HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more
THE BRIGHT GREEN FUTURE special edition TEENS TURNING
GREEN
The New Eco-Aware Activists
Step Up to
BALLROOM
DANCING For Fun & Fitness Tabletop Wonders
Posh Squash FREE
West Michigan Edition www.NaturalWestMichigan.com
OCTOBER 2009
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Masters
of Massage
The Best In Massage Therapy...
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October 2009
contents 14
5 newsbriefs
8 healthbriefs
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.
10 globalbriefs 13 legislationwatch 14 healthykids
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20
13 FOOD SAFETY How It Will Affect
Local Farmers
by Aimee Witteman
17 fitbody
14 TEENS TURNING
20 consciouseating
by Kristin Bender
26 healingways
17 SHALL WE DANCE?
28 naturalpet
by Lee Walker
GREEN
Ballroom’s Health Benefits Can Be Addictive
advertising & submissions
19 MID-LIFE CHANGES
How to Advertise
by Karla Parkhurst, DC
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.
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.
calendar submissions
19
Addressing Naturally
22 THE BRIGHT
GREEN FUTURE by Brita Belli
28 ECO-FRIENDLY AQUARIUMS
Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
by Nina Shen Rastogi
WHERE TO PICK UP NATURAL AWAKENINGS
31 SERENI-TEA
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
13
Health and Harmony
22 17
in a Tea Cup
by Sharon Pisacreta
and much more online... MORE... healthbriefs, globalbriefs, news, articles, archives, calendar, classifieds, natural directory & more!
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letterfrompublishers
A
couple of years ago Kyle and I bought a book called The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen. It was the best $12.95 we ever spent.
contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Editors MaryAnn Lawrence S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design & Production Interactive Media Design Scott Carvey
Printer Newsweb 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. © 2009 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 for 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.
Kyle and I have devoted a good portion of our married life trying to do right by our environment. The Green Book provides us with more options that add to and expand upon what we were already doing for the environment. We’re especially fond of the many small, easy things that we average Joes and Janes can readily do everyday without breaking a sweat. We encourage everyone who cares about their environment to get your hands on this book. Just Natural Awakenings-West Michigan’s 30,000 plus readers alone, consistently making incremental changes to better our world, can add up to a major difference. Teaching our children how to be good stewards of their environment will serve them well their whole life. Our leading by example is, of course, the best teacher of all. Fall in Michigan brings home the preciousness of our particular region. The refreshing temperatures and blazing autumn leaves is a piece of heaven on Earth. We love the cool nights sitting around a backyard campfire. The crackling wood soothes and nurtures beyond words. The smell of the wood smoke on my clothes when I come inside unfailingly reminds me of the happiness of home. Autumn meditations bring up the fact that I am another year older and perhaps, another year wiser. This is the time of year that I take stock of where I have journeyed and what I have accomplished, as well as what I need to do better next year. Sometimes I am disappointed that I did not do all that I set out to do the previous year, but other times I amaze myself with all I have accomplished. Either way, I keep striving to succeed in all that I do, always looking forward to experiencing ever more good. Each morning that I awake, each new year that I am on this glorious Earth, is a blessing that is not to be wasted. I appreciate the philosophy that beholds the evening as the start of a new day; just so, each fall begins an annual rebirth.
Amy and Kyle
Natural Awakenings
100% recycled 2009 4is printed onOctober newsprint with soy based ink.
newsbriefs Class Focuses on Breathwork to Relieve Stress
B
usy work schedules, the constant bombardment of information, and the mixed messages of society make us unsure and uncomfortable. As a result, we are becoming a tense, nervous and anxious society. One way to deal with the chaos of modern life is to learn to control our body’s reaction to stress. To help accomplish this goal, Harbor Health and Massage is offering a free presentation from 7 to 8pm October 8. Led by Vince Hanneken of Full Potential Physical Therapy, this class teaches techniques to control the autonomic nervous system (“fight or flight” response) to better process the stimulation we receive daily so we can feel more in control of our environment. The class is free. Harbor Health and Massage is located at 29 West Eighth Street, Suite 200, in Holland. To register, call 616-510-2155. HarborHealthandMassage.com. FullPotentialPT.com. See ad, page 2.
Awaken to Souls Intentions and Access Innate Creativity
T
endressa Studio, Art Therapy+Art Play will offer several new 7-week sessions starting October 6. All classes are $20 per session. “Working at the Wall” will focus on core themes expressed by using ones non-dominate hand to draw colors, symbols, and pictures. This technique assists in discovering and revealing your subconscious, draws out inner divine guidance and removes blockages. “Lets get serious and Play” is a meditative yet playful way to use a variety of mediums to unleash the creative child within. Examples include mask work, self portraiture and metal sculpture. “Stop Thinking and Paint” is for groups of two or more who want to explore free form, intuitive painting and drawing. It is great for co-workers, friends, clubs and therapists and can be a one-time event. Finally, “The Young Picasso’s Club” for children 6-13 will focus on art basics.
Sessions available after school and weekends. Tendressa Studio, Art Therapy+Art Play, is located at 617 Lyon NE, in Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234. MaryDawsonDesign@earthlink.net. See ad, page 37.
Yoga Workshop to Heal Depression and Anxiety
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my Weintraub, author and founder of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute will lead a workshop on depression and anxiety October 23-25 at Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, in Grand Rapids. “The new way to lift your mood is with the ancient practice of yoga,” says Weintraub. “For thousands of years, yogis have understood what current research in neurobiology is demonstrating... that by working with a body and breathbased practice, you can manage your moods.” The author of “Yoga for Depression” offers workshops and speaks at medical and psychological conferences around the world. Included in the workshop will be yogic breathing techniques, guided meditations and tools for managing mood including visualization, toning and easy yoga postures suitable for all levels of practitioners. Carol Hendershot of Expressions of Grace says she has received rave reviews on past workshops. “Our students say they leave Amy’s workshops feeling refreshed, renewed, and excited.” She says it is significant to remember that no experience is necessary and that new yoga students will benefit as well as advanced students, health care professionals, yoga teachers, and psychotherapists looking for new techniques to help their clients focus and relax. The three-day event can be attended as a whole, or broken into smaller sessions throughout the weekend. To register, call Expressions of Grace at 616-361-8580. ExpressionsofGraceYoga.com. See ad page 16.
Cedar-Rock Community Resource Fair
D
ollarville and Health Motion Physical Therapy invite residents of the Cedar Springs and Rockford area to the first ever Cedar-Rock Community Resource Fair at the Dollarville store October 10 from 10am to 2pm. The event
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is free to the public and aims to promote family wellness solutions and to make residents aware of the many modern, clean and healthy resources local organizations offer. The following services will be available: • Health screenings with a physical therapist • Green solutions for home and life • Nutrition information and giveaways • Information on disease prevention and awareness • Q&A with local professionals • Discounts from local food vendors and retail merchants Dollarville is located at the Cedar-Rock Mall, 4330 14 Mile Road NE, in Rockford. Contact Andy at Health Motion Physical Therapy, 616-554-0918.
Radix® Training Comes to Grand Rapids
G
ood things come to Grand Rapids. In some ways Grand Rapids is an unlikely spot for a science dedicated to the study of the life force and a training program focused on how this force influences human behavior. Yet after 40 years of being based in California, Washington and New Mexico, the Radix Institute is making this training available in West Michigan. The word “radix” is derived from the Latin word meaning “root” and is used to denote the source or origin of something. So “radix” or “life force” or “chi” is the source of the physical and psychological, of action and feeling. How we manage this life energy has a profound effect on our health and sense of well being. The Radix Institute offers a powerful training program that teaches practitioners how to do deep, life-changing therapeutic work with people to open up feelings, clarify thinking, and integrate body and mind. This training program has only been available in an intensive 26-month program in the West. This month, Grand Rapids will be the venue for the debut of a new modular program that offers cuttingedge training to therapists in our community. Contact John Weiks, Ed.D. at 616-942-9000. jcweiks@ mac.com; or Nancy Jonker, Ph.D. at 616-443-9626, drjonker@integrativehealingcentre.com. or visit Radix.org.
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October 2009
Guided Meditation and Healing Circles
H
olistic Care Approach of Grand Rapids is now offering guided meditation and healing circles the first Wednesday of each month from 7-8 pm. Led by Nancy O’Donohue, a licensed trainer for Healing in America, the U.S. affiliate of Britain’s National Federation of Spiritual Healers, the Guided Meditation is especially designed to help escape stress and strains of life and discover an inner world of calm, peace and joy. At the end of the guided meditation, a healing circle will take place in which energy healing will be given to each by Healing in America-trained healers. This healing circle format originated in England by the National Federation of Spiritual Healers, Europe’s largest healing organization. It is offered in many U.K. hospitals and cancer clinics to help promote relaxation and support the body’s ability to self-heal. Holistic Care Approach is located at 3368 Beltline Ct. NE, in Grand Rapids. 616- 361-9221. Contact Nancy O’Donohue at 269-929-6796. See ad page 2.
Holiday Inn Hosts Right to Life Benefit Dinner
M
uskegon County Right to Life will host the Focus on Life 2009 Annual Benefit Dinner October 8 from 6:30 to 9pm at Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, 939 Third Street, in Muskegon. The cost is $30 per person, $20 per student or $240 per table of eight. Bryan Kemper, founder and president of Stand True Ministries, will be the guest speaker. Stand True is a ChristCentered pro-life organization “determined to awaken the youth of this country and share the message of life and the Gospel of Christ.” Muskegon County Right to Life is a nonprofit organization that supports life from conception to natural death, focusing on education to protect innocent life at all stages. Muskegon County Right to Life. 231-733-6300. Muskegonrtl.org.
Nutritional Bailout Plan: Cash for Candy
L
ocal dentist Kevin Flood says he will buy back Halloween candy from GR area trick-or-treaters for $1 per pound. This bold statement emphasizes Dr. Flood’s belief in the importance of good nutrition and how it affects oral health, he says. Last year almost 400 children from Grand Rapids decided they would rather be paid for their Halloween candy than have decay. This unique “taking candy from babies” buy back will take place on November 1 from 2 to 4pm at Dr. Flood’s Dental Health and Wellness Center, 4990 Cascade Road SE, in Grand Rapids. Dr. Flood will donate the candy to local charities such as Families in Transition, which works with local families and children creating ginger bread houses for the Christmas holidays. For more information contact Dental Health and Wellness Center at 616-974-4990 or visit FloodtheDentist.com. See ad page 40.
Green Burial Options
R
ecently, Cook Funeral & Cremation Services held a seminar for those who have made a personal commitment to being more environmentally responsible. The seminar brought to light how green burial options help us make sure that the footprint we leave in death is as light as the one we left during our lifetimes. Ron Cook II discussed eco-friendly products and services and brought to light the many different green burial options that exist. Some of these include burial shrouds made from cotton, sea grass or willow caskets, cornstarch EcoUrns, shell urns made from recycled paper and cre-
mation memorials. One such option is the Eternal Reef Memorial, which becomes the foundation and new home for a variety of sea life. Memorial services can take place at the funeral home, places of worship or at a park. “A reception is a good addition to the memorial service and provides time for family to reflect and gather with friends and relatives following the service”, says Cook. Reception services might utilize recycled paper products, locally grown produce as well as natural and organic food alternatives. Cook also offers a horse drawn hearse to travel to the cemetery. Ron Zartman from Ridgeview Memorial Gardens says that his services have always operated as an environmentally friendly cemetery and those practices helped them achieve a Hybrid Cemetery certification. They are proud to be the only Green Burial Certified Cemetery in West Michigan. “Green forever continues your efforts of being a good steward to the environment”, says Zartman. Cook Funeral & Cremation Services has locations in Byron Center, Grandville & Jenison. 616-534-7619. Info@ CookFuneralServices.com. Ridgeview Memorial Gardens is located at 5151 8th Ave., in Grandville. 616-249-8439.
Kudos The Business Review West Michigan Green Awards recognizes companies throughout our region for green initiatives and leadership. Eden Environments has received an award for best Green Small Business. Kudos to Denise Hopkins, owner of Eden Environments. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000. See ad page 6.
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healthbriefs In October, Natural Awakenings Recognizes • Breast Cancer Awareness Month • Celiac Awareness Month • Dental Hygiene Month • Spinal Health Month
Natural Solutions to Living with Celiac Disease
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July 2009 Mayo Clinic study reports that celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is four times more common today than it was 50 years ago. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye and causes an inflammation of the intestinal lining. Getting enough recommended grains in the diet can be challenging for those with the illness, but awareness is growing of food alternatives that don’t trigger the problem. Reading food labels is essential; sources note that many products are made from gluten-free grains such as rice, beans, tapioca, soy, corn, buckwheat, millet and quinoa. Oats, too, can sometimes be well tolerated. Herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow may soothe irritation, while echinacea and goldenseal may help heal the intestinal lining. Because people with celiac disease often have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, they usually benefit from a daily multivitamin, with the addition of extra B-vitamin complex, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A and E. When taking supplements, it is important to keep one’s doctor informed.
More Reason to Floss and Brush A recent University of Buffalo study explored how gum, or periodontal, disease can play a significant role in developing heart disease. The researchers found that two of the six types of common oral bacteria found in dental plaque indicated an increased risk for heart attack. But more importantly, they discovered that it is the total amount of germs present, regardless of type, which relates to heart health.
For more information, see Celiac.com; CeliacCentral.org; csaceliacs.org.
Chiropractic Fast Facts WebMD.com and MayoClinic.com report that some 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35 percent, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries and muscle strains. Other complaints where chiropractic care may help include headaches and pain in the neck, arms and legs. See the ads on pages 15, 24, 29 & 37 for a local chiropractor.
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October 2009
Acupuncture Helps with Breast Cancer Treatment Not only is acupuncture proving as effective as drug therapy in managing debilitating side effects associated with breast cancer treatment, its benefits are longer-lasting. It also enhances well-being, imparts more energy and sometimes, a higher sex drive. Ultimately, notes lead study author Dr. Eleanor Walker, of the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology, in Detroit, this makes acupuncture “more cost-effective for insurance companies.”
Cleaner Air Pays Off
R
esearch from Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health now shows that the average life expectancy in 51 U.S. cities has increased nearly three years over recent decades and that about five months of this new lease on life can be linked to the fact that we’re breathing cleaner air. In the cities previously most polluted, the cleaner air added about 10 months to the average resident’s life. “Such a significant increase in life expectancy attributable to reducing air pollution is remarkable,” said C. Arden Pope III, a BYU epidemiologist and lead author of the study. Cleaning up our air and keeping it clean is providing a substantial return on investment; it improves not only our environment, but our health, too.
Anti-Aging RX for the Mind
P
articipating in certain mental activities in middle age and later in life may delay or prevent memory loss, according to a recent study of individuals aged 70 to 89 with mild cognitive impairment or diagnosed memory loss. The researchers found that reading books and magazines, playing games, doing crafts and engaging in computer activities in one’s later years led to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of developing memory loss. Those who watched less television in their later years were also less likely to suffer from these problems. Source: American Academy of Neurology, 2009
New to West Michigan!
Swine Flu or No Flu? It’s Your Choice. Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses, Pain Relief, Hormone Issues, as well as Detoxing Foot Baths, Body Balancing & Biofeedback Scans.
616.698.6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com
Air Pollution is turning Mother Nature prematurely gray. Irv Kupcinet
Swine Flu Update T
he H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu virus, remains a newsmaker, but not a dire one. According to information released in September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus has not changed to become more deadly. That means that although H1N1 may affect more people, most will not become severely ill. At this time, the CDC recommends voluntary H1N1 vaccinations for all school children; people with asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease or neuromuscular/neurological conditions; and pregnant women (although current fast-track clinical trials do not include them). People 64 years of age and older are at less risk for swine flu, and H1N1 vaccinations are not recommended for them. To avoid contracting the virus, follow the CDC’s common-sense advice: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based cleaners. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Dr. Andrew Weil’s holistic suggestions include getting good nutrition and adequate sleep and taking a daily antioxidant, multivitamin-mineral supplement. He also recommends astragalus, an immune-boosting herb that can help ward off colds and flu, as well as mushroom-based immune modulator supplements. If you do get the flu, limit contact with others. Visit your health professional if the disease progresses. For issue updates, visit cdc.gov/ h1n1flu. For discussion of vaccine safety and informed consent, refer to the nonprofit National Vaccine Information Center, an educational consumer-driven organization, at nvic.org.
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Coming in
November
globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that works for all.
Green Halloween
Tricks for Earth-Friendly Treats The scariest aspects of Halloween are the unhealthy sugar overload and disposable waste in costumes, decorations and pumpkins left to rot. Ranking second only to Christmas as America’s best-loved holiday in a FamilyFun. com poll, Halloween started going green across the country last year with the help of a grassroots, volunteer-run initiative on the Web at GreenHalloween.org. While the movement started in Seattle in 2007, spreading to New York City and Phoenix, neighborhood, school and community groups around the United States and Canada are now getting in on the act. Founder Corey Colwell-Lipson is behind the move to get people to “think outside the candy box.” Thousands are logging on for start-to-finish ideas for staging local eco-Halloween festivities. One twist is to substitute alternative keepsakes like yarn bracelets, seed packets, polished stones, organic fruit leathers and foreign stamps instead of candy. A 2003 Yale University study found that nearly half of young trick-ortreaters picked a small toy over candy when given the choice. Another option is reverse trick-or-treating, an initiative of Global Exchange, where kids hand out free samples of fair trade chocolate with an informational card on the benefits of supporting fair practices in the cocoa industry (search trick-or-treat at GlobalExchange.org).
Europe Leads Step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what really matters. This November, Natural Awakenings will show you how. For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
616-656-9232 10
October 2009
International Support for Small Farmers and Artisans Although fair trade is still modest in scope, given the factors of smart product design, business strategies and economies of scale, Europeans are proving that it can be a viable market, even in recessionary times. More than 70 percent of the British populace, for example, now recognizes the fair-trade mark, while just 28 percent of U.S. consumers do, according to a recent survey by the Fairtrade Foundation. More, one in four UK shoppers now regularly buy several fair trade products, while fewer than 6 percent of Americans could even name a fair-trade organization. Fair trade is based on the principle of paying workers a fair price for sustainable products. Damien Sanfilippo, a cotton project manager with the international Pesticide Action Network, points out yet another benefit: “Fair trade can provide a stepping stone for [Third World] farmers to convert to organic, because it’s easier to become fair-trade certified,” he says. “Once they have access [to higher fairtrade prices], they can decide to use the premium to finance the training that they need to move towards more sustainable practices—all the way up to organic.” Source: The Christian Science Monitor
Climate Treaty
Why 350 is the Most Vital Number on Earth Grassroots activists around the globe will rally October 24 to try to convince negotiators wrapping up the United Nations global climate treaty this December to target 350 parts per million as the safe upper limit for greenhouse gases. It’s the number, say leading scientists, like James Hansen, Ph.D., and his colleagues at NASA, that humanity needs to cut back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. The 2008 atmospheric loading hit 387 ppm, according to the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. That’s up almost 40 percent since the Industrial Revolution and the highest for at least the last 650,000 years. More than 1,350 grassroots events in 98 countries are gearing up to make a meaningful statement on this Global Day of Climate Action. Everyone is invited to join this necessary call to action to arrest Earth’s climate emergency. To find or schedule a local event on October 24, visit 350.org.
Population Control Savvy Students
Colleges Demonstrate Environmental Literacy The Princeton Review’s second annual ranking of “Green Colleges” shows that schools are responding to rising demand for eco-conscious academic environments. This year, 697 institutions of all sizes participated in the green rankings, from Ivy League universities to small, private colleges. David Soto, the magazine’s director of college rankings, notes that while paying for college is a top worry for students and parents, environmental concerns are right behind that. A quarter of students and nearly a fifth of parents attest that an institution’s commitment to the environment would “very much” impact their choice of a college or university. Comments Soto: “They know they need these skills to get a job in the green economy.” Source: GreenBiz.com
Family Planning Reduces Carbon Footprint Statisticians at Oregon State University have concluded that in the United States, the greenhouse effect carbon legacy of choosing not to have a child is almost 20 times more important than other environmentally sensitive practices people might employ during their entire lives. Counting future descendants, each child adds about 5.7 times the lifetime emissions for which, on average, an individual person is responsible. The research makes clear that the potential carbon impacts vary dramatically across countries. For example, the average, long-term carbon impact of a U.S. child and his or her descendants is about 10,407 tons, more than 160 times the impact of a child born in Bangladesh. The long-term impact of a child born in China is less than one-fifth the impact of one born in America. The researchers are not advocating any particular position. They say they simply want to make people aware of the environmental consequences of their reproductive choices. Source: OregonState.edu
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globalbriefs Opt Out
Stop Junk Mail at its Source The average American adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail a year, even though, as Newsweek reports, polls show that 89 percent of us prefer not to receive direct-marketing mail; 44 percent of it is never opened. Opposition from the U.S. Postal Service and the Direct Marketing Association has so far helped defeat passage of any Do Not Mail legislative relief in 19 states. Low-cost initiatives like 41Pounds.org ($41 for five years includes a $15 eco-cause donation) and StoptheJunkMail.com ($20 a year) are coming to citizens’ rescue with services that solve 80 to 95 percent of the problem for us. Do-it-yourself types also can make it happen using how-to tips courtesy of The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at PrivacyRights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm, with an assist from OptOutPrescreen.com and CatalogChoice.org. Nationwide annual benefits of getting out from under junk mail include: preventing production of greenhouse gases equal to the emissions of 9 million cars; destruction of the 100 million trees and use of 28 million gallons of freshwater it takes to produce 4 million tons of junk mail; $550 million in transportation costs; paper waste comprising 40 percent of the U.S. landfill load; and $320 million in local taxes spent on junk mail disposal. That is not to mention the estimated 350 hours each household spends sorting and shredding it to protect against identity theft and fraud. For more tips, visit BigGreenPurse.com and search “control catalog overload.”
Ancient Tool of the Bee Priestess: The Rhythmic Path of Self Transformation Frame Drum workshop with Layne
Redmond, author of
“When the Drummers Were Women”
November 20-22, 2009 • Play rhythms of 10/8 time on Middle Eastern Tambourine and Tar • Learn Yogic practices of the Bee Priestesses of India • Create sacred space with frame drum and sacred sounds. • Intermediate level frame drum experience required. • Cost: $275.00 includes some meals Workshops held in Twin Lake, MI. For more details and costs, contact Barb Pitcher, oakdrum@earthlink.net, 231-828-5666
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October 2009
legislationwatch
NEW FOOD
SAFETY LEGISLATION COULD HELP OR HARM LOCAL AND ORGANIC SUPPLIERS by Aimee Witteman
C
ongress has at last begun consafety regulations have focused on aftersidering reforming the nation’s harvest processing and handling steps, food safety laws. But family farm because of their comparative risk. The and local food advocates oppose parts new proposals would impose mandaof the current proposed legislation, tory standards that extend all the way especially its one-size-fits-all approach. back to the farm. They argue that the Food Safety En Provisions would also increase the hancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749), authority of the Food and Drug Adminpassed by the House of Representatives istration to regulate the production, in July, could impact Americans’ access processing and importation of fresh proto natural and organic foods. duce. While family farm and local food The House bill, critics advocates agree that many say, puts unreasonable of the steps are necessary Recent outbreaks and overdue, they also say burdens on small family of illness caused the devil rests in the details. farms, jeopardizes local by food contami- “We welcome stronger food system initiatives and fails to focus on the riskiest nation associated food safety regulations and sectors of the food system. with both peanuts were glad to see the final The Senate will be discussand spinach indi- House bill provide the FDA ing its own version of the mandatory recall authority cate the U.S. food when particular foods and food safety bill this fall, the safety system is Food Safety Modernization food products are identified in need of serious as causing health probAct of 2009 (S. 510). There will be an opportunity to lems,” says Russell Libby, improvement. make further changes when executive director for the these bills move on to a Maine Organic Farmers and conference committee this fall. Gardeners Association. “But there are some nuances that the bill gets wrong. For instance, it imposes a flat $500 anPros and Cons nual fee for all farms that process their E. coli in bagged, ready-to-eat spinach product and sell to wholesale and retail in 2006 and Salmonella linked to chili markets.” Thus, small-farm operations peppers in 2008 are among the recent, would pay the same fee per facility as highly publicized outbreaks of illness large multinational corporations. that have prompted Congress to take Many small producers also a more thorough look at the safety of perform value-added processing to fresh produce. Until now, fresh produce
increase farm income and to meet consumer demand—such as turning fruit into jam or maple sap into syrup, Libby explains. “We are concerned that a flat, rather than graduated, fee will create a disincentive for farmers to pursue value-added processing.” Small-farm advocates object to this registration fee for facilities, which is not in the Senate bill. Another concern is that neither the House nor Senate bill instructs the FDA to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s current National Organic Program, which already requires food safety measures for certified organic producers. Others point out that there is not enough distinction drawn between the food chain activities that are most risky.
Keeping Food Safety in Perspective Some argue that, in the midst of the debate over details, we should not forget critical threats to the health and safety of our food system that is at the heart of the problem—the industrialized, global food system. “I’m concerned that the food safety debate is being limited by the parameters of the proposed legislation,” remarks Jim Goodman, a dairy farmer and a food and society policy fellow with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. For example, says Goodman, “The number one source of E. coli is grain-fed cattle. If we want to prevent spinach from being contaminated by E. coli, we need to increase regulations to stop the factory-like conditions in which livestock are raised. We need to increase incentives for farmers to move their livestock onto grass, not simply put the onus on produce growers to keep manure from neighbors’ farms out of their fields.” Call members of Congress through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to tell them to support a food safety bill that does not harm family farmers. Visit mofga.org for discussion and updates on the issue. Aimee Witteman is executive director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (SustainableAgriculture.net).
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healthykids
teens turning
green by Kristin Bender
F
or years, Natalie Whalen stuck to one brand of eyeliner to accent her big brown eyes. Until, that is, she found out that it contains formaldehyde, the same chemical she used in high school biology class to dissect frogs. “I was completely clueless about what was in the products,” says this 18-year-old from Marin County, California. Formaldehyde is a probable cancer-causing chemical, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But because the federal Food and Drug Administration does not review or approve cosmetic ingredients, it is also found in nail polish, insect repellant, liquid hand soap and sunscreen, notes the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database. A 2004 EWG report further found that one-third of all cosmetics contain one or more ingredients classified as possible carcinogens, with links to birth defects, cancer and reproductive harm.
Cosmetics Savvy
Today, Whalen continues to be a committed cosmetics user, but now she’s a different kind of consumer. Like most teens, she says she used to routinely buy mascara, eye shadows and skin care products from drug store racks and department store cosmetic counters without checking ingredient labels. That has changed since she joined the nonprofit group Teens for Safe Cosmetics, now called Teens Turning Green, three years ago. Whalen is now one of the group’s 500-plus teens doing their bit to save Mother Earth. Over the past few years, they have launched chapters in Dallas, New York City and Pittsburgh. Plans call for new chapters in Denver, Toronto, Rio de Janeiro and Australia. The California-based organization investigates chemicals in consumer products, advocates for policy changes and educates youth and adults about how to buy products that don’t harm their bodies or the environment.
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October 2009
As a result, Whalen’s overall eco-consciousness now extends to everything from organic tomatoes to chemical-free face wash and recycled paper. “Whenever I buy new stuff, I try to go as green as I can,’’ she says. “Every part of your life can be green,” agrees Carly Wertheim, 17, of Marin County, who was using chemicalladen deodorant and mascara when she joined the local group three years ago and “knew nothing.” She likes the fact that when teens like her get involved in this campaign, they immediately start doing research and learning how to read ingredient labels. “Now,” she advises, “if I can’t pronounce it, I don’t want to be using it.” Last year, teens in Marin County and New York collaborated with several organic beauty companies to create and launch the first-ever line of organic skin and body care products specifically for teens. Named after the group, the Teens Turning Green brand offers hand sanitizer, face wash, body lotion and other skin care products that contain no toxins or other chemicals believed to cause cancer or reproductive harm, according to Executive Director Judi Shils. Everything in the teen line is organic and packaged in glass jars, without extra paper or cardboard packaging. Initial sales have been good via the group’s original distribution through Whole Foods Market’s independent stores, reports Shils. Now, the group is gearing up to provide their products through other outlets, as well.
Whole Life Choices
Teens Turning Green recently added a whole new dimension with Project Green Dorm, because, “We have moved into all aspects of a teen’s lifestyle, 24/7,’’ says Shils. To set up a prototype green dorm, the group rented space in a Marin County shopping mall and convinced more than 100 eco-friendly companies nationwide to sell their
products at wholesale prices. They opened their first retail shop this past July. All items are made from either recycled or organic materials, including glass containers (no plastic) for packing a school lunch; organic cotton bed sheets; banana fiber notebook paper; fair trade sports equipment; and shirts made of silk, harvested using sustainable methods. Under the plan, Teens Turning Green will keep 50 percent of the proceeds, reports Shils. Many of the items are also for sale online at ProjectGreenDorm.org, along with back-to-school resource guides, tips on going green, illustrated product recommendations and other advice. Shils notes that the group’s basic ($50) and premium ($100) care packages provide what a college student needs to live a green life. Members of Teens Turning Green say that, along with living a greener life themselves, they want to convince others to do so, as well. “To be able to help people change their lifestyles and have healthier options is really rewarding,” says a smiling Whalen. “When people appreciate what we are doing, that is what drives me to continue the work.”
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Kristin Bender is a San Francisco Bay Area freelance writer. Connect at KristinBender@comcast.net
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Awaken your mind, restore your body classes for all levels variety of yoga styles classes 7 days a week morning, noon, and evening check our web site for our many fall workshop offerings
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fitbody
SHALL WE
DANCE? Ballroom’s Health Benefits Can Be Addictive by Lee Walker
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616.656.9232 to be a par t of this exclusive directory!
rom the mambo’s sultry hip shimmies to the foxtrot’s long, sweeping steps, ballroom dancing has captured today’s fitness spotlight as a shining venue for shaping up, improving cardiovascular health and losing weight. The renewed interest is especially high among people 18 to 49, says Leslie Spearin, a rhythm champion and traveling consultant for Arthur Murray International, Inc. Spearin is among those who attribute the dance form’s elevated popularity to recent Hollywood films and reality shows like ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. It also helps that news from prominent medical research centers supports ballroom dancing’s generous physical and mental benefits. Participants see it as a fun path to overall fitness.
All the Right Moves While dancers are moving to specific rhythms, they are actually coordinating their body and mind, advises Judy Gantz, founder
and director of the Center for Movement Education and Research, in Los Angeles. “They look at each other and interact, which are important social components. Walking on a treadmill or exercising in front of a mirror doesn’t provide that.” “Dancers are happy and have fun, a winning combination for everyone,” adds Tara Christensen, director of public relations for Arthur Murray. “We see the benefits of ballroom dancing in our studios every day, as well as whenever our students and teachers gather for dance parties and competitions.”
Exercise for Body and Brain Thanks to moves accentuated with pivots, turns, bounces, kicks, sways, quick steps, bends and rollinghip motions, vigorous ballroom dancing, which
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evates heart rate and oxygen consumption, can burn as many as 400 calories per hour. Studies by California State University at Long Beach show that beginning students can boost their heart rates to near-maximum training rates with just a five-minute warm-up and 20-minute polka, cha-cha or swing. Even moderate ballroom dance burns 250 to 300 calories an hour. Whether dancing for health, to prep for a wedding or prom or to spice up a marriage, individuals and couples who get their groove on are reported to enjoy better bone health from this weight-bearing activity. Plus, they enjoy increased flexibility and core strength. Gantz, who specializes in dance kinesiology and Laban Movement Analysis, a comprehensive system for understanding movement, notes that dances requiring complex coordination also enhance mental acuity. A 2003 study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine validates dancing’s ability to increase blood flow to the brain via mental challenges, which may lower the risk of dementia and the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Pertinent activities include memorizing complex steps, staying with the rhythm of music and working with a partner. The same study also credited dancing’s social interaction with decreasing stress and depression. As the Mayo Clinic has reported, self-confidence and self-discipline jump right along with enhanced circulation, muscle tone and coordination. Angela Prince, national public relations director of USA Dance Inc., advises beginners that they can sign up for the group classes held by many local social groups, churches and YMCAs, as well as area dance studios. “With everyone on the same level in these sessions, inhibition and fear quickly dissipate,” notes Prince. She encourages newcomers to quickly get beyond the idea that others are judging them. “Other beginners are too busy thinking about what they are doing to notice anyone else’s steps. Before you know it, you are learning to move beyond your comfort zone and unleashing your creative self.” For more information, visit USADance.org.
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October 2009
Addressing Women’s Mid-Life Changes Naturally
Non-drug solutions to manage weight, mood swings, hot flashes and many other conditions.
by Karla Parkhurst, DC
T
he crazy pace of life in today’s society can take its toll on a woman’s health. Not only in the dramatic increase in stress related conditions, that range from headaches, fatigue and digestive disorders to chronic pain and insomnia, but in the significant effects on moods, sense of purpose and happiness levels. Many women find it hard to get motivated in the morning and run out of energy by mid-afternoon. Often we find ourselves depending on caffeine or sweets to get through the day. And after work we frequently run full blast taking care of the family until we fall into bed exhausted. While we lay motionless our mind is on the fast track and we are unable to fall sleep. Although at the early age of 38, a woman can find herself wondering what happened to the vivacious, motivated and happy person that she used to be, even women in their mid- 30s to mid-50s can feel like they are on the same treadmill without any effective solutions. Add in lowered metabolism, hormonal symptoms, lack of sex drive, inability to think clearly, and possibly mild to moderate depression, and overwhelm sets in.
Help and answers are here now
In recent years new research has given us a better understanding of how neurotransmitters and hormones have an interdependent relationship. Years ago, it was thought that pharmaceutical intervention was the only way to correct these imbalances. As our understanding of the roles of hormones, neurotransmitters and blood sugar increase, we have been able to find the means to restore balance to these systems with natural, non-drug solutions.
Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalances aren’t the only culprits
The cause of many of these symptoms are imbalances in estrogen and progesterone—factors in hot flashes, irritability, lowered metabolism, difficult menstruation and lack of sex drive—however, these two hormones do not stand alone. They are closely related to the adrenal hormones, DHEA and cortisol. Therefore it is crucial that all of these hormones be evaluated before considering any type of hormone replacement therapy.
A Symphony of Hormones Led by Cortisol
A way to illustrate how these hormones are related in both preand post-menopausal women is to look at what the body does under any kind of stress—emotional, chemical or physical. In high stress situations the body will produce higher quantities of cortisol. High cortisol slows down metabolism, causes fat storage and irritability as well as lower progesterone levels since cortisol is made from progesterone. This is often why progesterone supplementation alone is not effective. We now have the ability to test all of these hormones in their unbound state in one simple saliva test, which is quite accurate and affordable. It also gives us a complete picture of the hormone pathways.
Testing for Neurotransmitter Levels
Testing for levels of neurotransmitters in the body is now avail-
able using a simple urine test. The key chemicals for this test are serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and GABA, which all play a crucial role in optimal metabolism, healthy emotion, restful sleep as well as a sense of vitality and well being. As an example, it is now understood that healthy levels of serotonin are needed for estrogen to work properly.
Correcting Neurotransmitter Imbalances with Natural Amino Acid Therapy
Low serotonin can cause depression, headaches and insomnia as well as hormonal symptoms. Most antidepressants target serotonin receptors but antidepressant medications do nothing to bring serotonin back to healthy levels. The good news is that natural amino acid therapy can now be used to treat neurotransmitter imbalances. This has been shown to balance levels of neurotransmitters allowing them to function fully and in conjunction with their hormonal partners.
The Role of Blood Sugar
A big piece of the puzzle for women dealing with mid-life changes is stable blood sugar. Blood sugar has a direct effect on hormone and neurotransmitter levels. This is often ignored in the treatment. Busy women tend to put themselves last; they prepare a child’s breakfast but skip their own. People that are under stress tend to crave sweets and caffeine, which causes blood sugar to roller coaster.
The easy answer to the roller coaster sugar ride
Eat small, frequent, protein-containing meals and snacks throughout the day so that the blood sugar level does not drop. When blood sugar drops the body releases epinephrine and cortisol to stabilize blood sugar which can cause hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and effect your ability to sleep. These are multi-faceted conditions that produce symptoms that are multifaceted can be caused by an imbalance in one or many of these chemicals in the body.
Identified imbalances can be remedied with natural solutions The great news is that we have the ability to evaluate all of these areas. It is possible to test for hormone levels in saliva, for neurotransmitter levels in the urine and to evaluate blood sugar fluctuations. Once these imbalances are identified they can be remedied using safe, non-drug solutions. With sublingual bio-identical hormones, amino acid therapy and glandular support along with minor diet and lifestyle changes we can restore balance to the body. This process is safe, affordable and usually achievable in 12 to 16 weeks. People on this program have reported a significant improvement in the quality of their life; they often say that they feel like themselves again, at last! Karla Parkhurst, DC, Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden Ave, Holland, Michigan. 616-392-9500. ParkhurstChiropractic.com. See ad page 15.
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consciouseating
PoshSquash
by Anjela Boyd
What vegetable may be round, oblong or spherical, smooth or bumpy and comes in a variety of rich autumn colors? Hint: It can sit prettily on the kitchen counter through March, waiting for someone to figure out its full range of possibilities. The answer is winter squash. The most common types of winter squash are butternut, acorn and spaghetti. Others include buttercup, banana, Cushaw, delicate, Hubbard and turban. A plentiful variety exists within each type of squash, with a choice of sweetness, color and size. Winter squash differ from summer squash in part because they are kept on the vine to full maturity, when the seeds are completely grown. Winter squash tend to have a harder exterior that helps to maintain their freshness when stored in a cool place over the long winter months. The most notable difference between winter and summer squash is that winter varieties are only served cooked, while most summer squash can be eaten raw, as well as cooked.
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October 2009
The most unusual winter squash is the spaghetti squash. When fully cooked, the scooped-out flesh resembles spaghetti and can be used in place of noodles in a savory dish or sweetened up with a bit of honey, cinnamon and butter for a sweet, spiced treat. Butternut squash, with a more traditional texture, is generally beige on the outside, with rich, orange flesh inside. This squash makes for a tasty soup or may be simply split in half, drizzled with honey or maple syrup and butter or olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, and baked until soft. Other varieties have a flesh similar to that of the butternut, kind of like a pumpkin that is rich and creamy when cooked. The many rich fall colors of winter squash add a piquant touch to any holiday table with little effort. Treating the squash like a Halloween pumpkin by cutting a hole in the top and scraping out the majority of the flesh is the first step. This flesh can be baked in a casserole, cubed and added to stuffing, creamed into a wonderful side dish or even made into soup. More ideas on how to cook up squash turn up in an Internet search. A vegetarian cookbook may also offer other innovative recipes. A fun bonus comes in using the squash shells as soup bowls. Save each squash top, garnish the tasty winter soup and add the natural lid to surprise guests with the wonderful treat within. Smaller varieties can be used as bowls for dips or as creative containers to serve salad dressing at the table. For strictly decorative use, winter squash make a longlasting base for a seasonal flower arrangement, either as a place accent or centerpiece. Another special touch comes in carving small shapes into different-sized shells and placing small glasses with tea lights in the bottoms. To add extra sparkle, press small crystals or other light-reflecting stones into the outer rind. Now, that’s a posh squash. Anjela Boyd is a freelance writer based in Wrightwood, CA. Connect at Mail4Anj@hotmail.com or AnjelaBoyd.com.
Sugar Pumpkin Pie
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
by Judith Fertig
2. Cut the pumpkin into large chunks; remove and discard the seeds and stringy matter. Place the pumpkin pieces, cut-side down, on the baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool.
When small sugar or pie pumpkins come on the market around Halloween, snap up a few to make a delicious pumpkin pie filling. This seasonal Thanksgiving pie has a lighter and fresher flavor than a traditional pie. If possible, use a local honey. Good spices matter, too: Buy a whole nutmeg and grate it into the filling and select Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon for the strongest flavor. It even works to make and freeze the fresh pumpkin puree in 3-cup measurements ahead of time for quicker holiday preparation. Makes one 9-inch single-crust pie 1 3-lb sugar or pie pumpkin 1 cup crumbled cinnamon graham crackers ½ cup chopped pecans 2 tsp canola oil or melted butter 4 large eggs, lightly beaten ¾ cup wildflower, clover or other amber-colored honey 1 cup half-and-half ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg ½ tsp ground Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon 1 tsp salt
3. Remove the rind with a sharp knife and place the cooked pumpkin in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Measure 3 cups of puree for the pie. 4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°. Combine the graham crackers and pecans in a food processor and process until the mixture has the consistency of fine crumbs. Pour in the oil or melted butter and pulse until blended. Pat this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. 5. In a bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the pumpkin puree with the eggs, honey, half-and-half, spices and salt until smooth. Pour the filling into the prepared pie pan. Place the filled pie pan on a cookie or baking sheet. 6. Bake the pie on the middle shelf of the oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the filling is glossy on top. Let cool before cutting and serving. Judith Fertig is the author of the award-winning Prairie Home Cooking and All-American Desserts cookbooks.
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The Bright green Future Despite national economic challenges, green industries are expanding and customers are committed… by Brita Belli
G
oing green is not just a trend—it’s a full-scale shift that’s taken place across the consumer landscape in every market. In one recent study, the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies found that half of the survey respondents would “definitely” or “probably” pay more for eco-friendly laundry detergent or an automobile. Even those who described their financial situation as “fair” or “poor” expressed their willingness to spend 15 percent more on environmentally friendly detergent and wood furniture. As the market continuously shifts toward healthier options—both for people and the planet—companies that produce everything from cars to cosmetics to clean energy systems are responding with greater options and lower prices.
Organic and Local Food Research by Packaged Facts reports that organic food sales have continued to grow over the past year, albeit at an annual rate closer to 6 percent, compared to the 20 percent of better years. The researchers found that “premium customers,” those earning $75,000 per year or more, increased their organic purchases in the past year. Also, some 33 percent of those earning much less still seek out organic labels at the grocery store. Organic foodies are committed to the healthfulness
promised by fruits, veggies, juices, cereals, meats and other food staples that aren’t produced or raised with harmful additives or toxic pesticides. From Stop & Shop’s Nature’s Promise to Whole Foods’ 365 Organic Everyday Value and Wegmans’ Food You Feel Good About, supermarket brands now offer organic items ranging from crackers to butter and chicken at prices comparable to non-organic versions. This emerging shift means we have a chance at making progress in restoring our land and water and better safeguarding life from the hazards of industrial agriculture, in which pesticides and herbicides and in the case of meat, antibiotics and hormones, harm soil quality and contaminate our water supplies. Demand for local foods from farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs has seen an upswing, too. More buyers are expressing concern with “food miles”—how far food travels from farm to plate—resulting in needless carbon doxide emissions during transport and reduced taste. Says vegetarian cookbook author Deborah Madison, “I like everything about a farmers’ market. It’s vital, it’s alive, it’s the best-tasting food.” See ad pages 11, 12, 15, 18, 36 & 38 for your local resources. Contact: Organic Consumers Association, OrganicConsumers.org.
LifeForce Yoga to Manage Your Mood with AMY weintrAub • OctOber 23 - 25, 2009 Join Amy, author of “Yoga for Depression” and a leader in the field of yoga and mental health, in one or all of these inspiring workshops. You will learn breathing exercises, guided meditations and many more yogic tools to bring balance to the emotional and physical body. Learn more at www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com
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October 2009
5270 northland Drive ne Grand Rapids, MI 49525
616-361-8580
Green Building Buildings in the United States account for 38 percent of primary energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, making them a top contributor to global warming, according to the Environmental Information Administration. The green building movement now encompasses improved insulation and heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; energyefficient windows and appliances; low-flow commodes and showers; use of recycled and more durable materials for roofs, decks and countertops; and paints free of volatile organic compounds. According to McGraw-Hill Construction’s Green Outlook 2009, the overall green building market is likely to more than double from today’s $46 billion to $49 billion to $96 billion to $140 billion by 2013. Increasing awareness of the benefits of green building, combined with a national push for healthier homes and green jobs, has led to opportunities for homeowners. Federal tax credits are available for up to 30 percent of the cost for various metal and asphalt roofs, biomass stoves (used for heat or water heating), increased insulation and more energyefficient windows, doors, air conditioners and water heaters. Details are available at the government’s Energy Star website. More, the Federal Housing Administration is offering Energy Efficient Mortgages to new homebuyers who commit to significant energy-saving improvements or who purchase an Energy Star-rated home. Contact: Energy Star green building tax credit information, EnergyStar.gov, search “tax credits”; U.S. Green Building Council, usgbc.org.
Renewable Energies Despite the poor economy, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported that 2008 was one of solar energy’s best years: Here at home, solar power connected to the electric grid was up 58 percent, and solar water heating capacity grew 40 percent. The research firm Clean Edge reports that, worldwide, solar is expected to grow from a $29.6 billion industry in 2008 to $80.6 billion by 2018. In 2008, the United States surpassed Germany to become the world leader in wind energy; that industry is projected to expand from $51.4 billion in 2009 to $139.1 billion in 2018. A host of other renewable energies promise bright futures, too, including geothermal, hydropower and biofuels. For those who want to convert their house to renewable energies, cost is a factor. Solar panels generally cost between $35,000 to $72,000 before rebates and tax incentives. Solar water heaters are a universally cost-effective way to go; at $2,000 to $4,000 for 80-100 gallons, they can provide more than half a home’s hot water needs. Wrapping a water heater
in a space-age insulation blanket and hooking it up to its own timer, at about $200, installed, is another way to cut energy usage and utility bills. Residential wind turbines—as tall as 80 feet or more— depend on a host of factors to make them feasible, including unobstructed land, building codes and cost considerations. A 10-kW system will cost about $40,000. For anyone building a new home, a geothermal heat pump is one of the best long-term energy investments. Pipes are buried in the ground outside the home, where the temperature remains stable; these move heat from the ground via encased fluid to the home’s ductwork during cold months and reverse the process in hot months. The overall system costs about $7,500, more than a $4,000 furnace and central air system, but it requires little maintenance. Payback can come in as little as two years. Many incentives help. A 30 percent tax credit is available through 2016 for home renewable energy systems (search the Energy Star website). Local utilities often offer further rebates and incentives (search Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency). For solar panels, tap into a Residential Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where a customer pays a small upfront cost to a company such as SunRun to guarantee a set electricity rate for the next 18 years. Contact: American Wind Energy Association, awea.org; Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, dsireusa.org; Energy Star tax information, EnergyStar.gov, search “tax credits”; Solarbuzz, Solarbuzz.com; SunRun, SunRunHome.com.
Organic Clothing and Linens While major brands like Levi, Gap and American Apparel have introduced organic clothing lines in the last few years, organic and natural fiber fabrics, including sustainable bamboo and hemp, is still a niche market. While people now better understand the health benefits of organic foods, “Most consumers don’t understand organic… when it comes to clothing,” says Mark Messura, executive vice president of Cotton Incorporated. Patagonia makes all of its sportswear from 100 percent organic cotton, a practice it began in 1996. Recently, a more widespread advance in green standards for all consumer products has emerged from an unlikely source: Walmart. In July 2009, the retail giant announced that it is developing a universal rating system and “eco label” that lets shoppers know the environmental impacts of the products they are buying, from energy consumption to water use. For cotton clothing and bedding, pesticide and water use are major concerns. Petra Kjell, of the Environmental Justice Foundation reports, for example, that it requires 500
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gallons of water to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt. Traditional cotton production continues to be tied to dangerous levels of toxic pesticides and insecticides. Eco fashion offers an eclectic mix from emerging designers. They may use surplus designer fabric, T-shirts made from bamboo, or fleece made from recycled soda bottles. Vintage and consignment clothes work well, while “refashion”—like dresses made from T-shirts—are widely available on sites like Etsy.com. Sheets, pillows and mattresses all come in organic varieties, too. More, they are often superior in quality and durability to their cheaper conventional counterparts.
watering lawns, which also entails 67 million pounds of pesticides that end up contaminating water systems as runoff. Native plants, on the other hand, require nothing but rainfall to thrive. Also, more people are turning to rain barrels. Placed under a home’s downspout, these can hold up to 100 gallons and have a spigot for attaching a hose. An added benefit of using rainwater is that plants prefer it.
Locally: Visit Clothing Matters at 141 Diamond SE in Grand Rapids. Contact: Environmental Justice Foundation, EJFoundation.org; Etsy.com; Patagonia, Patagonia.com.
Natural Products
Cleaner Lawns and Gardens According to a fact sheet from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, sales of organic lawn and garden products increased by 64 percent between 2002 and 2006 and continue to grow. It’s no secret that Americans are enthusiastic about their perfectly manicured, green lawns, but they’re also increasingly aware of the environmental impacts. Some are rethinking lawns altogether, switching to native ground cover and other plants as an alternative. Lawn maintenance equipment is a major environmental problem with grass. A traditional gas-powered mower, notes the Environmental Protection Agency, produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars, each driven 12,000 miles; 54 million Americans mow their lawns each weekend. One alternative is the electric mower, which produces no exhaust, requires little maintenance and is much quieter and lighter than its gas-guzzling cousin. Models from Black & Decker, Neuton, Sunlawn and other companies come in corded and cordless varieties, with charges that can last up to an hour. Even more problematic, a study by Purdue University confirms that 30 to 60 percent of all urban freshwater is used for
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October 2009
Locally: Contact Clean Air Lawn at (616) 328-5716 or nate@ cleanairlawn.com. Care Contact: Clean Air Gardening, CleanAirGardening.com.
The market research firm Packaged Facts reported in July 2009 that the natural health and beauty care market, which grew 8 percent in 2008 and is approaching $7 billion, is likely to reach sales of $12 billion by 2014. “Many Americans fear the health consequences of using chemical-laden deodorant, shampoo, foundation and other personal care products,” says Tatjana Meerman, the research publisher. It’s easy to search for the content—and safety—of preferred brand-name products at the Skin Deep online database, maintained by the Environmental Working Group. All of this is good news for the environment, because the chemicals in personal care products find their way through bathing and disposal into the soil and water supplies, where they can negatively impact aquatic life and potentially, human health. The same holds true for common household cleaners and chemical air fresheners, which contribute to indoor air pollution and can aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma. One 2008 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that households that regularly used cleaning sprays had a 30 to 50 percent increased risk of experiencing asthma. People are demanding healthier alternatives and the market is responding. While neither beauty products nor cleaners generally disclose their harmful ingredients, natural
and organic alternatives from companies like Seventh Generation offer detailed labels. Conscious shoppers are reading them as they look for plant-based ingredients and essential oils, instead of chemicals. People can even make their own household cleaners, such as distilled white vinegar and water to clean windows, or baking soda, lemon juice and salt to scrub grout. These are safe for even the most sensitive family members.
goal of 500 miles. Today’s evolving bicycle designs include folding models for commuters and a range of trailers, carriers and attachments for those who want to start shopping by bike and bring the kids.
Contact: Natural Products Association, NaturalProductsAssoc.org; Skin Deep, CosmeticsDatabase.com.
Green Investing
Efficient Autos and Going Car-Free The car market has taken a serious hit from the economy, hybrids included. But while even the popular Toyota Prius saw sales drop 44 percent between December 2007 and December 2008, environmentally friendly vehicles are the declared future of the auto industry. This year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit was all about electric models, from the Cadillac Converj, a more luxurious version of the Chevy Volt, to the Toyota FT-EV city car, expected in showrooms in 2012. Hybrid cars combine the gas engine with an electric motor and utilize a car’s braking energy, making them both more fuel efficient and less polluting. In the government’s 2009 Fuel Economy Guide, the Honda’s Civic Hybrid was cited as a leader among compact cars, delivering 40 miles per gallon in the city/45 mpg on the highway. Among midsized cars, the Prius tops the list with 48/45 mpg; in the SUV class, Ford’s Escape Hybrid gets a solid 34/31 mpg. Because they can cost $2,000-plus more than gaspowered cars, hybrids are a tough sell at the moment. Several federal tax credits designed to ease the transition to hybrid, electric and other fuel-efficient vehicles, like diesels, have come and gone, the latest called Cash for Clunkers—a federal stimulus program that offered up to $4,500 to anyone who traded an old gas-guzzler for a new, more fuel-efficient car. The discussion has many people seriously rethinking their transportation options. At the same time, the American Public Transportation Association reported a 4 percent increase in public transportation ridership last year—bringing it to its highest level in 52 years. Bicycle sales are picking up, too. In the first quarter of 2009, U.S. bicycle sales surpassed car sales. Rising interest in bicycle riding has led many cities to open bike lanes. National efforts to create safe paths for bike riders include the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile traffic-free trail system between Canada and Florida that’s 21 percent complete. The San Francisco Bay Trail has developed 300 miles of shoreline trails for bikers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts over the past 20 years, with an eventual
Contact: U.S. Department of Energy, FuelEconomy.gov; East Coast Greenway, Greenway.org; The San Francisco Bay Trail Project, BayTrail.abag.ca.gov.
Jack Uldrich, the author of Green Investing: A Guide to Making Money through Environment-Friendly Stocks, says that, despite the recession, “I still think cleantech is an outstanding long-term investment trend.” Still, he cautions that green stocks should only comprise 5 percent to 10 percent of an investor’s portfolio. Why? He notes that renewable energy investments are particularly subject to outside forces, such as government investment, the availability of strong credit available to fund solar panels and other energy systems, and the rise and fall of gasoline prices. But venture capitalists are still flocking to clean technology ventures such as eSolar Inc., the nation’s first solar tower energy facility, in Pasadena, California, backed by the investment firm Idealab. Ernst & Young reported that investments in cleantech startups jumped 73 percent in the second quarter last year. Paul Deninger, vice president of the investment bank Jefferies & Company, notes that the most exciting opportunities may actually occur in the process of managing current energy use “by happenstance, being green, rather than [in] managing the carbon footprint directly.” Matthew Patsky, a partner of the green fund group Winslow Management, observes that in the future, fossil fuel supplies will inevitably be supplanted by clean energy like solar, wind and geothermal. “Renewable energy, green building, mass transit, improving efficiency…” Patsky concludes, “It’s got to win.” Contact: Green Century Capital Management, Inc., GreenCentury.com; Pax World Funds, PaxWorld.com; Winslow Management Company, WinslowGreen.com. Natural Awakenings readers across the country are among those already investing in a greener future—whether switching to organic snacks and energy-efficient light bulbs, supporting local green businesses or bicycling to work. Collectively, these incremental changes are beginning to add up and the markets are responding. Brita Belli is the editor of E/The Environmental Magazine and the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home. Connect at Brita@emagazine.com.
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healingways
HAPPY BACK HAPPY BODY Five Ways to a Healthy Spine by Dr. Peter F. Ullrich, Jr.
The spine’s many nerves, muscles and ligaments serve as connections to areas throughout the body, so keeping your spine in top condition is one of the best things you can do for both your back and overall health.
Let the spine really rest while sleeping. While you’re sleeping, the structures in your spinal column that have worked hard all day finally have an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Using the right mattress and pillow will support the spine, allowing the muscles and ligaments to become stress-free and refreshed.
improve flexibility and decrease tension. Massage chairs also can improve blood flow and increase the level of endorphins, natural chemicals in the body that make you feel good, in your bloodstream. While it’s not the same as experiencing treatment by a massage therapist, using a massage chair at home can be a practical, easy way to feel some of the benefits of a Shiatsu or Swedish massage.
Choose your shoes carefully.
Sit up straight, with support.
Whether walking for exercise or just to get where you’re going, the shoes on your feet have a big effect on your back. Shoes should be well-balanced, flexible and comfortable. Providing not only protection for the feet, but a supportive base that helps the spine and body remain in alignment, the right shoes, plus inserts for added balance, if needed, can help avoid muscle strain and possible injury.
Enjoy the benefits of a massage chair. A massage feels good because it relaxes your muscles and relieves stress, but therapeutic massage does more than
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October 2009
Loading on the discs in the lower spine is three times greater while sitting than standing, so it follows that long periods of sitting can create or aggravate a painful back condition. Problems can also occur from sitting incorrectly or in an uncomfortable chair. For example, while sitting in an office chair, many people slouch and lean forward; this poor posture typically leads to muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs. That is why having the right office chair is key to promoting good posture and supporting the back’s natural curves. Because a prolonged static posture is stressful for the structures in the spine, most experts recommend that
you get up to stretch and walk around every 20 to 30 minutes.
Specifically exercise abs and back. One of the most important components of good spine health is exercise. If back and abdominal muscles are not in good shape, it puts additional pressure on the spine, already under the stress of supporting the entire body. Performing abdominal and back exercises (which don’t get much exercise from daily activities) as part of a daily routine will go far in maintaining a healthy spine. When abdominal and back muscles are well-maintained, they help support the spine and minimize the chance of injury. Dr. Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., is a practicing physician and the co-founder and medical director of Spine-Health (SpineHealth.com), a leading educational online resource for people with neck and back pain. Source: © 1999-2009 Spine-Health. com, all rights reserved. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Community Spotlight
F
Christ Community Church by Sharon Pisacreta
or those searching for a dynamic alternative to organized religion, look no farther than the village of Spring Lake. Nestled near the shores of Lake Michigan, Christ Community Church (C3) takes both the ‘Christ’ and the ‘Community’ parts of their name seriously. C3 split off from the Reformed Church of America fourteen years ago in order to form a more inclusive and universal fellowship. A leader of the Progressive Christian movement, C3 embraces the essence of all great spiritual traditions, and focuses on the search for truth, rather than the certainty of established doctrine. Christ Community Church has ten stated core values. These include an evolving religious journey, the pursuit of social justice, an eco-friendly present and future, holistic health, independent thinking, interfaith harmony, and the value of artistic expression. In particular, C3 celebrates the importance of both community and diversity, welcoming those whose sexual preference, gender or religious background might not be acceptable to more conservative churches. Ian Lawton, Executive Minister of Christ Community Church, stated in a sermon earlier this year: “What the world needs is more humanity across the religions, less attachment to religious particularity, greater compassion and genuine inter-religious harmony.” To that end, C3 encourages its members to seek their inspiration in Jesus and peaceful social activists like Gandhi who challenged the status quo and sought both inner and global peace. Serving the people from the surrounding cities of Spring Lake, Grand Haven and Ferrysburg, C3 also draws members from Grand Rapids, Saugatuck/Douglas and beyond. For those unable to attend the Sunday Gatherings, C3 provides audio and video podcasts of church sermons and weekly prayers. Each Sunday at 9am, an Awakening Gathering is held in the chapel, and is open to anyone who wishes to meditate, pray or engage in guided visualization for forty minutes. This is followed by a Community Gathering in the sanctuary at 10am. The one-hour service may include readings from both the Bible and contemporary sources, poetry, dance, song, and a sermon that carries a unique progressive message. Afterwards, members are encouraged to engage in the weekly sermon talk-back session with the minister. Nursery care is provided every Sunday morning and a program for young children is held in the classrooms during the 10am Gathering. A wide variety of programs, classes and social events are available at C3. A Men’s Group meets every Tuesday evening to discuss issues relevant to their lives; a Women’s Wisdom group explores each woman’s spiritual journey on Monday. There is also a Youth Program for grades 6-12 which allows young people to explore their spirituality and form meaningful friendships via service projects, trips, spiritual retreats, and Sunday classroom meetings. Innovative Big Mind workshops are offered at C3. Formulated in the 1990s, the Big Mind process helps people become spiritually enlightened via a melding of Zen Buddhism and Western psychology. Rev. Ian Lawton, who is a trained facilitator of Big Mind, occasionally conducts workshops in this unique
interactive exercise. Another popular program at the church is “Dine With Nine”, a communal dinner which brings people together regardless of their relationship status. Participants simply meet at the home of that night’s host. Bring a dish to share, then relax and enjoy the food and conversation. And for those who love to sing, please attend the Singing with Spirit Workshop on October 24th, where directors from the Golden Bridge Community Choir invite attendees to sing inspirational songs from a variety of cultures and traditions. Beginners are welcome. One of the choir directors will be Maggie Wheeler, an actress that many will remember from her role of Janice on Friends. Concern for the community is further demonstrated by two independent non-profit organizations located on the C3 campus. The Little Red House provides adult day care in a loving environment, and The People Center offers food, clothing and temporary shelter to those who are in need in the Tri-Cities area. Support groups for those going through transition in their lives – i.e. divorce, job loss, death, etc. – are also available at C3. The church has trained volunteers who serve as pastoral care associates, visiting prisons, hospitals and nursing homes. And since one of C3’s core values is a holistic approach to health, the independent practitioners of Community Wellness Associates offer psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, yoga and therapeutic massage in C3’s main building. Keep in mind that C3 regards itself as a global community, and many active members have never been to the Spring Lake church. Indeed few other churches are so media savvy. C3 spreads its message via Facebook, Twitter, ‘You Tube’, e-zines, and their website and podcasts. In order to reach those people who identify themselves as spiritual, but not religious, C3 has recently launched an online ministry called SBNR. Check out Rev. Ian Lawton’s blog on SBNR.org. For those who would like a progressive Christian community in their immediate area, C3 is helping people form satellite groups. The first such community, established in Benzie County, Michigan, is known as C3 North. C3 is an interfaith community, where a Buddhist is as likely to be found as a Christian. Formed by C3 in 1998, The Center for Religion and Life is dedicated to interfaith harmony and dialogue. Religious and academic speakers are regularly brought in to engage in dialogue, working to find common ground in the search for global harmony and peace. All are welcome to visit Christ Community Church at 225 East Exchange Street in Spring Lake, MI. Membership in the church requires neither class attendance nor a belief in a particular creed, but only a willingness to be part of the affirming and progressive community that is C3. If you are interested in learning more about Christ Community Church, visit their website ChristCommunity.net or call the church offices at 616-842-1985.
3 C
Sharon Pisacreta is a long-time freelance writer who recently followed her bliss to the villages of Saugatuck/Douglas. She may be contacted at spisacreta@twmi.rr.com. See Christ Community Church ad on page 5.
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naturalpet
Eco-Friendly
Aquariums Not all aquariums are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Energy used to run filters and lights is a major concern. Where the fish originate is another, as well as where they go at the end of the relationship. by Nina Shen Rastogi
T
he ideal eco-aquarium, balanced and self-contained, is a cherished concept of hobbyists. But research shows that energy usage for a typical home aquarium can vary widely, depending on the setup. According to a 1997 report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a small freshwater aquarium— say, 10 gallons in size—might use as little as 90 to 120 kilowatthours a year to run its lights, filters and aerators. That’s about as much as a typical coffeemaker uses in a year—hardly a major energy suck in the grand scheme of things. With increasing size, electricity costs naturally rise. A big, 55-gallon freshwater tank might use between 280 and 400 kilowatthours annually. Adding plants further ups an aquarium’s energy appetite, as it requires heavier-duty lighting to keep the plants alive. Generally speaking, saltwater tanks use more energy than freshwater ones, due to the increased need for pumps and power heads to create water currents. Marine aquariums can pull 230 kilowatt-hours a year for a
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October 2009
small tank, and up to about 800 for a large tank. Since the Berkeley Laboratory report came out a dozen years ago, there have been a few advances in the efficiencies of aquarium equipment. Using LED lights can shave off a few kilowatt-hours and newer, energysaving pumps and ballasts have come onto the market. One equipment salesperson estimated that the amount of electricity used by aquariums today could be about 25 percent lower than in 1997 with up-to-date equipment. Aquariums can also have hidden environmental costs upstream. In some parts of Southeast Asia, where the vast majority of the world’s saltwater “ornamental” organisms come from, fish are caught using squirt bottles filled with cyanide, which stuns the animals and makes them easier to extract from coral reefs. But the chemical can also damage the coral, as well as other organisms living in the reefs—not to mention weakening the fish so that fewer of them survive transport. Keeping fish healthy is more than an animal
rights issue, it’s also an ecological concern, because the fewer animals that survive the process, the more intensive the harvesting becomes. So when buying wild-caught fish, look for those that have been captured with hand nets, rather than chemicals. Always avoid threatened and endangered species among both freshwater and saltwater fish. The silvery, black-striped, Banggai cardinalfish, only found in a few pockets off the coast of Indonesia, for example, has been labeled an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, largely due to overzealous harvesting for the aquarium trade. The United Nations’ environmental office noted in 2003 that less than 10 percent of marine ornamental species were capable of being farm-cultured. Fortunately, sustainable collection is less of an issue with freshwater aquarium species, because 90 percent are farmraised. Captive breeding helps reduce pressure on wild animal populations; although many conservationists argue that maintaining a sustainable trade
in wild-caught organisms can be an environmentally friendly strategy if it provides economic incentives for fishermen to keep their local ecosystems healthy. Before heading to the pet store, do a bit of homework to find out where the desired fish comes from. There are four Marine Aquarium Council-certified retailers in the United States—in Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey—where saltwater fish have been verified to be sustainably collected or cultured and then properly handled throughout the supply chain. A new licensing program should increase the number of stores supplying MAC-approved fish. Reef Protection International’s Reef Fish Guide (ReefProtect.org/ fish_guide.htm) further assesses popular marine species based on four criteria: survivability in home aquaria; abundance in the wild; availability and potential for captive breeding; and the collection methods used. Local hobbyist groups can be other good sources of information and, occasionally, homebred fish stock. Finally, make sure any kids in the house don’t harbor a Finding Nemo fantasy. Releasing non-native species into the wild can cause ecological problems, particularly if those species become established populations. Do not dump an unwanted fish in a pond or flush it down a toilet. Instead, find a new home for a fish that has worn out its welcome, perhaps with a local pet store. The best of all worlds is to avoid getting into such a situation in the first place: Make sure to buy only fish species that won’t grow too big for the designated aquarium and won’t start turf wars with their tank-mates. As with any other purchase, the greenest choice will be the one we don’t have to replace. Nina Shen Rastogi writes a weekly environmental column at Slate.com.
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Community Spotlight W
alking through the screen door of Global Infusion in the East Hills Business District, the pleasant and heady aroma hits you right in the face. “It’s the chai!” said co-owners Beth Grilley and Joana Hively at the same time, smiling at each other, when I asked what it was. They make two to three gallons of house-made chai each day and sell at least one gallon a day to their loyal and local customer base. “It’s come to smell like home, both to us and our customers,” Joana said. “Our intention was to offer this base to the community.” Also contributing to the aroma are the baskets, soaps, incense, coffee, medicinal herbs, bulk teas, spices and chocolate that this eclectic fair trade marketplace offers. Located in the back of the Blackport Building on Diamond Ave., the main focus of Global Infusion is their extensive collection of fair trade handcrafted gifts, home décor, jewelry, clothing and more. They also have an extensive tea and coffee bar and a sitting area with free wi-fi for customers wanting to linger for a while, which is very easy to do. The idea seed for Global Infusion began with Beth’s desire to open up a little herb store in the area. At the time Joana was living in Ohio, managing a non-profit fair trade store. The long-time friends decided to act upon their dreams and open a store together, offering a wide range of fair trade items along with the herbs and teas. Joana moved back up from Ohio and Global Infusion was birthed. All products in the store are carefully selected based on their uniqueness and where they come from. Most all items are fair trade, when possible. “Fair Trade isn’t just about wages,” said Joana. “It boils down to community: safe and healthy working conditions, environmental standards, and long term relationships. This betters lives in the long-term.” From there, it’s a spiral effect. More money becomes available for education, health care, and micro lending. Fair trade ensures that the farmers and artisans are paid up front and are not dependant on the world market. “Coffee is the second largest commodity in the world after oil,” said Beth. “It also rises and falls with the world market and
by Julie Hurley doesn’t take into account the farmers.” “As an example, they are paid half whenever the order is placed from the wholesaler,” said Joana. “When the order is filled, they are paid the remaining. They have a direct say in what they are getting paid and how it’s happening. They’re running their own co-op, which respects their cultural identity.“ Though all products do not come with a fair trade certification, like some of the herbs, Joana and Beth seek out products that are ethically produced. “Sometimes the cost of the fair trade certification is too high for the farmers and artisans to justify,” said Beth. “So we don’t strictly seek out only products labeled ‘fair trade’.” The fair trade community is a network of wholesale organizations that can support small groups doing a lot of good things around the world. Joana and Beth are always on the lookout for new and interesting products. “Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV International are two of the larger groups that offer a wide variety of products,” said Joana. “We carry products from them in addition to seeking out smaller organizations to find items people haven’t seen before.” Global Infusion is coming up on its five-year anniversary of being in business. They opened on Nov. 12, 2004, within just a few days of their friends and neighbors, Marie Catrib’s, an eclectic restaurant and delicatessen. “It’s been neat to see more and more businesses come into the area,” said Joana. They estimate that about 70 percent of their customers are regulars and business has kept up steady through the downturn in the economy. Because of that, it’s more important now than ever to put your money with local businesses. “People can feel good about the gifts that they buy here,” said Joana. “We’re locally owned and all of our products are ethically produced and selected with intention.” A married mother of two young children, Julie Hurley is a freelance writer and has a strong interest in natural living. She is also the Healthy Food Examiner for Examiner.com. Visit her page at: http://tinyurl.com/healthyfoodexaminer. Visit Global Infusion’s Web site at: www.globalinfusion.net. See ad page 12.
• Nutrition
& Diet Prevention • Herbal Remedies • Personal Training • Disease
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October 2009
Sereni-Tea D
uring his riotous tea party in Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter announced, “It’s always tea-time.” If that’s not true in your household, it should be. For thousands of years, tea has been regarded as a source of health and tranquility. Over 700 billion cups of tea are drunk around the world every year, and only water is consumed more. Devoted tea drinkers include rock stars, American presidents and, of course, Oprah. So put down that café latte and discover the pleasures and benefits of tea. Despite the ever-increasing brands of tea available on grocery shelves, some are not tea at all. Rooibos and herbal ‘teas’ are actually tisanes. True tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to China and India. The four types of tea are black, oolong, green and white, differentiated by the amount of fermentation they have undergone. Within each of these categories lie infinite varieties. Name the ingredient – nuts, fruits, spices, flowers, chocolate – and you can find a tea blend that includes it. For those concerned about caffeine intake, tea is a much better choice than coffee. An 8 oz cup of coffee contains on average 110-140 mg of caffeine; a cup of black tea has approx. 40-50 mg. Even better, oolong and green tea have just 25-30 mg, while white tea comes in last with 10-20 mg of caffeine per cup. Unlike coffee, tea contains a secret weapon to counteract the negative side effects of caffeine. Within minutes of sipping tea, an amino acid called L-theanine is released into the blood system and brain. Although the caffeine has had enough time to give you an energy boost, the L-theanine follows right afterward and relaxes the effect. You remain alert, but not jumpy. This amino acid -- found primarily in the Camellia sinensis plant -- appears to be a natural remedy for stress relief. Australian researchers have discovered that L-theanine reduced anxiety better than Xanax. L-theanine also works to fight infection. A Chinese proverb states, “Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.” Modern research continues to demonstrate that regular tea drinkers enjoy impressive health benefits. Studies show that tea boosts the immune system, decreases kidney stones and provides cardiovascular protection. Tea’s real healing properties come from its flavonoids -- or polyphenols -- which are powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids act as anti-inflammatory agents, relaxing blood vessels and helping to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, or LDL. In a Dutch study, high flavonoid consumption resulted in a 73% reduced risk of stroke; black tea provided 70% of the flavonoids for research participants. In fact, tea is higher in flavonoids than many fruits and vegetables. Although all four types of tea contain epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), green and white tea contain greater amounts of this potent antioxidant. EGCG lowers insulin and cholesterol levels, and helps stave off the cognitive impairment that occurs with dementia and sleep apnea. And while the caffeine in tea
How to find health and harmony in a teacup
by Sharon Pisacreta
stimulates the body to burn fat, tea’s added component of EGCG helps to prolong the fat-burning process. Tea is also a source of vitamins and fluoride. A 2003 Pace University study showed that tea reduced bad breath and plaque, as well as fighting off the bacteria that causes both tooth decay and strep throat. But before you start dosing yourself with tea to ward off illness, consult your health practitioner. Some medications or pre-existing conditions may react adversely with tea’s components. In addition to its health benefits, tea simply tastes good. To get the best results, buy a higher quality tea. Loose tea provides the finest flavor, and can be purchased locally at Global Infusions, 143 Diamond Ave in Grand Rapids (see ad page 18) or at a variety of online sources, including Harney & Sons, Teavana and Adagio. Many vendors also offer their product in special tea bags that allow the tea leaves to expand properly during the brewing process. Since bottled and instant teas have far fewer antioxidants, brew the tea yourself. Water has been called the mother of tea, so water quality is important. If you don’t have filtered water, run cold water from the tap for thirty seconds before filling the tea kettle. Never use hot water to brew; it results in flat tasting tea. For black and oolong tea, let the water come to a boil, then immediately pour it over the tea leaves or tea bag. When water boils too long, it becomes depleted of oxygen and affects the tea’s flavor. Steep black and oolong for 3-5 minutes. If it steeps longer than five minutes, the tea will taste bitter. Only herbal tisanes benefit from a long steeping time. Boiling water scalds both green and white tea. Ideally the temperature of the water should be no hotter than 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply remove the kettle after it has just reached boiling, count for one minute, and then pour over the tea. Green tea should be steeped 1-3 minutes, white tea for 5-8 minutes. If you’re wondering how much tea to use, the general rule is one teaspoon of loose tea -- or one tea bag – for every eight ounces of water. For stronger flavor, add more tea. Tea degrades if exposed to heat, light or humidity, so store tea in a dry cool place. An airtight tin or ceramic canister works best. Stored correctly, oolong and black loose tea retain their flavor for one to two years; green and white for six months to a year. Tea bags should also be stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Whether you prefer a steaming mug of Earl Grey, a tall glass of iced chai, or a cup of green matcha, remember you’re not only quenching your thirst, but also helping to replenish and relax your mind and body. Millions of tea drinkers worldwide will be joining you... including Oprah. Sharon Pisacreta is a long-time freelance writer – and tea drinker -- who recently moved to Saugatuck/Douglas. She may be contacted at spisacreta@twmi.rr.com.
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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.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Free Public Screening- 7:00pm. Screening of new film, “Sense of Wonder”, honoring Rachel Carson, the woman who launched the modern environmental movement. Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
Kirtan with Vahana- 7:30-9:30pm. Enjoy the sacred art of call and response chanting! A portion of your donation goes to charity. $5 Suggested Donation. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Mind, Body, Spirit Cleansing Retreat for Women1:00pm-10:00pm. Annual fall sweat lodge retreat designed for women who want to cleanse on all levels and connect with mother earth. One is also available on Oct.17 if this one fills up. Limited to 8 women. $50. Enchanted Lake, 35 miles NE of Grand Rapids. Contact Dinah@Awakenedpotentials.com or 616-754- 9672. Ama Deus Energy Healing- 6:00-9:00pm. Ama Deus spiritual healing energy taps into Divine Love offering over 20 sacred symbols for soul level healing divided into 2 classes. $100. Call to Register and for location. Ama Deus International, LLC. 616-648-3354. Teen Open Gym- 7:00pm-9:00pm. Teen Open Gym is open to all Teens 11 years and older. Play for 2 hours on Gymco’s Trampolines, Rope Swing, Rock Wall, Slam Dunk Basketball, and much more. Members $10, Nonmembers $15. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Ama Deus Energy Healing- 9:00-11:00am on the 4th (1st level) 2nd level on the 4th starting at 11:30-3:30. Ama Deus spiritual healing energy taps into Divine Love offering over 20 sacred symbols for soul level healing divided into 2 classes. $100. Call to Register and for location. Ama Deus International, LLC. 616-648-3354. Radiant You - Women’s Retreat- 9:00am-4:00pm. Living Strength, Elegance & Awareness. Fun activities, yoga lunch and Dare to Discover more about you. ContactBarb.com. $85. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 616-638-5625. Yoga on the Ball- 1 pm - Freedom & Mobility in Hips & Lower Back, 3 pm -Ease & Extension in Shoulders, Necks, Arms. Taught by Katherine Florentine. $30 each, $50 for both. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
How to Save the World-One Man, One Cow, One Planet7pm. Toxic synthetic chemicals & genetic modification are massively being rejected. There are GMO-free zones. Several farms are viewed. $7 regular / $3 students & seniors. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176. The Intuitive Demonstration- 7:00-9:00pm. “Trained Clairvoyant Laura Rose from New Mexico, and Gifted Intuitive John Manilla join forces in a demonstration that will enlighten and fascinate you. Registration is required. Love offering. Nature’s Spiritual Connections 615 Lyon Street NE, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Home Care/Trigger Point- 6:30-7:15pm. Bring a partner and learn in this hands on workshop how to decrease pain and stress in your life. Free. Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden Ave, Holland. 616-392-9500.
Introduction to Yoga with Ginjah Knuth- 7:008:00pm. Ginjah will briefly explain the eight limbs of yoga and the physical aspect of yoga. She teaches Gentle Yoga and Level 1 Yoga. Free. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Guided Meditation, Prayer & Healing Circle – 7:008:00pm. Relax to guided meditation and receive healing from local healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Court NE. Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Focus on Life Annual Benefit Dinner- 6:00pm. Muskegon Right to Life will host the Focus on Life Annual Benefit Dinner with special guest speaker will be Bryan Kemper, Founder and President of Stand True Ministries. Call for more information. Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. 231-733-6300. How Better Breathing Can Help You Control Your World – 7:00-8:00pm. Harbor Health and Massage is offering a free presentation to learn to control your own body’s reaction to stress. Presented by Vince Hanneken of Full Potential Physical Therapy. Harbor Health and Massage, 29 West Eighth Street, Suite 200, Holland. 616-510-2155. Face Reading Introductory Class- 7:00-9:00pm. Read Faces to learn how to improve relationships, easily identify problems and increase your self-knowledge. Reverend Laura Rose is a certified Personologist. Registration Required. $39. Nature’s Spiritual Connections, 615 Lyon Street N.E., Grand Rapids. 616- 929-4204. Motherhood, the Journey- 7:00pm. Motherhood is the theme woven through this creative show. A collaboration of local actors and musicians. Light appetizers and dessert reception provided. This is a fundraiser for MomsBloom. $40 per ticket. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids. 616- 828-1021.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Free Concert– 7pm. Local singer/songwriter Drew Nelson to perform. $10 suggested donation. 100% of donations go to The GR Coalition to End Homelessness. Bethlehem Church Sanctuary, 250 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids. 616-406-9655.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Cedar-Rock Community Resource Fair- 10:00am2:00pm. Family friendly and aims to promote health, wellness, and education. Representatives will be providing “green” solutions, free health screenings, and discounts to local food and retail merchants. Free. Dollarville 4330 14 Mile Rd, Rockford. 616-554-0918. Free Bus Tour of Sustainable Homes & Businesses10:00am-4:00pm. Park at the Library or at the Institute and ride the bus on a loop. The bus will depart the library near the top of the hour. The last bus leaves the Institute at 3:30pm. Hastings Public Library 227 E State St and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute 701 West Cloverdale Rd, Hastings. 269-945-4263. Free - Teen Skin Care Education – 11:00am-12:00pm. Teens of all ages are welcome to come and learn how to take care of their skin with natural products and samples. Please R.S.V.P. as seating is limited. Free. Visit TracysFaces.com or call Tracy’s Faces, 7610 Cottonwood Dr, Ste 107, Jenison. 616-667-9690. Creating Sacred Space for Your Home Practice- 1:304:00pm. Design a home yoga practice to support your
unique intention. Taught by Mimi Ray. $30. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580. EcoBuns-Cloth Diapering with Kellie Rosenberg- 3:004:00pm. 8,000 diapers is the average number changed from birth to potty. Learn how cloth diapering can save you money, save the earth, and save baby’s sensitive skin. Free. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Naturopathic College of Ann Arbor- 6:30pm. Gathering to discuss & inform or out training programs in natural medicine. For more information visit NaturopathicCollegeofAnnArbor.net or call 734-769-7794. 1923 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor. Gaia School of Herbal Studies- Our Sunday OCTOBER 20 Immune System Health class has been changed to combine with October 10th Winter Medicine Making. Advance registration is required for this class. Visit GaiaHerbalStudies. net or call 734-769-7794.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Semi-Intense Saugatuck EcoTrek Fitness Session8:45am-10:30am. Semi-intense outdoor group workout with EcoTrek Fitness owner Cari Draft; multitudes of dune climbs, yoga and strength training, rain or shine. $12.00 drop-in (discount for multiple sessions). Sign up at EcotrekFitness.com. Saugatuck State Park, 6575 138th Ave. Saugatuck. 616-291-2851. Eckankar Worship Service– 10:00-11:00am. Come discuss “Creativity: God’s Gift to Soul,” at this hour-long monthly ECK Worship Service. Warmly open to all. Free Meeting Room, 76th & 131-Motel 6, 7625 Caterpillar Ct, Grand Rapids. 616-752-8460. Authentic Communication- 12:30pm-4:30pm. This is a 4-hour experiential class based on principles and key distinctions in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) such as empathy & honest expression. $35. 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386. Conversation with God Study Group- 1:00pm. For those that wish to delve deeper into the messages of CwG. Bring a friend. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. Special 2 Year Anniversary EcoTrek Fitness Session5:45pm-7:00pm. $1 / person workout session celebrating the one year of Heather Lake’s Series Leader status and two year anniversary of Coopersville EcoTrek. Call to sign up. Walker City Central Park North (park by bus yard). 4243 Remembrance Rd, Walker. 616-291-2851.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Swine Health- 7pm. Animal advisor Don Brubaker reviews the management factors that must be employed to raise wellnourished, stress free pigs. A Fertrell film. $7 regular / $3 students & seniors. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
Headache Workshop- 6:15-7:15pm. Hands on workshop for relief of migraines, tension headaches and neck and shoulder pain. Free. Chirofit Wellness Center, 2249 Wealthy St SE Suite 240, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2348. Addressing Women’s Mid-Life Changes Naturally- 6:307:30pm Learn effective solutions to safely and naturally overcome mid-life PMS or Menopausal symptoms utilizing bio-identical hormones. Free seminar courtesy of Lakeshore Wellness Center. Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S. Church St, Zeeland. 616-392-9500. Diabetes and Foot Health- 6:30-7:30pm. Learn about issues that can affect your feet and how to avoid them. Dr. Paul Kushlak will be discussing podiatric treatments to keep your feet in tip-top shape. Free. Metro Health 2122 Health Dr. Wyoming. 616-252-7341. Fibromyalgia- 6:15pm. Understanding a Misunderstood Condition. This free workshop will uncover the reasons behind the onset of the condition and provide non-drug
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solutions to a very distressing condition. Includes light dinner. Great Lakes Family Chiropractic, 3138 Broadmoor Ave, Kentwood. 616-575-9105. Sage’s Circle- 6:30pm. An experience of channeled divine wisdom where each person gets a chance to ask questions & receive answers from the Sages. Pre- registration required. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Guided Meditation, Prayer & Healing Circle – 7:008:00pm. Relax to guided meditation and receive healing from local healers. Donation. Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 S. Washington St., Douglas. 269-857-8226.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
Be Green While You Clean- 6:00-7:30pm. Our hands-on seminar teaches simple, effective, environmentally friendly cleaning methods. Learn about everyday products and toxic ingredients to avoid, and mix up your own green cleaning solutions. $15. 175 S Waverly Road, Holland. 616-394-3344. Successful Life-Long Weight Loss the Natural Way6:00pm. Learn which foods are best, healthy eating out choices and how to implement exercise in a real world. This course encourages life changes that lead to a natural, life-long weight loss. $20. Shoreline Natural Wellness 7527 Highland Rd., Whitehall. 231-750-2525. Mindful Meditation Tele-Class- 8:00pm-9:00pm. Oct. 15, 22 & 29. Learn, develop and practice daily “mindful” practices which will reduce stress, create inner peace and enrich your day to day experiences. $45 for all 3 classes. Comfort of your own home. 616-638-5625.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm. This challenging practice is for experience Anusara Yoga students. Taught by Mimi Ray. Call for prerequisites. $18. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Reiki I & II Training Class– 9:00am-5:00pm. Learn this hands-on healing technique for relaxation and stress relief. History, and hand positions will be taught. Textbook and lunch included. $200. Jan Atwood LLC, Atwood +, Clark Place at American Seating Park, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144. The Power of Contrast - 10:00am-12:30pm.: Backbends (all levels) with Desirée Rumbaugh. $45. From The Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids. 616336-9642. Aromatherapy for Natural Health and Well Being- 1:004:00pm. Hands-on workshop explores top ten essential oils that enhance well being. Taught by Linda Bayer of Bayer Essence. $40. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580. Healthy Harvest Expo- 2:00pm. Learn how to shop local and eat healthy at the Kent District Library in East Grand Rapids. 616-784-2016. The Magical Midline - 2:30-5:00pm.: Forwardbends (all levels) with Desirée Rumbaugh. $45. From The Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-336-9642.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Yoga to The Rescue for Neck & Shoulders– 10:0012:30pm.: Standing poses and inversions (all levels) with Desirée Rumbaugh. $45. From The Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-336-9642. YIN Circles- 1:00pm. This is for women who want to strengthen their femininity in all aspects of their lives. Only one group need be attended. $10. Registration required. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. The Ego Surrenders to Grace– 2:30-5:00pm.: Backbends
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and arm balances (Intermediate level- able to kick up in handstand at the wall, able to do backbend with straight
arms unassisted) with Desirée Rumbaugh. $45. From The Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-336-9642.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Reiki Share Group – 5:30-7:30pm. For those trained in all levels of Reiki, share experiences with Reiki, and deepen their practice of Reiki. Donation. Jan Atwood LLC, Atwood +, Clark Place at American Seating Park, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616915-4144. EcoTrek Fitness Session celebrating Lori’s Birthday5:45-7:45pm. Extra-long unique group workout session at no extra charge! $12.00 drop-in (discount for multiple sessions). Sign up at EcotrekFitness.com. Snug Harbor Scenic Drive, North Muskegon, Boat Launch & Picnic Area: park to the right, by the restrooms. Muskegon. 616-291-2851. Covering New Ground: Wisconsin’s Sustainable Agriculture- 7pm. 12 farm operations are featured: rotational grazing, sheep milk dairy and cheeses, grain and crop rotation. $7 regular / $3 students & seniors. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Natural Solutions to Fibromyalgia- 6:00pm. Workshop participants will gain an understanding of the causes of the syndrome and learn non-drug solutions. Free. Peak Performance Chiropractic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888. Intermediate Stretching to Good Health - 7:008:00pm. Learn how simple stretching routines can relieve stress, improve heart health, balance, flexibility and strength. Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Ultimate Fitness 91 Douglas Ave Ste 140, Holland. 616-392-9500. Nourishing Ways of West Michigan- 7:00pm. Planning meeting. All are welcome. 134 N. Division, Grand Rapids. 616-532-6530. Shamanic Journey with Margret Bazany- 7:009:00pm. Shamanic Practitioner and Reiki Master Margret Bazany will teach the process of shamanic journeying along with the history of shamanism and its basic concepts. $20. Bring a blanket, eye covering, and wear comfortable clothes. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Artist of The Month- 2:00-4:00pm. River Bank Brothers are a traditional/bluegrass duo from Newaygo area on the banks of the Muskegon River. Join us! Free. Utopian Marketplace, 8832 Water St, Montague. 231-894-9530.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Pack a Healthy Lunch- 5:30-7:00pm. We know we should, but we just don’t! Learn simple methods to save money and eat better.$5. 175 S Waverly Road, Holland. 616-394-3344. Guided Meditation, Prayer & Healing Circle – 7:008:00pm. Relax to guided meditation and receive healing from local healers. $5. Center for Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland St. Spring Lake. 269-929-6796. Love is...Living an Opulent Vibrating Existence7:00-8:30pm. Relationship Coach, Barb VerCande, will share how our emotions and thoughts allow, or hinder, us to vibrate, attract, and have love. $35. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Prevent & Reverse Disease Through Diet– 7:00pm. Dr Pam Popper, PhD, N.D., will discuss the connection between diet, health, and diseases. This is a DVD of her appearance at GRCC. Great information Free. The
Wellness Forum 830 Forest Hill Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-942-7907.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
The Spirit at Work Through Reiki– 9:00am-5:00pm. For Reiki Masters to deepen your Reiki practice and to give new techniques to assist yourself and others. $150. Jan Atwood LLC, Atwood +, Clark Place at American Seating Park, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144. Evening of Medical Intuitive Readings- 7:00pm-9:30pm. Hay House author and internationally-known Medical Intuitive Carol Ritberger, Ph.D. will be giving medical intuitive readings at Grand Valley State University DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium. $30 in advance; $40 at the door. Grand Valley State University, DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium; 401 W. Fulton St. Grand Rapids. 530-350-7461. Partner Yoga- 7:00-8:30pm. A fun and interesting twist on Yoga. Learn supported, assisted and “flying” yoga poses with your partner. No yoga experience necessary. Includes refreshments. MuksegonYoga.com. $45/couple. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181. LifeForce Yoga- Oct 23-25. Beat the Blues with LifeForce Yoga, a Workshop to Manage Your Mood with award winning author Amy Weintraub. Call or visit ExpressionsofGraceYoga.com. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Sacred Transition - A Spiritual and Metaphysical View of Death and Dying- 9:30am-5:00pm. Hay House author and medical intuitive, Carol Ritberger, Ph.D. will teach a two-day workshop on near-death experiences and the death process as it relates to the body, mind and soul. $195. Holiday Inn Airport, 3063 Lake Eastbrook Dr. Grand Rapids. 530-350-7461. Book Exchange Extravaganza- 10:00am-6:00pm. Bring friends, family to this fun day with roaming speakers, intuitive readers, aura photos, book signings, Indian Head Massage and much more. Bring in your used books for more savings. Cost varies by service. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. Inner Goddess Mask Making Workshop- 1:00-7:00pm. In this fun, sacred, empowering, workshop, women will discover the goddess that they want to attract at this time in their life then make a mask to express the inner qualities of this Goddess. $60. MaryDawsonDesign@Earthlink. net. Tendressa Studio, 617 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids. 616-949-6234. Abrakadoodle - Green Kids in a Colorful World- 2:003:00pm. Create like Jose Guadalupe Posada. Bring your kids & their friends, 1- 6 grades, to create imaginative skeletons with scrap mylar. They’ll learn to help our environment & develop their creativity. Call to sign up. $10. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000. Abrakadoodle - Green Kids in a Colorful World- 3:154:15pm. Create like Jose Guadalupe Posada. Bring your kids & their friends, 1- 6 grades, to create imaginative skeletons with scrap mylar. They’ll learn to help our environment & develop their creativity. Call to sign up. $10. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
Sacred Transition - A Spiritual and Metaphysical View of Death and Dying- 9:30am-5:00pm. Hay House author and medical intuitive, Carol Ritberger, Ph.D. will teach a two-day workshop on near-death experiences and the death process as it relates to the body, mind and soul. $195. Holiday Inn Airport, 3063 Lake Eastbrook Dr. Grand Rapids. 530-350-7461.
Holistic Energy Care- 12:30pm-2:15pm. Learn practical natural tools for caring for your energy, feel stronger and more centered. Learn new skills in caring for yourself so that you have more vitality to enjoy life. Free. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386. Circle of Crones Community Croning Ceremony- 2:004:30pm. The Circle of Crones invites all women to attend this event to celebrate the lives of older women in our community and to raise interest and awareness of the positive aspects of aging. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Main Building Conference Room 10-11, 2025 E Fulton SE, Grand Rapids. 616-285-7995.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle- 6:30pm. This is a must for all people who serve in some capacity. Through meditation, discussion and support, everyone will find a renewal of their own light & energy. $10. Registration required. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. History, Pre-History: What Lies Ahead in the Near Future- 7pm. Pearl Buck said “to understand today, we must search yesterday.” Discussion led by Paul W. Keiser. $5 regular / $2 students & seniors. SanChez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-677-6176.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Feng Shui Basics for Home Owners- 6:00-7:30pm. Learn basic Feng Shui tips & green strategies to create a balanced environment that promotes healthy, harmonious living. Make positive adjustments & enhance the quality of your life at home & work. Free. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000. YIN Circles- 6:30pm. This is for women who want to strengthen their femininity in all aspects of their lives. Only one group need be attended. $10. Registration required. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. Meditation with Nichol- 7:00-8:00pm. Please bring a blanket or pillow (yoga mats are provided) and wear comfortable clothing. An hour of peace and relaxation awaits you. Free. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. The Engine 2 Diet– 7:00pm. Hear about the Texas firefighter’s 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that lowers cholesterol and burns away pounds. See his appearance on TV news program. Taste some of his recipes. Free. The Wellness Forum 830 Forest Hill Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-942-7907.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Reduce Toxins & Lose Weight through Nutritional Cleansing- 6:00pm. Have you asked yourself these questions—Why am I tired and often need more energy? Why do I crave sweets? Why can’t I lose weight? Sponsored by the Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Free. Peak Performance Chiropractic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888. Bereavement Dreaming Seminar- 6:30pm. What does it mean when I dream about my loved one who isn’t living? A discussion of this will answer many questions if it’s real or our imagination and if we are becoming our own Medium. $20. Registration required. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Halloween Party- 6:30pm-8:30pm. Trick or Treat Gymco Style! Wear your Halloween costume at Gymco’s Halloween party! Trampoline, Obstacle Course, Rock Wall, and Much More. Members $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.
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.
Sunday Awakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Christ Community Church – 10:00am. Gathering service with traditional and contemporary music and progressive message encouraging all to expand their consciousness. Childcare available. 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Sunday Service– 10:00am. Presenting uplifting and vibrant spiritual messages in warm and accepting atmosphere. Your ministry grades 1-12 & nursery. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616682-7812. The Coptic Center Sunday Series – 6:00pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and the piano music of Karen Lauck as we explore Universal Truths. Love Offering. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.
Monday Pilates at Noon – 12:00-12:55pm. This class focuses on postural muscles, which help keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support to the spine. Pilates is a natural supplement to any yoga practice. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610. Aikido- 6:00-8:00pm. Learn Aikido-the Japanese art of self defense. Kids Classes also available. $65/ month. Visit ToyodaCenter.com for more details. 3808 South Division Ave, Wyoming. 616- 245-6370. Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Medicinal Herb Study Group – 7:00-8:30pm. Certification, professional training, home certification. $8. Gaia School of Herbal Studies, Ann Arbor. Gaiaherbalstudies.net. 734-769-7794. Beginning Yoga- 7:15pm. Postures with attention to alignment, breathing awareness, relaxation and philosophy make this a complete yoga experience. $14/class. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836.
Tuesday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 7:459:00am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231740-6662. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:1510:30am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231740-6662. Gentle Yoga- 12:00pm-1:00pm. Gentle approach to yoga, modifying postures for individual needs.
Taught by Carolyn Heines, who has 31 years of experience. $12/class. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. Yoga-Advanced- 5:45pm. Must have completed Level 1&2 to attend. Moving deeper into your practice and in to the awareness of the core. Back bends, inversions and arm balancing. Using awareness of core, organic & muscular energy to deepen the poses & strengthen core. Invocation. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849. Sustainability Month Lecture Series- 6:30pm. 10/6-Grand Rapids Art Museum-Environmental Architecture. 10/13- Local Future film and discussion-Money and Debt. 10/20-Author Tom Wilkinson-Worm Composting in Institutions. 10/27-Local First-The Difference of $1. Hastings Public Library 227 E State St, Hastings. 269-945-4263.
Wednesday Cardio Tennis- 5:30-6:30am. For tennis players and non-tennis players, anybody can participate. Will guarantee burn hundreds and hundreds of calories plus its FUN! $10 for members, $14 nonmembers. Ramblewood Tennis & Health Club, 4250 Spartan Industrial Drive SW, Grandville. 616-538-4600. Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849. Meditation at Noon – 12:00-12:45pm. Meditation works toward calming the fluctuations of the mind. When one’s mind is calm, there is clarity, peace, and the ability to live in the present moment. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610. Yoga After School- 4:15pm. Back to Basics classes at a New time. Particularly convenient for teachers & first shift staff. Rejuvenate yourself and journey the river within. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610. Men’s Yoga with Peter-5:30-6:45pm. Find out why men need yoga too. Ease back pain, increase strength, relieve stress & tension, & much more. $10/class, $64 for 8 classes (1 class per week); $112 for 16 classes (2 classes per week); $78 monthly unlimited classes. 10& discount for students & 65+ seniors. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181. Group Fitness Classes- 5:30pm. Morea Chiropractic introduces Group Fitness classes. Zumba, Back & Abs, 10/10/10, and Yogilates. Everyone welcome! Classes are small and personalized. Get more information at MoreaChiro.com. $7 /class or purchase a $50 punchcard good for 10 classes or six months. Morea Chiropractic Wellness Center, 388 N 3rd Ave. Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474. Gentle Yoga with Ginjah Knuth- 5:45-7:00pm.
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Gentle Yoga is recommended for those new to Yoga who have a sedentary lifestyle. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Aikido- 6:00-8:00pm. Learn Aikido-the Japanese art of self defense. Kids Classes also available. $65/ month. Visit ToyodaCenter.com for more details. 3808 South Division Ave, Wyoming. 616- 245-6370. Kickboxing Class- 6:30-7:30pm. Get your fall started right with Ramblewood’s most popular class, taught by Ed Wrench. $8. Ramblewood Tennis & Health Club, 4250 Spartan Industrial Drive SW, Grandville. 616-538-4600. Tai Chi Classes- 6:30-7:30pm. Tai Chi can help relieve chronic pain, improve balance and coordination and tone muscles. Good for anyone regardless of age or abilities! $50 for 8 session punch card. Metro Health 2122 Health Dr. Wyoming. 616-252-7341. Wednesday Awakening– 7:00-8:30pm. 10/7 - Spiritual Message, 10/14 - Sharing our Gifts, 10/21 - Life Stories, 10/28 - Spiritual Message. Love offering. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616682-7812. General Anxiety Support Group – 7:00-8:30pm. General Anxiety Support Group is open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends & family members. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614. Beginning Yoga- 7:15-8:45pm. Classical hatha yoga. Postures with attention to alignment, breathing awareness, relaxation. $14/class. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. Yoga Level 1 with Ginjah Knuth-7:15-8:30pm. Simple stretches for flexibility. Standing poses for balance, strength and energy along with much more. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter. us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Shambhala Meditation Group of Grand Rapids7:30pm. Sitting and walking meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, followed by book study. No need to read ahead. All levels of practitioner welcome. Instructions provided to beginners. Free. Sacred Space, 58 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids. 616- 452-2115.
Thursday Group Fitness Classes- 10:00am. Morea Chiropractic introduces Group Fitness classes. Zumba, Back & Abs, 10/10/10, and Yogilates. Everyone welcome! Classes are small and personalized. Get more information at MoreaChiro.com. $7 /class or
purchase a $50 punchcard good for 10 classes or six months. Morea Chiropractic Wellness Center, 388 N 3rd Ave. Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474. Pilates – Yoga Mix at Noon – 12:00-12:55pm. Pilates and yoga are systems of integrated exercise. Enjoy the benefits of these complementary disciplines to feel strong, centered, energized, and focused. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610. Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm. 3rd Thursday. Join other environmental enthusiasts for casual networking and drinks. Grand Rapids. Info/ location contact WMEAC at 616-451-3051. Beginning Yoga- 5:30-7:00pm. Grand Rapids first yoga studio offers classical hatha yoga, postures , with attention to individual differences, breathing awareness and relaxation. $14/class. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. Pilates with Mandy Ruhl- 5:30-6:20pm. Pilates helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s core (torso). All equipment needed for the class is provided for you. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. The Coptic Center Spiritual Message Circle – 6:30-9:00pm. Bask in the energies of The Coptic Center as advanced intuitive and curious beginners share divine messages for an evening of intuitive discovery. Love Offering. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.
Friday Ionic Cleanse Foot Bath– All Day. Detoxing is important to the skin and body. Every Friday in October come in and detox for $20. Visit TracysFaces. com or call Tracy’s Faces, 7610 Cottonwood Dr, Ste 107, Jenison. 616-667-9690. Yoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the basics. Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. Gentle back bends, inversions and arm balancing introduced. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849. Belly Dancing with Alessandra- 6:00-7:00pm. This class will help you tone your body while bringing out
all of your beauty from within, good soul therapy! Recommended to all ladies. Dress comfortably and get ready to shimmy. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us or The Body Center, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596. Donation Yoga- 7:00-8:15pm . Friday Night Lite with Diana - This class invites you to explore the space within and connect with the beauty inside. Celebrate the joy of movement with Yoga. All levels welcome. Suggested $12 donation. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.
Saturday Mixed Level Yoga- 9:00-10:00am. Beginning and continuing students welcome at this class taught by Kat McKinney at Grand Rapids first yoga studio. $12/class. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. Donation Yoga- 10:00-11:15am. Seva Yoga - come move, play and explore. All levels of student welcome to this special donation based class offering. Suggested $12 donation. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616458-2541. Tai Chi Classes- 10:00-11:00am. Also 11:30am12:30pm. Tai Chi can help relieve chronic pain, improve balance and coordination and tone muscles. Good for anyone regardless of age or abilities! $50 for 8 session punch card. Metro Health 2122 Health Dr. Wyoming. 616-252-7341. Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:0010:15am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 10:3011:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga. com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.
Need a good cleanser? Use plain yogurt. The lactic acid and beneficial enzymes help cleanse the skin. Do a double wash for added benefit. The first time removes topical dirt and oils, the second time gets deeper into the pores. ~Tracy Morales Tracy’s Faces Day Spa and Holistic Skin Care
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classifieds EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ad Sales Consultants – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for full commission advertising consultants in select lakeshore and Grand Rapids territories. Strong organizational skills, sales and computer/database experience. We’re positive people looking for positive associates. Flexible schedule with great earning potential. Email cover letter and resume to publisher@ naturalwestmichigan.com.
Tip: I am 66 and not on any medication. My doctor wanted to put me on meds to lower my cholesterol. I went to the health food store and bought 3 items. Red Yeast Rice – 600 mg, CoQ10 – 100 mg, Niacin – 500 mg (get the “flush free” kind so you don’t get a reaction).
I took one of each twice a day and lowered my cholesterol almost 50 points in 4 months from 281 down to 232. I now take one of each every other day to maintain. ~Valerie Johnston – Lowell, Michigan
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.
ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE OF WEST MICHIGAN
Kirsten Stanton, Dipl. Ac. 3368 Beltline Ct. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-855-7718 www.wmAcupuncture.com Offering Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and NonInvasive Pain Management therapies for your optimal health. Visit our web site for more information. See ad page 21.
SAMIR RAJANI, MD
Medical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine 890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907 www.mmpc.com Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTITIONER OUT of the BLUE inc. Nancy Despres RN, MBE 351 Cummings NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-4215 www.OutofTheBlueInc.net
Out of The Blue help others find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy and nutritional supplements. Ask about our Guaranteed Weight Loss Supplements.
ART THERAPY / ART PLAY MARY DAWSON JACKSON, ARTIST Tendressa Studio 617 Lyon N.E, Grand Rapids 616-949-6234 marydawsondesign@earthlink.net
You do not need to be an artist to access your soul’s innate creativity, spontaneity, and child like wonder, through paint and pastels. Sessions starting every 6 weeks. Call for times and prices.
BODYWORK WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com
Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic & LaStone Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad, page 18.
BOOKSTORE INDIGO’S AND MYSTIC’S BOOK EXCHANGE & MORE 4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids 616-447-8298 www.Iambemore.com
Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, spirituality, music, handcrafted book accessories and other gift items. There are also book groups, classes & seminars held monthly. See ad page 30.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Ronson Dykstra & 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.
CLEANING SERVICE NATURAL HOME CLEANING SERVICE, LLC
Effective, Environmentally Friendly Results Sherri Geysbeek 616-887-1504 Residential and Commercial Green Cleaning. Bonded and Insured. Serving all of West Michigan.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
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COLON HYDROTHERAPY THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND Marcy Clark, CMMT, CCHT 650 Riley Street , Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596
Gentle, effective and professional colon cleansing designed to drop toxin levels and improve nutrient absorption. Get relief from bloating and constipation, fatigue and arthritis pain. Warm, secure environment. www.TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 21.
TRICIA E. GOSLING Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE Grand Rapids 616-481-9074
Offering an advanced clientcentered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 13 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.
COUNSELING HOLISTIC COUNSELING SERVICES Deborah Jandle, L.M.S.W 346 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-862-3296 www.DeborahJandle.com
Providing services that emphasize balance in mind, body and spirit in order to improve problems related to mental health, family issues or addictions. Insurance accepted, including Priority Health.
JANICE DE LANGE, PH.D
1514 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids 616-451-3008 JDelange06@yahoo.com A mind-body-spirit approach for trauma and abuse recovery, PTSD, low sense of self-worth, panic & phobias, anxiety, depression, relationships. EMDR & Energy interventions.
PRISCILLA SANDERS
The Body Center 650 Riley Street, Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-836-1819. www.LearnToStressLess.com Licensed clinical master social worker specializing in stress management. Workshops are offered at “Learn To Stress Less”, on site at the Body Center Studio. Workshops focus on learning about and experiencing modalities that create relaxation and relieve stress.
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DENTISTRY / HOLISTIC DENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS 4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids 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. See ad page 40.
EDUCATION / CLASSES NATUROPATHIC COLLEGE of Ann Arbor Gaia School of HERBAL STUDIES
734-769-7794 www.NaturopathicCollegeofAnnArbor.net www.GaiaHerbalStudies.net Diploma programs and individual classes: Naturopathy, Massage, Herbal Medicine, Energy Medicine, Dietary Healing. On site lodging is available. Beginning October, 2009.
ENERGY HEALING AMA DEUS®
Beth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 www.Ama-Deusenergy.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 29.
ESSENTIAL OILS BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS
Clara Vander Zouwen 616-698-6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, Mineral make-up. Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings. See ad page 9.
HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER THE WELLNESS FORUM
Sue Scharf, Director 830 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids 616-942-7907 www.WellnessForum.com An international organization committed to health and wellness through education. Learn to make a healthy lifestyle easier through classes, workshops and cooking demos.
HEALTH FOOD STORES AFFORDABLE NUTRITION Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 616-667-1346
Certified Nutritional Consultant – member AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. Nutritional counseling, weight loss, sports nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/lectures. Select high quality vitamins and supplements.
HEALTH HUTT
Grand Haven - 616-846-3026 Grand Rapids - 616-776-9944 Muskegon - 231-739-1568 North Muskegon - 231-744-0852 www.HealthHutt.net Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free foods, books, natural body care and more. Open 7 days a week. See ad, page 18.
NATURE’S MARKET
1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.com Full service natural food store with all natural/organic deli. Offering organic and natural groceries. Gluten-free products. Organic and local produce. Supplements and natural body care products. See ad, page 12.
UTOPIAN MARKETPLACE 8832 Water St., Montague 231-894-9530 www.UtopianMarketplace.com
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 15.
HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTERS THE HEALING CENTER
352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 11.
HOMEOPATHY BOB HUTTINGA
352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 11.
HYPNOTHERAPY Branden Wilson, BAS, CHT, CPNLP Certified Hypnotherapist, American Board of Hypnotherapy Certified Practitioner NLP, Society of NLP 616-560-1482 branden.wilson@gmail.com
Your phobia gone in an hour or less or its FREE. Eliminate unwanted habits and compulsions. Resolve inner conflicts, change your limiting beliefs, and achieve your goals. Transform guilt, shame, and grief.
KINESIOLOGY WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com
Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 18.
MASSAGE THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND
Marcy Clark, CMMT, CCHT 650 Riley Street, Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596 Deep compression techniques are used in Ahiastusu Bar Therapy, an ancient ayurvedic practice of foot pressure massage. One of several professional massage modalities offered at The Body Center in Holland. 616-834-2596. TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 2.
MIDWIFERY BIRTH SONG MIDWIFERY SERVICES
Yolanda Visser CM, CPM Grand Rapids 616-458-8144 www.BirthSongGR.com 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.
HOME BIRTH PARTNERS, LLC
Susan Wente, CNM, Dr. PH 231-652-3247 www.HomeBirthworks.com This regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with 28 years experience – over 3000 births attended. Providing pre-natal, home birth and postpartum care. Gynecological and Doula services available.
REIKI REIKI HAUS
Paula Bojsen Holland: 616-392-1138 www.ReikiHaus.com Offering quality Reiki classes & treatments at affordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher & Gendai Reiki Shihan. All levels, Reiki Master classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden. Learn pure Japanese Reiki.
SALON AESTHETICA IMAGE GROUP
Sally Ann Loew 2312 28th St SE Ste C Grand Rapids, MI. 49508 616-299-1796 Full Service Salon featuring an Exclusive Organic Hair Color that uses only certified organic ingredients, contains absolutely no ammonia, yet still produces vibrant color while avoiding the itchy scalp and the toxic odors.
SKIN CARE TRACY’S FACES DAY SPA HOLISTIC SKIN CARE
7610 Cottonwood Dr., Ste 107 Jenison, MI 49428 616-667-9690 or 616-204-3402 www.TracysFaces.com Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers a holistic relaxing experience with natural products for skin care & hair removal from head to toe. We offer Dermalogica & Elina Elite product lines.See ad page 15.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CENTER EDEN ENVIRONMENTS
Denise Hopkins, AIA, LEED AP 5747 28th St. SE Grand Rapids 616-956-5000 www.EdenEnvironments.com Enrich your home and work environment with beautiful and healthy design and products. Make us your personal green experts to create your very own Eden. See ad page 6.
NaturalWestMichigan.com
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