Belle—a doe that was trapped in fencing and temporarily paralyzed trying to get free—received physical therapy and is expected to make a full recovery. Founded in 2004 by Kevin Barton and Linda Schrader, the Wildlife Center of Venice, serves Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Its five acres offers hutches, barns, habitats for squirrels and raccoons, an aviary and a pond for water-

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fowl. In 2015, volunteers rescued eight striped skunks. Because these mammals are slow and have poor eyesight, wide roads are especially hazardous as they move through diminishing habitat. Skunks eat insects, grubs, rodents, moles and snakes. Paul and Gloria Halesworth specialize in hummingbirds at Wild Wing Rehab Hummers & Songbirds, in Ahwatukee, Arizona. “Hummingbird babies require a special formula we import from Europe. A body temperature of 105 degrees causes casual rescuers to think they’re overheated. They pant like dogs if too hot; otherwise, they’re okay,” Paul says. If a nest is found on the ground, reaffix it in a tree. “Duct tape works,” he notes. “Mom will find them.” Released birds are taken to the Desert Botanical Garden, in Phoenix. Rehabbing owls costs significantly more, up to $800 from hatchling to release. The Halesworths refer owls to another rehabber that annually cares for about 500 owls. In Fort Gratiot, Michigan, Back 2 the Wild Rehab rescues all kinds of wild animals. In February, two geese were stuck in a frozen river. Firefighters freed the birds and rehabbers checked them for frostbite. One goose died, but the other was released after the next storm passed through.

The Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary, near McCall, Idaho, accepts orphaned bear cubs. Tapping into three decades of research reported by program supervisor Jeff Rohlman, they are vetted and put into a twoacre enclosure to learn to live in the wild until they are old enough for release. Most arrive undernourished and dehydrated; if separated from their mother, they don’t know how to feed themselves or when to hibernate. Dreamcatcher Wild Horse & Burro Sanctuary, in Ravendale, California, doesn’t release rehabbed guests—it provides a lifetime home to roam 1,000 acres in family packs to find their own food and water. Public lands are leased to ranchers for grazing, compelling competition for food between livestock and wild animals, so this is a safer option; the sanctuary also advocates protection of resident mountain lions, badgers, coyotes, hawks and eagles. Barry and Maureen Genzlinger, founders of the Vermont Bat Center, in Milton, have rescued and released more than 125 bats since Barry became a licensed bat rehabilitator for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in 2013. “We have one bat that lost 95 percent of the skin on a wing,” he says. “After three months, most of it has grown back. In two more months, it should be fine, just in time to hibernate.” Bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. While some are considered a nuisance, each rescued animal has a place in the overall eco-system. Following the good Samaritan rule allows casual rescuers to keep an animal only long enough to safely transport it to a rehabilitator. Rescue operations always need volunteers to donate time or money to help the cause. For creatures, staying with a healing friend can help but there’s no place like home. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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August 2017

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very dog needs a meaningful job. Like us, some need help figuring out what they want to be when they grow up; others choose their own specialty. With imagination and experimentation, even a problem pooch can became an unexpected blessing.

Comforting Companions A 7-year-old hound and canine-style Houdini named Gumby was adopted seven times, surrendered to the shelter eight times and thrice became a stray. An unprecedented 11 return trips to the Charleston Animal Society, in South Carolina, convinced the staff he prefers shelter life. Now his selfappointed job is comforting and helping new arrivals adjust to their temporary home. Dentist April Patterson owns Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and Spa, in Fort Lauderdale. After attending a local Humane Society fashion show, she returned to her office with Oliver, a four-pound Pomeranian mix of undetermined age. This cutie’s job is to steady nervous patients. “It wasn’t planned,” says Patterson. “Oliver will bark nonstop when left alone, but being one of the staff makes him happy. Meeting Oliver is part of our hiring process.” Dory, a yellow Labrador certified therapy dog, is approved by the San Diego district attorney’s office to offer aid in court when a victim or witness testifies in front of the defendant. “Dory was the first court support dog in California and the city’s first of five dog and handler teams,” says Kathleen Lam, a retired attorney and dog handler. “The dogs 30

West Michigan Edition

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courtesy of Kathleen Lam

Special Rescue Teams

undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate good behavior in court. Handlers work on long downs and stays, including hand signals.” Dory recently accompanied an 8-year-old girl testifying against her father; he had killed his wife in front of her two years before.

Mas, a water-loving Newfoundland, redefines “rescue dog”. The Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio, or Italian School of Rescue Dogs, is the largest national organization in Italy to train dogs and handlers for water rescue. Helicopters can often reach a swimmer in distress more quickly Public Ambassadors than a boat. The dog jumps out to circle Deemed “too large to sell,” Bert, a the victim until they can grab her harness chocolate Pomeranian, wound up in before swimming to shore or a human an Oklahoma shelter. Kathy Grayson, partner. Mas, the first certified water rescue owner of The Hole, a New York City art operative recognized by Italy, France and gallery, saw his photo on Petfinder.com Switzerland port authorities and coast and fell in love. She immediately traveled guards, went on to train her successors. to adopt him. Bert, whom she characterBloodhounds are renowned for their izes as quiet, refined and perfectly suited super sniffers. Lou, a nine-year K9 veteran, Dory, the first court support to the art world, loves being at the gallery on Pennsylvania’s West York Borough dog in California. and has attended art fairs in major U.S. Police Department force, ultimately applied cities. Follow Bert’s adventures via for retirement, passing the harness to Instagram.com/bertiebertthepom. Prince, a 3-month-old bloodhound. Prince was sworn in “Edie, a boxer mix puppy, started training as an assisby District Judge Jennifer J.P. Clancy in her Spring Garden tance dog, but her personality proved better suited to the Township courtroom. The ceremony emphasizes a K9’s status hospitality industry,” says Julie Abramovic Kunes, public in the community and within law enforcement. Paired with relations manager for the Fairmont Hotel, in Berkeley, Officer Scott Musselman for eight months of training, the duo California. Kunes’ Edie was hired by the Fairmont Pittsburgh will work with the Missing Child Task Force. Hotel in 2011, before making the career move west with her in 2017. A former shelter dog, Edie greets visitors as a Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at community ambassador. StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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August 2017

Neurodiversity and the Power of Names By Barbara Lee VanHorssen

y son Alex came home all excited one day from school. He was 5 or 6 six years old. He said, “Mom, I just found out that me and Alex Jones and Alex Smith all have the same middle name!” “Really?” I asked. “Yes,” he said, “Xander.” There is something else about Alex that is not as cute and funny. He, like nearly 1 in every 4 Americans is struggling with mental illness. That’s the politically correct name – mental illness. And it’s better than many of the common pejorative names we toss around haphazardly like psycho, schizo and freak. But today I want to introduce

West Michigan Edition

what might be a new name in your vocabulary: Neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a movement to destigmatize mental illness and to recognize that brains are every bit as diverse as any other aspect of life. Our words are basically placeholders for ideas and concepts. Names are a special kind of word because they contain a whole collection of ideas and concepts. Names lead us to making assumptions about people – some of which are clearly true and some of which are undoubtedly false. I like the term neurodiversity because it suggests that people are not diseased or broken – they are different.

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When we approach mental illness and developmental disabilities as evidence of neurodiversity, we create an entirely different perspective that challenges us to see the intrinsic worth of every human being and every human brain. Neurodiversity proponents say that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions may have given our ancestors an evolutionary advantage because they allowed a few people to think outside of the box. When no one else could come up with an answer, it may have been these creative thinkers that pointed to another way. This theory, which emerged about a decade ago, challenges us to celebrate the differences between our brains and moves us away from our almost instinctive focus on problems and deficits. When we look at the whole make up of humanity, we see a range of different thinking that’s made our progress in science and the creative arts possible. Picture a bell curve of humanity. To neurodiversity proponents, people who are disabled are not sick or broken, they are merely at the edges of the bell curve. This approach strikes at the heart of the medical model that focuses on defects and deficits. Neurodiversity doesn’t ignore the struggles many people have to live functional lives, but it says we need to give at least equal attention to the assets, advantages and abilities of people who are simply wired differently. The name “neurodiverse” tears down the false wall of separation that divides the “normal” from the not “normal” and calls into question the idea of normalcy itself. It allows us to see different ways of thinking and processing the world as natural variations instead of seeing people as bad, broken or in need of repair. To proponents of neurodiversity, the idea of a “cure” can actually feel like an attack on their being. This is particularly true in the autistic community where advocates believe autism is part of who they naturally are and who reject the idea that there is some other hidden self within. One autistic man writes that trying to cure him of autism is as detestable an effort as trying to cure someone of being gay. Those of us who work with mar-

ginalized populations are not in the business of fixing people or changing them into something else. We are in the business of identifying strengths and finding ways people can use those strengths to succeed in society. We are also in the business of identifying accommodations that society needs to make to help them achieve that success. Now none of this is to romanticize the functional limitations of people on the edges of the Bell curve. I don’t propose stopping treatment or research in the field. But I am suggesting we stop looking at people as diagnoses that need to be fixed and start looking at how as a culture we can make accommodations so that everyone can survive and even find a place to thrive without having to be made into some imagined social ideal of normal. When we name people as defective, disordered and ill, we build a wall that implicitly states that the rest of us are normal or whole, ignoring the fact that we are all flawed and imperfect. We make people into “them” and “other” in a way that might sound sympathetic and compassionate, but that also reinforces judgment and fear. We ignore the reality that we all struggle with deficiencies and we all have aspects of our lives that we are working to improve or overcome. The real value of the neurodiversity movement may be in reminding us that we all experience joy and sorrow, pain and hardship, challenges and opportunities and that a humanizing society is one in which we are all given the chance to make the best of what we have been dealt. Renaming mental illness as Neurodiversity. A change of name and our entire outlook and set of assumptions can change – because it forces us to change our perspective. A change of name can open us up to see and explore other truths that are out there just waiting to be discovered – and waiting to be shared. Namaste Barbara Lee VanHorssen is the ExperiMentor at Extended Grace, a nonprofit grassroots social lab that operates the Momentum Center for Social Engagement in Grand Haven. See ad page 25.

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August 2017

Exploring Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Autism from the Inside Out By Andrea Hop, Health Coach

he best thing a person with autism can have is an advocate who looks beyond his or her behaviors and struggles and sees the person within. Having autism is like having a fingerprint. Each individuals’ expression of behaviors and symptoms is unique to them. While a good deal of conventional medical advice deals with the suppression of symptoms, there are many avenues to explore the root cause of those symptoms and help the person’s body heal from the inside out. Every child on the spectrum has some degree of symptoms that are metabolic, which may include problems with his or her digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Although symptoms manifest differently in each person, relief of some symptoms will be found when the focus is put on healing the gut and then determining what next steps the child will benefit from. For example, behaviors like stimming are directly related to the food the child eats and how well that nutrition is assimilated in the digestive system. According to Dr. Joseph Cannizarro, in his book Answers for the 4A Epidemic, the main causative factors linked to autism symptoms in children are good and bad gut flora, immune system dysregulation, and nutritional depletion. 34

West Michigan Edition

Let’s talk first on the health of gut flora and the strength of the immune system. Good gut flora (or the balance of bacteria that lives in our GI tracts) is responsible for neutralizing toxins, keeping the gut alkaline, and engaging the immune system. Dr. Cannizarro points out “Many of the symptoms of autism, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and stimming are related to persistent gut dysbiosis”. Many people with autism experience bloating, constipation, loose stools, and digestive discomfort. This is an indication that healing the gut is vital to improving symptoms. To begin healing the gut one could work with a professional, such as a Naturopathic Doctor, who could determine what type of bad flora is dominating the digestive tract and work to eliminate it with a monitored process of killing off the bad flora, while nourishing the gut with good flora with the use of prebiotics and probiotics. This kind of care can be a huge step in alleviating the severity and frequency of autistic behaviors as well as increase immune function and nutrient absorption. The GI tract is responsible for 80% of our immune system after all. Damaged gut flora can also lead to abnormal brain function in children with autism. Children with autism

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are often deficient in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients necessary for healthy brain development. The typical diet for these individuals usually consists of foods higher in processed carbohydrates and simple sugars, often due to “pickiness” from the child. These types of foods are not broken down properly, leaving children devoid of the very nutrition they need to heal. Many health experts recommend a diet free of gluten and dairy for people with autism, especially while they are healing their digestive tract. Since it can often be difficult to eliminate processed carbohydrates and simple sugars right away, working with a health coach is a very effective step in healing the gut and adding in more key nutrition for a person with autism. A health coach can support the family in changing their diets to include more nutrition from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, clean protein, and seeds, in conjunction with the medical plan, to heal the body from the inside out. There are many options available to aid in healing the root cause of the symptoms impacting a person with autism’s life. Working professionals who see the whole person with autism and not just the behaviors, evaluating the dysfunction and healing the gut,

while supporting the healing process with a nutritious, plant-based diet is a powerful step to letting the child with autism shine. Andrea Hop has followed her passion to pursue knowledge and understanding of how the right choices in life can nourish both the human body and soul. Andrea has a Bachelor’s in Psychology/Special Education and a Master’s in Learning Disabilities, both acquired through Grand Valley State University, and she enjoyed working as a high school support teacher. Following her passions in health, she chose to attend the Institute in Integrative Nutrition and received her Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certification. In health coaching, her goal is to guide clients to focus to improve all aspects of wellness: using goal-setting, accountability, and simple changes that can lead to profound and lasting effects on quality of life and health. Andrea works at Grand Rapids Natural Health, located at 638 Fulton W B, Grand Rapids. See ad page 16.

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August 2017

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City Smarts

2017-18

Urban Planning Goes Green Early American developers of Washington, D.C., and Savannah, Georgia, strived to recreate the plans of European cities that offered plenty of public squares and parks. Subsequent high-rise apartments in most other U.S. cities that followed lacked certain elements of neighborhood cohesion, as documented in Zane Miller’s book The Urbanization of Modern America. In Boston, Baltimore, New York City and elsewhere, waterfront revitalizations launched in the 1980s helped improve conditions, making use of nature-oriented ideas that are still trending upward. Urban Hub describes how regions like Silicon Valley, in California, and Boston’s Route 128 corridor continue to enjoy mutually beneficial relationships with Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. The concept promotes pedestrianization programs and incentives that increase bike-friendliness, multimodal public transportation such as people-mover sidewalks and car sharing, plus off-hour, no-driving and park-and-ride policies. Join the social media conversation at Urban-Hub.com. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released updated standards on how state agencies should measure mass transit, biking and walking volumes (EverybodyWalk.org). States will assess impacts on carbon emissions by tracking walkers, bikers and transit users instead of just comparing rush-hour travel times to free-flowing traffic conditions, which favors highway spending alone. The Big Jump Project at PeopleForBikes.org rates areas for bike friendliness and taps ideas aimed to increase biking networks. To date, they cover Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Fort Collins, Colorado; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans; New York City; Providence, Rhode Island; Portland, Oregon; and Tucson. The nonprofit Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (sbnPhiladelphia.org), encompassing 400 businesses and organizations, is pioneering a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) retrofit program. The city water department is collaborating on Green City Clean Water’s plan to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clean water regulations and foster rain gardens, green roofs and porous pavements. “We help engineer nature back into cities,” says Anna Shipp, interim executive director and GSI manager. “Socially responsible, replicable and environmentally conscious initiatives and policies catalyze local economies and benefit water, air, aesthetics and people’s emotions.”

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616-604-0480 36

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S S! Y U AY TR 21 D R FO

Interview with Gene Baur

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How strange that nature does not knock, and yet

ene Baur, the co founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, has been hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by TIME magazine. He was a pioneer in undercover investigations and instrumental in passing the first U.S. laws to ban inhumane factory farming practices. Since 1986, he has raised awareness about the abuses of animal agriculture and our cheap food system and encouraged people to live cruelty-free lifestyles. Gene is the author of Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food (March 2008) and Living the Farm Sanctuary Life: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Mindfully, Living Longer, and Feeling Better Every Day (April 2015). Farm Sanctuary currently operates in three locations in Watkins Glen, NY; Orland, CA; and Acton, CA, near Los Angeles. A fourth location in New Jersey is expected to open in 2018.

does not intrude! ~Emily Dickinson

In what ways does Farm Sanctuary support compassion for all beings? We encourage people to eat plants instead of animals, and we care for cows, pigs, chickens and other farm animals as friends, not food, at our sanctuaries. We present and provide examples of more respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with animals who are commonly abused and denigrated in our society.

What are some recent or upcoming programs and projects that Farm Sanctuary is hosting to support its mission? Farm Sanctuary is conducting regular farm tours and other events at our sanctuaries, we’re hosting Plant Powered Runs in several cities across the U.S. to demonstrate that plant foods can fuel athletic activities, and this November, when millions of consumers will celebrate Thanksgiving with the body of a dead bird on the dinner table, Farm Sanctuary will host compassionate vegan Thanksgiving meals, where the turkeys’ lives, not deaths, are celebrated, and they are fed and not eaten. natural awakenings

August 2017

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How is veganism the solution to nutrition, health, and global warming? Animal agriculture is a greater contributor to global warming than the entire transportation industry, according to the United Nations, and it also contributes to chronic, preventable human health problems like heart disease that kills millions of people prematurely every year. By eating plants instead of animals, we could lighten our environmental footprint, attain better health, and enjoy longer, happier lives.

In your experience, what are some of the best ways to convince people to adopt a plant-based diet?

Coaching gives you an accountability check for your personal and professional goals. We assist you in developing a timeline, establishing a plan and keep you motivated in reaching your goals! 4 Small Business Development 4 Major Life Crisis and Change 4 Weight Loss & Fitness 4 Relationships 4 Budget Management & Reorganization 4 Decluttering Your Home and Life

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I believe that humans are social animals and that we tend to follow the examples of others, so one of the best ways for vegans to convince others to adopt a similar lifestyle is to be a positive role model. To me, being vegan is an aspiration to live as kindly as possibly, and a key part of that involves seeing other animals as someone, not something.

When it comes to legislation on the meat industry, any recent wins or changes? How does such cruelty continue to take place largely unchecked? I think the key changes that are occurring now are in the marketplace. When consumers vote with our dollars, businesses respond. It is very exciting that we are now seeing traditional animal-based food companies investing in plant-based alternatives.

What are some myths about meat that are largely believed? People tend to assume that eating meat is necessary and plays an important part in human nutrition. In fact, we can live well and obtain all the nutrients we need to be healthy with plant foods. If we can live well without causing unnecessary harm, why wouldn’t we? Baur is a presenter on this year’s Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise from Feb. 15–25, 2018 For more information, call 800.496.0989, email Info@HolisticHolidayAtSea.com or visit HolisticHolidayAtSea.com. See ad page 48.

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August 2017

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Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED* Natural Awakenings publishes in over 80 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

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$ave Time & Energy! Please call in advance to ensure that the event you’re interested in is still available.

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. Complementary Consultation – A consultation is a conversation, not an examination and certainly not a high-pressure sales pitch. After all, we aren’t the right office for everyone, so doesn’t it make sense to discover that before you begin a relationship with our practice? Brain and Body Chiropractic, 833 E 16th St, Ste 175, Holland. Info & Appointments: 616-202-6368. New Client Gift – New Consultation Clients get a Free welcome gift. Schedule a consultation with Dr. LeAnn Fritz, ND and you’re entitled to this welcome bag of products to get you started, absolutely FREE! Mention this ad to receive your gift. New Hope Health, 4317 W U Ave, Schoolcraft. Info: 269-204-6525. Antioxidants and Cancer – Stop in to talk about Cancer prevention with antioxidant use and much more. Vital Nutrition,169 Marcell Dr NE, Rockford. Info: Call 616-433-9333, tonya@tonyaholcolm.com Total Control Classes – Total Control is a unique, medically based pelvic health program for women of all ages and fitness levels. The class focuses on core and pelvic floor strength and awareness and includes education on pelvic and bladder health. New classes begin in early August: 6 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 7-Sept. 18; 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 9-Sept. 20; 10 a.m. Thursdays, Aug. 10-Sept. 21. Another session will start in October. Mercy Health Lakes Village, 6401 Prairie St., Norton Shores. Info: Call 231-727-7944 to register or for more information.

TUESDAY AUGUST 8

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-theLakeshore-of-West-Michigan-Weston-A-Price

Visit NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

THURSDAY AUGUST 10

Reiki Share – 6-8pm. Come check out what Reiki is all about, and have a mini session done. Open to those that know Reiki and those that don’t. Donations welcome. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids. Info: Contact to register 616-443-4225. Building A Better YOU: Natural Solutions To Autoimmunity – 6:30-8pm. Please join Dr. Steven Osterhout DC, CCN for the Building A Better You: Summer Health Solutions Series. At this presentation, Dr. Osterhout will offer insight on natural solutions to autoimmunity. Learn about natural solutions to blood sugar issues, skin issues, mood issues, lack of energy and much more! Free. Vitality Healthcare. Event Location: Portage District Library, 300 Library Ln, Portage. Info: Katelyn Bekken, KBekken@VitalityHC.net, 269-323-4473. The Calcium Myth: Essential Elements for Bone Health – 6:30pm. Is calcium the only answer for bone health? Dr. Cobb doesn’t believe it is the best answer for maintaining bone health. Learn what other overlooked elements play a role in bone strength. Free. Harvest Health Foods, 4150 32nd Ave, Hudsonville. Info: SilviaAtsma@HarvestHealthFoods.com, 616-299-6868. RSVP to https:// calciummyth.eventbrite.com

SATURDAY AUGUST 12

Wholistic Health & Mastering Subtle Energies Meet-up Group – 9am-12pm. Pam Kammermeier will be leading great discussions on: Emotional Intelligence, Conscious Nutrition, law of attraction, and two topics to be announced nearer the date. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Info: Sign up through Meet-Up. Japanese Garden Tour at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park – 9:30-10:30am & 10:3011:30am. This 1-hour outdoor tour will explore the 8-acre Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. Learn about the traditional elements and structures used in a Japanese garden and discover the thoughtprovoking contemporary sculptures that make this Japanese Garden so unique. Free. Space is limited. Sponsored by Grand Rapids Public Library. Location of event: 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Info: Tickets will be available near the admission desk. Please see GRPL staff member 1/2 hour before each tour. You must present your GRPL library card to receive tickets. Info:Commreq@grpl. org, 616-988-5400. Rest, Relax and Restore with Vicki – 3-4:30pm. In this restorative class you will be guided through holding supported poses to release muscles and relax your body and mind. Energy practices will be given throughout the class. Come let go of tension, rejuvenate and leave with restored energy! $18.00

Early Enrollment or $20.00 at the door. Blue Horizons Wellness, 1991 Lakeshore Drive Suite A, Muskegon. Info: info@BlueHorizonsWellness. com, 231-755-7771.

SUNDAY AUGUST 13

Eckankar – 10-11am. “Service to All Life,” is the theme for the ECK Light and Sound Service, the second Sunday each month. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Room 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: ECK-MI.org, 756debokeefe@gmail. com, 269-370-7170.

MONDAY AUGUST 14

Inspire – Sumer series. 6pm. Monday nights in August. August 14 Bipolar and Depression; August 21 Schizophrenia; August 28 Panic and Anxiety Disorders. Extended Grace at the Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: 616-502-2078, Barbara Lee Barbara@ExtendedGrace.org

TUESDAY AUGUST 15

Mindful Movement – 6-8pm. Panel Discussion with Cari Draft, Sandy Parker, Laura Shue Terveen, Linda Squires, Chrystal Frazee. Discuss movement, health, and pain relief with 5 leading regional experts. Each attendee will receive discount coupons to special events, classes, and be entered in a drawing for gifts from the speakers. An Inspired Life event at On The Path Yoga, 701 E Savidge St Suite #3, Spring Lake. Info: 616-935-7028, OnThePathYoga.com.

THURSDAY AUGUST 17

Wisdom Circle with the Mahavidyas – 7-8:30pm. The Tantric Wisdom Goddesses--known as the Mahavidyas--will be the subject of a 10 month women’s circle with meetings on the third Thursday January-October of 2017. Each Goddess will be explored as she relates to the stages of a woman’s life. Pre-registration by 1/15 for the series, which will include a book. $15 drop in/$100 for 10 month series. On The Path Yoga, 701 E. Savidge #3, Spring Lake. Info: at OnThePathYoga.com or sandy@ OnThePathYoga.com, 616-935-7028. Essential Oil Workshop – 6-8pm. Learn and understand the basics of essential oils and how to use them and learn how to make your own blend and how to make a foot scrub with oils. Workshop fee $25. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids. Info: to register 616-443-4225.

SATURDAY AUGUST 19

Reiki I & II class – 9am-5pm. Introduction to Reiki, become attuned to the universal energy, learn how to give treatment to self and others and meet your Reiki guide. Class fee is $250. The fee includes a

natural awakenings

August 2017

$50 deposit due at registration. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids. Info: Call to register by July 9, 616-443-4225. EARTHING: Connecting with Earth’s Energy & Power – 9:30am-10:45am. Dr. Pierce teaches how to shield yourself from adverse-health effects of EMFs. Weather-permitting, we will work barefoot outdoors. Learn yogic body-opening & energizing stretches & breathing techniques. After-class refreshments. $10.00. Pre-registration required. Angel Touch Family Chiropractic, 4265 Grand Haven Rd., Muskegon. Info: Call 231-670-0179.

SUNDAY AUGUST 20

Community Yoga – 9am. Come join us for Give Back Sunday Yoga. This is an all level yoga class with proceeds going to the Charity of the Month. $5. Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St, Holland. Info: 616-392-7580. Advanced Reiki – 9am-5pm. Enhance energy work to a new level. Learn how to perform psychic surgery, and how to set up and utilize a crystal grid with energy work. Class fee is $275. The fee includes a $50 deposit due at registration. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids. Call to register 616-443-4225.

Inspire –Sumer series. 6pm. Monday nights in August. August 14 Bipolar and Depression; August 21 Schizophrenia; August 28 Panic and Anxiety Disorders. Extended Grace at the Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: 616-502-2078, Barbara Lee Barbara@extendedgrace.org

TUESDAY AUGUST 22

Family Support Group – 7-8pm. 4th Tuesday of every month. For family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals with mental illness. Free. Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: Tom Dooley tfdooley@gmail.com, 616-5022078, Barbara Lee Barbara@extendedgrace.org Every Day Vegan Eat’s with Tess Challis – 6:30pm. Tess Challis, Vegan Chef, and Author. will talk about transitioning toward eating more meatless meals. Starting with a family favorite, Tess’s signature Vegan Nachos. Free. Harvest Heath Food, 1944 Eastern Ave, Grand Rapids. Attn: Bobbi Palmer. Info: Must RSVP to https://veganeats.eventbrite. com or call for more info: 616-299-6868.

THURSDAY AUGUST 24

EARTHING: Connecting with Earth’s Energy & Power – 6-7:15pm. Dr. Pierce teaches how to shield yourself from adverse-health effects of EMFs. Weather-permitting, we will work barefoot outdoors. Learn yogic body-opening & energizing stretches & breathing techniques. After-class refreshments. $10.00. Pre-registration required. Angel Touch Family Chiropractic, 4265 Grand Haven Rd., Muskegon. Info: Call 231-670-0179.

Inspire –Sumer series. 6pm. Monday nights in August. August 14 Bipolar and Depression; August 21 Schizophrenia; August 28 Panic and Anxiety Disorders. Extended Grace at the Momentum Center, 714 Columbus, Grand Haven. Info: 616-502-2078, Barbara@extendedgrace.org

West Michigan Edition

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

FOR RENT/LEASE

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

Space for Rent at the Remedy House – Small Consultation room available 5 days a week (Any day except Tuesdays) - ideal for Naturopaths, Doulas, and Holistic counselors. 9 X 8 room with one Naturopath using it once a week currently. Massage Room available also - Full day on Mondays and shared on Tuesdays. It is an nice large room 10 X 14 and is a shared space with another massage therapist and a naturopath. Info: Jodi Jenks, N.D., The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids. Call 616-443-4225.

savethedate

Save The Date Events

MONDAY AUGUST 21

MONDAY AUGUST 28

classifieds

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.

savethedate September 14 The Seven Rays Workshop – 7:15-8:45pm. Every person was created with a unique combination of the 7 rays of energy. In this class, you will receive your very own Personal Ray Profile which will provide a greater understanding, love and respect for yourself and your interactions with loved ones. You will learn what the 7 energy rays are and how your individual ray make-up affects your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Preregistration required by September 11. $65. Blue Horizons Wellness, 1991 Lakeshore Drive Suite A, Muskegon. Info: info@ bluehorizonswellness.com or 231-755-7771.

savethedate September 18-22 Dr. Michael Ryce Workshop Series – 7-9:30pm. A different workshop each night! During the week of September 18th, Dr. Michael Ryce, author of “Why is This Happening to Me Again?” will be hosting workshops on several subjects. Love offering. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: A complete listing is available on our website at www.Unitycsg.org. Call the office at 616-6827812 for more details.

savethedate September 20 & 27 Urevia Integrated Health & Healing Classes – 6-7:30pm. for all skill levels - board certified healing practitioner training - integrated health skills- spirituality,study of metaphysics. $70. Subtle Energies & D’Rose Healing Center, 11458 Loon Call Dr., Delton. Info: subtleeng@ reikiconnect.com, 269-838-4079, www. reikiconnect.com - Dana Glore-Gray.

savethedate September 17 Grand Rapids VegFest (Plant Based Roots) – 10:30am-5:00pm. Learn about a plant-based diet and lifestyle through delicious food, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, many local vendors and organizations, plus, children’s activities. Grand Rapids VegFest. Location: DeltaPlex Arena, 2500 Turner Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. Info: GRVegFest. com, droxine_stratos@yahoo.com

NaturalWestMichigan.com

savethedate October 14 & 15 Body Mind & Spirit Expo – 1st Annual Holistic Expo, Grand Rapids DeltaPlex, professional mediums, intuitive’s, healers & more gathered under one roof. Free lectures, speakers & prizes included w/ admission $10 daily, 12 & under free. Info: HealingBodyandSpirit.com

ongoingevents Note: Visit NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

Sunday

Tuesday

Outdoor Tai Chi with Tom Ter Haar – 6pm at beautiful Jonkers Gardens starting June 4th through August 27th. Donations will be accepted. Location: 897 Lincoln Ave, Holland. Info: Please call Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio at 616-392-7580.

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation/Study Group – 7:15-8:15pm. Tibetan Buddhist meditation/study group. All welcome. Free. Western Michigan Jewel Heart, 1919 Stearns Ave, Kalamazoo. Info: 734368-8701, www.jewelheart.org

Meditation – 10-11am. Every Sunday we gather to meditate, chant & explore the wisdom of the Hindu/ Yoga tradition as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Free will offering. Self-Realization Fellowship. Location: Marywood Center 2025 Fulton, Grand Rapids. Info: Go to GRSRF.org, 616-451-8041, GrandRapids.srf@gmail.com

Serenity Yoga – 4pm. With Elisa Hopper. We would like you to enjoy yoga no matter the cost. Donate $1, or donate $20 if you can. Blue Horizon Wellness, 1991 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon. Info: info@ BlueHorizonsWellness.com, 231-755-7771.

Sunday Worship and Youth Services – 10:30am. A warm and inviting New Thought Spiritual Community, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those seeking spiritual truth. Unity of Grand Rapids, 1711 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Info: UnityGRoffice@gmail.com or 616-453-9909. Celebration Services – 10:30am. Join us each Sunday for our Sunday Celebration Service. Unity is a positive, peaceful path for spiritual living. We offer spiritual teachings and programs that empower a life of meaning, purpose, and abundance in all good things. We seek to discover the “universal” spiritual truths that apply to all religions. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: office@unitycsg.org or 616-682-7812. Hot Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Sweat with this active, energetic, athletic style of yoga with traditional poses in a hot room. Not recommended for people with heart or lung conditions or those not engaged in regular exercise. $12 drop-in. Hearts Journey Wellness Center, 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info:HeartsJourneyWellness.com or info@HeartsJourneyWellness.com 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 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.

Meditation Class – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn a variety of meditation techniques in this drop-in class. We will take turns teaching a different technique each week and provide practice time afterward. Come when you can, as each class is independent. No experience necessary. Love offering. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Contact the office at 616-682-7812 or office@unitycsg.org for more details. A Course in Miracles – 6:30 - 8:00pm. A Course in Miracles is 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, 616-681-7812. Gentle Hatha Yoga – 7:45-9am & 9:15-10:30am. With Mitch Coleman. Drop-ins welcome. White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St, Montague. Info: 231-740-6662 or WhiteRiverYoga.com

Wednesday The Law of Attraction Speaking Club – 6:308pm. Looking to Charter as a Toastmaster Club. Do you want to become a confident public speaker and strong leader? We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth environment that allows you to achieve your goals at your own pace. Toastmaster Dues. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info:office@Unitycsg.org, 616682-7812. Yoga for Veterans, Active Duty, Fire and Police – 5:30-7pm. Yoga with Elisa Hopper followed by a guided relaxation/iRest Yoga Nidra practice. First class free and then by donation. Blue Horizons Wellness, 1991 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon. Info: BlueHorizonsWellness.com or 231-755-7771.

through forgiving others. The Course focuses on the healing of relationships and making them holy. It expresses a non-sectarian, non-denominational spirituality. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Unitycsg.org. 616-682-7812. $20 off BioMeridian Assessments – Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Grand Rapids. 616365-9176. IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com. Meditation – 6-7pm. Join together for meditation that begins and ends with live, native flute music. Attend the full hour or any portion of the meeting. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org.

Thursday Meditation Class – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn a variety of meditation techniques in this drop-in class. We will take turns teaching a different technique each week and provide practice time afterward. Come when you can, as each class is independent. No experience necessary. Thursday Nights for one hour. Love offering. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Info: Contact the office at 616-682-7812 or office@Unitycsg.org.

Saturday Outdoor Yoga Saturdays – 8-9am. July8 - Aug 12 at beautiful Kollen Park on Lake Macatawa. $5, proceeds go to Holland Recreation. Info: Call Bodhi Tree Yoga & Wellness Studio 616-392-7580. Beginning Yoga – 8:30-9:45am. This class will introduce you to basic postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness with an emphasis on building body awareness. Gentle yet relaxing in nature, you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and having a greater sense of health and wellbeing. $12 drop-in. Hearts Journey Wellness Center, 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info: visit us at HeartsJourneyWellness.com or info@ HeartsJourneyWellness.com Hot Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Sweat with this active, energetic, athletic style of yoga with traditional poses in a hot room. Not recommended for people with heart or lung conditions or those not engaged in regular exercise. $12 drop-in. Hearts Journey Wellness Center, 6189 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale. Info:HeartsJourneyWellness.com or info@ HeartsJourneyWellness.com Gentle Hatha Yoga – 9:15-10:15am & 11-12:15am. With Mitch Coleman. Drop-ins welcome. White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St, Montague. 231740-6662. Info: WhiteRiverYoga.com Sweetwater Local Foods Market – 9am-1pm. A double-up bucks and bridge card market. Hackley Health at the Lakes building on Harvey St. Located inside during inclement weather. Muskegon. 231-861-2234.

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

natural awakenings

August 2017

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS!

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR AND MARKETING PLANNER

S E P T

Graceful Aging plus: Yoga

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Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services: Fitness/Health Clubs • Functional Medicine Practitioners Herbalists • Hormone-Free Meats & Dairy • Integrative Physicians Nutrition Therapists • Organic/Non-GMO/Sugar-Free Foods Weight-Loss Centers • Wellness Coaches • Yoga/Tai Chi/Qigong Classes Eco-Retreats • Spas • Spiritual Centers • Spiritual Healing Practitioners ... and this is just a partial list!

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

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EMF RADIATION PROTECTION

...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michigan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory, log-on to NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

ACUPUNCTURE GRAND WELLNESS

Vikki Nestico, R.Ac. Located at Renewal Skin Spa 6080 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-940-1177 • GrandWellness.net Grand Wellness uses the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine to provide holistic healing and natural pain relief. Call to schedule a free consultation to discuss how acupuncture may be an effective treatment for you. See ad, page 7.

ASTROLOGY KAREN S. KLEMP MA.

Astrology/Numerology 220 Savidge, Spring Lake 616-916-0121 KlempK@yahoo.com KAREN220.com Over 20 year ’s experience. Readings available in her office, by skype or by phone. Also available for lectures at solstice gatherings. Make an appointment by phone, on the website or stop in and visit Thurs through Sat 11am–5pm.

BODYWORK BLACK TORTOISE QIGONG, LLC

Sally Austin 233 Fulton E, Suite 114B Grand Rapids 616-293-5768 – BlackTortoiseQigong.com BlackTortoiseQigong@gmail.com A practice of gentle dynamic movements that can be done lying, sitting or standing, built for you to use daily and promote your health and well-being. Promotes empowerment, wellness, spirit connection, awareness, confidence.

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION WOOD & SAW

Andrew Gielczyk Licensed Builder 616-834-2480 • WoodAndSaw.com Wood & Saw is focused on creating a sustainable high quality of life for our clients. Building simple, costeffective, energy-efficient, toxic-free homes and remodels that achieve the healthiest possible indoor air quality. See ad, page 31.

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 19084 North Fruitport Road Spring Lake, MI 49456 TheGleasonCenter.com 616-846-5410 An alternative, holistic approach combining chiropractic and kinesiology as well as the latest in metabolic and hormone testing. Using a variety of techniques, we work with our patients to determine the scope and duration of care that’s right for each individual.

COFFEE SHOP / FAIR TRADE JUST GOODS GIFTS AND CAFE’

PROTXS EMF SHIELDS & H2O DROPS Clara Vanderzouwen clara.vanderzouwen@gmail.com PROTXS.com/?AFMC=22 616-481-8587

PROTXS contains a proprietary blend of natural products that efficiently reflect, absorb and mitigate the harmful biological and technological impacts of invisible RF/EMF/ Wi-Fi radiation. Living Healthy in a Wireless World. “All who touch Protxs will be blessed” Dr. Mike Halliday.

ENERGY HEALING TONYA NICHOLS, RPH

Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner 332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 TheHealingCenterofLakeview@gmail.com TheHealingCenteroflakeview.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 BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS

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 25.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY HARMONY ’N HEALTH

Clara Vanderzouwen • 616-481-8587 BeYoungth.com/partners/claravz Independent Sharing partner Keto OS (get your Ketones) WinItNow@PruvitNow.com clara.vanderzouwen@gmail.com Be Young Essential Oils are exclusive E.O.B.B.D. guaranteed 100% pure & safe for your entire family and pets! Wondering what to use? Just call or email me, I’m here to educate you! Now offering Keto OS. Ketones flowing through your body within 60 minutes!

MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC

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 29.

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 26.

natural awakenings

August 2017

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

Essential Oils – Revered for thousands of years for their naturally-enhancing support of body, mind, and spirit. Become a Young Living Essential Oils Member/Customer, and/or an Independent Distributor. See ad, page 29.

HAKOMI THERAPY 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 30.

HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTER THE HEALING CENTER

332 S Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 TheHealingCenterOfLakeview@gmail.com TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.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.

West Michigan Edition

VITALITY HEALTHCARE

Dr. Steven Osterhout 5717 Oakland Drive, Portage 269- 323-4473 - DrOchiro.com Vitality Healthcare offers a cutting-edge approach to medicine. We integrate the best medical approaches with the most advanced natural therapies to address the underlying causes of poor health. We offer: Physical and Functional Medicine / Chiropractic and Massage / Metabolic and Hormone Evaluations / Nutrition and Detoxification / Food Sensitivity and GI Issue Testing / Medical and Natural Weight Loss. Our highly-qualified team of doctors, nutritionists and therapists have extensive training to serve all your healthcare needs.

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 25.

LGBTQIA COUNSELING DILSWORTH COUNSELING AND THERAPY SERVICES

Sue Dilsworth, Ph.D, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT Locations in Allendale and Grand Rapids 616-307-1617 Sue@drdilsworth.hush.com HeartsJourneyWellness.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.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

LIFE COACH LIA COACHING AND CONSULTING Pamela Gallina, MA CMC 616-433-6720 PamGallina@LIAConsulting.org 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 38.

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 29.

MOBILE MASSAGE WORKS Dania Vandermeer, LMT 3234 S. Westnedge Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008 541-325-1429 MobileMassageWorks.com

Licensed Massage Therapist offering 5 years experience in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Chinese Cupping, Pregnancy and newly trained in Oncology Massage. Personalized Massage experience with stretching homework to provide balance and stress management.

MIDWIFERY FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERY SERVICE, INC.

Patrice Bobier, CPM Hesperia: 231-861-2234 FullCircleMidwifery.com Jennifer Holshoe, CPM Grand Rapids area: 616-318-1825 WestMichiganMidwifery.com In private practice since 1982 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; specializing in home birth and a team approach. Over 1,600 births attended. Offering midwifery care that maintains a family-centered, safe birth experience. Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways. Free initial consultations including prenatal check-up.

SALON SERVICES LONDON STUDIOS SALON

Sally Ann Loew, Hair Artist/Educator Organic Colour Speciality 6455 28th St. SE, Suite 1, Grand Rapids 616-299-1796, LondonStudiosSalon.com London Studios Specializes in: Organic Color Systems, Color Corrections, Multidimensional Hair Color, Restorations for Vo l u m e a n d L e n g t h , Organic Keragreen Keratin Treatments, European Cutting Techniques, Natural Hair Extensions, I n t e g r a t i o n , B r i d a l S e r v i c e s , We d d i n g Consultations and other services. See ad, page 18.

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

NATURAL JOY LEARNING CENTER Community Outreach Classes Unity of Muskegon 2052 Bourdon St., Muskegon 231-759-7356, NaturalJoyCntr@gmail.com

A new form of education for all ages. Ongoing sessions in four courses, presented for all ages and backgrounds. Grandparents can bring their grandchildren, if the child has a hungry mind. Call or e-mail for a complete catalog of courses.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

SEPT

Coming Next Month

Yoga Plus: Graceful Aging

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

September articles include:

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 39.

Yoga Practice Tips Enhancing Elderhood Healthful Recipes and so much more!

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANCED THERMAL IMAGING OF WEST MICHIGAN Julie Bennett 616-724-6368 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.

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.).

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August 2017

A VACATION Unlike ANY

OTHER

1 0 DAY VEGAN C RUI S E

FEB. 15-25, 2018 Our 15th Anniversary 10 Day* Cruise will be the best yet! Join 1800+ like-minded vegans during a vacation that will nourish your body, stimulate your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. Relax on the beach at Martinique; watch batik-making on St. Kitts and Nevis; sip on coconut water in the British Virgin Islands; or snorkel in Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas or St. Maarten. In addition to our stellar lineup of vegan health luminaries, the 2018 cruise will add a focus on the ethical treatment of animals featuring PETA president Ingrid Newkirk. The latest in diet and nutrition science, cooking classes, yoga, exotic ports... there’s something for everyone! Learn more about the classes, cuisine and itinerary at holisticholidayatsea.com.

BOOK BY AUGUST 24TH TO RECEIVE OUR SUMMER SPECIAL RATES

Ch o s en b y NAT IONAL GE O G RAPHI C TR A VEL ER as On e of the 1 00 BE ST WOR LDWIDE VACATI ON S to E NR IC H YOUR L I F E Vegan, Gluten-free, Oil-free & Ship’s Menu

Featuring Renowned Chefs, Teachers & Healers New York Times BestSelling Author of The Engine 2 Diet; Featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show

Daily Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Qi Gong, Do-In, Running & Fitness Classes 150+ Lectures & Workshops

RIP ESSELSTYN

Special Panel Focusing on Animal Rights

Author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Plantand Other Books; TEDx Speaker; VegNews’

CME & CEU Credits Available 45+ Teachers 10+ Cooking Classes

JULIEANNA HEVER, MS, RD, CPT Founder of the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine; Author of Food for Life and Power Foods for the Brain

Dancing & Social Events Almost Every Evening Singles’ Social Cancer Support Group & Recovery Panel Snorkel, Kayak, Cultural Tours & Other Excursion Types Available Environmentally-Friendly Award-Winning Ship Private Consultations & Treatments Available

West Michigan Edition

NEAL BARNARD, M.D.

PETA President and Cofounder; Author of Numerous Books; Speaker on Animal Rights; Proﬁled in HBO Documentary I Am an Animal

INGRID NEWKIRK Co-Author of The China Study and author of Whole: Rethinking the ; Featured in the Film Forks Over Knives

T. COLIN CAMPBELL, PH.D. Physician, Speaker and New York Times BestSelling Author; Founder Appeared on Dr. Oz and the Colbert Report

MICHAEL GREGER, M.D.

LE A RN MOR E

B OOK TODAY

1-877-844-7977 Opt. 1

1-877-844-7977 Opt. 2

*Only 6 work days due to Presidents’ Day

must be made through our program.

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