The Mill Magazine Edition 12 No. 2 Family Getaway

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PUBLISHER MarketStyleMedia EDITOR IN CHIEF TraceyRoman COMMUNITY EDITOR AubreyDucane CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JeremyT.Bruskotter CandaceMattingly LizVanderLeeuw Dr.JayMaddock MichaelPaulNelson JohnA.Vucetich PHOTOGRAPHERS MelissaAskew CourtneyCorlew AllisonRaber FlorianSchneider WilliamBout BrianErickson BrandiRedd JoshVasko MattBriney AmberFaust JorgeSaavedra JordanWhitt AaronBurden JonathanZerger ADVERTISING ad.sales@themillmagazine.com 803-619-0491 ©2021 THE MILL MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. THE MILL MAGAZINE DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE THE VIEWS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ADVERTISERS.

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The Vander Leeuw Family explores the Bridge at Rough Ridge Lookout, Grandfather Mountain, NC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

p.18

eatures F T

Nature PRESCIBING

FOR GOOD HEALTH

HEALTHY AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED FAMILY GETAWAY MOUNTAINS OR BEACH?

p.30

DOES NATURE HAVE

p.44

VALUE BEYOND WHAT IT PROVIDES HUMANS?

p.58

HIT THE ROAD

T ravel Gear

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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Dr. Teresa T. Mercado, DDS, FICOI with her French Bulldog, Boomer

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PRESCIBING

Nature FOR GOOD HEALTH

Te x t . b y. D r. J a y M a d d o c k

T

aking a walk on a wooded path, spending an afternoon in a public park, harvesting your backyard garden, and even looking at beautiful pictures of Hawaii can all make us feel good. Certainly, for many of us, it’s beneficial to have time outside in natural environments.

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Hilton Head Island, SC. Photo by Amber Faust.

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Photo by Jonathan Zerger.

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Being cooped up inside can feel unnatural and increase our desire to get outside. The renowned biologist E.O. Wilson created a theory called the biophilia hypothesis, where he stated that people have an innate relationship to nature.

On an intuitive level, this makes sense. Humans evolved in an open, natural environment, and removing us from this environment could have a negative effect on our health. But what does the research say? Is there actually evidence that being in natural environments can promote our well-being, prevent disease, and speed recovery?

NATURE AND HEALING The pioneering work in this area started in the 1980s with Robert Ulrich, who was a professor at Texas A&M University. His work looked at surgery patients who had a view of trees out of their window compared to those who had the view of a wall. Those with the natural view reported less pain and spent less time in the hospital.

Since then, several studies have shown a reduction in pain both through viewing natural scenes as well as looking at nature videos and pictures.

Other studies have looked at the effect of exposure to daylight on patients and found they experienced less pain, stress, and use of pain medications than patients who did not have exposure to natural light. There is also preliminary evidence that hospital gardens can alleviate stress in both patients and their families.

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In the area of designing health care facilities, there appears to be consistent evidence that exposures to natural environments have a positive effect on pain, stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. In the Center for Health and Nature, a joint venture between my university Texas A&M, Houston Methodist Hospital, and nonprofit Texan by Nature, our new studies are assessing if these effects extend to the virtual world, including immersive VR and virtual windows.

A PREVENTIVE EFFECT? While nature appears to be helpful in restoring health after illness, can it actually help us keep healthy? Researchers across the world have been asking this question.

From forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) in Japan to the 30 Days Wild campaign in the United Kingdom, which encourages people to connect to wild places, people have been examining the healing powers of nature.

While walking is well established as a health-promoting behavior, studies are now examining if walking in natural environments is more beneficial than indoors or in urban environments. Results have shown positive effects for mental health, improved attention, mood, blood pressure, and heart rate. Several programs across the country have been formed to expose military veterans to natural spaces to combat symptoms of PTSD. In children, playgrounds with greenspace increased vigorous

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Photo by Melissa Askew.

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Photos by Amber Faust (top) and Jordan Whitt (bottom).

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physical activity and decreased sedentary time and even has led to fewer fights.

While there is growing evidence that exposure to natural environments is beneficial to health there are still many questions to be answered. What is nature?

While this may seem simple at first glance, there are many differences between a national park, an urban pocket park, and a picture of waves crashing on the beach. What is the dose of nature needed?

In physical activity, there is a scientific consensus that people need 150 minutes a week for good health. How much and how often is exposure to nature needed for better health? How do longer doses – such as a weekend camping in a forest – and shorter doses – such as a walk through a park – affect us? What sensory part of nature is affecting us? Is it sight, sound, smell, touch, or a combination of them?

A recent paper proposed enhanced immune function as the central pathway for the variety of positive health outcomes received from nature exposure. This needs to be tested.

Despite the need for more research, the need for more nature exposure is urgent. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans, on average, spend 90% of their time indoors. A study in the United Kingdom found that children spend only half the time outdoors than their parents used to.

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Photo by Matt Briney.

There are signs that a nature movement is beginning to take hold.

The 30 Days Wild program run by the Wildlife Trusts in the United Kingdom encouraged people to engage with nature every day for a month. In its first year, more than 18,000 people signed up.

Doctors in Scotland are now able to give Nature Prescriptions to their patients. The educational leaflet they provide describes numerous monthly activities including touching the ocean, taking a dog for a walk, and following a bumblebee. In the United States, the Park Rx America program has been working to connect publicly available outdoor spaces to physicians to have them prescribe nature.

As summer arrives, it is time to make a commitment to spend more time in nature. Better health could literally be as easy as a walk in the park.

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

Dr. Jay Maddock is a Professor in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. He is internationally recognized for his research in social-ecological approaches to increasing physical activity. He has served as principal investigator on over $18 million in extramural funding and authored over 100 scientific articles. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

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Liz Vander Leeuw Owner | Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

C H A R L O T T E , N C | L I Z V A N D Y H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S . C O M |

Hiking through Otter Falls Trail, Banner Elk, NC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

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HEALTHY AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED FAMILY GETAWAY MOUNTAINS OR BEACH? Te x t . b y. L i z . Va n d e r L e e u w

T

he health and well-being of all families have been compromised this past year due to coronavirus disease. Parents have had to juggle working from home, homeschooling,

and

new

parenting

challenges. Between managing big feelings from our disappointed children, losing loved ones, and trying to make the safest decisions for our family...it’s all taking a toll.

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We’re all on the struggle bus, and most parents no longer feel like they are in the driver’s seat. How can families reclaim their health, happiness, and overall wellbeing in a time when there’s a whole lot more family quantity time rather than quality time happening?

Make quality time a priority and take a local vacation. A health-centered socially distanced vacation that is.

and Cam, have left no stone unturned in their meticulous renovation of this property. With only two bedrooms it’s cozy, but just the right size. Our family called it the Goldilocks house. You’ll be outside in the amazing backyard the majority of your stay, soaking up Vitamin D and basking in the fresh mountain air.

And the view of Grandfather Mountain from the deck is absolutely breathtaking.

The Hillside House has extra COVID-19 Living in the Charlotte area, we are protocols in place. Including 24 hour fortunate to live only two hours from buffers between guests, and the entire the mountains and three hours from the premises (right down to the pillows) are beach. We have the best of both worlds disinfected between guest stays. Our at our fingertips, without even having to family felt incredibly safe staying at this step foot in an airport. property, and Lauren and Cam’s service is unparalleled.

Nothing brings a family closer together than some dedicated quality time. Quality KEEP THE FAMILY ACTIVE over quantity, right?

Otter Falls Trail is a quick two-minute drive from The Hillside House. It’s a kid Here are two local getaway itineraries for and dog-friendly hike that will ultimately wanderlust families who are looking for a reward you with a gorgeous view of a socially distanced break. And with health cooling waterfall. Make sure your kids top of mind this past year, we’ve included wear water-friendly shoes so they can play suggestions to make your vacation quality in the streams, and underneath the gentle time as active and health-centered as and safe waterfall. Our family thought it possible. was pretty magical.

BANNER ELK, NC WHERE TO STAY The Hillside House Airbnb is the perfect home base for a family of four to explore the Banner Elk area. The owners, Lauren

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

Flat Rock Loop Trail is an easy 30-minute hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway that even the youngest members of your family can enjoy. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Linville Valley and

Clockwise from top: Views from the top of Grandfather Mountain, NC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw. Shrimp beignets with roasted sweet potato salad. Photo courtesy of Eat Crow, Banner Elk, NC. Amazing views from the private deck of the Hillside House AirBnB, Banner Elk, NC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

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Clockwise from top left: The Grandfather Mountain Wildlife Habitat. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw. Green curry surf and turf. Photo courtesy of The Painted Fish Cafe, Banner Elk, NC. The waterfall at Otter Falls Trail, Banner Elk, NC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

Grandfather Mountain. Doable for the whole family.

always a hit. The hike up to the swinging bridge was very challenging, but doable for a family with small children. Our Rough Ridge Lookout, also off of the Blue kids loved exploring the huge rocks and Ridge Parkway, was the highlight of our wilderness along the trail up to the top of family’s trip. It took about 45 minutes the mountain. and was one of the more advanced hikes we did as a family. But the views from You also have the option to drive all the boardwalk at the top were absolutely the way up to the top as the swinging stunning. Our six-year-old told us she’d bridge has its own parking lot. Truly an never forget the experience of hiking this unforgettable experience. trail. And our almost-three-year-old was able to hike about 75% of it on her own.

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? Advanced, but still doable.

The Hillside House comes equipped with a full kitchen complete with essential pantry KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES items. And, there is a grill. Our family There are several kid-friendly activities chose to grill our first evening there. But just a stone’s throw from the Hillside there are plenty of restaurants nearby that House. offer healthy options for the whole family.

It’s easy to socially distance at the Grandfather Trout Farm, where the whole family can try their hand at catching some fresh NC trout.

Eat Crow has some of the best salads in the area - fresh and healthy. Pick up a couple during their lunch hour to have on hand for picnics.

A drive and roadside picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. With 469 miles of gorgeous scenery, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to socially distance.

The Painted Fish Cafe has tons of healthy options for the whole family. Their kid’s menu even includes salads and grilled chicken. It’s also a safe bet if anyone in your family has any food allergies or sensitivities.

You can’t visit the Banner Elk area without paying a visit to Grandfather Mountain. Your kids will love seeing all the animals native to the NC mountains in their natural habitat. The bears are

If the kids want pizza, look no further than Bella’s, the best pizza in NC. Mom and Dad can balance out their meal with any of Bella’s delicious salads.

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC WHERE TO STAY The Vacation Company has been catering to families looking for a Hilton Head Island rental for the past 33 years. Their customer service is unparalleled. No need to lug bikes, towels, or beach gear on your journey. The Vacation Company supplies everything you need and delivers all your gear straight to your door upon arrival.

Plantation, which has bike trails for days.

Our family’s favorite activity on Hilton Head Island is to let ourselves get lost on long bike rides. We pack our water, sunscreen, and snacks, and just see where the trail takes us. The kids see something new every time, and it always feels like an adventure.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great option for nature-loving families.

When we stayed at one of their properties The refuge has over 4,000 acres and 14 last year during the height of COVID-19, miles of trails to explore. The terrain is it felt like we had all of the amenities of flat and easygoing, so even the youngest a hotel, but with the added safety net of family member can hike alongside you. staying in a private home. The Vacation Our kiddos loved learning about the Company also has tons of properties that unique ecosystem of the Lowcountry have their own private pool if you want to marshland at this wildlife refuge. make your Hilton Head Island vacation a totally cocooned socially distanced oasis. Your kids will love kayaking at Shelter A great option if you are traveling with Cove. You can book a guided tour or the grandparents. head out on your own for some up-close dolphin sightings.

The Vacation Company also offers several dog-friendly properties if you want to KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES include your pup in your family vacation. Your kiddos will love the animal farm at Dogs deserve quality time over quantity Sea Pines. It’s a must-do for little ones, time, too. complete with pony rides. For the bigger kids, check out the trail rides at Lawton KEEP THE FAMILY ACTIVE Stables.

All the plantations on Hilton Head Island have their own series of winding trails Golf is one activity that never shut down with Spanish moss-covered palm trees, during the pandemic. It’s easy to socially alligator sightings, and most trails that distance while hitting them straight. Check will eventually lead you to the beach. Our out the golf course at Shipyard Plantation rental property was located in Shipyard for an approachable, family-friendly golf

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Lowcountry Sunset, Hilton Head Island, SC. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

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Clockwise from top left: Savannah style fresh catch topped with crabmeat and spinach sauteed in lemon herb butter. Photo courtesy of Nick’s Steak & Seafood, Hilton Head Island, SC. There are endless bike paths on Hilton Head Island. Photo courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw. Fresh catch served with hoppin’ John rice and topped with jumbo lump crab and Old Bay hollandaise. Photo courtesy of The Salty Dog Cafe, Hilton Head Island, SC. Collecting seashells along the shore and pool time with Dad. Photos courtesy of Liz Vander Leeuw.

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

experience. And no trip to Hilton Head favorite dish on the entire island. Nick’s is is complete without a round of miniature

also great for takeout.

golf. There are tons of places to play 9 or 18 depending on your children’s attention

WHICH FAMILY GETAWAY WILL YOU CHOOSE?

level.

Living in the Charlotte area affords us the opportunity to vacation locally in the best

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

If you are ready to venture out to a patio of both worlds. Whether you’re a beach to dine, look no further than The Salty family or mountain lover, all you have to Dog. With its outside deck and view of do is hop in the car. the South Beach Marina, the staff makes Set an example for your children by

it easy to socially distance.

incorporating some physically challenging Our family was impressed with their

activities, and making nutritious food

COVID-19

choices on vacation. Your children will

protocols,

Their

Asian

tuna salad never disappoints and is a pick up on these habits. health-conscious option on an otherwise indulgent heavy menu.

It’s time to enjoy some family quality time after all the pandemic quantity time.

Rockfish is one of our family’s favorite After a whirlwind of a year, take a healthlocal spots. Always fresh and delicious, focused and socially distanced family trip

with tons of health-conscious options on to reclaim your family’s health and wellbeing. their menu.

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

Another fave with fresh seafood, huge

Liz Vander Leeuw is a Certified Holistic Health Coach for moms and families who want to thrive instead of just survive.

portions, and health-conscious menu

As a busy mom, she knows firsthand how hard it can be to

options is Nick’s Steak & Seafood. Their

the same struggles she has overcome with her background in

kid’s menu includes organic chicken for

maintain a healthy lifestyle. She helps her clients work through holistic health and real-world experience. She has dedicated

the kiddos. Parents must order their

her life to offering practical support to women and families

famous Beaufort redfish. It might be our

to lizvandyhealthandwellness.com.

who are on a journey toward optimal health. To learn more, go

FAMILY GETAWAY•EDITION 12 NO. 2•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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DOES NATURE HAVE

VALUE BEYOND WHAT IT PROVIDES HUMANS?

Y

Text by Michael Paul Nelson, Jeremy T. Bruskotter, and John A. Vucetich

ou can drive a nail with a hammer, and you can pull one. With a pencil, you can write a poem or a song. Hammers and pencils are clearly useful – instrumentally valuable, that is.

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Lake view at the Wilds Christian Camp, in Brevard, NC. Photo by Aaron Burden.

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Mountian view, NC. Photo by Courtney Corlew. Waterfall, NC. Photo by Florian Schneider.

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

But if the pencil snaps or the hammer cracks, then it’s off to the trash heap.

Your teenager is different. He or she may be useful in mowing the lawn and providing a tax write-off, but teenagers also possesses value far beyond their utility. They are also intrinsically valuable.

What about the intrinsic value of nature? Does nature have only pencil- and hammer-like values, or does nature also possess intrinsic value?

A handful of very vocal conservationists these days make assertions about the exclusive importance of nature’s instrumental value. We will not be motivated to protect nature, they assert, unless we appreciate the full range of “ecosystems services” nature provides to humans (water purification, pollination, and the like). In turn, they make claims about, even ridicule, the failure of appeals to conservation premised upon the intrinsic value of nature.

This fervent commitment to the instrumental value of nature

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even trickles down to individual, highly sentient, parts of nature. It’s okay to kill lions, they say, because killing a lion for a trophy can generate important conservation revenue.

A lion’s life is, they say, instrumentally valuable, a means to an end.

All of these assertions are built upon the assumed truth of an empirical claim. They assume that only by appealing to the instrumental value of nature will we motivate environmental action, because, they assume, that’s how humans value nature. We are, that is, anthropocentric (from the Greek, meaning human-centered). Everyone knows that, right?

Actually, as it turns out, not right.

WIDELY HELD VIEW In our research, we found that the premise currently underpinning so much conservation effort is wildly mistaken.

A survey we conducted with Ohio residents, hardly a bastion of tree-hugging granola-munching Birkenstock-wearing Prius drivers, demonstrated that more than 82% of Ohioans acknowledged the intrinsic value of wildlife. A nationally

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Great Smokey Mountains, North Carolina. Photo by Allison Raber.

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Scenes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Top photo by Brandi Redd. Bottom photo by Aaron Burden.

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representative survey of adults revealed very similar numbers (81%). Moreover, we see this high level of intrinsic value attribution across demographic groups: whether rural residents or urbanites, rich or poor, male or female, hunters or non-hunters. Interestingly, more than 90% of people who strongly identified as “conservationists” in the Ohio survey acknowledged nature’s intrinsic value. This suggests that conservationists who reject nature’s intrinsic value are out of the mainstream of their peers.

But if so very many of us believe in nature’s intrinsic value, then why do we seem to behave otherwise?

Why do we continue to pollute more than necessary?

Why do we continue to destroy natural habitats by expanding human developments in places where human well-being is already high?

Why do we as a society make so many decisions that appear to be, or that actually are, inconsistent with the idea that nature possesses intrinsic value?

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Perhaps because while you believe in nature’s intrinsic value, you don’t believe that enough of the rest of us share your belief for it to be an effective basis for conservation. Perhaps, that is, we’ve bought into a false narrative about our own ethical beliefs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT This is one of the many mistaken ideas about nature’s intrinsic value, but it’s an important one. The assumptions we make (rightly or wrongly) about the world, including about the way people value that world, control the approaches we take or believe to be viable, the questions we ask or fail to ask, and ultimately the outcomes we can expect or never even imagine. It’s vital that we get this right; it colors every aspect of our relationship with nature.

So, let’s give ourselves some credit, even a little pat on the back (but gently, only one hand, just for a moment). Now, let’s think hard about what widespread acknowledgment of nature’s intrinsic value means.

It means that we are not necessarily the equivalent of morally

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Mountain Creek, North Carolina. Photo by Allison Raber.

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Winding road near Brevard, NC. Photo by Aaron Burden.

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self-absorbed infants. We are more morally mature than we might have imagined than people keep insisting.

But this is bittersweet because with moral maturity comes moral responsibility. As we acknowledge that we attribute intrinsic value to nature, we must hold ourselves accountable for that acknowledgment.

We invite conservationists and the conservation community to engage in a moment of reflection: we say we believe nature has intrinsic value; from that belief, what follows?

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

Michael Paul Nelson is a Professor of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy, Oregon State University.

Jeremy T. Bruskotter is an Associate Professor of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University.

John A. Vucetich is an Associate Professor of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University. This article was originally published on The Conversation.

FAMILY GETAWAY•EDITION 12 NO. 2•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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CHARACTER

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BACKYARD

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TEXTURE

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PROVISIONS

Provisions

inspiring small town flavors + shopping

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

WE PROVIDE THE EQUIPMENT. It’s up to you to use it right.

Locally owned and mismanaged since 1977.

blackhawkhardware.com

Reading maps is a fun and educational activity for kids while travelling.

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

HIT THE ROAD

T ravelGear FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Te x t b y C a n d a c e . M a t t i n g l y

A

family road trip is a great idea this summer, and prepping for the journey’s ride time is super important if you want to arrive at your destination with your sanity intact.

Many will rely on tech devices (smartphones, tablets, etc) for entertainment, but limiting screen time is recommended and achievable with a mix of games and activities. Oh, and don’t forget to have a variety of snacks, take plenty of breaks, and did I mention snacks?!

To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled some of our favorite travel products (there’s something here for every member of the family) available at Blackhawk Hardware.

And by the way, Blackhawk Hardware also has a variety of snacks.

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Kids

TRAVEL GEAR FOR

Schylling | Miniature Pinball | $8.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Regal | Auto Bingo | $1.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Product photos by Josh Vasko. Photo (right) by William Bout.

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

Teens

TRAVEL GEAR FOR

iLive | Truly Wire-Free Earbuds | $21.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Games on the Go | 36 Card Games | $3.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Product photos by Josh Vasko. Photo (left) by Jorge Saavedra.

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Adults TRAVEL GEAR FOR

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

Travelon | Neck Pillow $29.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Product photos by Josh Vasko. Photo (top) by Brian Erickson.

EcoTools | Eye Mask $5.99 | Blackhawk Hardware

Corkcicle | Mug $29.99 | Blackhawk Hardware FAMILY GETAWAY•EDITION 12 NO. 2•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

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Pets

TRAVEL GEAR FOR

Dexas | Collapsible Travel Cup For Dogs $13.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Lupine | Step In Harness $16.99- $18.99 | Blackhawk Hardware Product photos by Josh Vasko. Photo (top) by Jaromir Chalabala.

aM T M T H E M I L L M AG A Z I N E

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THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 12 NO. 2•FAMILY GETAWAY

Dr. Paul Burt, OD and Dr. Melissa Wood, OD

2460 INDIA HOOK RD, SUITE 206, ROCK HILL, SC 29732 | 803-985-2020 | PALMETTO-EYE.COM

Think, buy, Let's and source work together to MADEINTHEMILL.COM protect, foster, and strengthen the local independent businesses that make our community unique..

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2021 Charlotte Artist Greg Barnes

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