January 2016 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

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Easy-Peasy Ways to Go GREEN Treating Autism Naturally DANCE For Body, Mind and Spirit January 2016 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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Qi Revolution

Comes to New Orleans

Qigong Breathing and Food Healing

$99 Life-Changing Seminar 2-Days 1 Night

Breathing Qi Energy Gives You Profound Healing Vibrations Reflexology for Pain Hands on Healing Tui Na Massage

In this seminar you’ll receive training in the art of using specific foods to reverse specific diseases.

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natural awakenings January 2016

3

letterfrompublisher

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace.

One must believe in it.

And it isn’t enough to believe in it.

One must work at it.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt A new year is upon us and there’s a resolution-driven energy in the air to abandon bad habits and jumpstart new fitness routines. Yet, I can’t help but notice that this optimistic buzz seems to be up against regular reminders that we live in a complicated and conflicted world, where universal peace is still a collective dream.

What would happen if everyone made peace a part of their New Year’s intentions?

What if we took time to find peace in the everyday moments that we often zoom past—the warmth of sunlight on a cold day, the embrace of a child before bed, the release from a deep exhale? When faced with challenges, we can make peace by replacing power with love and we can strive to give unconditionally. When we live in the moment, we can be more mindful and therefore more aware that our actions can lead us to peace—or away from it.

Find peace, make peace, keep peace. It sounds so simple, yet it’s so very challenging, and as Eleanor Roosevelt said, we must work at it. Will you join me on this peacekeeping mission?

With our elevated levels of inner peace, we can harness the season’s energy for renewed wellness. From the feature story on functional medicine and tips for going green, to comforting soup recipes and a lively lineup of events in our calendar, this month’s Natural Awakenings offers progressive yet accessible guidance for a healthy new year.

Wishing you peace and wellness this year!

Never glossy.

Always green.

DID YOU KNOW? Natural Awakenings is printed on newsprint with soy-based ink. When you're finished with it, this publication can easily be recycled or composted.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Publisher/Editor Meredith Montgomery Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Marketing Manager Marcia Manuel Distribution Manager Stephanie Klumpp Contributors Josh Montgomery, Anne Wilson Michael Wilson Design and Production Meredith Montgomery Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. © 2016 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.

Warmly,

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Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers.

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contents

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16 THE RISE OF

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

16

New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease

by Lisa Marshall

21 SUPER SOUPS

New Twists on Old Favorites

Heal, Nourish and Soothe

by Judith Fertig

24 TREATING AUTISM NATURALLY

21

Plus Strategies for Prevention

by Meredith Montgomery

877.915.9228

MA100 AL100

WellnessPlusPlan.com

Disclosures: This plan is NOT insurance. The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act or Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309, Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Website to obtain participating providers: MyMemberPortal. com. Not available to KS, UT, VT or WA residents.

6

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

26 IT’S EASY TO BE GREEN

At Home and On the Road

by Avery Mack

28 THE POWER OF

CONSCIOUS DANCE

Creative Movement Connects

Body, Mind and Spirit

by Gail Condrick

30 BRUCE LIPTON ON THE EPIGENETICS REVOLUTION

Our Beliefs Reprogram

Our Genetic Destiny

24

by Linda Sechrist

32 THE RIGHT VET FOR YOUR PET

Animals Thrive with Gentle,

Safe and Natural Approaches

by Shawn Messonnier

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

32

8 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 13 actionalert 14 globalbriefs 10 19 businessspotlight 21 consciouseating 13 24 healthykids 26 greenliving 28 fitbody 30 wisewords 32 naturalpet 33 inspiration 14 34 calendar 38 classifieds 40 naturaldirectory

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events and ongoing classes online at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

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school live with intention shine from within 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Begins February 2016 TheSoulShineLife.com Downtown Fairhope 103-B N. Bancroft Street Emily@TheSoulShineLife.com 251.225.4597

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com natural awakenings January 2016

7

newsbriefs Health Food Stores Celebrate 40th Anniversary Fairhope Health Foods will celebrate its 40th anniversary and Virginia’s Health Foods will celebrate its 39th with in-store customer appreciation events from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., January 9, at both stores. Samples of vitamins, cosmetics and Sunflower Café food will be available all day.

Throughout January, all Bluebonnet, Nordic Naturals, Irwin Naturals and Nature’s Secret will be 20 percent off. New Chapter and Garden of Life supplements are 20 percent off every day.

The locally owned stores carry a wide selection of organic groceries such as produce, meats, dairy and wine and feature an allergy-sensitive section, bulk spices and herbs and supplements. In addition to food items, both stores carry natural products for the whole family, from baby and pet supplies to books and bath and body products.

Reach Your Target Market Advertise with us...

IT WORKS!

More than 13,500 Natural Awakenings magazines are distributed to over 450 locations throughout Coastal Alabama and Mississippi. Reach our healthand eco-conscious readers.

Contact us today: 251-990-9552

or email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Locations: Virginia’s Health Foods, 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL (251-479-3952); Fairhope Health Foods, 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL (251-928-0644). For more information, visit VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com. See ad, back cover.

Soul Shine Yoga’s Teacher Training Begins in February Soul Shine Yoga School (SSYS), a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School, will offer a 200-hour teacher training in February, for those wanting to discover what it truly means to live with intention and shine from within. Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible to become registered yoga teachers (RYT) through Yoga Alliance. Brooke Nisbet, ERYT 200, RYT 500, and Emily Sommerville, E-RYT 200, will lead the 2016 program with support from the entire community of Soul Shine Yoga RYTs. Nisbet and Sommerville provide a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters a sense of togetherness among the program’s participants, allowing them to meet personal development goals while developing teaching skills.

“I now understand how I can apply yoga to everyday life and am better equipped emotionally, mentally and physically,” says Angel Bennett, a 2015 graduate. “I feel more grounded, happier, grateful, compassionate and filled with love—for myself and others.”

For more information or an application, call 251-225-4597 or email Emily@TheSoulShineLife.com. See ads, page 7 and 31.

8

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Qigong Training in New Orleans Qigong Breathing and Food Healing training will take place February 19 to 21 at the New Orleans Convention Center. The professional training will cover topics such as oxygen retention and pulsation of breath, food healing science, strength training, hands-on healing, reflexology and Tui Na massage.

“Qigong breathing can help naturally resolve health issues. Transcending the physical and experiencing ourselves as pure energy is possible within a few minutes,” says Jeff Primack, who teaches the 9-Breath Method, a signature technique taught to over 50,000 people at Qi Revolution workshops across the country.

Cost: $99. Advanced registration required. For more information call 800298-8970 or visit QiRevolution.com.

See ad, page 3.

Bolster Weight Loss Efforts with Ear Seeds Ear seeds—which can increase the effectiveness of healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle changes for weight loss, according to multiple clinical studies— are available in assorted kits through Jen Adams, LMT and can be added to any massage session. Like reflexology for the ears, these small seeds stimulate acupressure points on the ear and can foster weight loss naturally. Ear seeds can help decrease appetite, increase metabolism, fight cravings and help control emotional behaviors that spark overeating.

“Upgrade those seeds to Swarovski crystals and 24K gold pellets to add a little bling along with your weight loss support—just in time for Mardi Gras balls,” says Adams.

For more information, call 251-616-4201 or visit JenAdamsLMT. com. See listing, page 35.

NEWS TO SHARE?

Send submissions to Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com or call 251-990-9552. For submission guidelines, visit www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Become an Ambassador of Wellness with Massage, Yoga and Reiki Certification Training Mobile’s newest occupational college, Alabama Healing Arts (AHA), is accepting applications for all programs, which are led by AHA educators with over 25 years of teaching experience.

Daytime massage school starts this month, with evening classes beginning soon. The 650-hour curriculum meets state requirements for preparing students to become licensed therapists; emphasizes hands-on technique demonstration and practice; and includes specialty techniques, fundamental sciences, a student clinic and outreach practicums.

AHA currently has a 100 percent pass rate for students taking licensure exam.

The 200-, 300-, and 500-hour yoga teacher training, provided by experienced registered yoga teachers (E-RYT), begins in February. Iyengar-style instruction, based on Rodney Yee’s teachings, emphasizes conscious body alignment and the utilization of props to ensure safety within and while transitioning between poses. Training covers the physical and/or energetic body systems, teaching methodologies, breath and meditation practices and yogic philosophy. Graduating students will be eligible to become registered yoga teachers with Yoga Alliance.

Three levels of Reiki certification, beginning with Level I Usui Ryoho Reiki training, are offered twice per year. Upon completion of each level, participants can perform self-treatments and practice professionally. Each level may be purchased individually, and for continuing education.

Location: 6304 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile, AL. For more information, call 251753-1937, email AlabamaHealingArts@ gmail.com or visit AlabamaHealingArts. com. See ad, page 31.

Stay Connected!

Like "Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AlabamaMississippi" on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram. natural awakenings January 2016

9

healthbriefs

Feel Young, Live Long

R

esearch published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found people that feel younger than their years have a lower incidence of earlier mortality. Conducted by scientists from the UK’s University College London, the research analyzed data from 6,489 people and measured their self-perceived age with the question, “How old do you feel you are?” Then, over more than eight years, the scientists tracked the number of deaths from all causes.

Almost 70 percent of those that averaged a little over 65 reported feeling at least three years younger than their chronological age. Only a quarter said they felt close to their age and about 5 percent said they felt more than a year older.

The research found that deaths among those that felt younger were 14 percent, while more than 18 percent of those who felt their own age and more than 24 percent of people that felt older died during the follow-up period. The research further found that individuals that felt at least three years younger were less likely to die later from heart disease or cancer. These relationships prevailed even when other health and lifestyle factors were eliminated.

Co-author Andrew Steptoe, Ph.D., says, “We expected to find an association between self-perceived age and mortality. We didn’t expect that the relationship would still be present even when wealth, other socio-demographic indicators, health, depression, mobility and other factors were taken into account.”

Vitamin E and D Supplements Hinder Alzheimer’s and Falls Among Elderly

T

wo common vitamins are making headlines in medical research. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The five-year study followed 561 Alzheimer’s patients and included a placebo and the pharmaceutical drug memantine. Those that took vitamin E had a reduced progression of the disease compared to both a placebo group and the memantine group.

Also, researchers from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of falling for elderly folks. The study had a vitamin D supplement or a placebo delivered through a Meals-on-Wheels program to 68 people. The subjects were given blood tests and their history of falls was measured. Diaries revealed that the individuals taking vitamin D supplements fell less than half the number of times than the placebo group.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Leave Them at the Door: Shoe Soles Harbor Risky Bacteria

R

esearch from the University of Houston has determined that a species of bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics might be tracking into homes on the soles of shoes. More than a third of randomly tested homes were contaminated with Clostridium difficile bacteria, and 40 percent of doorsteps were also infected with the bacteria.

Depending upon the strain, C. difficile can cause intestinal infections, inflammation and severe diarrhea.

Study author M. Jahangir Alam, Ph.D., comments, “Shoes are contaminated from diverse sources, and we are regularly contaminating our doorsteps by shoes.”

The researchers tested three to five household items within 30 houses in Houston, Texas. They collected 127 environmental samples— from 63 shoe bottoms, 15 bathroom surface samples, 12 house floor dusts and 37 other household surfaces

They found that 41 of them harbored C. difficile and nearly 40 percent of the shoes were positive for the bacteria. They also found that a third of the bathroom surfaces harbored the bacteria, a third of house dust and 19 percent of other surfaces maintained the bacteria.

The cause of many intestinal disorders, this bacteria species has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and many household cleaning products.

ad_2-16_fengshui831_ad 2/15/15 2:29 PM Page 1

Autism Spurs Creative Thinking

T

he UK’s University of East Anglia and the University of Stirling conducted a study of individuals with autistic traits among 312 people recruited through social media, including 75 diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Each of the subjects completed a series of creativity tests in which they determined uses of mundane objects.

Published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the study found that while the autistic people chose fewer uses for each object, their choices were significantly more original and creative. The subjects developed a greater range of “divergent thinking”.

Martin Doherty, Ph.D., co-author of the study, confirms, “People with high autistic traits can have less quantity, but greater quality of creative ideas. They are typically considered to be more rigid in their thinking, so the fact that the ideas they have are more unusual or rare is surprising. This difference may have positive implications for creative problem solving.”

The researchers found that while the average person will utilize simple mental strategies to produce more obvious answers first, autistic people tend to first utilize more demanding strategies during their processing, thus producing the more creative result.

Sunlight Reduces Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

R

esearchers from the University of California (UC) School of Medicine at San Diego have determined that regions with greater exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation from the sun and reduced cloud cover have significantly lower incidence of pancreatic cancer.

In an analysis of global rates of the disease, the research, published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, demonstrated that areas with more sunshine had only one-sixth of the pancreatic cancer rates of areas with less sunshine.

The farther from the equator, the less is the exposure to UV-B radiation, leading to less body production of vitamin D.

Study author Cedric F. Garland, doctor of public health, a UC professor and member of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, says, “If you’re living at a high latitude or in a place with a lot of heavy cloud cover, you can’t make vitamin D most of the year, which results in a higher-than-normal risk of getting pancreatic cancer.”

According to World Cancer Research Fund International, 338,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed annually, and it is the seventh most lethal form of cancer.

Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless. ~Thomas A. Edison

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natural awakenings January 2016

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healthbriefs 2016 Gulf Coast Alabama & Mississippi

Playing Outside Before Lunch Spurs Kids to Eat Healthier

Healthy& R GREEN Living

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esearchers from Brigham Young University and Cornell University have determined that simply moving recess to precede lunch significantly increases students’ consumption of fruits and vegetables at lunch.

The researchers tested first- through sixth-graders from seven schools in Utah for 14 school days. In three schools, recess was switched from after to just before lunch. In the other four schools, recess still followed lunch.

Published in the journal Preventative Medicine, research found that when recess was just prior to lunch, students ate 54 percent more fruits and vegetables.

Moving recess also resulted in 45 percent more kids eating at least one serving of fruits and vegetables during school-provided lunches.

The researchers concluded that results show the benefits of holding recess before lunch and suggest that if more schools did this, there would be significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among students that eat school lunch as part of the National School Lunch Program.

Scientists Urge Ban on Non-Stick Pan Coatings

A

new paper published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal warns of the continued health risks of chemicals used for non-stick pan coatings and water repellents on clothing. The chemical is being found in some municipalities’ drinking water.

More than 200 scientists signed the statement, which presents the dangers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are persistently used as pan coatings, despite more than a decade of research showing associations with liver toxicity, neurological disorders, cancers of different organs and types, and heart conditions.

The paper noted that many manufacturers have discontinued long-chain PFAS production and substituted shorter-chain PFAS. The scientists caution that these shorter-chain PFAS may not effectively reduce PFAS exposure because more has to be used to achieve the same effectiveness, maintaining PFAS in the environment with exposure levels relatively unchanged. It calls for scientists, governments, chemical manufacturers and consumer product manufacturers to participate in halting all PFAS production.

Reserve your space today!

251-990-9552

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

All great achievements require time. ~Maya Angelou www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

actionalert

Find Your Perfect Partner

No-Choice Vaccines

California Mandates Shots for Childcare Workers

on NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

After passing the state House and Senate, California Senate Bill 792 was approved by Governor Jerry Brown on October 11. The unprecedented law mandates vaccines for adult childcare workers and volunteers, including all individuals working in private and public school early childhood education programs, with no religious exemptions permitted.

SB 792 reads, “Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis [whooping cough] and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.” The same regulations also apply to family home day care workers and volunteers. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a loss of licensing for the facility/center.

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/californiasb792. Let California lawmakers hear what the people want via Legislature.ca.gov.

Join for FREE! Visit NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

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

Fish Folly

Marine Life Drops by Half since 1970 The nonprofit World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of London have jointly determined that industrial-scale overfishing, pollution and climate change have killed half of all marine life over the last 40 years. The Living Blue Planet Report cites that species essential to the global food supply are among the hardest hit, partially due to humans catching them faster than they can reproduce. Large swaths of coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses have also died, further decimating fish populations.

Statistics show that the family of fish that includes tuna and mackerel has declined by 75 percent since 1970. The number of species is also declining; a quarter of all shark and ray species face extinction. Half of all coral has already disappeared, and the rest will vanish by 2050 if temperatures continue to rise at current rates. “Coral reefs occupy less than 1 percent of the ocean surface, but they harbor a third of ocean species,” says French biologist Gilles Boeuf.

The WWF report argues that protected global ocean area should be tripled by 2020 and fish retailers should source from companies that follow certified best practice standards.

Source: Tinyurl.com/WWF2015BluePlanetReport

Drive-Thru Vegan

Amy’s Opens Organic Fast Food Restaurant California now hosts the nation’s first Amy’s Organic Drive-Thru restaurant, in Rohnert Park, with a vegetarian menu sporting veggie burgers, salads and dishes served in both regular and vegan varieties. Ingredients are sustainably grown and GMO-free (no genetically modified ingredients).

The company’s signature frozen pizzas have been popular for years in health food and grocery stores nationwide, and now Amy’s first restaurant is serving them hot, with toppings ranging from spinach and diced tomatoes to a choice of mozzarella cheese or vegan “cheeze”.

While some other fast food restaurants import almost all of their products from factory farming operations and give nothing back to the community, Amy’s Drive-Thru grows produce sustainably on its own roof. Amy’s Kitchen, a familyowned, privately held organic frozen food company, reportedly pays workers a living wage with health benefits.

On the inaugural restaurant’s popularity, Manager Paul Schiefer remarks, “It’s given us a lot of hope that this is a concept that works.”

14

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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OM MBA

Eastern Practices Penetrate U.S. Corporate Culture Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini has introduced free yoga and meditation classes for employees of the health insurance giant, and more than 13,000 are participating. On average, they experienced a 28 percent reduction in their stress levels, 20 percent improvement in sleep quality, 19 percent reduction in pain and 62 minutes per week of extra productivity.

“We have this groundswell inside the company of people wanting to take the classes,” says Bertolini. “It’s been pretty magical.” He sells the same classes to businesses that contract with Aetna.

Google now offers emotional intelligence courses for employees and General Mills has a meditation room in every building on its Minneapolis corporate campus. Even conservative Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs are teaching meditation on the job.

Some programs, from yoga sessions for factory workers to guided meditations for executives, are intended to improve overall well-being; others to increase focus and productivity. Most aim to make employees more present-minded, less prone to make rash decisions and generally nicer people to work with.

More than 21 million individuals now practice yoga nationwide, double the number from a decade ago, and nearly as many meditate, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Source: MindfulYogaHealth.com

Puppy Cuddles

Doctor’s Orders

Students De-Stress by Petting Dogs At least three universities in England have offered puppy rooms to stressed students.

More than 600 students signed up last year in Bristol alone.

Gordon Trevett, from the University’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, says, “Every year I see students fretting about their exams, and I thought this would be a great way to ease the stress and take their minds off it. People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without a dog, and we know that playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.”

Jo Woods, from the Bristol Students Union, says, “It’s important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams, and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins.”

Source: BBC

Sci-Fi Solution

Beaming Solar Power to Earth from Space A great deal of solar power falls on our planet, but a lot more misses us and goes off into space. Scientists at JAXA, Japan’s space administration, have made a major breakthrough in accurate wireless power transmission on Earth that bodes well for solar space technology. The team beamed 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough to power an electric tea kettle, more than 50 meters to a small receiver without any wires whatsoever.

The researchers were able to accomplish this task by first converting the electrical energy to microwaves, and then beaming them to a remote receiver before converting them back into electrons. The program’s goal is to harness a constant supply of solar energy directly from space using orbital solar farms, and then beam that energy for use on Earth. Solar power generation in space has many advantages over current technology, including the constant availability of energy regardless of the weather or time of day.

Source: Global.jaxa.jp

GMO Labeling Endorsed

by Physicians Even as the federal government pursues H.R. 1599, aka the “Deny Americans the Right to Know” (DARK) act, mainstream medicine is urging the government to abandon its resistance to GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling. They are bolstered by a recent announcement by the World Health Organization that glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer) is probably carcinogenic in humans. The genetic engineering ends up making crops resistant to the herbicide so more must be applied.

According to contributing doctors from Harvard, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine, “GM crops are now the agricultural products most heavily treated with herbicides, and two of these herbicides may pose risks of cancer.”

A recent notice in the same journal, “GMOs, Herbicides and Public Health,” reports: “The application of biotechnology to agriculture has been rapid and aggressive. The vast majority of the soy and [feed] corn grown in the United States are now genetically engineered. Foods produced from GM crops have become ubiquitous.”

Sixty-four countries, including Russia and China, have already adopted transparency in labeling laws, but U.S. Big Food and Big Ag lobbyists have stonewalled efforts domestically.

For more information and petitions, visit OrganicConsumers.org.

Unique Character

Sesame Street Addresses Autism After working with organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Self Advocacy Network, Sesame Street has been aiming to help reduce the stigma associated with autism spectrum disorder. A new autistic character, Julia, already has her own digital storybook, We’re Amazing, 1,2,3 as part of the campaign See Amazing in All Children.

According to Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street producers are waiting to hear back from the autism community before introducing Julia to the TV show.

For more information, visit Autism.SesameStreet.org/storybook-we-are-amazing and Tinyurl.com/MeetJuliaVideo.

natural awakenings January 2016

15

pounds heavier and feels better than she has in decades. “I spent a lot of years and money in the traditional medical system and got nothing,” says Mills. With functional medicine, “In a very short time, they had me feeling nearly 100 percent.”

Distinctive Characteristics

The Rise of Functional Medicine New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease

by Lisa Marshall

B

y the end of 2014, Trina Mills, of Parker, Arizona, had given up on conventional medicine. She’d been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder 17 years earlier and taken medication ever since without feeling her symptoms of fatigue, muscle aches and stomach problems ever fully subside. She’d visited endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and a half-dozen other specialists, each of which offered a different diagnosis and prescribed a different drug.

At one point, she had her gallbladder removed. At another, her doctor suspected she had bleeding in her brain and sent her for a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. Some thought she was a hypochondriac; others said she was depressed. “I would tell them, ‘I’m

16

just depressed that you can’t figure out why I’m so sick,’” she says.

Weighing a skeletal 82 pounds, the 54-year-old mother of three finally wrote out a living will and braced for the inevitable. Then she heard of a new Center for Functional Medicine opening at the prestigious, century-old Cleveland Clinic.

As the first clinic of its kind to open at an academic medical center, it promised to look at the underlying causes of disease, while focusing on the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms.

Intrigued, Mills caught a flight to Ohio and soon was offering up 30 tubes of blood, stool and saliva samples, as well as an exhaustive life history. One year later, thanks to a series of personalized diet and lifestyle changes, she’s 10

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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In the 25 years since nutritional biochemist Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., of Gig Harbor, Washington, coined the term, this science-based, whole-body approach to addressing chronic disease has gained widespread traction. More than 100,000 physicians—60 percent of them medical doctors—have trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine he founded in Washington and New Mexico, and numerous medical schools have added its tenets to their curricula. More naturopaths and chiropractors are also distinguishing themselves with a functional medicine emphasis.

“It is not alternative medicine at all,” stresses Bland, whose latest book, The Disease Delusion, details how functional medicine can curb chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, which constitute 78 percent of U.S. health care costs. “It’s the basis of 21st-century health care,” he says.

For most of the 20th century, conventional medicine centered on a singular objective: Arrive at a diagnosis and treat it with drugs or surgery. Then, the alternative medicine movement proffered a toolbox of more natural therapies, including acupuncture, herbs and massage to address these same diagnoses. The 1990s brought integrative medicine, a best-ofboth-worlds approach.

“While all of the above have merit, they lack the necessary guidance to help practitioners determine which tools work best for which patient,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine.

“Alternative therapies and conventional treatments are tools. We need a new map that can teach us how to skillfully use those tools,” maintains Hyman. “That map is functional medicine.”

Because one chronic disease such as diabetes can have dozens of underlying causes, or one culprit such as a genetic predisposition or exposure to toxins can lead to multiple chronic conditions, functional medicine focuses on systems,

rather than organs, and origins, rather than diseases. “It’s about listening to the patient’s story in a different way, where the objective is not simply about arriving at a diagnosis,” explains Bland.

Ferreting Out Key Clues

Key to discovering the underlying origins of a health issue are a host of new gene, blood and gut health tests. “They allow us to look under the patient’s ‘metabolic hood’ at the genetic and biochemical factors influencing health,” says Naturopathic Doctor Kara Fitzgerald, who heads up a functional medicine clinic in Newtown, Connecticut.

For instance, certain genes influence how a person burns and stores fat.

Depending on which variant a patient has, based on a genetic test, they might be guided toward a higher- or lower-fat diet. Those genetically prone to difficulty in metabolizing the amino acid homocysteine (an excess of which can raise the risk of heart disease) might be advised to take folic acid supplements.

If a patient displays intractable gut problems, rather than simply look for

blood or pathogens in the stool, Fitzgerald also looks at the DNA of their gut microbiome, mapping out which strains of good bacteria are present or absent and prescribing prebiotics, probiotics or whole foods to promote a healthful balance.

For another patient with thinning hair and aching joints, she might use specialized blood tests to look for micronutrient deficiencies, signs of allergies or certain autoantibodies—proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack one’s own tissues—that might herald a brewing autoimmune disorder.

“Research shows that predictive autoantibodies can show up in the blood 10 or even 20 years before an autoimmune disease such as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis makes itself known,” says Fitzgerald, pointing to a seminal review published in 2007 in Scientific American: “If a patient with mild, early-stage symptoms is proactive with diet and lifestyle changes, they may be able to fend it off.”

High-tech tests aside, Bland stresses that what’s most important is “a tool that

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DIY Testing W

hile most practitioners recommend that patients consult with a physician to interpret their test results, several companies offer gene, blood and microbiome lab testing directly to consumers. Here are a few options to consider.

uBiome, Inc. (Ubiome.com): Send in swab samples from gut, mouth, nose, genitals and/or skin and the company will genetically sequence the DNA of resident bacteria and send findings back within six weeks, identifying good and bad varieties present, deficiencies, and how that personal microbiome compares to others with similar lifestyles, such as smokers, vegans, meat-eaters, etc. It’s also possible to test a client’s microbiome over time to see if dietary changes implemented to change gut health are working.

WellnessFX (WellnessFX.com): Visit an affiliated diagnostic lab to submit blood samples with results posted within a week on a secure website. Different packages targeting weight loss, sports performance, heart health or women’s health issues look at different biomarkers in the blood, such as levels of certain micronutrients, hormones or signs of inflammation. Clients can request an online consultation with a doctor or dietitian to interpret the results.

Pathway Genomics (Pathway. com): The company’s DNA Insight Genetic Health and Wellness Tests use genetic material taken from saliva to analyze genetic markers.

Ordered via a licensed practitioner, online or through a smartphone app, clients receive a kit, send in a sample and get results within three weeks. The Pathway Fit tests snapshot 75 genetic markers related to metabolism and sports performance.

Others look for genes that influence nutrient absorption, heart health or hormonal function.

natural awakenings January 2016

17

has been largely lost in medicine today: Knowing how to listen to the patient.”

In a typical exam, Fitzgerald thoroughly inspects often neglected body parts, including the tongue and fingernails, which can hold important clues to underlying health. She asks about past emotional trauma which might trigger chronic disease, and inquires about what environmental toxins and harmful chemicals both the patient and their birth parents may have been exposed to. One example might be a patient exposed to cigarette smoking in utero having a bias toward an allergic disease. If their parents grew up in a period of famine, they might have inherited a genetic disposition for rapid weight gain.

“She spent two-and-a-half hours with me,” in her initial consultation, recalls 52-year-old Lauren Zambrelli,

Learn More Online Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine Tinyurl.com/Center4 FunctionalMedicine Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s blog DrKaraFitzgerald.com/blog Functional Forum FunctionalForum.com

of Long Island, New York, who credits Fitzgerald for helping her tame her multiple sclerosis into remission. “It was like having a sister for a doctor.”

Who Pays

Functional medicine doctors don’t shy away from prescription drugs when necessary, but they do lean decidedly toward the lower-tech modalities, using dietary supplements, allergen-free diets, exercise, mind-body practices and toxin avoidance as their primary tools. “We basically take out the bad stuff from the body and put in the good stuff,” says Hyman.

Maintaining good health is priceless, but without conventional insurance coverage, it can be expensive. While Mills’ doctor visits were covered by insurance (which is rare), she spends roughly $1,000 a month on supplements to address her diagnosed leaky gut syndrome, nutrient deficiencies and mercury poisoning. Zambrelli has paid thousands out of her own pocket, too.

Some people worry that, like most conventional physicians, some functional medicine practitioners place too much emphasis on expensive tests and too little on the most crucial and affordable remedy—self-care. “Functional medicine as a concept is an important step forward,” says integrative medicine pioneer Dr. James Gordon, founder of the Center for MindBody Medicine, in Washington, D.C., and

Dr. Mark Hyman’s blog DrHyman.com/blog Institute for Functional Medicine FunctionalMedicine.org

Stay Connected!

To lobby for consistent insurance coverage of more complementary therapies, check out these resources.

CoverMyCare (CoverMyCare.org). This national grassroots advocacy campaign, a project of the Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium, aims to support the proper full implementation of Section 2706 of the Affordable Care Act, which states that insurers cannot leave licensed practitioners like naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists or Oriental medicine practitioners out of their provider networks. It still lacks enforcement at the state level, although Oregon and Rhode Island recently passed legislation to fix the existing loophole; California, Hawaii, Minnesota and New Mexico are working to do the same.

American Sustainable Business Council (Tinyurl.com/Integrative Reimbursement). The organization recently launched a campaign to urge insurers to cover integrative practices.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO, who specializes in health care. Connect at LisaAnn Marshall.com.

Like "Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AlabamaMississippi" on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram.

Lobby for Change

18

San Francisco. “However, some practitioners do a lot of tests and prescribe a lot of supplements and work on cleaning out the gut, but neglect the psychological, spiritual and social issues. That concerns me.”

Bland and Hyman concede that some practitioners over-test, but say that will fade over time as they learn to better discriminate which ones are useful for specific patients. Several efforts also are underway to get more functional medicine providers and the acupuncturists, massage therapists and nutritionists they work with covered under the Affordable Care Act, which expressly emphasizes a need for more preventive medicine.

Viewing the big picture, Bland believes that functional medicine is just what the country needs to save on exploding healthcare costs. Rather than spending dollars on extraordinary measures to save heart attack victims or diabetics in emergencies, we can prevent such dire situations by identifying underlying problems sooner and halting their progression.

In the meantime, some patients are finding priceless relief. “Am I poorer right now? Yes,” says Mills. “Am I healthier?

Way. It’s been so worth it.”

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businessspotlight

Homegrown Service & Support for Healthy Living

A

fter seven years at Pinebrook Shopping Center on Airport Boulevard, in Mobile, Virginia’s Health Foods relocated to Midtown Mart Shopping Center, on Dauphin Street, last spring. In a space that is 2,000 square feet larger than their previous location, the store has significantly expanded its inventory while remaining true to its local roots.

“Because we’re a family-owned business, I wanted an old Mobile feel for the new space,” says owner Lynnora Ash, who enlisted Daphne-based Cashburn Brett Architecture to create the homegrown and uniquely-Alabamian environment she desired.

“We are so appreciative of the community for trusting us and supporting us for so long, that we didn’t want people to forget that we’ve been a part of the Mobile community for 39 years,” Ash says.

The store’s décor features installations of hand-cut metal with reclaimed wood and a Mobile map, by Fairhope artist Ameri’ca Jones. Highlighting some of Mobile’s flora and fauna, local painter Rachael Ellzey’s murals and canvasses feature moss-covered oak trees, alligators, birds and sunflowers along the walls of the store and café.

Virginia’s sister store, Fairhope Health Foods, opened in 1975 and was the first health food store in Lower Alabama. Ash has been the owner of the Fairhope store since 1992 and the Mobile location since 2001. In their four decades of business, the stores have become known for their customer service and expansive product inventory. “We have a lot of different things that no one else is carrying, but we also special order any products our customers request,” explains Ash.

The staff is constantly sifting through research and seeking new information to share with customers who often come to

the store after failed attempts at healthy living. With dedicated one-on-one attention, staff members educate individuals about how to find the right product for them, instead of just buying the first thing that sounds good to them.

Ash often reminds customers that health food is not diet food. “All food is caloric; that’s why we educate people about the wholeness of health. Start with a healthy diet, regular exercise and a consistent sleep routine, and then make lifestyle changes that alleviate the number one killer—stress,” she says.

Once a healthy, day-to-day lifestyle is in place, the staff educates individuals about how to use herbs to prevent and treat illness. “Supplements are important because modern farming practices often degrade the quality of the soil that our food is grown in. We’re not getting as many nutrients from our food as our grandparents did,” Ash says.

In addition to their extensive inventory of supplements and health foods (including fresh, organic produce), both stores stock a variety of products that include natural cosmetics, natural pet food and products, eco-friendly cleaning supplies and fair trade gifts. The businesses also have a wealth of free educational informa-

tion, including a cosmetic ingredients dictionary and many health-related publications. Sunflower Café, an organic restaurant featuring allergy-sensitive menus, is open seven days a week at both store locations.

Health food stores often struggle with the reputation of being expensive, but Virginia’s and Fairhope strive to keep the lifestyle they promote affordable. A range of brands at different price points is stocked and there are always products on sale. Every Sunday, all supplements are marked 15 percent off; each month several brands are marked 20 percent off storewide; Natural Awakenings Network members receive 10 percent off regularly priced items; and students and seniors always receive a discount.

Ash has not always been the health nut she is today and acknowledges that it’s hard to diet or make lifestyle changes alone. She says, “I go to the Y with a group of ladies because we have fun together—you need support, and you need it to be pleasurable. Our employees are more of a support group for our customers and they make healthy living enjoyable.

That’s the difference between corporate and family-owned—there’s more love and trust involved here.”

Location: 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL; 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL. For more information, call 251-928-0644 (Fairhope), 251-479-3952 (Mobile) or visit VA-FairhopeHealthFoods. com. See ad, page back cover.

natural awakenings January 2016

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consciouseating

SUPER SOUPS New Twists on Old Favorites Heal, Nourish and Soothe

by Judith Fertig

W

inter season soups on chilly days can warm us, both body and soul. Whatever our food preferences or time constraints, some new twists on traditional favorites will satisfy everyone’s taste buds—with an accent on healthy pleasure. Here’s where to start.

Reinventing the past. From her Colorado mountain home, Jenny McGruther, author of The Nourished Kitchen, celebrates the wisdom of traditional foodways, making nutrient-dense, healing soup broth from bones, water, vegetables and seasonings. McGruther’s twist is to make it in a six-quart slow cooker.

Once her family has dined on organic roast or rotisserie chicken, she simmers the bones with purified water, a bay leaf or two, a few whole peppercorns and a few chopped organic vegetables like onion, carrot and celery on the low setting for 24 hours. Then she ladles the broth through a coffee strainer into another container,

refreshes the slow cooker with more water and simmers the bones and seasonings for another 24 hours. Eventually, the broth will have less flavor and color, and that’s when McGruther starts all over again.

“I call this perpetual soup,” she says.

She blogs at NourishedKitchen.com.

Slowing it down. With homemade broth on hand, it’s easy to make the Italian winter staple of Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup. Cookbook authors and slow cooker experts Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, love to make this when they’re working on a cookbook deadline. They simply use what they have in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry.

“With a soup like this you can always substitute one vegetable for another, adjusting the recipe to what you enjoy and have on hand,” advises Moore. The pair blogs at PluggedInto Cooking.com.

Speeding it up. Sometimes, we need

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

a single serving of homemade soup fast.

Award-winning recipe developer and cookbook author Camilla Saulsbury, of Nacogdoches, Texas, whips up a Pumpkin Sage Soup that can simmer in a saucepan within minutes, ready to be enjoyed in a mug.

Saulsbury uses organic canned pumpkin, full of vitamins, which can vary in sweetness. “If needed,” she suggests, “add a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor of the soup.”

Making “bisque” in a high-speed blender. Karen Adler is an avid grower of organic tomatoes in her Kansas City garden. When the seasonal harvest comes to an end, Adler grills or oven roasts the tomatoes, along with organic peppers and onions, and then freezes them, ready to make Roasted Tomato Bisque any time of the year.

“My secret to a light bisque without using cream is to blend all the roasted vegetables together with a high-speed blender to give it body. A swirl of extra-virgin olive oil at the end finishes ensuring the satisfying flavor,” she says.

Going cold. Douglas McNish, head chef at Toronto’s raw and vegan restaurant Raw Aura, serves a popular Lemon, Cucumber and Dill Soup, which is easy to make in a food processor. “This soup is amazing this time of year, when most of our diets may be lacking in healthy fats and trace minerals,” says McNish.

Warming up. Two cookbook authors teamed up across many miles to write 300 Sensational Soups. Meredith Deeds lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Carla Snyder resides in Cleveland, Ohio. They’ve mutually discovered the naturally warming properties of curry powder in Curried Coconut Chickpea Soup.

Snyder observes, “A good soup nourishes the heart, as well as the stomach, spreading a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.”

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Keep Reading...

MORE RECIPES on the next page.

natural awakenings January 2016

21

SOUP’S ON! Tasty Recipes for Winter Meals ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp hot pepper sauce Bone broth or vegetable broth, if necessary Add fine dry or gluten-free bread crumbs and sliced green onion for garnish Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes, bell peppers and onion on the baking sheets and drizzle with the two tablespoons of olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft and browned at the edges.

Pumpkin Sage Soup Yields: 1 serving ¾ cup ready-to-use chicken or vegetable broth 2 /3 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling) ¼ tsp dried rubbed sage 3 Tbsp half-and-half, whole milk or coconut creamer Salt and freshly ground black pepper In a saucepan, bring the broth, pumpkin and sage to a simmer over medium-high heat. In the mug, stir broth, pumpkin and sage until blended. Stir in cream and heat for 1 minute more.

Season it to taste with salt and pepper before pouring into a mug. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Adapted from 250 Best Meals in a Mug,

by Camilla V. Saulsbury

Roasted Tomato Bisque Yields: 8 servings 4 large beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced 2 Tbsp plus ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 22

Transfer to a Vitamix or similar blender.

Add the remaining half-cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and hot pepper sauce and blend until smooth. Add a little bone broth or vegetable broth if the soup is too thick. Serve each bowl with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and thinly sliced green onion.

Adapted from The Gardener and the Grill, by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig

4 cups bone broth or 1 carton (32 oz) vegetable broth 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 /8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli 1 can (15 oz, BPA-free) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbsp minced fresh basil, plus additional for garnish Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onions, carrot and celery and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.

Stir in the green beans and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Heat, covered, until boiling, and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes.

Stir in broccoli, cannellini beans and minced basil. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are as tender as desired. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish if desired with additional minced basil.

Adapted from PluggedIntoCooking.com,

by Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss

Coconut Curried Chickpea Soup Yields: 6 servings

Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup Yields: 6 servings 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 cup frozen, cut green beans 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14.5 oz, BPA-free) diced tomatoes, with liquid

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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2 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp curry powder 1 lb small, red-skinned potatoes, ½-inch diced 4 cups vegetable stock 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk ½ tsp salt 2 cans (each 14 to 19 oz, BPA-free) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 zucchini, ½-inch diced 1 Tbsp packed light brown or date sugar 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 2 cups (about 3 oz) packed baby spinach Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Toasted shredded coconut for garnish In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and

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sauté for 1 minute. Add curry powder and sauté another 10 seconds. Add potatoes and stir to coat.

Add stock and coconut milk; cook for 10 minutes. Add chickpeas and zucchini; cook another 10 minutes, or until potatoes and zucchini are tender. Stir in brown sugar and lime juice. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with coconut.

Adapted from 300 Sensational Soups,

by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds

RESTAURANTS & BAKERIES SUNFLOWER CAFE I

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Jones Park Pavillion, Highway 90 Gulfport, MS 228-257-2496 Open year round on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information: Facebook.com/ GulfportHarborMarket.

Organic cafe serving lunch Mon-Sat, dinner ThursFri and Sunday brunch. Using locally-grown produce, herbs and meat. New six-page menu! See ad, back cover.

OCEAN SPRINGS FRESH MARKET

SUNFLOWER CAFE II

L&N Depot, 1000 Washington Avenue Ocean Springs, MS 228-257-2496 OceanSpringsFreshMarket.com

Open year round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Shop for organic produce, homemade baked goods, plants, herbs and more.

3055 A Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 251-479-3200 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Organic cafe and juice bar serving lunch Mon-Sun. Using locally-grown produce, herbs and meat. New six-page menu! See ad, back cover.

SWEET OLIVE BAKERY & CAFE

85 North Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL 251-990-8883 • SweetOlive.co

Lemon, Cucumber and Dill Soup

Open for breakfast and lunch every day until 5 p.m. serving European-style, artisan baked goods; freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juices; smoothies; daily lunch specials like fish tacos and poboys; delicious food to go; hot breakfast plates, and more!

GROCERY STORES FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

Yields: 2 servings 2 cups chopped peeled, seeded cucumber ½ cup chopped romaine lettuce ¼ cup filtered water ¼ cup chopped fresh dill fronds 1 clove garlic 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp fine sea salt In a food processor fitted with its metal blade, process cucumber, lettuce, water, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours. Serve garnished with a dollop of vegan sour cream, if preferred, and additional dill.

Photo by Stephen Blancett

Adapted from Eat Raw, Eat Well,

by Douglas McNish

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store featuring local products: organic produce, meat, eggs, honey, soap and more. See ad, back cover.

VIRGINIA'S HEALTH FOODS

3055 A Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store featuring local products: organic produce, meat, eggs, honey, soap and more. See ad, back cover.

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MEAL PREPARATION BALANCE ~ A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 2351 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 251-298-2556 • GetBalanced.us

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This logo identifies businesses that accept Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) discount cards. To learn more, visit www.TinyURL.com/NANCard.

natural awakenings January 2016

23

healthykids

Prevention

Treating Autism

NATURALLY Plus Strategies for Prevention

by Meredith Montgomery

I

n The Autism Revolution, Pediatric Hospital Medical Imaging facility.

Neurologist and Neuroscientist Martha “While autism is often thought of as Herbert approaches autism as a whole- a genetic disorder, it’s the result of a genebody condition that can improve, rather than environment interaction where genes are be a static, lifelong genetic brain disorder. corrupted,” explains Psychiatrist Robert

“It’s the way the brain is shifted into Hendren, who is currently partnering in acting when faced with a combination developing the Center for Autism Spectrum of stressors—some, but Disorder and Neurodenot all of which are Experts agree that a velopmental Disorders at genetic—at a vulnernatural foundation the University of Califorable point in developnia, San Francisco. ment,” says Herbert. for health begins with According to the U.S. Non-genetic challenges breastfeeding infants Centers for Disease Concan come from the imto support natural trol and Prevention, aumune system, nutriis the fastest-growing tion, the environment immunity, and then tism developmental disabiland stress. “Addressensuring children’s ity, now affecting one in ing them can make a 68 children and one in profound difference in diets are rich in 42 boys. Autism Speaks the condition; maybe nutrients at all ages.

(AutismSpeaks.org) deeven turning it around.” fines autism spectrum

Herbert directs the Treatment Research and Neuroscience disorder (ASD) as a group of complex brain Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Dis- development disorders characterized by orders (TRANSCEND) program at a joint difficulties in social interaction, verbal and Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute nonverbal communication and repetitive of Technology and Massachusetts General behaviors.

24

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Many experts agree that in some cases, autism can be prevented. “Prevention needs to start early—preconception is ideal,” says Dr. Kenneth A. Bock, of Bock Integrative Medicine, in New York, and author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies.

Emphasizing omega-3 essential fatty acids, folic acid and probiotics during pregnancy can be beneficial, and it’s important to avoid iron deficiency, which has been tied to higher rates of autism, Hendren counsels.

Results from a recent University of California, Davis study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals increased rates of autism among children of women that live close to pesticide-treated fields during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Hendren says, “Living near heavily sprayed fields can be very detrimental. Living close to freeways or downwind of coal-fired power plants is also associated with autism.”

If heavy metal toxicity in blood is confirmed, chelation therapy is often used to remove metals, although Hendren advises against using it for the general treatment of ASD. “Chelators pull out mercury, along with other metals, a process that can be harmful. Instead, think about diet and nutritional supplements that can help detoxify the body more safely,” he explains.

Bock says, “It’s not enough to detoxify, we have to remove and prevent exposure to neurodevelopmental toxins.”

Herbert suggests avoiding toxic household products, electromagnetic exposure from devices such as cell phones and baby monitors, which can lead to stress, sleep disruption and cell health problems, as well as antibiotic overuse, which can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing vulnerability to exposure to other harmful chemicals.

Herbert notes some parents observe that their child became autistic after a vaccination but there are also autistic children that are vaccine-free; still others become so after facing other stresses such as illness or trauma. “We need to focus on the underlying vulnerabilities and keep children strong and resilient so they can handle life’s challenges to their health and immune systems,” she says.

Relax your attachment to expectations and realize that your child sees, hears and feels the world differently than you.

Broaden your perspective and make every choice a healthy choice. ~Martha Herbert

Safeguard Resilience

Currently, the only treatment that has been proven to consistently improve the core symptoms of ASD is behavioral therapy designed to foster language, socialization and academic skills. While effective, this approach is time- and staff-intensive.

With the rise and prevalence of autism in the past decade, more parents are turning to complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). Hendren reports that the best researched and safest CAM therapies for treating autism include melatonin to improve sleep, omega-3 fatty acids to ease hyperactivity and possibly improve socialization, multivitamins to supplement a limited diet or poor appetite and methyl B 12 injections to protect against oxidative

stress. Massage therapy has also proven effective in increasing connectivity with others and reducing over-arousal, while reducing ASD symptoms.

Research remains in its infancy, but other CAMs deemed acceptable for a professionally monitored trial include B6 and magnesium supplements to correct metabolic aberration, folic acid for improvements in core symptoms, probiotics to ease gastrointestinal distress and iron supplementation for a deficiency.

Although clear benefits have yet to be backed by scientific evidence, many parents of children with ASD report that behavior improves with a diet free of the proteins gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye) and casein (found in dairy).

Other parent-endorsed diets include anti-yeast, anti-hyperglycemia, specific carbohydrate, low-oxalate and specific food reaction regimens.

A review article in the journal Autism Research and Treatment notes that acupuncture, exercise, and music- and animal-assisted therapy have all been reported as helping to reduce a variety of ASD functional and behavioral symptoms.

From sound-dampening headphones that offset loud noises to structuring the environment to anticipate transitions, removing stressors can help reduce the debilitating characteristics of ASD. “This improves abilities to learn and interact with others, but we also don’t want to shelter them from having a

Creating Calm Islands

by Carolyn Dalgliesh

S

ensory kids, like those living with autism spectrum, sensory processing, anxiety or attention deficit disorders, are often highly affected by the design of their physical environments. Here are some tips for removing daily stressors for a more supportive home environment.

Identify the common sensory challenges for the child so the family can create spaces that support them.

Kids may struggle with regulating their emotions, initiating tasks, maintaining focus, rigid rules, lack of flexibility or being consistently overwhelmed.

Less is more because these kids

are often more sensitive to environmental stimuli. Tone down the color scheme of their bedroom and playroom, and maintain uncluttered spaces. Clearly defined and labeled areas in certain rooms can help them know what to expect and how to use each space appropriately.

Define areas and tasks with visual aids to foster more focused, calm and flexible interactions. Consider creating a designated dressing area with hooks that hold the next day’s clothes and a laundry hamper. This provides a visual routine to follow and structural aids to help complete the task successfully.

Easy-on-Kids Cooking Beyond Gluten-Free, Casein-Free

by Melody Handley The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook

by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake The SCD for Autism and ADHD: A Reference and Dairy-Free Cookbook for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

by Pamela Ferro and Raman Prasad Special Diets for Special Kids

by Lisa Lewis chance to learn the rules of social interaction in real-world situations,” advises Hendren.

Because autism is a heterogeneous disorder with numerous subtypes, the best individualized combination of treatments can be challenging to identify and can often change throughout one’s life. Bock reminds families that even with a successful treatment plan, “A parent’s love is the final element that brings these recovering children out of darkness into light.”

Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLiving HealthyPlanet.com).

Create a space to escape and regulate when they return home anxious, overwhelmed or ready to explode; a zone to help them feel calm and connected again. Dark and quiet spots are best, like the corner of a closet, bottom bunk, under a desk or even a cardboard box “cabin”. Add a flashlight, favorite books, beanbags, heavy or weighted blankets, handheld sensory toys and something that taps into the child’s current fascination.

Carolyn Dalgliesh is the founder of Systems for Sensory Kids & Simple Organizing Strategies in North Kingstown, RI, and author of The Sensory Child Gets Organized. Connect at CarolynDalgliesh.com.

natural awakenings January 2016

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greenliving

4 Fix the faucet. One drip per second equals 3,000 gallons a year wasted, Seametrics calculates.

4 Reset the hot water heater to 120 degrees. This safe and efficient setting also reduces corrosion and mineral buildup.

4 Discover soap nuts and wool dryer balls. Dried soapberry fruit shells contain saponin, which works like most detergents and soaps. Toss five or six whole shells (one-half ounce) in a wash bag with the laundry. They’re good for five to eight reuses. All-natural sheep’s wool dryer balls shorten drying time, soften and fluff fabric, reduce static and help keep pet hair off of clothes.

It’s Easy to Be Green At Home and On the Road

by Avery Mack

L

“

iving green means living well, using what you create with minimal waste,” says Mike Bond, an ecologist and bestselling activist author in Winthrop, Maine. Here, he and other savvy sources share tips to go ever greener in ways that are painless and affordable.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a warmer fridge allows bacteria to grow, while 10 degrees cooler than the ideal range increases energy use 25 percent.

Chiller units work harder if the room temperature exceeds 70 degrees, so keep appliances out of direct sunlight and away from the stove.

Start Small

4 Find the right seeds and plants. Then get quick advice on how many to buy and how and when to plant using the SmartGardener.com step-by-step app. It encompasses more than 3,000 organic, GMO-free, edible varieties.

4 Choose the best bulb for the job.

Light bulbs can confuse even informed shoppers. Incandescent bulbs last more than 750 hours, but aren’t energyefficient. Fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent and last 10 to 15 times longer. A 20-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) uses 550 fewer kilowatt-hours than a 75watt incandescent bulb. For additional information, check Tinyurl.com/Energy InfoLightBulbs. For a free app showing the best buy, visit LightBulbFinder.net.

4 Use appliance thermometers. Widely available, this useful tool will confirm a correct operating temperature of 37 to 40 degrees in the refrigerator and zero degrees in the freezer. According to the 26

4 No dishpan hands. A full load of dishes in a water-efficient dishwasher uses four gallons of water versus 24 gallons for handwashing them, according to Seametrics, which manufactures flow meters.

4 Test the toilet. If a few drops of food coloring added to the toilet tank colors water in the bowl, replace the flap. It’s an easy and inexpensive DIY task. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that one in 10 homes leaks a cumulative 90 gallons a day.

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4 Change the car’s air filter. Maintain a clean filter according to manufacturer’s guidelines and visual inspection, about every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.

4 Use an oil-change service. In Connecticut alone, do-it-yourselfers change 9.5 million gallons of motor oil a year, and 85 percent of it ends up in sewers, soil and trash as a major groundwater pollutant. Earth Talk reports that one quart can create a two-acre oil slick; a gallon can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. While the more costly chemicals in synthetic oil create the same amount of pollution as traditional oil, it doesn’t need to be changed as often.

4 Carpool. The Green Living Ideas media network condones Uber, Lyft and Sidecar apps for making ridesharing ultra-accessible.

Go Greener 4 Replace old appliances with energyefficient models. Check out a unit’s Energy Star rating. Consider a tankless heater for hot water on demand, rather than 24/7 heating.

4 Choose eco-tires. Low rolling resistance improves gas mileage and reduces emissions. Keep tires properly inflated and periodically rotated for longer wear.

Watch for future innovations in sustainable materials currently in research and development.

4 Ban idling. Don’t idle an electronic fuel-injected engine for more than 30 seconds when parked in cold weather; it warms up faster by being driven, ex-

plains the U.S. Department of Energy.

Fuel injection engines took over in the 1980s and early 90s. Only older carburetors need a couple of minutes’ warm-up. The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory further advises, “Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and emits more CO2 than engine restarting.”

4 Ask for pet- and eco-friendly antifreeze. Choose less toxic red-orange propylene glycol antifreeze instead of green ethylene glycol antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets and people. Dispose of both types properly, as they are toxic to wildlife and fish via groundwater, as well.

4 Green-clean car windows. Choose a brand like EvergreeN Windshield Washer Fluid, which is plant-derived, eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. Traditional blue fluid is methanol, combined methyl alcohol and wood alcohol, and extremely poisonous, especially to children and pets.

Go Big 4 Switch to a heat pump. “A heat pump works the reverse of a refrigerator; it takes cold air from the outside and turns it into warm air inside, and uses no oil or gas,” explains Bond.

Go-Green Apps

4 Go solar. It’s the eco-alternative to conventional electricity generation.

“Solar means that you’re creating your own power,” says Bond, who has used solar for years. “It works on an elegant cycle—create energy, use energy.”

Leased solar panels reduce the cost of equipment, which has dropped dramatically in recent years.

4 Get a hybrid car. In combination with solar power, a hybrid vehicle can reduce or eliminate daily energy costs.

“An electric car is perfect when commutes are not long,” Bond discloses.

“If charged in the day, it can serve as the battery for a solar home at night, when no power is being created.”

Connect with freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

n Recycle offers a free national database of 100,000 recycling and disposal locations for 200 products. Specify the item and find local options with contact information. Earth911.com/ eco-tech/irecycle-now-on-android n eEcosphere helps users discover, adopt and share the best sustainable living ideas and makes it easy to share specific actions and ideas with friends via social media. eEcosphere.com

comes new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Your Path to Self-Discovery & Personal Wellness

My 2016 Wellness Plan

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natural awakenings January 2016

27

fitbody

Floor, JourneyDance, and the Nia Technique,” says Metz. A brief look at three of them shows how each has its own style.

5Rhythms

The Power of Conscious Dance Creative Movement Connects Body, Mind and Spirit

by Gail Condrick

A growing tribe of movers and shakers are discovering and unleashing their power in conscious dance, a combination of moving meditation, soul-stirring music, self-expression and sweat.

M

“

ost are familiar with the performance or competitive dance world of learned steps.

Conscious dance is a non-competitive, body-based way of raising consciousness.

There’s no wrong way to move and your shape and measurements don’t matter,” says Mark Metz, of Berkley, California, founder and executive director of the Dance First Association (DFA) and publisher of the Conscious Dancer Magazine and UpShift Guide.

The group identifies more than 100 forms of conscious dance, ranging from ecstatic dance to somatic movement

28

therapy. Commonalities include body awareness, barefoot movement, inspiring global music and minimal structure facilitated by leaders.

With 1,000 DFA studio locations, many are finding the power of conscious dance suits their search for movement with purpose beyond improved fitness as it’s practiced in drug- and alcoholfree club-style events and ecstatic dance experiences, as well as dance fitness programs. “It’s about honoring body intelligence and paying attention to the body and mind-body connection,” says Metz.

“The modalities mentioned most often are 5Rhythms, Soul Motion, Open

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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In St. Petersburg, Florida, 22 women have gathered to seek the bliss promised by 5Rhythms, one of the original conscious dance forms, founded by the late Gabrielle Roth. “Find your flow. Feel your connection to the Earth through your feet and release your head,” guides facilitator Amber Ryan, of New York City, who travels the world for dance sessions. “Use your body as a gateway into the now.” For two hours, dancers move freely and individually, swaying, sensing and interacting in an experience called “the wave”, intended to move energy through the body, release emotions and heal the psyche.

It’s based on Roth’s premise that, “Each of us is a moving center, a space of divine mystery. Though we spend most of our time on the surface in daily ordinary existence, most of us hunger to connect to this space within, to break through to bliss, to be swept into something bigger.”

JourneyDance Toni Bergins, from the Massachusetts Berkshires, is a frequent presenter at the Kripalu Center and Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. After years of studying and teaching movement, drama, creative visualization and gestalt techniques, she combined them in creating JourneyDance. More than 400 trained facilitators now offer it in 60- or 90-minute classes worldwide based on the philosophy, “Move into a new story!” Every class includes visualization, creative movement, affirmations and evocative music, all working together to release emotions and connect with spirit.

“You learn to love your body, expand your emotional intelligence, clear your mind and connect with your inner source,” explains Bergins. “You express yourself, infuse life with creativity and connect with a dancing community.”

Participants engage in a ritual journey of physical transformation, cleansing the body through breath, sweat and expression. In this safe space, “Dancers discover their power and personal heart medicine, their true essence,” says Bergins.

Nia Technique For those that prefer more structure, the Nia Technique is the original barefoot mind-body-spirit fitness practice, activating sensation and awareness in a workout adaptable for everybody. More than 2,600 instructors in 51 countries offer 60-minute classes where enthusiasts move the way the body is built to move, reaping cardiovascular fitness and therapeutic benefits while having joyful fun.

Dancers, guided by instructor’s moves, feel the rhythm of the music and ground themselves in spirit, equipping themselves to take the self-healing experience into everyday life.

“Nia has always blended form and freedom,” says Debbie Rosas, of Portland, Oregon, co-founder and creator of the technique. “We are now introducing new FreeDance classes to bring what we have learned through Nia to embody consciousness in new ways, conditioning the whole body and nervous system. It’s an invitation to move in free, unbound, unstructured ways to offset the tendency we have to move less as we age.”

Dancers move to music designed to animate each chakra through an eightstage process via a Nia DJ. They’re guided to listen to body feedback through sensation, release emotions and relish being in the present moment. “Regardless of how you act, dress or think, the way you feel inside reveals the most accurate truth of oneself and this is reflected in dance,” says Rosas. “Moving without interference allows your unconscious creative self

Yoga Dance Tribe in Gulf Shores

T

wice a week, women in Gulf Shores are experiencing fun-filled workouts in Buti Yoga classes. Set to fun dance music, the 60-minute classes fuse tribal dance, power vinyasa yoga, deep abdominal toning and plyometrics into a high-intensity workout that transforms the body and soul.

Instead of linear movements, classes challenge the body along all planes of motion for long, lean muscles.

Buti is an Indian Marathi word that means the cure to something hidden beneath the surface, and was founded by celebrity trainer Bizzie Gold.

“Buti will offer you a soulful journey to female empowerment that will make you drip sweat and love every second,” says Amber Warner, who teaches Buti Yoga at Fitness Factory, in Gulf Shores, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Classes are designed to build confidence and self-love while fostering bonds with other women instead of competition. “You’re not an individual taking a class, you’re part of a tribe of empowered women, striving for health and happiness,” says Warner.

Location: 3501 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL. For more information, email Warner at ABookJunkie@gmail.com or visit ButiYoga.com.

to shine. You can connect to the sacred artist within; the one that holds a palette with endless colors, shapes and possibilities.” She sees life as ultimately a free-style dance into the self that supports a philosophy of “Love your body, love your life”.

“Dance is in everyone’s family tree, a universal message,” says Metz. “In conscious dance, you disconnect from gadgets and reconnect with yourself and others around you. People need that.”

Gail Condrick is a Nia faculty member, retreat leader and archetypal soul coach in Sarasota, FL. Connect at GaelaVisions.com.

Dance Sites DanceFirst.com 5Rhythms.com JourneyDance.com NiaNow.com OneDanceTribe.com OpenFloor.org SoulMotion.com ButiYoga.com

IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

Natural Awakenings’ healthy living, healthy planet lifestyle app has a new look and more features.

• Updated every month with new content • Search the healthy products in our National Directory • Find your local magazine • Read feature stories En Español • Sign up for Promotions and Newsletters • So much more and it’s FREE! Search “Natural Awakenings” and download

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29

wisewords

Bruce Lipton on the Epigenetics Revolution

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GREEN DRINKS

Our Beliefs Reprogram Our Genetic Destiny

by Linda Sechrist

A monthly happy hour for environmentallythoughtful folks.

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Join us for happy hour! fairhope

2nd Tuesdays 5-7PM Fairhope Brewing Company

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3rd Wednesdays 5-7PM Alchemy Tavern

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B

ruce Lipton, Ph.D., author of The Biology of Belief and The Honeymoon Effect, is a stem cell biologist and internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. He is a visiting fellow lecturer on immunology at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and participated in the Foundation for Conscious Evolution’s seventh Worldwide Meeting on Human Values, in Mexico. His research explains the interplay between individual consciousness and body biology.

Why do you start with epigenetics as a foundation for health?

Many people, programmed with the concept of genetic determinism, believe that genes in the fertilized egg at conception determine character and fate. Unable to pick our DNA genes, we are powerless to control our life, so that the only option is seeking help from someone in the biomedical community to fix our genes.

I introduced a new vision about the understanding of genes a half-century ago that is now the new science of epigenetics. Epi- means “above”. Here, we can realize control by regulating the environment in which we live and our perception of it, making us the master of our own genetics rather than a victim of heredity.

Do you believe epigenetics is the future of medicine?

Epigenetics is a revolution in our knowledge and awareness of heredity. This new concept of biology is so big that it promises

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radical change capable of revolutionizing civilization.

Its dynamics are equivalent to the leap from Newtonian physics to quantum physics, which led to everything from computers and cell phones to Martian rovers.

We are freed to abandon the belief that genes cause cancer, for instance. In changing our lifestyle, beliefs and perceptions, we also change our genetic expression.

Remember, this works because how we individually interpret our world is translated by the brain into chemical information that adjusts the behavior and genetics of cells to complement our perception. We could live in the healthiest environment, but if our mind perceives it as threatening and non-supportive, our biology will become less healthy and can generate disease. The cells’ response is based on the brain’s information, which actually is only an interpretation. Personal perceptions and the way we live, including our spiritual nature, adjust genes to manifest either a functional state of health or one of dysfunction.

Where is the “self” that makes people different?

No two people are the same biologically.

If I inject my cells into another human, their immune system will recognize it as “not-self” and begin to eliminate them.

On the surface of virtually all our cells are thousands of protein receptors that function like miniature antennae. They read and respond to environmental signals similar to the larger receptors on the skin’s surface, such as the eyes, ears and nose.

Each human also possesses a unique

set of “identity” receptors, a subset of which are called “self-receptors” by the biomedical community, found on nearly all of our cells, with the primary exception of red blood cells. Self-receptors are unrelated to the cell’s function contributing to muscle, bone, brain or heart. Conventional medicine studies the physical aspect of self-receptors as being the source of “self” but overlook the environmental signals they receive. In other words, individual identity is linked to the signals received by the antennae.

When I reached this point in my research, I realized that we can’t die, because our real identity is represented by the invisible environment-derived “broadcast”, which might legitimately be referred to as spirit. My personal identity signal is received by each of my 50 trillion cells endowed with the unique set of “Bruce” self-receptors. While my physical body is like a TV, the “spiritual broadcast” representing the Bruce Show is an eternal, energetic element of the environment.

What is entrainment and why is it important today?

A group of heart cells in a Petri dish will each beat to its own vibrational frequency. After a couple of days, they start beating in synchrony, because the stronger heart cells control the tempo.

The other cells organize their behavior to entrain with the more powerful one.

This happens in women’s college dormitories when residents start the school year with different menstrual cycles, but later experience entrainment, with their cycles beginning and ending about the same time. They link to a pulse and a beat, just like the heart cells.

Humans become entrained to a higher force that’s an invisible broadcast of energy in harmony or in discordance.

As more of us hold the intention for living a life of love and peace, the broadcast of that harmonic energy amplifies and those not yet there will eventually entrain to the stronger signal. This is the shift we need to make for conscious evolution to occur.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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naturalpet

The Right Vet for Your Pet

Animals Thrive with Gentle, Safe and Natural Approaches

P

by Shawn Messonnier

et parents have many criteria to consider when choosing a healthcare provider for their prized pet, and among the most vital is trying to find a doctor that uses holistic therapies, because the advantages are many.

Wellness care is more than vaccines.

While many conventional vets consider giving vaccines and flea medications to all of their patients to be their best form of wellness care, holistic vets know these aren’t always necessary and can potentially be harmful. Instead, true wellness care involves careful consideration of proper diet, blood titer testing instead of vaccines, natural parasite control when appropriate and a heavy dose of diagnostic testing (blood, urine, fecal) to monitor organ function, check for parasites, screen for disorders of the urogenital system, liver and pancreas and early screening for cancer and other

32

inflammatory conditions. There’s also a full physical check for common diseases like dental and heart disease and tumors.

Individualized prescriptions for a proper diet and supplements to maintain health are big reasons many owners prefer a holistic vet.

Natural treatments include disease prevention. Many pets treated via a more natural approach have an easier experience with occasional illness than those that don’t enjoy this specialized care. Natural therapies can quickly restore an ill pet to his homeostatic balance without the side effects often associated with multiple drug doses.

A team approach is expected. A holistic practice is a team effort, and the family doctor will suggest options for care, helping an owner decide on the best therapies for each pet.

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A fuller range of options is available.

While holistic vets prefer a more natural approach, they know that if necessary, conventional therapies can sometimes be an appropriate complement if they follow holistic principles, which means infrequent use of low-dose medications and only when absolutely needed. In general, most conditions can be treated successfully without drug therapy, extending the health and life of the patient and reducing medical costs.

Gentler anesthesia means quicker recovery. A naturally balanced and gentler approach means less drugging if anesthesia becomes necessary, close monitoring of an anesthetized pet, a smooth and quick recovery for prompt discharge from the hospital and natural forms of follow-up treatment to control post-operative pain and inflammation.

New hope rises for the hopeless.

Many pets are brought to holistic doctors after conventional care has failed to help them. Some have been turned away by practitioners of conventional medicine because their cases are diagnosed as “hopeless”. Holistic vets and pet parents alike experience considerable satisfaction in helping to give a joyful pet a whole new lease on life.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf. ~Rabindranath Tagore

inspiration

Look No Further...

Here’s the Business Opportunity You’ve Been Looking For

Key Signs We’re Approaching a Defining Moment

by Dennis Merritt Jones

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi

Natural Awakenings Magazine

is FOR SALE

O

ur authentic self is constantly trying to get our attention so it may be more fully expressed.

When we set our intention to genuinely evolve, we naturally begin to pay attention and see how redefining moments appear as needed. They are drawn to us sequentially to support us in the process of staying the course on our pilgrimage, each one a perfectly aligned portal in space and time, opening and closing, creating whatever experience is required to guide us to heightened awareness of our authentic self.

While the possible circumstances that preclude such a moment are limitless, there are key signals to watch for.

When they pop up, it helps immensely to stay engaged in the moment, rather than zipping past them on to another distraction. Rather, consider ways in which this might prove to be a pivotal point forward in our life journey. n Moments that challenge our ego and moments that our ego challenges us n Unexpected events n Times of significant loss n First-time experiences n Discontentment n Disappointment n Experiencing someone or something that instantly inspires us to grow n Birth of a loved one n Death of a loved one

Personal growth and evolution can be motivated by either inspiration or des-

peration. Both may prompt us to ask big questions of ourselves and the universe that cause us to dig deep. The deeper we dig, the closer we come to merging with our truest self.

We know the answers to such questions are correct because they will lead to actions that honor life—like harming no one, including ourself—and affirm the presence of a prevailing power for good that lies within; a power that guides, protects and sustains us. Satisfying answers seek only the highest and best of us and bless all. They connect our mind, heart and soul, moving us forward on the path of wholeness as a fulfilled and joyfully self-expressed person.

When we are impelled to ask an important question of our self and the universe, don’t rush the process and are willing to embrace the answer we receive, it pushes a reset button as to what defines us. It brings us an enhanced sense of authentic wholeness.

The lesson is that when redefining moments appear, we must be open and prepared to go where we had no plans of going—because that’s where our bliss awaits us.

Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., is the author of Your (Re)Defining Moments, the source of this essay. He has contributed to the human potential movement and field of spirituality as a minister, teacher, coach and lecturer for 30 years. Learn more at DennisMerrittJones.com.

Serving Mobile, Eastern Shore, Loxley to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach; Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Pass Christian &more.

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natural awakenings January 2016

33

calendarofevents Dates and times may change. Please call ahead to confirm. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Go to TinyURL.com/NACalendar to submit entries.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

Soul Shine Kids Yoga + Art Night – 6-8pm.

Enjoy an evening out while your little yogis join Joy Larsen, RYT200, for an evening of fun exploring yoga and art. Advanced registration required. $25. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

markyourcalendar Health Food Stores Anniversary Event Virginia’s is celebrating 39 years and Fairhope Health Foods is celebrating 40 years! Samples of vitamins, cosmetics and Sunflower Café food will be available all day. 20 percent off all Bluebonnet, Nordic Naturals, Irwin Naturals, Nature’s Secret, New Chapter and Garden of Life supplements throughout January.

Usui Reiki Level I and II Certification Weekend w/Julie – 9:30am-5:30pm. Jan 9-10. In this workshop you will learn to use basic Usui Reiki and also some amazing supercharged ways to increase the focus and intensity of your work. Level I is to give you the tools for self healing, Level II increases connection and to work on others. $300 at the door/ $250 prepaid 7 day advance. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie: 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail. com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/earth-heart-reiki/.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

Goals With Soul… How Do You Want to Feel in 2016? – 6-8pm. Join Emily, Certified Health Coach, to get clear on how you want to feel and create some goals with soul! We'll approach goal setting from a new perspective to set ourselves up for success in 2016. Bring a friend and get ready to let your soul shine! $32; includes book. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

January 9 • 9am-7pm

3055 A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL (251-479-3952) 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL (251-928-0644) Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Gulf Coast Renaissance Festival – 9am-7pm. History comes alive with the First Annual Gulf Coast Renaissance Festival with non-stop, day-long entertainment, arts and crafts, games and more. Come and enjoy some time travel back to the renaissance age. $10 adults. $5 children and seniors. Harrison Central High School, 15600 School Rd, Gulfport, MS. Shannon Locknane: 228-234-6030.

markyourcalendar Green Drinks Fairhope Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour every second Tuesday and connect with other progressive people in our area.

Open to the public. Free to attend except cost of your drinks. Brief speaker (Kacie Hardman from Fairhope Elementary's Pelican's Nest) and announcements at 6pm.

Food from Sunflower Café. Local produce available from End of the Road Farm.

January 12 • 5-7pm

Fairhope Brewing Company 914 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope 251-279-7517 • MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks

Make our community a little GREENER...

Support our advertisers.

34

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

PLANS CHANGE!

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

Life Balance Workshop – 6-8pm, Jan 15. 3-5pm, Jan 16-17. Experiencing a life transition, seeking balance, a healthier lifestyle or feeling stuck? This 3-day workshop meets you right where you are with mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, journaling and group discussion. Led by Lynette Mattina, IHC. $140. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife. com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

Quantum-Touch Level I with Julie E Brent – 9:30am-5:30pm, Jan 16-17. Level 1 workshop will teach you easy to learn tools for accessing life force energy, you will learn how to transform life-force energy into a lifetime of healing, you will be on your way to becoming a QT Practitioner. 13 CEs NCTMB. 12 CEs IMDHA. $400 or prepaid 3 wk advance $350. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. 251-281-8811. AskJulieEBrent@gmail.com.

Healing Herbs – 10am-12pm. Their medicinal properties, how to grow them and add them to your diet. Most of these herbs can be grown locally or are available at the grocery store. $10. Prior registration required. Charlotte: 251-300-9052 or Sylvia: 251744-4533. Healing Acres, 22355 Price Grubbs Rd, Robertsdale, AL.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

markyourcalendar Green Drinks Mobile Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with like-minded folks every third Wednesday and a monthly speaker. Open to the public. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks.

January 20 • 5-7pm

Alchemy Tavern 7 South Joachim Street, Mobile, AL MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks

For every $100 spent in locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the community.

source: the350project.net

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Reiki 1 – 9am-4pm. Class includes background and history of Usui Reiki, instructions for use, practice sessions, Level I Reiki attunement and certification as a Reiki practitioner. All instructional materials and light lunch are provided. Reiki users are welcome to join us in a Reiki share from 3-4pm. $75 (can be paid at time of class). Prior registration required. Charlotte: 251-300-9052 or Sylvia: 251-744-4533. Healing Acres, 22355 Price Grubbs Rd, Robertsdale, AL.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Creative Visualization Series – 6-8pm, Jan 24-31.

Create positive changes in your life using the power of your natural creative imagination. Following "Creative Visualization" by Shakti Gawain, meetings include discussion, techniques, gentle yoga poses and meditation using creative visualization.

Led by Rebecca Washburn. $55 by Jan 18, $60 after. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Rebecca: 251-929-4634. Rebecca.SoulFlow@ gmail.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

My 2016 Wellness Plan – 6:30-8:30pm. Whatever your fitness goals for 2016, we all need motivation and encouragement to stay on our path. Laurie Azzarella, Young Living Diamond will encourage us to set our intentions and begin a journey to lifelong wellness. $5 at the door supports Prodisee Pantry.

Prodisee Pantry, 9315 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL. 850-380-4943. LaurieAzzarella@gmail. com. Laurie.MarketingScents.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

36th Annual Gulf Coast Orchid Show & Plant Sale – 12-6pm, Jan 29. 11am-6pm, Jan 30. 10am4pm, Jan 31. Free. Gautier Convention Center, 2012 Library Ln, Gautier, MS. GCOrchids.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Become a More Impactful Yoga Teacher – 9-11:30am.

Make your teaching more meaningful. Understand what leaves students feeling affected by the asana and inspired by your words. Discover more about breath, sequencing and cueing. All teachers and trainees welcome. Led by Brooke Nisbet RYT500. 2.5 CEU. $30. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Intro to Ayurveda with Cynthia Galas – 2-4pm.

Ayurveda focuses on harmony in the body through diet, exercise and massage. Ayurveda has many practices that help the body reach its optimum state. This primer offers easy to integrate steps to ward off disease and keep a vibrant body, mind and spirit. $20. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Quantum-Touch Level One with Julie E Brent – 9:30am-5:30pm, Feb 13-14. Quantum-Touch will teach you easy to learn tools for accessing life force energy, you will be on your way to becoming a QT Practitioner and you will learn how to transform life-force energy into a lifetime of healing. 13 NCBTMB CEs, 12 CE for IMDHA. $350 prepaid, $400 at door. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@ gmail.com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/events.

MOBILE, AL

FAIRHOPE, AL

ALABAMA HEALING ARTS 6304 Cottage Hill Road 251-753-1937 AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com AlabamaHealingArts.com See ad, page 31.

CHESTER SCHMIDT, LMT 19655 State Highway 181 251-359-0500 ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail.com ChesterSchmidt.com ROSIE BLUUM (DOWNTOWN) Kristen Kelly, LMT 6A South Bancroft Street 251-599-5943 • 251-517-5626 RosieBluum.com See ad, page 27.

ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE 6920 Airport Boulevard, Suite 111 251-342-6415 Mobile@TouchOfElements.com ElementsMassage.com/Mobile

MONTROSE, AL

FOLEY, AL

JEN ADAMS, LMT 22787 US 98 at Parker Rd., Bdg. D, Ste. 5 251-616-4201 JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com JenAdamsLMT.info

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Charlene Rester, RN, LMT Historical Downtown 117 West Orange Avenue 251-550-0117

Advertise Your Massage Business on this page for $20/month!

ROBERTSDALE, AL

Call 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com for details.

HEALING ACRES Massage, Reflexology, Colonics, Reiki 22355 Price Grubbs Road 251-300-9052 See ad, page 11.

NAN cardholders receive discounts at these businesses. Visit www.TinyURL.com/ NANCard for details.

natural awakenings January 2016

35

ongoingevents Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Go to TinyURL.com/NACalendar to submit entries.

sunday Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia's Health Foods (251479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com.

Center for Spiritual Living Service – 10am.

Make every step, every choice, every word, a conscious one. Center for Spiritual Living, 1230 Montlimar, Mobile, AL. 251-343-0777.

CenterForSpiritualLiving-Mobile.org.

Open Table Worship Service (United Church of Christ) – 10:30am. Weekly progressive Christian worship. Gathering in the chapel at All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 S Ann St, Mobile, AL. 251-545-1011. Ellen.OpenTable@gmail.com.

OpenTableUCC.org.

Sunday Service – 10:30am. Explore a spiritual pathway with Mobile Unitarian Universalists, 6345 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. UUFM.org.

Unity Christ Church Sunday Service – 11am.

Tune in, turn on, tap into the loving presence of the Divine at Unity Christ Church. If you desire a nonjudgmental, open, supportive and loving spiritual community, Unity Christ Church of Mobile is here to inspire, uplift and celebrate the Divine. 5859 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-285-3440. Facebook.com/ unityofmobile.

AHA Supervised Yoga Clinic – 1pm. Jan 10 & 24.

Enjoy a class by our AHA yoga teachers-in-training!

School-supervised internship gives AHA students the opportunity to instruct in a professional setting & for participants to receive quality yoga classes at a great value. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. $5 per class, 2-for-1 classes on pass for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

monday Purification Meditation – 11am. Mon & Fri. Join Betsey Grady from Rosie Bluum in the hot room and purify your body and mind with a guided meditation and creative visualization. Let the heat of the room envelop you as you go deeper within to rest in the calm center within you. $10. Soul Shine Yoga, 103-B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Betsey: 251-517-5626.

Gentle Yoga for Everyone – 1:30-2:30pm. No experience necessary. Instructor Julie E Brent will work with beginners or experienced. Bring a large towel and yoga mat. Donations appreciated that go to Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship. Free. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com.

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Men’s Pilates Class – 4pm. Classes utilize reformers, Pilates chairs and barrels. There are 2-4 people in a class to insure each client receives the instruction they require. Individual and group sessions are 60 minutes. Call for more time options. Advanced registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/person.

Individual sessions: $60. 4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-344-0590. PeakConditionPilates.com.

Doggie Happy Hour – 5-7pm. 1st Mon. A rescue networking event hosted by My Happy Dog 123.

Bring your dog for drinks and live music while raising money for a local rescue foundation. Q&A with local vets. Free grain-free dog treats. Raffle prizes. Puppy photo booth. Free. OK Bicycle Shop, 661 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. Viviane Hentschel: MyHappyDog123@gmail.com. Facebook.com/ myhappydog123.

Silent Meditation – 5:30pm. Join Betsey Grady from Rosie Bluum for 45 minutes of silence and stay for discussion after. See why, for true self discover, silence is the way to go. When you make friends with stillness and silence you make friends with your own power. $10. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Betsey: 251-517-5626.

Outstretched Christ-Centered Yoga Class – 5:45pm. Also at 8:15am on Wed. Each week Pneuma offers two donation-only yoga classes open to the public. Classes are appropriate for all levels and include a Christ-centered devotion. Donation only.

1901 Main St, Daphne, AL. See website for more info: Pneuma-Yoga-Movement.com.

Together We Can – 6-8pm. The Family Center offers this class to help parents build a better future for their children by working together as co-parents.

It is open to couples regardless of their relationship.

Become a team that supports your family's success.

Free. 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne, AL. Christie Brannon: 251-626-1610. BaldwinFamilies@gmail.com.

FamilyCenterMobile.org.

tuesday Yoga with Manja – 9am. Enjoy Manja Podratz’s zest and refreshing energy as she puts you back in touch with your body, restores the mind and leaves you refreshed, energized and focused. Revel in the bliss and embrace the joy of your day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

La Leche League Mobile Bay Area – 10:30am.

La Leche League meetings are open to all women with an interest in learning about and supporting breastfeeding. Meetings are always free and babies/children are welcome. 251-689-2085. For

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

PLANS CHANGE!

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

location information or breastfeeding help contact AmandaLLLMobile@yahoo.com or MeghanLLL@ yahoo.com.

Gentle Yoga with Laura – 12pm. A stressful morning? Synergy can fix that! Join Laura Jones in the land of "ahhhhs" for a relaxing class to soothe the spirit, calm the mind, and replenish the soul - leave class refreshed and focused! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Pilates Classes – 12pm & 2pm. Also 12pm, Thursdays. Classes utilize reformers, Pilates chairs and barrels. There are 2-4 people in a class to insure each client receives the instruction they require. Individual and group sessions are 60 minutes. Call for more time options. Advanced registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/person. Individual sessions: $60.

4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-344-0590.

PeakConditionPilates.com.

Grief Recovery Meeting – 1-2:30pm. This is a Christian-based grief recovery program for all losses.

Experienced, professional and compassionate staff members support you through the grief process with the goal of transitioning into a renewed life of purpose and fulfillment. Ascension Funerals & Cremations, 1016 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL. 251634-8055. AscensionFuneralGroup.com.

Green Drinks Fairhope – 5-7pm. Every 2nd Tues.

Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with like-minded folks. Connect with other progressive people in our area. Brief speaker at 6pm.

Sponsorship, speaking and catering opportunities available. Open to the public. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL. 251-279-7517.

MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com. Facebook. com/MobileBayGreenDrinks.

Soul Shine Hot Power Hour – 5:30-6:30pm. A faster paced power vinyasa flow that will build strength, increase flexibility, strengthen your core and transform your body and mind. Find your groove, shine your light and practice at your own level. 60min class in a heated room. Taught by Rebecca Washburn. $15 drop in, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103 B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

AHA Evening Yoga – 5:45pm. Give your spirit the gift of a calming and centering tune-up by improving posture, muscle-tone, strength and flexibility, establishing core strength, refreshing the mind and restoring healthy balance. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. Call/text to register. $10 drop-in or 12-class pass for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-377-8940. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Yoga with Valerie – 5:45pm. Join Valerie Mitchell for a glorious yoga experience as she challenges with a strong emphasis on alignment and focus while still calming the mind. Relieve stress and rejuvenate, energize and recharge the body. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Sierra Club Meeting – 6-8pm. 1st Tues. Open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort, AL.

Pranic Healing and Meditation – 6:30pm. Headaches, stress, physical or emotional ailments bothering you? Experience healing for your mind, body and soul, with Pranic Healing and/or Meditation on Twin Hearts. We all have the ability to heal ourselves and others. Classes also available. Donation. Center for Spiritual Living, Mobile, AL. 251-454-0959.

Guided Meditation – 7pm. Tues & Wed. Give yourself 30 mins of bliss while you rest and follow along to a guided meditation and visualization with Betsey Grady from Rosie Bluum. It's the easy way to bring meditation into your life. $5. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Betsey: 251-517-5626.

wednesday

Don’t miss our best advertising opportunity of the year!

Pilates Classes – 6am Yogalates. 8am Chair Pilates.

6pm Reformer. There are 2-4 people in a class to insure each client receives the instruction they require. Individual and group sessions are 60 minutes.

Call for more time options. Advanced registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/person. Individual sessions: $60. 4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251344-0590. PeakConditionPilates.com.

$5 Yoga & Chair Yoga – 9:15am, Flow. 10:30am, Chair Yoga (seated or holding onto chair to practice balance). Beginners welcome. Bring your own mat.

Enjoy exercise at every level. Improve balance, strength and flexibility. $5. Fairhope UMC CLC, AL. 251-379-4493. ThriveFairhope.com.

AHA Integrative Yoga – 9:30am. Wed & Fri. Attain inner peace, relieve stress and build strength/ flexibility through body-mind awareness, breath and postures. Includes healing techniques like affirmations, mudras, chakra balancing and guided/silent meditations. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. $10 per class, 12-classes for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Yoga – 9am. Wed & Fri. Experience yoga with emphasis on breathing, alignment and slow flow. Use of props to support your practice. All fitness levels welcome. Class size limited, call/text to register 251-583-0049. $10. Richard Fitness Systems, 1880 Airport Blvd, Ste D, Mobile, AL. 251-583-0049.

Free Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis – 10:30am. This chair yoga class is free to participants with MS and funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Build strength and flexibility while improving balance and circulation. Fairhope, AL. Thrive@ThriveFairhope. com. 251-379-4493.

AHA Yoga Flow – 4pm. Energize, align, stretch, strengthen, center, calm, renew and restore. Build stamina, flexibility and improve heart health through the coordination of breath and movement in this fun and funky vinyasa flow class. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. Call/text to register. $10 per class, 12-classes for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-222-3186. AlabamaHealingArts@ gmail.com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Kids Yoga – 4-5pm. Children will cultivate inner peace and focus while exploring their creative energy. This class promotes acceptance, mindfulness and creativity in a supportive environment. Taught by Rebecca Washburn. Parents: attend Hot Power class at the same time. $8, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103 B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

Health & Wellness•Green & Sustainable Living•Fitness & Nutrition•Personal Growth

Pilates for Older Adults – 9am. Wed & Fri. Includes work on the reformer and mat focusing on balance, core strength and flexibility. Slow to moderate pace.

Advanced registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/ person. Individual sessions: $60. 4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-344-0590. PeakConditionPilates.com.

Coming in February 2016

Gulf Coast Alabama-Mississpi

Healthy& GREEN Living

DIRECTORY ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS! Reach our health-conscious readers with year-round distribution of this special edition, both in print and online.

Learn more: www.TinyURL/DirectoryNA.com EXAMPLE

PRICING:

ACUPUNCTURE

$99 for 1 listing

INTEGRATIVE MED SOLUTIONS Dr. Jan Smith, ND, LAC., RH, CHT 123 Main St., Mobile 251-123-4567 • YourWebsite.com

$149 for 3 listings (3

Therapeutic solutions to acute and chronic conditions.

Acupuncture is an intelligent medicine, gentle enough for pregnant women, and powerful enough to treat serious conditions like high blood pressure or chronic pain. See ad pg 25.

Each Listing Includes: • Category & 4 Contact Lines • Description (30 words) • Photo or Logo

categories)

(200 words plus a photo or logo)

$450 ad packages (1/4 pg ad, business

and 3 listings)

More options online!

Deadline: January 11, 2016

Reserve your space today! 251-990-9552

Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

natural awakenings January 2016

37

Green Drinks Mobile – 5-7pm. 3rd Wed. Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with likeminded folks. With a local drink in one hand and environmental concerns in the other, connect with other progressive people in our area. Sponsorship, speaking and catering opportunities available. Open to the public. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Alchemy Tavern, 7 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL. MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com. Facebook. com/MobileBayGreenDrinks.

Eastern Shore MS Support Group – 5:30pm. 2nd Wed. Eastern Shore MS Support Group meets each month at Ruby Tuesday in Fairhope, AL. Family, friends and caregivers are always welcome. Weezer: 251-928-7606.

Fitness Fusion with Chris G – 5:45pm. Join Chris Garrett and give yourself the best seat in the house with Fitness Fusion - work your body to a blend of ballet barre, Pilates, yoga, and classic fitness exercises. Move to fun music and really change your shape! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Near Death (NDEs) and Related Experiences – 6pm. 2nd Wed. Mobile affiliate group of IANDS. All are welcome to share experiences and support. Free.

West Regional Branch, Mobile Public Library, Grelot Rd (near University Blvd), AL. 251-340-8565.

Lbrlumin@aol.com. IANDS.org.

Chill Skills – 7-9pm. The Family Center offers an inspiring four-week class designed to change your life outlook. Learn what fuels your anger and how to see it in a new light. Warning: classes may cause peace. $25/week. 601 Bel Air Blvd. Suite 100, Mobile, AL. Call 251-479-5700 to register for next class.

Guided Meditation – 7pm. Tues & Wed. Give yourself 30 mins of bliss while you rest and follow along to a guided meditation and visualization with Betsey Grady from Rosie Bluum. It's the easy way to bring meditation into your life. $5. Soul Shine Yoga, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL. Betsey: 251-517-5626.

thursday Yoga with Dana – 10am. Take a break before lunch.

Join Dana and let breath and body move in sync as her seamless style transforms the body, relieves stress and relaxes the mind. Leave feeling on top of the world and really enjoy the glory of the day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

AHA Lunch-Time Yoga Basics – 11:30am. Learn the basics of yoga postures. Energize, align, stretch, strengthen, center and distress through body-mind awareness and breath. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. Call/text to register. Begins soon. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Group Reformer Class – 4pm. Catch the wave of classical fitness and join Dana in the afternoon for a Pilates group reformer class. Stand taller, get toned and be both leaner and stronger. Please log onto the website to make reservations. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Men’s Pilates Class – 5pm. Classes utilize reformers, Pilates chairs and barrels. There are 2-4 people in a class to insure each client receives the instruction they require. Individual and group sessions are 60 minutes. Call for more time options. Advanced

38

saturday PLANS CHANGE!

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/person.

Individual sessions: $60. 4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-344-0590. PeakConditionPilates.com.

Yoga with Chris M – 5:45pm. Join Chris McFadyen for some energizing yoga. Let his breath work, asana and flow calm the mind and also enhance and refocus the body. Relocate your passion and humor after a long day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Dynamic Dads – 7-9pm. The Family Center is the site of the Mobile County Fatherhood Initiative. Six Thursday night classes delve into the importance of fathers and how to meet the challenges of being the father your children need--A super hero for your super kid!

Free. 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile, AL. Lydia Pettijohn: 251-479-5700. FamilyCenterMobile.org.

friday Pilates Classes – 8am & 10am. Classes utilize reformers, Pilates chairs and barrels. There are 2-4 people in a class to insure each client receives the instruction they require. Individual and group sessions are 60 minutes. Call for more time options. Advanced registration required. 2-4 people/class: $30/person.

Individual sessions: $60. 4500 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-344-0590. PeakConditionPilates.com.

AHA Integrative Yoga – 9:30am. Wed & Fri. Attain inner peace, relieve stress and build strength/ flexibility through body-mind awareness, breath and postures. Includes healing techniques like affirmations, mudras, chakra balancing and guided/silent meditations. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. $10 per class, 12-classes for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Purification Meditation – 11am. Mon & Fri. Join Betsey Grady from Rosie Bluum in the hot room and purify your body and mind with a guided meditation and creative visualization. Let the heat of the room envelop you as you go deeper within to rest in the calm center within you. $10. Soul Shine Yoga, 103-B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Betsey: 251-517-5626.

AHA Supervised Student Massage & Reiki Clinic – TBD. School-supervised internship gives opportunity for student practitioners to work with clients in a professional setting and clients to receive quality, full-length healing treatments at a great value. Appointment only: 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm & 7pm. $25 for 50-min full-body student massage and/or Reiki session. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Saturday Morning Yoga with Augusta – 7:308:45am. All levels. The movements will challenge you to stay mindful and your mindfulness will allow you to honor your limits without judging yourself. $15 drop-in. $10 students and instructors. Creative Outlet, 66 1/2 S Section St, Fairhope, AL. 251-9285363. HeartStringsYoga.com.

AHA Qigong – 10:30am-12pm. Jan 9. Explore the healing art of Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise system that combines repetitive slow movements, focused intention, breathing techniques and meditation to achieve balance and harmony. Call/text 251-209-3714 to register. $10 per class, 12-classes for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. Info@AlabamaHealingArts. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

classifieds Fee for classified listings is $1 per word. Volunteer opportunities are listed for free as space is available.

OPPORTUNITIES BECOME A PUBLISHER – Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Natural Awakenings is for sale! The current owners are looking for passionate individuals that want to make a difference in our local community.

Meaningful, home-based career opportunity with a proven business system. Exceptional franchise training and support available. Be in business for yourself but not by yourself.

239-530-1377. NaturalAwakeningsMag. com/mymagazine. See ad, page 20.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS SINGLES – Ready to meet the love of your life?

Dip into our pool of conscious, awake singles and meet someone that you would have never met without us! Free to join.

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VOLUNTEER OPPS AZALEA CITY CAT COALITION – Volunteers needed in any capacity. Contact Susan Young: 251-648-7582. SusanYoung@ AzaleaCityCats.org.

DOG RIVER CLEARWATER REVIVAL STORM DRAIN MARKER PROJECT – Volunteers needed to educate the public about the storm drain system. Supplies and instructions provided. Work at your convenience.

Contact Janet Miller: J46Miller@yahoo.com.

251-654-1827.

Turn Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings is now expanding into new markets across the U.S. Contact us about starting a magazine in a community of your choice or acquiring an existing publication for sale highlighted in red below.

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 95 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS* Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder, CO* Denver, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT • Washington, DC • Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL • NW FL Emerald Coast • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL • Melbourne/Vero, FL • Miami & the Florida Keys • Naples/Ft. Myers, FL • North Central FL • Orlando, FL • Palm Beach, FL • Peace River, FL • Sarasota, FL • Tampa/St. Pete., FL • FL’s Treasure Coast • Atlanta, GA • Hawaiian Islands • Chicago, IL • Chicago Western Suburbs, IL • Indianapolis, IN • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • New Orleans, LA • Portland, ME • Boston, MA • Ann Arbor, MI • East Michigan • Wayne County, MI* • Western MI* • Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN • Charlotte, NC* • Lake Norman, NC* • Triangle, NC • Bergen/Passiac, NJ* • Central, NJ

• Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ • Santa Fe/Abq., NM • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY • Buffalo, NY • Central NY • Long Island, NY • Lower Hudson Valley West, NY • Manhattan, NY* • Queens, NY • Rochester, NY • Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH • Toledo, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR* • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster/Berks, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA • Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ • Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC* • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC* • Greenville, SC • Chattanooga, TN • Knoxville, TN* • Memphis, TN • Austin, TX • Dallas Metroplex, TX • Dallas/FW Metro N • Houston, TX • San Antonio, TX* • SE Texas • Richmond, VA • VA’s Blue Ridge • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico

* Existing magazines for sale

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine or call 239-530-1377

Natural Awakenings recently won the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business 39 naturalReview. To learn more, visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com awakenings January 2016

naturaldirectory We're more than

a magazine.

Connecting you to the leaders in healthy and green living in our community. To be included in the Natural Directory, email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Did you miss our 2015 annual Healthy and Green Living Directory?

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BEAUTY B-BUTTERFLY SALON

103A North Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL 251-990-9934 BButterflySalon.com

YOUR NAME HERE

Natural Awakenings (NAN) Discount Card!

Rosie Bluum 6A S Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL 251-599-5943 • 251-517-5626

including hair color, perms and shampoo.

Make a difference today in your hair, your life and the Earth. Visit us for a free hair exam today and go organic! Manicures, pedicures and eyebrow waxing also available.

See ad, page 13.

Offering Chinese Craniosacral Therapy, a subtle blend of Chinese meridian therapy and craniosacral energy work, that indirectly approaches physical and psychological imbalances.

This experience teaches your body to use its own bioelectric immune system. See ad, page 27.

COUNSELING

DENTISTRY

SALON

CHERYL HOLMES COUNSELING

Cheryl L Holmes, LPCS, MAC Licensed Supervising Psychotherapist Offices in Mobile and Baldwin Counties 251-554-8818 • CherylHolmesCounseling.com

Insurance accepted.

Specializing in Heart Centered Holistic P s y c h o t h e r a p y, w h i c h addresses mind, body and spirit, I partner with you to remove the obstacles in your life so you can live a life worth celebrating.

REBECCA WASHBURN, LPC, RYT Licensed Professional Counselor 400 Fairhope Ave. 2A • 251-929-4634 Counseling@RebeccaWashburn.com

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KRISTEN KELLY, LMT

salon offering organic B-Butterfly Aproducts and services

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

SAVE with the

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Experience inner peace and harmony of mind, body, emotion and spirit. Let go of patterns from the past and create a life that honors who you are. Children, teens and adults welcome. Insurance accepted.

DR. DAYTON HART, DMD

IAOMT Protocol 225 West Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL 251-943-2471 • DrDaytonHart.com Free book for new patients: Mercury Free Dentistry.

Offering ozone; laser (nosuture) gum surgery; testing for compatible materials and cavity-causing bacteria; examine for gum disease and bacteria; laser cavity diagnoses; saliva pH check; oral galvanic screening; no fluoride.

ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS THE WILLOW TREE AT ROSIE BLUUM 6A South Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL 251-517-5326 or 251-751-6945 RosieBluum.com

Offering gifts and services that nurture your spirit.

Books, card decks, essential oils, Bach Flower Remedies, crystals, salt lamps, incense and organic clothing. Local art, jewelry, honey, soaps and candles. See ad, page 27.

Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) cardholders receive discounts at these businesses. Visit TinyURL.com/NANCard for details.

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings at these businesses. www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

L.A. ECOSMARTE LLC

Susan Nice: 251-709-7023 Dan Nice: 251-586-8250 LAEcoSmarte@att.net; LAEcoSmarte.com Non-salt, non-chlorine, chemical-free pool water t e c h n o l o g y. T h e b e s t alternative to chlorine and salt water pools. Easier to use, safer and more effective than traditional methods.

See ad, page 17.

ESSENTIAL OILS LAURIE AZZARELLA YL #327923 Daphne, AL • 850-380-4943 LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com Laurie.MarketingScents.com

Experience the healing, uplifting and detoxifying benefits of authentic, genuine therapeutic grade essential oils and supplements. Contact us for personal Zyto Wellness readings and wholesale privileges. Wellness classes last Thursday of the month at Prodisee Pantry.

See ad, page 27.

FENG SHUI FENGSHUI831

Meryl Hyderally, Feng Shui Design Consultant 251-463-1862 • Meryl@MerylHyderally.com fengshui831.com

fengshui 831

Utilizing feng shui principles, let us create an organized and productive space that reflects who you are while enhancing your life, personally and professionally. It's about more than aesthetics— holistically designed spaces are conducive to an effortless life. See ad, page 11.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

PRANIC HEALING IN MOBILE Deana Lannie 251-454-0959

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

a week. See ad, back cover.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHERYL HOLMES COUNSELING

Cheryl L Holmes, LPCS, MAC Licensed Supervising Psychotherapist Offices in Mobile and Baldwin Counties 251-554-8818 • CherylHolmesCounseling.com

680 S. Schillinger, Mobile: 251-633-0485 (Across from Home Depot) 6845 Hwy 90, Daphne: 251-621-1865 (Across from Fresh Market) For 30 years The Health Hut has been the go-to place for high quality, whole-food vitamins, herbs and sport supplements at great prices. Service-oriented, knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 13.

Insurance accepted.

Specializing in Heart Centered Holistic P s y c h o t h e r a p y, w h i c h addresses mind, body and spirit, I partner with you to remove the obstacles in your life so you can live a life worth celebrating.

EMILY SOMMERVILLE, RYT

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

Certified Health Coach Emily@TheSoulShineLife.com • 205-478-4287 TheSoulShineLife.com

3055 A Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • Café: 479-3200 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 39 years. Store open 7 days a week. See ad, back cover.

DIRECTORY

Free healing nights and group meditations every Tuesday. Pranic Healing classes and the advanced technique of Superbrain Yoga. See ad, page 11.

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40 years. Store open 7 days

THE HEALTH HUT

Healthy& GREEN Living

HEALING ARTS

FOOD & NUTRITION

ECO-FRIENDLY POOLS

Increase energy and manage stress by finding balance in a life that lets your soul shine.

Find true health and vibrancy by fueling your body with clean, nutritious foods. Free initial consultation. See ads, pages 7 and 31.

Coming in

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erti f se o r See ad, $99 pag ! e5 .

FEBRUARY 2016 Fitness & Nutrition•Health & Wellness Personal Growth•Green Living www.TinyURL.com/DirectoryNA

natural awakenings January 2016

41

MASSAGE THERAPY JEN ADAMS, LMT

22787 US 98, Building D, Suite 5, Montrose 251-616-4201 • JenAdamsLMT.info JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com Unique massage technique that is gentle enough for the severest sufferers of pain and deep enough for the most rigorous of athletes. 14 years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field.

NETWORKING MOBILE BAY GREEN DRINKS

L.A. ECOSMARTE LLC

An informal yet engaging happy hour with likemobile bay minded folks every second Tuesday in Fairhope and every third Wednesday in Mobile. Connect with other progressive people in our area. Sponsorship, speaker and catering opportunities available. See ad, page 30.

Premium water that is safe and sustainable for people and the planet. ECOsmarte treats all of your water, indoor and outdoor, with a chemical-free water purification system. See ad, page 17.

251-279-7517 MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks

GREEN DRINKS

MEDITATION

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

BETSEY GRADY

Founder of Rosie Bluum 6A S Bancroft Street, Fairhope • 251-517-5626 BetseyGrady.com • RosieBluum.com Certified MARI® practitioner, Reiki master, meditation teacher and natural intuitive.

Experience peace of mind, find clarity and reconnect with your own power by learning to go within. Group classes and one-on-one instruction available. See ad, page 27.

JULIE E BRENT, RMT, MA

Energy Healing Educator In Fairhope by appt: 251-281-8811 AskJulieEBrent@gmail.com JulieEBrent.com • ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com Take the time for yourself with someone who values you. Julie is experienced in offering help with mind, body, spirit. Reiki, yoga, reflexology, Law of Attraction coach, conscious channel and teacher.

NATURAL PRODUCTS

O ff e r i n g c a n n a b i n o i d s (CBD), a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, pain, etc.

CBD products in 11 different forms, plus essential oils and kratom available. Your one stop alternative shop.

Mention this ad for 10% discount.

WELLNESS CENTERS HEALING ACRES

22355 Price Grubbs Road Robertsdale, AL 251-300-9052 Experience wellness with massage, reflexology, body treatments, Reiki, colonics, essential oils, wellness classes and more. Walk our new labyrinth (open to the public during daylight hours)! See ad, page 11.

ZEN TEA

10025 County Road 64, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-391-0109 • ZenTeaFairhope@gmail.com LivingZenTea.com Facebook.com/zenteafairhope A tea shop offering premium tea, herbs and tea accessories from around the world.

Uplift your energy and spirit and experience all the healthy benefits of tea. (Location: corner of Highways 64 and 181).

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Susan Nice: 251-709-7023 Dan Nice: 251-586-8250 LAEcoSmarte@att.net; LAEcoSmarte.com

TEA

DAVID'S GALLERY

809 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 251-948-7862

WATER FILTER SYSTEMS

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

NAN cardholders receive discounts at these businesses. Visit www.TinyURL. com/NANCard for details.

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings here.

Reach Your Target Market Advertise with us!

Contact us today: 251-990-9552 or publisher@healthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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Organic Wine | Bath & Body Products | Dairy-Free

Organic Meats | Supplements | Detox Products

Organic Produce | Gluten-Free | Bulk Spices & Herbs

Your Wellness is Our Business Serving the community for 40 years.

Baby Products | Pet Food and Supplies | Essential Oils

15% off supplements every Sunday!

JANUARY SPECIALS: 20% off

all Bluebonnet, Nordic Naturals, Irwin Naturals and Nature’s Secret products!

Garden of Life & New Chapter 20% off everyday!

Virginia’s Health Foods • 33055 A Dauphin St in Mobile • 251-479-3952 Fairhope Health Foods • 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Ctr in Fairhope • 251-928-0644

Offering full organic lunch menus in Fairhope & Mobile.

Also Sunday brunch and dinner on Thursdays and Fridays in Fairhope Featuring free-range meats, farm-fresh produce, organic wines & options for special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free).

Asian Fusion • Mediterranean • Italian • Tex-Mex • Thai Pizza • Sandwiches • Pasta • Salads Catering service and take-out available. Menus online. Call for specials.

Located next door to Fairhope Health Foods and inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile.

Fairhope: 251-929-0055

Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm; Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2pm Thursday & Friday Dinner 5-9pm

Mobile: 251-479-3200 Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm Sunday 11am-2pm

www.VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com