July 2020 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

EE R F HEALTHY

LIVING

HE A LT HY

P LA N E T

BEYOND FACTORY FARMS ORGANIC LAWNS OUTDOOR FEASTS PLUS: Local Women of Color Inspire Change

JULY 2020 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

WARNING:

Weight loss that doesn’t work isn’t a bargain at any price. Please read this before you waste another cent on a diet that leaves you hungry with cravings, frustrated and emotionally and physically drained. Being overweight hurts and diets don’t work. So what are you to do?

HYPNOTIC WEIGHT LOSS WORKS. There’s a better way to lose weight: it’s hypnotic weight loss. Here’s what a few of my successful clients say...

“I began on November 11th, and in seven weeks I lost 21 pounds and 12.5 inches. My holidays were wonderful.” ~Tina K.

“I’ve made major changes in my stress, food and communication with my husband. Thanks!” ~Lynette L.

“I figured out we saved over $2,000 in eating out and I’ve dropped 2 pants sizes in 4 weeks!” ~Diana G.

Frankly, I could fill up 50 pages with similar statements from people we’ve helped over 15 years. Many had given up hope, but our programs deliver results with hypnotic weight loss. Most women have more clothes they can’t fit into anymore than our whole program costs. And, you’ll never have to be on another diet to fit back into them! Now, finally, you have a FREE opportunity to try a hypnotic test with a Master Hypnotist to see if you are a good match for our hypnosis program. Plus, we have a Written Service Guarantee. Call us today!

Julie Nise, M.A., CH, Master Hypnotist, Past-President of the Master Hypnotist Society, owner of Robertsdale Hypnosis.

Schedule your FREE 30-minute hypnosis screening:

251-274-THIN

22622 B Hwy 59 S | Robertsdale, AL | robertsdalehypnosis.com

Caring for someone with depression or dementia is hard. Calling us for help is easy.

Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored in the teens on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment be restored to the point of scoring normal (26-30) on the same assessment.

Using a cutting-edge, drug-free approach we treat a range of brain disorders including

Dementia | Depression | Anxiety | ADHD

Call today: 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com 240 West Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL (Located inside Path To Wellness)

We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression while increasing levels of all 200+ neurotransmitters. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has and 70 percent of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50 percent. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation (includes Quantitative EEG) to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.

Dr. J Douglas Brown DC DACNB, Board Certified Neurology-Chiropractic Dr. Brown is one of only a few functional neurologists in the U.S. providing brain pathway activation therapy in conjunction with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Bredesenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science-based nutritional program.

Contents 18 18 LOCAL WOMEN OF COLOR INSPIRE CHANGE Addressing Racism Within Our Community

22 BEYOND

FACTORY FARMS

‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost

25 OUTDOOR FEASTS

ALWAYS FRESH. ALWAYS LOCAL. ALWAYS ESSENTIAL. produce | baked goods | honey | seafood

CATHEDRAL SQUARE in Downtown Mobile

Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills

28 GUT TALK

Tips for a Healthy Microbiome

30 BALANCING ACT

Exercises for Strength and Stability

32 GREENER GREEN GRASS Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

34 CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT

The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

May 2 to July 25

SATURDAYS: 7:30AM to NOON For everyone’s safety, please follow our NEW CONSUMER GUIDELINES: Masks or face covers are required. At least an arm’s length distance must be maintained between everyone at all times. Handwashing stations and hand sanitizer will be available. Individuals showing symptoms or who are at higher risk should stay home. No animals except ADA service animals will be allowed.

For more info: 251-208-1550

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DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 12 health briefs 14 global briefs 17 eco tip 18 diverse

28 healing ways 30 fit body 32 green living 34 inspiration 36 calendar conversations 37 classifieds 25 conscious eating 39 directory

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Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Early detection can mean life.

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July 2020

letter from publisher The day after I sent our June issue to the printer, we headed to Cheaha State Park for a much needed weekend of camping. As our first getaway since the pandemic hit, we were grateful for perfect weather, a spacious wooded site and, best of all, zero phone service. We ventured out on scenic hikes and cooled off in the crystal clear pools of picturesque waterfalls. We watched the sun set on the mountains and we lounged in our hammocks. For the first time in a long time, the world felt at peace. It was especially refreshing to not have a reason to pick up our phones, but as we headed home, messages and notifications from the weekend started rolling in. With reluctance, I started reading what we had missed—photos showed friends at protests in various cities and headlines spoke of looting and fires. George Floyd was murdered days before we departed for the mountains and emotions across the country raged while we were disconnected. My feelings of tranquility faded as I watched the spotlight shining brightly on the racism that exists in America. As a historian with a vested interest in race relations and civil rights, my husband Josh has been well aware of the injustices that people of color have endured in this country. And although the two of us talk quite frequently about the importance of diversity and how we can foster inclusivity in our kids while living in a mostly white community, my mind has been blown open as I’ve dug deeper into educating myself about systemic racism. I find it incredibly hard to fathom and my initial response was a sense of deep sadness and helplessness. The issue seems so vast and deeply rooted. Despite my personal realization that I have much to learn, doing nothing wasn’t an option. I first vowed to finish a book I had started in the Fall: White Kids, Growing Up With Privilege in a Racially Divided America by Margaret A. Hagerman. I also read Jewell Parker Rhodes’s Ghost Boys with my oldest son Mays (age 10) so he could imagine what other kids his own age face. I sat down with both Mays and Thatch (6) for a conversation that went beyond our usual talks of valuing inclusivity and diversity. I told them about George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. We brainstormed ways to make people of color feel welcome. And we talked about how each of us benefits from white privilege every day. I was also discovering new social media accounts of black leaders to follow, but I had trouble finding local connections. This inspired me to work on an article for this month’s issue that would amplify voices of color from within our own community. With the help of friends pointing me in the right direction, I interviewed numerous, inspiring individuals and each conversation gave me a bigger glimpse into black lives, along with actionable guidance for how we can all do better.

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I quickly realized that the one article I was working on was actually three, which has led me to introduce a new monthly department—Diverse Conversations. These monthly articles will be written to foster interracial dialogue and empathy while spotlighting local people of color, because we believe that diverse and equitable communities are healthy communities. Right before the printing of this issue, my family attended our first peaceful protest together. Eager to participate, we rode our bikes into town. Rounding the corner of the civic center, we were struck by a beautiful sight: hundreds of fellow community members of all colors and ages, standing in silence together in memory of George Floyd. I was flooded with emotions as we joined the group. I will never forget peacefully processing through downtown Fairhope while holding our handmade signs and answering all of Thatch’s questions about what we were chanting and why. The march and the interfaith prayer gathering that followed fueled my sense of hope, as I witnessed a collective willingness to cultivate empathy and respect for all. I don’t feel helpless anymore, I feel empowered. Join me in keeping these conversations moving forward; together we can begin to understand one another and create a more equitable world. With gratitude,

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

GULF COAST EDITION

news briefs

Organic Spa Opens in Fairhope Toups & Co Boutique and Spa in downtown Fairhope is a new indie beauty boutique that specializes in non-toxic products and organic services for nails, makeup and skincare. Manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, brow and lash tinting and makeup application are offered, and all of their products are free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBT) and camphor. Products used during services are specially formulated inhouse with organic ingredients.

PUBLISHER Meredith Montgomery EDITING TEAM Michelle Bense Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Michael Wilson Gabrielle Wyant LAYOUT 13 Moons Creative DISTRIBUTION MGR. Stephanie Klumpp

CONTACT US P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 Ph: 251-990-9552 HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne National Art Director Stephen Blancett Art Director Josh Pope Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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“We are committed to sourcing only the best for our clients, as we are firm believers that knowledge is key to making healthier lifestyle choices overall,” says founder Emilie Toups. The beautifully decorated spa is fume-free and features stylish recliners for pedicures and modern white and gold manicure stations. The facial room is equipped for organic facials with a hydro-facial option. Technicians begin all nail services with cleansing botanical sprays and warm towel wraps followed by an exfoliating sugar scrub or a relaxing massage. A large selection of polish colors are available and they are all 5- to 10-free, which refers to the amount of toxic chemical ingredients the product is free of. Calling ahead or scheduling an online appointment is preferred. Location: 70 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL. For more information, call 251-517-7523 or find @toupsandcospa on Facebook and Instagram. See ad, page 15.

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

251-990-9552 July 2020

Yoga therapy, available at True Yoga + Therapy, in Daphne, is an emerging specialty area within integrative healthcare. Research shows yoga can help reduce lifestylebased chronic disease and mental health disorders. At True, their evidence-based, comprehensive mind-body treatment uses an individualized approach based on the biopsychosocial model coupled with the client’s needs and health history. One-on-one yoga therapy sessions are recommended for those experiencing more complex health histories and higher levels of need (written permission from a physician may be required for yoga therapy intervention). Using the same individualized approach, a mental health professional facilitates True’s yoga therapy groups, which address specific issues shared by a small group of people. The groups allow space for processing life’s challenges, the development of new skills and the management of specified conditions. Visit True’s website, TrueYogaTherapy. com, which was recently updated to include owner Sydney Wasdin’s new blog and class schedule. Updates include a monthly community class that raises donations for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and a yoga therapy group for teens. For more information, call 251-2509440 or visit TrueYogaTherapy.com. See ad, page 35.

Dynamic Therapeutics Becomes Preferred Provider for the Veteran’s Administration After several months of credentialing, Dynamic Therapeutics has finally been approved to offer massage therapy services to veterans who are receiving care through the Gulf Coast VA health care system. Veterans only need to ask their primary care physician for a referral through the community care program to receive massage services from Dynamic Therapeutics. “At Dynamic Therapeutics, we love our military veterans and have always offered their first massage with us for free as our way of saying ‘Thank You’ for your service to this country,” says owner and Community Support Specialist Dr. Tonya Butler. As a U.S. Army Veteran herself, Butler is excited that the VA has expanded opportunities for veterans to begin using complimentary care services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage therapy as an adjunct to traditional medicine practices. Dynamic Therapeutics specializes in medical and therapeutic massage. They are not a spa and their therapists have advanced education to specifically care for soft tissue injuries as well as educate and instruct on corrective exercise and self-care techniques. Butler says, “Please give us a call if you have been suffering from chronic pain issues. Our goal is to restore a greater quality of life to those living in pain.” For more information, call 251-459-0500 or visit DynamicTherapeutics.net. See ad, page 15.

Racial Justice Scholarship Available for Plant-Based Nutrition ARC (Awakening Respect and Compassion for all sentient beings), in Mobile, is adapting to the present moment by offering vegan food boxes to people facing food insecurity, and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, a new racial justice scholarship. The scholarship seeks to address some of the health inequalities that African Americans face such as disproportionately high rates of diseases like heart disease, diabetes 2, high blood pressure and certain cancers, plus complications from COVID-19. nenadaksic,AdobeStock.com

Daphne Studio Offers Yoga Therapy

“These conditions can often be prevented and even reversed through a whole-foods, plant-based diet, but too often African American communities lack access to these healthy foods as well as facing other obstacles to proper nutrition and health care,” says ARC director Tracey Glover. The plant-based nutrition and cooking scholarship (valued at $1,650) will be awarded to an individual of color in the Mobile area and includes full tuition for a six-week online nutrition class offered through eCornel, as well as an internet-based cooking and nutrition class offered through the Forks Over Knives website. Upon completion of both of these high-quality, certificate-based courses, the grantee will be qualified to lead private and community courses in plant-based nutrition and cooking. The grantee will be asked to lead at least four free community classes with the full financial support of ARC. For more information and to apply for food boxes or the scholarship, email TraceyGlover@ gmail.com or visit ARCForAllBeings.org.

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Natural Approach Proven Effective for Depression The stress and isolation caused by the coronavirus and social distancing can trigger depression, and Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, owner of The Mind Performance Center, LLC, in Foley, Alabama, advises patients to seek natural treatment options. By employing FDA-approved magnetic stimulation deep into the brain, to regenerate the ability to produce and release neurotransmitters, symptoms of depression can be reduced or eliminated. While medications can help increase available levels of a few neurotransmitters, Brown’s non-invasive and drug-free approach increases levels of all neurotransmitters (more than 200). “The results of our treatments are tangible, often delivering improvement when nothing else has,” says Brown, who notes that 70 percent of his depression patients see depression symptoms reduced by at least 50 percent. “Our approach fosters brain balance and performance without negative side effects.” Brown is one of only a few functional neurologists in the U.S. providing this deep transcranial magnetic stimulation in conjunction with brain pathway activation therapy and the science-based nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen. Treatment of depression usually lasts five to six weeks and does not interfere with current medications.

Downtown Fairhope’s CBD Retailer Expands Offerings CBD Two10, in Fairhope, is now an apothecary hemp boutique. This California-style store offers hundreds of different types and brands of CBD from companies that use third-party lab testing for quality assurance. With tinctures, roll-ons, gummies, mints, sunscreens, pet products and more, they have something for everyone. The boutique’s staff is focused on building relationships with their customers so they can help them find the right product for their individual needs. “There is so much information out there regarding hemp/CBD; we want each individual to find what works for them. Pull up a stool and have a healthy conversation,” says manager and nurse Stephanie Michelle. While full spectrum CBD products must contain 0.3 percent THC or less, CBD Two10 also sells THC-free products which are quickly identified via the store’s easy-to-use star system. Additionally, CBD Two10 sells 100 percent hemp shoes and apparel, and they now share their space with Salon GLS (Facebook.com/salongls). This new salon is owned by head stylist GariLynn Gillespie, with local artist Melissa Sellars as an additional stylist. Customers can enjoy in-store shopping from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, or shop online 24/7. Location: 210 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. For more information, call 251-232-5151 or visit CBDTwo10.com. See CBD listing, page 21.

Location: Inside Path for Wellness, 240 W. Laurel St., Foley, AL. For more information, call 251-597-8787 or visit MindPerformanceCenter.com. See ad, page 3.

Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB July 2020

Classes Inspire Cooking and Conversation

Kristin Alpine, RN, BSN Wildflowers and Fresh Food’s private cooking classes have become very popular as more people are enjoying the joy of cooking while staying closer to home. Classes are available for all ages, making them perfect for date night, a family activity or a fun party for kids, and they’re offered in private homes or in a Fairhope teaching kitchen with a sunset view. “I love encouraging people to get back into their kitchens and family dinner tables by sharing a simple and colorful approach to cooking and life,” says owner Kristin Alpine, RN, BSN. “I want everyone to experience my love of fresh food and conversation.” Alpine’s gentle nature is nurturing and encouraging. She admires the beauty of local fresh produce and loves to explore an herb garden with a class. For beautiful photographs, healthy recipes and fresh insights, connect with Alpine on Instagram, Facebook and her website. Join her from her own kitchen with cooking videos on YouTube that often feature local musicians, chefs and business owners for a podcast-style interview. For more information, visit WildflowersFreshFood.com. See ad, page 27.

OsteoStrong Expands Space and Offerings After four years of great success in Fairhope, OsteoStrong is nearing the completion of a major expansion and remodel in addition to opening their Mobile location at 2724 Old Shell Rd. “The 1,200-square-foot space was a great start, but we have definitely outgrown it. To better serve our community, we are doubling our size and adding many new modalities to our health, wellness and biohacking center,” says owner and regional developer, Josh Fandrich. OsteoStrong is a rapidly growing international franchise with a focus on skeletal strength conditioning using exclusive impact emulation equipment called Spectrum. Other modalities offered include whole body vibration, hydromassage, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy for pain relief and X3Bar resistance band training. The new modalities being offered include BioCharger energy platform, Joovv Red Light therapy (to increase collagen and skin health while enhancing muscle recovery and reducing joint pain) and NormaTec recovery system, which increases blood flow. To enhance a strong, healthy lifestyle, new supplement products from Calton Nutrition and RPG Coffee will be available. Fandrich says, “With all of this innovative technology, OsteoStrong will truly be ‘the ultimate biohack’ center of the Eastern Shore.” For more information, call 251-210-6955 (Fairhope) or 251-586-8226 (Mobile), or visit OsteoStrong.me. See ad, page 31.

Elberta Farmer Offers Microgreens and Seasonal Produce at Foley Market Knievil Farms, a featured vendor at Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market, in Foley, is currently selling tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and okra. He also always has microgreens of peas, sunflowers, radishes, cabbage and kale available. Kevin Johnson, owner of Knievil Farms in Elberta, has been slowly growing his farm over the last three years. While the coronavirus has hurt his sales to restaurants in downtown Pensacola, market sales are up. “We’re seeing less people at the farmers’ markets, but the people that do come are spending more money,” says Johnson, who uses organic fertilizers and natural pesticides. The year-round Foley market is currently open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays only, until further notice. Market location: 20733 Miflin Rd. (Co. Rd. 20), Foley, AL. For more information, call 251597-5557 or visit CoastalAlabamaMarket.com. See Farmers Market listing, page 40.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Building Wealth with Sustainable Investments Financial advisors Jacey Cosentino and Chesley Allegri, with The RadcliffSchatzman Group at Morgan Stanley, share a passion for helping their clients build purposeful wealth through sustainable asset management. Their approach helps enable clients of all account sizes to align impact and financial objectives to drive positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes. “We believe capital creates change. Now more than ever we need all investors to work together and choose to support the companies that have the health and Chesley Allegri and Jacey Cosentino well-being of our planet and all her inhabitants in mind when designing, manufacturing and selling their products and services,” says Cosentino. CRC 3102510

Stella Naturals Offers Coronavirus Discounts on CBD

“We are committed to quality and fair prices,” says owner Ed Morgan. “To help people afford CBD products during this stressful time due to COVID-19, we have slashed our prices even more.” Stella Naturals ensures they are using the finest quality of CBD and ingredients that they can find by using third-party lab testing. All of their products are made in Florida in a state-regulated and inspected facility, and tested before and after bottling. Their CBD oils are derived from non-GMO industrial hemp grown in the U.S. with organic farming practices and with strict cultivation compliance. The CBD is CO2-extracted and infused in MCT medium chain triglyceride coconut oil to increase effectiveness. Morgan says, “We want to earn your trust so you stay our customer. We started Stella Naturals with the mindset of providing a great selection of high-end products but in an affordable price range.” For more information, call 251-2157111 or visit StellaNaturals.com. See ad, page 16.

Leveraging their market position as a leading Wealth Management firm, Morgan Stanley works in collaboration with their clients (individuals, endowments and institutions) to identify an individualized solution, whether it be implementing a completely activated or partially activated sustainable investment portfolio across asset classes. Gender diversity, corporate transparency, environmental awareness and cruelty-free initiatives are some of the areas that can be positively impacted when designing a portfolio with purpose. Cosentino says, “No matter your goals or objectives, we are here to help you align your investments with your values. You can do well while doing good.” Locations: 11 N. Water St., Ste. 16290, Mobile, AL and 850 S. Palafox St., Ste. 200, Pensacola, FL. For more information, call 251-470-1081 or 850-470-8033. See ad, page 15.

kudos photo by Chris Riley @HeadOverWheelsPhotography

Through the pandemic, Gulf Shoresbased Stella Naturals is offering sale prices on their CBD tinctures, gummies and their new emu CBD skin cream. Their high-quality 1,000 mg bottle of CBD is now $39 and all products ship for free.

The Sunset Rotary Club of Fairhope purchased handicap-accessible mats for Fairhope’s public beach that extend from the South Beach pavilion. Installed by the city last month, the 150-foot, ADA-compliant access mat is water pervious and provides an enhanced grip to reduce the risk of injury to bare feet for all beach-goers. “For the first time ever, I’m going to be able to go sit on the beach whenever I want,” says Fairhope resident Chris Riley. “It works great and it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to enjoy the sand and be close to the water like others do daily.” July 2020

health briefs

In good news for the 10 to 20 percent of people over age 65 that suffer with mild cognitive impairment, research from China’s Central South University, in Hunan, shows that practicing the gentle ancient martial art of tai chi can significantly improve memory, learning, mental speed and attention, the ability to formulate abstract ideas, mental flexibility and visuospatial perception. The research analyzed data from 10 studies that included 1,061 people with symptoms such as forgetting conversations and names, and having difficulty with complex tasks. “As it emphasizes mental concentration, physical balance, full-body stretching and relaxation, and relaxed breathing, tai chi has a great potential for becoming widely integrated into rehabilitation interventions for various medical and psychological conditions,” write the study’s authors.

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Help Recover from Stroke with Ear Acupuncture Acupuncture in the ear can help speed rehabilitation of stroke patients, researchers from the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine have found. In a study of 42 stroke patients, those treated with auricular acupuncture for just six days showed significant improvements in range of motion for arms and legs compared to those given standard acupuncture treatments and conventional rehabilitation.

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HELP CREATE A HEALTHIER PLANET

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Reduce Cognitive Decline with Tai Chi

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Feeling a lack of motivation and difficulty finding pleasure in life has a clinical name— anhedonia—and researchers from the University of Florence have found a promising treatment for it in Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, an Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to boost memory and cognitive performance. Dividing 42 patients with anhedonia into two groups, the researchers gave half of them the antidepressant medication citalopram (Calexa) plus 300 milligrams of Bacopa; the control group was given only the medication. After four weeks, the Bacopa group had significant improvements in symptoms and were able to experience pleasure more easily than the control group.

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that resolves physical discomfort, releases tension and alleviates pain while restoring flexibility and enhancing energy.

Avoid Chlorhexidine Mouthwash to Reduce Cavity Risk

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Chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouthwash commonly prescribed by dentists to treat the swelling, redness and bleeding gums of gingivitis, actually increases acidic levels in the mouth, leading to an increase in cavity-causing bacteria, reports a new study from the UK University of Plymouth, published in the journal Scientific Reports. The researchers analyzed saliva and blood samples of 36 healthy people that used chlorhexidine twice a day for seven days and compared the results to using a placebo for the same amount of time. Other recent research has found that the germicidal mouthwash disrupted the ability of oral bacteria to turn nitrate into nitrite, a key molecule for reducing blood pressure, increasing the risk of higher systolic blood pressure. Chlorhexidine has been used increasingly as a pre-rinse before dental procedures due to COVID-19 concerns.

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Eat More Citrus for a Thinner Waistline Research published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal analyzed 13 studies from around the world involving 921 people. The studies showed that eating citrus fruits or their extract can significantly reduce body weight. The research data found that citrus and its extracts reduced body weight by an average of 2.8 pounds per person and almost an inch of waist and hip circumference. It also reduced body mass index among those studied.

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July 2020

global briefs

Tree Believers

Forest Loss Leads to Spread of Human Disease

A new Stanford University study published in Landscape Ecology reveals viruses like COVID-19 that jump from animals to people will likely become more common as people continue to transform natural habitats into agricultural land. Researchers found the loss of tropical forests in Uganda put people at greater risk of physical interactions with wild primates and the viruses they carry, with implications for the emergence and spread of infectious animal-to-human diseases in other parts of the world. People have converted nearly half of the world’s land into agriculture. Tropical forests have suffered the most, with some of the highest rates of conversion occurring during the last few decades. Study co-author Tyler McIntosh says, “At the end of the day, land conservation and the reduction of forest fragmentation is our best bet to reduce human [to] wild animal interactions.”

Healthy Glow

Natural Thinking

In research that could help target new treatments for skin cancer, British scientists have identified how human skin suppresses inflammation after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In the study at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, healthy volunteers agreed for their skin to be safely exposed to a single, inflammation-causing dose of UVR. Skin samples were taken and researchers examined their immune profile and skin composition over time. Results showed that the T-cells, which help the skin repair itself after UVR exposure, altered skin composition for 14 days. “They could be there to prevent abnormal skin growth or potentially to act as gatekeepers against further inflammation,” says lead author Nathan Hawkshaw, Ph.D. Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

In addition to reducing stress and improving general health, mindfulness and meditation techniques have been linked to longevity, as marked by longer telomere length, a biomarker of human aging. In a new research paper in Scientific Reports, Spanish researchers at the Navarra Institute for Health Research, in Pamplona, reported that aging, which typically shortens telomere length, showed no association with that marker in a group of long-term meditators. They theorized that long-term meditation could be related to epigenetic mechanisms, in particular, gene-specific DNA methylation changes at distinct sub-telomeric regions. Lead author Maite Mendioroz, M.D., Ph.D., suggests that yoga practice and meditation are related to longer telomere length in blood cells, writing, “Leukocyte telomere shortening has been associated with several age-related conditions such as cardiovascular events, including stroke, myocardial infarction and cognitive performance.”

Spending Time in Nature Increases Cognitive Performance

More of our time is spent indoors than ever before. One of the ways by which nature may improve cognitive function (i.e., the acquisition of and goal-oriented use of knowledge) is by improving memory formation and recall, specifically that of short-term or working memory, and goal-oriented or directed attention; the kind that requires focused effort. By comparing and contrasting 13 studies, a team of researchers has shed light on this complex interaction in research published in Frontiers in Psychology. The studies used the backward digit span task, which requires participants to invert a series of numbers and repeat them back. All demonstrated significantly improved cognition in nature as compared to urban environments. The benefits of studies like this are twofold: not only are we learning more about how the brain interacts with its environment, but also how to leverage this interaction to lead healthier, more productive and happier lives.

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diverse conversations

Local Women of Color Inspire Change Addressing Racism Within Our Community

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by Meredith Montgomery

Driving Change in Fairhope’s Next Generation “No matter how much praise I receive or how many accolades I collect, some people will never be able to see beyond the color of my skin,” said Ashanti Ash as class president in her graduation speech at Fairhope High School, earlier this summer.

tality is not a large issue in Fairhope, the community has been sitting on a lot of racially-charged tensions. The national attention on racism coupled with her speech has motivated more people to take action, allowing the movement to gain momentum.

Unique Dunston

Unifying Voices in Northern Alabama Unique Dunston’s school-age years also lacked diversity. In the northern Alabama town of Albertville, she was the only African American girl in her 2015 graduating class. She too was a top student and says she fit in well because she was involved in everything. “I believed what everyone there believed and I said what they said… until I moved to Mobile [to go to college] and I was like, wow, there’s so much black culture and history that I’ve missed out on,” she says.

Growing up with little diversity in Fairhope and as a student in the gifted and advanced placement programs, Ash shared classes with very few other black students. “It taught me a lot of patience but I enjoyed educating everyone around me.” Ash co-founded the Black Student Union to bring awareness to Fairhope’s African American community. With meetings at the high school and speaking engagements along the Eastern Shore, the group encourages conversations between different races and explains issues such as cultural appropriation and systemic racism. “We aren’t hostile, we’re just trying to educate as many people as possible and we want to keep black culture vibrant,” she says. “I’m seen as an anomaly in Fairhope, so when people saw me as an articulate black girl I’d sometimes get back-handed compliments like, ‘You speak so well,’ and I’d internalize that as a child.” In her speech she spoke about how every time an unarmed black person is killed, she fears that it could have been her uncle, her cousin, her father or even herself. “I wasn’t sure how people would react, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. I was humanizing the cause and it did a lot for Fairhope wanting to do something and for new conversations to be started.” She acknowledges that while police bru-

Years ago when Dunston first got involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, she drifted apart from many of her Albertville friends. “I don’t want to be friends with people that don’t support me. We didn’t know

the conversations that needed to be had and they didn’t really listen to me,” she recalls. Dunston, who is now a special education paraprofessional living in Semmes, had an eye-opening experience when she attended the first protest and vigil held for George Floyd in downtown Mobile. Inspired by how well it was organized, she decided to return to her hometown to start her own march and organization, Say Their Names Alabama.

to close the streets and provide police protection for her protest. She estimated 150 people would participate, but on June 6, more than 600 people peacefully marched down the same street that the Ku Klux Klan used for rallies in the early ‘70s. The event reconnected Dunston to her once distant friends who are now great allies supporting her work and eager to talk about issues that were once uncomfortable to discuss. One week later, Dunston took her activism to the neighboring Marshall County town of Guntersville to lead the Say Their Names Alabama Juneteenth Celebration. Much of her extended family lives there and the African American population is significantly larger than Albertville’s. Out of the success she had with her first event, Dunston was able to get a permit to close down the state highway that runs through downtown where approximately 300 people joined her for another peaceful protest.

Roslyn Teals

Speaking Up for Social Justice Most of the racism Roslyn Teals has experienced has been indirect. “I have been called the ‘N word’ by people driving by; when I have gone to make big purchases I have been given looks that suggest that they think that I can’t afford the item; I have been in line waiting and the person behind the counter has overlooked me,” she says. But she knows many people experience much worse and she worries for her brother, nephews, uncles and cousins. Teals grew up in Southern Georgia as her mother worked in a factory and served people at the train station. Her mother only had an eighth grade education because she had to work in cotton and tobacco fields. Teals’ grandmothers and aunts worked as housekeepers and nannies for white

Ashanti Ash

“It was silent in Marshall County; people were just carrying on like normal,” she says of her decision to be active beyond Mobile. She connected with the police chief of Albertville, who she’s known for 15 years, having grown up with his daughter, and he agreed July 2020

BE A PART OF THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT Listen to Learn

Listening to people of color is more important than anything, according to Unique Dunston, founder of Say Their Names Alabama. “Listen to understand, don’t listen to respond,” she says. This includes making time to self-educate on topics such as black history and systemic racism.

See People of Color

Fairhope’s Black Student Union president Ashanti Ash wants everyone to see people as people. “See them, acknowledge their color and their struggle, but it’s all about respecting a fellow person and treating people how you want to be treated.” Smile and make eye contact with people of color to show they are welcome. Dunston notes that often black people do the same thing to be accepted by white people. “If we don’t smile, then we may be seen as the angry black girl,” she says.

Talk About Race

Dunston asks her peers to discuss questions such as “How does it make you feel to know that I have a fear of being pulled over by the police even though I am following every rule that there is?” To provide mutual support and encouragement, Pensacola Activist Roslyn Teals suggests engaging in conversations with people of similar identity about different levels of oppression that occur daily. She also wants parents to explain that some people have more resources available to them than others and that those resources should be used to help others. She says, “Talk about the fact that we are all humans. Teach them love; teach them empathy; teach them to embrace diversity.” Ash was young when she learned about racism. “It’s never too early to start teaching about our disadvantage. These shouldn’t be uncomfortable conversations; it should be normal to talk about it,” she says.

Be an Ally

Extend anti-racism efforts beyond social media posts and athome conversations. Speak up when friends and family say something ignorant. “It makes people of color feel more safe and secure,” says Ash. When a white peer made an insensitive comment in Ash’s presence, she felt pressure to speak up but she did not want to cause a scene. “And sometimes you feel exhausted from using your voice all the time. When my friend spoke up so I didn’t have to, it meant so much to me. I’ll never forget that,” she says. “Make use of your privilege, power and voice to help those who are continuously marginalized, silenced and ignored,” says Teals. Let black people know that you stand with them and attend peaceful protests to show your support. Teals says, “I’ve seen white people protesting with us and a diverse group supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. That gives me hope.”

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

families. “I understand what it means to be domestic help and to not have many opportunities. My mom wanted more for us and I know the trouble she had—that was the motivation for her kids to finish high school and pursue college degrees,” says Teals, who is an educator in Pensacola. “My degree allows me some privilege.” While searching for an open and affirming church, Teals discovered Open Table, in Mobile. She was drawn to their commitment to causes such as social justice and environmentalism and currently serves on the church council. In 2017, members of Open Table and All Saints Episcopal came together to study Just Mercy, a book by Alabamian Bryan Stevenson. Teals had not previously heard of the book, which broadened her awareness of systemic racism and introduced her to the Poor People’s Campaign (PoorPeoplesCampaign.org ). “At times I was the only African American in the room talking about the book, but I was glad that the white men and women in the group were open to read and learn about justice, mercy and grace. It gave me hope that they chose to read that book when they could have chosen any book,” Teals says. The experience helped refuel her interest in the disparities that African Americans face. Teals always had a sense of activism within her, noting that she protested the BP oil spill in 2010, but more recently she seems to be on a mission. She’s spending this month in Houston, where George Floyd is buried, hoping to connect with other activists. When she’s home, she jumps into activism anytime she can. “If I hear about something that impacts me, or my community, or the environment or the disadvantaged, I will participate because I have a voice.”

Change is on the Horizon Dunston is hopeful and proud of the people who have open ears and open minds in America. “I do what I do, I organize and I plan, working late at night for my future kids,” she says. “And I hope and pray that all I’m doing will cause them to never have to protest and march to be equal.” “I believe that big things are going to happen and I want to be a part of it,” says Ash of also being hopeful about the future of our country. In her speech, she emphasized that the time is now, calling her classmates to unify, not to divide. “The most important thing right now is building community—bringing people together in mutual respect and dialogue,” says Teals. For her 57th birthday she didn’t want a card or material gifts, she was headed to a protest. “I’m surrounded by people that are allies. That’s been the best present—to hear ‘I hear you, I stand with you.’ What better way to spend my birthday, than to be protesting for liberty and justice for all?”

This article is the first of Natural Awakenings’ new Diverse Conversations department. Each month we will continue this interracial dialogue about diversity, empathy and inclusion of all people, while spotlighting people of color in our local community. Email us with story ideas: Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

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July 2020

feature

BEYOND FACTORY FARMS ‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost by Melinda Hemmelgarn Once you learn how our modern industrial food system has transformed what most Americans eat, you become highly motivated to eat something else. –Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, Chew on This and co-producer of Food, Inc.

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health problems and certain types of infections,” says Keeve Nachman, Ph.D., director of the CLF Food Production and Public Health Program.

Kevin Walker, a Michigan State University professor and author of The Grand Food Bargain and the Mindless Drive for More, says, “Meat is the poster child of industrial food gone awry.” Independent animal farmers are disappearing while factory farms are getting bigger, causing more air, soil and water pollution in rural communities nationwide, reports the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Large industrialized farms known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) rely on the routine use of antibiotics to both prevent the spread of disease and promote animal growth and weight gain—a practice known to fuel antibiotic resistance and compromise human health. HIGH COST OF CHEAP MEAT According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a push toward greater efficiency created the shift to industrial livestock production. However, attempts to maximize production for higher returns at minimal cost come at a price. For example, a growing body of evidence shows that CAFO leads to the social and economic decline of rural communities. “Research has consistently found that living near a CAFO is associated with an array of negative health impacts, including respiratory disease, mental 22

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Everett Murphy, M.D., a retired pulmonologist from Kansas City, concurs, “Not only are the odors from factory livestock farms offensive, but individuals living within three miles of industrial animal operations are at risk for serious, life-shortening illnesses and permanent disabilities.” Concrete reservoirs designed to hold manure present a problem as well, he adds, “They always leak into the groundwater, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and making the source of water to neighboring communities unusable and toxic.” Joan Olive says she is living proof that exposure to air pollution from factory farms is every bit as harmful as scientists and health experts have warned about for years. On one fateful December day 16 years ago, Olive was outdoors on her family farm near Spencer, Iowa, when she noticed a strong, sickening odor. Feeling nauseous, she went inside, but later that evening, her tongue swelled, she became disoriented and began shaking and sweating profusely. Olive’s symptoms subsided over the next few days, but since then she has experienced multiple chemical sensitivities, transient symptoms of brain fog, muscle twitching, migraines, and respiratory and circulatory problems. Health experts at the University of Iowa identified the source of the sickening odor as toxic hydrogen sulfide from liquid CAFO waste that had been sprayed on farmland one mile from Olive’s home. In addition to the region’s concentration of hog CAFO, her home sat two miles from 1.5 million chickens.

with plant-based sources of protein such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds—a dietary approach that benefits our gut microbes and protects us against a host of chronic diseases.

reports A Greener World, a nonprofit certifier of the trustworthy Animal Welfare Approved label. But thinking we have to go vegan or purchase fake meat to protect our health or the planet is misguided.

MEAT ALTERNATIVES

EATING LESS, BUT BETTER MEAT

As concerns mount about the health, ethical and environmental impact of animal products, the food industry has responded with more plant-based, lab-grown meat alternatives. Yet, according to the Food and Technology 2019 report by the market research firm The Hartman Group, many meat replacements rely on highly sophisticated technologies that hardly meet consumers’ definitions of “natural”.

Citing environmental and public health hazards, the American Public Health Association issued a new policy statement last November calling for a precautionary moratorium on all new and expanding CAFO. It advises a complete halt until additional scientific data has been collected and public health concerns addressed.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite, director of the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network at Oregon State University, believes in ancestral eating and eating as close to nature as possible. Thistlethwaite, author of Farms with a Future and The New Livestock Farmer: The Business of Raising and Selling Ethical Meat, is mindful of portion size and eats only organic and pasture-raised animal foods to avoid synthetic chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“It’s all about what isn’t on the label,” says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., chief science advisor of the GRACE Communications Foundation. According to Rangan, many plant-based and fake meat products are actually ultraprocessed foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients and rely on petroleum-based chemicals that are not required to be listed on the label.

BYPASSING INDUSTRIAL EATING

Will Harris, owner of White Oak Pastures, in Bluffton, Georgia, declares, “It’s not the cow, it’s the how.” Harris transitioned his livestock operation from the industrial model to certified humane animal husbandry and sustainable practices that emulate nature. The switch to a pasture-based system yields healthier animals, he explains, and helps take carbon out of the atmosphere and return it to the soil.

“The Impossible Burger introduces over 48 new proteins to the human diet without a thorough safety investigation,” warns Rangan. She questions whether these new meat alternatives are better than meat from animals raised on pasture without routine drugs and synthetic fertilizers.

In Cows Save the Planet and Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth, author Judith Schwartz describes how grazing animals play a key role in restoring soil health, and therefore human health. “Well-managed pastures and grasslands with ruminant animals can sequester more carbon than they emit, improve soil health and increase groundwater recharge,” explains Thistlethwaite. Plus, both livestock and poultry can make use of feeds that humans don’t consume, such as grass and sagebrush.

Many consumers don’t realize that the majority of beef, pork and chicken sold in supermarkets, served in restaurants and distributed to institutions nationwide comes from the industrial food system. According to the Public Justice Food Project, 85 percent of the meat Americans consume is produced by four corporate giants—Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill and JBS—each accused of hiding labor, animal or environmental abuses behind folksy brand names and packaging images.

skeeze272447/Canva.com

To shed light on abuses and steer consumers away from industrial meat, the Center for Food Safety created a website that pulls back the curtain on CAFO. It recommends replacing half of the meat we eat with humane, sustainably raised, grass-fed and organic meat, while replacing the other half

There’s a big difference between the health and environmental impact of meat from animals raised in feed lots versus those raised with regenerative agricultural practices. “Industrial agriculture is absolutely harmful,”

DID YOU KNOW? Nature Nine Farms in Foley is a sustainable farm offering ethically-raised eggs and beef. Learn more at NatureNineFarms.com.

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“Government oversight and policies designed to safeguard the health of individuals and the environment from these operations have been inadequate,” says Bob Martin, director of the CLF Food System Policy Program.

skeeze272447/Canva.com

THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW

Today, Olive drinks filtered water and eats organic food to protect her health, but she notices that her symptoms return when triggered by exposure to CAFO air pollution and pesticides. In March, Olive moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, where she’s breathing easier and enjoying time outdoors. But she believes she left behind “thousands of rural residents who are having their lives and health destroyed by Big Ag.”

July 2020

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

LOCAL MICROSANCTUARY SERVES AS A HAVEN FOR CHICKENS Sweet Peeps Microsanctuary, in Lillian, Alabama, is home to more than 20 chickens rescued from factory farming. The sanctuary was started in January 2019 when founder Tracey Glover took in eight hens who had been rescued from an industrial chicken farm in Colorado. Those birds, along with about 40,000 others, had been left to die when the farm went bankrupt. Other Sweet Peeps residents include chickens rescued from Kaporos—a ritual practiced by some Jews that Fannie, a Colorado rescue, loves to snuggle. sometimes results in the slaughtering of a chicken. Most recently, six severely injured chickens were rescued from a factory farm in Georgia. The goal of the sanctuary is both to provide a lifetime of love and care for the individuals who have found their way there, as well as to advocate for all chickens. “Each of our residents is unique, with slightly different voices, faces and preferences,” says Glover. “They have just as much personality as dogs and cats and they’re better at coming when called than our dogs.”

For more information, visit Facebook.com/sweetpeepsmicrosanctuary.

Rangan and Harris emphasize that the power of consumer spending can shift the market. However, Thistlethwaite says, “We cannot just vote with our forks, as many people don’t have that luxury.” She urges change at both personal and political levels, favoring incentive-based approaches with fewer subsidies going to the industrial system. “We need more farmers raising high-quality animals in a humane, ecologically responsible manner,” says Thistlethwaite. But we also need more small-scale slaughterhouses and meat processors throughout the country to get quality meat to more of our tables. In addition to farmers’ markets, cooperatives and community supported agriculture, organizations such as the American Grassfed Association and Local Harvest connect consumers directly to farmers using sustainable practices to help rebuild regional food hubs and networks. “Start with small steps,” suggests Thistlethwaite. “Buy milk from a local creamery, eggs from a farmer in your community or one-quarter cow to fill your freezer from a local, grass-fed beef producer. Reward the farms and ranches that are doing it right by purchasing from them, promoting them, supporting them.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com. Tune into Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.

Take Action Stop Factory Farms

left: Simi was rescued from a Georgia factory farm, here her broken leg is in a cast; right: Becky, a Colorado rescue, arrived with a broken wing that required amputation

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The COVID-19 health crisis highlights inequalities in how we produce and distribute food. A new bill, the Farm System Reform Act (FSRA), will help to create a more healthy, sustainable and equitable model, by placing a moratorium on new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (commonly known as factory farms), cracking down on the monopolistic practices of multinational meat corporations and supporting farmers to transition to healthier, pasture-based models and organic farming. To support the FSRA, the Sierra Club has made it easy to contact members of Congress at Tinyurl.com/ BlockFactoryFarms.

conscious eating

OUTDOOR FEASTS Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills by Marlaina Donato

recommends vintage suitcases, wooden crates or a backpack, especially if the picnic destination involves an uphill trek. She also emphasizes simplicity: “While a lavish spread with myriad options is quite fun, a simple picnic can be equally enjoyable. A grazing board to-go is quite easy. Pack up a medley of fruits, veggies, charcuterie or cheeses, crackers, spreads and pickles and a little something sweet, and you’ve got all you need to create a memorable meal outdoors.” Robyn Lindars, of Fort Myers, Florida, author The Healthy Electric Smoker Cookbook: 100 Recipes with All-Natural Ingredients and Fewer Carbs, says, “I love grilled veggies paired with goat cheese and fresh herbs on French or Italian bread. You can add capicola or just stick to veggies for tasty sandwiches that do well in a cooler.” GREAT GRILLING Grilling “adds a ton of flavor to food without needing to add additional fat or calories. Cooking over fire is also the oldest method of cooking,” says Lindars. Happily, the health risks associated with barbequing meat over hot coals can be reduced by using flavorful marinades or opting to go vegan.

Nothing defines the summer season quite like firing up the grill or escaping with a picnic basket to a favorite hideaway. From luscious fruits to gorgeous greens, enjoying a meal outdoors inspires us to eat what is in season and invites us to sip the moment. Most of all, it gives us special time with loved ones or with ourselves. Ashley English, of Candler, North Carolina, author of A Year of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well in the Great Outdoors, sees picnics as a delicious excuse to eat healthy and in sync with the seasons. “No matter what time of year you’re picnicking, there’s always going to be something ripe and in season to showcase. We all know that foods eaten at their peak time of ripeness simply taste better, so use your summertime picnic as an opportunity to bite into a ripe watermelon or your autumn picnic as the ideal time to bake an apple crisp.” PORTABLE PLEASURES Thinking outside the box can jazz up the ordinary. English sings the praises of picnicking not only in woodlands and on beaches, but on rooftops. Being open to different times of the day welcomes a shift in mood. “I’m particularly fond of breakfast picnics. They’re an excellent way to clear your head and get motivated, as they’re an activity fully engaging all of the senses. Twilight picnics are another favorite. As the sun begins to set, the light is less harsh and the mood outdoors becomes decidedly quieter. I find picnics during this time of day to be especially relaxing,” says English. Simple tasks like washing salad greens or whipping up a quick hummus dip the night before a picnic can save considerable time. Traditional picnic baskets are not required, and English

Reducing temperature decreases carcinogenic compounds associated with grilling meats and can be best accomplished by waiting until charcoal turns to embers or turning the gas grill down a notch or two. Grilling further from the flame on an elevated rack is also a good option. Citrusy or balsamic vinegar-based marinades naturally minimize toxic potential by reducing the formation of unhealthy compounds, studies show. “You are what you eat and what you eat was eating. Opt for the highest-quality protein possible—grass-fed beef, organic, humanely raised protein,” suggests Lindars. “Make your own marinades and rubs to avoid ingredients like soybean oil and corn syrup. You can easily make your own with simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, vinegars, sea salt and spices. Fresh rosemary, lemon zest, juice, sea salt, pepper and garlic with a splash of olive oil makes for an amazing marinade, and can even be paired with grass-fed butter to put on chicken. A basic rub of smoked paprika, sea salt, fresh ground pepper and dash of garlic powder is great on just about anything.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. July 2020

Recipes for Outdoor Feasts and Picnics With an immersion blender, mix everything together until uniform in consistency. Brent Hofacker/Canva.com

Add the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste; more water for a thinner consistency; and the basil at the end with one last blend with the immersion blender. Chill at least 3 hours before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.

Fruta Picada

Recipe and photo courtesy of Robyn Lindars, GrillGirl.com.

Yields: 8 to 10 servings

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Garnish with diced avocado and fresh basil.

Fire-Roasted Gazpacho 3 lb small-to medium-size tomatoes, possibly a mixture of San Marzano and Campari tomatoes (The smaller tomatoes will get more exposure to the grill) 2 large cucumbers 1 poblano pepper 1 head of garlic 8 oz mini-bell peppers 2 tsp white wine vinegar 1 cup water (or more) Dash olive oil 1 Tbsp sea salt (preferably bourbon barrel smoked sea salt) 1 Tbsp black pepper (preferably bourbon barrel smoked pepper) 1 tsp sugar 1 large bunch basil 1 ripe avocado, diced Preheat a charcoal grill for medium direct heat—about 350° F. (Gas works, but will not produce as much smokiness as charcoal.) Prepare the veggies to go on the grill: wash everything and slice the cucumbers into thin lengthwise pieces; put the garlic cloves onto skewers. Grill the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic and poblano pepper until char marks form on all sides.

Grilled Romaine Hearts 1 romaine heart per person 1 Tbsp olive oil Sea salt to taste Fresh ground black pepper Parmesan cheese or any hard, aged cheese Prepare the grill for direct heat. Rinse/dry the romaine hearts, drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Grill the romaine hearts on direct heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until char marks form and the lettuce begins to wilt. Remove the hearts from the grill, grate a generous amount of the cheese on the hearts and add a little more olive oil. For a crowd, chop the hearts up and put them in a bowl to serve as a large salad on the side of the main course. Recipe courtesy of Robyn Lindars, GrillGirl.com.

Remove the veggies and place in a big pot. Add water.

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A combination of fresh fruit, lime juice and chili seasoning, fruta picada is served at markets and roadsides throughout Mexico. The combination of spice and salt partnered with sweet fruit is guaranteed to take the edge off of a blistering summer’s day.

Spice Blend 3 Tbsp chipotle powder 3 Tbsp smoky paprika 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp sea salt 1 Tbsp cumin seeds 1½ tsp celery seeds Fruit 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into spears ½ watermelon, peeled, cut into spears and seeded 1 large jicama, peeled and cut into spears 1 large papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into spears Juice from 2 limes Grind all of the spice blend ingredients

together in a spice grinder or food processor or with a mortar and pestle until finely powdered. Transfer to a lidded container with a shaker screen. Place all of the fruit spears onto a serving platter. Squeeze the fresh lime juice evenly across. Let guests serve themselves as much fruit as they’d like, and then sprinkle with the spice blend. From A Year of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well In the Great Outdoors, by Ashley English. Reprinted in arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc.

Learn to love cooking.

Kristin Alpine, RN, BSN

Green Garden-Basil Dip for Chips, Bread and Vegies 1 package thawed, raw, frozen peas Handful of basil 1 or 2 handfuls unsalted roasted or raw pumpkin seeds ½ tsp sea salt ¼ cup water In a blender or Vitamix, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. If peas need a bit more water for blending, add a tablespoon of water at a time until reaching the desired consistency. Pour into bowl and serve immediately with an array of dippers, including organic healthy chips and sliced vegies, as well as outside-the-box options like bok choy, squash or peppers. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

Southwestern Red Pepper-Avocado Sandwiches/Wraps 1 jar roasted red peppers (drained and dried with a towel) or freshly made, oven-roasted peppers 2 fork-smashed avocados or 1 large Florida avocado Salsa of choice, preferably smoky chipotle or sweet varieties Chopped cilantro Bread or wraps of choice To assemble sandwiches, slather bread or wrap generously with smashed avocado, then press a roasted red pepper on top. Spoon salsa of choice and sprinkle with cilantro over all before covering with other slice of bread or rolling a wrap. Keep chilled until serving. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

Kalamata Olive Hummus-Cucumber Picnic Sandwiches Pita pocket bread, sourdough or other bread of choice 1 can organic chickpeas/garbanzos with original water drained off just a bit ½ cup organic sesame seeds or 2 Tbsp of tahini (½ cup organic, raw, unsalted sunflower seeds can be used in a pinch) 1 tsp cold-pressed virgin olive oil (optional) 1 minced garlic clove ½ cup kalamata olives (whole or halved, drained) Conventional or English cucumber, thinly sliced Organic lemon thinly slivered with skin intact In a blender or Vitamix, add chickpeas with original water, sesame seeds/tahini and a slice of lemon to make the hummus. Blend until smooth, but don’t over-blend until too thin. Pour into bowl, stir in olives and drizzle with olive oil. Lastly, sprinkle the minced garlic on the top of the hummus and chill for a few hours or overnight. Generously spoon hummus onto bread or into pita pockets and gently layer thinly, freshly sliced cucumbers and thin slivers of lemon. Optional additions: fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, lemon thyme or mint to add last between the slices of bread or tucked into a pita pocket. Keep in a cooler for picnics. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

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healing ways

GUT TALK TIPS FOR A HEALTHY MICROBIOME by Melinda Hemmelgarn Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, Stanford researchers Justin and Erica Sonnenburg explain how healthy gut bacteria are essential for both metabolic health and strong immunity, adding that the chemicals our gut microbes synthesize behave like drugs—they are absorbed into our bloodstream and influence our biology. Seattle-based biologist Ann Bikle refers to the colon as an “onboard medicine chest”. Unfortunately, warns Sonnenburg, physicians too often prescribe antibiotics, which wreak havoc on our microbiota, leaving us susceptible to disease-causing organisms. FIBER FOR A STRONG DEFENSE

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The Sonnenburgs define a microbiotafriendly diet as rich in plant-based, highfiber foods and limited in meat and saturated animal fats. Low-fiber diets contribute to a decline in gut microbe diversity, resulting in a weakened immune system. “Fiber is fuel for the gut,” says Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. It’s naturally found in fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

It’s hard to imagine surrendering control of our minds and bodies to trillions of microorganisms, but an ever-growing body of research from the Human Microbiome Project shows how microbes living in and on our bodies affect and even predict our physical and mental health. The majority of these microorganisms, or microbiota, live within our large intestine. According to Kelly Tappenden, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and head of the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois–Chicago, we have more microbial cells within our gut than we have human cells in our body. These microbes help digest food, regulate appetite, produce certain vitamins, synthesize chemicals such as serotonin, metabolize carcinogens and regulate our immune system. She suggests that we think of them collectively as an organ that develops and changes as we age. “A huge proportion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract,” says Dan Peterson, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Taking care of our gut microbes is paramount during times of stress and risk of infection. In their book, The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, 28

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Fermentable fibers such as fruit pectin, beta-glucans in barley and oats, and oligosaccharides in beans are metabolized by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide energy to cells in the colon. Many fermentable fibers are called “prebiotics” because they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Inulin, for example, is a prebiotic fiber found naturally in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, wheat and oats. Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian based in Bend, Oregon, who researches gut health and disease prevention, recommends 35 to 50 grams of fiber per day to promote diverse, abundant and resilient gut microbes. For those over 50 years of age, the Institute of Medicine recommends 30 grams of dietary fiber per day for men and 21 grams for women. Most Americans get half the recommended amounts because highly processed, low-fiber foods are ubiquitous. Plus, popular gluten-free, keto and paleo diets limit whole grains. When buying packaged foods, check labels carefully and choose those providing at least three grams of fiber per serving.

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Jeff Sheldon on

How Our Microbiome Impacts the Immune System

A HEALTHY MICROBIOME FOR LIFE Martin shares the following strategies for developing and preserving gut health: Choose a vaginal birth, if pregnant; and breastfeed to help establish a healthy microbiome in the baby. Choose an organic, plant-based diet. Aim for a variety of different plant species each day. Enjoy fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, but be cautious with probiotic supplements. Only use those with proven safety and effectiveness. Limit “microbial assassins”. Artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80, carageenan and carboxymethylcellulose, typically found in processed foods, can lead to bloating, irritable bowel and inflammation. Enjoy physical activity; avoid sitting for more than 30 to 60 minutes. Go outside, enjoy fresh air and play in the dirt. Reduce stress. Try yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Sleep six to eight hours each night. Think about gut microbiota every day, advises Martin. “Anything you can do to help fuel healthy microbes, no matter how small, will make a difference to your health.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn, the Food Sleuth, is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.

For more than 30 years, The Health Hut in Mobile and Daphne has focused on high quality, whole-food vitamins, herbs and supplements and a well-educated staff. Natural Awakenings asked owner Jeff Sheldon to explain the role our microbiome plays in immune health and how we can help optimize its function.

How does the bacteria in our GI system affect our immune system? When our microbiome is balanced—when we’re keeping the bad bacteria down and the good bacteria up—it’s more than an immune building environment, it’s immunemodulating. This means it has the ability to kick the immune system in gear as needed. The majority of our microbiota live in our gut, and probiotics—the good bacteria—inhibit the growth and reproduction of bad pathogens which we’re exposed to on a daily basis through our food and drink and the things we touch. When there’s an imbalance of bacteria we’re not able to regulate our immune system as we normally would. This happens when we’re exposed to something or we have an unhealthy lifestyle due to things such as poor nutrition, cigarettes and alcohol. How does childbirth impact our microbiome? It’s the foundation of everything. If you’re not exposed to the birth canal, there are very specific species of bacteria that do not have a chance to grow in the first few months of life and those are the main species for immune function. That is not to say a C-section birth will yield an unhealthy child. There will always be a time and place for C-sections. Mothers can ingest probiotic supplements and eat fermented foods to pass to baby during nursing. Many hospitals are actually swabbing the mother during a C-section birth and exposing the child to the bacteria.

through our diet so they populate and grow. They’re living organisms and you don’t want them to starve to death. In our Western diets, foods such as onion, garlic, bananas, oats and soybeans all contain prebiotic fibers that the probiotics live on. Fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut and pickled vegetables are all good sources of probiotics, but Americans don’t eat a lot of those things. So, many people choose to take probiotic supplements.

How do we choose a good probiotic supplement? We recommend multi-strain formulas. Look for products that will guarantee their potency and that have strains that are clinically-proven in humans. You can find probiotics at the grocery store that have 4 million viable cells, but we’re measuring these cells in billions. From my rib cage to my hips, there may be 600 trillion viable cells, so when I put in 50 billion, that’s a drop in the bucket. A probiotic supplement measured in millions may not provide much benefit at all. As a live culture, probiotics in pills are dormant. What brings them out of dormancy is heat and/or moisture so the potency of refrigerated products will likely diminish more slowly than those that have been sitting on the shelf at room temperature.

What are the best ways to balance our microbiome?

What happens when we take antibiotics? Antibiotic usage doesn’t necessarily kill all the bacteria, but the bad guys start outnumbering the good guys. And if we don’t replenish them, that’s how we grow up with these imbalances which can cause other problems later in life— mostly inflammatory-based conditions such as Crohn’s disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Even autoimmune diseases can be traced back to inflammation in the gut. Repeated usage can wreck the system long-term, but there is a time and a place for antibiotics. The proven thing to do is to follow up with a good strong probiotic postantibiotic usage to replenish the good bacteria.

It’s important that we feed the good bacteria

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fit body

BALANCING ACT Exercises for Strength and Stability

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by Marlaina Donato

Good balance is something we may take for granted until an unexpected fall brings our attention to a brewing problem. Slower reflexes, unconditioned muscles and changes in eyesight can all compromise balance. Statistics show at least one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from injuries related to falls, but regular core-strengthening balance training, yoga and tai chi can lower the risk considerably. Marching in place and simple exercises added to a customary after-dinner walk on summer evenings can also go a long way. According to a 2013 study of senior women published in the British Journal of Sports 30

Medicine, exercising not only reduces the likelihood of falls by 37 percent, but also the severity of injuries such as broken bones by 61 percent. “Balance is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice,” says Mike Ross, a Chicagobased performance enhancement specialist and author of The Balance Manual. “The problem is people gradually spend less and less time standing and moving around—chasing kids or doing yard work—and spend more time watching television or sitting in front of the computer.” WHOLE BODY EQUILIBRIUM Balance training for all ages helps the body to move fluidly as a singular, balanced unit. Stephanie Mansour, a Chicago fitness expert and host of the PBS weekly Step it Up with Steph show, says, “Some people who have hip or back pain may have an imbalance: One side is more developed than the other. Other people may feel wobbly during workouts or walking upstairs, or less agile while getting in and out of cars; doing everyday movements. Balance training will help improve those everyday activities.”

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Full-body exercises engage core muscles to stabilize movement. “You’ll be surprised by some muscles that are triggered that are otherwise less engaged during traditional exercises. No matter where you start, it only takes a few minutes of balance work a day to make a difference,” says Los Angeles fitness trainer Kollins Ezekh, emphasizing the added benefit of improved posture that naturally reduces lower back stress and resulting chronic pain. Balance training also packs a positive punch for brain health by focusing the mind and improving cognitive function while lowering stress levels. EVERYDAY ACTIVITY Being proactive throughout the day and adopting simple habits have far-reaching effects. “Start in the morning when you’re getting dressed for the day and pay attention to which foot you balance on first to put your legs in your pants. Consciously do the opposite. When you’re drying your hair or brushing your teeth, balance on your tip toes,” suggests Mansour. Ross recommends staying active in the daily routines. “Make a point of breaking up long periods of sitting like desk work and [watching] television. Get up and play with the kids instead of watching them. If you can, do your own housecleaning and yard work instead of hiring someone. Find a sport that you can engage in as you age. For instance,

you might play tennis in your 20s and 30s and then pickleball and Ping-Pong in your 50s.” No matter what type of training we choose, there’s a way to fit in balance elements. “You can try yoga, where the different poses really challenge your balance strength,” says Ezekh. “When doing weight training, you can do lateral exercises with dumbbells on your shoulders or even squatting movements. You need to use your balance strength to prevent yourself from swaying or toppling over. Even exercises like walking down steps require proper levels of balance.”

60 seconds of effort once-a-week improves balance, posture and strength. NO PAIN. ALL GAIN.

A STEADY DIET Vitamin B12-rich foods, including whole-grain cereals, plant-sourced milks, eggs, sardines and nutritional yeast, as well as resveratrolrich fruits like grapes or blueberries, can help improve coordination and motor function. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science reveals that women over 60 with higher serum vitamin D levels exhibit better stability and strength in their lower extremities. Overall, fostering good balance pays off in the long run. Ross notes, “Ideally, the time to start proactively doing activities that stimulate your balance is way before that first fall in your 50s and 60s.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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green living

While the culture around the aesthetics of landscapes is strong, the tipping point has arrived. “People are becoming more aware that their children are at elevated risk and that there are deficiencies in the laws that govern toxic chemical use,” says Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, in Washington, D.C.

Greener Green Grass Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

Lawn chemicals are also feeding climate change. “Not only are they fossil-fuel intensive to produce, they harm the biology in the soil and destroy its ability to sequester carbon,” says Diana Carpinone, president of Non Toxic Communities, a pesticide reform nonprofit, and founder of Non Toxic Dover, in New Hampshire.

by Julie Peterson

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FRONT YARD ACTIVISTS

With its dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, America’s 63,000 square miles of lawns rely on fossil fuels, put pressure on water supplies and devastate soil, watersheds, animals and people. Fortunately, green turf can be attained organically, with important benefits. “In addition to protecting public health, eliminating our use of pesticides and fertilizers will allow us to build healthy soil and sequester more carbon as we face climate chaos,” says Mackenzie Feldman, executive director of Herbicide-Free Campus, a San Francisco organization working to transition colleges nationwide to organic lawns. THE HARM DONE Homeowner desire for lush swaths of monoculture grass has been fueled by lawn chemical ads equating model families with flawless lawns. Unfortunately, the “green grass of home” isn’t an ideal dream, it’s a nightmare. Research shows that it exposes people to cancer-causing, reproductive-harming and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, many of which are deemed safe by government agencies. The Pesticide-Induced Diseases database at BeyondPesticides.org holds myriad studies linking chemicals to asthma, diabetes, autism, lupus, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxins due to their developing organs. Exposure to lawn chemicals also comes through the air, on indoor surfaces and in water. A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 99 percent of urban streams. In mixed land use areas, 100 percent of major rivers and 33 percent of major aquifers were tainted. 32

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Recent lawsuits and climate change have given activists more power to effect sweeping changes in policy. “This isn’t just a niche idea. We have a mandate, given looming environmental crises, to transform our current chemical intensive systems to organic,” says Jay Feldman. Organic turf experts have devised methods to grow monoculture grass. According to Ryan Anderson, a community outreach specialist at the Integrated Pest Management Institute of North America and leader of Midwest Grows Green, “Homeowners can keep their lawns organic by increasing cultural controls.” These include aerating, over seeding and mowing high to build the soil, turf and plant system. While pristine lawns are possible, reconsidering aesthetics is another option. “We could let native plants grow and embrace plant diversity as fundamental to ecosystem resilience,” says Mackenzie Feldman. Indeed, “weeds” are beneficial. Clover feeds nitrogen to grass, benefits soil organisms and stays green long after turf. Dandelions were once considered a source of food and medicine, and all parts of it are edible, including flowers, roots and leaves. Instead of living with weeds, some homeowners are choosing to tear out lawns and put in indigenous plants to attract pollinators and other wildlife. But it takes time for society to adopt new views and front yards can be polarizing. “You can’t go from zero to hippie in a day. People need realistic goals,” says Carpinone.

Whether someone rents, owns or only has access to shared green spaces, Shaina Rico, founder of The Generation Ground, an Austin-based organization helping farmers launch regenerative businesses, feels everyone must “take ownership of our green spaces. If you are not the one managing the land, ask questions of those that are. What are we doing to support the soil biology? Can we achieve the goal without using chemicals? How can we increase soil organic matter?”

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Concerned citizens are asking local governments and school districts to eliminate chemical turf management protocols at parks and schools. Nonprofit campaigns such as Beyond Pesticides, Non Toxic Communities and Herbicide-Free Campus can sometimes send a spokesperson and provide ample data to overcome common objections. “We can show that organic is viable and economical. Organic systems end up reducing costs over time,” says Jay Feldman, who helps install community pilot sites.

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inspiration

CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

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by Marlaina Donato

Our four-legged friends—from pampered pooch to stray cat—have the inborn ability to seize the moment. No matter what chaotic circumstances may swirl around them, they have a knee-jerk response to spring into playful action or curl up in a patch of inviting sunlight.

the thymus, immune cells and bone marrow, have receptors for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which could explain why cultivating contentment might boost our natural defenses.

As humans, we tend to postpone the smallest of joys and avoid emotional self-care, opting for that extra glass of wine or spending more than usual to feel better for a brief period of time. Tending to our own happiness begins by seeing joy not as a mood dependent upon circumstances, but as a spiritual discipline like any other. Emotional well-being is a garden we must weed and water daily, and in turn, our physical health can’t help but be well-nourished by the harvest. Studies through the years have shown that certain sites and organs in the body, including

Taking five-minute joy breaks during the workday to listen to a favorite piece of music with earbuds, read a few pages of an inspiring book or notice the clouds is another easy way to tend to happiness. Filling a “joy jar” with lovely memories written on scraps of colorful paper can prompt a spontaneous smile any time of day. Taking a half-hour drive on a pretty back road instead of scrolling through social media can reset depleted emotional reserves.

Seasoned yogis and meditators often speak of an inner wellspring of joy that can be accessed through a committed practice. Perhaps joy is less of a mood and more of a frequency that is accessible to all of us when we’re willing to align with its bandwidth. Making it a habit to step outside for 10 minutes to witness a sunset or greet the twilight while dinner cooks can be a beautiful way to advance felicity.

Today, we can shift our thinking and see contentment as a precious, deserving loved one that needs nourishment like any other. Feeding joy in our lives can pave the daily humdrum road with jewels. In the end, perhaps fostering inner happiness by example is the greatest legacy we can leave behind.

Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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MS, ACSM, RYT Merrithew IM and IR Certified Merrithew CCB and ISP Trained MELT Instructor

www.synergyoga.net 3152 Old Shell Road, Suite 2 Mobile, Alabama 36607

251.473.1104

YOGA + THERAPY 26050 Predazzer Ln, Ste B, Daphne, AL

(251) 250-9440 | hello@trueyogatherapy.com trueyogatherapy.com @trueyogatherapyAL

@trueyogatherapy

July 2020

calendar All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Go to HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to submit entries.

SUNDAYS Discounts on Supplements Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251-479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com. Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com. Open Table Worship Service (United Church of Christ) Progressive Christian worship. Weekly podcast of sermon, song and interview available on our website (under “sermons”) no later than 10am Sunday mornings. 11am gathering for prayer and connection via Zoom. 251-545-1011. Pastor@OpenTableUCC.org. OpenTableUCC.org. Weekend Yoga 2-3pm. Join Chris M, Sarah, Annette, Rebecca, or Lisa as you wind down your weekend and get ready for the busy week ahead - expand the potential of your body while you refresh and renew your spirit. Check the website for schedule rotation. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Baha’i’s of Fairhope Diversity Devotions 3-5pm. Every 4th Sunday. (Pending social distancing requirements. Join our email list for event updates.) Join us in the coming together of people from diverse religions and backgrounds to celebrate our unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community. Refreshments served immediately following the shared devotional program. 81 Magnolia Ave, Fairhope, AL. BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com.

MONDAYS Munchie Mondays Get 10% off CBD edibles at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Monday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown and West Mobile, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com.

Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

TUESDAYS Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com. Slow Flow Yoga with Mary Ann 8:30-9:30am. Enjoy Mary Ann Sinde’s zest, grace, and refreshing energy as her slow flow puts you back in touch with your body, restores the mind, & leaves you refreshed, energized, and focused. Revel in the bliss and embrace the joy as you start the day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

WEDNESDAYS Wash Up Wednesdays Get 10% off CBD bath products at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Wednesday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown and West Mobile, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo. com. CannaBamaCBD.com. Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com. Chair Yoga with Patsy Tucker 4:30-5:30pm. Patsy will use chairs & other props to support a modified yoga practice. Also explore breathing techniques & guided meditation for calming the mind. This class is ideal for people uncomfortable practicing on the floor or who need support for balance. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Yoga with Susan Kangal 7:45-8:45am. Join Susan Kangal and start your day with her refreshing energy as she challenges you with a strong emphasis on alignment and focus while still calming the mind. Sink into the moment and experience the bliss - yes! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Praying for Peace Devotional Gathering 2:30-4pm. (Pending social distancing requirements. Join our email list for event updates.) Inspired by “Women Pray for Peace” by Tess Wacker, participants join the author in the practice of discussing and praying for a means to peace. 54 N Church St, Apt 19, Fairhope, AL. 251-596-1450. BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS

Yoga Core with Chris G 5:45-7pm. Join Chris Garrett for an energizing blend of Iyengar & Vinyasa yoga, with added emphasis on those hard to work abdominal areas. Recharge the body, soothe the soul & refocus the mind after a long day. Breathe, work, smile, & find joy in the movement! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Sunrise Yoga with Chris G 6-7am. It’s cooler in the early morning, so greet the sunrise with Chris and take pleasure in some revitalizing morning yoga. Charge the body, ease stress, & focus the mind as you begin the day. Find joy in the movement! Also on Tuesdays w/ Linda Csaszar. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Yoga for Athletes at True 4:30pm. Virtual class options available. This class serves as a specialized training supplement for athletes; focus areas include balance and internal stability, functional flexibility, range of motion as well as injury prevention and recovery. Also appropriate for non-athletes. True Mind + Body Wellness, Daphne, AL. 251-250-9440. Hello@ TrueYogaTherapy.com. TrueYogaTherapy.com. Yoga with Chris M 5:45-7pm. Join Chris McFadyen for some energizing yoga as his breath work, asana and flow calms the mind and also enhances and refocuses the body. Relocate your passion and find your joy and humor; smile after a long day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

FRIDAYS Flower Friday Get 10% off hemp flower at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Friday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown and West Mobile, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com. Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com. Community Yoga Class at True 5:45pm. Monthly (check online schedule.) Free to attend and donations appreciated for benefiting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. True Mind + Body Wellness, Daphne, AL. 251-250-9440. Hello@ TrueYogaTherapy.com. TrueYogaTherapy.com.

LEARN TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS IN 12 WEEKS Available on Amazon, order a copy today! Learn more about awardwinning author, animal communicator & teacher Babette de Jongh visit HearThemSpeak.com.

Sunset Yoga for Charity 6-7pm. Check ThriveFairhope.com for COVID-19 updates. Bring your mat to the Fairhope Bluff’s Henry George Park every 2nd and 4th Fridays Mar-Oct, each time for a different charity. Please bring your donation. Class times change with sunset times, classes end in relaxation at sunset overlooking the pier. Henry George Park, Fairhope, AL. 251-929-4020. ThrivingOffice@ gmail.com. ThriveFairhope.com.

SATURDAYS Super Saturday Get 20% off a surprise CBD item at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Saturday. Downtown and West Mobile, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo. com. CannaBamaCBD.com. Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our Mobile and Gulf Shores studios plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores (251-968-4569) and Mobile (251-725-1140), AL. Glow-Yoga.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Gentle Yoga and more offered morning and evening at locations in Fairhope and Daphne. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL and 28623 N Main St, Daphne, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com. Market in the Park Downtown 7:30am-12pm. May 2-Jul 25; Oct 10-Nov 21. Local produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, soaps, live music and more. Cathedral Square, downtown Mobile, AL. 251-208-1550. See SpecialEventsMobile. org for COVID-19 rules and procedures. Farmers Market 9am-2pm. Open Saturdays year round. Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens M a r k e t , 2 0 7 3 3 M i f l i n R d , F o l e y, A L . 251-709-4469. FoleyMarketMgr@gmail.com. CoastalAlabamaMarket.com.

classifieds FOR SALE 13 LBS OF ICE FOR $1 – Filtered water, pull-through access, buckets available for transfer as well as bags. Ice Depot, 23858 Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL (1/2 mi N of Rock Creek).

OPPORTUNITIES BECOME A PUBLISHER – Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS is for sale. Home-based business opportunity. No publishing experience required. Visit HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. See ad on back cover. FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY – OsteoStrong is looking for motivated, healthconscious individuals to open new franchises in Alabama. Our proven system for success offers an exceptional business opportunity. More info: 251-210-6955; OsteoStrong.me.

SERVICES METAPHYSICAL SERVICES – Alternate life oracle readings. Psychic readings. Mediumship reunions. Animal communication. Healing energy. By appointment in Biloxi/Gulfport or remotely by phone/ email. GraceJaeger.com. GJaeger@gmail. com. 612-986-4730.

Offering veterinary acupuncture and end-of-life care in the comfort of home. EverLoved offers in-home acupuncture for all age pets as well as compassionate and comprehensive care for geriatric and terminally-ill patients. As an essential businesses we’ve adopted extensive sanitation protocols to protect the health of each household we serve. Find us on Facebook for details!

Lydia M. Sullivan, DVM, CCRP, CVMA

Serving Mobile and the Eastern Shore

Learn more today: 251-229-1043

EverLovedVeterinary.com July 2020

Masters of Massage

FOLEY, AL

DAPHNE, AL DYNAMIC THERAPEUTICS

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

9037 Independence Ave., Ste. A2 251-459-0500 DynamicTherapeutics.net See ad, page 15.

Charlene Rester, RN, LMT Historical Downtown 117 West Orange Ave. 251-550-0117

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

FAIRHOPE, AL MOUNTAIN MASSAGE & DAY SPA

101 Lottie Ln., Ste. 5 251-928-0214 MountainMassageDaySpa@gmail.com MountainMassageDaySpa.com

Jennifer Adams, LMT 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C 251-616-4201 JubileeHealingArts.com

MOBILE, AL ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE 6920 Airport Blvd., Ste. 111 251-342-6415 Mobile@TouchOfElements.com ElementsMassage.com/Mobile See ad, page 9.

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS YOUR MASSAGE STUDIO HERE!

Our readers are looking for Mississippi LMT’s. Advertise your massage business here. Call 251-990-9552 for SPECIAL MISSISSIPPI PRICING!

LOCALS SUPPORTING LOCALS Thank you to the following businesses who serve as some of our major distribution partners. You can always pick up our latest issue at these supportive establishments. And for that, we are grateful. Piggly Wiggly, Fairhope & Foley Fairhope Rec Center, Fairhope A Better Way, Foley Rouse’s, all locations Farm Fresh Meats, Robertsdale Allegri Farm Market, Daphne Sage Lebanese Cuisine, Fairhope Food Champs, Mobile Baldwin Bone and Joint, Daphne Seasons in the Sun, Spanish Fort Greer’s, Robertsdale & Mobile Bay Gourmet Catering, Mobile Serda’s Coffee Co, Mobile Gulf Shores Steamer, Orange Beach Billy Jacks, Robertsdale Southwood Kitchen, Daphne Happy Olive, Fairhope CannaBama, Downtown & W Mobile The Gulf, Orange Beach Hazel’s Market, Daphne Chef Will Hughes, Daphne The Health Hut, Mobile & Daphne Local Appetite Growers, Fairhope Dew Drop Inn, Mobile Time to Eat, Mobile Locals, Fairhope DK Farms, Theodore Virginia’s Health Foods, Mobile Magnolia Springs Pharmacy, District Hall, Fairhope Warehouse Bakery, Fairhope Magnolia Springs Dragonfly Foodbar, Fairhope Whole Foods, Mobile Mellow Mushroom, Daphne & Foley Dykes Veterinary, Foley Winn Dixie, Mobile Nature Nine Farms, Foley Elberta Grocery, Elberta Yak the Kathmandu Kitchen, Fairhope One Life Chiropractic, Foley Fairhope Health Foods, Fairhope Fairhope Juice Company, Fairhope Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

July 2020 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

Articles inside

GUT TALK

OUTDOOR FEASTS

GREENER GREEN GRASS

BALANCING ACT

LOCAL WOMEN OF

BEYOND