March 2021 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

COUNTERTOP GARDENING

EASY WAYS TO GROW EDIBLES INDOORS

PLUS:

Regenerative Farming and the Promises of the Hemp Plant

March 2021 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Discover how I lost 58 pounds and got my life back. Hypnosis ended my struggle with weight.

Candace after weight loss. Size 4

FRUSTRATION ENDED.

I had been to gym programs. I tried dieting. I even ordered videos. Nothing lasted. Now I am in a size 4 and this program is completely the reason why. My search stopped here. I saw the ad for hypnosis and called to make the appointment for the free screening. I figured, what have I got to lose? I knew it was the right place immediately when I got there. They showed me other people like me who had succeeded on the program. It was fun and I learned a lot. Motivation is possible. I understood how this would work for me.

Candace before. Size 16

Call for your FREE screening:

251-274-THIN 22622 B Hwy 59 S | Robertsdale, AL | robertsdalehypnosis.com

Bring healthy home. Homegrown & Family-Owned In Lower Alabama Since 1975 Fairhope Health Foods 251-928-0644

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center in Fairhope

Virginia’s Health Foods 251-479-3952 3055 A Dauphin Street in Mobile

Extra savings in March! 20% OFF

Barleans, Solaray, Life Extension, Nordic Naturals, Garden of Life & New Chapter products. Plus 15% off all non-sale supplements every Sunday!

Delicious, organic dining experience with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Catering available. Fairhope Cafe: 251-929-0055

Located next door to Fairhope Health Foods Monday - Sunday 10:30am-3pm;

Mobile Cafe: 251-479-3200

Located inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile Monday - Saturday 10:30am-3pm;

March 2021

Contents

Is school stressing you out? Are your kids tired of looking at the computer?

Not at Shelton Academy, Discover the difference today.

14 CULTIVATING

COMMUNITY AND WELLNESS

A Mobile Community Garden Addresses Needs and Inspires Action “Mobile’s Best Kept Secret”

Shelton Academy 1050 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL 36695

Providing non-traditional education for 5th through 12th grade students in the Mobile area. Experience our stress-free and affordable alternative. With one-on-one, individualized instruction, students work at their own pace in a positive and adaptable learning environment. We use traditional textbooks and our student to teacher ratio averages 10:1. Students with learning differences thrive in this setting, as do high achieving students who will not be bound by the limits of traditional grade levels.

Accredited by National Private School Accreditation Alliance Mention this ad for

$100 OFF Registration! Expires 9/1/2021

LEARN MORE TODAY!

251-639-1311 janet4167@aol.com

16 DOWN TO EARTH The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming

20 INDOOR EDIBLE GARDENING

Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round

22 HEMP-DERIVED CANNABIDIOL

A Primer on the Latest Research

23 LOOKING BEYOND CBD AND THC

An Introduction to the Hemp-Derivative Delta-8

25 HEALING FROM GRIEF Four Ways to Find Peace

26 ON A ROLL

Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

Early detection can mean life.

Breast thermography is one of the easiest and safest methods for spotting inflammation, a major precursor to disease. It offers earlier detection of breast disease than self examination, doctor examination or mammography.

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Thermography Advantage

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Carolyn Olson, Founder and Certified Clinical Thermographer

CALL US TODAY: 251-623-2225 Learn more at ThermographyAdvantage.com 4

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 13 eco tip 14 diverse

conversations 20 conscious eating

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

22 healing ways 25 inspiration 26 fit body 28 calendar 29 classifieds 31 directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 50 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Caring for someone with dementia is hard.

16 Calling us for help is easy.

Treating a range of brain disorders including Dementia | Depression | Brain Injuries | ADHD

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

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit dated and ongoing calendar events online at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation (includes Quantitative EEG) to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.

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

We can help. Call today:

251-597-8787

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

March 2021

letter from publisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET While my parents were visiting from Houston last month I put out a spread of healthy snacks for everyone to graze on—cherry tomatoes stuffed with carrot top pesto, baked sweet potato rounds and some hummus with rainbow carrots. Thrown off by the color and flavor, my mom bit into a carrot and asked what it was. When I told her, she said, “But they’re so sweet!” I explained that that is how organic carrots taste when they’re fresh from the farm.

It’s true—locally and sustainably grown produce just tastes better. It wasn’t until we moved to Baldwin County (about 12 years ago) that I started getting to know the people who grow much of the food we eat. Currently, Will Mastin and the Local Appetite team supply our weekly produce delivery, including those rainbow carrots my mom fell in love with, and eggs from the Perkins family at Nature Nine Farms in the Magnolia Springs area. I enjoy garnishing my meals with microgreens grown by Roselyn Spaan of Garden Variety in Fairhope, and we love the local honey we get from Becka Hargraves of B’s Bees and Cheryl Kittrell of Kittrell’s Apiary. At our house, fresh herbs, satsumas and blueberries often have the shortest distance to travel because they are growing right outside our door. In this month’s article, “Down to Earth: The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming”, we learn how sustainable farming methods are not only better for the planet, but they also produce more nutritious food. Mobile resident Leevones G. Fisher knows the value of accessible, healthy food, and in “Cultivating Communities and Wellness”, we spotlight her efforts to have a garden on each of the 29 streets in her neighborhood. If her story doesn’t inspire you to learn how to grow your own food, “Indoor Edible Gardening” might, as writer April Thompson shares ideas for growing vegetables, sprouts and microgreens inside, year-round. Who’s growing your food? If you don’t know, consider shopping at farmers’ markets, signing up for a local produce delivery service or planting a few easy-to-grow crops. Not only will you taste the difference, you’ll feel a new sense of connection to the food you consume and the people who grew it.

GULF COAST EDITION PUBLISHER Meredith Montgomery EDITING TEAM Michelle Bense Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Michael Wilson LAYOUT Meredith Montgomery Gabrielle W-Perillo

DISTRIBUTION MGR. Stephanie Klumpp

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com

With gratitude, © 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recyclable newsprint.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

news briefs

A year of social distancing has accelerated cognitive decline in many individuals. “The lack of social interaction is causing dementia cases to suffer big time and depression is on the rise,” says Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, owner of the Mind Performance Center, LLC, in Foley, Alabama. Brown provides non-drug rehabilitation for a wide range of brain disorders, with an approach that fosters brain balance and performance without negative side effects. For years he researched deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS) and its potential for dramatic improvement in quality of life, and in 2008 this technology became an FDA-approved option for treatmentresistant depression. DTMS increases the brain’s ability to regenerate and release neurotransmitters, and when paired with brain pathway correction and the science-based nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen, positive results are often quick and profound. This multifaceted approach allows the Mind Performance Center to treat and reverse dementia. “We look at patients through the functional medicine lens and know that we can’t treat one issue at a time. We have to treat all of the brain issues at once, or it won’t get better,” Brown says. In addition to dementia and depression, the center treats ADHD, traumatic brain injury, autism, anxiety, stroke and Parkinson’s.

For more information, call 251-597-8787 or visit MindPerformanceCenter.com. See ad, page 5.

Daxiao Productions/AdobeStock.com

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Provides Natural Solution for Depression and Dementia

Learn the Basics in Yoga for Beginners at Soul Shine Soul Shine Yoga, in Fairhope, is offering a special class on Saturdays in March to help students new to yoga feel comfortable on the mat. These classes are perfect for beginners and for those looking for a slow and mindful back-tobasics class. Students will learn to connect to body and breath, making the most out of their time on the mat by bringing awareness and intention to their movements. In addition to building strength and flexibility, students will leave class feeling confident and calm. Classes are limited to 10 students and everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions and receive personal feedback.

Enjoy clean, ionized alkaline water at home or at work, as much as you want, any time you want it, for only $69 per month*. Our IONIZER RENTAL PROGRAM allows you to experience the convenience of an in-home ionizer without a commitment to purchase. Never buy bottled water again!

“The benefits of yoga are endless and available to everyone. We are here to support you and guide you safely in your yoga practice,” says owner Emily Sommerville. “In addition to gaining the physical benefits of strength and flexibility, you’ll discover more confidence and resilience in your life off the mat.”

Advanced registration is required for each class. For more information, call 251225-4597 or visit TheSoulShineLife.com/ Begin. See ad, page 19.

*12 month agreement. Small initial deposit required.

Offering Ionized Alkaline Water, In-Home Alkaline Water Ionizers, BPA/BPS-Free Water Bottles & HydroZen Spa Services.

VISIT US TODAY!

NOW OPEN in Mobile! 2724 Old Shell Rd, Midtown Mobile, AL | 251-586-8198 217-B Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL | 251-270-7200 | PeakAlkalinity.com

March 2021

Become a magnet to what you want!

lign & Thrive

Psych-K • Meditation • Life Coaching • Reiki Sound Bath/Crystal Singing Bowls

Angela Day, Psych-K practitioner, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach To learn more, call/text: 404-429-1651

news briefs

Multivitamin Energy Drink Provides a Boost Naturally Centurion Labs’ Just Energy is a new all-natural, vegan, multivitamin energy drink mix that is designed to nourish the body while increasing energy levels. With 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form, the drink provides six to eight hours of sustained energy. Unlike other products, Just Energy utilizes B vitamins combined with green tea-derived caffeine and di-caffeine malate from plants, which prevents jitters or a crash. Sweetened with Stevia and Erythritol, it’s also sugar-free and diabetic friendly, with less than one calorie per serving. “Just Energy is a perfect pick-me-up for work, the gym or as a multivitamin,” says David Shane, Regional Manager of Centurion Labs. “It’s a healthy alternative to other energy and sports drinks because these vitamins are not synthetic and they’re bioavailable. Plus it tastes good and it’s cost effective enough to drink every day.” Available flavors include watermelon, strawberry-kiwi and blue raspberry.

small-batched kombucha

Natural Awakenings readers can order online with discount code “Natural” to receive a 30-serving container for $37.80 (shipping included). Centurion Labs is also looking for retail partners to carry Just Energy.

infused with

love, laughter and a dash of southern sarcasm!

WildMagnoliaLife.com

Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Centurion Labs is a pharmaceutical company that has been making products that prescribers and patients can trust since 2005. Other products they offer include Ninjacof (the strongest non-narcotic cough suppressant on the market) and Bump DHA (a prenatal and postnatal vitamin supplement).

NO PAIN. ALL GAIN.

For more information and wholesale pricing or samples, call/text 251-379-6222 or visit CenturionLabs.com. See ad, page 27.

– handcrafted in coastal alabama –

check website for retailers:

Community Challenge Raises Funds for Special Needs Playground The American Autism and Rehabilitation Foundation (AARF) is hosting the Warrior Challenge to help improve the physical and emotional health of the community while raising funds for the rebuilding of the American Autism and Rehabilitation Center’s (AARC) outdoor playground. Hurricane Sally destroyed the Daphne center’s equipment last fall.

OsteoStrong is unique because it delivers massive physical performace gains with minimal effort. It’s the Ultimate Biohack.

This virtual challenge asks participants to set a walking or running goal of 31, 65 or 100 miles during the month of March. A private Facebook group will provide daily encouragement and fun weekly challenges. The entry fee, which includes a T-shirt, is $30 for adults and $15 for children.

60 seconds of effort once-a-week improves balance, posture & strength.

scientifically-advanced, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, accessible to all ages and fitness levels NEW! Mobile: 251-586-8226 2724 Old Shell Rd

Fairhope: 251-210-6955 333 Greeno Rd S., Unit 2B

Schedule your session today. 8

“Health and wellness are important to the staff and families at AARC,” says Director of Community Outreach, Christy Kelley Wilson. “With your support, we can give children with autism and other special needs a place to play, learn and participate in therapeutic activities.” AARF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the lives of children, adults and families affected by various special needs conditions. Their support of local programs helps minimize or eliminate obstacles that interfere with independence.

For more information, call 251-210-1632 or visit AmericanAutismCenter.org/events.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

kudos Tara McLellan, owner of Integrative Healthcare of Lower Alabama, in Daphne, recently received her certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM). Originally from Mobile, McLellan has been a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner for more than 10 years and is also an instructor for the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of South Alabama. According to IFM, the functional medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes. “I decided to pursue certification through IFM because they set the gold standard for the education and clinical practice of functional medicine globally. They are also instrumental in researching functional medicine principles so that I can be confident that I am delivering research-based care to my patients,” says McLellan, who was moved by the presenting doctors at the first IFM conference she attended. “I knew I had met my tribe! They were passionate about truly helping their patients achieve health and they equally stressed how important collaboration with your patient is in achieving this.” IFM works to advance the highest expression of individual health by advocating functional medicine as the standard of care. They launched the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine with Dr. Mark Hyman and collaborate with academia to incorporate functional medicine into curriculum.

What is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of

becoming yourself.

-Anna Quindlen

Once you connect with your own unique energy, and your brilliance is recognized in a way that does not diminish your light, but instead fuels it, anything is possible. Contact me to start your journey to a life that is easy to navigate, regardless of the circumstances. Peace, love & glitter,

Meryl Hyderally

Feng Shui Design Consultant

fengshui 831

251-463-1862 | fengshui831.com

For more information, call 251-210-8615 or visit AlabamaIntegrativeHealth.com. See ad, page 10. (formerly Ascent Audiology)

Available now in print and online!

HEALTHY &

GREEN LIVING

DIRECTORY 2021

Better hearing. Better health. Did you know depression, dementia, falls, anxiety and high blood pressure can all be linked to hearing loss? Dr. Andy Tubertini and Dr. Monica Boudreaux

Providing comprehensive and individualized care for all your hearing needs.

Schedule your FREE hearing consultation today! 105 Lottie Lane, Ste. A., Fairhope: 251-990-0535 8154 State Hwy. 59, Ste. 202, Foley: 251-971-1152

CoastalAlabamaHearing.com

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

Read it online now or contact us for print edition distribution locations. HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. ~Audrey Hepburn March 2021

health briefs

Getting an MRI or CT scan is typically not a relaxing experience, and patient discomfort, anxiety or agitation can affect the quality of the image. Taking note of businesses that use lighting to create a mood, researchers from Pepperdine University demonstrated that patient unease in imaging centers can be modified with the use of colored LED lights. In a pilot study involving 35 subjects, 43 percent found blue lighting most relaxing, while 31 percent preferred yellow. The least relaxing lighting color was red, according to 69 percent of participants, followed by yellow (17 percent) and green (11 percent). Each subject was given a handheld device to set the hue, intensity and brightness of lighting, and most chose blue. No patient preferred the standard bright, white lighting of healthcare environments. “When given the opportunity to change a single aspect of the environmental or imaging facility experience, patients feel much more in control of the otherwise unfamiliar and uncomfortable setting,” write the authors in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Discover functional medicine to restore whole-body health. “Our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal themselves. Discover the underlying causes of illness so you can heal from within.”

Tara McLellan,

Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

Integrative Healthcare of Lower Alabama

Early signs of oral cancer can include white patches, sores and lumps inside the mouth, biomarkkamichou/AdobeStock.com ers known collectively as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). To see if two natural chemopreventive agents—green tea extract and curcumin—could reverse these conditions, researchers in India tested 60 people with OPMD, splitting them into three groups. One group was given 400 milligrams (mg) of green tea extract in a capsule, as well as a gel; a second group was given 475 mg of curcumin; and the third received a combination of the first two treatments. After 12 weeks, researchers found that the supplementation had significantly reduced OPMD biomarkers in all three groups, with particularly strong results in the combination group, suggesting a synergistic effect.

Try Ginger to Lower Diabetes Markers Ginger root (Zingiber officinale), used historically in traditional medicine to treat indigestion and nausea, may also help people with Type 2 diabetes, suggests a new study from Brazil. Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind study of 103 people with Type 2 diabetes that were taking medications. Those taking 1.2 grams of ginger powder for 90 days experienced a significant drop in the level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to those taking a placebo.

28720 US-98 #2, Daphne, AL Telehealth Appointments Available! 251-210-8615 | AlabamaIntegrativeHealth.com 10

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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We go beyond medication & symptom management.

Use Green Tea Extract and Curcumin to Ward Off Oral Cancer

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Use Colored LED Lights to Relax

Improve Children’s Brain Health with Better Nutrition Join the

Probiotic Skincare Revolution. Clean, safe, highly effective products; zero harmful toxins.

SKINCARE, BODY CARE, ANTI-AGING, MAKE-UP Call for your 30-Day Risk-Free Trial! Local Consultant, Karen Watson: 256-508-0389 TruAuraBeauty.com/trubeauty4u

Hearing is living.

Let us help you live again!

Comprehensive audiology clinic servicing all hearing aid manufacturers. Insurance accepted. 0% interest financing options. Dr. Emily Domingue Owner & Doctor of Audiology : teboga masilela/Unsplash.com

In a study with important implications for underfed children in low-income countries and elsewhere, a new study in The BMJ medical journal found that six months of nutritional supplements can improve working memory and blood flow in children’s brains. Researchers from Tufts University travelled to villages in GuineaBissau, West Africa, where they gave 1,059 children, ages 1 through 7 years, a breakfast supplement high in plant polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and protein. They compared results with children eating the standard local breakfast of rice or a common lower-quality supplement. They found that the enhanced nutritional supplement boosted cognition and increased cerebral blood flow in children younger than 4 and raised their hemoglobin concentration if they were anemic. Children older than 4 had improved body compositions—more lean tissue and less fat. With at least 250 million children worldwide younger than 5 that are failing to reach their cognitive developmental potential, these results pose significant impacts for children’s education and national development in low-income countries, say the researchers.

8230 Spanish Fort Blvd, Ste C Spanish Fort, AL

251-250-7343 NautilusHearingSpanishFort.com

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Try Mindfulness to Improve Cardiovascular Health Mindfulness training can lower blood pressure and positively influence behavior that promotes cardiovascular health, report Brown University researchers. The study published in Plos One involved 43 people with hypertension. In eight weekly 150-minute sessions, participants learned mindfulness meditation movements and techniques, including eating food mindfully, while also receiving instruction on hypertension risk factors. By the end of the year, they reported improvements in stress levels, diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. On average, systolic blood pressure fell by six points and diastolic pressure by one point, a small, but significant improvement.

We use products that are ethically made using the best certified organic and natural ingredients, plus filtered water.

Go organic today.

B-Butterfly SALON

Organic Hair Color & Products

103A N Bancroft St, Fairhope 251-990-9934 | www.BButterflySalon.com

March 2021

Buzz Kill

global briefs

Honey Bees Have a Dirty Secret

Cold Comfort

Hazardous Pollutants Found in Mount Everest Snow

daniel prudek/AdobeStock.com

Manmade perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in water-repellant outdoor gear and linked to birth defects, high cholesterol and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer have been detected in snow at the top of Mount Everest, posing a risk for trekkers, climbers and residents that drink the water. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry suggests that exposure to high levels of PFAS may suppress the immune system and increase the risk of getting COVID-19. The PFAS discovery was reported by Kimberley Miner, a research assistant professor at the University of Maine Climate Change Institute, who along with 20 co-authors published a paper, “Deposition of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ on Mt. Everest,” in the online journal Science of the Total Environment. The PFAS pollution shows that people unknowingly shed these chemicals. Some companies that make outdoor gear are phasing them out, while others cite “technical challenges” in delaying such implementation.

Hot Stuff

The Benefits of Renewable Geothermal Energy

cardaf/AdobeStock.com

Due to the ongoing decay of radioactive elements in the Earth’s core, temperatures 4,000 miles below the surface can reach 10,800° F. The molten magma we call lava carries enormous heat to the surface. But despite its enormous potential, geothermal energy supplied just 0.4 percent of U.S. electricity in 2019. In California, the perimeter of the inland Salton Sea lies several thousand feet above a mineral-rich cauldron of hot water that powers 10 geothermal plants. The state has emphasized wind and solar power while neglecting the development of geothermal plants, despite possessing our most productive geothermal fields. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimated in 2007 that releasing just 2 percent of this untapped resource in sites around the country could supply 2,000 times our overall primary energy needs without needing any improvements in drilling technology. While the first geothermal plants in the 1960s drained reservoirs of their steam or water, binary plants—a new design from the 1980s—allow operators to extract the heat while maintaining the generating potential. Between 2006 and 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy spent only $1 billion on geothermal technology due to falling coal prices, a fraction of what was spent on fossil fuels and solar investment.

Although honey bees symbolize prosperity, sustainability and environmentalism, and are vital to farmers, they also have a distressing effect on the environment—destabilizing natural ecosystems by competing with native bees. Thousands of beekeeping hobbyists and campaigns to save the bees provide honey bees much more media coverage than native pollinators. High densities of honey bee colonies increase competition with the native pollinators for forage, putting even more pressure on the wild species that are already in decline. Honey bees are extremely general foragers and monopolize floral resources, leading to exploitative competition where one species uses up a resource, not leaving enough to go around. Sheila Colla, an assistant professor and conservation biologist at Toronto’s York University, tells Scientific American, “Beekeeping is for people; it’s not a conservation practice. People mistakenly think keeping honey bees, or helping honey bees, is somehow helping the native bees, which are at risk of extinction. The focus on neonics [pesticide] and honey bees has taken a ton of resources away from conserving wild pollinators from their most important threats.”

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

a lis

m .co els ex P / ios fot

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eco tip

PLUG AND PEDAL The Benefits of Using Electric Bikes Gas-guzzlers are the worst of vehicles, emitting harmful pollutants and using up nonrenewable natural resources. An Earth-friendlier alternative for work commutes or pleasurable neighborhood spins is the e-bike, powered by pedaling and an electric motor. Reaching maximum speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour and costing $400 and up, an electric bicycle offers a more scenic and easier ride that gets us to our destinations without trashing the planet.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Zero emissions. Electric bikes run on clean energy, eliminating the devastating carbon emissions associated with cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles.

muters enjoyed similar cardiorespiratory improvements regardless of whether they used an electric bicycle or a conventional, non-motorized model. With the power assist, e-bikers were able to cycle at higher speeds and climb hills more easily, which also proved to be highly motivating.

SAFETY TIPS Pay attention to traffic. Many car drivers may not expect a biker to reach 20 or more miles per hour. Ride defensively. Be visible. Outfit the bike with lights and a bell and wear eye-catching clothing. Start slow. Get a feel for the bike’s capabilities at lower speeds before cranking it up.

Long-lasting power. The batteries last for years—much longer than traditional types. They don’t contain lead and can be recycled.

Give it a brake. With the added speed and power, slowing down well ahead of stop signs, lights and road crossings is a must.

Easier on roads. Bikes are considerably lighter than larger vehicles and cause much less damage to infrastructure.

Be careful on the mount and dismount. An ebike is about 20 pounds heavier than a regular bike, so a step-through frame might make good sense, even for men.

HEALTH-FRIENDLY COMMUTING E-bikes are a great way to bring some physical activity to an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. In a 2018 study, Swiss researchers found that com-

Wear a helmet. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head injury is the most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle-related crashes. March 2021

diverse conversations

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY AND WELLNESS A Mobile Community Garden Addresses Needs and Inspires Action by Meredith Montgomery

When Leevones G. Fisher moved back to the Trinity Gardens community of Mobile to take care of her mother in 1979, she watched as crime grew in her childhood neighborhood year after year. “In 1996 my brother had been murdered. The children of friends had been murdered. Crime in our community was bad at that time, with police and service workers afraid to come into the neighborhood,” she recalls.

Above: Leevones G Fisher, Below: Michael R Fisher

By 1997 Fisher could no longer ignore the problems so she met with other motivated women and together, they founded Bay Area Women Coalition, Inc. (BAWC) to provide a safer urban community with consistent support and services. “We went from fighting crime to building homes—we became a community housing development organization and constructed 21 new, affordable homes,” she says. To date BAWC has constructed 60 new homes and 16 apartments for seniors, plus renovated hundreds of existing houses, all within the Trinity Gardens neighborhood. More than 15 years after BAWC’s founding, Fisher woke up with a new idea: “I want to plant a garden,” she said to her husband, having never done so before. “My husband thought it would pass and when it didn’t he wanted to take me to the doctor,” she says with a laugh. “Alabama has one of the worst poverty rates in the nation and we don’t have enough food. I saw so many people going hungry; I still see people going hungry. I didn’t want to just plant a few pots on my back porch. I wanted a garden on every street in this community so children wouldn’t have to be hungry,” she says.

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PLANTING THE SEEDS Fisher started out by visiting the elementary and middle schools to plant collards and cabbage with countless students. Then she established the Trinity Gardens Community Garden on an acre of blighted property in her neighborhood. The goal was to bring people together to produce traditional crops otherwise unavailable in the neighborhood. “The city sold us the land for $200 with the promise that we would plant a community garden and maintain the property. It took 24 tandem-size dump truck loads to clear that property of all the trash, debris and overgrown trees,” says Fisher, who, being completely inexperienced, turned to the Mobile County Extension Office for guidance. They taught her how to collect a soil sample and send it to Auburn for testing. She was told that her soil was rich and that she could plant anything that was appropriate for her planting zone. “I learned about our zone and knew if I wasn’t sure about something, I could always depend on Auburn—I am always asking them questions.” She began attending meetings for farmers to learn how to improve her crops and she has a list of contacts that she calls upon when she faces a challenge. Fisher recalls one year the bottoms of her tomatoes were being eaten. Perplexed, she sent a photo to Auburn and learned that birds were the culprit. “But they told me not to get rid of the birds because they were predators to the bad stuff—they were

eating insects off my tomatoes. I learn so much from the experts,” she says. As the garden continued to grow, Fisher got the idea to plant fruit trees to ease the workload of having to replant crops every season. After talking to the Department of Agriculture in Montgomery, they gave her grant money for 200 berry, citrus and nut trees that now populate parts of the garden.

GROWING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY No pesticides or harsh chemicals are used on the community garden and although some residents help themselves, produce from the community garden can be ordered from BAWC. Fisher says, “Some people give me money, some don’t. I don’t worry about it because I know I am in a low income neighborhood and I know people need food. I’d rather them come get some from us than rob a service station or a bank. If you don’t have good nutrition, your body can’t fight the diseases that exist today, and that’s why I plant a lot of berries and greens that are high in antioxidants.” At 70 years old, Fisher continues to dream big, puts ideas into action and seems to bring out the selfless side of so many people she meets. She speaks about a farmer who gave her a truckload of mulch one year and a nursery owner that gave her chicken fertilizer when her trees weren’t fruiting. She learned that sawdust can be used as mulch when the owner of a lumber company gave her three truckloads of it. “Some men in the neighborhood helped me put four to five shovels of sawdust around 100 trees,” she says. Others will see her digging and scraping the dirt and pick up a hoe to join her, or when they see her cutting the grass, they offer to pick up her clippings. Her initiative and bounty generated a lot of interest from residents, and eventually community members wanted to plant gardens in their own yards. “My goal is to have at least one resident on each of our 29 streets planting a garden. We have 13 right now and each of them takes an oath to plant something every season in their garden,” says Fisher. BAWC encourages their efforts by offering monthly workshops and hands-on guidance. Sometimes the organization is able to supply free seeds and volunteer labor. One year, they gave away 5,000 tree saplings on Arbor Day.

CULTIVATING DIVERSITY Fisher recently attended a workshop for farmers and couldn’t help but notice that the room was full of white males. She is cognizant of the fact that she doesn’t fit the mold of a typical food grower—according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 census, 64 percent of farmers are male and less than 2 percent are Black. “I get kind of hurt by that fact, but I tell our community [which is 95 percent Black] they need to try it. It’s a healthy way of living because it keeps you moving,” she

says. “Anyone can plant a garden. Even in an apartment I can show someone how to grow tomatoes, herbs and spices in their kitchen. You can have fresh veggies every day of your life that you can be proud of.” When Fisher’s family gets together, they often tease her that she’s an old lady playing in the dirt. “They say I never did this when I was young, but I tell them you’re never too old to try something—you should always be learning something new.” For more information, call 251-457-6867 or visit MobileBAWC.org.

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DOWN TO EARTH The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming by Sandra Yeyati

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With its dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, heavy tilling techniques, concentrated animal feeding practices and mono-crops—all designed to maximize yields—conventional farming has come at a great cost. “Conventional intensive farming practices have significant negative consequences for the land and surrounding ecosystems,” says Richard Teague, Texas A&M professor of Ecosystem Science and Management. “By disrupting the natural function of these habitats, the valuable ecosystem services they provide are compromised.”

The way we’re growing food now is not sustainable. “According to the United Nations, we only have 60 harvests left before our soil is completely depleted. Years of conventional industrial agriculture have drained the soil dry of all of the organic matter, all the microbes, that microbiome that brings nutrients to our plants and to our planet as a whole,” says Margaret Wilson, content creation and media relations specialist at the Rodale Institute. 16

The UN also reported last year that agriculture and forestry were responsible for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. “Agriculture is a climateintensive process and conventional practices make that even worse because they’re fossil fuel-intensive,” Wilson says. “They require a lot of machinery to plow fields and distribute pesticides. Fertilizers are fossil fuel-based. Tillage is a huge part of conventional agriculture, where you’re turning the soil

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over, and that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” One third of the world’s land surface is considered desert, and according to Judith D. Schwartz, the Vermont author of The Reindeer Chronicles and Cows Save the Planet, most deserts are manmade. “If we look historically, we learn that most deserts were once thriving grasslands or some other kind of ecosystem and became deserts after hundreds of years of poor grazing management or farming

that was no longer putting nutrients back into the soil.” The good news is that deserts can be brought back to life. In the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where much of the land is degraded, ingenious ranchers have figured out a way to support healthy animals and plant biodiversity. “The ranchers were earning money by managing the livestock holistically in a way that was reviving the ecological function of these lands, so there were thick grasses, birds and butterflies flourishing right next to land that looked horrible—absolute deserts with a lot of erosion, the soil so depleted that it couldn’t hold water,” recalls Schwartz, who visited the area. Regenerative organic farming holds great promise to rebuild soil, draw carbon from the atmosphere and ultimately grow healthier food. “When you take out the pesticides, fertilizers and intensive tilling, our farming systems trial concluded that regenerative organic agriculture uses 45 percent fewer fossil fuels and releases 40 percent fewer carbon emissions than conventional practices,” Wilson says, adding that a recent Rodale Institute white paper postulated that by transitioning all global crop and pastureland to regenerative management, we could sequester 100 percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions. As the founder of the Rodale Institute, J.I. Rodale, said, “Healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.” Soil restoration is job one, and we know how to do this. “The goal of regenerative farming is to farm and ranch in nature’s image,” says Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer and author of Dirt to Soil. He offers the following six principles to create a thriving, regenerating agricultural ecosystem:

1 2

Context: “There’s a reason bananas do not grow in North Dakota. They don’t fit the context, whereas more spring wheat is grown in North Dakota than anywhere else. You have to farm and ranch in your context.” The least amount of mechanical and chemical disturbance possible: “Nature tills with earthworms and burrowing rodents, but it certainly doesn’t till the soil like we do in farming or even in gardening. Tilling is the worst thing you can do if you want to raise nutrient-dense food. Nature aerates the soil with the use of living plants and soil aggregates. Those soil aggregates will only last about four weeks, then new ones need to be formed, and the only way to form them is by not tilling and allowing biology and fungi to secrete substances that help bind sand, silt and clay to form soil aggregates.”

Armor on the soil: “Nature always tries to cover the soil, whether it be leaves in a forest or decaying plants in a pasture or field. Nature does not like bare soil.”

Diversity: “Where in nature do you see a monoculture? Usually only where man put it or man’s actions have driven it to be a monoculture. Nature is very diverse, with hundreds of different grasses, legumes all growing in harmony. We’ve gotten away from that. Now we plant monocultures. That’s not the way nature functions.”

Livestock and insect integration: “Nature does not function properly without animals. Too many people think we have to remove the animals from the landscape. That’s the worst thing you can do. What’s going to pollinate the plants? The way our rich soils were formed was with large herds of ruminants, grazing the plants. That plant, once grazed, starts sloughing off root exudates to attract biology, to regrow, and then that plant is able to cycle more carbon out of the atmosphere.” Brown waxes poetic when he talks about the amazing results of regenerative farming. “Healthy soil looks like dark chocolate cake. It’s full of pore spaces. Healthy soil is dark

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A living root being in the soil as long as possible throughout the year: “I go out in the spring here in North Dakota, and you’ve got crocuses coming up through the snow. That’s nature’s way of trying to take the solar energy and all of these compounds out of the atmosphere, and through photosynthesis convert it into carbon to feed soil biology.”

March 2021

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because of the amount of carbon in it. It smells good, whereas unhealthy soil is very compacted. There’s no pore spaces. Water cannot infiltrate into it. It’s a dull, pale color. You can see it, you can smell it, you can feel it.” According to Wilson, the Rodale Institute is poised to help farmers adopt these principles and make them profitable. “People say regenerative organic isn’t scalable, but through our farming systems trial, we’re proving that you can do this on a large scale. It might require Ask about our customization, but that’s why we’re seasonal investingdetox so much in providing support and cleanses! research to farmers to help them navigate that, and we’re seeing that scalability is not a barrier to implementation because so many big companies like Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia are starting to implement these practices because people are demanding it. The market finds a way to make it doable and as long as we keep up our consumer education and show people that this is a benefit to everybody, I think large-scale farmers and corporations that buy their products will respond.” Last year, Graham Christensen’s father gave him and his brother full control of a 750-acre farm in Oakland, Nebraska, that has been in the family since 1867. Over the decades, the farm has seen many changes, but the biggest transformation is still to come, as the brothers eagerly transition their once conventional operation into a regenerative organic one. The family began to incorporate a few innovations 12 years ago when they stopped tilling the land and adopted solar energy, but this year they’ll take bolder

steps to eliminate their dependence on GMO seeds and chemical fertilizers and pesticides which over the years have reduced organic matter levels in the soil and led to increased and unhealthy nutrient levels in their waterways. “For the first time, we’ll be cover-cropping 612 acres and expanding habitats for wildlife, especially in some riparian areas, so we can get more roots in the soil and have better filtration and cleaner water,” Christensen explains. “We’re going to produce nutrients by building a biodiverse ecosystem and we’re incorporating animal grazing systems to help us fertilize naturally rather than having to add synthetics like nitrogen and phosphorus.” They have planted a 100-tree hazelnut orchard that they hope to expand as a tree crop. “That’s going to help us stop soil erosion, store more carbon in the ground, produce another form of income and also be able to fit right into our cropping system, virtually taking out no extra land; just creating a higher layer, so now we’re farming higher in the air.” The transition is not without its risks, Christensen adds. “Farms like ours have been heavily subsidized by the federal government to ship our grain to other countries. What we’re trying to do now is produce more small grains and hazelnuts for a regional market and reintroduce livestock to the land—not in confinement— so we can focus more on feeding people in our local community and in Omaha or Lincoln or Kansas City or Des Moines.”

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conscious eating

MINI-GREENS, MAJOR NUTRIENTS

Indoor Edible Gardening

Many health-conscious gardeners are drawn to sprouts and microgreens for their nutritional benefits, as they contain as much as 40 times the nutrients as their full-grown counterparts. Sprouts can easily be grown with or without soil, and are eaten before the first tiny cotyledon leaves emerge, whereas microgreens are harvested later, often just before or after the first true leaves, the second pair, pop up.

Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round by April Thompson

There’s no need to wait until the last frost date to sow a kitchen garden. Impatient gardeners or those without outdoor space can grow almost anything indoors with a little light and creativity. “You can start many edible plants from seed on a sunny windowsill, even in late winter. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything germinates this time of year,” says Zia Allaway, the British author of Indoor Edible Garden: Creative Ways to Grow Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables in Your Home. Herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are among the many foods that can be easily grown from seed indoors, according to Allaway. Many fruiting plants that are not self-pollinating, such as cucumbers, need a boost from hand pollination if growing them indoors. Allaway adds, “When growing any plants on a windowsill, rotate them periodically so they grow evenly, as they will turn toward the light.” While crops like garlic, beets and carrots won’t reach maturity indoors, they can still be grown inside for their tasty, nutritious leaves. To grow garlic shoots, for example, remove the papery outer case and submerge the flat end of a garlic bulb in a container of water, leaving the top exposed to air. Within a few weeks, garlicky-flavored shoots will sprout up that can be harvested and used like chives, advises Allaway.

Burke’s tried and true method is to plant a small amount of seed every day from a mix of sunflower, peas, radish, buckwheat and brassicas like broccoli or kohlrabi, providing a steady supply of his family’s daily dose of greens. While some gardeners grow sprouts or microgreens directly on paper towels or coconut coir, Burke prefers using a store-bought, germination soil mix, spread up to two inches deep in reusable trays, watered once a day and grown without artificial light. Many seeds commonly found in the home pantry can be turned into sprouts

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To maximize space, she suggests growing plants vertically, perhaps by hanging bushy herbs or trailing plants in a window basket. She has also used interior walls to erect a trellis for vining plants like cucumbers, wiring it up with screw eyes.

“Sprouted greens grown at home are the freshest food you’ll ever eat. Being able to grow your own salads is also a lot of fun in the winter, to see the wonderful colors growing on your shelf,” says Peter Burke, the Calais, Vermont, author of Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening: How to Grow Nutrient-Dense, Soil-Sprouted Greens in Less Than 10 Days.

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and shoots, says Lina Wallentinson, the Swedish author of Sprouts, Shoots and Microgreens: Tiny Plants to Grow and Eat in Your Kitchen. “Mustard seeds from the spice shelf, whole lentils in all colors, chickpeas and yellow peas can all be easily grown for sprouts and shoots without any special equipment,” she says. Seeds can be put into wide-mouthed jars, soaked overnight, and then drained and rinsed two to three times a day. Germination of seeds into sprouts, from mung beans to quinoa, can typically take less than 24 hours with this method. Sprouts and microgreens make great toppers for salads, soups, sandwiches or smoothies, and they can also be cooked. “Newly sprouted mung and lentil seeds with a short ‘tail’ are perfect to flashfry and season with soy, chili and a little sesame oil as an alternative to rice or pasta,” says Wallentinson. “Sprouts are also nice to bake with. Like seeds and nuts, they give a good little chew in all kinds of breads.” Whether growing sprouts, microgreens or full-sized plants, Allaway advises home gardeners to make drainage holes at the bottom of the containers to avoid overwatering. “It’s better to underwater than overwater a plant, because once it starts to rot, it’s game over. There is also research showing that a little stress from occasional underwatering can trigger the plant to produce more phytochemicals, which are nutritionally beneficial,” she says. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Noodle Soup with Coconut, Sprouts and Shoots Yield: 4 servings 1 8¾ oz pack of noodles 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 carrot 2 tsp red curry paste Canola oil, for frying 1 13½ oz can coconut milk 1 tsp tomato purée 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or Japanese soy sauce) 1 vegetable stock cube 1 tsp sugar 1¼ cups water 2 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1 red bell pepper About 7 oz mung bean sprouts Pea and radish shoots, for garnish Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain off the water, and mix the noodles with the oil. Peel and thinly slice the carrot. In a saucepan, cook the curry paste and carrot in some oil for about 1 minute. Add in the coconut milk, tomato purée, fish sauce, stock cube, sugar and water, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the lime juice. Halve, seed and julienne the bell pepper; add it to the soup. Divide the noodles between the bowls, add the soup and sprinkle with sprouts and shoots. Recipes excerpted from Sprouts, Shoots & Microgreens: Tiny Plants to Grow and Eat in Your Home Kitchen, by Lina Wallentinson. Photography by Lennart Weibull.

MICROGREENS VERSUS SPROUTS Local Expert Weighs In

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Roselyn Spaan, owner of Garden Variety Microgreens in Fairhope: Microgreens typically take a few more days to a week longer to grow than sprouts, but those days add a lot of value. Microgreens produce far more harvestable yield for the same amount of seed compared to spouts. The great magic of plants is their ability to use light to turn carbon dioxide into complex carbon structures, [or] free food from thin air! Not only do you get more food, but microgreens tend to have a higher density of complex nutrients than sprouts. The greater concentration of nutrients in microgreens also translates to more intense and delicious flavors. March 2021

healing ways

Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol A Primer on the Latest Research by Sandra Yeyati

Ever since the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized the commercial production of hemp, U.S. sales of cannabidiol (CBD) have exploded onto the scene with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of vendors popping up around the country. CBD, a cannabinoid, is abundant in the hemp flower. “By law, hemp is defined as a variety of cannabis plant that has less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid that induces a high,” says Shannon Livingston, a cannabis consultant for Florida Gulf Coast University, in Fort Myers.

PROVEN BENEFITS OF CBD:

“The enthusiasm for CBD is soaring above the actual scientific evidence,” says Peter Grinspoon, M.D., a leading medical cannabis expert and primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. “What’s known is that it helps with childhood epilepsy, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a CBD drug for that. It is believed, and there’s good animal data and some human data to suggest, that CBD helps with chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.”

ANXIETY UNDER STUDY:

A clinical trial examining a high-CBD, low-THC (the psychoactive component) sublingual custom formulation for patients with moderate to severe anxiety is being conducted by Staci Gruber, Ph.D., director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, Massachusetts, and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “In the open label phase of this study, we’ve seen a rather dramatic and precipitous drop in symptoms of anxiety and depression after four weeks of treatment. We’ll see if this holds in the double-blind phase, which is underway now,” she explains.

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ENTOURAGE EFFECT:

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Gruber notes that this customized formulation is a full-spectrum, wholeplant formula, saying, “You often seem to get a bigger bang for the buck using a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum (whole plant minus THC) product, rather than just a single extracted compound.” The process she’s describing is called the entourage effect—an assumption that all elements of the cannabis plant, working together, are most effective. “I believe there’s a significant role for terpenoids, flavonoids and other cannabinoid constituents of the plant, in addition to the big two (THC and CBD), and I have a grant to look at that very question,” she says.

HOW TO START CBD:

Experts agree that the best approach is to start low and go slow. “With experimentation, the patient will know what works for them,” Grinspoon says. “When CBD doesn’t work with my patients, the next step is to add a little bit of medical cannabis; it often takes a very little dose to help them

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with their sleep or their chronic pain.” Medical marijuana has been legalized in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION:

ENSURING QUALITY CONTROL:

“Choose CBD providers that are certified for good manufacturing practices; conduct batch-specific, third-party testing on all of their products; and provide certificates of analysis directly from those labs. These tests can detect the presence of heavy metals, bacterial or microbial life, mycotoxins and pesticides, and also provide cannabinoid potency and terpene profiles,” says Grace Kaucic, senior communications and content manager at Bluebird Botanicals, a CBD company in Louisville, Colorado.

OUR BUILT-IN CANNABINOIDS:

In the mid-1990s, researchers discovered the endocannabinoid system of receptors and neurotransmitters throughout the body, which uses cannabinoids that our own bodies produce. “This system is believed to control homeostasis, the body’s ability to regulate itself and maintain normal functioning,” Grinspoon says, adding that he believes this system will become central to medicine over the next few years as more research is conducted.

RESEARCH IS ONGOING:

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for cannabis science,” Gruber says. “There’s every reason to be optimistic about the potential of harnessing and exploiting the benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids in ways that may still surprise us, but to be cautiously optimistic. It is not a panacea. It will never be one-size-fits-all.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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“When you smoke or vape, it’s an almost immediate onset, which is helpful for breakthrough pain, nausea and anything you want to treat immediately, but the effect is very short-lived,” Livingston explains. “For chronic pain, you might take a capsule or the patch that will last six to eight hours. If you want to fall asleep, a sublingual will work. For a skin condition, you might rub an oil on your skin. It’s really about the time of onset, how long you need it to last and what you’re treating.”

LOOKING BEYOND CBD AND THC An Introduction to the Hemp-Derivative Delta-8 by Meredith Montgomery As a seemingly endless supply of cannabidiol (CBD) products have flooded the U.S. market in recent years, many experts in the industry are looking beyond CBD to the many other beneficial components of the cannabis plant. More than 480 chemical entities (including over 100 cannabinoids and over 100 terpenes) occur naturally in this complex plant, and when they interact with various receptors within our body, a wide gamut of psychoactive and medicinal effects are elicited. “Of the 489 chemicals in cannabis, delta-9-THC is the only one listed as a federally controlled substance,” says Jennifer Boozer, owner of CannaBama (CannaBama.com), in Mobile, Alabama. “Everyone knows it as the one that gets you in trouble—the one that gets you high.”

GET TO KNOW DELTA-8-THC

While many consumers are familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s primary psychoactive component, most are not aware that there are several forms of THC in cannabis. Delta-8-THC is an analog of the well-known delta-9-THC, and a slight molecular difference between the two makes delta-8 significantly less potent. Users report a smoother, less anxious psychoactive experience that leaves them functional, plus it seems to have more medicinal effects. “Even in low quantities, people love it for anxiety and pain relief, and it’s very effective for nausea and as an appetite stimulant,” says Boozer, who’s experienced a higher demand for delta-8 than CBD this year. “It can energize you or relax you depending on the terpene profile, but it’s more of a body high—it makes you feel good and helps you focus, and there’s no paranoia.” A well-known study on delta-8-THC involved eight children, ages 8 to 13, who were being treated with various drugs and chemotherapy for hematologic cancers in Jerusalem. The patients were given delta-8-THC two hours before each session of chemotherapy and then every six hours for 24 hours. With this treatment, “vomiting was March 2021

completely prevented” and “side effects observed were negligible.”

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Boozer also warns that many delta-8 vape cartridges being sold have illegal amounts of delta-9-THC and that researching brands to ensure transparency and quality is paramount. “You have to check the certificate of analysis (COA) and make sure the company is transparent by testing aggressively for purity and residuals like pesticides, heavy metals or solvents,” says Jon Bonds, the Sales Director of the delta-8 product line Hii Stick (HiiStick.com), based in Hawaii. He notes that a lot of brands from the tobacco industry are entering the market and trying to make quick money. “If a product is only 70 percent pure and nothing else is listed on the package, what is that other 30 percent?” Price points can also be a quick indication of quality. Hii Stick Marketing Director Ian Bush says, “Because the CBD conversion process is expensive and time consuming, the price [for delta-8] shouldn’t be too low—you get what you pay for.”

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Like the CBD market, there isn’t much quality control of delta-8 and the scientific research, while promising, is limited. The legality of it can also be murky when products are not sourced from a reputable retailer. While delta-8 derived from hemp—a cannabis variety that is high in CBD and low in THC—is federally legal, synthetically altering CBD into delta-8THC or sourcing it from a THC-potent cannabis plant, is illegal. Additionally, some states have more restrictive laws about hemp products, including Mississippi.

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COMPARING DELTA-8 TO OTHER CANNABINOIDS

Unlike synthetic cannabinoids (such as K2 or Spice, which are human-made chemicals that are sprayed on dried plant material), delta-8 naturally occurs in hemp. It has been around as long

as cannabis, but only recently has it been identified and isolated from other compounds. It’s growing in popularity partly because it can serve both medicinal and recreational consumers. “People think of CBD as the nonalcoholic beer of the cannabis world because they can’t feel its effects as significantly as they can feel THC. The long-term benefit of THC consumption is that it’s a part of the entourage effect—including it in a fullspectrum oil is great,” says Boozer. “But THC alone, in any form, is not going to get rid of inflammation and reverse symptoms like CBD can.”

inspiration

For many people, taking delta-8 at the end of the day is like drinking a glass of wine, but when combined with CBD, it helps bring the body into balance for overall wellbeing. Delta-8 can also be used to prolong the therapeutic effects of CBD, especially in cases involving pain or anxiety.

When I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At 15, I was at her graveside, navigating my first experience with the other side of love: loss. Ten years later, my beloved and only brother died tragically as a result of PTSD and untreated addiction. In a word: suicide. Where my mom’s death silenced me, my brother’s death pushed me into a deep pursuit of healing.

“I had fallen out of love with cannabis the older I got. I take CBD, but more as a supplement because it didn’t do it for me recreationally,” Bush says from Chicago. “After my daughter was born I learned about delta-8 and now [at Hii Stick] we’re trying to be innovators in this market because we see applications for it for so many types of people suffering from so many different things.” Boozer is excited about the growing popularity of delta-8 because every time producers learn how to isolate a new trace compound of cannabis, it represents a higher level of product customization that is available. “I think the future of cannabis is isolated compounds—I envision customers sitting at a bar and working with a mixologist to make a custom tincture of cannabinoids, terpenes and other herbs. We can keep that recipe on file for them and tweak it depending on their current needs—add echinacea if they feel a cold coming on, or increase the delta-8 if they get injured and need pain relief,” she says. She also thinks we need to stop referring to cannabis as a drug. Boozer says, “Cannabis is the most bioavailable plant that we know of. There’s more chemicals in cannabis that are identical to the human body and usable than any other plant. It’s a superfood and food is medicine.” For more information on CannaBama, see ad, opposite page.

HEALING FROM GRIEF New Africa/AdobeStock.com

Four Ways to Find Peace by Jasmin Jenkins

In the nine years since then, I have committed to discovering the light side of grief, to identifying and embracing the invitations that lay within its deep layers. What I’ve come to learn is that grieving is actually a renewal state—a cycle of releasing and reconnecting. The tears and sadness are, quite literally, just a more fluid connection to love. These are the four invitations I’ve found within the grief:

The invitation to pause When someone we love dies, our whole world changes in an instant and forever. And with this disruption, there is an opportunity for sacred inquiry that arrives as we pause and honor the absence of our loved one: the impressions they made on our lives, what we will miss about them, how we will continue to celebrate their lives and what their story taught us.

The invitation to connect with our breath With the intensity of emotions surrounding loss, breath can serve as our anchor. Simply remembering to close our eyes and breathe allows us to stay grounded in our body, mind and spirit. In the TED talk “Breathe to Heal,” Max Strom explains how certain patterns of breathing can actually change how we feel.

The invitation to feel Elizabeth Kübler–Ross taught us about the five stages of grief, but since everyone’s story and process is so unique, there is ultimately no linear order of the stages. If an emotion arises, allow for it. Feelings, after all, are just information about the state of our heart. The more we can give ourselves permission to be with where we are in our grief, the more at peace we will be in our process.

The invitation to heal Healing is a verb requiring action and commitment. We have to allow for the pain to heal, also remembering that in doing so, we must keep our hearts open. We have to ask for help when healing, because most of us can’t heal in isolation. Therapists who specialize in grief, online grief courses, bodywork and support groups can help us move forward. Zen Buddhism reminds us that the obstacle is the path. By exploring these invitations, we arrive at the truth that grief is actually a sacred pathway into a deeper connection within our hearts. Jasmin Jenkins is a Los Angeles-based integrative grief guide and the founder of Fall Up, which supports people navigating the spectrum of grief. Learn more at WeFallUp.com.

March 2021

fit body

ON A ROLL

Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

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by Marlaina Donato

Foam rolling—rolling parts of the body on top of a lightweight foam cylinder— targets trigger points or painful knots in muscles and is a valuable tool for reducing chronic pain and enhancing workout recovery. From sciatica to pelvic floor dysfunction, there is a foam roller for almost every condition, including low- to high-density, heated and textured types for massage-like benefits. Research during the past several years shows that using foam rollers before or after exercise quells fatigue, improves joint mobility, lowers risk of injury and eases muscle soreness. Its effectiveness is attributed to the activation of the central nervous system resulting in better circulation and reduced inflammation. “Foam rollers are used to relieve tension in the fascia (connective tissue), ‘roll’ out sore muscles and provide a soothing, self-controlled, soft-tissue massage,” says Amber Kivett, owner of Kivett Kinetic Solutions, in Monrovia, Indiana. “They can also be used for proprioception, balance, flexibility, core stability training and most importantly, 26

natural pain relief.”

FREEING THE BODY

Fascia, the body’s all-pervasive connective tissue, tightens like an invisible net from injury and other stresses and can adhere to the underlying muscles, creating pain and restriction. “Foam rolling has the power to change and realign the 12 fascial lines responsible for human movement and support,” says Kivett. “Those same fascial lines also sense and transmit pain and emotion far greater than any nerve or muscle and respond well to foam rolling. There’s an emotional and spiritual release in the body when fascia is compressed and released. That response facilitates a structural change to human alignment and an immediate change in pain levels for all types and causes of pain.” Foam rollers offer an opportunity for self-care, according to Los Angeles fitness trainer Ashley Borden. “Foam rolling is one of the best ways to troubleshoot your own body, keep it healthy and mobile. Using an inexpensive tool like a foam roller not

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only feels good, but it also connects you to your body. Foam rolling the entire body encourages circulation and an immediate feeling of relief afterwards. My clients who don’t like to work out are usually surprised how good they feel post-rollout and feel encouraged to do more.” She cites research that shows that a dynamic warm-up, paired with the use of foam rollers before and after workouts, amplifies recovery and aids in the repair of muscular micro-tears. For Rafal Augustynowicz, founder of TeamRAF Fitness, in Kent, England, it’s about counteracting lifestyle stresses. “The foam roller is a beautiful and great tool, especially in the 21st century, when we sit too many hours. It is a great tool to get our mobility and our posture back to normal.”

RECOVERY, JOINT PAIN AND SCIATICA

Gently rolling targeted muscles below and above specific joints can help to resolve certain types of pain, including in the knee. “Many times, when a person has pain in the knee, it’s more than likely they have tight muscles elsewhere— calves, inner thighs, hip flexors or glutes—and the pain shows up in the knee,” says Augustynowicz. “Foam rolling and using a massage ball have saved me many times when I had a lot of problems with my back, neck, hip and a dislocated shoulder.” The practice can help ease sciatica, a sometimes-excruciating condition. “Most cases of sciatic pain are caused by tight muscles deep in the buttocks, including the piriformis muscle,” says Kivett. “The sciatic nerve travels through the piriformis, so if it’s tight, it will cause a sensation similar to that of sciatica

nerve pain. A foam roller can be used along the back, throughout the buttocks and the legs to relieve tension, soften tissues and calm the nervous system for instant pain relief.” Kivett, who was introduced to foam rollers during intensive physical therapy after a life-altering accident, found them to be a way to recover from severe fibromyalgia pain. “My nerves were hypersensitive from the injuries, and I used foam rolling to reboot the ‘software’ in my brain, which allowed me to engage in recovering.” Foam rolling is an all-around boon, Borden highlights. “The immediate relief, the muscle definition, the decrease in cellulite, all of these are added benefits.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Rolfing® is a holistic approach

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

Pam Reaves, Certified Rolfer™ 706-681-2935 EasternShoreRolfing.com

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THE MELT METHOD IN MOBILE Self-Treatment for Pain-Free Living The MELT Method uses patented foam rollers and balls coupled with proprietary selftreatment techniques to restore balance in the nervous system and improve hip and shoulder stability. MELT fosters healthy connective tissue for support and optimal mind-body communication. “When I felt amazing changes in my body, I knew we had to offer it to others,” says MELT Instructor Dana Garrett, who, since 2016, has offered weekly classes and private sessions at her Mobile studio, Synergy Yoga and Pilates. “MELT is for anyone that wants to slow down the aging process, including older adults that want to stay active, mobile and independent, and athletes who want to achieve optimal performance without debilitating wear-and-tear.” The specially designed MELT roller is the softest on the market. When a firmer roller is used with MELT techniques, it will go too deep into the tissue before it is adequately prepared, potentially worsening the existing issue or causing another. The most unique quality of MELT is the actual rehydrating of the connective tissue, which reduces chronic pain and symptoms associated with arthritis, autoimmune issues, injuries, trauma, depression and anxiety. “As we get older and experience more stiffness, it’s not just about drinking enough water on a daily basis. It’s also important to stimulate structures in the connective tissue to actually take in the water, and MELT does just that,” says Garrett.

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For more information, call 251-473-1104 or visit Synergyoga.net and MELTMethod. com. See ad, page 19. March 2021

calendar of events

ongoing calendar

Monday, March 1

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

Warrior Challenge March 1-31. A virtual challenge of 31, 65 or 100 miles of walking or running during the month of March. All proceeds go towards the building of a new special needs playground at the American Autism and Rehabilitation Center in Daphne, AL. $30/adult; $15/child. 251-210-1632. AmericanAutismCenter.org/events.

Discounts on Supplements Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251-479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com.

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

Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our studio plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube. Glow Yoga, 314 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL. 251-968-4569. Glow-Yoga.com.

Sunday, March 14 Free Introduction to Psych K 6-7:30pm. Psych-K is a re-programming technique that addresses trauma, limiting beliefs, relationships and health issues. It is based on the science of neuro linguistics and kinesiology. Join us for a free demonstration and receive a minisession. Soul Shine Yoga, 103 N Bancroft St B, Fairhope, AL. Call/text Angela: 404-429-1651. AngelaDay107@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 28 Reiki I Certification Class 12-4pm. Learn the hands-on healing energy of Reiki! This class is for beginners who will receive their Reiki 1 Attunement and certification as a Reiki practitioner. No experience necessary. Please call to RSVP or for more information on Reiki. $50/person. Loxley, AL. Angela: 404-4291651. AngelaDay107@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 28 Sound Bath & Guided Meditation 6-7pm. Come relax and be inspired! Our crystal singing bowls are tuned to a frequency of 432HZ for deep meditation and sound healing. New to meditation? This experience is for beginners and pros alike. $20/person.Soul Shine Yoga, 103 N Bancroft St B, Fairhope, AL. Call/text Angela: 404-429-1651. AngelaDay107@gmail.com.

Saturday, April 17 Earth Day Mobile Bay 10am. Alabama’s largest Earth Day celebration with more than 100 environmental displays, live entertainment, electronics recycling, educational activities and environmental film festival. Free. Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope, AL. EarthDayMobileBay.org.

Saturday, May 8 Spring/Summer Market in the Park Downtown Opening Day 7:30am-12pm. The downtown Spring/Summer market will be open Saturdays, May 8-Jul 17. Local produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, soaps and more. Downtown Mobile, AL. 251208-1550. Facebook.com/MarketsInMobile.

Open Table Worship Service (United Church of Christ) Progressive Christian worship. Weekly podcast of sermon, song and interview available on our website (under “sermons”) no later than 10am Sunday mornings. 11am gathering for prayer and connection via Zoom. 251-545-1011. Pastor@OpenTableUCC.org. OpenTableUCC.org. Baha’i’s of Fairhope Diversity Devotions On hold due to the pandemic restrictions. Contact BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com for more information and to participate in online gatherings to celebrate our unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community. Postnatal Yoga 4-Week Series (online) 10-11:15am. For anyone within 36 weeks after delivery. Experience gentle movement and much needed relaxation. Build your community and share emotional/physical challenges of this stage of motherhood. Join anytime, recordings will be provided for any missed class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com. Social media: @borntobirthyoga. Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service 11am-12pm. Currently held outside, weather permitting, and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speaker each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com. FairhopeUU.org. Weekend Yoga 2-3pm. Join Chris M, Lisa, Sarah, Annette or Rebecca as you wind down your weekend and get ready for the busy week ahead—expand the potential of your body while you refresh and renew your spirit. Check the website for schedule rotation. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597. TheSoulShineLife.com. Yoga at True A peaceful place to find mind-body wellness. Check our schedule online and on social media for this week’s classes. True Mind + Body Wellness, Daphne, AL. 251-250-9440. Hello@TrueYogaTherapy.com. TrueYogaTherapy.com.

TUESDAYS Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597. TheSoulShineLife.com. Gentle Yoga with Lisa 12-1pm. A stressful morning? Synergy can fix that! Join Lisa Blount in the land of “ahhhhs” for a relaxing hour long gentle yoga class to soothe the spirit, calm the mind and replenish the soul—leave class refreshed. You can also join her noon on Thursdays. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Yoga Core with Chris G 5:45-7pm. Join Chris Garrett for an energizing blend of Iyengar and Vinyasa yoga, with emphasis on those hard to work core areas. Recharge the body, soothe the soul and refocus the mind after a long day. Breathe, work, smile and find joy in the movement! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Praying for Peace Devotional Gathering On hold due to the pandemic restrictions. Contact BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com for more information and to participate in online gatherings to celebrate our unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community.

Stay connected.

Like "Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama-Mississippi" on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram. 28

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WEDNESDAYS

FRIDAYS

Wash Up Wednesdays Get 10% off CBD bath products at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Wednesday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com.

Flower Friday Get 10% off hemp flower at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Friday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com.

Chair Yoga with Patsy Tucker 4:30-5:30pm. Patsy will use chairs and other props to support a modified yoga practice. Also explore breathing techniques and guided meditation for calming the mind. This class is ideal for people uncomfortable practicing on the floor or who need support for balance. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

Yoga with Faye Mahan 8:30-9:30am. 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.

Pure Power Yoga at Above and Beyond 5pm, Mon & Thur. 9am, Tues & Thur. Dynamic vinyasa class with weights that strengthens, balances, detoxifies and exhilarates the body and mind. Moderately heated. Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy, 878 Hillcrest Rd, Ste C, Mobile, AL. 251-639-9030. ABHotYoga.com.

THURSDAYS Sunrise Yoga with Chris G 6-7am. The days are shorter right now, so greet the sunrise with Chris G. and take pleasure in revitalizing morning yoga. Charge the body, ease stress and focus the mind as you begin the day. Find joy in the movement! Also on Tuesdays w/ Linda Csaszar. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597. TheSoulShineLife.com. Yoga with Chris McFadyen 5:45-7pm. Join Chris McFadyen for some energizing yoga as his breath work, asana and flow calms the mind and also enhances and refocuses the body. Relocate your passion and find your joy and humor; smile after a long day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

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

SATURDAYS Super Saturday Get 20% off a surprise CBD item at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Saturday. Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com. Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597. TheSoulShineLife.com. Farmers Market 9am-2pm. Open Saturdays year round. C o a s t a l A l a b a m a F a r m e r s a n d F i s h e rmens Market, 20733 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL. 251-709-4469. FoleyMarketMgr@gmail.com. CoastalAlabamaMarket.com. Mommy & Me Yoga (online) 9-9:45am. Meet other mamas and strengthen your bond with baby while performing gentle stretches to relieve muscle soreness. Infant touch, singing and movement to assist baby with discomforts such as gas and colic. Ideal for babies 6 weeks up to crawling. Online class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com. Social media: @borntobirthyoga. Prenatal Yoga 4-Week Series (online) 10-11:15am. Experience the gift of relief and relaxation. Create balance and alignment of the pelvis to get ready for birth. Learn coping skills for physical and mental discomfort during labor. Join anytime, recordings will be provided for any missed class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com. Social media: @borntobirthyoga.

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