March 2017 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

H E A L T H Y

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L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Dr. Joseph Mercola’s

Core Health Care Plan

Thumbs-Up

ON FATS Good Fats Boost Brain Health and Metabolism

Holistic

Eye Care

Taking the Whole Body into Account

March 2017 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Masters of Yoga Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim.

The better your practice, the brighter the flame.

~B.K.S. Iyengar

SYNERGY

Have you had your AHA moment today?

Yoga & Pilates

Yoga • Massage • Reiki • Counseling • Skincare Classes • Trainings • CEs • Services Group Classes

welcome special

Private Sessions

Dana B. Garrett

MS, ACSM, RYT Merrithew IM and IR Certified Merrithew CCB and ISP Trained Core Barre Certified

Alabama Healing Arts

www.synergyoga.net

6304 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36609

251-753-1937

3152 Old Shell Road, Suite 2 Mobile, Alabama 36607

AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com

251.473.1104

www.AlabamaHealingArts.com

yoga community

YO G A F O R E V E RYO N E .

Serving the community one breath at a time.

YOGA CL ASS E S | S P E C I A L E V EN TS | WO R KS HO P S

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

10 Days for $10 heated + unheated classes + private yoga transformational coaching

Let your soul shine 103-B N. Bancroft Street Downtown Fairhope, AL 251-225-4597 | TheSoulShineLife.com /soulshineliving

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GENTLE CHAIR YOGA

-with Sheryln Culwell, RYTAccessible to seniors and anyone with limited mobility, chronic pain or injuries. Experience the benefits of traditional yoga poses in this supportive class.

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Includes calendar listings to promote your classes, editorial coverage and social media marketing.

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DEDICATED YOGA STUDIO + LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE

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Strength •Endurance • Courage $5 Drop-In Classes: 11AM Mondays: Soul Shine Yoga, Fairhope 11AM Wednesdays: Pneuma Yoga, Daphne Individual and group sessions available.

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vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options free-range meats, farm-fresh produce and organic beer and wine Fairhope Cafe: 251-929-0055 Located next door to Fairhope Health Foods

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

Mobile Cafe: 251-479-3200

Located inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile

Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm; Sunday 11am-2pm

VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

To our clients~ We want to tell you how much we appreciate your support in the past year and that we will continue educating to give you the best quality in hair color and the coolest haircuts ever.

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natural awakenings March 2017

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Going Green with

NATURAL BURIALS A growing number of people are conserving, sustaining, and protecting the earth by returning to it.

Modern day natural burials have simply revived an old tradition by offering an eco-friendly alternative to existing burial practices.

contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

18 FEARLESS EATING

How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

22 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA On Simple Steps To Well-Being

by Judith Fertig

24 THUMBS-UP ON FATS

18

by Judith Fertig

30

Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

26 FOREVER GREEN

Eco-Burial Options Grow

by Avery Mack

28 HELLO GYRO

Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns

by Aimee Hughes

30 SILENCING

CYBERBULLIES

How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

Comparable to the Cost of Cremation

ASCENSION FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS & SPRING HILL MEMORIAL GARDENS For more information on natural burials, please visit our website at

32 HOLISTIC EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

33 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies

by Sandra Murphy

www.AscensionFuneralGroup.com or call (251) 634-8055.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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12 7 newsbriefs 11 healthbriefs 14 globalbriefs 17 ecotip 22 wisewords 14 24 consciouseating 26 greenliving 28 fitbody 30 healthykids 32 healingways 33 naturalpet 17 34 calendar 39 naturaldirectory 42 classifieds

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

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

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HAS A STROKE AFFECTED YOUR MOVEMENT, SPEECH, BALANCE, CONCENTRATION AND/OR MEMORY?

Our cutting edge, non-invasive, drug-free approach can help.

With the rehabilitation of brain communication pathways that were damaged by a stroke, patients experience improved speech and communication, balance and gait, and limb and finger control. Other improvements may include better short-term memory and mental focus/sharpness, plus the restoration of personality traits such as humor or an interest in music.

Restore Your Mind, Reclaim Your Quality of Life Treating a range of brain disorders including Dementia | Depression | Alzheimer’s Memory Loss | Stroke | Parkinson’s Learning Disabilities | Traumatic Brain Injuries ADHD | Autism Spectrum Contact us today for a no-cost consultative session to learn how and why our treatments are so effective. Patients can then schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation (includes Quantitative EEG) to identify the potential for pathway improvement and improved quality of life. 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 the only functional neurologist in the U.S. offering this unique treatment approach.

Call today for a no-cost, private consultation:

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MindPerformanceCenter.com 240 West Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL (Located inside Path To Wellness)

natural awakenings March 2017

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letterfrompublisher

M

y brother Michael grew up eating ham and jelly sandwiches at school and when we’d order pizza, the only toppings he wanted were hamburger meat and onions—hold the cheese. He is allergic to dairy, eggs, nuts and shellfish. I remember my mom reading food labels before she put anything in the shopping cart and she’d repeatedly remind waiters, teachers and other parents of what he could and couldn’t have.

As I look back on my childhood, I can’t think of anyone besides my brother that had food allergies.

Peanut-free classrooms and allergysensitive menus were almost nonexistent. Things certainly have changed since we were kids.

Our second grader, Mays, has had classmates with peanut allergies in all of his elementary school classes, and one of the eight preschoolers in Thatch’s class is allergic to dairy, wheat and soy.

I’ve been a vegetarian for more than ten years and have always had to politely inquire about the menu when we were invited over to a friend’s house for dinner.

Instead of asking if there’s meat in every dish, I often bring a side of my own to ensure there will be something that I can eat. I’m no longer the only one in that boat—we have friends that have gluten-intolerances and dairy allergies and we know other vegetarian families. It’s becoming commonplace to ask your guests about their diet preferences and restrictions.

In this month’s feature story, Kathleen Barnes explores food allergies and sensitivities, suggesting possible causes and ways to build a tolerance for triggers. Dr. Joseph Mercola also offers us some down-to-earth advice in “Simple Steps to WellBeing”, and in “Thumbs-Up on Fats”, we acknowledge that the consumption of natural fats is vital to weight loss and heart health.

Trends in healthy eating can be confusing. In the 1980s, there was a fat-free food boom; now there’s a push for healthy fats. We hear about the benefits of whole grains, but the gluten-free craze puts all whole wheat products on the no-no list.

As Dr. Mercola says, “Listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you.” Optimal health is achieved by a lifestyle that is unique to you.

Whether you’re avoiding certain foods because of an allergy, an intolerance or a lifestyle choice, stay positive and energized by the choices you are making. As with many aspects of life, when you become discouraged by the list of things you can’t have, it’s easy to lose sight of all that is available to you. My mom’s home-cooking demonstrates it best—when we have the luxury of being together, her allergy-sensitive and vegetarian-friendly meals look and taste just as decadent as any other.

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

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address. © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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

It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Cheers!

Natural Awakenings is printed on recyclable newsprint.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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newsbriefs

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Oxygen Therapy Provides Numerous Benefits

Dr. Mary Sabal, D.C., R.N., at Family Care Naturally, in Gulf Shores, is offering Natural Awakenings readers a 25 percent discount on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This FDA-approved treatment enhances the body’s natural healing processes, yields better mental clarity (especially after a stroke or head injury), hastens muscle recovery, raises energy levels and wards off dangerous microorganisms.

“Our two-person hyberbaric oxygen chamber has proven to be invaluable for countless patients,” says Sabal. As a patient relaxes in the total body chamber, he or she is breathing oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressures, which allows cells, tissues and organs to absorb more oxygen.

Additionally, Sabal offers acupuncture (needle or non-needle) to reduce pain and anxiety; chiropractic adjustments (by hand or by instrument) to align bones and joints; massage (for therapeutic applications and relaxation); and hair tissue mineral analysis (to reveal metabolic type so food and supplement recommendations are more effective). She is also a distributor for the Better Air Probiotic Purifier, which vents probiotics into a home or office to safely and effectively eliminate viruses, molds, bacteria, pet dander and odors.

“It’s never too late to use safe and effective remedies for problematic symptoms that hold us back from living life to the fullest,” says Sabal.

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Location: 1404B W. 1st St., Gulf Shores, AL. For more information, call 251-9703605. See ad, page 25.

Men’s Yoga for Low Back Relief Certified Yoga Teacher Matthew Gerhart, RYT-200, is leading a beginner-friendly yoga workshop for men from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., May 13, at Alabama Healing Arts, in Mobile.

“This workshop is for guys that have been scared of yoga because they felt they were not flexible enough. While surrounded by others that feel the same way, we’ll address beginners’ needs in a supportive environment,” says Gerhart.

Beginning with a gentle warm-up and ending with a cool-down, the workshop will incorporate many hip openers and lower back movements to help relieve back pain that is commonly experienced by males. Attendees will also learn the benefits of moving with the breath and how to apply yogic ideas to everyday life.

Cost: $25 before April 15; $30 after. Location: 6304 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile, AL. For more information, call 251-753-2037, email AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com or visit AlabamaHealingArts.com. See ad, page 2.

NEWS TO SHARE? Send submissions to Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com or call 251-990-9552 before the 8th. For submission guidelines, visit www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Healthy Meals To Go Now Available at Coast Health & Nutrition Coast Health & Nutrition, in Gulfport, has teamed up with Zone Meals To Go, in Bay St. Louis, to offer gourmet grab-and-go meals for lunch and dinner. The madefrom-scratch meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner are packaged as individual servings and the menu changes twice a week. Meals are based on the Zone Diet by Dr. Barry Sears, which focuses on eating the right amount of carbohydrates, protein and fat with each meal and/or snack.

“We are excited about partnering with Zone Meals To Go because customers have been asking for healthy lunch and dinner alternatives in this fast-paced world. There is nothing else like this available in our area,” according to Coast Health & Nutrition owners Denise and Don Keyser.

Coast Health & Nutrition is a wellness center offering organic and natural groceries, a bi-weekly organic produce program, lots of gluten-free groceries, vitamins and supplements, and local honey, eggs, grass-fed beef and Country Girls Creamery dairy products.

Chiropractic, nutritional counseling and massage are also offered on site by appointment.

Location: 12100 Hwy. 49, Ste. 628, Gulfport, MS. For more information, call 228-8311785 or visit CoastHealthNutrition. com. See ad, page 25.

Do you have your NAN Discount Card yet?

Order yours today:

Tinyurl.com/NANCard natural awakenings March 2017

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newsbriefs

Free Session with Spiritual Intuitive in Gulfport

Healthy and EcoFriendly Bricks Available Locally EarthStone Bloques are now available in Mobile at A Bloom Garden Center, Blair’s Nursery and Gifts, Garden Express and Woerner Landscaping; in Fairhope at Old Tyme Feed; in Pascagoula at 4 Seasons Garden Center; in Ocean Springs at Courtney Farms; in Biloxi at Frasier’s Nursery; and in Lucedale at Agricola Hardware. These compressed earth blocks are made from natural, locally-resourced organic clay and possess many advantages that are not inherent to baked clay, concrete or standard building products.

“Clay is one of the only elements found on Earth that has a natural, ionic, molecular charge, and its interchange with the air has an ionic effect—similar to a thunderstorm or waterfall,” explains owner Vaughn Fryfogle. “EarthStone Bloques cleanse and energize the air inside the building, promoting overall health and well-being.”

When stabilized with sand, cement and lime, the blocks become waterproof, durable and permanent, without affecting the health benefits of the clay. The 14 inch solid walls are also energy efficient because they lock out extreme temperatures, making the building cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Suitable for both large-scale uses such as tornado resistant homes and do-ityourself projects such as raised flower beds, EarthStone Bloques can be used in a wide range of applications. Fryfogle notes, “We can even produce blocks from clay harvested from your own property.”

For more information, call 601-818-9600 or visit EarthStone Construction.com. See ad, page 17.

Vegan Thursdays at Sunflower Café Sunflower Café, in Fairhope, now features a vegan lunch special every Thursday. The café’s extensive menu always offers many plant-based options, but recent vegan specials have included tempeh kelp noodle bowls, black bean avocado burgers, barbeque jackfruit sandwiches and buffalo chickpea flatbread wraps.

Open for lunch, dinner (on Thursdays and Fridays) and Sunday brunch, the restaurant also offers allergy-sensitive and kid-friendly options, using the freshest natural and organic ingredients to make everything from scratch.

Location: 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL. For more information, call 251-9290055 or visit Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com to see the full menu. See ad, page 3.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Unity of Gulfport is hosting a free group gallery seer session with Duann Kier, from 1 to 3 p.m., March 5.

Kier is a spiritual intuitive, hypnotist, teacher, author and humorist. Fondly known as a skeptical psychic because she continually examines her intuitive gift, Kier has worked for a Southern Baptist college, church and newspaper as well as for the Southern Baptist Convention.

The group gallery seer session allows individuals to experience a brief confidential reading in a group setting. As attendees enter the room, they select a card. Once the name of the card is noted, it is dropped into a container. Kier will then draw the cards randomly to do readings. In addition to messages received for individuals, messages are also usually received for the group as a whole.

A pioneer in the interfaith movement, Unity has always been inclusive and universal, embracing the truths that it finds in the teachings of all the great wisdom traditions of the world.

Location: 1700 E. Railroad St., Gulfport, MS. For more information, call 228-871-7004 or visit UnityGulfport. com. See ad, page 17.

Stay Connected

Like Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama-Mississippi on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram.

Clean Eating at Gulfport Vegetarian Café Good Karma Café is offering Natural Awakenings readers a 10 percent discount at their vegetarian restaurant, which is open for lunch at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Plate lunches are served until the food runs out (or 3 p.m.) and the menu changes daily to encourage seasonal eating. A typical meal includes dahl (soup), naan bread, green salad, rice, vegetable subji, chutney, oat cookie and iced or hot tea. Samosas, homemade paneer, desserts and other specialty foods are also available.

The Indian restaurant can accommodate gluten-free diets and they cook with clean ingredients, favoring organic, non-GMO options when available. Spices such as turmeric, paprika, mustard seeds, cayenne, cumin, ginger and coriander are used because of their proven healing and medicinal properties. Dishes are also seasoned with sea salt, sweetened with stevia or raw sugar and prepared with love.

Good Karma Café offers dinner hours and cooking classes seasonally and catering services are available.

Location: 2346 E. Pass Rd., Gulfport, MS. For more information, call 228-8967545 or visit Facebook.com/goodkarmacafe. See ad, page 25.

Complete Care Fosters Wellness Southeast Functional Chiropractic, in Daphne, is offering new patients a discounted rate of $59 on their initial visit (does not apply to Medicare, Medicaid or any other insurance). Utilizing options such as chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle advice, individualized nutritional programs, rehabilitation exercises and acupuncture, Wesley Corbin, D.C. takes a whole-person approach to health and wellness.

By emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle as a means of preventative medicine, Corbin works to improve all areas of a patient’s life, whether they are seeking relief from chronic pain, or simply want to feel better when they wake up in the morning. Unlike conventional medicine, he looks for the underlying causes of disease, discomfort and pain, as opposed to just treating the symptoms. With specialty training in nutrition and functional health, he calls upon clinical nutrition to help support and promote a healthy healing environment for the body.

Corbin says, “As a patient at Southeast Functional Chiropractic, we will personally tailor a care plan to get you out of pain, and then a wellness program specifically targeted to your needs using the least invasive, yet highly-effective, techniques and services.”

Location: 1802 U.S. Hwy. 98, Ste. E, Daphne, AL. For more information, call 251-375-0012 or visit DaphneChiropractor. com. See chiropractic listing, page 39.

mobile bay

GREEN DRINKS A monthly happy hour for environmentallythoughtful folks.

GATHERING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY.

Join us for happy hour! fairhope

2nd Tuesdays 5-7PM Fairhope Brewing Company

mobile

3rd Wednesdays 5-7PM Alchemy Tavern

Food sponsored by Sunflower Cafe.

For more info: Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com natural awakenings March 2017

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newsbriefs Fairhope Business Owners Participate in Planning Session with Tony Robbins Kyle Zagrodzky, OsteoStrong Founder and CEO, invited OsteoStrong Fairhope owners and Regional Developers Josh and Maxine Fandrich, to help represent the company in a planning session with Tony Robbins. Best known for his self-help books, Robbins is Zagrodzky’s newest investor and is opening three of his own OsteoStrong locations after being a long-time user of osteogenic loading.

Osteogenic loading is a brief set of highly controlled acute impact loads that greatly bolster bone density, improving overall strength, balance and posture.

Sessions are sweat-free and take less than 10 minutes a week, yet they are powerful enough to trigger a physiological response that creates new tissue growth days after the session.

“Our members are seeing amazing gains in their strength with one, 10-minute session and love the fact that they don’t have to go to a gym three days a week to achieve this result,” says Josh.

OsteoStrong Fairhope opened in June of 2016 and is one of the company’s fastest growing locations. The Fandrichs have enjoyed bringing osteogenic loading to the Fairhope and Huntsville areas so much that they are planning on opening additional centers in Alabama and are looking for additional franchisees.

Location: 333 Greeno Rd., Unit 2B, Fairhope, AL. For more information, call 251-210-6955 or visit OsteoStrong.me. See ad, page 29.

MARCH 11-12, 2017 EMERALD COAST

Supportive Movement Class on the Eastern Shore Gentle Chair Yoga, taught by Sherlyn Culwell, RYT, is offered at Soul Shine Yoga, on Mondays at 11 a.m., and at Pneuma Yoga/Movement Studio, on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. The 60-minute classes build strength, endurance and courage by utilizing the support of a chair or wall to experience traditional yoga poses and all of their benefits.

Yoga really is for everybody and chair yoga makes the practice more accessible to individuals that are unable to stand unsupported for long periods of time, including seniors and anyone suffering from chronic pain, injuries, movement disorders or limited balance.

According to Culwell, her classes also increase flexibility, balance, mobility, relaxation and energy. Individual and group sessions are available.

Cost: $5 drop-in per class. Locations: Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N. Bancroft St., Fairhope, AL and Pneuma Yoga/Movement Studio, 1901 Main St., Daphne, AL. For more information, call 251610-3151. See ad, page 2.

Explore the World of Natural Health

The Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo, set for March 11 and 12 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center and Ross Marler Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, lets health-conscious consumers explore the wide world of natural products and therapies—and have fun in the process.

The expo will showcase the latest in fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition, functional medicine, holistic healing and green living, with more than 70 exhibitors onsite both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the many door prizes will be gift certificates from local practitioners, natural product and essential oils gift baskets, and spa packages.

Outdoor activities will include a farmers’ market, kayaking, paddleboarding, martial arts demonstrations, a guided nature walk, food trucks and Natural Awakenings’ fitness challenge benefiting the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit organization that facilitates comprehensive health assessments and treatment for veterans.

Exhibits and outdoor activities are free. With a $35 one-day or $55 weekend pass, visitors can also attend up to six lectures, workshops or classes a day. Preregistration online is encouraged.

HOLISTIC HEALTH

EXP

www.echhEXPO.com

For more information, visit EmeraldCoastHealthExpo.com. See ad, page 29.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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healthbriefs

Discover your highest potential physically, mentally and spiritually by

creating a life of balance with Ayurveda, the ancient art of natural living.

Stress and Fatigue Abate with Combo Supplement

Cynthia Galas ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

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study from Dijon, France, found that a specific nutrient combination supplement can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tiredness. Researchers studied 242 subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 that complained of stress and fatigue. Each was given a supplement containing magnesium, probiotics, vitamins and minerals to take for one month.

Researchers measured the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels before commencing the test period and again one month later. They found a 22 percent reduction in psychological stress and a 45 percent reduction in fatigue. Thirty days after the supplementation was discontinued, the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels remained reduced.

Certified Ayurvedic Consultant Licensed Massage Therapist AL #1873 Yoga Teacher Utilizing 45+ years of experience in Healing Arts to offer proven techniques for personal health and vitality including: Abhyanga (Ayurvedic detoxifying oil massage) Shirodhara (neurological Ayurvedic oil treatment) Full body therapeutic massage for women

Learn how you can live a balanced life today:

205-746-6632 | cynthiagalas@yahoo.com CynthiaGalas.info Located in Downtown Fairhope on N. Bancroft St.

Wheezing Toddlers Prone to Food Allergies

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esearchers in Singapore studied the relationship between eczema and wheezing in babies and food allergies in toddlers. They collected data from 849 children that had completed skin prick testing for inhalant and food allergies, including eggs, peanuts and cow’s milk at 18 months and 36 months of age. The resulting data were compared to information obtained from questionnaires administered to the children’s mothers at several intervals throughout their first three years of life to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases such as eczema and rhinitis, along with wheezing.

The researchers found children that experienced eczema or wheezing within their first 18 months were more likely to have an allergy at 36 months. Occurrences of eczema or wheezing after youngsters were 18 months old appeared to have no notable impact on the later allergy skin test results.

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esearchers from Tianjin Medical University, in China, have discovered that regularly taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 219 adults over the age of 65 participated in the randomized, double-blind, 12-month trial. Half of the subjects were given two grams of this omega-3 fatty acid daily, while the others received a placebo.

The researchers measured cognitive function, including a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test and two IQ subtests which serve as indicators of both short and long-term memory. The tests were administered after six months and again after 12 months. The DHA group showed a 10 percent higher IQ than the placebo group. There were also significant increases in both IQ subtests and brain hippocampus volume in the DHA group. Decreased hippocampus volume is a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Practical Spiritual Teachings God is Our Source. Jesus Shows The Way.

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healthbriefs HTU/Shutterstock.com

No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

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Yeko Photo Studio/Shutterstock.com

nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest metastudy published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels.

The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit.

An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

T

he five-second rule is a belief that food that falls to the floor can be safely eaten as long as it’s picked up quickly. Researchers from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sought to test its veracity.

Four different food items were tested, including watermelon, bread and butter, plain bread and gummy candy, using four different surfaces—stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet.

Each surface was contaminated by bacteria and completely dry before the scientists dropped each item for one second, five, 30 and 300 seconds. A total of 128 separate scenarios were repeated 20 times each and 2,560 measurements were taken and analyzed for contamination.

The results proved that longer contact time resulted in more bacterial contamination, but there were also cases of instantaneous contamination, which disproves the five-second rule. The wet surface of a watermelon yielded the most contamination and gummy candy the least. The surface tests yielded surprising results, with carpet transferring significantly fewer bacteria than tile and stainless steel, while wood floors exhibited varied results.

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The Five-Second Rule Debunked

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

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Learn as if you were to live forever. ~Mahatma Gandhi 12

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new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.”

These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children.

The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

It’s worth the trouble to become the person you were meant to be.

R

esearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, used data from previous studies to discern the association between dairy and animal fats and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American adults.

The study reviewed dairy fat and other fat consumption data using validated foodfrequency questionnaires from more than 43,000 men and 175,000 women during three different studies, each spanning at least 20 consecutive years. Of the subjects studied, 14,815 developed some form of CVD, close to 7 percent of the total.

The researchers found that replacing dairy foods with foods containing polyunsaturated fats—primarily found in vegetables, nuts and fish—in just 5 percent of a subject’s diet reduced the risk of CVD by an average of 24 percent. But replacing the same percentage of dairy fats with other animal fats increased the incidence of CVD by 6 percent.

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Eye Health Nutrients Also Aid the Brain

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utein and zeaxanthin are known key carotenoids for eye health, filtering out harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and helping to protect and maintain cells comprising the eye. The human body does not make enough of either nutrient, so we must get them from supplements or food sources such as kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, corn, green peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce, green beans and eggs.

Researchers from the University of Georgia, in Athens, investigated the relationship between levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function. They measured the levels of each nutrient in the retinas of 43 older adults with a mean age of 72 and asked that the subjects learn and recall pairs of unrelated words. The study found that those with higher levels of both nutrients did better on the test, suggesting that the enhanced neural efficiency that comes from consuming these nutrients leads to better brain function.

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

Botanical Breakthrough

Oregano Oil Proves a Safe Antibiotic for Poultry

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In many large commercial chicken farms, the animals are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and fight off infections. But due to consumer demand, McDonald’s has eliminated antibiotics used in human medicine from its entire restaurant chicken supply.

Meanwhile, a farm in Pennsylvania owned by Scott Sechler is among the first to rely solely on a mix of oregano oil and cinnamon in the treatment and care of its chickens. In addition to being completely natural, oregano oil supplies the chickens with health advantages, producing a much higher quality of natural chicken in a far more humane method than that attained using antibiotics. Like antibiotics, the oil assists the chickens in battling any infections, reducing the number of birds lost to disease.

Bob Ruth, president of another Pennsylvania farming business, has been testing oregano on his pigs for six months to see if it can outperform prescription antibiotics. Related problems arise when animals live in dirty conditions, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses, which can also be triggered by insufficient cleansing of slaughterhouses that must be hosed down and completely sanitized after each act of butchery. He thinks that drugs should not be a requirement if the farmers keep things tidy.

Clean Jeans

Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance

Raw Hide

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed a new form of synthetic leather using cellulose fibers taken from kombucha tea, along with vinegar and sugar, made in shallow plastic tanks. When a colony of bacteria and yeast is added, the material grows on the top of the liquid’s surface, where it can be harvested and dried.

The researchers have successfully used the material to make prototype garments, including shoes and a vest. It’s 100 percent biodegradable, so when the fabric gets wet, it softens and becomes less durable; in very low temperatures, it can become brittle.

Young-A Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel, merchandising and design at Iowa State University, in Ames, says, “Fashion, to most people, is an ephemeral expression of culture, art and technology, manifesting itself in practical form. Fashion companies keep producing new materials and clothing, from season to season, year to year, to fulfill consumers’ desires and needs. Think about where these items eventually go. They will take up tremendous underground spaces of the Earth, like other trash.”

Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa has created Piñatex, another faux-leather product made from pineapple leaf fibers as a more sustainable and cruelty-free alternative. She acted after seeing how leather tanneries operate.

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A Veggie Leather Alternative

Source: News.iastate.edu 14

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Kids in middle schools with attendance problems may simply lack clean clothes to wear. An experiment by the Whirlpool company has taken on the issue with significant results.

The Whirlpool Care Counts Program donated 17 pairs of washers and dryers to school districts in St. Louis and Fairfield, California.

Kids with attendance problems were asked to bring their laundry to be cleaned while they were in class. Each student had approximately 50 loads of laundry done at school during the year, and more than 90 percent increased their attendance, with at-risk students attending almost two more weeks in class. Whirlpool is now expanding the program.

Compared to factors such as economic opportunity, unemployment and institutional racism, laundry might seem inconsequential, but for a 10-year-old facing stacked odds, having nothing clean to wear could be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to face their classmates that day.

Seventh-grade teacher Alison Guernsey, in Fairfield, says, “One of my students had more or less withdrawn from school completely. After we started the program, he was more excited about coming and started to actively engage in class. He didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.”

Oil Wastewater Irrigating California Fields In the nation’s produce basket, some California water districts are knowingly selling oilfield wastewater to farmers, putting a huge portion of our fruits and vegetables at risk of contamination. Watchdog group Water Defense uncovered one district buying oilfield wastewater to include in the water it sells to farmers to irrigate crops in California’s Central Valley. This year, Food & Water Watch uncovered another district buying this potentially toxic wastewater and selling it to farmers.

A threat to California’s agriculture is a threat to the entire country’s food supply. Some staples of which California is the primary U.S. producer include 99 percent of olives, 99 percent of almonds, 98 percent of garlic, 96 percent of broccoli, 95 percent of celery, 91 percent of strawberries, 91 percent of lemons and 83 percent of fresh carrots.

The government is allowing oil companies to sell their wastewater for use on crops. Citizens must call on their elected representatives to fix this broken system and protect our food supply.

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Richard Thornton/Shutterstock.com

Toxic Crops

Junior Achievement Take the Kids to Work

The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation (TODASTW) is holding its annual national event on April 27, offering new toolkits and activity guides based on this year’s theme of Dependability at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org.

The group assists businesses, families, schools and organizations throughout the year initiate their own special work day for children and mentees.

Each year, more than 3.5 million American workplaces open their doors to about 39 million employees and their children on TODASTW Day. “Human resources and marketing professionals are typically responsible for creating this day within their companies,” says Carolyn McKeucen, the foundation’s executive director. “We provide templates and automated planning elements to save them time while ensuring success for planners and participants.”

Source: FoodAndWaterWatch.org.

Bag Ban

California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags

Fish Story

African Aquaculture a Success Fish farming has become a way for many Africans to beat poverty and hunger. Hillary Thompson, who lives in Milton Park, a low-density area in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, says, “For more than a decade, fish farming has become a hobby that has earned me a fortune.” He has been able to acquire properties that he rents out as one of many residents that have profited through fish farming. In many African communities, swimming pools and backyards have been converted into small-scale fish farming areas.

Faced with nutritional deficits, some Africans have taken up the practice to improve their diets. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 22,000 people are involved in fish farming, according to the ministry of agriculture. Behind the success of many of them stands the Aquaculture Zimbabwe Trust, established in 2008 to mobilize resources for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly fisheries nationally. Across Africa, fishing provides direct incomes for about 10 million people and provides food for 200 million more.

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California’s ongoing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, approved by 52 percent of voters, is setting a notable precedent for other states. A coalition of environmental groups, grocers and others are collaborating, and Mark Murray, of Californians Against Waste, welcomes elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that pollute California every day, threatening wildlife.

In 2007, San Francisco first banned plastic shopping bags, setting off a movement that led nearly half the state, including its biggest cities, to do the same. Although the legislature passed a statewide ban on plastic bags two years ago, paper bags are still for sale at grocery stores and other outlets for a nominal fee.

The secret of

getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain

Source: FarmAfrica.org natural awakenings March 2017

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Eco-Joe

Making a Cuppa More Planet-Friendly A Gallup poll last year reported that 64 percent of U.S. adult coffee lovers consume one or more cups daily and the average number of cups quaffed each day is 2.7. We can express our affection for both java and the Earth by following these eco-tips.

4 Forego the convenience of single-cup, plastic pod makers like Keurig. As Mother Jones magazine recently reported, only 5 percent of current pods are made with recyclable plastic, and even those, having hard-to-remove aluminum tops, pose recycling challenges. Keurig plans to make all of its pods recyclable by 2020.

4 Many other simpler coffee-making devices maximize energy use by facilitating more servings and reducing waste. Treehugger.com recommends the Moka Pot, a pressure-driven aluminum stovetop brewer; the Chemex Coffeemaker, a funnelshaped glass unit with a wooden collar; the Canadian wood product Aeropress; an old-fashioned vacuum pot with two glass chambers connected by a thin neck; and a traditional non-electric stovetop percolator.

4 Some coffee farms exploit their workers, paying subsistence wages, damage rainforests and use unsustainable farming practices. Jake Carney, co-founder of TheAlternativeDaily.com, founded Lucy’s Bru, an organic whole-bean coffee that’s exclusively shade-grown under fair trade conditions, sustainably farmed and free of harsh fertilizers and pesticides.

4 Reuse steel and aluminum coffee cans. ChasingGreen.org details how they can make effective dehumidifiers for damp basements when filled with salt; soak paint brushes in thinner solutions; store items in a garage or work space; and serve as a spot lawn or garden seeder after punching holes in the bottom. The website also lists ways that coffee grounds can be used as a beauty, cleaning, deodorizer and dying agent.

4 Use better filters at home. Instead of paper, single-use filters, INeedCoffee. com suggests reusable or unbleached, biodegradable alternatives such as the Medelco cone permanent filter and a French press.

4 For to-go drinkers, many coffee shops and restaurants will pour fresh brew into mugs that patrons bring in. Keeping a clean spoon in the car can save on plastic stirrers.

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Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

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Some More Common Issues

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet.

Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in recent years.

“I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports.

Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

C

omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days.

“These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wide-ranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no.

They’re often outlawed by schools to protect the students that experience extreme peanut allergies.

18

The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening. For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them.

Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers.

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gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases.

Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone.

Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods.

Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup used on genetically modified

(GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology.

They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.

GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the intestinal lining.

Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.”

Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links gluten and headaches.

Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna, last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase trypsin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the

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gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain.

Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many non-organic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most common result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

Eliminate Items, Then Challenge

Most experts believe the easiest way to deal with food sensitivities is to stop eating the food in question. The socalled “elimination and challenge” diet, which has been in use for decades, is effective, free and addresses the foods responsible for common food intolerances, says Virgin.

Simply avoid the food of concern completely for at least three weeks, then eat a small amount of it and catalog the results. For some people, it may only take a couple of hours for symptoms to return after eating a piece of bread, cup of milk, an egg or bit of tofu.

Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a bit more rigorous, but improves feelings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

“When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin.

“You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.”

Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the hormone that turns off the body’s hunger signals, a finding confirmed by independent studies

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As a gluten tolerance test, substitute an amount of non-gluten carbohydrates for the same amount of gluten-containing products.

For example, instead of two pieces of bread, substitute three-quarters of a cup of brown rice—a rough equivalent in carbohydrate content. A positive difference in hunger, cravings and energy levels when gluten is eliminated indicates a condition of gluten intolerance. ~Fiona McCulloch performed by Sweden’s Lund University and Italy’s University of Palermo. She’s also documented other positive effects through her own research and experience with participants in her programs, including improvements in energy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and bloating, all in the designated short time frames.

Other Approaches

People with food sensitivities may be able to tolerate occasional indulgences in their trigger foods once they’ve healed their digestive systems, notes Krishnan.

Probiotics can help, especially those encapsulated in spores so they can pass through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed.

Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch.

Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experi-

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

ence much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature.

Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan.

Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes.

Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus are prebiotics. They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health.

Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten molecules, according to Virgin.

Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch.

She also recommends the amino acid Lglutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire

by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3).

1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 10. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though I use expensive skin cream. _____ 11. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 13. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. _____ 14. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 15. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy throat or sinus trouble. _____ 6. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle 1 intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again.

10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger.

You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds.

Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds.

Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin natural awakenings March 2017

21

wisewords

Dr. Joseph Mercola on

SIMPLE STEPS TO WELL-BEING

by Judith Fertig

D

octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a board-certified family physician for more than 30 years. His educational website, Mercola. com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness?

One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five micro-international units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-tohip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter).

It is important to get these levels 22

checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now?

I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water.

Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play?

Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following lowfat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel.

One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day.

Of course, you will want to replace a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus

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fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts. Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetable oils like corn, soy and canola.

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes do you suggest we make?

Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits. It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin.

The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect.

Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is to stand up every 15 minutes or so.

What can we do better to maintain optimal health?

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight.

The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic. At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University.

The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat.

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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Thumbs-Up on Fats Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Fertig

I

n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information. Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

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A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk, overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy.

The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the lowfat diet was born.

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In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking.

“Eating fat can make you lean. Healthy cell walls made from high-quality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without

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Medical Massage

proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also increase fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes.

Whole30, a 30-day diet revolving around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism.

The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts.

Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grass-fed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds.

“Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and

improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter, is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fatsoluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes. Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

Healthy Levels of Fat

“If you’re active, about 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this has the added benefit of helping prevent arteriosclerosis. “Some people may consume a greater percentage of healthy fats if the goal is to become a fat burner.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higher-fat diets work for most people, but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.”

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Prime Sources of Healthy Fats Functional medicine physician Mark Hyman suggests that we include four to five servings of fat in our diets every day. “In the last five years, the scientific evidence has been mounting that high-fat diets outperform low-fat diets for weight loss and for revising every single indication of heart disease risk, including abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and inflammation,” he says.

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greenliving

FOREVER GREEN Eco-Burial Options Grow

Winston Link/Shutterstock.com

by Avery Mack

N

atural burials allow those that lived their principles of an environmentally sound life to complete their days in a planet-friendly, personalized way.

“The number of U.S. cemeteries allowing natural burials has increased by 30 in the last year,” says Elizabeth Fournier, owner of Cornerstone Funeral Services, in Boring, Oregon. “More than 150 cemeteries allow them now. We encourage replacing cut flowers with plants. A multipurpose wooden casket can serve as a bookshelf until needed, or a casket can be made of natural wicker, paper or grass.” Formaldehyde-free embalming fluids made of non-toxic and biodegradable essential oils allow for a synthetic chemical-free burial.

“Green burials tend to be unique and can last from one to four hours,” says Brian Flowers, green burial coordinator for Moles Farewell Tributes, in Bellingham, Washington. “One funeral had 50 Civil War re-enactors in blue and gray outfits, along with a 21-musket and two-cannon salute. Another was led by a shaman. Natural burial isn’t just for the Birkenstock/patchouli crowd. Our area is farm-rich, so a green burial fits with the idea of living close to the land.”

The Moles’ four-and-one-half-acre meadow for natural burial will expand in the next two years to eight acres. Flowers explains, “It’s an ecological restoration site. We manage invasive species and plant three native plants for each burial.”

26

In Houston, Terry Ward, president and CEO of Country Communities, notes how fast-paced lifestyles can prevent intimate connections among siblings.

“At Indigo Fields, we’re able to implant an app-accessible microchip into an urn or stone. The information can include photos, details of the person’s life and stories that might otherwise become lost. It can be updated at any time and serves as a gift for anyone researching the family tree. It helps the living heal and talk about their fears, too.”

Added Green Alternatives

Cremation has always been an alternative to burial, but is energy intensive; recycling medical parts helps green up this option. Many choices are available for the cremains, the ashes that remain after a cremation.

Many states outlaw burying pet remains in a human cemetery, so Lisa Brambilla, of Yorba Linda, California, invented 100 percent biodegradable Bio Urns. “Before, pet lovers had few choices when it came time to say goodbye. Laying a cremated pet to rest this way makes a loss easier because it’s a physical manifestation of a pet in plant form. It hurts a little less,” she says. Each

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urn comes with a seed for a tree or shrub and the proper soil to help it grow.

“Maka, a keeshond, was the dog my son’s heart bonded with; he was 6 when she died,” Brambilla relates. “After she grew into a tree, he could smile when he talked about her. It teaches kids to create a new life and to treat the planet well. Death is nothing but a word. The only thing real is life.” Bio Urn expanded to include human clients after Brambilla’s father-in-law requested to be remembered via a redwood tree and her mother, a Christmas tree.

Eternal reefs are made of ashes mixed with cement placed in the ocean in a military-style ceremony to help support marine life for at least 500 years. Family members retain the reef’s GPS coordinates and can boat or dive to visit it.

Music lovers can choose to have their ashes compressed into a vinyl record. A live recording of goodbyes, a last will and testament or compilation of favorite songs can be prerecorded. Ashes can also be compressed into colorful memorial gemstones ready to be set into jewelry to keep a loved one close.

Resomation, or bio-cremation, liquefies the body in a heated alkaline bath, using far less energy than traditional cremation and without environmentally harmful chemical emissions; afterward, the bones are ground, resembling cremains, and are returned to the family.

Promession is a way to freeze-dry the body by immersion in liquid nitrogen at -321° F. When it becomes brittle, vibrations shake the corpse into small pieces, water is evaporated and the dust that remains can be used as compost.

Invented by Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, she feels it’s the utmost Earth-friendly way to return a body to the soil.

As people opt to avoid the higher costs of a traditional funeral and elect practical, eco-friendly ways to exit the human scene, natural burials can become more accepted ways to achieve Biblical dust-to-dust while doing no harm.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

GONE GREEN Each year, traditional funerals use and bury: n Hardwoods for caskets (30 million board feet) n Steel for caskets (90,272 tons, plus 14,000 tons for vaults) n Copper and bronze for caskets (2,700 tons) n Reinforced concrete for vaults (1.636 million tons) n Embalming fluids (827,060 gallons)

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scension Funerals & Cremations has been serving Mobile and the surrounding communities for the past 15 years. In addition to traditional funeral and cremation services, Ascension offers “green” burials for those wishing to conserve, sustain and protect the Earth by returning to it naturally. A natural burial occurs when the body is returned to the earth and is recycled into new life through a natural process.

This eco-friendly burial option differs from traditional funerals because no chemical preservatives are used and the body is placed in a simple wooden or wicker casket containing no manmade materials. The natural burial gravesite is prepared without the use of a vault and interment takes place in the Garden of Oaks. The Garden of Oaks is located at Spring Hill Memorial Gardens, which is a perpetual care cemetery in Mobile owned by Ascension Funeral Group. The Garden of Oaks is the only designated natural burial garden in the Mobile region.

The expense involved for a natural burial is considerably less than the cost of a traditional funeral. Private or public visitation services are available, as well as pre-planning options. Ascension’s professional, experienced and compassionate staff is available to provide additional information and consider it an honor to serve Mobile clients and their families.

Earth-friendly methods: n Cost about half as much as a traditional funeral. n Use non-toxic embalming fluids. n Offer biodegradable caskets. n Replace quarried headstones with natural stone or greenery. n Restore native plant areas, reducing invasive species, mowing and herbicides. n Contribute to peace of mind with a green legacy.

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Source: Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America

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Reach Your Target Market

Hello Gyro

Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns

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More than 14,500 Natural Awakenings magazines are distributed to 500+ locations throughout Coastal Alabama and Mississippi. Reach our healthand eco-conscious readers.

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by Aimee Hughes

I

“

magine an exercise system that strengthens the body enough to be used in training world-class athletes, stretches more safely than any form of yoga and expands the core training concepts of Pilates into natural full-body movements like those used in everyday reaching and walking, along with jumping and swimming. This is the Gyrotonic system,” says Angela Crowley, a Gyrotonic master teacher, trainer and exercise spa owner in Coral Gables, Florida.

A former gymnast and dancer, Crowley took to the Gyrotonic approach after being severely injured in an automobile accident. “Traditional physical therapy only addressed certain aspects without bringing me back to normal,” she says.

“Running and yoga felt intolerable. Gyrotonic exercises became a perfect bridge.

I was able to rehabilitate safely while challenging myself to return to normal expectations and now, beyond.” The system

of fluid movements leverages specially designed equipment that can be customized for every individual.

“The Gyrotonic system combines elements from many different modalities into three-dimensional, circular movements.

A primary focus is on all the different motions of the spine and how to create rhythmic, flowing movement within the entire body,” says Stefani Schrimpf, Gyrotonic instructor and studio owner of Physiques, in Overland Park, Kansas. “The exercises strengthen, lengthen and stretch muscles, while stimulating connective tissues around the joints. They also improve balance, flexibility and coordination. This system allows you to push beyond specific limitations and to isolate and fine tune movement skills,” says Schrimpf.

While a Gyrotonic workout has similarities to yoga and Pilates, it is also unique.

According to Melissa Jutras, a Pilates instructor, weightlifting coach, personal

Find an illustrative video and search classes by postal code at Gyrotonic.com.

28

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photos courtesy Gyrotonic.com

fitbody

trainer and gym/studio owner of Big Blue Strength, in Lexington, Kentucky, “Hatha yoga is a series of static postures, whereas Pilates and Gyrotonic movements focus on flow, using equipment to enhance core strength, stability, control, coordination and flexibility. The difference is that Gyrotonic exercises work on three dimensions with every circular movement, like the body naturally moves. It uses weights and a pulley system, whereas Pilates is more linear and uses spring tension.”

Jutras believes the Gyrotonic system, Pilates and yoga all complement weightlifting and strength training, affording a mindbody balance. “The body then experiences low- and high-threshold exercise, lowintensity and high-intensity, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity,” she says.

Crowley sees the Gyrotonic approach complementing virtually any activity. “The exercises help practitioners learn how to move more efficiently, easily, powerfully, gracefully and successfully in every facet of life.”

The method is also offered without equipment in the form of Gyrokinesis, a flowing class done on a chair, mat and standing. This affordable option can be practiced independently at home.

“My youngest client is 7, my oldest is 94,” relates Crowley. “We have clients that have become bored by repetitive exercise and enjoy the limitless variations of movements that keep both their minds

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and muscles alert. We have chronic pain clients that have exhausted other medical options and are improving their ability to function more optimally and enjoying their lives again.”

Both Schrimpf and her husband, Juan Trujillo, teach the Gyrotonic method.

“Our greatest reward is the feedback we get. Once people try it, they’re hooked,” she says. “It transforms how people think about movement and brings a sense of joy and accomplishment. They feel their joints becoming more supple and balanced, and find their bodies responding well to the natural movement patterns.”

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Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.

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by April Thompson

W

hether it’s a damaging rumor posted on Facebook, a humiliating photo shared on Instagram or a threatening text, cyberbullying is increasing among today’s youth.

A 2015 Cyberbullying Research Center study of middle school students found that 43 percent had been targeted, while 15 percent admitted to being online bullies. Meanwhile, students, parents and teachers are combating cyber-aggression with initiatives to make the phenomenon socially unacceptable in schools.

Grassroots Action

Tyler Gregory, 23, attended a small, insular high school in rural Ohio where bullying was problematic. As a senior with younger siblings approaching their high school years, he aimed to change the local culture to make bullying uncool.

Gregory decided to make a movie to submit to the NO BULL Challenge, a national organization that provides students a platform to develop and disseminate materials that spark dialogue about such troubling issues. Challenges

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ranged from teaching himself filmmaking and persuading students to participate to mustering the courage to present the project to his school. He achieved the transformation he sought, beginning with 70 students participating in his production.

“I appealed to classmates by asking, ‘How do you want to be remembered?

Why not choose to be viewed positively, as leaders?’” says Gregory, who later became a spokesperson for NO BULL Challenge.

To date, the challenge has received 600 submissions, garnering 23 million impressions through digital and social media, the vehicles of cyberbullies. A recent graduate of Dayton, Ohio’s Wright State University, Gregory has spoken to about 45,000 students in 27 states in school assemblies.

Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age, headquartered in Creswell, Oregon, believes that such initiatives, which shift schools from punitive approaches to making bullying incompatible with accepted social norms, are the only way to bring lasting change.

“We need to cultivate a climate where

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being hurtful is contrary to a school’s expressed values. Most young people don’t like to see their peers being hurtful and admire those that stand up to peers and have them make amends,” says Willard.

The educator’s website, EmbraceCivility. org, offers free materials with concrete steps for students and teachers to foster positive school environments.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to attacks on unpopular kids that lack satisfying peer relationships. It’s seven times more likely to occur between current or former friends and romantic partners than between strangers, according to a study led by Diane Felmlee, professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University.

Felmlee’s research further found that non-heterosexual youth are four times as likely as their heterosexual peers to be cyberbullied, while popular kids are also frequently targeted.

Two social dynamics seem to be at work: “One involves individuals that violate social norms, such as LGBTQ youth, and the other revolves around status struggles,” reports Felmlee. “In the latter case, bullies are vying for popularity, recognition and self-esteem. Those with higher social status may be attacked because they’re viewed as competition.”

Cyberbullying’s impact can exceed face-to-face aggression, as offensive remarks can spread far and fast, and live online in perpetuity instead of fading away, observes Felmlee. Gregory adds that it can also affect students’ ability to learn when some skip school to avoid tormentors.

Helpful Responses

Most youths don’t report cyberbullying, feeling embarrassed, afraid the situation will get worse or doubtful of remedial action. “Schools need to step up their response to bullying, make it known that it won’t be tolerated, set clear policies and enforce them,” counsels Gregory.

Because most bullied youths don’t speak up, parents need to communicate openly with kids and be aware of their online activities, advises Felmlee.

Willard notes that it’s also important to address the bullies themselves through understanding their motivation, and then persuading them to accept responsibility and take steps to rectify harm. “This should be about reparation, not punishment.” Gregory’s high school film assures bullies that it’s never too late to make amends.

While it can be hard to stand up to bullies, caring peers can easily express support. “Bystanders have the power to change the atmosphere,” agrees Gregory. “Kindly approaching a student being picked on who may feel alone and ashamed goes further than most students realize.”

Those affected by cyberbullying also can cut off their aggressors, suggests Gregory. “The ‘block’ button is powerful. Cyberbullies want to see a reaction. Blocking them from social media exchanges or texting takes away their power.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Muting Meanness Here are some tips to help keep digital spaces safe and civil. * Think twice before posting a photo or comment that could be taken out of context and misappropriated. * Report bad behavior to an adult that can help figure out the right course of action. * Don’t portray youth as victims, which can perpetuate the idea they are weak and vulnerable targets. * Save cyber evidence to help officials take appropriate action.

Some schools now have online reporting systems that allow students to anonymously submit screenshots from social media. * Don’t retaliate. It likely will only aggravate unwanted behavior and drag everyone down to the cyberbully’s level of consciousness. * Keep watch. Apps like Online Guardian for Families, CyberSynchs and YouDiligence allow parents to monitor children’s exposure on social media via keywords related to bullying.

Resources: EmbraceCivility.org; Cyberbullying.org; Tinyurl.com/Bully PreventionTips; Tinyurl.com/Apps BlockBullies; StopBullying.gov/ cyberbullying.

GROW Your Business 14,500+ copies of Natural Awakenings magazine are distributed to 500+ locations throughout Coastal Alabama and Mississippi.

Reach our health- and eco-conscious readers today.

251-990-9552

natural awakenings March 2017

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Holistic Eye Care

Tuzemka/Shutterstock.com

healingways

Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

T

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems.

“The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.”

Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision.

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye & 32

Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease.

Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope.

According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision.

It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses.

Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight, including other

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot.

Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent. In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes.

Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss.

Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important.

“A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.”

The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss.

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

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies

by Sandra Murphy

pterwort/Shutterstock.com

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

R

ather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks.

With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients.

Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies.

“If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessarily work for another.”

While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet even just nibbles the eliminated

food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment.

Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea.

Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital.

She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antivi-

ral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea.

“Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.”

Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance.

“Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.”

She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm.

Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.”

Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFrelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

natural awakenings March 2017

33

Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com

naturalpet

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Yoga and Mindfullness for Children – Wednesdays, Mar 1-22. 4-5pm. In this 4 week series children will learn and practice how to focus their attention using mindful awareness tools in fun new ways! Register today. K-5th grade. $40 for 4-class series. Soul Shine Yoga, Fairhope, AL. TheSoulShineLife.com.

Usui Reiki Level I & II Certification w/Julie – 8:30am-5:30pm, Mar 11-12. In this class you will learn basic Usui Reiki and amazing supercharged ways to increase the focus and intensity of your work.

Level-I gives you the tools for self-healing, Level-2 increase your connection to Reiki, hands-on and use remote healing. $300 at the door/ $250 prepaid 7 days in advance. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail. com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/events.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Sunday Talk: Unity vs. Uniformity Consciousness – 10:30am. Duann Kier is a well-known spiritual intuitive, teacher, author and humorist. She will provide the morning message which will be lively and informative. Free. Unity of Gulfport, 1700 E Railroad, Gulfport, MS. UnityGulfport.com.

Free Group Seer Session with Duann Kier – 1-3pm.

Group Seer Session with Duann Kier is a great opportunity for you to experience a brief confidential psychic reading in a group setting. Messages are received for individuals and the group as a whole.

Duann is amazing. Free. Unity of Gulfport, 1700 E Railroad, Gulfport, MS. UnityGulfport.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 6 AHA Massage School: Night Class – 5:45-8:15pm.

State-licensed (#2253), 650-hour curriculum includes hands-on techniques, fundamental sciences and student clinic/outreach practicum. AHA has a 100 percent pass rate for students taking the licensing exam. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. Call/text: 251-753-1937. AlabamaHealingArts@ gmail.com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo – 10am-4pm, Mar 11-12. Experience a day filled with innovations in natural health, holistic wellness, eating well, alternative fitness, natural products and integrative family medicine with door prizes galore. Free for attendees. Booth space is limited. Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL. 850-460-3266. Submit.

NWFNaturally.com/NWFL/Holistic-Health-Expo/.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Niyamas: The Five Observances – 2-4pm. In this class, learn about the niyamas while figuring out when, where and how to apply them in your life.

This class will awaken you, change your thoughts and shift your paradigm of thinking through group discussion, reflection and meditation. $25. Soul Shine Yoga, Fairhope, AL. TheSoulShineLife.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Ayurveda + Lent – 11am. Tuesdays, Mar 7-Apr 11. (also on Thursdays at 7pm). Ayurveda and Lent?

Yes! Find balance in a personal world of body/food, mind/rest and spirit/movement with Cynthia Galas. $90 for 6-wk series. Soul Shine Yoga, Fairhope, AL. TheSoulShineLife.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 Ayurveda + Lent – 7pm. Thursdays, Mar 9-Apr13.

(Also on Tuesdays at 11am.) See Mar 7 listing. $90 for 6-wk series. Soul Shine Yoga, Fairhope, AL. TheSoulShineLife.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 AHA Student Massage Clinic – Mar 10 & 31.

School-supervised internship gives opportunity for student practitioners to work with clients in a professional setting and clients to receive quality, full-length healing treatments at a great value. Call 251-753-1937 to schedule appointments at 10:15, 11:30, 12:45. $25 for 50-min full-body student massage. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

markyourcalendar Green Drinks Fairhope: Growing Microgreens Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with like-minded folks every second Tuesday. At 6pm learn about Herb and Pepper Farm in Loxley, AL, followed by a demonstration of how to grow your own microgreens. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Food from Sunflower Café plus produce and meat from End of the Road farm and Herb & Pepper Farms.

March 14 • 5-7pm

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

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

March 15 • 5-7pm

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Quantum-Touch Level One w/Julie – 9am-5:30pm, Mar 18-19. Quantum-Touch teaches us to focus, amplify and direct Life Force energy, for a wide range of benefits with surprising and also extraordinary results. Your love has tremendous impact to benefit yourself and others. 13 NCBTMB/12.5 nursing CEs available. $400 prepaid 3 wk in adv/$480 at the door. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail.com.

ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/events.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Women's Happy Hormones – 6:15-6:30pm Meet and Greet, 6:30-8:15pm Presentation. Learn how to use Reflexology along with Young Living essential oils to relax and balance your body. Meet the endocrine glands and how they communicate with each other and which essential oil supplements support your wellness. $5 at the door. 100 Alexander Ave, Atmore, AL. Debra Swartzendruber: 251-368-1275. Laurie.MarketingScents.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 Artist's Way Gathering – 6-8pm. A creative gathering of discussion, journaling and activities based on the book, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Bring a book and your journal. Light refreshments and activity supplies provided. Facilitated by Rebecca Washburn and Greta Bates. $15. From the Center, 22787 US Hwy 98, Bldg C, Ste 1, Fairhope, AL. Rebecca Washburn: 251-929-4634. Rebecca.SoulFlow@gmail.com.

Women's Happy Hormones – 6:45-8:45pm. Learn how to use Reflexology along with Young Living essential oils to relax and balance your body. Meet the endocrine glands and how they communicate with each other and which essential oil supplements support your wellness. $5 at the door supports the Prodisee Food Pantry. Prodisee Pantry, 9315 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL. Laurie Azzarella: 850-380-4943. LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com. Laurie.

MarketingScents.com.

PLANS CHANGE!

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 31 AHA Student Massage Clinic – Mar 10 & 31. See Mar 10 listing. Call 251-753-1937 to schedule appointments at 10:15, 11:30, 12:45. $25 for 50-min full-body student massage. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@ gmail.com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Crepe Myrtle Trail Ride – 8-11:30am. A familyfriendly, 12-mile bike ride at a beginner pace. Enjoy scenic views of Mobile Bay while listening to fun, educational talks about the Crepe Myrtle Trail and the natural areas that make Mobile such a beautiful place. Arlington Park, Brookley Complex, Mobile, AL. Registration required. Free. MobileUnited.org.

Usui Reiki Level I & II Certification w/Julie – 9:30am-5:30pm, Apr 1-2. In this class you will learn basic Usui Reiki and amazing supercharged ways to increase the focus and intensity of your work.

Level-I gives you the tools for self-healing, Level-2 increase your connection to Reiki, hands-on, and use remote healing. $300 at the door/$250 prepaid 7 days in advance. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@ gmail.com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/events.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

savethedate The Gulf Coast Grandmothers Gathering A collective of women of all ages who embrace the archetype of the loving, wise Grandmother. Join our annual gathering in Fairhope to reflect and renew spirits, fulfilling the ancient prophecy: “When the Grandmothers speak, the earth will heal.” $340$415 for 3 nights lodging and all meals.

April 3 to 6

Camp Beckwith • Fairhope, AL 251-945-1295 • msparis98@gmail.com GulfCoastGrandmothers.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Quantum-Touch Level One – 9am-5:30pm, Apr 8-9. Quantum-Touch teaches us to focus, amplify and direct Life Force energy, for a wide range of benefits with surprising and also extraordinary results. Your love has tremendous impact to benefit yourself and others. 13 NCBTMB/12.5 nursing CEs available. $400 prepaid 3 wk in advance/$480 at door. Reiki Center of Fairhope, Fairhope, AL. Julie 251-281-8811. ReikiCenterOfFairhope@gmail. com. ReikiCenterOfFairhope.com/events.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 Green Drinks Earth Day Celebration – 5-7pm.

Live music, vendors, food. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL. 251-279-7517.

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

FAIRHOPE, AL FAIRHOPE MASSAGE THERAPY Chester Schmidt, LMT: 251-359-0500 ChesterSchmidt.com Brenna Taylor, LMT: 480-430-4548 BreTaylor.LMT@gmail.com ROSIE BLUUM (DOWNTOWN) Kristen Kelly, LMT 6A South Bancroft Street 251-599-5943 • 251-517-5626 RosieBluum.com See ad, page 17.

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

GULF SHORES, AL HOT & COLD STONE MASSAGE Roselee Marie Giovino, LMT Foley and Gulf Shores Locations 251-228-2077 BaldwinWellness@gmail.com Advertise Your Massage Business on this page for $20/month!

Call 251-990-9552 to reserve your spot.

MOBILE, AL ALABAMA HEALING ARTS 6304 Cottage Hill Road 251-753-1937 AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com AlabamaHealingArts.com See ad, page 2.

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

MONTROSE, AL JEN ADAMS, LMT 22787 U.S. 98 at Parker Road, Suite D-5 251-616-4201 JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com JenAdamsLMT.info

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

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

natural awakenings March 2017

35

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

sunday

monday

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

Hot Power Yoga – 8am. Mon-Fri. A faster paced power vinyasa flow builds strength, increases flexibility, strengthens your core and transforms your body and mind. Find your groove, shine your light and practice at your own level. Heated. $15 drop-in, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com.

Center for Spiritual Living Service – 10am. Make every step, every choice, every word, a conscious one.

Center for Spiritual Living, 1230 Montlimar, Mobile, AL. 251-343-0777. CenterForSpiritualLivingMobile.org.

Unity Gulf Shores Sunday Service – 10am. Come home to Unity. Casual attire. Open and affirming.

Drink specials, coffee, snacks at 10am; lunch served at 11am. Unity Gulf Shores and Orange Beach gathering at Papa Rocco's Bar & Grill, corner of Hwy 59 and W 6th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL. 678-481-5026.

RevDonna@me.com. UnityGulfShores.com.

Unity Orange Beach Sunday Service – 10am.

Come home to Unity. Casual attire. Open and affirming. Drink specials, coffee, snacks at 10am; lunch served at 11am. Unity Gulf Shores and Orange Beach gathering at Bayes Bar & Grill, behind Marriott at the Wharf, Orange Beach, AL. 678-481-5026.

RevDonna@me.com. UnityGulfShores.com.

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

OpenTableUCC.org.

Unity Church of Gulfport Sunday Service – 10:30am. Join us for an uplifting, positive message to nourish your spiritual soul from Rev. Judy Voght every Sunday. Free. Unity of Gulfport, 1700 E Railroad St, Gulfport, MS. UnityGulfport.com.

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

Unity Christ Church Sunday Service – 11am.

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

Baha'i's of Fairhope Diversity Devotions – 3-5pm.

3rd Sunday (March only. 4th Sundays in other months). The coming together of people from diverse religions and backgrounds to celebrate their unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community. Refreshments are served following the shared devotional program. Free. Different location in March only: 20251 Oberg Rd, Fairhope, AL. BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com.

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Vinyasa Yoga – 8am. Mon/Fri. Unite breath and movement in a vinyasa yoga class. Build strength, increase flexibility and transform your body and mind. All levels. Unheated. $15 drop-in, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

AHA Gentle Morning Yoga with Julia – 9:30am.

Mon/Sat. Gentle yoga to attain inner peace, relieve stress, and build strength and flexibility through body-mind awareness, breath and postures. Beginner-friendly. Props provided. Call/text Julia at 251-382-7895 to register. $10/class or 12-class pass for $100. Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Group Reformer Class – 9:30am. Catch the wave of classical fitness and start the week right—join Aurelie in the morning for a Pilates group reformer class. Stand taller, get toned and be both leaner and stronger. Please log onto the website to make reservations. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Monday Morning Open Flow – 9:30am. Join Faye for all levels class. Class will include strong standing poses with focus on breathing. Class will end with relaxing savasana. Props provided. $10 per class or unlimited monthly for $50 with Kula Yoga Community. Quiet Mind Yoga, 2065 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

BURN! Weight training/Kickboxing – 10-11am.

Mon, Wed and Fri. This class is a fat-burning mix of calisthenics, weight training and kickboxing.

Achieve your fitness goals while having fun at the same time! All fitness levels welcome. $10. Richard Fitness Systems, 1880 Airport Blvd, Ste D, Mobile, AL. Brandon: 251-786-9123.

Gentle Chair Yoga – 11am-12pm. Accessible to individuals that are unable to stand unsupported for long periods of time, including seniors and anyone suffering from chronic pain, injuries, movement disorders or limited balance. Also Wed in Daphne. $5. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-610-3151.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

MELT Hand and/or Foot Treatment & Roller Sequences – 12pm. MELT is a simple self-treatment that helps prevent pain, heal injury and erase the negative effects of aging and active living. Regardless of age or fitness level, MELT can improve your longevity through self-treatment. Log on to reserve your spot! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

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

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

Bridging the Great Divide – 6-8pm. The Family Center is offering this class for parents of teens. It helps prepare and equip parents for having the important conversations needed with their teens. Helps parents see things from the teen perspective. Free.

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

Together We Can – 6-8pm. A Family Center class to help parents build a better future for their children by working together as co-parents. Open to couples regardless of their relationship. Free.

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

FamilyCenterMobile.org.

Pranic Healing and Twin Hearts Meditation Clinic – 6:30-8:20pm. Headaches, stress, physical or emotional ailments bothering you? Experience healing for your mind, body and soul, with Pranic Healing and/or Meditation on Twin Hearts. We all have the ability to heal ourselves and others. Classes also available. Donation. Center for Spiritual Living Mobile, AL. RSVP: 251-454-0959.

tuesday 10% Off Facials – Tues & Thurs. Book your appointments at Wellness Spa of Ocean Springs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and receive 10% off of any facial treatment or microdermabrasion when you mention this listing. Excludes any other offers, coupons or specials. Wellness Spa of Ocean Springs, 101-A Rouselle Place, Ocean Springs, MS. 228-2094090. WellnessSpaOS.com.

YogaDance with Manja – 8:15am. Start your Tuesday dancing through your yoga flow! This new class offers a fun mix of vinyasa flow sequences with jazz dance elements so you can head into your day feeling refreshed and uplifted. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

30-Minute Meditation – 8:30am. Think you don't have time to meditate? This is for you! Classes include journaling and guided relaxation with breath work and creative visualization. Make time for your special self. $5. From the Center, 22787 Hwy 98, Bldg C Ste 1, Fairhope, AL. 601-421-0277.

TheSpiral-Life.com.

PLANS CHANGE! Please call ahead to confirm dates & times. www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Farmers Market – 9am-2pm. Tues & Sat. Farmers market offering direct farm sales to the public. Fresh seasonal produce, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, handcrafted soaps and local artistry. Open year round.

Know your farmer. Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market, 20733 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL. 251-597-5557. MktMgrFoley@gmail.com.

CoastalAlabamaMarket.com.

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

Open to all women with an interest in learning about and supporting breastfeeding. Babies/ children are welcome. Free. 251-689-2085.

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

Grief Recovery Meeting – 1-2:30pm. This is a Christian-based grief recovery program for all losses. Experienced, professional and compassionate staff members support you through the grief process with the goal of transitioning into a renewed life of purpose and fulfillment. Ascension Funerals & Cremations, 1016 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL. 251634-8055. AscensionFuneralGroup.com.

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

Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with like-minded folks. Connect with other progressive people in our area. Brief speaker at 6pm at most meetings. Open to the public. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Food from Sunflower Cafe and produce from local farmers. Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL. 251279-7517. MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks.

AHA Evening Yoga with Catherine – 5:45pm.

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

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

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

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

wednesday

Sierra Club Meeting – 6-8pm. 1st Tues. Public welcome. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort, AL.

Positive Parenting – 9:30-11:30am. A 9-week course using the Nurturing Parenting curriculum which focuses on positive discipline and communication with children. Free. 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile, AL. Lydia Pettijohn: 251-479-5700.

FamilyCenterMobile.org.

Yoga with Susan – 7:45am. 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.

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

AHA Morning Yoga with Matthew – 9:30am.

Learn the basics of yoga postures. Energize, align, strengthen, center and de-stress through movement, body-mind awareness and breath. Beginnerfriendly. Props provided. Call/text 251-753-2037 to register. $10/class or 12-class pass for $100.

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Yoga with Valerie – 5:45pm. Join 200-hr RYT Valerie Mitchell for a glorious yoga experience as she challenges with a strong emphasis on alignment and focus while still calming the mind. Relieve stress and rejuvenate, energize and recharge the body.

Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104.

Synergyoga.net.

Path to Wholeness Yoga Series – 6pm. Mar 7 only.

Join Mary Ann for the last class of this a 6-wk yoga series at Mobile Museum of Art as we explore the body, mind and spirit. Breath awareness and slow mindful movement create a meditation in motion. All-levels welcomed. Please bring your own mat. $10/class. 4850 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail. com. AlabamaHealingArts.com.

3055 Dauphin Street Suite A Mobile, AL 36606

Fairhope Health Foods • 251-928-0644 280 Eastern Shore Fairhope, AL 36532

PharmaceuticalGrade Spectrum of Cannabinoids Syringes: Therapeutic, Cavinol™, Teracel™ Tri Lab Tested complete with Suggested Protocols

United Nurses for Cannabinoid Research • 828-292-4987 National Association for Hemp Oil Synergy Research • 407-332-7341 Institute for Cannabinoid Synergy Research • FAX 305-792-0032

CBD Infused Skin Therapy Crème with Cavinol™

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natural awakenings March 2017

37

Gentle Chair Yoga – 11am-12pm. Accessible to individuals that are unable to stand unsupported for long periods of time, including seniors and anyone suffering from chronic pain, injuries, movement disorders or limited balance. Also Mon in Fairhope. $5. Pneuma Yoga/Movement Studio, 1901 Main St, Daphne, AL. 251-610-3151.

Green Drinks Mobile – 5-7pm. 3rd Wed. Join us for an informal yet engaging happy hour with likeminded folks and monthly speaker at most meetings.

Connect with other progressive people in our area.

Open to the public. Free to attend except the cost of your drinks. Alchemy Tavern, 7 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL. MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks.

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

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

Free. West Regional Branch, Mobile Public Library, Grelot Rd (near University Blvd), Mobile, AL. 251340-8565. Lbrlumin@aol.com. IANDS.org.

Yin and Yang Flow – 6pm. Join Melanie for Yin and Yang Flow: yin postures followed by level 2 strong standing poses and synchronized breathing. Class will conclude with meditation and relaxation. $10 per class or unlimited for $50 with Kula Yoga membership. Quiet Mind Yoga and Massage, 2065 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Guided Meditation – 6:30pm. We begin with a deep and peaceful relaxation of the body and mind, a journey of the senses through visual suggestions and time to experience within yourself all that is unfolding.

Approximately 60 mins. Bring mat, blanket or pillow.

Space is limited. $5. Rosie Bluum, 6A S Bancroft, Fairhope, AL. 251-517-5626. RosieBluum.com.

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

thursday 10% Off Facials – Tues & Thurs. Book your appointments at Wellness Spa of Ocean Springs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and receive 10% off of any facial treatment or microdermabrasion when you mention this listing. Excludes any other offers, coupons or specials. Wellness Spa of Ocean Springs, 101-A Rouselle Place, Ocean Springs, MS. 228-2094090. WellnessSpaOS.com.

Gentle Yoga – 12pm. A stressful morning? Synergy can fix that! Join Lauren Parrish in the land of "ahhhhs" for a relaxing class to soothe the spirit, calm the mind and replenish the soul. Also on Tuesdays at noon. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

30-Minute Meditation – 12:30pm. Join the Thursday lunch bunch and reset your day! Classes include journaling and guided relaxation with breath work and creative visualization. Make time for your special self. $5. From the Center, 22787 Hwy 98, Bldg C Ste 1, Fairhope, AL. 601-421-0277.

TheSpiral-Life.com.

Group Reformer Class – 5:15pm. Catch the wave of classical fitness and join Adrienne at the end of your day for a Pilates group reformer class. Stand taller, get toned and be both leaner and stronger.

Leave class feeling great. Please log onto the website to make reservations. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Breathing Space Guided Meditation – 6pm. Thursdays until Mar 14. Join Rebecca for a guided meditation series. Class will include gentle yoga movement and guided mediation. Props provided. $10 per class or unlimited monthly for $50 with Kula Yoga Community. Quiet Mind Yoga and Massage, 2065 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Movie Night – 6-8pm. Showing a different thoughtprovoking movie each week. Seating is limited; please reserve your seat by calling 228-831-1785.

Free. Coast Health & Nutrition, 12100 Hwy 49, Ste 628, Gulfport, MS. CoastHealthAndNutrition.com.

Personal Wellness and Self-Discovery Classes – 6:30pm. Every last Thurs. Monthly classes designed to empower oneself to heal, uplift and detoxify the body, mind and spirit. $5 donation for food pantry.

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

Dynamic Dads – 7-9pm. The Family Center is the site of the Mobile County Fatherhood Initiative. Be the father your children need--A super hero for your super kid! Free. 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile, AL. Lydia Pettijohn: 251-479-5700. FamilyCenterMobile.org.

friday Vinyasa Yoga – 8am. Mon/Fri. See Monday listing.

Unheated. $15 drop-in, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@ TheSoulShineLife.com. TheSoulShineLife.com

AHA Morning Yoga with Angela – 9am. Learn the basics of yoga postures. Energize, align, strengthen, center and de-stress through movement, body-mind awareness and breath. Beginnerfriendly, props provided. Call/text 646-220-8561 to register. $10/class or 12-class pass for $100.

Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Stay Connected!

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

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Yoga with Faye – 9am. What a great way to jump start your weekend! Let breath and body move in sync as Faye Mahan’s seamless style weaves a blend of classical yoga flow and poses. Renew your spirit with a glorious class to begin the day refreshed and re-energized. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

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

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

Farmers Market – 9am-2pm. Tues & Sat. Farmers market offering direct farm sales to the public. Fresh seasonal produce, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, handcrafted soaps and local artistry. Open year round. Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market, 20733 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL. 251-597-5557. MktMgrFoley@gmail. com. CoastalAlabamaMarket.com.

AHA Morning Yoga with Ginny – 9:30am, Mar 4 & 18. Enjoy an inspirational exploration of body-mind-spirit while promoting balance and wellness within. Traditional foundations promote proper body alignment and safety. Beginnerfriendly. Props provided. Call/text 251-623-0374 to register. $10/class or 12-class pass for $100.

Alabama Healing Arts, LLC, 6304 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL. AlabamaHealingArts@gmail.com.

AlabamaHealingArts.com.

Kula Yoga Saturday Rotation – 9:30am. Openlevel class where energizing postures that develop strength and flexibility are combined with breath and movement. Modifications make every pose accessible to students of all levels. $10 per class or unlimited for $50 with Kula Yoga membership.

Quiet Mind Yoga and Massage, 2065 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Expressive Art – 10am-12pm. Tamlin Allbritten, author of Art With A Purpose, teaches kids and their parents what they need to know through a creative process that fosters thought-provoking insights. All ages welcome. For times and dates: ArtWithAPurposeBooks.com. $20. Fairhope, AL. RSVP: TamlinAll@gmail.com.

Restorative Yoga – 10:30am. Guide yourself toward a healthier state of being in restorative yoga. There’s no goal of stretching or strengthening, just relax with what is. All levels. Unheated. $15 drop in, packages available. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. Namaste@TheSoulShineLife.com.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

PLANS CHANGE!

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

naturaldirectory

CHURCHES THE BAHA'I'S OF FAIRHOPE

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

81 Magnolia Avenue, Fairhope, AL 251-928-5692 BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com Join our gathering of people from diverse religions and backgrounds to celebrate unity and support the spiritual health of the community. Meeting every fourth Sunday. Contact us to learn more.

Did you miss our 2017 Healthy & Green Living Directory? Contact us to find out where you can pick up a copy of this expanded edition, or read it online at TinyURL.com/NAFeb2017.

UNITY CHURCH OF GULFPORT

PROBIOTIC AIR PURIFIERS

Family Care Naturally 1404B West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL Behind Walgreens • 251-970-3605 Patented delivery system technology eliminates mold, allergens, pet dander, odors, harmful bacteria and viruses safely. No GMO, chemicals, additives.

Financing, group presentations and discounts available. No more dirty air! See ad, page 25.

AKASHIC READINGS BETSEY GRADY

Founder of Rosie Bluum 6A S Bancroft Street, Fairhope • 251-517-5626 BetseyGrady.com • RosieBluum.com Referred to as the Book of Life, the Akashic Records are soul records, storing all information of an individual, place or thing. A consultation offers deep levels of guidance from the masters, teachers and guides, supporting you in living life from your authentic essence.

See ad, page 17.

1700 East Railroad Street, Gulfport, MS 228-871-7004 UnityGulfport.com

BEAUTY

AIR QUALITY

B-BUTTERFLY SALON

103A North Bancroft Street, Fairhope, AL 251-990-9934 BButterflySalon.com salon offering organic B-Butterfly Aproducts and services

SALON

including hair color, perms and shampoo.

Make a difference today in your hair, your life and the Earth. Visit us for a free hair exam today and go organic! Manicures, pedicures and eyebrow waxing also available. See ad, page 3.

UNITY GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH

Gathering at Papa Rocco's in Gulf Shores, AL and Bayes Bar & Grill in Orange Beach, AL 678-481-5026 • UnityGulfShores.com Our practical spiritual teachings empower people to live meaningful, healthy and prosperous lives. Our open and affirming congregation honors all paths to God. Sunday services at 10 a.m.

See ad, page 11.

CHIROPRACTIC SOUTHEAST FUNCTIONAL CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Wesley Corbin, DC, MS 1802 U.S. 98, Suite E, Daphne, AL 251-375-0012 • DaphneChiropractor.com Caring for the whole person with spinal health, lifestyle advice, individualized nutritional programs and acupuncture. For patients battling chronic pain and illness, and for those seeking a more balanced life.

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

A positive path for spiritual living.

Unity teachings and communities are places of spiritual healing. If you’re drawn to individuals like Oprah, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra, you’ll love Unity of Gulfport. See ad, page 17.

COUNSELING REBECCA WASHBURN, LPC, RYT

Licensed Professional Counselor 22787 U.S. 98, Suite C-1, Fairhope, AL 251-929-4634 • RebeccaWashburn.com Experience inner peace and harmony of mind, body, energy and spirit. Let go of anxiety and patterns from the past and create a life that honors who you are.

Insurance accepted.

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings at these businesses.

Make our community a little GREENER...

Support our advertisers.

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

source: the350project.net

natural awakenings March 2017

39

ESSENTIAL OILS

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY KRISTEN KELLY, LMT

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

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

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

This experience teaches your body to use its own bioelectric immune system. See ad, page 17.

Experience the healing, uplifting and detoxifying benefits of authentic, genuine therapeutic grade essential oils and supplements. Contact us for personal Zyto Wellness readings and wholesale privileges. Wellness classes on last Thursday of the month at Prodisee Pantry. See ad, page 13.

CRYSTALS & GEMS

FENG SHUI

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

Offering gifts and services that nurture your spirit. Books, card decks, essential oils, Bach Flower Remedies, crystals, salt lamps, incense and organic clothing. Local art, jewelry, honey, soaps and candles. See ad, page 17.

(Located inside Path To Wellness) 240 West Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL 251-597-8787 • MindPerformanceCenter.com A cutting edge approach to brain disorders that is drugfree, non-invasive and proven effective. Treating dementia, depression, memory loss, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury and more. See ad, page 5.

DENTISTRY DR. DAYTON HART, DMD

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

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

2346 East Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 228-896-7545 Facebook.com/goodkarmacafe.com 100 percent vegetarian restaurant serving plate lunches Tuesday through Saturday. Gluten-free options available.

Samosas, paneer, local honey, desserts and other Café s p e c i a l t y f o o d s a l s o available. Mention this ad for 10 percent discount. See ad, page 25.

Good Karma

THE HEALTH HUT

2032 Airport, Midtown Mobile: 251-473-0277 680 S. Schillinger, Mobile, AL: 251-633-0485 6845 Hwy 90, Daphne, AL: 251-621-1865

FENGSHUI831

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

fengshui 831

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

FOOD & NUTRITION

DEMENTIA MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

GOOD KARMA CAFE

COAST HEALTH & NUTRITION

12100 Highway 49, Suite 628, Gulfport, MS 228-831-1785 CoastHealthAndNutrition.com Local health food store and wellness center to support your healthy lifestyle: natural and organic options for food, supplements, cleaning supplies and skincare. Chiropractic care, massage therapy and essential oil counseling also available.

See ad, page 25.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40 years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk spices and herbs; pet supplies; baby products and more. Monthly product specials. See ad, page 3.

able staff. See ad, page 3.

For 30 years The Health Hut has been the go-to place for high quality, whole-food vitamins, herbs and sport supplements at great prices. Service-oriented, knowledge-

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40 years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk spices and herbs; pet supplies; baby products and more. Monthly product specials. See ad, page 3.

GREEN BUILDING EARTHSTONE BLOQUES

Available at local garden centers 601-818-9600 EarthStoneConstruction.com Compressed earth blocks made from natural, locallyresourced organic clay. More energy efficient, healthy and durable than standard bricks and building products. Check website for Alabama and Mississippi retailers. See ad, page 17.

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

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings here.

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HEALING ARTS ABUNDANT LIFEÂ

Sherry Seicshnaydre, Energy Healer Gulfport, MS 228-313-0664 • SherryAnn4@gmail.com Sharing and teaching love, joy, peace and light through sessions, coaching, crystals and classes. Offering energy work (Reiki, BARS, Healing Touch), spiritual healing, medical intuitive readings, natural remedies and supplements. See ad, page 13.

MOVEMENT THERAPY GENTLE CHAIR YOGA Sherlyn Culwell, RYT Fairhope and Daphne, AL 251-610-3151

Experience yoga's benefits with the support of a chair and build strength, endurance and courage. Accessible to seniors and anyone suffering from chronic pain, injuries, movement disorders or limited balance. See ad, page 2.

NATURAL HEALTH

GRETA T. BATES

Reiki Practitioner and Meditation Guide 22787 U.S. 98, Suite C-1, Fairhope, AL 601-421-0277 • TheSpiral-Life.com Make time for your special self! 20 and 60 minute reiki sessions. $5 weekly meditation classes (see ongoing events calendar). “I offer care and kindness to my clients—it’s the sweet work.â€?

JEREMY STOUT

CYNTHIA GALAS

Downtown Fairhope, AL 205-746-6632 CynthiaGalas@yahoo.com Create a life of balance with Ayurveda, the ancient art of natural living. Discover how Ayurveda, massage, yoga and clean eating can nourish your body, mind and spirit.

See ad, page 11.

Reconnective Healing Practitioner 22787 U.S. 98, Suite D5, Fairhope, AL 251-222-0220 • JerStout333@gmail.com

DOCTOR’S NUTRITION

Reconnective Healing returns you to an optimal state of vitality and helps people with aches and pains, dis-ease, stress, PTSD, mental challenges, range of motion and athletic performance. Visit MeridianMaster.com. See ad, page 29.

Offering affordable, effective and convenient evidence-based nutrition. Lab work provides reliable information to monitor health and accessible doctors provide individualized guidance.

Extensive selection of therapeutic-grade supplements available in store and online.

See ad, page 23.

PRANIC HEALING IN MOBILE

OSTEOSTRONG FAIRHOPE

Deana Lannie 251-454-0959

Free healing nights and group meditations every Monday. Pranic Healing classes and the advanced technique of Superbrain Yoga. See ad, page 17.

MASSAGE THERAPY JEN ADAMS, LMT

22787 U.S. 98, Suite D-5, Montrose, AL 251-616-4201 • JenAdamsLMT.info JenAdams.Massage@gmail.com Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the "no pain no gain" mentality. Over fifteen years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field.

$75

Monthly Directory Listing PRINT & ONLINE Each listing includes: • Category Heading • Color Photo/Logo • 4 Company/Contact Lines • 30 Word Description

721 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 1-800-824-0194 • DoctorsNutrition.com

333 Greeno Road S., Unit 2B, Fairhope, AL 251-210-6955 • OsteoStrong.me A 7-minute session, once a week provides a natural solution for healthy joints, strong bones and muscles, better balance and flexibility and pain reduction.

Accessible to all ages; non-invasive; non-pharmaceutical. See ad, page 29.

GEMS &

S CRYSTAL

M SIE BLUU EE AT ROirhope, AL R T W O L THE WIL ancroft Street, Fa

B 6A South 6 or 251-751-6945 om .c 251-517-532TreeAtRosieBluum gifts and TheWillow O ff e r i n g at nu rt ur e

ney, soaps

jewelry, ho

se rv ic es th ooks, card B your spirit. nt ia l oi ls , se de ck s, es Remedies, er Bach Flow lt la m ps , sa cr ys ta ls , d or ga ni c in ce ns e an oc al ar t, L . cl ot hi ng ge 14. s. See ad, pa and candle

Plus editorial exposure and calendar listings.

For details and rates call:

251-990-9552

or email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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natural awakenings March 2017

41

NATURAL PRODUCTS DAVID'S GALLERY

809 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 251-948-7862 Offering CBD (cannabidiol) from the hemp plant (helps a n x i e t y, i n s o m n i a , inflammation, etc.). Charlotte’s Web and other brands cookies, candy, creams, sublingual drops, e-juice. New: Akuamma—opioid receptortargeted pain relief. Mention this ad for 12% off.

SPAS WELLNESS SPA OF OCEAN SPRINGS 101-A Rouselle Place, Ocean Springs, MS 228-209-4090 WellnessSpaOS.com

A Wellness Spa specializing in oncology skincare. Also offering digital skin analysis, facials, waxing and microdermabrasion. Wellness coaching available. Everything you need to know to accomplish good health, skincare and wellness. See ad, page 11.

NETWORKING MOBILE BAY GREEN DRINKS

Fairhope & Mobile • 251-279-7517 MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com Facebook.com/MobileBayGreenDrinks An informal yet engaging happy hour with likemobile bay minded folks every second Tuesday in Fairhope and every third Wednesday in Mobile. Connect with other progressive people in our area. Sponsorship, speaker and catering opportunities available.

See ad, page 9.

WELLNESS CENTERS FAMILY CARE NATURALLY

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 1404B West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL Behind Walgreens • 251-970-3605 Acupuncture (needle and non-needle), chiropractic (manual or instrument), massage (therapeutic and relaxation), hair tissue mineral analysis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Multiple visit discounts.

Better Air brand probiotic air purifier distributor. See ad, page 25.

GREEN DRINKS

OXYGEN THERAPY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY Family Care Naturally 1404B West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL Behind Walgreens • 251-970-3605

O

Enhances natural healing processes, hastens muscle recovery and raises energy levels. By breathing oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressures, cells, tissues and organs absorb more oxygen.

Introductory pricing and multiple session discounts. See ad, page 25.

2

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

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings here.

HEALING ACRES

22355 Price Grubbs Road, Robertsdale, AL 251-300-9052 Experience wellness with massage, r e f l e x o l o g y, b o d y treatments, Reiki, colonics, essential oils, wellness classes and m o r e . Wa l k o u r labyrinth (open to the public during daylight hours)! See ad, page 11.

WOMEN'S WELLNESS BRANDY RHODES COACHING Fairhope, AL • 870-215-3631 BrandyRhodes.com BLR-Motivation.com

Simple advice and motivational thoughts for balanced and real living.

From personal fitness to feeling productive and valued at work, you can experience success. Personal training and health coaching also available. See ad, page 13.

Stay Connected!

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

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www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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

OPPORTUNITIES MARKETING VOLUNTEER – Green Drinks Fairhope is in need of a volunteer to manage their email and social media marketing campaigns. If interested, email MobileBayGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

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

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

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com.

SERVICES ENERGY HEALER – Offering energy work, spiritual healing, medical intuitive readings, natural remedies and supplements. Sherry Seicshnaydre: 228-3130664. SherryAnn4@gmail.com.

MEDIUM~INTUITIVE~PSYCHIC – Marie Bates Curry offers intuitive guidance and spiritual connections. Individual and group readings. By appointment only: 251300-7261.

UNIVERSAL GUIDANCE - Consult Spirit Guides, Masters of the Universe and departed loved ones. Ask questions, get answers to transform your life. Betsey Grady: 251-752-6509.

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

DOG RIVER CLEARWATER REVIVAL STORM DRAIN MARKER PROJECT – Volunteers needed to educate the public about the storm drain system. Janet Miller: J46Miller@yahoo.com. 251-654-1827.

Do you have your NAN Discount Card yet?

Order online today! www.TinyURL.com/NANCard

Tur� Your Passion Into a Business

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

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

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

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 85 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED*.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

• Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC • Bergen/Passaic, NJ* • Central, NJ • Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ • Santa Fe/Abq., NM* • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY* • Long Island, NY • Hudson Valley W., NY • Manhattan, NY* • Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH* • Toledo, OH* • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Chester/Delaware Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster/Berks, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA* • Northeast, PA • Philadelphia, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Greenville, SC* • Chattanooga, TN* • Austin, TX* • Dallas, TX • Houston, TX • North Texas • San Antonio, TX* • South Houston/ Galveston, TX • Richmond, VA • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI* • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico • Dominican Republic

* Existing magazines for sale Start a magazine in an OPEN TERRITORY • • • • •

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com or call 239-530-1377

*Natural Awakenings recently received the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

• • • • •

Los Angeles, CA Riverside, CA Sacramento, CA San Bernadino, CA Santa Barbara/ Ventura, CA Santa Clara Co., CA Southern, MA Annapolis, MD Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO

• Saint Louis, MO • Bronyx, NY • Brooklyn/ Staten Island, NY • Cleveland, OH • Pittsburgh, PA • Nashville, TN • Ft. Worth, TX • Salt Lake City, UT Inquire about other open areas