May 2011 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

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NATURAL

BEAUTY A HEAD-TO-TOE

HOLISTIC APPROACH

MASSAGE BLISSFUL BENEFITS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH

Options in Alabama

EXPANDED PET SECTION Local Dog Parks Feline Diabetes

MAY 2011 | Mobile/Baldwin Edition | www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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YOGA & PILATES RESOURCES Synergy yoga & Pilates

Integrated Fitness Exercise Studio Providing personal training, small group training and group classes

Conscious Mile - West Mobile Eastern Shore Dance Academy 1230 Montlimar Dr • Mobile, AL 36609 9063 Merrit Ln • Daphne AL 36526 Space 301 - Cathedral Square Daphne Civic Center - Recreation Dept.

301 Conti St • Mobile AL 36602 2603 US 98 • Daphne, AL 36526

Group Classes

Private Lessons

Dana B. Garrett MS, ACSM, RYT PhysicalMind Institute Stott IM and IR Certified

Fitness-Based Yoga & Pilates Mindful Movement Boot Camp Kids Classes

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Lynette Staggers, LPTA, RYT-200 www.IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope 251-554-4121

251.473.1104

3152 Old Shell Road, Suite 2 Mobile, Alabama 36607

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May 2011

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letterfrompublisher Natural Awakenings is a healthy living resource for the entire family. Many of our readers view their own pets in the same light as I do, as integral parts of their family. For this reason we have expanded May’s Natural Pet section and will continue to do so biannually.

This month I look forward to celebrating my eighth Mother’s Day. Our son Mays may only be one and a half, but our true first-born, Parker Tenenbaum, is eight. Parker was the first child to rob us of our peaceful nights of restful sleep, the first to require potty training and the first to keep me up until sunrise because of a chocolate overdose. She was also the first to show us unconditional love, and the only one of our children that has her own pillow in our bed. Parker may be a basset hound, but she is a part of our family.

Pets can benefit from a natural and holistic approach to their health just as humans can. Many of the health concerns we have about our two-legged family members are relevant topics for our furry dependents as well. This month I learned that Alzheimer’s affects millions of pets in America (Alzheimer’s Alternatives, on page 26) and Diabetes is a common disease in cats (Feline Diabetes, on page 30). Diet, exercise and exposure to toxic chemicals are all factors that can play a significant role in the cause and prevention of these diseases in animals, just as they do in people.

In addition to the expanded natural pet section, this month’s Natural Awakenings places an emphasis on women’s health and wellness, providing ways to take care of yourself both inside and out. As you read the Women’s Wellness issue, use it as an excuse to indulge yourself or the special female in your life. Schedule a massage (Restorative Rubdowns, on page 12), treat yourself to a new natural skincare product (Natural Beauty - Head to Toe, on page 22) and enjoy some chocolate and a glass of wine (Foods for Ageless Beauty, on page 20). We all deserve a little pampering, naturally.

With Josh, Mays and Parker's two younger, four-legged brothers, she and I are in the minority. While the males in the household are entertained by soccer balls and wrestling matches, the two of us prefer sunbathing and massages...with paraben-free sunscreen and all natural, essential oil aromatherapy, of course.

With peace and gratitude,

contact us Publisher/Editor Meredith Montgomery Assisting Editors Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Design Meredith Montgomery Local Ad Sales 251-990-9552 P.O. Box 725 Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375 HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 © 2011 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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 6 6 healthbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 7 globalbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

8 newsbriefs 16 NATURAL CHILDBIRTH 12 healingways

For Empowered Mothers in Alabama

18 healthykids 18

7 20 consciouseating 18 BABY ON BOARD Preparing for Pregnancy & Motherhood 26 naturalpet

by Erin Eagen

by Jessica Iclisoy

28 petbriefs

8 33 calendar 37 naturaldirectory

20 FOODS FOR

20

AGELESS BEAUTY Nourishing Skin from Inside and Out

by Renée Loux

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

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

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

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events 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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

HEAD TO TOE

A Holistic Guide to Looking Your Best

by Frances Lefkowitz

26 ALZHEIMER'S ALTERNATIVES Natural Therapies For Pets Can Help

by Dr. Shawn Messonier

22

29 PARKS FOR PUPS

Dogs Go Off-Leash in Mobile and Baldwin counties

by Meredith Montgomery

32 RESTORATIVE RUBDOWNS

The Blissful Benefits of Massage

by Linda Sechrist

34 FELINE DIABETES

Keys to Prevention and Treatment

by Dr. Lisa Pierson

30

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com natural awakenings

May 2011

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healthbriefs

Hot Flashes Signal Good News

W

omen who have experienced hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms may have as much as a 50 percent lower risk of developing the most common forms of breast cancer than postmenopausal women who have never had such symptoms, according to a new study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Commenting on the study, breast cancer Oncologist Dr. Stefan Gluck, of the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, observes that the reduction in risk evidently linked to a natural decrease in estrogen is substantial. “At age 50, a woman has on average, a 2 percent risk of getting breast cancer; so if she experiences menopausal symptoms, the risk is suddenly only 1 percent,” he says.

MORE REASONS TO SEE A DENTIST REGULARLY

A

study led by a University of California researcher gives women an extra incentive to visit their dentist regularly.

Data collected from nearly 7,000 participants suggests that women who receive regular dental care reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third. The findings, published in the journal Health Economics, compared people who visited the dentist during the last two years with those who did not.

H

Whole Grains Dispose of Body Fat

ere’s yet another reason to switch completely from refined flour products to whole grains. In a new study by the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, at Tufts University, adults who ate three servings of whole grains a day while also eating less than one serving a day of commercially enriched flour products had less of a type of fat tissue that is thought to play a key role in triggering diseases. The fat is known as visceral adipose tissue, or VAT, which surrounds internal organs.

The researchers examined 2,834 participants, ages 32 to 83, and VAT volume was approximately 10 percent lower in the healthy eating group. However, lead study author Nicola McKeown, Ph.D., explains that, “Whole grain consumption did not appear to improve VAT volume if refined grain intake exceeded four or more servings per day. This result infers that it is important to make substitutions in the diet, rather than simply adding whole grain foods. For example, choosing to cook with brown rice instead of white, or making a sandwich with whole grain bread instead of white bread.”

Chemical Alert

A

ccording to a new study from the University of California–San Francisco, the bodies of virtually all U.S. pregnant women carry multiple manmade chemicals. Some of those counted are found in flame retardants now banned in many states; some were used in the DDT pesticide that was banned nationwide in 1972. Other chemicals of concern continue to be used in non-stick cookware, packaging of processed foods such as metal cans, and personal care products.

Because chemicals can cross from the mother through the placenta and enter the fetus, exposure during fetal development is problematic. The researchers note that prior studies have shown that such exposure increases the risk of preterm birth, birth defects and childhood morbidity, as well as adult diseases and earlier mortality. The new study marks the first time that the number of chemicals that pregnant women are exposed to has been counted; it analyzed for a total of 163 possible chemicals.

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globalbriefs

Bundled Deductibles

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

Breast-feeding Benefits Now Recognized by the IRS

Bicycle Economy

May is National Bike Month Bikeway networks are emerging along urban, lowtraffic streets as residents employ increasing pedal power in cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts; New York City; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco.

Tourism and transportation trend watchers note that the amount of on-street bicycle parking provides a ready gauge to how rider-friendly a city is.

Still, according to the findings of a National Household Travel Survey that 40 percent of all trips we make are two miles or less, the International Bicycle Fund (IBF) reports that Americans choose a bike over a car for only 11 percent of these trips. In Europe, which favors walkable cities, Amsterdam commuters lead the way by choosing their bikes 28 percent of the time, followed by 20 percent in Denmark, 10 percent in Germany, 8 percent in the United Kingdom and 5 percent in both France and Italy (versus 1 percent by U.S. city commuters).

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, at least a quarter of Americans age 16 and older will likely ride a bicycle sometime this summer. The National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes notes that 26 percent of American bicyclists ride for recreation, and 24 percent for health. Additional reasons include getting home (14 percent), errands (14 percent), visiting (10 percent), commuting to school or work (5 percent) and “other.”

BikeLeague.org, the official website for Bike-to-Work Week, May 16-20, hosts a searchable database of bike clubs and ride resources.

In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits. ~Arnold Schwarzenegger

Nourish Yourself in Body, Mind & Soul Holistic Wellness Coaching Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking Classes Personal Vegan Chef and Catering Yoga and Meditation Classes Tracey Winter Glover JD, RYT 200 AFPA Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Learn more at www.shantiwarrior.com tracey@shantiwarrior.com • (251) 510-2418

Until its 2011 decision for the 2010 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service did not classify breast-feeding supplies as tax deductible because it viewed them as nutritional benefits, instead of medical care expenses. Now, under a new ruling, nursing mothers can write off breast-feeding equipment if they have flexible spending accounts or if their total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income.

U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin has issued a call to action to support breast-feeding, stating that it can protect babies from infections and illnesses, including pneumonia and diarrhea. Breast-fed babies are also less likely to develop asthma and to become obese, according to the report. First Lady Michelle Obama has declared her support for breast-feeding as part of her campaign against child obesity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has spent years trying to roll back the push for infant formula, trumpeting the benefits of breast-feeding exclusively for the first six months of life (the World Health Organization promotes breast-feeding for two years). A recent Harvard Medical School study published in the journal Pediatrics estimated that if 90 percent of American women breast-fed, 900 premature, infant deaths would be prevented and patients and hospitals would see savings of $13 billion in lost wages and saved health care costs.

Promote Peace, Serenity & Physical Well-Being

Usui Reiki

Aligning the natural energy found in all of us to heal your body and awaken your spirit.

Call to schedule your Reiki Therapy Appointment or for more information on trainings and CEUs

RIO BARLOW, Reiki Master 251-979-9851 natural awakenings

May 2011

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newsbriefs Botanical Spritzers Support a Cause and Soothe the Soul 222 Waters, a line of hydrosols created by Fairhope business owner Betsey Grady, recently began donating a portion of its sales to The Solar Cooker Project. This project works to protect the safety of women and girls who have fled Darfur. Females who must leave the refugee camp to collect firewood are particularly vulnerable to rape and other attacks. The Solar Cooker project provides a means for women to prepare food for their families without having to leave camp.

Described by yoga lovers as savasana in a bottle, 222 Waters helps users to relax and focus with a simple spritz. The botanical waters, or hydrosols, are naturally produced during the essential oil steam distillation process and come in a variety of scents. Infused with love and transformative energy, each hydrosol features specific affirmations written by Grady to reinforce positive thinking and health.

Grady chose the name because the number 222 is considered auspicious, and is associated with manifesting goals and intentions. Grady says, “Each time you spray this positively inspiring botanical water, it is affirming your belief that what you desire is coming to be. Have faith; don't quit five minutes before the miracle occurs.”

Considered to be the homeopathic version of aromatherapy, botanical waters can be used anywhere, from yoga class to the beach, and are safe for pets. The nine varieties are available in two-ounce and eight-ounce sizes through Internet orders and at Rosie Blu, in downtown Fairhope.

For more information, visit 222Waters.com. See ad on page 3.

Jivamukti Yoga at Hangout Music Festival Renowned yoga teacher Kelly Morris will be leading two morning yoga practices oceanside as a part of the Hangout Music Festival from 10 to 11 a.m., May 21 and 22 in Gulf Shores. Tickets to the morning yoga classes are available now for $10 with all proceeds benefitting The Three Year Retreat For Peace at Diamond Mountain University. The classes are only open to Hangout Festival pass holders.

Morris is Founder and Director of the Conquering Lion Program and is a lineage holder in the Gelupka tradition of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. She is one of only five Senior Jivamukti yoga teachers in the world and teaches a list of celebrities including Willem Defoe, Sting, Russell Simmons, Donna Karan and Madonna.

For more information, visit HangoutMusicFest.com.

Natural Beauty and Convenient Pampering BeautiControl Independent Executive Director Karen Watson offers a line of natural, botanicalbased beauty products. BC Spa Facial is a skin care collection that is free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, artificial dyes and fragrances; is dermatologist, sensitivity and allergy tested; and is never tested on animals. The technologically advanced ingredients are designed to make skin smoother, healthier and younger looking.

Watson also offers personalized skin analysis. “BeautiControl’s new skin sensors and skin s.p.a. (scientific personalized analysis) allows us to personalize a skin care regimen that meets your specific needs,” she says. A prescription can be determined in less than 60 seconds by means of the sensors and a questionnaire.

For convenient pampering, complimentary in-home and in-office spa treatments are also available. Watson says, “Since stress is the leading cause of 80 percent of all illnesses, we offer office spas at no cost. We believe that by pampering office staff, they become more effective employees. Let us bring the spa to you!”

For more information, contact Watson at 251-621-1995 or visit BeautiPage.com/ Spa4uuu. See ad on page 17.

Natural Hair & Wellness Expo “Natural Beginnings”

Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Ashbury Hotel & Suites 600 W I-65 Service Rd (Airport Blvd Exit) in Mobile Eco-Friendly Product Demonstrations, Holistic Health Information, Natural Hair Care Resources, Educational Classes, Live Entertainment & More!

Now accepting vendor and performer applications.

To learn more, visit www.mobilenhwe.com or call 251-289-1186

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Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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Boot Camp With a Twist The core strengthening benefits of yoga and Pilates can now be achieved in boot camp. Mindful Movement Boot Camp (MMBC) begins June 6 at Integrated Fitness, in Fairhope. Recruits meet twice a week for five weeks to pursue fitness and lifestyle goals in this holistic series.

Although MMBC doesn’t involve countless repetitions of training drills, it is an intensive physical and mental program. Integrated Fitness owner Lynette Staggers says, “MMBC is not about competition or physical perfection, or forcing yourself into painful positions. We offer modifications for every exercise to ensure safe and effective movement patterns. Our focus is on progress, not perfection; long term results and learning to move mindfully and efficiently.”

Students learn to improve posture and develop core strength in a motivating and fun atmosphere. Exercises for reducing stress while sculpting and toning the entire body are utilized and students learn how to apply mind-body-breath principles to their everyday lives.

Integrated Fitness provides education and programs to help individuals and families improve their lives in a holistic manner.

Yoga, Pilates, core conditioning and circuit and interval training are offered to meet the varying needs and goals of clients.

Personal training and small group instruction are also available.

Location: 456 Morphy Ave., Fairhope. Pre-register by May 13 by calling 251-554-4121. For more information visit IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com. See ad on page 3.

Natural Family Expo Call for Exhibitors The Natural Network of Mobile will be presenting the Mother of All Expos (MOAE) on June 23 and is now accepting exhibitor applications. MOAE is a naturally minded event for moms-to-be, moms and families, with the goal of highlighting Mobile’s “natural resources.” Organizations and groups that promote family health and wellness are invited to participate.

For more information, contact The Natural Network at TheNatural NetworkofMobile@gmail.com, 251-554-5704 or 251-508-2721.

Conquer Your Weight Issues in 2011 Personalized weight management program using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a holistic, no drug approach. Learn to balance your weight by tapping.

Dr. Diana Sturm Certified EFT Practitioner The Delta Institute, Mobile, AL 251-219-4574

www.deltainstitute.net

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Removing salt from the coils of your outside unit will allow the temperature of the conditioned air to be colder, allowing the unit to run less and save you money. By reducing the corrosion of the unit, we also increase the life of your Air Conditioner/Heat Pump.

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For do-it-yourselfers, purchase our ready-to-use product at one of these retail locations:

Air Conditioner Salt Remover® Easy To Use: If You Can Use A Garden Hose, You Can Do This!

ACSaltRemover.com

NAPA AUTO PARTS 1332 Hwy 59, Gulf Shores 251-968-7899 SWIFT SUPPLY 24300 Canal Rd Orange Beach 251-974-5675 INNERARITY ACE HARDWARE 13650 Innerarity Point Rd Pensacola 850-492-1149

Please visit out website for other locations near you. natural awakenings

May 2011

9

Welcome New Natural Awakenings Network Providers!

Birthing From Within Childbirth Preparation

Heavenly Hounds Rosie Blu

Fairhope Health Foods

Salt Removers Inc.

Grassroots Holistic Health Coaching Green Solutions

Shanti Warrior

The 5th Line Gyrotonic Studio Virginia’s Health Foods Warlocks Hair Salon

Sunflower Cafe I and II

Learn about our discount card and how you can enjoy discounts from our providers by visiting HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Finally!

A DISCOUNT Card for Healthy Living and a Healthy Planet!

Promote your business, expand your customer base and be a part of a national network dedicated to healthy living.

The first year is FREE! No commitment, risk free.

To learn more, visit HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

Call 251-990-9552, or email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to enroll today. It’s easy!

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newsbriefs

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

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Sunset Yoga for Charity Sunset Yoga for Charity classes meet from approximately 6:30 p.m. to sunset, every second and fourth Friday, through November 25. Practice is held on the grass of the bluff (bring your own mat) by the Marietta Johnson statues, just south of Fairhope Avenue.

Billie Reinhart, of Mind and Motion Yoga, coordinates the schedule of area yoga teachers that teach on a volunteer basis. “As instructors, we want to help our students enrich their lives physically, mentally and spiritually. Now we can do all these things while helping local charities at the same time,” Reinhart says. Sunset Yoga for Charity students make a freewill donation at each class. All funds raised are then given to the charity chosen by that week's instructor.

Proceeds from the May 13 class, led

by Wendy Rush, RYT-200, will support the missions of the Christian Emergency Relief Team (CERT). Nadine Dalati, RYT200, will lead practice on May 27 and donate all proceeds to Save Our Gulf (SaveOurGulf.org), an initiative dedicated to supporting the Gulf waterkeepers that have been most affected by the BP oil disaster. Dalati's class will begin with a 20-minute meditation, led by Jeff Lowther.

The complete schedule of classes and charities is listed at MindAndMotionYoga. com, along with donation information for individuals who desire to make a contribution, but are unable to attend class.

For more information and schedule details, visit MindAndMotionYoga.com or call Reinhart at 251-379-4493.

Pocket Change for Big Changes 15 Place, a multi-service facility dedicated to serving Downtown Mobile's growing homeless population, has launched an initiative aimed to encourage local residents to “Buck up” the homeless center. A donation of $1 allows 15 Place to provide five meals, three personal hygiene kits, four hot showers or three loads of laundry. Loaves and Fish Community Ministries, Inc. runs the facility and oversees the distribution of approximately 160 lunches to homeless individuals each day.

“There are 300,000 residents in the greater Mobile area, and we are asking each person to give up only $1 to help provide care for their homeless neighbors,” said 15 Place Executive Director Lyn Manz-Walters.

“With the high unemployment, and then last year’s oil spill, we have seen an increased number of individuals requiring assistance. At the same time, we’ve seen a decrease in the amount of private donations, so we are asking everyone to pitch in and help buck up 15 Place.”

Area churches, civic organizations and nonprofits are encouraged to help collect donations for the initiative. Donations can be made securely online at 15Place.org or mailed to 15 North Joachim St., Mobile, AL 36602.

For more information call 251-432-7227 or visit 15Place.org.

YOUR FARMERS MARKET ON WHEELS

Save Money and Stay Cool Air Conditioner Salt Removal Service, a division of Salt Removers Corporation, is now offering an introductory price of $15 per month for new customers. The service utilizes the company’s proprietary solution that is bio-degradable, non-toxic and effective at removing salt from air conditioners and heat pumps, saving homeowners money.

Salt from the sea air reduces the life of air conditioners and heat pumps, decreasing their efficiency by as much as 15 percent annually. The outside coils of coastal units become insulated by accumulating salt particles, which results in increased run time and higher energy bills. Typically, units in non-coastal environments can last upwards of 20 years, a stark contrast to the 3 to 5 year average that coastal customers experience. Ten-year warranties come standard with nearly every unit, but damage caused by salt corrosion is not covered.

Salt Removers Corporation removes salt from coastal units with a scientifically formulated solution that is safe for people, pets and plants.

Owner Scott Waldrop says, “We pride ourselves on being able to provide a product and service that allows our customers to actually save more than the purchase price of the product or service.”

Do-it-yourselfers can purchase the salt removal product at Swift Supply, in Orange Beach, Napa Auto Parts, in Gulf Shores, Innerarity Ace Hardware, in Pensacola and other retail locations listed on ACSaltRemover.com.

For more information visit ACSaltRemover.com or call 1-877-SALT851. See ad on page 9.

Grow Alabama works closely with our farmers who provide excellent quality and variety of locally grown fruits, berries, melons and vegetables. Every week you get a beautiful seasonal array of these farmfresh beauties delivered right to your door within 48 hours of harvest. You may also customize your order or add on more from our ever-expanding online healthy gourmet grocery store. You can’t get fresher eggs unless they are from your own backyard.

Join today! Choose the best plan for your family and budget and register online at growalabama.com or call us at 205.991.0042.

info@growalabama.com • 991-0042

natural awakenings

May 2011

11

healingways

see practical evidence that supports research on the powerful and critical role that touch plays in the state of a person’s mind-body health,” Stahl says. Her years of patient/client sessions also provide her with a wealth of evidence that combining touch and talk therapy is far more effective than talk therapy alone.

Beyond the Massage Table

RESTORATIVE RUBDOWNS The Blissful Benefits of Massage

by Linda Sechrist

Other than a silent retreat or a loving and comforting embrace of a friend, child or another family member, few actions are as multi-beneficial to body, mind and spirit as massage.

O

nce considered primarily a pampering experience for the wealthy, massage and its counterpart, bodywork, is today acknowledged by the larger medical community for its therapeutic value. The U.S. Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health provides the largest source of published up-to-date research on the subject, including substantiation for claims citing the many positive effects of massage.

Among the reported improvements is an individual’s ability to relax and sleep better following therapeutic massage treatment. Recipients also tend to enjoy a better immune system response, fostering the relief of fatigue, pain, anxiety and nausea. On this basis, some large U.S. cancer centers, such as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, now integrate mas-

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Mobile / Baldwin Edition

sage therapy into conventional settings.

Judy Stahl, past president of the American Massage Therapy Association, is a strong, longtime advocate for acceptance of the therapeutic benefits, including some that haven’t yet made it into the annals of conventional medicine. She became a professional massage therapist in 1987, and today continues the research she initiated for her master’s thesis in counseling and psychology: Touch Therapy in Enhancing Psychological Outcomes.

It’s become her life’s work.

“I regularly

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

What a difference 60 minutes on a massage table can make. The first rule of massage—to feel, rather than think— transforms the therapeutic stroking, rubbing, wringing, tapping, kneading and squeezing of muscles into deeply satisfying human contact. Concentrating on the practitioner’s touch, while listening to relaxing music playing in the background and breathing in soothing aromatherapy scents, helps turn the mind off and focus attention on the moment. Such a restful state of mindfulness is key to successful meditation.

A Natural Sleep Aid

It makes sense that a good night’s sleep is essential to health. A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care showed that patients receiving a sixminute massage slept better than those in the control group, which participated in a teaching session on relaxation followed by a bedtime audiotape comprising muscle-relaxation supported by imagery and music.

Easing Pain and Anxiety

While massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care, it is being increasingly used in the allopathic

community to help manage chronic pain. The results of a study by the Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, at the University of Warwick, in the UK, demonstrated that massage provides effective short-term relief for moderate to severe chronic pain. Patients receiving massage therapy reported significantly less pain immediately as well as one hour after treatment. They also experienced a significantly reduced level of anxiety.

Six years ago, when integrative family physician Fred Morgan discovered that massage helped to alleviate the back pain he had suffered from for 11 years, he began recommending it to his patients. “The first time I went to a massage therapist, the pain went away for a week,” says the co-owner of Pleasanton Family Wellness Center, in California, which combines allopathic, complementary and alternative medicine.

Stroking Blood Pressure in the Right Direction

Not only does massage help to lower blood pressure, it also helps ease stress levels. One study published in Heart and Lung: the Journal of Acute and Critical Care noted that patients that had massage after heart surgery showed a lower level of postoperative blood pressure. Another study of patients that underwent twice weekly, 30-minute massage sessions demonstrated decreases in blood pressure and cortisol (a stress hormone), as well as depression, anxiety and hostility.

More is Better

Who wouldn’t want to have a massage twice a week? The ongoing research of Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, and Tiffany Field, Ph.D., the institute’s director, demonstrates that while an individual can benefit from even small doses of massage (15 minutes of chair massage or a halfhour table session), longer bodywork, performed two to three times a week, compounds the positive effects.

Linda Sechrist is a senior writer and editor for Natural Awakenings.

MO

TH

MAER’S D Y 8 AY

GULF SHORES

DAPHNE REFLEXOLOGY WITH LAURIE AZZARELLA 251-625-0080 LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com

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May 2011

13

newsbriefs The Roots of Health The link between healthy, natural hair and overall wellness will be explored at The Natural Hair and Wellness Expo, presented by Locs of Soul and Nappy Girlz Productions.

This new event is organized and coordinated by Tanene “Loc Diva” Jackson, a natural hair expert and owner of Locs of Soul salon. The Expo runs from 2 to 8 p.m., June 18, at The Ashbury Hotel and Suites, in Mobile.

Jackson is a barber by trade and believes that having a natural head of hair can help people to have healthier bodies and spirits overall. Highlights of the event include performances by local entertainers, eco-friendly product demonstrations, holistic health information and resources for natural hair care. Jackson says, “I'm trying to bring something different to the area. The expo is an educational event, not a trade show or hair show. I chose to bring the wellness aspect in with hair, so people can learn that the two are directly connected.”

Location: 600 West I-65 Service Road, Mobile. For more information visit MobileHWE. com, LocsOfSoul.com or call 251-289-1186. See ad on page 8.

Balanced Bodies, Focused Minds Bay area residents now have an alternative option for treating ADHD. Everyone deals with forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating from time to time, but for people with ADHD, these symptoms can have a profound impact on quality of life. Biometrics liquid supplements, distributed locally by Linda Csaszar, offer a natural approach to addressing these symptoms by balancing the body. “Healing happens when the body gets what it needs,” says Csaszar who has witnessed firsthand the improvements in overall health and wellness that can be achieved by properly supporting the body.

Biometics liquid supplements are absorbed by the body at a cellular level. Csaszar explains that while the products are the same for everyone, the results are unique to the individual. She says, “Adults and children have experienced great improvements in focus, attention and concentration simply by supporting their bodies in a holistic way.” All Biometics products come with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Reading, Writing, Arithmetics, Yoga!

Yoga-Recess™ is a unique and costconscious solution for bringing yogabased mindfulness, fitness programming and health education into our country's schools, day care centers and community youth organizations. The effort is run by The Yoga Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring a change in the health and well-being of individuals across the nation.

Upon request, Yoga-Recess DVDs are sent to schools at no cost and online training is provided to schoolteachers.

The program was created in response to rising rates of obesity and chronic illness, and the effect of the current budget crisis on physical education in schools. In the past 12 months, more than 7,000 teachers have requested the free materials.

Learn more about the program and how your donations can bring the gift of yoga to school children at Yoga-Recess.org.

a g o y

For more information, visit ChangeYourHealthChangeYourLife.com or contact Csaszar at 251-607-9183. See ad on page 19.

Energy Body Class Offered at Synergy Lorraine Graves, Ph.D., presents her interactive Energy Anatomy class from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., May 14, at Synergy Yoga and Pilates, in Mobile. Exploring the concept of the whole energy body, the class will cover topics including the three systems of energetic anatomy, the use of brain waves to tell a story and ways to maximize and maintain energetic health.

Simple exercises for increasing brain energy will be taught.

Graves, a licensed mental health coach and practicing psychotherapist in Pensacola, has extensive experience integrating the disciplines of energy work, psychology and spirituality. She runs community healing clinics in Pensacola and Mobile, and leads classes, presentations and retreats to bring the healing arts to the Southeast.

Location: 3152 Old Shell Rd., Mobile. Contact Graves at 850-433-2042.

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Natural Awakenings Available for iPad Natural Awakenings readers now have another way to access their monthly dose of healthy and green living. iPad users can download the free MagCloud application and find Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin in the Health and Fitness department of the Magazine Store. With a few taps, the current issue can be downloaded into the users “My Magazine” folder and browsed at his/her leisure. To be notified when new issues are available, visit MagCloud.com, click on a recent issue in the Health and Fitness department and click “follow.”

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May 2011

15

Natural Childbirth for Empowered Mothers in Alabama

by Erin Eagen

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obile resident Angela Comer has always been interested in the birthing process. Despite being pregnant, she found herself in a supporting role for a younger cousin during her first birth experience. She recalls, “Not long after I became pregnant with my first child, my cousin called me from her hospital bed to ask me about epidurals. I talked her through several contractions and rushed to the hospital, where I eventually held her legs as she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.” Witnessing the power of women helping women during childbirth ignited a passion in Comer, who now works as a doula, or labor support professional.

The History of Midwifery

For the vast majority of human history women gave birth in their homes attended by grandmothers, mothers, sisters and other female elders. Women who frequently assisted with childbirths were known as midwives, meaning “with women.” Advances in western science and medical practices changed cultural beliefs about women and childbirth, and midwifery became associated with the lower classes.

Additionally, birth came to be known as a highly dangerous procedure, requiring pain medications and interventions. In 1950, 90 percent of babies were born in hospitals, up from only 5 percent in 1900.

Modern midwives practice according to the belief that pregnancy and child16

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bearing are normal life events for most women. By providing women-centered care, midwives support and assist mothers in maintaining healthy pregnancies, laboring naturally and discovering their innate strength. According to Citizens For Midwifery, a national consumer-based group promoting midwifery services, “In developed countries where midwives are the primary care providers for pregnant women, mortality and surgical birth rates are much lower than in the United States.”

Childbirth Options in Alabama

There are several types of midwives.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) are board certified nurses with training in maternity care and childbirth that must work directly under a licensed physician.

Certified professional midwives (CPM) are independent care providers credentialed by the North American Registry of Midwives and are not required to work under the supervision of a medical doctor.

CPMs are specifically trained in providing out-of-hospital maternity care and usually tend to women birthing in their homes or in home-like facilities known as freestanding birth centers.

In Alabama, maternity care choices are limited. While CNMs are an option, under current state law, CPMs are not allowed to practice their trade and home-birth is illegal. Families who desire a non-hospital setting for childbirth must

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travel outside of the state, find a midwife willing to risk prosecution or give birth unassisted.

The Alabama Birth Coalition (AlabamaBirthCoalition.org) is a driving force behind efforts to change these laws and increase the accessibility of midwifery services for Alabama families. This nonprofit, volunteer-run organization is actively promoting Senate Bill 238, which would allow the certification of certified practical midwives. This bill would dramatically increase options in maternity care and is currently awaiting a vote on the senate floor.

Local Natural Childbirth Resources

Although the future of Senate Bill 238 is uncertain, women who desire natural labor and birth support can benefit greatly by embracing local resources that are available. One way to ensure a healthy labor and delivery is to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Certified Holistic Coach Hannah Tessen explains, “If you have a healthy, complication-free pregnancy, your chances of having the type of birth you want increase.” Tessen offers programs designed to prepare women physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for pregnancy and childbirth. “I connect with my clients, so that they know I'm on their side. The relationship is very powerful,” says Tessen, about the ways in which her role goes beyond that of just a health coach.

Doulas are ing families for the “In developed countries trained professionunexpected. “We als whose role is where midwives are the pri- talk about what to to support and en- mary care providers for preg- expect in the hospicourage the labortal, and even during nant women, ing woman. Hira Cesarean, should ing a doula can mortality and surgical birth their birth go down be especially imthat road. Hopeportant for wom- rates are much lower than in fully, parents can en who want an use the tools we the United States.” intervention-free give them, so that Citzens for Midwifery birth experience, they still own their but plan to birth in birth.” In response a hospital setting. According to Doulas of to concerns about labor pains, Breeland North America (DONA), numerous clini- says, “We spend a lot of time learning recal studies indicate that the presence of laxation and pain coping techniques and a doula significantly decreases length of helping women find a safe place within labor, requests for pain medications and themselves. It is extremely empowering number of medical interventions, includ- for them.” ing Cesarean sections.

As demonstrated by the stories of

Comer, a Mobile area doula, says, Tessen, Comer and Breeland, the contri“Doulas provide moms with an extra dose butions of birth workers extend far beyond of feminine power, which helps remind simple assistance in bringing babies into them that their bodies were made for the world. By encouraging their clients birth.” Comer emphasizes that doulas to take responsibility for their birth expecan help all women to experience bet- rience, trust their bodies' innate wisdom ter births. “We provide moral support, and actively participate in all aspects suggestions on positioning, assistance of the birth process, they empower and with breastfeeding and support during enrich the lives of the women who trust the postpartum period. These things ben- them as their most intimate guides along efit all women, whether they choose an their path through motherhood. epidural or not.” She adds, “Natural birth and natural laboring, even if it ends in a Erin Eagen is a freelance writer and natuC-section, can empower women by giving ral living enthusiast residing in the Metro them the feeling that they owned and had Detroit area. Visit ErinEagen.com. control of the experience.”

The desire to take control of her own birth experiences led Katrina Breeland, who now works as a doula and childbirth mentor, to try a series of birth preparation classes called Birthing From Within™.

She explains, “My first baby was born via C-section four years ago, despite plans for a natural experience. I did not want to accept the repeat Cesarean that my doctor said was required. With the assistance of the only CNM in Mobile, I had a natural birth, and the experience was amazing.”

Breeland's childbirth confirmed her beliefs that preparing for the birth process allows women and their labor partners to be more relaxed and less afraid. She now leads Birthing From Within classes to educate expectant parents about intervention free births. The courses are designed to help prevent any possible birth trauma by spending time prepar-

Stay Connected

For upcoming local events and news on healthy and green living, search for Natural Awakenings on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter.

natural awakenings

May 2011

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healthykids

BABY ON BOARD PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY & MOTHERHOOD

by Jessica Iclisoy

It’s vital for a woman of any age to physically prepare for pregnancy and motherhood, for the health of both the mother and the baby. Start by speaking with a trusted medical practitioner, and then consider the following practical advice, geared to keep everyone healthy and happy through every stage of the childbirth process.

Getting Ready for Pregnancy Stop taking birth control pills. If you’ve been using a hormonal method of birth control, your doctor may want you to take several months off before trying to conceive. Doing so allows your cycles to regulate and clears your body of any lingering manmade hormones; use another form of non-hormonal birth control during this time.

Get your body in shape. According to Mairi Breen Rothman, a certified nurse-midwife with the M.A.M.A.S., Inc. home birth practice, in Takoma Park, Maryland, being in shape ensures a healthier pregnancy. “Pregnancy is hard work, and the more strength you have, especially in your core, back and legs, the better you’ll feel during pregnancy,” she advises. Being in good 18

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physical shape before pregnancy can also make it easier to stay fit during the nine months that follow.

Start eating better. A balanced, organic diet provides the nutrients needed to raise a healthy developing baby. “During pregnancy, the baby is very much a part of its mother’s body,” says Rothman. “That means eating toxin-free foods, which cuts back on chemicals found in the mom’s body, will also limit chemical exposure to the baby.” Also remember to take a prenatal vitamin; a study by the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, at the University of Southampton, in the UK, found that only 5.5 percent of the 238 pregnant women monitored had taken the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid each day prior to becoming pregnant.

Take care of chronic medical conditions. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma, for example, get it under control before becoming pregnant. Apprise your healthcare professional of any family health problems, so he or she can plan ahead once you conceive.

Having a Healthy Pregnancy Take prenatal yoga. “Prenatal yoga not only promotes long, lean and supple muscles, it also helps with breathing, which is important during labor and delivery,” counsels Rothman. Yoga also helps open the hip and pelvic joints and eases the aches and pains of pregnancy. The cat-cow pose, in particular, benefits the lower back, promotes circulation and even helps move the baby into the proper birth position.

Limit exposure to toxins. Examine the labels of products you

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regularly use—especially skincare and cleaning products— and banish anything that contains a toxic soup of chemicals; if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not good for you or your growing baby. Research from leading institutions such as the University of California–Berkeley and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has linked personal care and cleaning product ingredients to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive disorders and cancer. There are now plenty of easy-to-find, toxin-free product alternatives. Green cleaners are available at most grocery stores and CosmeticsDatabase.com offers helpful guidance on safe beauty products suggested by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

Research alternative therapies. Taking drugs for common medical problems such as headaches, colds and muscle pain isn’t always the best approach. Speak with your midwife or obstetrician about options like acupuncture, massage and homeopathy.

According to a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, Swedish researchers found acupuncture to be effective in relieving back and pelvic pain during pregnancy; of the 1,500 pregnant participants, 60 percent of those who tried acupuncture reported substantial pain relief.

Happy & Healthy...

How motherhood is meant to be.

Learn the secrets to healthy living for Mom and Baby.

Grassroots Holistic Health Coaching serves women at all stages of pregnancy, from pre-conception to post-partum, in creating a healthy environment for you and your baby.

Preparing for Pregnancy • Living for Two Baby and Me•Cooking Classes & more!

Natural Mothering Strategies Breast is best. Although breast-feeding isn’t super easy, it’s the healthiest option. “Human milk is meant for human babies, so it’s exactly formulated to be just what babies need and what they can easily digest,” notes Rothman. Breast-feeding gives babies an immunity boost, so that they tend to get sick less often and receive just the right nutrition; it also provides a sense of comfort, warmth and security that bottle feeding can’t match.

Use natural remedies for illness. Aromatherapy and homeopathy remedies work to reduce mothers’ and babies’ exposure to over-the-counter drugs. For instance, eucalyptus makes a good natural decongestant; simply add a few drops into the bath, a diffuser or even onto a cotton ball that can be placed on a bedside table, for a soothing scent. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any natural measures that you are taking to support family health.

Jessica Iclisoy, a holistic mother and founder of California Baby natural baby care products, writes about natural living from Beverly Hills, CA. Connect at Jessica@CaliforniaBaby.com.

Learn more today by contacting:

Hannah Tessen 256-282-1391 HannahTessen@hotmail.com

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Local Resources for Prenatal Yoga Classes Kula Yoga Community

Mobile and Daphne KulaYogaCommunity.org 251-202-YOGA Group and private prenatal classes available upon request.

Synergy Yoga & Pilates

Mobile Synergyoga.net 251-473-1104 Prenatal Yoga: 10 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Yoga with Adrienne (can be modified to be a prenatal class): 5:45 p.m. on Fridays.

Private prenatal classes are also available.

Yoga Birds

Fairhope YogaBirds.com 251-990-3447 Prenatal Yoga: 4:15 p.m. on Tuesdays

natural awakenings

May 2011

19

consciouseating

Foods for Ageless Beauty Nourishing Skin from Inside and Out Using naturally effective skincare products and eating foods that fortify and foster healthy cells works to renew, repair and rejuvenate skin for lasting beauty.

by Renée Loux

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any authorities have good reason to champion the fact that food nutrients such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and omega oils are now showing up in personal care products. According to studies published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Food and Chemical Toxicology and Environmental Health Perspectives, skin can absorb up to 60 percent of what we apply to it. So, feeding skin high-quality ingredients may be as critical as the food we eat.

It’s common knowledge that drinking a sufficient amount of pure water is essential for overall health and radiant skin.

Here is a look at how other recommended foods contribute to ageless beauty.

Avocados: Avocados are abundant in skin-beautifying goodies: omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy, flexible, strong cell membranes to ensure that nutrients can enter cells and waste can be removed; antioxidant vitamins A and E; fortifying B-complex vitamins; lecithin, to protect and strengthen cell walls; and potassium, to support new cell growth.

They also host a portfolio of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds—including phytosterols, carotenoids, 20

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flavonoids, zinc and folate—that fight free radicals and repair, soothe and renew skin and tissue on a cellular level.

Blueberries: T h e Tu f t s U n iv e r s i t y Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging reports that blueberries contain some of the highest antioxidant levels of any food, especially when fully ripe, and teem with skinhealing, anti-inflammatory properties.

The deep, purple-blue color of these morsels is a reflection of the pigmentrich antioxidant phytonutrients, called anthocynanins, shown to improve the integrity of collagen in skin and inhibit photoaging (sun damage), according to a study in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology.

Chocolate: Chocolate offers a wealth of antioxidant catechins (like those found in green tea), and according to the National Academy of Sciences and the European Journal of Nutrition, works to improve hydration, skin density and circulation of blood to skin tissues, for a more youth-

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ful, glowing complexion.

Scientific American and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology report that chocolate is also a supreme source of procyanidins, which counter skin damage and help protect it while stimulating cellular growth and renewal. Dark chocolate offers the most beautifying benefits per bite, so look for 65 percent or higher cocoa content, and keep the portions small to mindfully manage calorie and fat intake.

Cruciferous Vegetables: The crucifer family— including cabbage, broccoli, kale and radishes— is loaded with skinbeautifying compounds. According to studies by the National Academy of Sciences, its sulfurcontaining phytonutrients boost the body’s natural detoxification enzymes to combat and repair damage to skin. Low in calories, these mineral-dense and antioxidant-rich veggies are packed with carotenoid antioxidants, which help neutralize carcinogens and oxidative stress on skin, reduce inflammation and bolster immune response.

They also contain isothiacyanates, which research published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows, specifically guard against breast cancer.

Dark Leafy Greens: Dark leafy vegetables, such as collard greens, parsley, spinach and Swiss chard, offer more nutrients with fewer calories than any other food.

Like cruciferous veggies, they’re packed with carotenoid antioxidants. Green veggies are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which the body needs to produce and regulate the sebum in our skin and hair follicles for healthy, well-conditioned skin and a supple complexion.

Green Tea: Green tea is infused with a potent portfolio of age-defying antioxidants. Because green tea is minimally processed, of

all the teas, it offers the most antioxidant polyphenols, including a specific catechin believed to inhibit cancer and also beautify the skin.

Macro-algae: Ocean-growing seaweed (macro-algae) contains more minerals and trace minerals than any other food, according to research published by Food Chemistry—10 to 20 times more than many land vegetables. Long prized for their beautifying effects on skin and hair, sea vegetables are an abundant source of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, as well as B-complex vitamins, including B12, for glowing skin; plus they have the unique ergosterol, which converts into vitamin D2 in the body to support healthy skin cell metabolism and growth. Look for sea veggies arame, dulse, hijiki, nori and wakame for a concentrated source of age-defying nutrition.

Omega Oils: Healthy oils, including omega fatty acids, grow and nourish healthy, glowing skin, strong nails and lustrous hair. They act as a conditioner for skin, maintaining and supporting healthy, flexible, strong cell membranes to ensure that nutrients can enter cells and waste can be removed.

Uncooked oils offer many beautifying benefits; because many nutrients are damaged and destroyed by heat—the fresher and less refined the oil, the better.

Foods rich in omegas include flax seed and oil; olives and olive oil; pumpkin seed and oil; walnuts; and winter squash.

Raw Honey: With an ample spread of vitamins and minerals, such as antioxidant vitamins A, C and E; skinsupportive vitamins D and K; amino acids; and fortifying, reparative B-complex vitamins, raw honey’s combined flower nectar and enzymes are laden with beau-

tifying nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and healing compounds. The benefits are largely determined by the honey’s source and the environmental conditions in which the bees live.

Red Wine: Loaded with beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, red wine is a well-known source of cell-protecting resveratrol. Concentrated in the skin of grapes and championed for anti-aging and anticancer properties in studies published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and Anticancer Research, resveratrol appears to protect the skin against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, notes research in Neoplasia.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes contain some of the highest concentration of agedefying antioxidants.

So, eat and drink up!

Renée Loux is a celebrated green expert, organic chef, restaurateur and media personality and the co-founder of Andalou Naturals. She has authored four books, including Easy Green Living and The Balanced Plate. Visit ReneeLoux.com.

READ MORE ONLINE!

RECIPES FOR AGELESS BEAUTY: Green Tea Chai Frappe Chocolate-Avocado Parfait with Blueberries & Mint Massaged Greens HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Honey Avocado Masque (for normal to dry skin)

Honey and avocado are a luscious blend to nourish skin.

As an emollient, avocado is rich in oils, vitamins and minerals, and the honey supplies antioxidants and enzymes. Lemon juice is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin renewal. Together, they yield velvety skin.

1 avocado 1½ Tbsp raw honey 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1. Mash avocado and blend with honey and lemon juice in a small food processor or blender until smooth.

2. Cleanse the face.

3. Steam face to open pores over a hot pot of water; or drench a washcloth with steaming hot water, wring out, let cool to a comfortable touch and cover cleaned face with it for two minutes.

4. Apply avocado honey mixture evenly over all parts of the face, avoiding the eyes. Let stand for 15 minutes.

5. Wash off with warm water, followed by a cool water rinse. Apply natural toner or face spray and moisturizer.

Variations on the theme Exfoliation for dry skin: Mix 2 Tbsp rice flour thoroughly with the avocado and honey. Apply as directed.

Exfoliation for oily skin: Mix 2 Tbsp ground oatmeal thoroughly with the avocado and honey. Apply as directed.

For both, wash off gently with warm water and a cloth, being mindful not to rub too hard, followed by a cool water rinse.

Recipe courtesy of Renée Loux. For more recipes, visit ReneeLoux.com.

Natural Beauty — HEAD TO TOE A Holistic Guide to Looking Your Best

by Frances Lefkowitz

I

s it true that, You’re only as pretty as you feel? Yes, says Alan Dattner, a New York medical doctor and pioneer in holistic dermatology. “The most important thing that people can do for beauty,” he says, “is to come from peace, joy, appreciation and happiness inside, and let that radiate out on their faces.”

Many experts agree: The secret to true beauty is to work from the inside out, as well as the outside in, reducing exposure to toxins of all sorts, including stress, and watching what we put in the body, as well as what we put on it. Here’s how Natural Awakenings’ panel of beauty professionals answered when asked how we can take good care of skin, hair and nails, and look our best, naturally.

As for key foods, helpful antioxidants are found in berries and brightly colored fruits; Tannis especially likes kiwis and raspberries. Seeds and nuts have wellknown anti-inflammatory properties, as well as minerals that form the building blocks of healthy skin and hair. Studies in the British Journal of Nutrition and elsewhere indicate that omega-3 oil, from borage, flaxseed, or fatty, saltwater fish like salmon can help hydrate the skin and reduce puffiness. According to research from the University of Brussels, silica—present in cucumbers, rhubarb, bean sprouts and other veggies—seems to play a role in skin hydration, as well as the formation of healthy nails and hair.

Because skin, nails and hair all need a range of nutrients to grow, repair, and rejuvenate, Tannis also suggests a good multivitamin supplement. Finally, drinking plenty of water is vital to keeping skin hydrated from the inside out.

SKIN How do I keep my skin resilient, clear and looking youthful?

“Lifestyle issues, including stress, have a huge impact on skin,” advises Allison Tannis, a registered holistic nutritionist and author of Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles. Before spending money on creams and treatments, look at your eating, sleeping, working, playing and exercising habits. “Stress, whether environmental or internal, increases the body’s production of free radicals, which leads to damage of cells, including skin cells,” Tannis explains. So, anti-stress activities, and just relaxing, boost your appearance.

Adequate sleep is also crucial for cellular rejuvenation, which is why signs of sleep deprivation show up in the face immediately, ranging from pimples and puffiness to creases and dark, under-eye circles.

22

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A healthy skin diet is high in antiinflammatory foods and antioxidants that fight free radicals. Tannis notes that, “Inflammation disorganizes the skin’s complex infrastructure that keeps it tight and strong.” Basically, a diet that’s good for the body is great for the skin, as well, and comprises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, such as olive oil.

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HAIR Labels on my hair care products show a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. Is it possible to get great hair without dumping all these chemicals on it?

It’s smart to be concerned about the ingredients in hair care and skincare products, because they are subject to little official regulation and may include ingredients that are not only ineffective, but harmful to health and damaging to hair and skin.

That’s why green living expert Renée Loux, author of Easy Green Living, makes environmentally friendly choices. “If it’s

toxic for the Earth, it’s probably toxic for our bodies, too,” she believes.

Complex ingredient lists often make it hard to know what we’re applying. Fortunately, consumer advocates like Loux (ReneeLoux.com) and the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) have done our homework for us.

When choosing products, Loux’s rule of thumb is, “plants over petroleum.” In other words, if the primary ingredients— listed in descending order by percentage in a shampoo, conditioner, gel, serum or mousse—are botanical or plant-derived ingredients, you and the planet are probably safe. Petroleum and petrochemicals—which are commonly used in many hair care products and are derived from a non-renewable resource—don’t break down well into natural components in the environment and may be harmful to human health. Loux also pays special attention to the, last few ingredients listed on the label because this is where innocuous-sounding toxins often hide, perhaps as a fragrance or colorant.

In the shampoo category, Loux likes low-sudsing versions, because suds are typically created by synthetic-foaming

agents called sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfate is common) that may irritate skin and poison the environment. With hair color, look for a stylist that uses low-ammonia dyes, or buy them yourself in health food stores and natural pharmacies; temporary colorants are safer than permanent dyes.

“The deeper the color, the more important it is to look at the ingredients,” counsels Loux.

FACE With so many products and spa treatments to choose from, I’m confused about what my skin really needs to look its best. What are the basic necessities for a natural skincare routine?

Cleansing (morning and night for oily skin, just at bedtime for dry skin) and moisturizing (all skin types) are the basics of daily skincare, according to dermatology physician Jeanette Jacknin, author of Smart Medicine for Your Skin and founder of the J.J.M.D. Botanical Dermatology skincare line. She says that soaps are

generally too harsh and drying for facial skin, so use a non-soap cleanser instead, preferably one that is pH balanced. Oily skin will need a toner after washing to control oil secretion, and then a moisturizer, while dry skin can go straight to the moisturizer.

“Men’s skin is actually thicker, rougher, and more oily and sweaty than women’s skin,” notes Jacknin. “Also, men have the special challenges of a beard.

So, while a man may borrow his wife’s or girlfriend’s lotion, he may also want to find a skincare line made especially for him.”

The next two steps in Jacknin’s natural skincare routine are exfoliation, to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface, and facial masks, which deepclean, nourish and revitalize skin. These steps should be done once or twice a week, depending on skin type and the strength of the exfoliator or mask.

Exfoliates come in two forms: abrasives, which physically rub off the dead skin cells; and chemical, which dissolve or peel away the surface skin layer. Natural abrasives include oatmeal and sugar

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WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR Avoid Unpronounceable Toxic Ingredients

T

he Environmental Working Group is a great resource for evaluating ingredients in beauty products and translating the gobbledygook into plain English. Check out the researchers’ latest findings at CosmeticsDatabase.com. To start, steer clear of these ingredients, identified as most toxic:

Parabens or any ingredient that ends with this word – affects hormones

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) – toxic contaminant

Sodium lauryl, or laureth, sulfate – contaminant that may cause skin damage

Triclosan and triclocarban antibacterials – present potential thyroid concerns

Triethanolamine (TEA) – contaminant that may trigger allergies

Dimethylol Dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl urea – preservatives that release formaldehyde

Fragrance and dyes – may cause allergies or cancer and affect the nervous system

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone –

preservatives that may cause allergies and affect the nervous system

24

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

While the European Union has banned 1,100 chemicals from cosmetics, the United States has banned just 10. Only 11 percent of chemicals used in cosmetics in the United States have been assessed for health and safety. ~ The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (SafeCosmetics.org) granules, while fruit sugars and fruit acids, from pumpkin, apple or papaya, for example, provide natural chemical peels. Look for products with fruit-derived exfoliates or make your own (Jacknin recommends Skin-Care-Recipes-and-Remedies.com).

Take advantage of professional exfoliation and facial treatments by estheticians and spas that use professional product lines with plant-based ingredients.

The final step in any skincare routine is sun protection. Wearing essential clothing, including hats, sunglasses and long sleeves, and staying out of the midday sun are dermatologist Dattner’s first choices for protecting skin from rays that can age and damage it. When in the sun, wear a mineral-based sun block such as zinc oxide, which stays on top of the skin, rather than getting absorbed, and forms a physical barrier to both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Also, watch out for nanominerals; these have been broken into particles small enough to be absorbed by the skin during the manufacturing process, with possibly harmful results, according to Dattner, Loux and other experts. Unfortunately, the U.S. government does not require that nano-minerals be listed on labels, so consumers must do their own research.

What about makeup? As Loux points out, the skin absorbs 60 percent of what goes on it, and many cosmetics are full of unregulated, untested petrochemicals. Does that mean you shouldn’t wear any makeup? Not at all. Makeup artist Jessa Blades, of Blades Natural Beauty (BladesNatural Beauty.com), says that switching over to natural, safe, mineral- and plant-based cosmetics is easy, as long as you are realistic. In general, the fewer ingredients used, the safer the product.

“Give natural products a bit of time, and don’t be so hard on them,” she suggests. Her natural eyeliner requires reapplying a few times a day, she says. “But I’m willing to do that for my health.” Her tips for making the transition: 1) Switch slowly; don’t dump all your old favorites all at once; 2) Go natural on the products you use every day, such as concealer and lipstick, which gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream when you eat or lick your lips; 3) Change your expectations, as natural makeup is not as long-lasting, inexpensive or easy-to-find as the more common, but toxic, stuff. The good news is when it comes time to remove it, all you need is raw coconut or sweet almond oil and a cotton ball. “Natural makeup just slides right off,” says Blades.

HANDS The smell at the nail salon is noxious; should I be worried about what’s going onto my fingernails?

“If your eyes are watering, your nose is twitching and your lungs are seizing up, you should listen to your body,” says Loux.

It is hard to get colors—es pecially bright, deep, rich, shimmering ones—to stick to nails; consequently, of all cosmetics, nail polishes tend to contain the most toxins.

Naturally safe alternatives to commercial chemical deodorants may be made with lavender, cypress or geranium essential oils, beeswax, baking soda or rock crystal salts.

Natural Beauty: Tips From Local Experts Natural Awakenings asked local professionals in the natural beauty industry for tips and advice. Their expertise offers enlightenment on topics that often get overlooked and offer reasons for everyone to look at their own products a little more closely.

~ ehow.com

“Nail polish is one of the tougher products to find for someone who’s looking to go natural,” says Loux. But she points out that some brands are eliminating toluene, a petroleum-based solvent that the Environmental Protection Agency has linked to mild to severe problems with respiratory and nervous systems as well as kidney and liver functions. These less toxic polishes require more benign removers than conventional noxious-smelling acetones. Always apply them outside or near an open window.

Even better, achieve a smooth, clear shine without any polish using a nail buffer. It’s a quick, inexpensive way for men and women to sustain a natural, finished look.

FEET What can I do to get my winter-weary feet ready for sandals?

In a word, exfoliate. Rub away calluses and thickened, cracked skin with an emery board, and then relax while soaking feet in Epsom salts to soften skin, and rub gently with a luffa or pumice stone. Foot scrubs containing salt or sugar granules invigorate and increase circulation, especially if they include peppermint, rosemary or tea tree oil within a moisturizing Shea butter or organic foot oil. Exfoliating creams, similar to facial exfoliates, but stronger, also help peel away withered winter skin. Always be sure to apply a moisturizer to protect the newly exposed skin. Remember to soften elbows and knees, too.

Frances Lefkowitz’s new book, To Have Not, was named one of five Best Memoirs of 2010 by SheKnows.com. Connect at FrancesLefkowitz.net.

“I encourage my clients to use natural products such as shea butter, essential oils, natural oils and water. When purchasing products, consumers should read the labels. I believe if you can’t pronounce the ingredient, it shouldn’t be something you put on your body. Additionally, drink plenty of water, eat more whole foods instead of junk food and use scalp massages to stimulate blood flow.”

Tanene Jackson, Locs of Soul LocsOfSoul.com “I grew up on a farm, so my outlook is pretty simple - keep it real. To me real means it comes from something living, not made up in a laboratory. Whether its food or a skin care product, you should be able to recognize the name of it.

There are plants that have been used for centuries to cure and heal just about anything out there so there is no need for a chemically made product to do the same thing. I cook from scratch and I make all my skin care products from natural raw materials, never any chemicals or preservatives. Keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it readable.”

Deborah Swanson, Made in the Shea MadeInTheShea.com

“Products that contain parabens, sulfates, glutens and artificial dyes and fragrances, are damaging to the skin and body. Parabens mimic the estrogen hormone linked to breast cancer and tumors. Sulfates dry out the skin, prematurely aging it, and have been linked to cancer causing carcinogens. By using a skincare system that is free of harmful ingredients, you are truly cleaning and nourishing your skin, giving your cells the fuel they need to grow healthier and more beautiful.”

Karen Watson, BeautiControl BeautiPage.com/Spa4UUU “Our skin doesn’t need a lot of products, it just needs the right products. Skin cells live lives like any human being: they get hungry and thirsty, they multiply, they die and then new cells are born again. Harsh chemicals destroy a cell’s natural life cycle, but when we provide a healthy and natural environment for cells, our skin automatically gets stronger, younger and fresher. Daily care is important and a professional esthetician can recommend products and systems based on your individual skin needs.”

Natasha Larson, IV Seasons Studio NeekaSkinCare.com

natural awakenings

May 2011

25

naturalpetpages For just $20 a month, you can help pets like Dot find forever homes.

ALZHEIMER’S ALTERNATIVES Natural Therapies Can Help

Dot Female Pointer Mix

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

C The Adoption Spot is dedicated to helping the many adoptable animals in local shelters and foster homes.

See page 28.

anine and feline Alzheimer’s disease, also known as cognitive disorder, is the most common chronic degenerative problem for older dogs and cats, especially past the age of 10. It affects millions of pets in the United States.

The cause of Alzheimer’s in animals is unknown. It appears, however, that inflammation may play a role. On the microscopic level, scientists have noted the presence of abnormal protein accumulations occurring within the brain’s blood vessels, similar to those in people with Alzheimer’s. Ultimately, the brain lesions interfere with proper functioning of nerve transmissions.

Clinical Signs

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Several signs may indicate cognitive disorder in affected dogs, including: n Staring at a wall n Lack of awareness of surroundings n Occasional lack of recognition of the owner n Lethargy/lack of energy n Excess sleep (especially during the day) n House-training problems (usually urinating inside the house) n Deafness Cats share the same clinical signs of cognitive disorder as dogs, plus the following:

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n Poor coat (excessive shedding or thin, dry coat) n Poor appetite n Chronic constipation n House-training problems (usually urinating outside the litter box when other problems related to anxiety behavior are not in evidence)

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Many different natural therapies can help alleviate cognitive disorder.

Note that other conditions, such as diabetes plus thyroid, kidney, heart or adrenal gland disease, can produce signs similar to those associated with cognitive disorder. A full diagnostic evaluation that includes blood and urine testing should be performed by a veterinarian before reaching such a possible diagnosis.

Conventional Treatment The drug Anipryl has been approved for treating cognitive disorder in dogs; no medication is available for cats. While effective in some patients, this drug is expensive and can have rare side effects.

If the drug proves to be effective, Anipryl must be used for the rest of the life of the dog. Natural, drug-free therapies are less costly.

Natural Therapies Many different natural therapies can help alleviate cognitive disorder, as recommended by a holistic vet. Changes in diet may include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, herbs such as ginkgo biloba, targeted homeopathics and phosphatidylserine and acetyl-L-carnitine supplements.

While I may incorporate a combination of these in the treatment of a pet with cognitive disorder, one mainstay is supplementation with choline/phosphatidylcholine. Many pets in my practice have had beneficial results with the patented product Cholodin, made by MVP Laboratories. It contains choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine and inositol.

Several years ago, I conducted a study funded by the manufacturer and found that Cholodin was effective as a sole therapy. Half of the dogs and cats treated with this supplement showed a moderate or significant response within 30 days; another 25 percent of dogs and 20 percent of cats in the study showed at least minimal improvement within a 30-day period.

I now prescribe Cholodin for all of my dog and cat patients that are at least 5 years of age, as a preventive measure.

In addition to choline and other natural therapies, I believe that it’s important to minimize inflammation in older pets, as well, because minimizing inflammation may also help prevent or decrease the incidence of other serious disorders. Because common commercial pet foods can have ingredients that can induce oxidative cell damage and inflammation, I recommend feeding pets natural foods devoid of byproducts and chemicals (feeding only wet food to cats).

Other ideas to reduce inflammation include minimizing vaccinations through the use of antibody titer testing, and minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical flea and tick products. In my experience, using natural therapies, beginning when a pet turns 5 years of age, can actually prevent, and at least minimize, the incidence of cognitive disorder.

Shawn Messonier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats; his latest book is Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.

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naturalpetpages petbriefs Pets Get in on the Patriotic Action The Citizens for Local Troop Support Committee are distributing bright yellow pet bandanas to raise funds for the Fairhope-based 1165th Company. The bandanas are available at Fairhope Animal Clinic, on Greeno Road, or at Fairhope City Hall, with a suggested donation of $7 for large and $5 for small bandanas.

Chairman Joe Birindelli says, “The City of Fairhope is a strong supporter of our National Guard. We sell yellow ribbons for people to hang on their doors, and now we've created an opportunity for pets to show their support, as well.”

The 1165th Company is currently on their second deployment to Afghanistan, and funds raised will help support them and their families, as well as activities of the Local Troop Support Committee.

For additional information, call 251-9900218 or 251-928-3292.

Spa Treatments Relieve Itchy Pets With warmer weather setting in, animals begin the itchy process of shedding their winter coats. Professional groomer and owner of SouthPaws Pet Spa, Lynn Anderson advises pet owners to maintain their yards and watch for signs of flea bloom, but adds that shedding is a much more common cause of pet itching.

Anderson says, “To help soothe uncomfortable itching and speed the shedding process, I recommend tackling the problem from the inside, by adding a Solid Gold Seamea enzyme supplement to the animal's diet.” She also suggests using a re-moisturizing treatment to help the coat release dead hair and pet dander.

This month's SouthPaws Pet Spa promotion lets customers add a special Solid Gold jojoba re-moisturizing treatment to any grooming services at the special rate of $5. The re-moisturizer penetrates three layers of the skin to heal, seal and soften while speeding up coat shedding.

Location: 4 South Bancroft Street, Fairhope. Call 251-928-0750 or visit SouthPawsPetSpa.com for more information. See ad on page 26.

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Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Pet Vaccination Update The rabies vaccination law underwent a change in recent years that some pet owners are unaware of. Until May of 2009 Alabama was the only state to still require annual rabies vaccination. Pet owners can now choose to vaccinate on a yearly basis, however the option of using a three year vaccine is also legal.

"The new law permits veterinarians to use the rabies vaccine in accordance to its label,” explained Dr. Dee Jones, Alabama Public Health Veterinarian. Choosing to use the one or the three year vaccine is up to pet owners and their veterinarians.

Questions were raised as to whether allowing the three year vaccine would cause a decline in overall rabies vaccinations, but evidence gathered from other states showed that to be unlikely.

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Mobile and Baldwin County Dog Parks Daphne Dog Park

Trione Sports Complex 8600 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne

Fairhope Dog Park

Parks for Pups

Volanta Sports Complex 701 Greeno Road and Volanta Avenue, Fairhope FairhopeDogPark.webs.com

by Meredith Montgomery

Walking down the sidewalk holding a joint effort between the Fairhope Dog Mom’s hand is not nearly as fun as run- Coalition and the City of Fairhope. Plans ning free at the neighborhood park while for the addition of amenities such as agilMom sits on a nearby bench. Luckily, ity equipment will be put into place as four-legged family members in Lower fundraising efforts continue.

Alabama can now experience the exhila- Unleashed in Orange Beach Dog ration from roaming the park unleashed Park sits under the shade of oak trees and as well.According to the Mobile Dog is enjoyed by visitors from out of town, Park website, “Off-leash facilities allow as well as locals. Orange Beach City pet owners the privilege of each other’s Council Member Joni Blalock says, “We company, while providing the required plan to display a map of the U.S., so that exercise, socialization and balance we visitors can mark where they have travwant for our furry friends.” eled from. Dogs from all over the country

While Baldwin County is home to use this park.” The sandy soil is favored by four off-leash parks, Mobile is making diggers, while active dogs are challenged up for lost time by planning the area’s by the obstacle course. premier dog park. According to Mobile Most of the local parks include sepaDog Park organizer Danny Weems, “Over rate areas for large dogs and small dogs, 60 people attended our public interest water fountains, pet service stations and meeting in January and we have since re- benches. When visiting any dog park, ceived a donation from a local foundation be respectful of posted guidelines. All to break ground and install fencing. We animals should be current on vaccinahope to have the park finished by the end tions and flea prevention is encouraged. of the year.” Plans for the park include an Very young puppies, female dogs in heat, entrance plaza with a metal, gated walk- aggressive dogs and young children are way, complemented by canine sculptures. generally not permitted within off-leash Money is still needed to complete this areas. If traveling out of town with a community project and canine companion, “Off-leash facilities research dog parks is being raised through events and the sale of allow pet owners the at your destination or brick pavers. download Dog Park

Each of the exist- privilege of each oth- Finder, a free iPhone ing dog parks in the er’s company, while application available area are unique in their DogGoes.com. providing the required at own ways. Some offer

Spring provides a range of terrain, such exercise, socialization the perfect weather as the Fairhope Dog and balance we want for recreational activiPark which boasts both ties. Get tails wagging for our furry friends.” by visiting a nearby tree covered areas and open, grassy spreads. off-leash park with a MobileDogPark.org This two-acre park was canine companion.

Gulf Shores Dog Park

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natural awakenings

May 2011

29

naturalpetpages nificantly reduced—once their dietary carbohydrate level is decreased to a more species-appropriate level than what is found in many commercial foods.

All Foods are Not Alike

Feline Diabetes Keys to Prevention and Treatment

by Dr. Lisa Pierson

V

eterinarians do not know everything about the causes of feline diabetes, a common and complex endocrine disease, but we do know that diet plays a significant role in the development of this condition in cats.

A cat’s natural diet (birds, mice, rabbits, lizards and insects) is high in protein, moderate in fat and low in carbohydrates (less than 5 percent). Unfortunately, animal proteins are expensive to use as ingredients in manufactured cat food, while carbohydrates (in the form of grains such as rice, corn, wheat and soy) are not.

This often leads pet food manufacturers to increase their profit margins by promoting 30

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

high carbohydrate diets, with dry foods being the worst offenders.

Because cats are obligate (strict) carnivores and are not designed by nature to consume a high carbohydrate diet, they do not possess the metabolic ability to efficiently process the high-carb diets that make up most of the manmade cat foods that are forced upon them. The resulting carbohydrate overload wreaks havoc on the blood sugar balance of many cats, which can contribute to the development of feline diabetes.

This effect is dramatically illustrated by the fact that many diabetic cats cease to need insulin—or have this need sig-

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While all dry foods are too high in carbohydrates, many canned foods also contain too many carbs, making them poor choices for cats as well. Content breakdowns for brand-name canned cat foods are helpful; dozens are detailed in the new table linked at Tinyurl.com/24kpzoc. (Merrick Cowboy Cookout, for example, exemplifies a beneficial, more natural protein/fat/ carbohydrate profile). Always look for cat foods that contain less than 10 percent carbohydrates, keeping in mind that costly prescription diabetic diets aren’t necessary.

Grain-free dry foods are not a good choice either, because of the damage inflicted on the feline urinary tract (such as blocked urethra and cystitis) when humans insist on feeding a water-depleted diet to a species with a low thirst drive. Water is one of life’s most vital nutrients, and cats are designed to get water within their food. In a research article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinary doctor Debra Zoran explains that cats relying on a diet of dry food consume half the amount of water that a cat eating canned food consumes when all sources (food and water bowl) are considered.

It’s critical to note that if a cat is already on insulin and a guardian lowers the carbohydrate intake without lowering the insulin dosage, he or she puts the animal in danger of suffering a life-threatening hypoglycemic episode.

Related Factors We also need to address the issue of portion control, or managing a pet’s caloric intake, because obesity plays an important role in the cause, and therefore the treatment, of diabetes. Fat cells secrete a substance that plays a role in making other cells resistant to insulin.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates all contribute to the reported calorie content of a manufactured pet food. Because animal protein costs more, instead of raising the protein content in products advertised as grain-free, or low-carb, most

companies instead boost the fat content.

Lack of exercise through activity is also gaining increased attention in relationship to both the cause and management of feline diabetes.

Even though we need to be careful not to assume that what is right for a human is also right for a cat, few people suffering from diabetes would dream of trying to manage this disease without the use of a glucometer to test their blood glucose level immediately prior to injecting insulin.

Injecting insulin blindly, without a metered test—whether into a person or a cat—is not without risk for developing life-threatening hypoglycemia. This includes feline patients that have their doses determined using glucose curves at a veterinary hospital.

Feeding a diabetic cat a high carbohydrate diet is like pouring gasoline on

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a fire and wondering why you can’t put the fire out.

A cat’s insulin needs can change for various reasons, such as infection, stress or anorexia; the curve generated at the vet clinic is often influenced by stress hyperglycemia, or a ‘false’ increase in blood glucose, due to the cat’s internal reaction to situational stress. This can result in a higher dosage of insulin being prescribed than what would be needed by the patient when at home.

Home testing can be intimidating at first, because most people can’t imagine injecting their cat with insulin, let alone getting a blood sample from his or her ear.

However, most cats quickly resign themselves to the home-testing procedure, and it becomes a matter of routine for both the human and the furry patient.

For a more detailed discussion regarding the management of feline diabetes and proper feline nutrition, see the articles at CatInfo.org.

Lisa Pierson is a doctor of veterinary medicine based in Lomita, CA.

Stay Connected with Natural Awakenings Follow us online for upcoming local events and news on healthy and green living. Search for Natural Awakenings on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter.

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naturalpetpages

LITTLE FURRY

Friends

Kittens and Puppies Need Special Care

by Brita Belli

goat’s milk formula that pet owners can make at home. Note that cow’s milk will make kittens sick and won’t provide the nutrients they need.

Introducing a new kitten to existing household cats and dogs must be done with care. It’s recommended to quarantine a new kitten for seven days—essentially keeping them in their own room, away from other household pets, particularly if the kitten is from the pound or has been rescued from the roadside.

Such kittens may carry diseases or parasites that can spread among family pets. The quarantine period also lets cats sniff each other under the door and become accustomed without a hissing match. After the quarantine, Wisconsin Veterinarian Katharine Hillestad recommends letting the new kitten explore her new home on her own, keeping other pets out of the way.

In the case of a household dog—keep the dog on a leash and let the kitten come up and sniff and explore them, as long as neither animal becomes aggressive or lashes out.

Planning for a New Puppy

I

t’s a rare person who can resist the allure of a big-eyed kitten or puppy. In a home where the kids are past toddler age and there’s time to devote to a new four-legged family member, having an adorable ball of fur around, so full of energy and affection, can be sweet. But beyond posting pictures of your fluffball in various cute poses on Facebook, baby animals require specific strategies of care to ensure that they stay healthy and grow into loving, happy pets.

Caring for Kitty The Los Angeles-based Kitten Rescue has a kitten care handbook, available online at KittenRescue.org, that details the most important steps for raising a new kitten. Chief among them is warmth. The handbook—written in part by Veterinarian Carolyn McCray—advises, “We cannot overemphasize the need for warmth in young kittens. If there is nothing else you can do or provide for a munchkin, this is it: warmth!” Kittens older than four months primarily need a warm spot to snuggle—a cozy corner or “cat house.” Younger kittens need a completely nondrafty environment, in addition to a cozy place of refuge inside a box, closet or other enclosure.

Beyond keeping the body temperature up, Kitten Rescue workers emphasize keeping kittens clean, because anything clinging to fur can easily be ingested and cause illness. Also, always provide fresh water and make sure the cat’s stool looks brown and solid. They actually provide a Guide to the Rainbow of Poop, but that’s another story. A kitten found in a box or otherwise abandoned will need to be bottle-fed feline replacement formula, bought from a pet store, or fed a special 32

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Puppies are much higher maintenance than kittens and need constant supervision. Not only will family members need to monitor whether pups need to relieve themselves (telltale signs include circling and sniffing the ground), but new homes should be “puppy-proofed” before their arrival by removing anything at puppy-level that is precious and/or chewable (that goes double for footwear). Fortunately, puppies have the advantage of being highly trainable—even in their first few months.

“You should start training a puppy as soon as possible. The more you work with a puppy and the more consistently, the faster it will learn,” says Mychelle Blake, with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.com). Typically, puppies are ready for a puppy socialization class after they’ve received their first or second round of vaccinations—check with a holistic veterinarian for the best approach. Blake adds: “You can also start your puppy right away with training in the home if they are not quite ready for a class.”

Socialization is a big part of puppy rearing. Young pups need to get used to other people, to other dogs and to new places in a safe, controlled environment. That will keep them from being afraid—and also from acting inappropriately, whether jumping on people, nipping, barking or biting. While it’s possible to teach puppy parents basic dog training techniques from a book or online literature, Blake says a trainer really helps to train owners in the proper techniques. “A professional trainer can help to coach you in training competence, which involves mechanical skills and timing, and it’s difficult to get these things right when you don’t have another trained person watching you,” she explains.

Finally, don’t be fooled by the adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” As it turns out, if we don’t get our puppy satisfactorily trained—we can continue the training by taking our older pup to a more mature doggy obedience class, and without all the crazy puppy energy, he may even be easier to train.

Brita Belli is a Connecticut-based journalist, editor and author.

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

calendarofevents All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines.

Go to HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to submit entries. Mark Your Calendar events are $40.

SUNDAY MAY 1

Smart Ride to Lulu’s – 7:30am registration. 8:15am Line-up. A fun ride from Fairhope to Gulf Shores to promote Complete Streets - designing roads for everyone to use safely. 33 miles. Starts at De La Mare in Fairhope or shorter route begins at Jessie’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs. SmartCoast.org. 251-510-8002.

Haven Adoption Event – 11am-3pm. National Adoption Week-end. Petsmart, Spanish Fort. HavenForAnimals.org.

Fresh Air Family Wildflower Walk and Sketching – 1pm. Come on a walk with Fred Nations and enjoy a talk on wildflowers. Bring a sketch book, pencil or watercolors and extend your afternoon sketching wildflowers and scenes at Blakely. Blakely Historic Park. $3 park entrance fee. Juli@FreshAirFamily.org.

251-377-0054.

TUESDAY MAY 3

Women Build Week – May 3-7. 8am-4pm. Help Habitat Mobile celebrate Women Build Week by volunteering on a construction site in Hillsdale. Saturday is Mother-Daughter Build Day in celebration of Mother’s Day. No experience necessary. Call Jennifer Tidwell at 251-476-7171 or email JTidwell@habitatmobile. org to sign up.

SATURDAY MAY 7

Art in the Park’s Flower and Wine Extravaganza – 9am-5pm. May 7-8. Art festival, landscaping and plant sales, antique rose tours, wine and craft beer tasting tent. John B. Foley Park, Foley. Vendor and general information: 251-943-4381.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Stop Smoking with Hypnosis

11am-12pm, May 7 and 14 Join Marquerite Dillon RN, BSN, HCN to learn ways to use therapeutic hypnosis to help control and overcome your smoking habit. Bring about positive change in your life. Space is limited so pre-registration is suggested. $30 includes both sessions. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, 3152 Old Shell Rd, Mobile. RSVP: 251-463-1570. Marqueri.Dillon@ att.net. SynergyYoga.net.

has been teaching meditation throughout the world for the past 20 years. The weekend will contain a mix of sitting, talks and discussion. $25/day, includes lunch.

Meditation Center of Alabama, 3821 Airport Blvd, Mobile. KPalazzini@att.net. 251-661-0191.

Haven Adoption Event – 11am-3pm. Petsmart, Spanish Fort. HavenForAnimals.org.

Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – May 7 and 14. 11am12pm. See May 7 listing. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, 3152 Old Shell Rd, Ste 2, Mobile. RSVP: 251-4731104. SynergyYoga.net.

Energy Anatomy – 12:30-2:30pm. Lorraine Graves, Ph.D. Psychotherapy and Healing Arts will present Energy Anatomy. Is your energy body fit? Do you know how you think and feel affect it too? The brain waves tell a story. Learn what the energy body is and ideas to help keep your energetic anatomy in good health throughout your life. See some cool research on body cells. Free. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile.

251-454-0959.

Film Showing: You Begin This Way – 7pm. The Natural Network will be showing You Begin This Way, a locally made feature film about the challenges families face while navigating through childbirth in Alabama. No children, please. $10. 20 South Royal St, Downtown Mobile. 251-378-8115.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Kirtan and Cultural Performance with Mayapuris

7pm, May 14 Bring the whole family to an enchanting night of sacred Sanskrit call and response chanting, traditional Idian dance, drumming, and more! $15.

Space 301, Downtown Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

SUNDAY MAY 15

Where Do Vegans Get Their Protein? 1-3pm. Learn how to cook healthy and delicious meatless meals. Discuss, cook and taste several delicious dishes featuring some of the healthiest plant-based proteins, including tempeh, seitan and beans. $25 or 2 for $40. Virginia’s Health Foods, Mobile. RSVP: Tracey@ShantiWarrior. com, 251-510-2418 or ShantiWarrior.com.

Film Showing: You Begin This Way – 4pm. The Natural Network will be showing You Begin This Way, a locally made feature film about the challenges families face while navigating through childbirth in Alabama.

Kids welcome. $7. 20 South Royal St, Downtown Mobile. 251-378-8115.

MONDAY MAY 16

Fresh Air Family Hikes for Tikes – 10am-12pm.

Nature walk through the herb and flower garden. Per-

A CENTER FOR HEALING ... A CENTER FOR LEARNING Permaculture Design Passive and Active Solar Rainwater Collection Humanure Composting Greywater Recycling Shiitake Cultivation Biodynamics

Holistic Consultation Energy Work Color Therapy Essential Oils Flower Essences Qi Gong Chartres Labyrinth

Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center Citronelle, AL 251-866-7204

MidEarthHealing@yahoo.com * www.middleearthhealing.com

SUNDAY MAY 8

Mother’s Day Evening Garden Concert – 5:30pm.

Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra plays on Live Oak Plaza between the Bellingrath Home and the Boehm Gallery. Adults $5, Children $3. 251-973-2217.

WEDNESDAY MAY 11

Fresh Air Family: Family Fun Walk – 9am-12pm.

Easy 2.3 mi hike through a restored wetland. This is a beautiful hidden treasure with a well marked trail and informative signs throughout. Wear closed toe shoes, bring water, camera and binoculars. Muddy Creek, Theodore. KimWright@FreshAirFamily.org.

251-689-2985.

SATURDAY MAY 14

Meditation for Daily Life – May 14-15. 9am-4pm.

Join us for a weekend retreat with Bill Karelis. Mr. Karelis is an authorized instructor of meditation who

GULF COAST

MOVEMENT, EVOLVED

FIRST

GYROTONIC STUDIO ®

CONDITIONING / THERAPEUTIC • THREE DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT • MOBILITY

IN JOINTS • STIMULATES NERVES / CIRCULATORY SYSTEM • INJURY PREVENTION

/ REHABILITATION • STRENGTHENS LIGAMENTS / TENDONS • IMPROVES SCOLIOSIS / OSTEOPROSIS • HELPS BLOOD CIRCULATION

BARBARA G. HAINES, ILCI EMAIL: BARBARA@THE5THLINESTUDIO.COM 13043 COUNTY ROAD 1, FAIRHOPE AL. 36532 TEL: 251-209-9864 natural awakenings

May 2011

33

fect for ages 18 mos-6yrs but all are welcomed. Bring picnic lunch. Stroller accessible but we encourage little ones to be “free range.” Wear closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bug spray. Mobile Botanical Gardens.

KimWright@FreshAirFamily.org. 251-689-2985.

Movie Showing: The World According to Monsanto – 6:30pm. The Local Food Production Initiative of Fairhope will show this film which discusses Monsanto’s role in promoting GMO food. Homestead Village Ballroom, Plantation Blvd just N of Fairhope Ave. Open to the public. No admission charged but contributions will be accepted. EdFairhope@bellsouth.net.

SATURDAY MAY 21

Fresh Air Family Escatawpa River – May 21-22.

An overnight trip down the pristine Escatawpa River, sleep under the stars on a sand bar and enjoy a dip or two on the way. Expect to see plenty of birds and perhaps a turkey or deer along the way. Free. Boat rentals available from Sunshine Canoes. Bring gear and food. Registration required. Juli@FreshAirFamily. org. 251-377-0054.

Haven Resale Shop Yard Sale – 8am-1pm. HavenForAnimals.org.

Reflexology Workshop – May 21-22. 8am-5pm.

Learn therapeutic Ingham Foot Reflexology taught by Laurie Azzarella, International Institute of Reflexology Instructor. Use on family, friends or professional clients. 16 CEUs for therapists. $375 new students.

Cabana Inn, 40 Ft Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL. 850-380-4943. Reflexology-USA.net.

Reflex-Oil-ogy – 6:30-8:30pm. Come experience foot reflexoloty enhanced by Essential Oils! Learn how to help relieve back pain, muscle aches, headaches, colds, flu, digestion problems and more by using essential oils on the reflexes of your feet. Bring a loved one and empower your health! $10 at the door. Cabana Inn, 40 Ft. Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL. 850-380-4943.

WellnessPurposeAbundance.com/yl/123.

FRIDAY MAY 27 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Yoga Birds Grand Opening Party

7:30-9:30pm, May 27 New location celebration following charity yoga on the bluff in Fairhope. Refreshments and good company provided! A free yoga community event. Yoga Birds, 209A S Section St, Fairhope. YogaBirds.com.

SATURDAY MAY 28

Mini Retreat: A Day for You! – 9am-4pm. Make time for yourself by talking, sharing and listening to speakers who will help you learn to nourish your body, mind and spirit. Lunch provided. Make your reservation today, space is limited. Love Offering.

Citronelle. Sue Sides: 251-232-2292.

We have a new website!

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

LOG ON TODAY! 34

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

PLAN AHEAD FRIDAY JUNE 3 Dog Gone Scramble – A benefit for the Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!). Craft Farms Golf Resort. $100/player entry fee, $400/team. BaldwinHumane.org. Nevin Yankie: 251-402-2472.

MONDAY JUNE 6 Mindful Movement Boot Camp Begins – A blend of yoga and pilates designed to improve posture and core strength. Develop body awareness and alleviate muscle tension in neck, back, shoulders and hips with emphasis on mind-body-breath connection. $130 for 2x/wk for 5 wks. Integrated Fitness, Fairhope. 251-554-4121.

IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com.

SUNDAY JUNE 12 Half Day Meditation Retreat – 9am-4pm. Come as long as you like. 25 minutes of seated meditation followed by 5 minutes of walking meditation on the hour and half hour. If coming late or leaving early, please do so during the walking mediation. Donation appreciated. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio, Midtown Mobile. 251-476-6463. Yoga@ QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Natural Hair and Wellness Expo 2-8pm, June 18

Eco-friendly product demonstrations, holistic health information, natural hair care resources, educational classes, live entertainment and more.

Now accepting vendor applications. For details: MobileNHWE.com or 251-289-1186.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Mother of All Expos 10am-3pm, June 23

The Natural Network of Mobile presents an expo promoting family health and wellness in Mobile.

A free event for moms, moms-to-be and families.

Now accepting exhibitor applications. Exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, door prizes and more.

Across from Riverview Plaza Hotel parking garage, 20 S Royal St, Mobile. 251-554-5704 or 251-508-2721.

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

sunday Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods.

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope.

251-928-0644.

Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread – We all need a little inspiration from time to time. Visit ShantiWarrior.com/DailyBread every Sunday for inspirational quotes.

Conscious Mile Spiritual Center Service – 10am.

Make every step we take, every choice we make, every word we speak a conscious one. New Thought Spiritual Center, 1230 Montlimar, Mobile. Rev. Sherrie Quander, 251-343-0777. CMSpiritualCenter.org.

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

Sunday Service – 10:30am. Questioning, understanding and growing together spiritually as we enjoy life’s adventure. Center for Joyful Living, 60 N Ann St, Mobile. 251-391-6960.

Sunday Worth-ship Celebration – 10:30am. Find, strengthen and celebrate one’s connection with Divine Spirit. Donation. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US Hwy 98, one mile north of US Hwy 104, Montrose. 251-990-8934. UnityEasternShore.org.

Sunday Worship – 11am. Celebrate Spirit in this special and sacred space. Unity Mobile, 5859 Cottage Hill, between Hillcrest and Knollwood, Mobile.

251-661-1788.

Align and Flow – 4:30pm. Flowing vinyasa with attention to alignment. Find stability and refinement - a safe, steady and deep practice. All levels. $15.

Yoga Birds, 209 S Section St, Fairhope. YogaBirds. com. 251-990-3447.

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

monday Massage Mondays – Relax with a therapeutic massage! Warlocks Hair Salon is now open Mondays for massage only. $20 off your first one hour massage! $70/hour. Warlocks Salon, 2A S Church St, Fairhope, 251-929-1899.

Yoga with Tracey – 9am. Join Tracey as you start your week off with some revitalizing morning yoga.

Bring the zest back into your day and embrace the joy! Synergyoga.net. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104.

Pilates Plus with Lynette – 9:15-10:15am. Great class to sculpt entire body using light weights, stability balls and resistance bands. Emphasis is on core conditioning and posture awareness. Must have some pilates experience. $5 first time, $15 drop-in.

Integrated Fitness, Fairhope. IntegratedFitnessFairhope.com. 251-554-4121.

Yoga with Dana – 12pm. Create your own practice during this gentle yoga flow class with Dana Goudie, E-RYT. Modifications suggested to make your practice more challenging for those wanting to move deeper. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio, Midtown Mobile. 251-476-6463.

QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

Kids Yoga – 4pm. New ongoing class offers a fun and focused environment that encourages strength and flexibility, fosters creativity and imagination, and promotes self-esteem and a sense of connection with the world. $12/class or 5 for $45. 209 S Section, Fairhope. YogaBirds.com. 251-990-3447.

La Leche League Enrichment Meeting – 6:30pm.

Last Mon each month. La Leche League provides encouragement, information and support for nursing and expectant mothers. Free. Call for location.

251-689-2085.

Pranic Healing and Meditation – 6:30pm. Pranic Healing clinics offered to the public followed by the Meditation on Twin Hearts. Learn to heal yourself. Classes available. Free. Mobile. RSVP: 251-454-0959.

tuesday

Complimentary First Facials – Tues-Sat, by appointment only. First-time facial customers receive their first facial free. Monette’s Family Hair, Magnolia Place, Hwy 98, Ste J, Daphne. Dixie: 251-621-8511.

Ten Percent Tuesday – Get an extra 10 percent off purchases every Tuesday. Back to Health Nutrition and Natural Foods, Foley. 251-970-2225. BackToHealthNutrition.com.

Sunrise Yoga with Audrey – 6am. The calendar says May, but WE know that summer is here. So jump-start your morning, beat the heat and refresh yourself with Audrey's energizing brand of yoga!

Synergyoga.net. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile.

251-473-1104.

Power Yoga with Teddy – 7:45am. Join Teddy Ward on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:45 AM for a powerful class that will invigorate and enhance your morning.

Enjoy his vibrant, dynamic flow! Synergyoga.net.

Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104.

Easy Yoga – 9:30am. Join Nadine Dalati in a lighthearted, nurturing yoga practice at a relaxed pace.

Focused on breathing and stress relief. Adaptable for any fitness level. Pay what you can. Conscious Mile, Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Vinyasa Flow with Tracey, RYT-200 – 9:30am. Challenge your body, still your mind, and connect with your own inner light. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio, Midtown Mobile. 251-476-6463.

QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

Stretch and Rotate Class – 10am. Adult class. Also offered on Thurs. Coastal Ballet Academy, 113 W Laurel Ave, Foley. 251-979-9851, RioBarlow@ymail.com.

La Leche League Series Meeting – 10:30am. Second Tues each month. La Leche League provides encouragement, information and support for nursing and expectant mothers. Free. Call for location.

251-689-2085.

Ballet Class – 4:15pm. Ages 4 and up. Also offered on Thurs. Coastal Ballet Academy, 113 W Laurel Ave, Foley. 251-979-9851, RioBarlow@ymail.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 4:30pm. New ongoing class: A safe and effective yoga practice to prepare for the demands of pregnancy, labor, birth, and motherhood.

Poses (both active and restorative) increase flexibility, strength, and energy, while also developing concentration and focus that is helpful during labor. $15. 209 S Section St, Fairhope. YogaBirds.com.

251-990-3447.

LA Hikers Meeting – 6-7pm. First Tues each month. Free and open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. LAHikerMeetings.

Blogspot.com.

Martial Arts Class – 6-8pm. Jiu Jitsu for adults and children. Also offered on Thurs. Gulf Coast Martial Arts. More info: 251-979-6019.

Positive Parenting Class – 6-8pm. Kids don’t come with a set of instructions. Get the tools and skills to create your happy, healthy family. Free. The Family Center, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile. 251-4795700. Kids101@comcast.net.

Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. First Tues each month. For pro-paddlers

and those brand new to the sport. Open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort.

BayKayaker.Blogspot.com.

Sierra Club Meeting – 6-8pm. First Tues each month. Open to the public. 5 Rivers Delta Center, Spanish Fort.

CWG Mobile Group – 7-9pm. Second and fourth Tues each month. Read and discuss books by Neale Donald Walsch. Joy N Love, 171 Crenshaw St, Mobile.

251-382-4215. CWG_Mobile_Group@yahoo.com.

Guided Meditation by Rosie Blu – 7pm. Guided meditation is a relaxation exercise and a way to reconnect with the divine spirit that resides in each of us individually; however, mostly, it is just a nice break from a crazy pace and hectic lifestyle. Page and Palette, Fairhope. Contact Rosie Blu for more info: 251-517-5326, RosieBlu@gmail.com.

Spiritual Cinema Group – 7-9pm. First, third and fifth Tues each month. View and discuss spiritual DVDs. Contact Heiner, 251-607-9089.

wednesday

Hospital Discounted Perms for Seniors – Seniors 65 and over receive discounted perms. Monette’s Family Hair, Magnolia Place, Hwy 98, Ste J, Daphne. Dixie: 251-621-8511.

Yoga Abs with Faye – 8:30am. What a great way to jump start your day! Let breath and body move in sync as Faye Mahan weaves a blend of classical yoga flow and poses, with added emphasis on those hard to work abdominal areas. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Anusara-Inspired Yoga – 9am. Explore asana with Melanie Buffett, E-RYT in this radically affirming method as you increase strength and flexibility.

Packages available. $15. 209 S Section, Fairhope.

YogaBirds.com. 251-990-3447.

Power Yoga with Core – 9:15-10:25am. Sun salutations based on alignment principles that build strength and power. Emphasis is on mind, body, breath and core connection. Class ends with relaxation pose to regain mental clarity and sense of calmness. Some Yoga experience necessary. $5 first class, $10 pre-register, $15 drop-in. Integrated Fitness, Fairhope. 251-554-4121.

IntegratedFitness-Fairhope.com.

Positive Parenting Class – 9:30-11:30am. Kids don’t come with a set of instructions. Get the tools and skills to create your happy, healthy family. Free. The Family Center, 601 Bel Air Blvd, Ste 100, Mobile.

251-479-5700. Kids101@comcast.net.

Lunchtime Vinyasa with Tracey – 12-1pm. Feed your soul. Quiet the mind and restore vitality through a challenging sequence of asanas designed to increase strength, balance, and flexibility. All levels. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio. Midtown Mobile. www.shantiwarrior.com.

251- 476-6463.

Unusual Film Series – 2pm. Third Wed each month.

Thought provoking cutting-edge films shown on big screen in meeting room. Adults only. Free. Popcorn and drinks included. Foley Public Library. 251-9437665. FoleyLibrary.org.

Eastern Shore MS Support Group – Every 2nd Wed. 5:30pm. Family, friends and caregivers are always welcome. Ruby Tuesday, Fairhope. Call Weezer for more info: 251-928-7606.

Gentle Yoga with Nadine – 6pm. Unwind from your day and let these gentle series of poses leave you feeling calm and refreshed to finish out your week. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy & Yoga Studio, Midtown Mobile. 251-476-6463. QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

International Association of Near Death Studies (IANDS) – 6-7:30pm. Second Wed each month.

Ongoing discussion and support group affiliated with IANDS. Discussion expands to include intuition, after death communication, consciousness studies and related areas of interest to attendees.

Free. West Regional Branch, Mobile Public Library.

251-340-8555.

Group Meditation – 6:45pm. Learn how to meditate in a relaxed group setting. Betsey Grady, owner of Rosie Blu in Fairhope and meditation enthusiast, leads the mind on an enchanting journey through guided meditation. For practitioners of all levels.

Pay what you can. Daphne Rec Center. 251-202YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

thursday Vinyasa with Tracey – 9:30am. Now 90 mins. More time, more bliss! Discover your inner light. Unite body, mind, and spirit in this energizing and centering raja yoga inspired practice. All levels. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio. Midtown Mobile. www.shantiwarrior.com. 251- 476-6463.

Story Time at 5 Rivers – 10-10:30am. For parents and children. Relax while we do the reading. Recommended for children age 6 and younger, great for toddlers and lap babies too. Free. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. 251-625-0814.

Yoga with Tamara – 4:15pm. Enjoy Tamara’s refreshing energy as she challenges you with a strong emphasis on alignment and focus while still calming the mind. Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile. 251473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Green Drinks Mobile Bay Area – Every 3rd Thurs.

5:30-7pm. Green Drinks is a community organization that provides a venue for informal networking and discussions about the many green happenings in the area. Free. Join our email list for details: MobileBayAreaGreenDrinks@gmail.com. www.

GreenDrinks.org/AL/Mobile%20Bay%20Area.

Slow Flow Yoga – 5:30pm. Join Wendy Rush in a practice of relaxed, flowing yoga postures and mind-

ling

Recyc Made

Easy

Contact us today to schedule a free appointment and try our 2 week free trial!

Green Solutions 228-219-3653

greensolutionsmobile@gmail.com www.greensolutionsmobile.com

natural awakenings

May 2011

35

ful breathing. Adaptable for all levels and appropriate for beginners. Pay what you can. Daphne Rec Center. KulaYogaCommunity.org. 251-202-YOGA. Tropical Yoga Birds – 6:15pm. Join Grace Shelton as work and get hot in this vinyasa class set to lively, fun music. Please bring a towel and water. $15. Yoga Birds, 209 S Section St, Fairhope. 251-990-3447.

YogaBirds.com.

Fab Fifteen Friday – Get an extra 15 percent off purchases every Friday. Back to Health Nutrition and Natural Foods, Foley. 251-970-2225.

BackToHealthNutrition.com.

Weekly Meal Delivery – Vegan Personal Chef Services. Get your orders in! Weekly menus posted Monday. Orders must be placed by Friday for delivery the following week. To view menu and place orders: ShantiWarrior.com.

Power Hour Yoga – 7:45am. Fire up your day! For these classes the room will maintain a temperature of at least 85 degrees. You will get hot in this class, a hybrid of vinyasa-based flow and power yoga set to funky, fun music. $15. Yoga Birds, 209 S Section St, Fairhope. 251-990-3447. YogaBirds.com.

Vinyasa Yoga with Ginger – 12pm. Join Ginger Dunaway for this fluid series of poses to increase strength, flexibility and balance in the body and mind. Class is instilled with yogic philosophy meant to connect you more deeply with this ancient tradition. Quiet Mind Massage Therapy and Yoga Studio, Midtown Mobile.

251-476-6463. QuietMindMassageTherapy.com.

Yoga with Adrienne – 5:45pm. Relax and renew at the end of a long work week. Enhance balance, strength, and suppleness with Adrienne while your mind experiences pure delight! Synergy Yoga and Pilates, Mobile. Synergyoga.net. 251-473-1104.

Sunset Yoga for Charity – Approx 6:30-Sunset.

2nd and 4th Fri. Yoga classes taught by local teachers. Donations collected and donated to charity of instructors choice. Bring your own mat. Fairhope bluff by Marietta Johnson statues. Schedule details: MindAndMotionYoga.com. 251-379-4493.

saturday Natural Health on the Radio – 9am. Dr. Jim Fox of Doctor’s Nutrition has a new call-in radio show on 104.9 FM. Learn more about natural health from a clinical perspective. Also streamed live on NewsRadio1049FM.com. More info: 251-445-7898.

Vinyasa Yoga – 9:30am. Begin your weekend with peace and energy! Audrey Vasauskas leads this all levels flow yoga practice. Move, breathe, strengthen, stretch, relax, and re-energize for all your weekend activities. Pay what you can. Conscious Mile, Mobile. 251-202-YOGA. KulaYogaCommunity.org.

Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC) Pet Adoption – 10am-2pm. Third Sat each month.

Adoption event. PetSmart, Eastern Shore Center, Spanish Fort. 251-928-4585. BaldwinHumane.org.

Essential Oils Workshop – 2nd Saturdays. 10am12pm. The purpose is to provide you with an awareness of the benefits of using therapeutic grade essential oils. We provide a time to share and learn skillful information so that you can enjoy using the oils, savor the aromas and enjoy the beautiful fragrances. Free. 1230 Montlimar Dr, Mobile. Judith Wilson: 251-656-6696.

Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Rates for classifieds start at $16 per month. Listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com for details. Volunteer Opportunities are listed for free as space is available.

FOR SALE

friday

36

classifieds

CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES – For sale in Birmingham, AL; Lexington, KY; Manhattan, NY; North Central, FL; Cincinnati, OH; Tulsa, OK; Southwest VA and Volusia/Flagler, FL. Call for details 239-530-1377.

HEALING ENERGY NEEDED THE WATERS OF THE GULF NEED YOUR HELP! – Sing along with Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha and renew the life-giving energies of the Gulf of Mexico. LovePeaceHarmonyMovie.com.

OPPORTUNITIES GROW AL AREA MANAGER – Promote the availability of locally and sustainably grown farm products to new subscribers and service existing customers. Base pay plus commission.

Call 205-266-5130.

JOIN THE GREEN CLEAN TEAM! – Green Clean provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning services. If interested in becoming part of our team, please call 251-508-3796 for an interview.

why you’re drawn to certain colors. Rosie Blu: 251-517-5326. RosieBlu.com.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS SERVICES – Holistic wellness coaching; vegetarian and vegan cooking classes, personal chef services; private yoga classes. Contact Tracey at Tracey@ShantiWarrior.com or visit Shanti Warrior.com. 251-510-2418.

LAB WORK – Only $69 includes CBC, metabolic panel, lipid panel and thyroid panel.

Hormone panel only $125. Other tests available with no appointment needed! Doctor’s Nutrition, Mobile. 251-445-7898.

NEED AN EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN? – Over 8 years of experience in general handyman work. Painting, dry wall repair, pressure washing, wood repair and tile/floor repair. References available upon request. Contact Cody: 251-454-8258.

NEGATIVE EMOTIONS? Gone! Guaranteed!

The Delta Institute, Dr. Diana Sturm, Certified EFT Practitioner. Private sessions and workshops.

DeltaInstitute.net 251-219-4574.

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTERS – Natural Awakenings is in need of distributers for parts of both the Mobile and Baldwin county routes.

4-8 hrs/mo between the 25th and 31st each month. Paid by stop. Reliable transportation and clear driving record required. Call or email for details: 251-990-9552, Publisher@Healthy LivingHealthyPlanet.com.

YOGA WHEN AND WHERE YOU WANT IT! – YogaSource offers classes at your home or business for fitness and relaxation. Single or groups. Props provided. 251-202-YOGA. Kula YogaCommunity.org.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES – Natural Awakenings is looking for part-time commission-based sales reps. Must be passionate about healthy and green living. Sales experience preferred but not necessary. Make your own hours. Call or email for details: 251-990-9552, Publisher@Healthy LivingHealthyPlanet.com.

AZALEA CITY CAT COALITION – Volunteers needed in any capacity: transporting cats, trapping and adoption events. Contact Susan Young: 251648-7582. SusanYoung@AzaleaCityCats.org.

SERVICES

DORI DOGS – Volunteers (both human and dog) are needed for therapy dog work. 251-348-2158.

DrBrown05@yahoo.com.

BABYSITTING, HOUSEKEEPING & PETSITTING – Over 6 years of experience.

References available upon request. Prices negotiable. Contact Maggie: 251-895-6447 or MScribner725@aol.com.

COLOR THERAPY – Learn to use colors in all parts of your life and create changes you desire.

Discover how they affect moods, emotions and

www.HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

BARC! – Cat lover to help maintain cages at one of the adoption locations in Fairhope is needed. visit BaldwinHumane.org or call 251-928-4585.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Volunteers currently needed for various stages of construction. Every Monday thru Friday, 8am-4pm.

No experience necessary. Must be at least 16.

Contact for details: 251-476-7171 or JTidwell@ HabitatMobile.org.

naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com to request our media kit. Rates begin at $36 a month.

ART FAIRHOPE ARTIST GALLERY

18 South Section Street, Fairhope 251-990-8763 FairhopeArtistGallery.BlogSpot.com Be delighted by the local color of diverse, original and affordable artwork. Look for the golden palette and ART above the door. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 1-4pm.

ASTROLOGY ROSIE BLU

Astro-Numerical Analysis 422 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope 251-517-5326, RosieBlu.com

LAURIE AZZARELLA, LMT, CRR

CHURCHES

Young Living Educator, Sponsor #327923 251-625-0080, LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com WellnessPurposeAbundance.com/yl/123

CONSCIOUS MILE SPIRITUAL CENTER OF MOBILE Sundays at 10am 1230 Montlimar, Mobile 251-343-0777, CMSpiritualCenter.org

Experience the healing, uplifting and detoxifying benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils and supplements. Contact us for personal consultations, in-home classes, household products, health supplements, diffusers, group presentations and business training.

Rev. Sherrie Quander invites you to visit a loving, inclusive spiritual community where we aim to make every step we take, every choice we make, every word we speak a conscious one. See ad page 17.

CENTER FOR JOYFUL LIVING 60 N Ann Street Mobile, AL 36695 251-391-6960

FOODS AND NUTRITION

Questioning, understanding and growing together spiritually as we enjoy life’s adventure. Center for Joyful Living in Mobile. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.251-391-6960.

Understand the numerical and astrological influences in place at the time of your birth.

Discover why it’s not just about your Sun-sign.

Learn more about yourself and your life with a personalized and/or compatibility chart. See ad on page 31.

BURIS FARM MARKET & BAKERY 3100 Hickory Street Loxley, AL 36551 251-964-6464 On Hwy 59 on the way to Gulf Shores, AL. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh baked strawberry shortcake, ice cream and much more. Your “first and last” stop to the beach, or any other time.

CLEANING SERVICES BEAUTY B-BUTTERFLY SALON

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

A certified organic salon offering organic products and services including hair color, perms and shampoo. Keeping you and the Earth beautiful.

See ad on page 23.

WARLOCKS HAIR SALON

Low Light Laser Therapy 2A South Church Street, Fairhope 251-929-1899

Thinning hair? Laser therapy is an exciting new treatment for hair restoration. A non-invasive, non-chemical solution to hair loss.

CHILDBIRTH SERVICES KATRINA BREELAND

Birthing from Within™ Mentor Mobile, AL, 251-554-5704 Facebook.com/MadeForLoveMobile Birthing from Within classes provide a holistic and mindful approach to childbirth preparation.

GREEN CLEAN, LLC Nicoll Mastin 251-508-3796 Green Clean, LLC provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning services for residential properties. Regular and deep-cleaning services are available, as well as green cleaning products and kits. See ad on page 27.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 Café 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

DIAPER SERVICES LIL’ GREEN DIAPER SERVICE Dana Warner 251-378-8115 LilGreenDiaperService.com Mobile’s only all-inclusive diaper service. Taking care of baby’s bottom and our Earth, for a clean end.

Comprehensive health food store and organic café, featuring organic food, free-range meat, vegan options and organic wine. Store open 7 days a week. Serving the public 35 years. See ad on page 31.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFE II

ESSENTIAL OILS JUDITH Z. WILSON, MEMBER #759523 Healthy Living With Essential Oils 251-656-6696, AromaLife@bellsouth.net YLWellness.com/AromaLife Workshops held the 2nd Saturday of every month, 10 a.m., 1230 Montlimar Drive, Mobile. Join us and learn how essential oils can help you. Call 251-656-6696 for more information.

3952 Airport Blvd, Mobile 251-345-0494 Café 251-345-0495 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café, featuring organic food, free-range meat, vegan options and juice bar. Store open 7 days a week. Serving the public 35 years.See ad on page 31.

This logo indentifies businesses that have signed on as Network Providers for the Natural Awakenings Discount Card. Learn more about discounts at these businesses: HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. natural awakenings

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GRAPHIC DESIGN MICHAEL M. WILSON

Creative & Graphic Designer MMWilson@gmail.com, MMWilson.com For all of your graphic design needs, including but not limited to websites, logos, brochures, posters, postcards, business cards reports, greeting cards, mailers, newsletters, menus and door hangers.

HEALING ARTS PRANIC HEALING IN MOBILE Deana Lannie 251-454-0959

Free healing nights and group meditations every Monday.

Pranic Healing classes and the advanced technique of Superbrain Yoga.

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE GRASSROOTS HOLISTIC HEALTH COACHING

256-282-1391 GrassRootsHolisticHealth.com

Creating dietary, spiritual and emotional wellness for women at all stages of pregnancy, from preconception to post-partum. See ad on page 19.

COMING IN JUNE

MEN’S WELLNESS Our doctors’ advice?

Eat, drink, be merry and get moving.

Learn why.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

251-990-9552

KIRSTEN CHRISTMAS

Holistic Health Coach 251-422-8203 Kirsten.M.Christmas@gmail.com Improve your well-being with weight loss, stress management and healthy alternatives.

PET CARE ROSIE BLU

Pet Therapy 422 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope 251-517-5326, RosieBlu.com Rosie Blu carries the following natural pet products: ecoPure Naturals, Bonealicious locally made treats, Green Hope Farms Animal Wellness, Animal Healer Margrit Coates‘ CDs and DVDs, Dr. Bach’s Pet Rescue Remedies and 222 Waters. See an on page 31.

SOUND THERAPY MARTHA UMPHREY 251-752-8122 MarthaUmphrey@yahoo.com Offering sound therapy as a natural solution for tinnitus or diminished hearing due to injury, stroke or aging.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING MIDDLE EARTH HEALING AND LEARNING CENTER 20205 Middle Earth Rd, Citronelle, AL 251-866-7204 MiddleEarthHealing.com Middle Earth is an evolving education center, modeling permaculture, sustainable living and the interconnection of the health of the planet and the health of her inhabitants. See ad on page 33.

PHOTOGRAPHERS YOGA

VICTORIA WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY

251-716-9699 VictoriaWebbPhotography@hotmail.com VictoriaWebbPhotography.com Lifestyle portraits and wedding photography.

HYPNOTHERAPY MARQUERITE DILLON, RN, BSN, HCN Stop Smoking with Hypnosis 4313 Momote Dr., Mobile 251-463-1570, RiteDillon@yahoo.com

Imagine the freedom of being free of cigarettes. Try hypnosis to get it right.

Sessions for smoking cessation will be available 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 7 and 14 at Synergy Yoga and Pilates in Mobile. $30.00 includes both sessions. Call to reserve a space.

REFLEXOLOGY LAURIE AZZARELLA, LMT, CRR

251-625-0080 Daphne, AL 850-380-4943 Pensacola, FL LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com, WellnessPurposeAbundance.com/yl/123 Upcoming Workshops: Phase I & II May 21-22, Pensacola Beach, FL. Phase III July 23-24, Daphne. Certification in Ingham Reflexology through the International Institute of Reflexology. 16 CEUs per workshop. These workshops provide education in better health naturally. Young Living Essential Oil Education also available.

JULIE WILKINS YOGA 251-554-4856 JWilkins75@gmail.com JulieWilkinsYoga.com Do you have a small group of four to five people and an open space? I will bring yoga to your place of business or home.

Fitness-based, stress management, gentle yoga.

YOGA BIRDS 209-A South Section Street, Fairhope 251-990-3447 YogaBirds.com Fairhope's yoga studio with classes for everyone: Anusara-Inspired®, Foundations, Vinyasa Flow, Tropical Yoga Birds, Restorative, Chair Yoga, weekend workshops and more. View full schedule and sign-up for classes and special events at YogaBirds. com. See ad on page 3.

KULA YOGA COMMUNITY 251-202-YOGA Info@KulaYogaCommunity.org KulaYogaCommunity.org Yoga classes utilizing shared spaces with four locations in Daphne, Downtown and West Mobile. Classes for every level. Learn from teachers with various experiences and backgrounds.

All classes are Pay What You Can. Check out our full schedule at KulaYogaCommunity.org. See ad on page 3.

New to You...

and green too!

Consignment and resale shops offer a green and affordable retail experience.

Visit one of these local businesses for deals on clothing, furniture and more!

CONSIGNMENT New Creation Consign Furniture Gallery Clothing and Accessories Gently used furniture, art, jewelry, & home accessories at unbeatable prices.

Inventory changes daily!

SECOND THOUGHT

CONSIGNMENT

for Women and Men

The little shop that fits your life with tables, chairs, sofas, desks, dressers & kitchen stuff!

Style that makes cents.

Bring us your household items!

“Upscale Resale�

Connecting buyers & sellers of really nice furniture!

Consignments accepted daily

251-943-4250

Shop online at www.ConsignMobile.com

3800 S. McKenzie St., Ste 3 Foley, AL 36535

1312 W I-65 Service Road South in Mobile (251)414-3616 ConsignMobile@Gmail.com

Mention this ad to receive a 10% disount!

103 Hwy 59 North, Ste B Summerdale, AL 251-989-2444 Second.Thought@hotmail.com

natural awakenings

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