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May 2012 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com natural awakenings
May 2012
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contents 9 9 healthbriefs 11 globalbriefs 12 ecotip 18 healthykids 20 consciouseating 25 inspiration
12 34
30 naturalpet
34 fitbody 38 healingways
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.
18 MOM-TO-MOM WISDOM Calming Advice for More
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‘Good Days’ with Fretful Kids by Beth Davis
20 CHANGE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR, NATURALLY!
Natural ways for getting it under control by Bessheen Baker, ND
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22 LIQUID TASTE TREATS
Try These Healthy Green Drinks
by Jason Manheim
25 THE POWER OF PLACE advertising & submissions How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.
by Linda Sechrist
26 THE HORMONE
BALANCING ACT
Natural Strategies for Feeling Better by Kathleen Barnes
News Briefs & article submissions Email articles to: Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Submit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.
30 YOU DIRTY DOG!
Tips for the Grooming Impaired by Avery Mack
calendar submissions Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
WHERE TO PICK UP NATURAL AWAKENINGS If you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616656-9232 or email us at: publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com
follow us online... Beyond our full “carbon neutral” digital issue each month...
34 PEDALING PLEASURE
26
Find a Bike that Fits Your Style by Randy Kambic
38 ANTI-AGING SKINCARE Turn Back the Clock with New Treatments and Breakthroughs by Linda Sechrist
Check us out and connect with us on Twitter & Facebook! Twitter — Find us at NaturallyWestMI Facebook — Find us at Natural Awakenings of West Michigan
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contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Assistant Publisher Amanda Merritt Editors S. Alison Chabonais Scott Gillis Linda Sechrist Design & Production Interactive Media Design Scott Carvey Printer Stafford Media Solutions Natural Awakenings 484 Sunmeadow Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Phone: 616-656-9232 Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com
www.NaturalWestMichigan.com
Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (12 issues) to the above address. © 2012 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.
Committed to Sustainability Natural Awakenings is locally owned and operated.
id you know that North America has been celebrating Mother’s Day officially for 140 years? Julia Ward Howe, writer of Battle Hymn of the Republic, proclaimed our first Mother’s Day in 1872, following the Civil War, as a call to women to rise up against the wars everywhere. Today this special day is celebrated in many countries as a special opportunity for us to thank our mothers for their unconditional love and support. Remember on May 13 to “throw petals at the feet” of one who has mothered you; she’ll love it. Even though I have been publishing Natural Awakenings of West Michigan for several years, I continue to be amazed by how much I learn while putting it together each month. I feel especially connected with this issue on Women’s Wellness, starting with “The Power of Place,” on page 25. In my early 20s, I was working at Sea World in Orlando, Florida, having accepted a job in hospitality to get my foot in the door and have the inside scoop of job openings for working with the marine animals. One day I was three stories up on a ropes course supervising kids in the play area near closing time. Stars filled the sky and I was enjoying the balmy breezes. Looking out at the beautiful sky, staring at the stars, I thought out loud, “I can’t believe I am here.” I just knew it was only a matter of time (in fact, just a few months later) before I realized my dream of working in the aquarium department. I had already accomplished so much: moving to Florida on my own at 19, working my way up the ladder and finding a great apartment. I had never felt so alive than in that simple moment; it’s one that will stay with me for a lifetime. I like to mentally return there whenever I can use a reminder of the delight and gratitude I feel for a blessed life. That is truly my Power of Place. I have a lot more living to do and many adventures to experience, but I am content in knowing that whatever comes, I am happy with what I have accomplished in this world so far; I don’t hear many people say that, but dearly hope that you feel the same way. May this issue inspire you to live your best life out loud and may all your dreams come true. Happy spring,
Amy Hass, Publisher
Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled newsprint with soy based ink.
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newbriefs Meniere’s Disease & Trigeminal Neuralgia Symposium
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he Meniere’s Research Organization will be hosting its Annual Meniere’s Disease Symposium on June 23rd from 10am to 5pm at the East Lake Office Building located at 3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd in Grand Rapids. This year, the symposium on Meniere’s Disease and Trigeminal Neuralgia is open to doctors, patients and caregivers. Learn about important traditional and complementary alternatives to one-sided neurological problems like Meniere’s Disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, Parkinson’s and Migraines. Be examined by a team of expert doctors the same day. Registration fee is $300 for doctors and new patients, $50 for existing patients and $25 for caregivers and students. Dr. Michael Burcon will also be presenting his Meniere’s research in Auckland this July during the first Upper Cervical Symposium at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. For more information visit www.MenieresResearch.com and www.BurconChiropractic.com. 616-575-9990. See ad pages 32 & 48.
The GR8 Parenting Event & West Michigan Mom’s Sale
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he Midwest’s largest Mom-2-Mom Sale just keeps growing, and this spring the organizers are adding a Parenting Expo. The GR8 Parenting Event and the West Michigan Mom’s Sale will be held on Saturday, May 19, at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. West Michigan Mom’s Sale runs from 9am-3pm and the GR8 Parenting Event runs from 9am-5pm. The GR8 Parenting Event will feature local businesses and non-profits that relate to family life. Free classes will also be offered all day long, including “Rethinking ADHD”
and “Baby’s First Real Foods”. All classes will be taught by experts in the community. You may view available classes and register to attend classes on the GR8 Parenting Event’s website, www. thegr8parent.com. Space is limited. The West Michigan Mom’s Sale will offer over 250 booths filled with gently used children’s clothing (newbornchildren’s size 16), maternity wear, nursery furniture, baby gear, toys, and much more, all at garage sale prices. Admission is free for both events. Families with strollers are welcome. There will be activities for children, including inflatables, a butterfly tent, a reptile show hosted by Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park and puppet shows. For more information or to register as a vendor at one of the events, visit www.westmichiganmomssale.com or www.thegr8parent.com. See ad page 37.
Buttermilk Jamboree
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oin Circle Pines Center in ushering in the summer at this year’s Buttermilk Jamboree, June 8-10th at 8650 Mullen Road in Delton. This mitten-friendly music festival, nestled in the forests of Delton, Michigan will include a tribute to Big Bill Broonzy and will showcase regional artists Funkadesi, The Ragbirds, Seth Bernard & May Erlewine, Funktion, The MacPodz, Conklin Ceili Band, Delilah DeWylde, Tony LaJoye and many, many more. Workshop leaders will share their skills, teaching everything from ukulele and hoop dancing, to community singing and fermentation. Expect nothing less than a full weekend of inspirational music and dance, family-friendly activities and sustainably sourced cuisine. Although it’s relatively new to the scene, this festival promises to deliver a truly memorable experience. So grab your tent, your cooler and a friend, and hit the road for Southwest Michigan’s Second-Annual Buttermilk Jamboree. There are a limited number of tickets, so buy yours today at: www.ButtermilkJamboree.org. Visit Circle Pines Center, 8650 Mullen Road in Delton. See ad pages 5 & 12.
natural awakenings
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Not a New School; A Whole New Concept
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enter of Self-directed Teens is now forming in Grand Rapids. This is an innovative alternative for teens for which traditional school does not work, and for existing home-schooled teens that seek a progressive, democratic and challenging learning community. For years Center of Self-directed Teens (CST) has been questioning the relinquishing of rights to the state to mandate educational curriculum. They have joined the public outcry against the excessive use of standardized testing and its effect of leaving many children behind. At the same time good teachers and teacher education programs espouse the benefits of teaching to the individual needs of students via multiple intelligence theory, learning styles, brain-based movement, inquiry-based, hands-on experiences and real-life application. Yet in the current school climate, teachers must always keep their eye on the test. In this culture, many students are apathetic and disengaged by the time they reach middle school. After spending 12 years of swallowing what they’re fed, students are expected to know what they want to do with their lives and how to make good choices to get there. CST offers attentive mentors and a supportive environment for students to create their own enlivened educational plan around personal interests and passions. As they take responsibility for their own education, they will also take responsibility for creating a supportive learning community and making daily decisions through a democratic process. For more information or to join the conversation contact us at 616-550-0371 or rkirk@tds.net.
Living from the Heart Center
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he 38th Annual Coptic Conference weekend spiritual retreat is open to the public and features keynote speaker Robert Camp, internationally known author of The Destiny Cards; Coptic speakers Jim Campbell, Laura Clignett, John Davis, Carl Franklin, and Denise Iwaniw. Conference includes some free workshops, an evening
Harmony ‘n Health Colon Hydrotherapy
Mary A. DeLange C.C.T. C.M.T. 616-456-5033
Some Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy: ~ Remove Toxic Waste from ones body ~ Eradicate Constipation ~ Removes Stomach Bloat ~ Increase ones Energy
Therapeutic Massage also available
Mary@HarmonynHealth.net
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healing service, personal consultations, a metaphysical bookstore, prizes and giveaways. Cost for first time conference attendees is $160 and includes two nights lodging, meals, and all presentations and workshops. This opportunity to connect with your heart center and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul is sponsored by the Coptic Fellowship International, June 22, 23 & 24 at Olivet College, 320 South Main Street, Olivet, Michigan. To register call 800-704-2324 or print off the registration page from the website, www.thecopticcenter.org and mail in your registration request.
A CLEAR Choice
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hy Recycle? Recycling carpet and pad has never been easier. When Standale Interiors installs your new flooring, they will pick up your old carpet and pad. It will be taken to CLEAR (Carpet Landfill Elimination and Recycling) right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Your old carpet and pad will be recycled and given new life as products that range from parking stops, erosion control material, new carpet and pad to picnic tables, park benches, sound barriers and car parts. Consider these facts: • 4-6% of all waste in landfills is carpet • Recycling carpet creates jobs in the USA • 1,000 yards of carpet saves 4,500 pounds from the landfills and saves 440 gallons of oil • Recycling carpet reduces demand for foreign oil • Pad is recycled into new pad Let’s keep old carpet and pad out of the landfills. Use a retailer that is committed to sustainability and voluntarily participates in the CLEAR Carpet Recycling program. Standale Interiors is your local CLEAR participating retailer! Standale Interiors, 4046 Lake Michigan Dr NW, in Grand Rapids. Visit www.StandaleInteriors.com. See ad page 7 & 45.
Ride to Remember
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ruitport Chiropractic Center, partnering with the local Lion’s Club and Harbor Hospice, are sponsoring their sixth annual “Ride to Remember,” on Saturday, May 26th. This is a 15-mile bike ride around Spring Lake, and benefits the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence, a program of Harbor Hospice, located in Fruitport Township. The ride begins at 11am at Fruitport High School (registration at 10:30am) and ends at Pomona Park where Fruitport Old Fashioned Days is in full swing. The registration fee is $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 16. Registration includes an Ox Roast lunch at the conclusion of the ride. This event focuses on the joy of families spending time together, with several events taking place throughout Old Fashioned Days, and is geared for all ages. Each rider receives a “goodie bag,” and several door prizes are handed out before the ride begins. Advance registration is appreciated. Forms are available by contacting Fruitport Chiropractic Center at 231-865-6545 or by emailing drsteve@fruitportchiropractic.com. You may also contact Harbor Hospice at 231-728-3442. For more information visit Fruitport Chiropractic Center, 3427 Farr Rd # A in Fruitport. www.FruitportChiropractic.com.
Fair Trade Mother’s Day Event
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lobal Gifts, a local nonprofit Fair Trade gift shop, is hosting “Nondyebo: Mothers Helping Mothers”, a Fair Trade Mother’s Day event. The event will take place May 12 from 10am to 6pm at 2055 28th St. in Grand Rapids. The purpose of the event is to help mothers and children in developing nations by offering a market for Fair Trade Mother’s Day gifts. Anyone looking for a gift for their mom is invited to stop by
From This...
the store for free Fair Trade food samples, shopping advice, complimentary gift-wrapping and a flower. The store carries items from across the planet in a variety of prices. Some women’s gift items include imported chocolate, handmade jewelry and woven scarves. Global Gifts sells handcrafted, Fair Trade products to help individuals and families in third world countries become self-supported. This enables them to feel the dignity that comes with a respectable occupation. Search “Global Gifts GR” on Facebook to learn more about the Mother’s Day specials and download a coupon. Visit Global Gifts, 2055 28th Street in Grand Rapids.
Louise L. Hay’s Heal Your Life Workshops
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any people go through life carrying negative messages that influence every aspect of their lives and don’t even know they are there, often forcing them to become who they think they should be rather than who they really are. This powerful, two-day workshop based on the work of Louise Hay allows people to identify Louise Hays those limiting beliefs and provides the tools to release them to begin building the life you truly want and deserve. All aspects of the self are looked at. The most important process is that of learning to love yourself, which is the most beautiful gift you can give to yourself. You will be lovingly and gently guided through this workshop. Come take part in a life-changing workshop on June 23 & 24 at Foundry Hall located at 422 Eagle St in South Haven and July 13 & 14 at Community Media Center located at 1217 Sylvan Ave in Grand Rapids. Seating is limited. To pre-register for a discounted ticket price call 269-214-4432 or visit www.katrinalryan.com.
To This.
Do The Green Thing! RECYCLE YOUR CARPET & PAD Ÿ Ÿ
Creates Jobs in the U.S.
1,000 SY of carpet saves 4,500 lbs. from landfill,
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Carpet & Pad in Landfill
Purchase new carpet/pad from Standale, we’ll recycle your old carpet/pad
Saves 440 gallons of oil
Reduces demand for foreign oil
Can be recycled into picnic tables, park benches, car parts, erosion control, new carpet and pad
New Pad & Carpet
A committed retailer to sustainability and voluntary participant in CLEAR!
A Showroom of Flooring, Cabinetry, Window Treatments, Furniture, Accessories 4046 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 P: 616.453.8201 Toll Free 877.782.6523 M & Th 9AM - 8PM; T, W, F 9AM - 5:30PM; Saturday 9AM - 3PM
STANDALE interiors One store. Endless choices.
www.standaleinteriors.com
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May 2012
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Moondrop Herbals
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oondrop Herbals, now open at 351 Cummings in Grand Rapids, offers plant-based body and comfort care products produced on-site, including essential oil synergy blends, soaps and cleansers, massage oils, moisturizers, dried herbs and other bulk and raw ingredients sold by the ounce for DIY personal blending, etc. They are dedicated to preparing quality herbal and essential oil products made with nature’s gifts that help to provide a holistic, natural and soothing experience to enhance one’s journey on the path to a healthy physical, emotional and spiritual self. They strive to find and work with suppliers who honor the earth and the plants, as well as the human spirit, resulting in the use of raw materials, which are ethically and responsibly harvested. The preparations are made without the use of synthetic fragrances or coloring. They are organically grown when feasible with a few noted exceptions in some water-based preparations and contain no synthetic preservatives. Contact Moondrop Herbals 351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids at 616-735-1285 or moondropherbals@hotmail. com. See ad page 36 & 44.
Community Wellness Day
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ommunity Wellness Day is a national event focusing on educating the members of this community on important information that is critical to their total wellness. Set aside May 26th from 12 to 3pm at Kentwood Christian Church located at 5841 Kalamazoo Ave in Kentwood to visit with various community agencies that will be participating and sharing their programs
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on health screenings, financial literacy info, drug/ alcohol awareness, senior services information, and much more. There will also be food, fun & entertainment. Admission to the event is FREE. Contact Dr. Jason Williamson or his team at Great Lakes Family Chiropractic at 616-575-9105 or email drjasonw@ yahoo.com. See ad page 31.
YMCA Farmers Market
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he YMCA Farmers Market is currently looking to expand the number of vendors that participate in our weekly market. The market operates on Thursdays from 3pm-7pm, June 7-September 27, in the northwest corner of the David D. Hunting YMCA parking lot, located at 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. The purpose of the market is to increase Grand Rapids urban residents’ access to locally grown, fresh, high quality produce by connecting the community with local farmers and participating in multiple food assistance programs, as well as providing economic opportunity for small scale, minority and women farmers. If anyone is, or knows of farmers who would be interested in joining the YMCA Farmers Market please email knesky@ grymca.org or call 616-855-9669.
Kudos
Governor’s Fitness Award
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his year, the Governor’s Fitness Awards honored Cari Draft, owner of EcoTrek Fitness, with the Extraordinary Event/ Organization Award. The award honors events or organizations that provide opportunities for physical activity within their communities. Congratulations to Cari on her award and efforts as she continues to inspire Michigan residents to live a healthy lifestyle. For more information visit www.EcoTrekFitness.com. See ad pages 19 & 22.
healthbriefs
Eating Greens Can Change Genes
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n international team of scientists led by researchers at McMaster and McGill universities, in Canada, were surprised to find that consuming generous amounts of fruit and raw vegetables modified a gene designated 9p21, the strongest marker for heart disease. In one of the largest gene-diet interaction studies ever conducted related to cardiovascular disease, the researchers analyzed more than 27,000 individuals from five ethnicities—Latin American, European, Chinese, South Asian and Arab—and the effect their diets had on the target gene. They discovered that men and women with the high-risk genotype that consumed a healthy diet with plenty of raw vegetables and fruits had a risk of heart attack similar to individuals carrying the low-risk genotype. “We know that 9p21 genetic variants increase the risk of heart disease for those that carry it,” says Genetic Epidemiologist Jamie Engert, joint principal investigator of the study, “but it was a surprise to find that a healthy diet could significantly weaken its effect.”
Sour News ABOUT Sweet Drinks
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rinking sodas and other sugarsweetened beverages may increase a woman’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2011. Middle-aged and older women that drank two or more such drinks per day were nearly four times as likely to develop high triglycerides and significantly more likely to develop impaired fasting glucose levels, plus increase their waist size. The study also noted that risk factors for heart disease and stroke developed even when the women didn’t gain weight.
Source: PLoS Medicine
Acupuncture Cools Hot Flashes
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small, yet intriguing study published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that traditional Chinese acupuncture curbed the severity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Fifty-three middle-aged, postmenopausal women were divided into two groups; one received such treatments twice weekly for 10 weeks, while the other experienced “sham” acupuncture with blunt needles that did not penetrate the skin. In both groups, levels of estrogen and other hormones were measured before the study began and before and after the last session. Menopausal symptoms—hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections and mood swings—were also measured before and after the treatments, using a five-point menopause rating scale (MRS) in order to assess their severity. At the end of the study, the women receiving Chinese acupuncture scored significantly lower on the MRS scale, with hot flashes seeing the sharpest decrease. The researchers explain that acupuncture boosts production of endorphins, which may stabilize the temperature control system of the body. They say that more investigation is needed because the study was small, but note that its results seem promising, suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture could be an alternative for women unable or unwilling to use hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Memory and the Pill
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esearchers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) report that while birth control pills don’t damage memory, they can alter it. Women that were not taking birth control pills were better at remembering details than their peers on the pill. The difference makes sense, says UCI graduate researcher Shawn Nielsen, because contraceptives suppress sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. These hormones were previously linked to women’s strong left-brain memory by a UCI research group led by Ph.D. Neurobiologist Larry Cahill.
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Calcium Supplements Increase Heart Risk
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alcium supplements, usually taken to improve bone health, may increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 30 percent, according to the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative, a 15-year research project established by the National Institutes of Health to address cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. “If you take calcium supplements, you’ll build up excess calcium in your system that, coupled with mineral deficiencies and imbalances, can cause plaque in arteries, kidney stones, gallstones and more,” says Dr. Robert Thompson, co-author with Kathleen Barnes of The Calcium Lie: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Could Kill You. Instead, he recommends taking a trace mineral supplement, preferably in ionic form, whose electrical charge helps bond minerals with water, making the nutrients more easily absorbed. Such a supplement provides all needed minerals, including calcium, in the correct balance.
Cheese is Better than Butter
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espite traditional cautions against eating animal fats to keep cholesterol in check, Danish researchers have found that eating hard cheese is better for the arteries than consuming the equivalent number of calories in butter. According to their study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when hard cheese accounted for 13 percent of participants’ daily calories, their LDL (bad cholesterol) did not increase. When the same individuals switched to consuming more butter, their LDL levels rose. The researchers were unsure what caused the results, but noted that cheese contains a lot of calcium, which can increase the amount of fat excreted by the digestive tract.
The Write Way to Lose Weight
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ccording to a new study published in Psychological Science, the right kind of writing may facilitate losing weight. Participating women were given a list of significant values including creativity, religion, music and relationships, and asked to rank them in order of personal importance. Half the women were asked to write for 15 minutes about the value most important to them; the other half wrote about a value not among their most highly preferred but that might be important to someone else. The first group lost an average of 3.4 pounds during the next few months, while the second group gained an average of 2.8 pounds. Researchers think the weight loss may be due to increased self-esteem and strengthened resolve.
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Flexible Work places Boost Well-Being
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etter sleep and feelings of health are among the benefits of a flexible workplace, according to a new study by University of Minnesota sociology professors that followed 608 office employees in a collaborating company. The initiation of a performance-focused work environment that redirected the focus of employees and managers towards measurable results and away from when and where work was completed, yielded positive markers. Employees that were allowed to routinely change when and where they worked, based upon their individual needs and job responsibilities, experienced improved sleep quality, higher energy levels, better self-reported health and a sense of personal mastery. Source: Journal of Health and Social Behavior
Nicotine: Mothers Just Say No
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xpectant moms using nicotine patches and gum to help kick a smoking habit are putting their unborn babies at risk, say researchers at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, in California. In a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, they note that the fetus absorbs the addictive substance, which can damage the baby’s blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure and heart problems later in life.
globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Oldie Goldies
Church and State
Honoring Elders’ Contributions to Community
Faith Begets Civic Activism
May spotlights Older Americans Month and the important role they play in sharing their experience, wisdom and understanding, and passing it all on to younger generations in meaningful ways. Youth that have significant relationships with a grandparent or another elder, for example, report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals and life choices, and gave them a sense of identity and roots. Many communities have increased their efforts to provide opportunities for older adults, many that remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Trends show that people over age 60 account for a growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking groups, and arts and recreational activities. Lifelong participation in social, creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retention of mobility, increased muscle mass and improved cognitive abilities. The interactions of seniors with family, friends and neighbors across generations work to enrich the lives of all. Sources: Administration on Aging (aoa.gov) and ElderCare.gov
Go Rio
Natural Wealth Spreadsheet Proposal The British government is setting up a Natural Capital Committee that will describe the country’s wealth in terms of the quality of its air, water, wildlife and other natural resources. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman intends to propose that all countries begin “green accounting” to audit the state of their rivers, forests and other landscapes. The United Nations Rio+20 Conference in Brazil this June is expected to unite the participating nations in protecting the world’s environment. Sustainable development goals under consideration include ensuring that all agriculture is sustainable, protecting oceans, setting up an international court on environmental crime, and appointing an ombudsperson to speak on behalf of future generations. The summit, to be attended by 190 nations, will also look at cutting subsidies for fossil fuels and low carbon energy for all. Spelman observes that businesses in Great Britain are already measuring the impact they are having on the environment. She states, “In the same way, governments can start to take account of damage to the environment in order to sustain resources like fresh water for fisheries, forests for clean air and green spaces for tourism. We want our own government to take account of natural capital and our statisticians to calculate the state of the nation more widely.”
The Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project affirms that religiously active people are more likely to engage in civic activities than others. The authors say their findings counter the view that religiously active people are less engaged with the secular world. The report found that 40 percent of Americans engage in some form of religious activity such as going to a church, synagogue or mosque, and feel better about their place in the larger civic community. They tend to be more trusting of others and more optimistic about their impact on their community and are more active in groups. Religious teachings have a component of helping others at their core, points out Eugene Fisher, a professor of Catholic-Jewish studies at Saint Leo University, in Florida. “Civic participation would be a natural result of that push to help your fellow man,” he says. The study similarly reveals a high level of digital participation by religiously engaged folks. Media expert Paul Levinson, author of New New Media, says, “The Internet is an amplifier of all that each of us are in our humanity.”
To keep the
body in good health is a duty... otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
natural awakenings
~Buddha
May 2012
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ecotip Beauty Detox
Put Your Best Face Forward Safely The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that the average woman uses at least 12 personal care products—including soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and lotions— every day, many of which contain potentially toxic ingredients. The David Suzuki Foundation states, “U.S. researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins or hormone disruptors.” Stacy Malkan, of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, advises, “Beware of bogus claims like ‘certified hypoallergenic’, meaningless marketing terms like ‘clean and simple’, and companies that do not list the product ingredients on their website.” One of the most troublesome additives is paraben, a chemical preservative found in numerous products that mimics estrogen and may disrupt normal hormone function. Others include diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), hormone disrupters that can form cancer-causing nitrates and are common ingredients of shampoos, shaving creams and body washes. Various artificial fragrances are among the top five allergens around the world, and can also contain neurotoxins. Triclosan and triclocarban, antimicrobial pesticides used in liquid and solid soaps, are toxic to the aquatic environment and disrupt thyroid function and reproductive hormones. Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate—detergents common in facial cleansers, shampoos and shower gels—may be contaminated with carcinogens and neurotoxins and can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The EWG also suggests avoiding anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids; hair dyes that contain ammonia, peroxide, p-phenylenediamine or diaminobenzene, and all dark, permanent hair dyes; nail polish and removers with formaldehyde; and skin lighteners containing hydroquinine. Forego sunscreen sprays and beware of oxybenzone; instead, use products containing at least 7 percent zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Children’s products are not immune, either. Steer clear of play makeup, including lipstick, nail polish and perfume; diaper cream that contains boric acid or sodium borate; baby wipes with Bronopol; and fluoridated toothpaste for youngsters under 2. The EWG’s Skin Deep database (ewg.org/skindeep) provides easy-to-navigate safety ratings for many personal care products and ingredients. Their Quick Tips for Safer Cosmetics wallet guide informs shoppers how to read personal care product labels and make smart choices. Sources: ewg.org; Environment.NationalGeographic.com; SafeCosmetics.org 12
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A whole new world of health and wellness at your fingertips! Natural Awakenings presents a discount network that supports healthy living and a healthy planet. The Natural Awakenings Network is an excellent alternative to complement your medical plan. Enjoy discounts of up from 5% - 50% from participating providers that nurture your body, mind and spirit—our extensive network includes natural health professionals; fitness and yoga studios and clubs; green products and services; exclusive spas; and many others. Need more information? Call us and we can assist you with everything you need to maximize your membership benefits.
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For More Information on How You Can Become a NAN ~ Network Provider or a NAN Card Member, contact Natural Awakenings Magazine at 616-656-9232 or NAN@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Ada Journey Home Yoga & Health - 20% off any one “New to You” class or service; 15% off any one class or service you’ve used before. Keeki Pure & Simple - 10% off
Allendale
Heart’s Journey Wellness Center - 10% off Yoga Classes, 20% off Yoga Therapy or Counseling
Bath
CJ’s Studio Salon - 10% off Any Natural or Organic Haircare Products Clear Connections Chiropractic - 50% off New Patient Evaluation and 20% off All Office Visits Including Massage dlh concepts - $5000 off the cost of New Home Construction East West Karate - $30 off / Month on 1-Year Program Elder & Sage: Herbs and Natural Remedies 20% off a 1-Hour Initial Consultation or 10% off Products
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Grand Rapids
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This directory will be printed quarterly. New Providers are added weekly and a current list will be posted on: NaturalWestMichigan.com To see a comprehensive list of all providers nationwide, visit: NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com
Visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com to see all the providers in your area and learn more about their program discounts* available to NAN Card Members. *Restrictions may apply. London Studios (Salon): Ashley Woods 15% off Making Thyme Kitchen - Buy 2 Entrees Get 1 Free Midwest Massage & Salon II - 15% off Natural Health 4 Today - 20% off R3 Station - $10 off 1 Hour Massage Rehab Your Body - $33 per 40 min - 1 hr Bodywork or Consultation Serendipity Wellness Coaching - 25% off Shaklee: Connie Udell - 10% off for non Shaklee members
Moxie Beauty & Hair Parlor - Free 8 oz. of Onesta Shampoo & 8 oz. Conditioner with Organic Color Systems Service Warren Nutrition - 15% off Everything in the Store and 20% off every Tuesday Wilcox Family Chiropractic - 20% off
Montague
The Well Being, LLC - 50% off initial consultation and 10% off returning visits
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Thrive Coaching Alliance - 25% off Warren Nutrition (NE) - 15% off Everything in the Store and 20% Off every Tuesday
Lakeshore Natural Skin Care - After initial service at regular price, all additional services scheduled the same day will receive a 20% discount. Discount applies to services of equal or lesser price
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Teri Genovese Photography - 15% off Portrait Session or $50 off Baby’s ‘1st Year in Life’ Series
The Yoga Studio - 20% off a Series of Yoga Classes for New Students and 10% off a Series of Classes for Current Students
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We Care 4 U, LLC - 15% off Regular 2 Hour or More Visits Provided During 12 Consecutive Months; Free In-Home Assessment Completion & Emergency Information Required
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Mom’s Healthy Market - 15% off Total Sale Norwex (Stephanie Holleman) - Free Window Cloth on orders over $50 Orchard Harvest Candles -15% off on All Orders Over $25 Sing Song Yoga - NAN members will receive 15% off the Sing Song Yoga DVD when ordered online. 2 steps: 1) At checkout, under Coupons type NAN2012. 2) When asked how you heard of us, type the expiration date on your NAN card. Soles of Michigan - 15% off Susan Pavlik - First 30 minutes at 50% off The Lollipop King / Essante Organics $29.95 member fee waived and 30% off all purchases through www.essanteworldwide.com/lollipopking. Depsyl - Buy 2 Get 1 Free
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T
he Michigan House of Representatives has passed a package of bills to end the ban on yard waste disposal in landfills. The bill will send valuable organic materials, such as leaves and grass clippings, away from composting facilities to landfills. Now the Senate is considering whether or not to pass HB 4265 and 4266, which would cost Michigan compositing jobs and lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions. In 1995, Michigan banned the disposal of yard waste in landfills, thereby reducing the need for new landfill sites and encouraging greater use of composting, turning yard waste into nutrient rich humus. Organic material such as yard trimmings, food scraps and paperboard continue to make up the largest portion of municipal solid waste in the United States. Of this waste, approximately 13 percent or 33 million tons per year, is made up of yard waste and trimmings. Disposing of yard trimmings in landfills wastes resources, reduces recycling, potentially increases greenhouse gas emissions through increased methane production and costs Michigan jobs. By burying organic waste, nutrients that could have been reused to improve the health of the soil and plants are essentially being locked away. The methane produced by rapid anaerobic decomposition of yard waste in landfills is supposed to be harnessed to generate electricity, but it is estimated that approximately 25 percent of the methane generated by a landfill will escape. Visit WMEAC.org to contact your senator and tell them to oppose HB 4265 and 4266 and to support programs to increase composting and recycling within Michigan. Courtesy of WMEAC.org
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healthykids
Mom-to-Mom WISDOM Calming Advice for More ‘Good Days’ with Fretful Kids by Beth Davis
P
arenting has more than its share of stressful challenges, and today’s moms are often frustrated by conflicting advice. As families search for answers to daily issues, a more holistic and natural approach, known as conscious parenting, has been gaining momentum. According to Lori Petro, founder of TEACH through Love, a child advocacy group and educational resource for progressive parents, conscious parenting comprises the spirit of cooperation, instead of traditional models of discipline and control. “We want to teach our children how to live in the world, explore, be creative, compassionate, learn appropriate expressions of emotion and think for themselves,” she says. To help maximize the rewards for all, Natural Awakenings asked several forward-thinking moms for their best tips on how to handle some of parenting’s biggest challenges.
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West Michigan Edition
Surviving the First Year
As a certified Happiest Baby educator, mother of three and owner of Gummy Giggles Baby Boutique, in Yukon, Oklahoma, Lori Simmons provides parents with essential tools and knowledge to help calm unhappy babies. She notes that while dealing with a crying infant is simply part of being a parent, colic is a condition moms dread the most. Making the baby feel as if he or she is still in the womb is key, she advises. “People try to not make any noise, but the reality is, babies often cry because it’s too silent.” She recommends swaddling the baby, swaying and shushing quietly in the baby’s ear—all to mimic the comforts of the womb. The best advice that she gives any new parent is that it’s okay not to know everything. “Just listen to
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your instincts and understand that each child will learn and grow at his or her own pace,” she says. “Most importantly, relax and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Weathering Toddler Meltdowns
Petro says we can better meet the challenges of these years—including
temper tantrums, biting, toilet training and sleep problems—if we understand these situations in the context of a child’s development. During early growth, exploration and change, children typically have trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings, and that can prove overwhelming for everyone. So, what can adults do in the middle of a toddler meltdown? First, remember that it’s the rare parent that hasn’t had to deal with a tired, cranky, screaming toddler. Simmons admits to having handled her share of tantrums. “They don’t understand their own frustration, so it’s difficult for parents to understand the reason for outbursts,” she observes. Her strategy is to take the stressed child out of the situation. It helps to know that some hitting and biting is considered normal for toddlers, especially if they see it as an effective way to get what they want. Parents can put an end to it much the same way they deal with other inappropriate behavior, advises Petro. She suggests remaining calm, finding the root cause of the situation and acknowledging the child’s feelings and needs. Understanding why the child is doing it is crucial to making it stop. “Conscious parenting operates from the premise that all behavior is communication to meet a need,” she says.
one’s approach to discipline.” She recommends speaking to adolescents honestly—even when it’s painful—and listening to them, even when we may not want to hear, or believe, what they’re saying. “Stay in touch with the fact that your relationship with your children is absolutely huge in terms of their—and your—development as a happy and fulfilled person,” counsels Bond. “Work hard at remembering your own teen years, including the frustrations and disappointments. Empathy and respect are essential ingredients in successful human relationships at every age.” To connect with Lori Petro, visit Teach-Through-Love.com; for Lori Simmons, GummyGiggles.com; and Clare Seffrin Bond, TheRoadToClarity.com. Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings.
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Addressing Adolescence
According to Certified Life Coach Clare Seffrin Bond, although the adolescent years can be difficult, there’s plenty that parents can do to nurture teens and encourage responsible behavior. “The best parenting advice I ever received was from my mom, who encouraged me to grow into parenthood—taking it day by day, without the expectation that I would be proficient simply through the act of giving birth,” says this mother of two, in Richmond, Indiana. Rewarding relationships come through accepting the notion that children are individuals living their own journey, rather than extensions of their parents. “What parents see or feel in a situation is not necessarily what the child is experiencing,” Bond explains. “Taking the time to recognize the fact of individual realities can be huge in rethinking
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May 2012
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consciouseating lo B r u e Yo
g Chan
Naturally!
by Bessheen Baker, ND; Director of Education, Naturopathic Institute
I
n college, I would fall asleep during the lectures, scratching my arms to stay awake. Once, I even caught the gaze of a handsome young man only to find I had been drooling between my 30 seconds of conscious exhaustion and near coma experience. It was my mother, a natural health educator, who pointed out that my food habits, since starting college, were not very impressive compared to her home cooked meals. She explained hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) to me, and I was a perfect match. Mother was also wise enough to inform me that, if things didn’t change, eventually the problem would become more serious, one of high blood sugar. After growing up on garden foods, whole grain casseroles, and something called bear mush for breakfast, switching over to fast food, tacos, pizza, unlimited pop and ice cream was not the healthiest expression of independence. She recommended a few herbs like Licorice root and Horseradish. I took them, cut back on the processed foods, and within a few months, my energy returned. By the way, I stopped drooling, especially around men: not a very good first impression. Never forgetting how miserable it felt to be hypoglycemic, my practice in natural health allowed me to encourage others with blood sugar imbalances. Some of the simple truths we’ve come to understand have caused clients to wonder, why doesn’t everyone know this stuff? One client was so upset by the sim-
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,
ar g u S od
plicity of how he regained his health that he thought I should turn my whole practice over to helping people with diabetes. Here are a few things you should know: Sugar may not be your friend, but artificial sugar is one of the fastest ways to ruin your health. This is well stated by a wonderful Naturopathic Doctor and Mt. Pleasant native, Kendra Pearsall, in her book, Sweet Deception. There are natural sugar alternatives that the major food industry does not want you to know about. For example, the herb Stevia is 30 times sweeter than sugar and is high in the mineral chromium that helps to nourish the pancreas, your blood sugar regulating gland. Also, consider Agave, a sweet natural syrup that does not cause a rise in your blood sugar. Through experience, the greatest problem for most Americans is our over consumption of wheat products. Originally, wheat was a great grain full of nutrients and very digestible. Because we use hybrids for greater crop yields and now, genetic modifications for pest control, the wheat is no longer a friend to the human digestive tract. This is especially true for those with allergies and bowel troubles, and it’s even more of a problem for those with blood sugar issues. Let’s get down to the cell level to understand what is happening. Foods are broken down to glucose, the fuel that runs every cell in your body. In order for the cell to be fed, the glucose needs a key to “unlock” the cell receptor site for this transaction to occur. That
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key is insulin. We are finding that insulin, for many people, is being made by the pancreas but for some reason, is ineffective at delivering the glucose to the cell. Here is what has happened. Each cell receptor site is a unique configuration. One site serves to dock estrogen, another progesterone. Some cell receptor sites receive calcium and so on. With over 60,000 cell receptor sites, it’s like watching a science fiction movie of a deep space station with all the transport ships coming and going to their specific docks. When the insulin attempts to dock the glucose with the thousand or more dock sites available just for insulin, it can’t, because the modified wheat protein now fits or gums up the site intended for the insulin. This was not a problem until wheat was modified. With the insulin being ineffective at all the gummed up sites, the cells do not get fed, and the sugar (glucose) stays in the blood; now, it’s called high blood sugar. The starving cells die, and the person suffers from poor circulation, eye, kidney, and reproductive dysfunctions. Although many people feel hopeless to live with their degenerating situation, we feel, from experience, there is plenty of hope. Work to remove all wheat from the diet; this includes pastas, cereal, breads, flour, and many sauces that are surprisingly made with wheat. Replace the wheat with non-modified wheat products like Ezekiel bread; use the grain spelt which is grown abundantly in Michigan and is similar in taste to wheat. Introduce grains like millet and quinoa which help repair and clean up the gummed cells. There are products that specifically clean the cells like herbs and essential oils for those who need to experience fast results. Here’s a challenge for you: remove wheat for 90 days and see how you feel. Typical results: significant reduction in abdominal bloating, more energy, less inflammation of joints, reduced body aches,
weight release, and better balance of blood sugar. At some point, each of us must become responsible for our own health. Focus on the benefits of feeling good; it can be tough, and yet, there are people who are ready to help you.
Photo by Pamela’s Products
Bessheen Baker, ND, is the CoFounder and Director of Education at Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education (NITE), located at 503 East Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858. Visit www.nite-mtp.com or call 989-7731714. See ad page 47.
Gluten-Free Blackberry Vanilla Almond Muffins
Revel in this antioxidant-rich recipe, replete with blackberries and almonds. Makes 1 dozen 1½ cups Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix ½ cup blanched slivered almonds 2 eggs 1 /3 cup applesauce 1 tsp vanilla 1 /3 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk ¾ cup melted butter 4 oz blackberries (save some for the tops) 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin baking tin with oven-proof paper liners. 2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Mix the liquid ingredients together, and then stir into the dry ingredients. Carefully fold in ¾ of the berries, taking care not to squish them too much; reserve the remaining berries. Scoop approximately ¼ cup into muffin tins and top each with some of the reserved berries. 3. Bake for about 25 minutes. Source: PamelasProducts.com natural awakenings
May 2012
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Liquid Taste Treats Try These Healthy Green Drinks
by Jason Manheim
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magine a diet that eliminates the need for calorie counting and never prompts a late-night rummage in search of foods possibly high in fat, sugar or processed ingredients; one that allows you to eat like you do now, except for one small change—the addition of a green drink or smoothie. A green drink isn’t a meal replacement; it’s a supplement (a starter or side dish) to the diet you already enjoy. Simply drink one prior to breakfast and if you are committed to optimal health, another before lunch and dinner. You can change the ingredients at will, according to taste. Fruits and vegetables are the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet, accepted as staples in just about every healthy diet imaginable. From vegetarian to omnivore to Weight Watchers diets, the green drink is welcome. After a week or so of drinking green, your body will begin to crave the rush of nutrients it receives and less healthy foods will simply lose their appeal. You will naturally gravitate towards foods that fuel your body, instead of foods that drag it down. Robert Young, Ph.D., author of The pH Miracle, has been in the forefront of promoting the fact that the body thrives when its pH levels are more alkaline than acidic. Diseasecausing bacteria and viruses, as well as other abnormalities, flourish in an acid state, while the body’s natural defense mechanisms work best in
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an alkaline state. He writes, “Our glands and organs function properly in exact proportion to the amount of alkaline and acid levels in our system; eating a balance of 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acidic foods is ideal.” Young reports that keeping your body in an alkaline state amplifies benefits such as immune system function, strength, stamina and weight loss. Fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, are extremely alkaline, and drinking them is an easy way to consume more. According to the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids, the average adult needs about 50 grams of protein a day. Eating normal meals generally supplies that. Greens, despite the common misconception, also contain a good amount of protein when eaten in large quantities, which green drinks provide. Getting started requires only a blender or juicer, depending on the recipe. Juicing is great for a quick jolt of concentrated energy; the drink delivers maximum nutrient intake, and the absence of fiber enables near-immediate absorption of vitamins and minerals. Juicing is also preferred by people with digestive issues or those looking to cleanse or heal their system.
While blending a green smoothie reduces nutrient concentration through oxidation, by whipping air into the drink, it is ideal for people that need to keep their sugar in check. It’s the flip side of juicing, which can turn a fivepound bag of fruits and greens into a glass of concentrated fruit sugars, called fructose. Blending also delivers fiber, which helps keep the digestive tract in tip-top shape. It can even serve as a complete meal; you can add avocado or raw almond butter for healthy fats, and protein powder, raw chocolate and bee pollen for extra stamina and endurance—much more than what is possible using a juicer. In most cases, a typical blender will suffice. However, when blending fruits and vegetables with a harder consistency, such as carrots, pineapple hearts and apples, or waxy greens like kale, you will need more specialized equipment. Two professional blenders, Blendtec and Vitamix, are a good fit for home countertops. Spinach, chard and mixed greens make a perfect base for beginners. Just blend or juice them with a few sweet fruits and berries like banana, blueberries and apple to disguise the green taste. From there, you can experiment by adding more potent ingredients like kale, beet greens, mustard greens, arugula and watercress. Mint or other herbs add a refreshing twist. It helps newcomers to start with more fruits than greens, and then gradually shift the balance. For even more smoothie nutrition, try adding superfoods, such as puréed pumpkin, coconut milk or oil, nut and seed butters, avocado and even garlic. To assuage a sweet tooth, add a dash of honey or pitted dates to the blender. You don’t have to live like a strict dieter, athlete or nutritionist to be healthier and feel better. Just toss a few fruits and greens into a blender or juicer each day and drink to your health. Jason Manheim is a health, fitness and green drink junkie in Los Angeles, CA. His educational website, HealthyGreen Drink.com, was the inspiration for his book, The Healthy Green Drink Diet: Advice and Recipes to Energize, Alkalize, Lose Weight, and Feel Great.
Great Green Drinks by Jason Manheim
Cool Slaw
This refreshing summer delight is perfect for parties by the pool, barbecues and picnics in the park. Broccoli’s cancer-fighting properties combat carcinogens introduced to meat by a smoky grill. Ginger works to settle stomachs and has long been a remedy for heartburn. 1 crown of broccoli ½ small red cabbage 2 carrots 1 lemon (peeled) 1 green apple Ginger to taste Peel ginger root and juice all ingredients together. Serve over ice.
Greens Lover
The good-for-you factor in salads is often diminished by introducing salad oils and dressings, sacrificing some health benefits for taste, but not so with this drink. The fiber-rich kale and the veritable powerhouse of vitamins in spinach pair with sweet carrots and a tart green apple, juiced to a harmonious balance of taste and nutrition. 3 leaves kale 1 bunch cilantro 1 cup spinach 1 cucumber 1–2 carrots 1 green apple Combine ingredients and juice.
Green Clean
This tasty concoction begs to be poured into an ice-filled punch bowl and ladled into frosty glasses. You’ll never know your body is detoxifying as you gulp this tasty summer treat. For those that find it a bit too sour, add an apple or two. Green Clean not only has high amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is one of the most aromatically appealing drinks around—crisp, clean and refreshing. 1 lime 1 lemon 1 large cucumber 1 handful basil 1 handful mint 2 handfuls spinach Ginger to taste Combine ingredients and juice. natural awakenings
May 2012
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Guavacado
COMING IN JUNE
Guavas can be hard to come by and vary in size, shape and texture. Sort the seeds before dropping the ingredients into the blender, as some may be too hard to break up and should go into the composter. Also, some guava skin can be thick and bitter; test a bit of its zest before blending.
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1 cup guava 1 avocado 1 cup mango 1 lemon (juice) Water Add all ingredients. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed.
Strawberry Patch
This sweet treat is an easy way to introduce dark greens like collards into your diet. Collards have a strong, distinct flavor when cooked, but when blended raw among earthy-sweet and tropical flavors like kiwi and strawberry, they can add a spicy zing to a fruit smoothie. Mangoes enhance the health benefits with enzymes that aid digestion, glutamine for memory power, and heart-healthy antioxidants. 3 strawberries 1 mango 1 kiwi 3 large basil leaves 2 large collard leaves (remove stems) Water Fill blender with as much water as desired. Add collard greens and basil. Blend until smooth, and then add fruit. Pulse-blend to a desired consistency.
Tropical Sun
2 bulbs bok choy 1 orange (peeled) 1 cup coconut water 1 cup pineapple 1 banana
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Before the new day starts, treat yourself to a flavorful getaway filled with rich vitamins. Bok choy, categorized as a negative calorie food, because it helps burn calories, nicely complements tropical elements. Garnish with a tiny umbrella and feel the sea breeze.
Combine the first three ingredients and blend until smooth. Add the other fruits. Pulse-blend to a desired consistency. Recipes courtesy of Jason Manheim, from The Healthy Green Drink Diet.
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inspiration
The Power of Place T by Linda Sechrist
he qualities that make a place special to us are highly personal, and they often help us to define who we are. Whether the setting is a lake house, a mountain lodge, a seashore cottage or a backyard at twilight, our sensory connections to these special places shape us in deep and lasting ways. Childhood experiences of our hometowns and memorable spots where we ran free during summer vacations are often deeply embedded in our strongest memories. This relationship to place is one that we carry within ourselves for a lifetime. Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner noted that his own “little postage stamp of native soil” was an inexhaustible source of material. Fellow Mississippian and Pulitzer Prize winner Eudora Welty wrote, “Place absorbs our earliest notice and attention, it bestows on us our original awareness; and our critical powers spring up from the study of it and the growth of experience inside it. It is to this place that each of us goes to find the clearest, deepest identity of ourselves.” Psychologist Carl Jung lived nearly half his life in a home he built in the village of Bolligen, on Switzerland’s Lake Zurich. In his memoir, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Jung remarked, “At Bolligen, I am in the midst of my true life, I am most deeply myself. At times I feel as if I am spread out over the landscape and inside things, and am myself living in every tree, in the splashing of
the waves, in the clouds and the animals that come and go, in the procession of the seasons. In Bolligen, silence surrounds me almost audibly, and I live in modest harmony with nature.” Iona Dreaming: The Healing Power of Place, is Clare Cooper Marcus’ journal of her six months on the Scottish island of Iona. The author writes, “I feel pure in this place. It is as if there was no separation between my living, breathing, perceiving body and my soul-nature. No posturing, no pretending. I am who I am—no more, no less. As my breathing slows and I relax, I experience the sound of the sea passing through me— not me hearing the sea, not me and the sea—just the sound. A breeze blows across my face; the sun shines on my cheeks and forehead. For a moment, they seem to penetrate my body. Then, they just are. My body ceases to exist. No Clare or ego or a specific person, but a manifestation of divine energy just like everything around me… our separateness just an illusion.” These kinds of intimate experiences occur most often when we are in a relaxed or meditative state, or spending full-bodied, multisensory, openhearted time in nature. Such moments inspire the experience described by American Poet Robinson Jeffers in which we “fall in love outward.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.
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The Hormone Balancing Act Natural Strategies for Feeling Better by Kathleen Barnes
H
ormones rule our lives; it’s a simple fact of biochemistry. In their role as the body’s chemical messengers, hormones affect every human biological system. Without them, nothing works correctly. Women’s hormonal systems are as complex as men’s, although vastly different. They govern reproduction, plus every aspect of health—including metabolizing food, proper immune function, physical and emotional responses to stress and the aging of cells.
Teens and Early 20s
Puberty and the early reproductive years should be the physical peak of a young woman’s life; when she is physically active and full of energy and youthful health. It’s also the time when
breasts develop, hips widen, pubic hair appears, menstruation begins, and she becomes capable of pregnancy. The good news is that several studies by the National Cancer Institute and the University of California, Los Angeles, have shown that regular exercise undertaken at this age results in lower estrogen levels throughout a woman’s life, greatly reducing her risk of breast cancer and other hormonal cancers. Yet, C.W. Randolph, Jr., a leading bioidentical hormone physician and co-author of From Hormone Hell to Hormone Well, reports that the ideal hormonal balance is routinely upset today. Culprits are obesity among young American women and the everyday presence of toxic estrogenic chemicals in today’s dairy products and meat,
Major Female Hormones d Estrogen is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and in several other parts of the female body. It is responsible for physical maturation, including development of breasts, regulation of the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus to receive a fertilized embryo. d Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains pregnancy and balances estrogen during cyclical fluctuations. 26
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d Luteinizing hormone governs the ovaries’ production of estrogen and progesterone. d Follicle-stimulating hormone works in synergy with the luteinizing hormone to control the menstrual cycle and ovarian egg production. d Testosterone is present in women, although in far lower levels than in men. It serves as a component of healthy sexual desire and in maintenance of healthy bones and muscles.
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personal care products, plastics, food containers, pesticides and herbicides, as well as car exhaust. “These compounds often have chemical structure similar to estrogen and can act like estrogen when introduced into the body,” Randolph explains. “Over time, these substances can increase estrogen in the body, potentially causing problems.” Categorized as xenoestrogens, these hormone disruptors can cause rapid growth in breast tissue and have been blamed for the appearance of breast tissue and even milk production in girls as young as 18 months and the early onset of puberty, particularly among African-American girls. They are also suspected in the rising incidence of breast cancer in younger women today.
Reproductive Years
Women in their reproductive years often experience extreme stress in struggling to balance family, work, relationships and a need for personal growth, along with economic challenges. Women’s health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of The Wisdom of Menopause, blames the
Ways to Avoid Manmade Estrogens d Choose organic milk and dairy products. d Eat organic meats and wild-caught fish. d Avoid canned foods and plastic water and soda bottles. d Do not use lawn or garden chemical pesticides or herbicides. d Shed outdoor shoes before entering the house. d Avoid furniture made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and synthetic carpeting; these materials outgas toxic chemicals. d Use natural household-cleaning products, including baking soda and vinegar. d Choose natural personal care products, including shampoos, lotions and cosmetics.
hormone imbalances follow. “Excess blood sugar changes the way estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are metabolized,” Northrup explains. “PMS and other problems of the reproductive years often go away when you get your blood sugar balanced, but—here’s the rub—you won’t get it rebalanced unless you are addressing the very real stressors in your life.” Due to the presence of xenoestrogens and Americans’ general fondness for processed comfort foods, women in their childbearing years are also increasingly afflicted by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by overproduction of testosterone and other male hormones. Insulite Laboratories, in Louisville, Colorado, reports that infertility and early onset Type 2 diabetes, another hormonal imbalance problem, are closely connected to PCOS. The first priority for every woman at any age, counsels Northrup, is to get blood sugar (glucose) under control. “Get a glucometer. You don’t need a prescription. If your blood sugar level isn’t between 80 and 90 in the morning, you need to look at your diet and lifestyle. Getting this under control will create hormonal balance in the vast majority of women. It’s so simple.”
stress of modern lifestyles for hormone disruptions in women in their childbearing years. “The stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine can have long-term effects on all other hormones,” advises Northrup. Perimenopause Concurrently, many women sacriThe next hormonal shift overlaps with fice self-nurturance in order to nurture a woman’s reproductive years. Sympothers. The first result is often prementoms of perimenopause, or the start of strual syndrome (PMS), which Northrup menopause and the end of childbearing calls a “lifestyle disease.” “We know years, typically show up between the that this problem seems to worsen with early and late 30s. each subsequent child. That made the These range from hot flashes, night connection for me,” she adds, “that sweats and insomnia to weight gain, with growing famifuzzy thinking and To find a local compounding redistribution of hair lies and responsibilities, women no on the body. Again, pharmacy for customized, the presence of longer take care of themselves as well; bioidentical hormone blends, xenoestrogens and no longer get the stress contribute. amount of exercise Women of as prescribed by a medical they once did. The other cultures rarely body is quite forgiv- practitioner, visit iacprx.org. experience the ining in their 20s, tensity of perimenomuch less so in their 30s.” pausal symptoms that Western women Part of the result is the attempt to report. So does that make perimenoreduce stress levels by eating high-fat pause a lifestyle disease, as well? and high-sugar comfort foods. Weight Emphatically yes, says Holly Lucille, gain, blood sugar imbalances and sex a doctor of naturopathy, registered nurse natural awakenings
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Seven Steps to Address Perimenopausal Symptoms 1. Good diet that’s heavy on organic foods and low in saturated fats 2. Vitex, or chasteberry, to increase progesterone naturally and help balance excess estrogen 3. Black cohosh extract, like that found in Remifemin, to control hot flashes and night sweats 4. Blood sugar stability
and past president of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. “Diet and lifestyle are absolutely essential to a healthy hormonal system,” which she explains in her book, Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman’s Guide to Safe, Natural, Hormone Health. “The biochemistry of the body is based on vitamins and minerals. If we compromise food and lifestyle choices, we are not getting the nutrients necessary to have a healthy endocrine system.” Weight gain is a particular concern during perimenopause. In their book, From Belly Fat to Belly Flat, Dr. Randolph and Genie James, co-founders of the Natural Hormone Institute, advocate a specific eating plan to override belly fat and related accumulating effects of excess estrogen. “In perimenopause, progesterone production usually declines rapidly, more than 120 times faster than estrogen or testosterone production. That’s what aggravates the symptoms,” Randolph notes. “Because women in perimenopause are usually still menstruating, they think their hormones are okay.” “The more body fat you have, the more estrogen tips the hormonal imbalance,” says Lucille. “Those fat cells hold on to toxins and place more burden on the liver, making it unable to effectively metabolize those extra estrogens,” which are stored in body fat and brought into the body as xenoestrogens. “At the end of the day, estrogen is a messenger, and its message is to tell cells to grow and proliferate. That’s what we don’t want.” When estrogen becomes dominant, several things happen, including 28
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5. Stress management, as well as adrenal support via an adrenal glandular supplement 6. Regular exercise 7. Bioidentical hormone replacement, if symptoms become too uncomfortable Source: Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman’s Guide to Safe, Natural, Hormone Health, by Dr. Holly Lucille a more rapid release of insulin from the pancreas, which triggers sugar cravings. “It’s not a willpower problem,” Randolph assures. “Too much estrogen causes you to pack on the pounds in the belly area, and belly fat produces more estrogen. It’s a vicious cycle.” Lucille considers perimenopause the opposite of puberty and counsels, “While we are dealing with these changes, bringing some hormones on board for a short time can be a valuable tool.” However, she cautions, replacing anything isn’t the issue. “You have to look at the big picture,” she avers. “Putting hormones into a toxic body is
Foods to Reduce Estrogen Dominance d Cruciferous vegetables and green leafy vegetables with indole-3carbinol to decrease xenoestrogens, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, celery and kale; two to three servings a day d Any citrus fruits, which have dlimonene to promote estrogen detoxification; one serving a day d Insoluble fiber as an estrogen binder, such as oats, berries, dried beans and apples; two servings a day d Lignans as estrogen binders, such as flaxseed, sesame seeds and flaxseed oil; two to three tablespoons a day Source: From Belly Fat to Belly Flat, by Dr. C.W. Randolph, Jr., and Genie James
like putting gas into a dirty gas tank. We have to restore function first.” Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been a boon for millions. Results of the Women’s Health Initiative, a national study of women’s health between 1991 and 2002, involving more than 160,000 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79, sparked more widespread use early in the 21st century, when research began to show the dire consequences of synthetic hormone replacement. The Million Woman Study of British women also found that taking synthetic hormones at menopause doubled the risk of breast cancer for women. Northrup calls bioidenticals “nature’s ideal design,” due to the prescription of individually tailored doses, custom-made by compounding pharmacies. Although these are rarely covered by insurance, estradiol-only patches may be; however, additional progesterone and testosterone may still be necessary, depending on test results, according to Northrup.
Menopause
If a woman has had no menstrual periods for 12 months, she is considered to be in menopause. However, Lucille asserts, “Menopause is not a disease.” Northrup touts menopause as the most creative and precious time of a woman’s life; it is often a time of spiritual awakening and self-fulfillment. “When the female brain passes menopause, the brain changes,” advises Northrup. “In a sense, we move from alternating current to direct current; I believe that this is the way the brain encodes wisdom.”
“Yet there are women in their 60s that are still having hot flashes. What should they do?” queries Northrup. Natural alternatives exist that are safe and effective. “Many herbs have been used for millennia that have estrogen-like properties, but do not have estrogen’s side effects,” Northrup says. “There is huge confusion about this: Plant hormones have different structures than mammalian hormones and cannot act as growth hormones. If you have too much estrogen, these plant hormones can actually protect against excess stimulation.” Her favorite is pueraria mirifica, which has helped relieve perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms in 80 percent of her patients within days. (Because the method of harvesting and processing supports effectiveness, Northrup likes Solgar brand PhytoGen.) She also uses maca, from Peru, for its phytoestrogens, vitex, black cohosh and omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in salmon for ongoing hot flashes. “Some women go through these years and truly take their place as women of wisdom and power. They don’t need any additional hormone support; they have enough life energy coming,” comments Northrup. “Others may need to take some kind of hormone support their entire lives. Either way, no one should suffer.” Kathleen Barnes is a natural health advocate, author and publisher. User’s Guide to Natural Hormone Replacement is among her many books. Visit KathleenBarnes.com.
How to Access Bioidentical Hormones Bioidentical hormone replacement requires a prescription hormone blend prepared specifically for each individual by a compounding pharmacy. It may include the three primary aspects of natural estrogen: estradiol, estrone and estriol, and will usually include progesterone and testosterone, if needed. “An almost limitless flexibility of doses is available in capsule or cream form,” says Steve Metcalf, a registered pharmacist and owner of Metcalf
Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy in Brevard, North Carolina. “Unlike conventional hormone replacement therapy, where the mentality of the pharmaceutical companies is ‘one size fits all,’ we can make the specific strength you need.” To find a local compounding pharmacy, visit the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists website, iacprx.org. natural awakenings
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naturalpet
YOU DIRTY DOG! Tips for the Grooming Impaired by Avery Mack
D
ogs can get into the darnedest messes, and when they do, these head-to-toe grooming tips will make cleanup easier—on both sides of the tub. Shedding. Every dog needs a good comb-out to remove dead hair. When possible, do this outside, to reduce dander or flyaway fur in the house. Use a tool suited to the dog’s coat from a pet store—a brush, comb or saw-toothed loop to get to the undercoat. Matted Fur. Dog hair can felt up faster than a wool sweater in hot water. Always comb the mat starting from the end. If it’s especially stubborn, cut the mat lengthwise to separate into two or three pieces before combing. Don’t cut the mat out entirely, which is as noticeable as cutting a wad of bubble gum out of a child’s hair. Move especially difficult mats into the tub and rub a conditioner into it (a show horse detangler works well). Ears. Red, painful, inflamed ears or dark, tarry goo inside an ear means
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infection or ear mites; head to a local veterinarian for an appropriate salve or drops. “Breeds like the Maltese or poodles get ear infections from moisture held in the ears by too much hair,” explains Diana Immordino, a master groomer with Animal General Hospital, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. “A professional groomer can show how to gently and safely remove the excess, and advise if a drying powder is needed.” Teeth. Dogs love chicken- or liverflavored toothpaste; using a tempting flavor makes maintaining sparkling clean teeth and a healthy mouth easy to achieve at home. Brushing several times a week will reduce or eliminate the need to sedate the dog for a more costly professional dental cleaning. Feet. Make it a habit to keep fur trimmed even with the pads, so the dog isn’t slipping on long hair. Trim to make a nice, semicircular paw, as viewed from above. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are the exception to the round paw look.
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Baths. Have towels and a gentle shampoo close by. Then bring in the pet and close the bathroom door; it’s easier than chasing a wet dog through the house. Use conditioner for mats only—a dime-sized blob is enough—not for dog hair overall. Rub it into the mat and let it sit for 15 minutes before combing out the tangle. Small or shorthaired dogs can take a dip in the bathtub, but large, and/or double-coated breeds are best bathed outdoors or in a special tub in the laundry room, to keep fur out of the drain. A spray attachment will help get water all the way to the skin for breeds like a Keeshond, Malamute or Siberian husky. Bloodhounds, pugs, bulldogs and shar peis need extra care. “Separate the wrinkles, suds up, rinse thoroughly and be careful to dry between the folds,” says Immordino. “These breeds can develop yeast infections between the wrinkles.” Have several towels ready and dry the dog’s entire body before opening the door, because most will bolt to shake themselves dry and rub on rugs and furniture. A hair dryer on the coolest setting can help if it’s kept away from the dog’s skin and the buzzing rush of air doesn’t cause anxiety. Plucking. Harsh-coated, nonshedding dogs such as the Cairn terrier should not be bathed; strip their coat instead. “Plucking removes the soft, dead undercoat, allows a healthy, vibrant coat to grow and maintains a proper rough texture that repels dirt and water,” explains Patti McCully, a Cairn breeder in Arvada, Colorado. “Baths soften the coat and would eliminate this auto-clean feature. Stripping doesn’t hurt the dog. There’s no stinky smell, either.” Nails. If an owner is squeamish about cutting a dog’s nails too short, local rescue clinics often offer nail trims for a small donation. At home, use a handheld grinding tool with a dome safety feature from the hardware store, instead of grab-and-crunch clippers. “The easiest way to do a dog’s nails is to have the dog do it himself, dragging its nails across a filing board,” counsels M. Shirley Chong, a clicker trainer in Grinnell, Iowa. “I teach people how to do this and it’s easy to train the dogs, because they enjoy
it.� The trick is to put the board out of reach between supervised sessions (ShirleyChong.com/keepers/nailfile.html). Finally, when the family dog is having a bad hair day and time is an issue, a professional can save the day. Mobile groomers make house calls, and regular grooming contributes to a sweet-smelling dog. Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.
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1 large lemon, including thick rind, sliced paper thin 1 Tbsp crushed rosemary leaves or 6-inch sprig 1 Tbsp aloe pulp or juice, as needed 1 quart hot water Place lemon slices in a bowl and add rosemary. For dry skin, add aloe pulp. Pour a quart of near-boiling water over mixture, lightly stir and let steep overnight. Strain into a large spray bottle and refrigerate until needed. Shake well before spritzing the dog, at least twice a week or more often when bugs are most prevalent, including stomach and paws. Primary source: VetLocator.com natural awakenings
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Find a Bike that Fits Your Style by Randy Kambic
M
ay is here—National Bike Month—heralded by a new Outdoor Industry Association study, which reports that bicycling is adult Americans’ second-favorite outdoor activity, after running. Its popularity is not surprising: Biking provides energizing aerobic and cardio exercise, flexibility, freedom, access and simply makes anyone feel young and vital. “Everyone remembers their first bike and learning to ride it,” says Micah Rice, managing director of national events with USA Cycling, in Colorado Springs. “Parents can tap into that interest and the entire family can participate in a ride around the block, along a bike path, on an adventurous bike trail or in a local group fun ride. Cycling is easier than running, because it is less hard on your body and you can ride at any pace or distance.” Sometimes we ride to combine shopping with exercise on local streets; on other occasions, we eagerly traverse old rail lines or ride hillside moguls. Having the right bicycle delivers the most from any experience.
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Choosing Wheels
Knowing your style and primary planned uses are paramount. Leading manufacturers, including Cannondale, Electra, GT, Marin, Novara, Raleigh, Scott and Trek offer many models for men, women and youngsters. Categories range from urban, road or mountain to recreation, comfort or cruising. Bikes designed for road and pavement are generally lighter and have more gears than mountain bikes, which are built with more shockabsorbing features, such as rugged suspension and rough terrain tires, plus more lower gears to help ascend inclines. Urban and commuting bikes feature a slightly more upright riding position that helps bikers and motorists to see each other better. Steve Colmar, a sales specialist at REI’s Seattle, Washington, store, provides two key guidelines for choosing and using a bike. Regarding seat position, “Make sure your leg has a slight bend when your pedal is at its lowest point in its rotation. If the legs feel a little cramped, raise the seat.” Regarding han-
dlebar position, “Many serious road bikers adjust handlebars to be a little farther away, so they can lean forward with more weight in their hands, while many casual riders prefer a more upright position, because that’s what they are accustomed to while sitting. Whatever you are most comfortable with works.” He notes that REI (rei.com) master bike technicians nationwide provide advice on selecting a bike, as well as free public bike maintenance classes.
Cargo Carriers
Some riders feel that shouldering a knapsack is uncomfortable, inadequate or hinders pedaling. Bikes can be equipped with cargo-carrying capabilities to increase usability. Whatever the length of trip, having the gear to bring along key supplies will yield more utility and enjoyment: Think water, food, spare tube, cell phone, etc. What about bringing home some fresh produce from the farmers’ market? For around-town use, go with a bike trailer for frequent large loads; smaller amounts can fit into one or two front and/or back bike bags. Local bike shops can advise.
Fun Biking Tips Looking to get more out of your wheel time? Here are some bicycling trip tips from RoadBikeJourney.com. n Try a new route today n Bring a camera along n Join a riding club and attend a bike race n Invite your spouse or a friend to be a ride buddy n Track total mileage and roads via GPS n Use a heart rate monitor and log the encouraging stats
Also check for information and opportunities via AdventureCycling.org, BicycleFriendlyCommunity.org, BikeLeague.org, BikesBelong. org, ClimateRide.org, imba. com (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and PeopleForBikes.org. Pedal power to the people! Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a freelance writer and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.
Riding Resources
USA Cycling, the sport’s national governing body, is hosting 17 national competitions with expos around the country this year in mountain, road and track categories for juniors, collegiate, open and senior divisions, plus many other local events. Visit USACycling.org to search for nearby riding clubs and and year-round events. Since 1986, the nonprofit Rails-toTrails Conservancy (RailsToTrails.org) has been using former rail lines and connecting corridors to expand bicycling opportunities. To date, the Washington, D.C.-based organization has converted 20,000-plus miles of rail-trails and is currently seeking to add another 9,000 miles. Its largest annual participatory event is the 335-mile Greenway Sojourn, from D.C. to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from June 17 to 24. Many parks and recreation departments support off-road clubs that preserve and maintain biking trails, and statewide bicycling associations welcome participation. natural awakenings
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The
Pros and Cons of Barefoot Running by Dr. Andrew J. Schafer DC
T
Was the Vibran Fivefingers shoe specifically designed for barefoot running? The idea of Vibram Fivefingers as a shoe specifically designed for barefoot running came after the design rather than before it. As their website states “Bramani and Fliri developed the first barefoot shoes and then introduced the concept to Vibram USA president and CEO, Tony Post.” The former collegiate runner then became a firm believer in the benefits of natural running and fitness training.
A Tribe of Superhuman Runners Who Never Wore Shoes Born to Run, a national bestseller and a Forbes and Washington Post Best Book of the Year 2010, was about the Tarahumara, a tribe of superhuman runners in Mexico. They are reportedly incredible distance runners wearing nothing but primitive sandals on their feet. But are they great runners because they lack modern footwear, or perhaps because of a genetic predisposition? Tribe members have never worn modern shoes nor do they run or walk on modern flat surfaces, such as pavement, Behavioral Health & Fitness Center
cement, hardwood flooring, etc. If no one compares apples to oranges, who could safely assume that because the Tarahumara can run ultra marathons in sandals on Mexican trails, we can go barefoot on hard flat surfaces?
Orthopedic Research Daniel Lieberman’s research, performed at Harvard in the fall of 2009 analyzed the foot strike patterns of individuals wearing shoes versus those who were barefoot. His research suggests that most modern shoe wearers land on their heels when running, and most barefoot runners land on the forefoot or “balls of the feet”. He further states that controlled studies are needed to test the hypothesis that individuals who do not predominantly rear-foot strike (RFS)—either barefoot or in minimal footwear—as the foot apparently evolved to do, have reduced injury rates. Lieberman suggests further research on the inconclusive evidence presented on the benefits of barefoot running.
Stress Fracture Associated with Barefoot Running There is some evidence presented in a 2001 orthopedic study by J. Giuliana and B.Masini, C. Alitz, and B.D. Ownens Orthopedics, which does suggest that metatarsal (foot) stress fracture has been associated with barefoot running. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that gastrocnemius (calf) strains are common as well, since this muscle is responsible for absorbing the shock that the heels would take on a rear-foot strike.
Does the Way we Run Barefoot make a Difference? Look at the barefoot runners’ running posture, stride and foot strike. The runners are usually much more upright
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iming is everything. The combination of the release of Vibram Fivefingers shoes, the publishing of Born to Run by Christopher McDougall in 2009, and a January 2010 article published in Nature Journal, made for the perfect storm. In the aftermath, the idea of barefoot running had coalesced in the public consciousness. Given that our ancient ancestors walked and ran barefoot, it would seem logical to conclude that we also have the capability for returning to barefoot, but is it really the best way to avoid injury? Before ditching your running shoes and running barefoot, why not consider the flipside of the evidence?
t u r a ll y
The Foot to Brain Connection Nerve Sensors in the Feet Mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors are nerve sensors in our feet that help us sense pressure and joint position. They function to correct joint position in our feet on uneven and varied terrain. Barefoot proponents suggest that these nerves are likely turned off when we walk and run exclusively on our flat modern surfaces with ultra cushioned and supportive shoes. It is possible that our feet do not get sufficient feedback from the contact with the ground to get accurate foot-brain connection.
Under the right circumstances, it is possible that barefoot running stimulates the mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors to teach us to better sense what is going on with our feet, or to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the foot and ankle to provide better support when we do wear shoes.
Reconnect with Your Feet to Transition to Barefoot Running Runners today have been able to ignore the signs and symptoms of overuse and trauma with their cushy shoes. They push the limits of their body’s abilities with little more than some shin splints or knee pain as punishment. It is essential that you reconnect with your feet as you make the transition to barefoot running. No longer is it “no pain no gain”. If it hurts—stop.
Consider the Mileage If you are considering going barefoot, consider the mileage. If you are the type of runner who is not happy unless you complete 50 miles per week, the transition to barefoot will be frustrating. Most barefoot advocates recommend starting very slow. It will be months before your feet and calves can build up to that type of mileage. Other forms of exercise that are performed barefoot can aid in this transition, and help re-establish the foot-brain connection. Yoga is already a great adjunct to running, by creating more flexibility in the hips, and core stability in the torso. The various foot and ankle positions involved in yoga positions could possibly help reignite these neural connections. Until the research fully catches up with the trend, don’t be fooled by any so-called “experts,” who are likely trying to sell a product. Check their qualifications and do your own research. Be certain to listen to your body. Whether you wear shoes or not: Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa is located at 1801 Breton SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506. 616-301-3000 or GRChiroSpa.com. See ad page 7, 44 & 46.
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with good posture, running very light on their feet, and landing on the balls of their feet. The heels usually only “kiss the ground,” if they touch at all. Most likely their running style was very different from when they wore shoes. With shoes on, padding on the heel and arches allows for much greater pounding on the feet with very little sensory input. So is it the fact that they are barefoot, or is it the way they run when they are barefoot that makes a difference?
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healingways
Anti-Aging Skincare Turn Back the Clock with New Treatments and Breakthroughs by Linda Sechrist
With aging still a largely mysterious process, current seekers of perpetual youth and beauty are urging scientists to find ways to slow or even reverse it. New tools to fight lines, wrinkles and sagging skin excite the imagination.
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oday’s anti-aging toolbox is filled with promise. Tools range from at-home strengthening and refining creams to commercial treatment technologies such as cold laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), light-emitting diode (LED), microdermabrasion, photofacials, and skin tightening and rejuvenating ultrasound. Acupuncture facelifts make use of ancient Chinese techniques. Then there are the more invasive injectables, fillers and chemical peels. How do we know what is best for us? Whatever one’s chosen tools, Hema Sundaram, author of Face Value: The Truth about Beauty—and a GuiltFree Guide to Finding It, believes that women at any age have every right to pursue the outward expression of their inner beauty. The Washington, D.C.based medical doctor and board-certified dermatologist, who specializes in cosmetic surgery, supports a woman’s freedom to choose, without embarrassment or criticism. She emphasizes the positive effects of cosmetic procedures performed for the right reasons and notes, “Restoring the balance between a woman’s inner and outer selves can transform her life.” An at-home anti-aging regimen aimed at retarding time’s telltales and enhancing beauty lays the foundation for 38
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an effective partnership with an esthetician or dermatologist. Performed consistently, do-it-yourself treatments can help to maintain cosmetic work performed by skincare professionals. Popular, non-invasive techniques are explained here. Many take it a step further with a meditation practice designed to develop and project inner, spiritual beauty. Gua Sha. This Chinese technique (pronounced GWA SHA) uses a small medicinal board to gently massage, manipulate and stimulate energy points along the face. The objective is to promote a normal flow of energy, or qi (pronounced KEE), and blood circulation and to remove toxins. It also supports, lymph drainage. Gua sha activates inner vitality by stimulating both the superficial and deep muscles that control facial expression. Beauty benefits include a brighter complexion and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles and puffy eyes. It also lifts sagging at the neck and jaw. Hypnox. This 25-minute guided hypnotherapeutic audio recording is touted as a natural alternative to the neurotoxin Botox. Instead of paralyzing targeted facial muscles, which inhibits natural facial expression, Hypnox targets and retrains the same muscles to stop habitual frowning, lip puckering
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and squinting. The process is said to promote overall relaxation, allowing wrinkles to fade away. Facercize. Muscle resistance training helps tone and enliven the 30 muscles of the face to render more youthful-looking features. Muscle fibers literally smooth out, shorten and lift the attached skin on the face and neck. Enzyme Mask. A weekly exfoliating fruit enzyme mask gently dissolves dead surface cells and embedded impurities, while restoring hydration. Adding an organic, fruitbased peel of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids supplies an ideal boost that can result in an even brighter complexion and firmer looking skin. Retinols. These naturally occurring forms of vitamin A are a gentler, over-the-counter version of retinoids. They likewise promote healthy cell renewal and collagen production. Gentle Microdermabrasion. Athome microdermabrasion kits work to reduce the visibility of pores and
fine lines. Many come with battery-operated brushes, aluminum-free scrubs, balancing toners and moisturizing serums; look for natural ingredients. Microcurrent Facial Sculpting. “Electrical stimulation forces facial muscles to do sit-ups,” says Charlene Handel, owner of Skin Fitness, Etc., in Carlsbad, California. Twenty years of experience with handheld commercial products have convinced this certified holistic esthetician that if the current can’t be felt, it isn’t doing the job. Trained by Elina Fedotova, CEO of Elina Organics and founder of the Association of Holistic Skin Care Practitioners, Handel cautions that techniques intended to move skincare products beyond the outermost dermal layer—such as microcurrent, cold laser, ultrasound and LED—should be 100 percent natural and organic. “Read labels to find the USDA Organic seal and avoid subjecting skin to synthetic chemicals and ingredients that contain petroleum derivatives from crude oil; artificial fra-
Good genes, a healthy lifestyle and skilled beauty enhancements can slow the clock of aging. ~ Dr. Hema Sundaram, owner, Sundaram Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center, Rockville, Maryland, and Fairfax, Virginia. grances, which frequently contain toxic chemicals; and synthetic preservatives such as parabens,” she advises. The ultimate responsibility for skincare is our own. When a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, exfoliation, hydration and natural topical treatments are no longer keeping gravity at bay, individuals of either gender need not hesitate to seek help from skin-care professionals. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.
Facial Contouring Primer by Linda Sechrist
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acial acupuncture uses 12 strategically placed needles in the scalp and neck at muscle attachment points to lift the face and neck. “Ten to 20 treatments refresh the face, regardless of your age,” advises Anna Baker, a doctor of Oriental medicine and owner of Faces by Dr. Anna, in Sarasota, Florida. Baker advises that the results of 50 treatments are frequently better than a facelift, from sculpting the jawline and neck profile to erasing lines and lifting droopy eyelids. “Cold lasers, IPL and LED use gentle energy from light waves to act on cells deep in the skin, helping them to grow back stronger,” says cosmetic chemist and esthetician Elina Fedotova, of Elina Organics, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Of the three, she considers IPL the most dramatic. Offered by many estheticians, ultrasound wands emit radio frequencies to stimulate skin cells through vibration. Used to diminish wrinkles and lessen the appearance of scars, it also facilitates migration of serum and mask ingredients to sink into deeper layers of skin. Note that because ultrasound penetrates to the blood level, any products used during the treatment should be only the purest and most natural.
Body Contouring Primer by Linda Sechrist
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he ability to gently melt away body fat lies largely in the hands of a physician certified to perform Food and Drug Administration-approved, noninvasive treatments. Here are three of the most common. Zerona. Developed by Santa Barbara Medical Innovations (SBMI), this cool laser technology targets the fat in isolated trouble spots, such as love handles and belly bulges. According to the company, Zerona targets adipose (fat) cells with specific, low-level wavelengths of light, causing the fat to seep out of the cells. The deflated cells result in a smaller, tighter contour. SBMI’s studies show that the fat is safely absorbed into the body’s lymphatic system and eventually metabolized by the liver. Zeltiq Coolsculpting. Used in Europe and Canada before coming to the United States, this FDA-approved approach is performed in a doctor’s office, typically under the supervision of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon; no anesthesia or recovery time is necessary. It employs a contained suction device to cool the skin, as well as the fat beneath it, to 40 degrees. Several days later, the cooled fat cells begin to shrink. Damaged fat cells are slowly digested by the body over several months and removed through the liver. VelaShape. This non-surgical treatment for reducing cellulite combines radio frequency energy, infrared light, mechanical rollers and vacuum suction to heat and massage the shallow layers of fat that contribute to cellulite. The handheld vacuum sucks at the fatty pocket, while the infrared light heats and shrinks fat cells.
Sage Advice
According to Dr. Brian S. Biesman, director of the Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery, where he specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, the ideal candidate for such treatments is near their ideal body weight and wants to remove unwanted fat in localized areas. He counsels, “It’s not an alternative to healthy diet or lifestyle.” natural awakenings
May 2012
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calendarofevents Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Tuesday, May 1
Friday, May 4
Dinner Talk- 6:30 pm. Please join us for a complimentary Dinner Talk sponsored by Get Healthy Michigan. Your evening of educational entertainment includes a dinner and vital information presented by Dr. Michael Kwast that will help you live a healthier life. Rio Grand Restaurant. Grand Rapids. Please register at gethealthytalk.com. 616-447-9888.
Co-Op Retreat- May 4, 5 & 6. Take this weekend to get away from it all and connect with other cooperators from around the region. We’ll fill you with great locally sourced foods. $130/non-members; $120/members of other co-ops; $110/CPC members. Circle Pines Center. Delton. Call 269-623-5555 or rachelz@circlepinescenter.net to register today!
Wednesday, May 2 Meditation Group- 12:00-1:00 pm. Take time out for peace in the middle of your busy week. The current format is 20 minutes of silent meditation followed by an Eckhart Tolle DVD. This is an informal weekly group and newcomers are always welcome. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386. Yoga Class- 6:00-7:00 pm. We will explore asanas, meditative practices and breathing techniques. The environment is playful with accessibility to all levels. Bring your yoga mat and any props you may need. Children age 6 and up please. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386. Dinner Talk- 6:30 pm. Please join us for a complimentary Dinner Talk sponsored by Get Healthy Michigan. Your evening of educational entertainment includes a dinner and vital information presented by Dr. Michael Kwast that will help you live a healthier life. Rio Grand Restaurant. Grand Rapids. Please register at gethealthytalk. com. 616-447-9888. Detoxification Class- 7:00-8:30 pm. A spring cleaning for your mind and body. This 4 class doctor-supervised program includes pre- and post-body composition analyses, handouts, supplements, detox food sampling & support. $50 for 4 sessions plus supplements. The Gleason Center. Grand Haven. 616-846-5410. Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796. JourneyDance Classes for Women- 7:15-8:45 pm. Holistic dance for mind, body, and soul. With Daina Puodziunas. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Thursday, May 3 Qi Gong- 6:30-8:00 10 easy movements. In this self-empowering educational class you will learn ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been in use for over 3000 years. $99 for newcomers, $49 repeat participants. Through May 23rd. Lisa W. Lee’s International Wellness Partners. Spring Lake. 616 634 2714. Essential Oils Class- 7:00-9:00 pm. Introduction to Essential Oils by Dr. Dana Young, owner of Be Young Essential Oils. Free. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148.
ZooZen Children’s Yoga Class- 2:00-3:00 pm. Have fun with Animal Asanas! Suitable for ages 5-10. Reservations recommended. $10. On The Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.
Monday, May 7 Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 252 Grand St., Saugatuck. In the Annex. 269-929-6796.
Wednesday, May 9
Holistic Health and your body- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Learn how to help your 10 body systems naturally! Dr. Dana Young will provide you with the tools you need to help your body heal naturally. $15. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148.
Are Your Fillings Healthy or Toxic?- 6:30 pm. Presented by Dr. Kevin Flood. We are pleased to be able to bring you these fascinating natural health topics from some of the best speakers around Grand Rapids! $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355.
Reiki I/II Training Class- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Learn how to do this relaxation and healing method for self and others. Includes textbook and lunch. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher. $225. Jan Atwood, LLC. Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144.
Community Spiritual Drum Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Enter into our circle of friends with meditative, centering and celebratory drumming. Bring your own drum or shaker or borrow one of ours. Please use the upper level entrance. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-676-3664.
Bring It On- 6:30-8:00 pm. Runner’s 6-week Challenge Kick Off Workshop: Learn training techniques and injury prevention as well as how Yoga and Ayurvedic Health can help become a better runner. Includes 6 weeks of group training and a tee shirt. $35. On The Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.
Saturday, May 5 Emotional Aromatic Touch Program- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. You can deal with and learn how to have Emotional Release as Dr. Dana Young guides you through the Emotional Aromatic Touch Program. $15. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148. Spring Health Seminar- 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Seminar topics include: Herbs for Home Use, Forms of Cleansing, Blood Type Diet, Healthy Eating, Water & Your Health. $50. Presented by Nichole Caudle, Natural Health Therapist. David D. Hunting YMCA. Grand Rapids. Register at myhealthfirstonline.com or call 616-204-4003. Intuitive Fair- 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Are you a little curious, do you have questions? Come in and see what messages are waiting for you. Also come in and check out all the sales. Open Mind. 39 Courtland St. Rockford. For more info call 616-863-8868. Mudras for Health, Focus and Clarity w/ Katherine Florentine- 1:00-2:30 pm. Mudras are often referred to as “yoga of the hands.” In this workshop you will learn mudras for healing specific ailments and revitalizing the senses. No yoga experience necessary. $20. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Sunday, May 6 Panchakarma Spring Cleanse- May 6-11. Included: Three Lectures, Individual Ayurvedic Assessment, Ayurvedic treatment (massage) & much more. Facilitators include: Maria KaliMa, RN, MS, E-RYT 500 & Sue Dilsworth, PhD, RYT-500, LFYP-2, IYT. $528. Space limited to 20. HeartsJourneyWellness.com. Free Community Yoga Class- 10:00-11:15 am. Suitable for all levels. Space is limited, so reservations are accepted. Free. On the Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.
Thursday, May 10 Detoxification Class- 7:00-8:30 pm. A spring cleaning for your mind and body. This 4 class doctor-supervised program includes pre- and post-body composition analyses, handouts, supplements, detox food sampling & support. $50 for 4 sessions plus supplements. The Gleason Center. Grand Haven. 616-846-5410.
Friday, May 11 Writing with Ferron- 5/11- 5/13. Join legendary feminist folk artist Ferron for a weekend of reflection and writing. Journey inward and stitch the poetry, prose and songs that arise. $180 (NonMembers); $160 (Members). Circle Pines Center. Delton. Call 269-623-5555 or email (rachelz@ circlepinescenter.net) to register today! Hooping class- 6:00-7:00 pm & 7:15-8:15 pm. Burns up to 600 calories an hour, and it’s fun! Learn the basics of Hooping, get a great workout and add some fabulous tricks to your routine. Beginning and experienced hoopers welcome! $15 includes hoop rental. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Saturday, May 12 Free Shopping Advice- 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Get free shopping advice for Mother’s Day, gift-wrapping, and flowers for mom and tasty fair trade food samples. Also, enter one of three drawings for a $25 gift card. Global Gifts. Kentwood. 616-350-0611. Facing Chronic Illness: Adjusting to a New Life Seminar- 1:00-3:00 pm. CFS Solutions of West Michigan is hosting a mini-seminar to educate healthcare professionals and community members on how to integrate chronic illness into a meaningful life. Pre-registration preferred. St. Mary’s Wege Health and Learning Center. Grand Rapids. cfssolutionswm@gmail.com. 616-361-0798.
Sunday, May 13 Karmic Lessons-10:00-11:00 am. Join the monthly Eckankar worship service where people of all faiths are warmly invited to experience the Light and
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Sound of God. Services are the second Sunday of each month. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood. Grand Rapids. 616-245-7003. eck-mi.org.
Tuesday, May 15 Seminar Balancing Hormones Naturally- 6:30 pm. By Roslyn Rogers Board Certified in Integrated Medicine. How balancing your hormones can help you feel and look years younger. Harvest Health Foods. Hudsonville. Complete details at HarvestHealthFoods.com. 616-299-6868. Cooking with Soy- 7:00 pm. What do I do with TOFU? Tonight you will learn about the health benefits of soy and how to prepare it and taste some delicious dishes made with soy. $5 for non-members. The Wellness Forum. Grand Rapids. For reservations please call 616-942-7907. 2012 Spring Presentation- 7:00-8:30 pm. Bone Broth and Pastured Meat featuring Janis Romme, Life Studies Educator. Nourishing Ways of West Michigan. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Grand Rapids. www.nourishingways.org.
Wednesday, May 16 Raindrop Therapy® Training- 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Approved training using young living pure essential oils it combines aromatherapy, reflexology, massage and moist heat to promote healing and cleansing through structural and electrical alignment to the body. $210 before May 9th $250 after May 9th. Standale. sanativetranquility.com\ceclasses. 616-791-0472. So, You Want To Be A Doula- 6:30 pm. Are you hearing the call towards women’s work? Come hear from certified birth Doula Juliea Paige CD(DONA) of Crowning Lotus about the reality of being a doula and how you can get started! $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355. Detoxification Class- 7:00-8:30 pm. A spring cleaning for your mind and body. This 4 class doctor-supervised program includes pre- and post-body composition analyses, handouts, supplements, detox food sampling & support. $50 for 4 sessions plus supplements. The Gleason Center. Grand Haven. 616-846-5410. JourneyDance Classes for Women- 7:15-8:45 pm. Holistic dance for mind, body, and soul. With Daina Puodziunas. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Thursday, May 17 Raindrop Therapy® Training- 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Approved training using young living pure essential oils it combines aromatherapy, reflexology, massage and moist heat to promote healing and cleansing through structural and electrical alignment to the body. $210 before May 9th $250 after May 9th. Standale. sanativetranquility.com\ceclasses. 616-791-0472.
with babies, this volunteer opportunity is for you. Please come to our free volunteer training. MomsBloom. Grand Rapids. For more information contact angie@momsbloom.org or 616-828-1021.
Saturday, May 19 The West Michigan Mom’s Sale- 9:00 am-3:00 pm. The West Michigan Mom’s Sale is the Midwest’s largest Mom-2-Mom Sale. With nearly 300 sellers you will be able to find everything you children need, at garage sale prices! Don’t miss this one-day event! westmichiganmomssale.com. DeVos Place. Grand Rapids. 616-828-4252. The GR8 Parenting Event- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Find over 100 local businesses and organizations that pertain to family life. Free classes will be offered all day. Bring the kids; there will be inflatables, a butterfly tent, reptile show, and puppet shows. DeVos Place. Grand Rapids. 616-828-4252. thegr8parent.com. Yoga & Martial Arts Workshop- 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Paying special attention to men’s physiology, this workshop will aid flexibility to reduce injury risk and emphasize strength through a fusion of Yoga and Martial Arts. $20. On The Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028. Collage Quest w/ Donna Thompson- 12:30-5:30 pm. Come along on a quest to collage your life’s story. Find clarity through color, awaken your creativity, and reconnect with the joy of cutting and pasting. $55. Open Mind. Rockford. 616-863-8868. Anusara Immersion w/Mimi Ray-12:30-6:15 pm. Open to all students, and the first step for those interested in pursuing a path of Anusara teaching. Also available June 9-10 & June 23-24. $525 for all 3 weekends or $190 for each weekend. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Sunday, May 20 Anusara Immersion w/Mimi Ray- 11:00 am-4:30 pm. Open to all students, and the first step for those interested in pursuing a path of Anusara teaching. Also available June 9-10 & June 23-24. $525 for all 3 weekends or $190 for each weekend. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Monday, May 21 MomsBloom Volunteer Training- 6:30 pm. You can be a Sanity Saver! If you enjoy helping moms with babies, this volunteer opportunity is for you. Please come to our free volunteer training. MomsBloom. Grand Rapids. For more information contact angie@momsbloom.org or 616-828-1021.
Wednesday, May 23 Babies Best Start: Nourishing Foods Babies Need5:30-6:30 pm. This class will go into depth on the best foods for baby after breast. Learn why grains and cereals may not be the best first foods for your baby. Addressing infants 6-15months. $5. Hop Scotch Children’s Store. Grand Rapids. 616-233-4008.
Reiki Share Group- 5:30-7:30 pm. For all trained in Reiki. Come & share a Reiki meditation, experiences and Reiki with other Reiki practitioners. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher. Free. Jan Atwood, LLC. Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144.
Balancing Emotions with Bach Flower Remedies6:30 pm. Join Kelly O’Brien Pahman of St. Brigid’s Holistic Labor Care as we discuss the emotional benefits of Bach Flower Remedies. $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355.
Friday, May 18
Detoxification Class- 7:00-8:30 pm. A spring cleaning for your mind and body. This 4 class doctor-supervised program includes pre- and post-body composition analyses, handouts, supplements, detox food sampling
MomsBloom Volunteer Training- 6:30 pm. You can be a Sanity Saver! If you enjoy helping moms
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& support. $50 for 4 sessions plus supplements. The Gleason Center. Grand Haven. 616-846-5410.
Friday, May 25 Fire of Transformation Yoga Practice w/ Mimi Ray- 6:00-8:30 pm. Pay your edge, develop strength, flexibility and joy in community. $18. Call for prerequisites. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Saturday, May 26 6th Annual Ride to Remember- 10:30 am. A 15-mile bicycle ride around Spring Lake, which raises money for the Leila & Cyrus Poppen House in Fruitport Township. $15 fee ($5 for ages 15 & under). Call 231-865-6545 for more details or to register. Fruitport. Community Wellness Day- 12:00-3:00pm. Various community agencies will be participating and sharing their programs on health screenings, financial literacy info, drug/ alcohol awareness and much more. There will also be food, fun & entertainment. FREE. Contact Dr. Jason Williamson at 616-5759105 or email drjasonw@yahoo.com. Kentwood Christian Church, 5841 Kalamazoo Ave, Kentwood.
Wednesday, May 30 Intro to GAPS- 6:30 pm. The GAPS is the underlying cause to an outstanding number of diseases. Learn what is GAPS and the GAPS nutritional plan with specific supplementation to heal the lining of the digestive tract and allow the body’s elimination systems to function properly. $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355. JourneyDance Classes for Women- 7:15-8:45 pm. Holistic dance for mind, body, and soul. With Daina Puodziunas. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well being. $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
Thursday, May 31 Breastfeeding Support Group- 6:00 pm. Each meeting will have a mini-topic. Your questions are welcome and encouraged! This group meets once a month with two different times for you to choose: the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of each month: Wed @ noon, Thurs @ 6pm. Hop Scotch Children’s Store. Grand Rapids. 616-233-4008. Zumba- 7:15 pm. It makes you smile as you exercise! Have fun and feel the beat. You don’t have to be a dancer, just move! You will really get a workout and enjoy it too. Kate Azehmus will lead us. $5. The Wellness Forum. Grand Rapids. 616-942-7907.
SAVE: June 19 & 20 Bamboo-Fusion® (on the table)- 9:00 am-6:00 pm. $399 includes certificate, 8 piece bamboo kit, carrying case,& DVD. For information or to register go to sanativetranquility.com\ceclasses or call Loree at 616-791-0472. Standale. Register by 05/31 and get $50 off.
Sunday
Monday
Center of Self-directed Teens now forming- 9:4510:45 am. A progressive alternative for teens and for existing homeschoolers who seek a progressive, democratic, challenging learning community. Meeting monthly on 3rd Sundays. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-550-0371.
$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-theart profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to assess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. For more info visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com. Yoga Intro to Flow- 5:30-6:30 pm. Learn the basics of Vinyasa Yoga while developing strength, flexibility and balance. Beginner’s welcome. Walk-ins welcome. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610. Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 6:157:30 pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Posture Class- 7:30 pm. Mon & Wed. A flow of postures with emphasis on body awareness, alignment and coordination of breath & movement. $10-16 per class. Seva Yoga. East Grand Rapids. sevayoga. net. 616-458-2541.
for details Judy 616-340-2820 or Tina 231-250-4808. Gentle Yoga- 6:00 pm. Tues & Thurs. Breath, Meditation Yin, Slower flow Vinyasa. Come enjoy ongoing classes at Seva Yoga. $10-$16 per class. East Grand Rapids. sevayoga.net. 616-458-2541. Restorative Yoga- 6:30-7:30 pm. Enjoy a gentle and relaxing beginner yoga class. Focus on stretching, breathing and meditation. Walk-ins welcome. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610. Aromatherapy Class- 6:30-8:30pm. Every 2nd Tuesday with Linda Bayer RA. Basics and different topics each month. Bayer Essence. Jenison. 616457-7426. bayer.essence@comcast.net. On Being a Spirit having a Physical Experience6:30 pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesday. From the Shamanic Teachings of the Sweet Medicine Sundance Path w/ Marie Moon Star Seeker. $10. Owl Hawk Clan. Open Mind in Rockford. 616-447-0128. A Course In Miracles (A.C.I.M.)- 7:00-8:30 p.m. This self-study system teaches forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-682-7812. Adopt a Healthier, More Active Lifestyle- 7:30pm. Perfect nutritional support for optimal fitness. Ask for Reliv’s Personal Training. Open Presentations Spring Hill Suites, 450 Center NW, Grand Rapids. Deb Riolo 616-822-4247. debriolo.reliv@gmail.com.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Unity of Grand Rapids-10:30 am. A spiritual community that is warm and welcoming, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those who are seeking spiritual truth. 1711 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616-453-9909. unityofgrandrapids.org.
Adults OCD support group- 7:00-8:30 pm. Open to any adults who have or think they may have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Friends and family members welcome. Free. Anxiety Resource Center. Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614.
Rockin Vinyasa Yoga- 4:00-5:15 pm. Energetic flow class builds stamina, strength and flexibility. Walk-ins welcome. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610.
Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 7:459:00 am & 9:15-10:30 am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.
$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-theart profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to assess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. For more info visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com. A Course In Miracles (ACIM)- 9:30-11:00 am. Self-study system unique in teaching forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-682-7812. Gentle Yoga- 10:00-11:15 am. An easy and relaxing class, ideal for students who are rehabbing from illness or injury. $12-$16 per class. Seva Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541. Essential Oils Education- 1:00-3:00 pm & 6:30-8:30 pm. What are Essential Oils? Why and how would I use them? Enjoy FREE classes with New Subjects each month. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148. claravz@sbcglobal.net. Gentle/Basic Yoga Classes: New Session Starting- 5:45-6:45 pm. (Every Wednesday thru-May 23). A new 8-week yoga session to reduce stress and anxiety? Anxiety Resource Center, Inc. Grand Rapids. Learn more by calling 616-356-1614. A Course in Miracles Class- 6:00-8:00 pm. With Cindy Barry. Free will offering. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500. Pilates at The Well Being- 6:00-7:00 pm. Build strength, endurance, and flexibility throughout your body while learning proper breathing techniques which help to decrease stress! $10 per class. Equipment provided. Drop-ins welcome. grwellbeing.com 616-458-6870. Yoga Class- 6:30 pm. Experienced or beginner welcome. Our instructors will help guide you through your yoga journey at your own pace and comfort level. $12 Drop in or $60 6-class pass card. Sanative Yoga. sanativetranquility.com\sanative_yoga.
ongoingevents Note: Visit www.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.
Unity of Greater Grand Rapids- 10:00 am. Celebrating God’s presence in human nature. Offering uplifting messages that are spiritual without being religious. Youth programs & Nursery. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. 616-682-7812. www.unity-churchofpeace.org. Miracle of Numbers Workshop- 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Advanced Numerology & Mystical Numerology. $75. Entire weekend $140. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339 for more information. Unity of Muskegon “A Church of Light, Love & Laughter”- 10:30 am weekly. Sunday Services & Youth Education. Minister: Rev. John W. Williams. 2052 Bourdon St., Muskegon. 231-759-7356. Unitymuskegon.org.
Women’s Meditation Group- 4:30 pm. This group will explore different forms of meditation for approximately one hour. Free. The Infinite Feminine. Grand Rapids. Space is limited. Register at theinfinitefeminine.com. 616-648-7011. The Coptic Center Sunday Series- 6:00 pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and music. Youth Ministry class one Sunday of each month during service, check schedule. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339. HOT COMMunity Yoga- 6:00 pm. Join us for this flowing vinyasa style class done in a heated room. $5 donation. Net proceeds go to a different charity each month. Core Pilates & Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-2555.
SAVE: June 22, 23 & 24 The 38th Annual Coptic Conference- Weekend spiritual retreat open to the public. Some free workshops, an evening healing service, personal consultations, a metaphysical bookstore, prizes and giveaways. Cost for 1st time attendees is $160 & includes two nights lodging, meals, and all presentations and workshops. To register call 800-704-2324. Sponsored by the Coptic Fellowship International. Olivet College, 320 South Main Street, Olivet.
Yoga 101-The Basics- 10:30-11:30 am. Explore and refresh the basics in this ongoing Beginning Yoga Class. Start your practice off right or refine your practice. $12-$16 per class. Seva Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541. Self-Help Education Meeting- 1:00-2:30 pm. The Peter M. Wege Health & Learning Center (Wege North Building at St. Mary’s Hospital), 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Room & topics subject to change). 231-360-6830. Change Your Coffee, Change Your Life!- 6:00 pm. Organo Gold Coffee mixer- try a cup, feel the difference & find out why. Cedar Rock Mall. Grand Rapids. Call
SAVE: June 23 Meniere’s Disease & Trigeminal Neuralgia Symposium- 10:00am-5:00pm. Open to doctors, patients and caregivers. Learn about important traditional and complementary alternatives to one-sided neurological problems. Registration fee is $300 for doctors and new patients, $50 for existing patients and $25 for caregivers and students. Visit www.MenieresResearch.com and www.BurconChiropractic.com. East Lake Office Building located at 3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, Grand Rapids. 616-575-9990.
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Kripalu Yoga- 6:30-7:30 pm. Classes begin with breath awareness, warm-up and then yoga postures that stretch, strengthen, and balance. $12 drop in or 6-class pass for $60. Sanative Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-791-0472. Self-Discovery Talk/Meditation With Allegra Miller- 7:00 pm. 503 E. Broadway (rear entrance), Mt. Pleasant. Free-will offering; Call 734-2603910 for details. Center of Self-directed Teens Now Forming- 7:008:30 pm. Meeting 1st Wednesday. A progressive alternative for teens and existing homeschoolers who seek a progressive, democratic, challenging learning community. Schuler’s Book & Music. Grand Rapids. 616-550-0371.
thenaturaldirectory ...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 www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.
BODY CARE PRODUCTS MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC
Cottage of Natural Elements 351 Cummings NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-735-1285 www.MoondropHerbals.com
Thursday Women’s Group Meeting- 10:00am-12:00pm. Every other Thursday. Come with an open mind & willingness to share. Free. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500. Classes for the Childbearing Year and Beyond- 6:00 pm. Every 3rd Thursday. Designed to educate & support wholistic parenting & living from pregnancy through parenting and beyond. Advance registration required. Full Circle Midwifery. Hesperia. 231-861-2535. Spiritual Classes- 6:00-7:30 pm. Astrology, numerology, tarot, etc with Gail Brumeister. $15.00. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500. Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 6:157:30 pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Oils Classes- 6:30-8:00 pm. Every 3rd Thursday with Barb Huttinga. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500. Passage meditation group- 7:00-8:30pm. Helpful for solving life’s problems & spiritual growth. Passage Meditation. Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 1711 Walker NW, Grand Rapids. Easwaran.org. 616-636-4023.
Saturday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 9:0010:15 am & 10:30-11:45 am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for info. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio. Montague. 231-740-6662. Sweetwater Local Foods Market- 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Every other Saturday. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon. Adopt a Healthier, More Active Lifestyle- 9:30 am. Perfect nutritional support for optimal fitness. Ask for Reliv’s Personal Training. Open Presentations Spring Hill Suites, 450 Center NW, Grand Rapids. Deb Riolo 616-822-4247. debriolo.reliv@gmail.com. Miracle of Numbers Workshop- 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Learn how to do Numerology Personality Profiles & Planetary Numerology. Basic Numerology I. $75. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-5311339 for more information. Kripalu Yoga- 6:30-7:30 pm. Classes begin with breath awareness, warm-up and then yoga postures that stretch, strengthen, and balance. $12 drop in or 6 class pass for $60. Sanative Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-791-0472.
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•Body & Comfort Care products made naturally since 1998 •Essential Oil Blending & Consulting •Bulk herbs, oils, etc. by the ounce •Candles, Spa accessories, Unique gifts •Reference Library •Practitioner discounts •Workspace Rental & Consignment. See ad page 36.
BODYWORK WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com
Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic, Hot Stone & Matrix Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad page 21.
BUILDING / CONSTRUCTION DLH CONCEPTS
Kyle Hass Licensed Residential Home Builder hasskyle@gmail.com 616-299-5815
Locally owned and operated. Specializing in building custom livable and affordable new homes that are Energy Efficient and utilize Green Building practices. Unmatched efficiencies and uncompromising quality. See ad page 31.
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chiropractic care DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050
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.
SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA
Dr. Andrew Schafer 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000 Tr e a t i n g m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l conditions, but specializing in b ac k p a in , n eck p ain , a n d headaches. Also offering physical therapy, massage therapy, and postural awareness. Most insurances accepted. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa. com. See ad page 8.
cleaning pRoDucts NATURAL HEALTH 4 TODAY, LLC
Clara VanderZouwen, NORWEX Consultant 616-698-6148 claravz@sbcglobal.net www.NaturalHealth4Today.com Imagine cleaning with only water! Improve the quality of your life with Norwex products by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning. Save Time & Money.
cOlon hydrotherapy HARMONY ’N HEALTH
Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT. 1003 Maryland Av., N.E. Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 www.harmonynhealth.net Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 6.
TRICIA E. GOSLING
Natural Health & Healing Center 723 Kenmoor SE Grand Rapids 49546 616-481-9074 www.holisticenergytherapies.net Offering an advanced clientcentered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 16 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions. I-ACT certified Instructor.
dentistry / holistic DENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS 616-974-4990 www.FloodTheDentist.com Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia, Dentistry for Diabetes, TMJ, Chronic Head & Neck pain and Non Surgical Perio. See ad page 2.
energy healing AMA~DEUS®
Elizabeth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 elizabethcosmos@sbcglobal.net www.ama-deus-international.com
Ama Deus® healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 31.
MATRIX ENERGETICS
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using the principles of quantum physics and subtle e n e rg y d u r i n g a M a t r i x Energetics session we are able to enter into different realties and download new possibilities for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual selves. See ad page 21.
HEALTH HUTT
essential oils
Grand Haven 616-846-3026 Muskegon 231-739-1568 North Muskegon 231-744-0852 www.HealthHutt.net
BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS Clara VanderZouwen 616-698-6148 claravz@sbcglobal.net www.NaturalHealth4Today.com
Learn how to address issues of Pain, Stress, Hormone Imbalance, Weight Management, ADD, Allergies, Diabetes & more with Essential Oils, Ionic Foot Baths, Bio-Energy scans, Nutritional & NEW Earthing products! Free monthly classes.
haIR cOLOR AMY WORST
Organic Hair Color Specialist Aesthetica Image Group 616-916-1190
Feel good about looking beautiful! Hair services of all kinds for all types. Providing superior results with Organic Color. 8 yrs. experience. Appointment recommended. www.aestheticaig.com/organic.
heALTH EDUCTION CENTER
Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free food, natural body and homecare products. Open 7 days a week. See ad page 21.
holistic health centers THE HEALING CENTER
Bob Huttinga PA-C & Rev. Barbara Huttinga 332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Physician assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy, massage therapy, reflexology, cranial sacral, foot detox & more. See ad page 28.
homeopathy BOB HUTTINGA PA-C
THE WELLNESS FORUM
332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com
830 Forest Hill Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-7907 www.WellnessForum.com
Educational programs for personal health improvement Workplace wellness programs Wellness Forum Foundation focused on school nutrition and children’s health - National conferences.
A Certified Physician Assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care, ApoE Gene Diet and Family care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. We take most insurances. See ad page 28.
health food stores interior design services
AFFORDABLE NUTRITION
Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 616-667-1346 Joel@Affordable-Nutrition.com
STANDALE INTERIORS
Affordable, natural approach to better health. Certified nutritional consultant with 22 years experience. Offering select, high quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, children’s products, essential oils, homeopathics, weight loss and more. Everyday discounts and senior pricing. www. affordable-nutrition.com.
4046 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-8201 www.standaleinteriors.com Offering environmentally friendly options for cabinetry, flooring, countertops and window treatments. The H o m e c o m i n g Collection from Kincaid with the Eco3Home designation offers furniture manufactured in an environmentally responsible process. See ad page 7.
Nurture Your Business Secure this special ad placement! Call 616-656-9232 Today! natural awakenings
May 2012
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kinesiology
midwifery
WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC
BIRTH SONG MIDWIFERY SERVICES
Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com
Yolanda Visser CM, CPM Grand Rapids: 616-458-8144 www.BirthSongGR.com
Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix E n e rg e t i c s P r a c t i t i o n e r, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner and Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 21.
life / wellness coaching STEVE GUARINO
Certified Life Coach Certified Meditation Instructor 888-552-8880 steveguarino@att.net Soar Higher Than You Ever Thought Possible. Personalized coaching sessions that will connect you with your inner wisdom and light, open you to new possibilities, and help you realize your dreams.
massage therapy DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY
Jaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-6050 I offer Swedish massage with Integrated Te c h n i q u e s , c h o s e n specifically to your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate! Call for ongoing monthly specials and discounts. www. DynamicChiro.com
SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA
Sheri Beth Schafer, CMT, Ayurvedic Bodyworker, Reiki Master 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000 We have multiple certified massage therapists offering relaxation, prenatal, deep tissue massage, and medical massage. We also offer Reiki, chakra balancing, and Ayurvedic bodywork. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa. com. See ad page 8 & 32.
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Homebirth services since 1982. Committed to facilitating natural birth, bonding, strengthening the family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.
FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERY SERVICE, INC. Patrice Bobier CM, CPM Hesperia: 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com
In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth. Over 1200 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.
quantum biofeedback TRICIA E. GOSLING
Natural Health & Healing Center 723 Kenmoor SE Grand Rapids 49546 616-481-9074 This highly complex device is a non-invasive technology that energetically scans & harmonizes the body’s stresses and imbalances, reducing those imbalances that make us uncomfortable. Visit www.holisticenergytherapies.net
school / education INSTITUTE OF SANATIVE ARTS
0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-791-0472 Sanative.isa@sbcglobal.net www.sanativetranquility.com State licensed school for massage and bodywork. High quality, affordable 6 month certification course with small class sizes. NCBTMB CE courses in Bamboo-Fusion®, cupping and more. Convenient to Grand Rapids, Standale, Walker and Allendale areas.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION 503 E. Broadway St Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858 989-773-1714 www.nite-mtp.com
Educational Programs: Natural Health 1-4 Years (one weekend per month), Holistic Labor Companion – Doula 6 months (1 weekend per month), Massage Therapy 1 Year (2 weekends per month), Individual Classes available. Over 15 years of excellence. See ad page 47.
classifieds To place a Classified Listing: Email listing to Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. $1.00 per word; must be pre-paid. FOR RENT Condo in Aruba located at the beautiful Playa Linda Resort. First floor studio with full kitchen, balcony and sleeps four. Available November 25 through December 9th. Cost for two weeks is only $1280.00. Call 616-299-5815 or email Savrcc@yahoo.com for further details.
FOR SALE Log Cabin Home - 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath on Campau Kettle Lake in Caledonia. Plenty of storage in the new 4 Stall Garage. Asking $168,000. Located at 8810 66th Street SE in Caledonia. Call for details 616-292-6762. M-20, Beautiful 80 Acre Farm, outbuildings, barn, garage. East of White Cloud. Home insulated, vinyl siding. Six bedrooms, enclosed front porch. Rob Breen. 231-652-1100
HELP WANTED Openings for Acupuncturist, Naturopath, Chiropractor, Holistic Physician etc. Please contact Dr. Greg Ling at Healing Harmony in Muskegon 231-755-3214 or 231-740-3904 (cell).
OPPORTUNITIES Holistic & Green Business Owners Wanted for Health Network- NAN, the Natural Awakenings Network, is a green and healthy living network that will allow members to enjoy discounts on products & services focused on wellness, green/sustainable living and healthy lifestyles. If you are interested in becoming a provider (a business or organization that offers discounts to members) in this innovative network or want more details, contact Natural Awakenings at 616-656-9232 or Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Participating as a Provider is FREE for the 1st year.
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