February 2023 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

Heart-Healthy Living

Heart-Healthy Eats

Mindfulness for Couples Taking Love to a Deeper Level

Rhythms of the Heart

PUBLISHER Michelle Smith

EDITOR Julie Peterson

AD DESIGN Gabrielle W-Perillo

LAYOUT Melanie Rankin

CONTACT US

123 Fig Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532

Ph: 251-990-9552

NAGulfCoast.com

MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com

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NATIONAL

Gabrielle W-Perillo

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Resistant Depression or Dementia? We

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Using a cutting-edge, drug-free approach we treat a range of brain disorders including Dementia | Depression | Brain Injuries | ADHD

Call today: 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com 240 West Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL

Dr. J Douglas Brown DC DACNB, Board

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE TO YOU, THE READER:

This is the spot in the magazine where conversation with our readers is invited, listened to and nurtured. Seeds are planted as questions, suggestions or inspiration for the magazine. Then we fertilize them with love and kindness to help them grow with lots of sunshine and attention.

Here’s what I would love to know from you since you’ve read this far-what would you like to see more of in Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast? Who in these pages would you like to know more about? Or perhaps you have a health-related question that one of our highly qualified practitioners or business owners can answer.

Perhaps some of the new health & wellness technology you’ve read about intrigues you, but you haven’t had time to pick up the phone and call about it or stop by the business location. Or maybe you just have a wellness question that one of our Certified Health & Wellness Coaches can answer.

You may have read that Natural Awakenings recently acquired a new parent company, KnoWEwell, a regenerative, whole health benefits and services company. The new owner, Kimberly Whittle, was quoted as saying, “This is a transformational moment for both companies. Readers and consumers looking for trusted knowledge and education related to whole health, sustainable green living and community connections will surely benefit from this collaboration.” How can Natural Awakenings help you better with your holistic lifestyle? We want to hear from you!

MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com

251-990-9552

Facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsMag

Fun in February. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Dear Friends, February is the month of love, connection and fun. After all, Mardi Gras’ Fat Tuesday is February 21!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Which is French for “Let the good times roll!” As a former Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resident I can relate. Mardi Gras is the time to let your hair down and just go with the flow. Pass a good time, catch some beads, attend a Mardi Gras Ball and live in the moment.

Spending a few years in Louisiana attending college at LSU, I enjoyed adapting to the Cajun lifestyle and meeting quite a few fun-loving Cajuns while I was swimming on LSU’s NCAA Women’s Swim Team. At age 18, it was all a brand new experience for this Tennessee girl. Louisianians are just down-to-earth, friendly people. They get life. They are all about good (spicy) food, treating everyone like family and ‘live and let live’. From what I remember, you are not judged. Their attitude is, “If you are here at the party, you’re all right with me!”

And don’t get me started on LSU football. I don’t have room on the page, but when your football team has a stadium nicknamed ‘Death Valley’, I am sorry, the visiting team is in big trouble. That is where my passion for football blossomed and grew. LSU students, fans and season ticket holders are a different breed. It was the first time in my life that I heard an entire stadium stand up and curse at the other team in unison! Now that’s passion.

And they are passionate about tailgating. A tailgate before (during and after) an LSU game is something to behold. Jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, grilled boudin, shrimp etouffee and don’t forget the mounds of boiled crawfish. My mouth is watering just thinking about pinching those tails and… all the rest. I do realize that I now live in Alabama (or Auburn) football territory, but even my Alabama football friends agree that it is just a different experience over der on da Bayou. Ayeeeeeeeeee.

Now let’s grab a beer and go watch a parade. I hope to see you there.

God bless you and keep you,

Michelle Smith, Publisher

Take Your Thoughts Captive or Your Thoughts Will Take You Captive From Clothing to Gifts to Healing to Skateboards: Wild Flier Has It

Wild Flier Gifts and Apparel is a lifestyle company inspired by a love of the coast and a passion for living authentically. The unique boutique in downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi, offers healing arts, a large selection of gemstones and crystals and coastal and festival attire and accessories for men and women. In business 10 years this July, Wild Flier is also a full skate shop.

Janee Herring, certified hypnotist, Ear Seed and EFT (emotional freedom technique) tapping practitioner, practices out of the Ocean Springs shop and offers energetic clearing sessions to customers.

“We are constantly stressed, which can lead to poor health,” says Amanda Mavar-Schmidt, owner of Wild Flier. “Take a moment to pause and let Janee use the sacred healing herb, sage, which has been used for centuries by shamans and indigenous peoples to cleanse your energy field. It has been proven to kill up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria which has been linked to putting people in a more positive mood. When burned with intention, it is said to clear away negative or stagnant energy in a person’s environment or in their own energetic aura.”

Energetic clearings or smudge sessions are done every other Thursday and Friday, but please call ahead for an appointment. The session is free with the purchase of a crystal or “smudge” sage stick.

Amanda Mavar-Schmidt, owner of Wild Flier and RYT-500 yoga teacher and reiki practitioner, teaches weekly at Roast’d Yoga Bar in Destin, Florida. Wild Flier also has a location in Destin and an online shop.

Locations: 1018 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228-334-5574. And 127 Harbor Blvd., #3B, Destin, FL. 850-687-3023. Online ShopWildFlier.com Email Info@WildFlier.com. See ad, page 11.

When you change the way, you look at things, the things you look at change. ~Dr.

Wayne Dyer

Thermography Advantage has been in business for over 14 years. Since Carolyn Olson, owner, began her Thermography business she has incorporated several modalities to identify the physical and emotional root causes of disease, including Zyto testing and EVOX Therapy.

“We have seen great results with EVOX,” says Olson. “One that stands out for me is a 17-year-old that, due to such physical illness, had to be pulled out of high school. She was isolated as a direct result of her physical illness. We addressed the physical and saw improvement, but Zyto testing revealed the main root cause as emotional trauma. After EVOX sessions her change was remarkable, even participating in family events and going out with friends. She got her life back.”

EVOX therapy can help reframe a person’s thinking about nearly any issue and can help improve a variety of conditions including addictions, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, emotional imbalances, fears, negative thinking, obsessive behaviors, phobias, PTSD, relationships, self-image, stress or weight management.

EVOX unlocks limiting thoughts and feelings buried deep within the subconscious. Through the process of perception reframing, a patient can begin to see people, places, conditions and things in a new way and overcome blockages that have held him/her back from complete wellness.

The state of a person’s emotional health can be heard through the voice. When someone’s frequencies are out of balance, EVOX can detect that imbalance and sends back the balancing frequencies that are needed for a release or perception shift.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of addressing the emotional component of disease in order to obtain physical healing. Consider this quote from Albert Einstein, ‘Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies,’ he knew! We have this technology available in our clinic and are excited to help more people attain complete wellness.” says Olson.

Location: 6925 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile, AL, and 316 South McKenzie St., Foley. ThermographyAdvantage.com. Call 251-6232225 for more information on quarterly Thermography services in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. See ad, page 13.

(L-R) Amanda Mavar-Schmidt and Janee Herring

Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies.

~Albert Einstein

Sunshine Holistic Massage, Yoga and More

Audi Balcom, licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), recently opened Sunshine Holistic Massage & Yoga in Fairhope, Alabama, providing holistic massage and a yoga practice space. After living abroad with her family on several military deployments in Europe, she has become extremely passionate about maintaining wellness for herself and her clients. She likes to say, “Let the sun shine on your well-being!”

Balcom believes the only way to deliver massage is the holistic way. She received her certification as an aromatherapist in Syros, Greece. She is trained in reflexology, Thai herbal, deep tissue and beyond. She has over 15 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She received her RYT training at the Asheville Yoga Center and is a member of the Yoga Alliance. She enjoys teaching Yin Yoga on an individual basis and one of her dreams is to deliver her holistic massages while overlooking Mobile Bay.

Alongside her massage and yoga business, Balcom runs a family-owned soap and candle company, Sunshine Bath Co. Balcom sources the goat milk locally from Fairhope Farm and uses only natural ingredients in all the handmade products, which can be found in local shops around Fairhope (such as Fairhope Health Foods) as well as online and at local craft shows. In addition to running both businesses, she is a military spouse and mother of two children. She has traveled the world and hopes to continue her passion for making clean skincare while providing a better way of self-care through massage and yoga for her family and her clients.

Location: 22787 US Hwy. 98, Ste. E-2, Fairhope, AL. To book massage or yoga, contact Audria.Balcom@yahoo.com, call 334-430-0730 or see massagebook.com/biz/SunshineHolistic MassageYoga. For natural soap and candles, see SunshineBathCo.com. See ad, this page.

Audi Balcom

Flowering Lotus Meditation Retreat FREEDOM FROM BIAS

Give yourself the gift of presence. “To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to let go of the self. To let go of the self is to be illuminated by a myriad of things.” -Dogen

Flowering Lotus Meditation is hosting a silent retreat at the William J. Kelley Retreat Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, from February 24 to 26.

Comfortable accommodations, delicious vegetarian meals, peace, time and stillness, all under the instruction of a qualified teacher—that’s what attendees to the retreat can expect. Private or shared rooms can be booked and commuting options to the retreat center are available in addition to scholarships as needed. The theme of this month’s retreat is: with compassion, loving kindness and equanimity we will explore both our unconscious and conscious biases so that we can begin to be free of them.

Dr. Valarie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, renowned meditation teacher from Canada and author of Afrikan Wisdom: New Voices Talk Black Liberation, Buddhism, and Beyond, will lead the retreat.

“Dr. Mason-John has the skills to give everyone who attends a different meditative experience according to their lifestyle, spiritual journey, emotional readiness and needs in the moment,” says Beth Herzig, retreat director. “She is an inspiring person with whom to practice.”

Flowering Lotus Meditation retreats are less of a religious experience and more of an opportunity for contemplation and self-reflection, an opportunity to be still and take time to catch up with oneself away from all the busyness of life. Learning from the Buddha’s teachings can be an addition to any faith or belief system.

Flowering Lotus Meditation is a volunteer-led nonprofit that organizes and hosts Buddhist meditation retreats in various locations. It is a mobile Buddhist community, also known as a ‘Sangha’. Each retreat is completely unique but still fosters the same welcoming and accepting mindful values.

“All are welcome to attend our retreats. If you are new to meditation, even if you’ve never tried it, come spend a weekend with a supportive community that can show you the possibility of befriending your own mind,” says Herzig.

Sign up for the retreat and subscribe to the newsletter at FloweringLotusMeditation.org. Contact Beth Herzig at 601-869-5292. See ad, this page.

With

KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings Join Families

KnoWEwell, P.B.C., the Regenerative Whole Health benefits and services company, acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation in December, 2022. “This is a transformational moment for both companies. Readers and consumers looking for trusted knowledge and education related to whole health, sustainable green living and community connections, locally and globally, will surely benefit from this collaboration,” says Kimberly Whittle, CEO of both companies.

Whittle is quick to celebrate the visionary behind Natural Awakenings , which has had an almost 30-year run across American cities, saying, “I am thankful for the tremendous leadership, vision and spirit that Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman instilled in this great publication—which I have been reading, enjoying and benefitting from for many years—and I look forward to continuing her legacy as part of the KnoWEwell family.”

Natural Awakenings is—and will continue to be—a franchise with scores of publishers in different markets. “As a franchisee, each publisher manages their own magazine, collaborating with local businesses and producing hyperlocal news reporting and feature stories about people and events in their hometowns. Because they’re right there, they are wellequipped to connect readers with the best

local resources. Publishers also are able to offer their readers national articles that are produced by a team of professional journalists. It’s the best of both worlds,” says Whittle.

KnoWEwell operates the Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a digital ecosystem, community and marketplace that centralizes global health and well-being knowledge, resources and connections. With a mission to transform health care, it is connecting the dots between regenerative organic agriculture, lifestyle choices, social issues and environmental solutions to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address the root causes of chronic disease and achieve “WELLthier Living”.

KnoWEwell’s acquisition will have minimal impact on local magazine operations. “Moving forward, we’re looking for ways that the two companies can complement each other and also support our publishers at each location in their quest to offer the best content,” Whittle says. “We’re growing a movement as we share knowledge, celebrate healing success stories, provide access to evidence-based resources and create meaningful connections while helping today’s consumers, whole-health providers, mission-aligned nonprofits, businesses and advertisers thrive. Together, we’re addressing global, local and personal issues—the nexus for consumer consciousness, healing and hope.”

Achieving Physical Goals and Eliminating Pain

Physical Therapist Daniel Bishop is a Baldwin County native. He graduated from Fairhope High School in 1996 following a traumatic car accident during his junior year. Consequently, he endured a ‘fivelevel’ spinal fusion and made a complete recovery after 18 months of unrelenting physical rehabilitation. His ongoing struggle with chronic pain and remarkable recovery sparked his interest in rehabilitation. In 2006, he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a specialization in spinal rehabilitation and has extensive training in spinal manipulation, dry needling and sports rehabilitation.

Over the past 16 years, Bishop has traveled worldwide for further training under acupuncturists, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians and physical therapists in an effort to develop a unique approach to ‘combination’ therapy, which is an approach to help people achieve their physical goals. Bishop has treated more than 12,000 patients in Baldwin County with great success.

Here are a few of their stories:

Dr. Angela McCool-Pearson, OB/GYN says, “I had neck pain and underwent acupuncture and manipulative adjustments. The pain was much better after treatments. Dr. Bishop is very knowledgeable and adept. He has gone above and beyond most physical therapists in educating himself about Western and Eastern medicine. I highly recommend his practice.”

“I had back pain and discomfort for over fifteen years because of a herniated disk. I started feeling much better after only TWO treatments. After treatment, I have been able to return to my normal work routine and golf games. I would definitely recommend Dr. Bishop to family and friends. He not only successfully treated my issue, but he also gave me useful tips and an exercise regimen to prevent future discomfort,” says Dr. Tommy Bender, Dermatologist.

"I had back pain on and off for years. It became chronic and very bothersome by the end of each day and was changing how I worked. I saw Dr. Bishop and with some acupuncture along with manipulation, he had my back healing great after TWO treatments. He showed me some stretches and slowly my back quit hurting. It made a great difference in my daily life. I have almost no pain now and can run and work out several days a week. I have sent several other people to see Dr. Bishop, and all were more than happy,” offers Dr. Daven Cave, Cardiologist

For unresolved pain issues, Bishop Physical Therapy offers a multitude of methods to get patients on the road to recovery.

Location: 1203 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1C, Daphne, AL. BishopPhysical Therapy.com. Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com. 251-626-7778. See ad, page 15.

Dr. Daniel Bishop

Zinc for Colds and Flu

A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms.

In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).

Weighted Blanket for Better Sleep

Weighted blankets may be a non-drug option to help ease conditions like insomnia and anxiety by allowing the body to release more melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) at bedtime.

In a new study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden measured the amount of melatonin, oxytocin and cortisol in the saliva of subjects after sleeping with either a light blanket or a weighted blanket. They found that using a weighted blanket helped naturally increase production of melatonin by 32 percent. There were no significant changes in the levels of oxytocin, cortisol or sympathetic nervous system activity.

Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Add maternal mental health benefits to the well-documented physical advantages that breastfeeding offers to moms and their infants. A systematic review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that breastfeeding was associated with overall improved maternal mental health outcomes. A majority of the studies concluded that breastfeeding was connected to fewer mental health symptoms. Thirty-six of the 55 articles reported significant relationships between breastfeeding and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Notably, when breastfeeding challenges arose or when the actual experience of breastfeeding didn’t meet expectations, five studies reported negative mental health symptoms.

The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may have protective effects on mental health due to the release of oxytocin—also known as the love hormone—which is associated with decreased maternal stress levels and anxiety. This suggests that breastfeeding may have immediate, short-term effects on maternal mood. Further research is needed to help provide better personalized breastfeeding and mental health counseling to moms.

The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love.

~Henry Miller

Put On a Happy Face

According to a new study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Human Behaviour, positioning our facial muscles into a smile can actually cause us to feel happier. Researchers collected data from 3,878 participants across 19 countries, using three techniques:

n Mimicking facial expressions of actors seen in photos

n Moving the corners of their mouths to their cheeks using only their facial muscles

n Using the “pen-in-mouth” technique, which moves facial

muscles in a simulated smile shape

The study found a noticeable increase in feelings of happiness from people that mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears.

Wellness is the complete integration of body,

Our sauna offers near, far and mid infrared light therapy for the ultimate detoxification experience. A shower is available to immediately wash away the toxins from your skin—you’ll leave refreshed and “empowering wellness”.

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

mind and spirit—the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.

One Step Closer to Fusion Power

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This is a major scientific breakthrough decades and billions of dollars in the making, paving the way for us to be able to produce clean fusion energy. Fusion power is considered a game-changer because it would allow us to produce electricity with no carbon footprint or radioactive waste, using fewer resources than it takes to harness solar and wind power.

On December 5, 2022, the LLNL team conducted the first controlled fusion experiment in history to reach what is known as “scientific energy breakeven”, meaning that it produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it. Merely a theory until now, fusion combines two light nuclei to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. To achieve this milestone, LLNL built a series of powerful laser systems housed in a facility the size of a sports stadium. The lasers create temperatures and pressures comparable to cores of stars and giant planets.

There are still enormous challenges to be tackled in the decades ahead. The first is to develop machinery capable of affordably turning the reaction into electricity without destroying the machinery in the process. The hope is to address these challenges in time to have a positive impact on climate change.

Reforestation Is More Than Planting Trees

The United Nations designated 2021 to 2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. To that end, the European Union and 26 nations, along with donor support, recently pledged $16 billion to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests. A significant portion of the monies will be spent on reforestation.

Many reforestation projects focus on the number of trees planted, with less attention to how well they survive, how diverse the resulting forests are or how much carbon they store. A study of data from 176 reforestation sites found that on average only 44 percent of newly planted trees last more than five years, with some sites reporting a sapling survival rate of less than 20 percent.

Several studies have explored ways to improve survival rates. Promising measures include planting near mature trees, fencing out cattle, improving soil conditions, planting native species first to pave the way for other tree species and involving local people to support reforestation efforts.

Finding Hydrogen in Oil Wells

Climate change has spurred researchers and companies to develop fuels with zero carbon emissions. A simple solution is hydrogen because it burns without carbon emissions and is seemingly everywhere—under our feet and in every glass of water. The challenge is obtaining a reliable, safe and sustainable volume of hydrogen at a reasonable cost. There are several methods used today to produce pure hydrogen in large quantities. Most hydrogen is a byproduct of natural gas or coal gasification.

Cemvita Factory, a Texas biotech firm, field-tested a new method of hydrogen production in July, 2022, by injecting a propriety combination of bacteria and nutrients into a depleted oil well. Once inside, the microbes broke down the oil dregs to generate hydrogen and CO2. Cemvita Factory estimates there are more than 1,000 depleted oil wells in the United States that are suitable for their microbial treatment. While hydrogen production using depleted oil wells is getting some interest and attention, it still appears to be at a relatively early stage of development. One challenge faced by Cemvita Factory and other innovators in this area is how to prevent the CO2 from leaking into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Methods to capture, store or neutralize the CO2 byproduct will need to be developed.

Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic

The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity.

Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes).

Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.

Musings of the Heart

by John Diamond, M.D.

HEART-HEALTHY KIDS

Setting a Course for Cardiovascular Wellness

To help celebrate Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day, take a moment to enjoy this selection of musings from a former pioneer in holistic healing. Breathe deeply; pause between each of them; take in life’s energy and reflect and connect with your intentions and loved ones.

Teaching is for the mind; healing is for the heart.

A daily healing invocation: I open my heart for the Spirit to pass onto those who want Healing through me.

WHOLE FOODS FOR DOGS AND CATS

Human-Grade Meals for Our Furry Best Friends

The heart is the way to the Soul. The more open the heart, the more the Soul is revealed.

This may well be the best description of Healing: The healer opens his heart, his love pouring out from him to enfold the sufferer, to bring him into his expanded aura.

And the sufferer, feeling this love, opens his heart to enter the healer’ s.

As a holistic healer for almost fifty years who had his practice in his home, Dr. John Diamond (1934-2021) said he wanted to try to make his home a hearth, where the life energy, the heart flame, the flame of love and life of the sufferer may be rekindled to blaze anew. He saw his heart as a flaming beacon for the sufferer lost in distress. Not to come for a fixed time, but to spend time, to visit, living not by the clock, but by the heart. And home can be any place one feels love in their heart. Diamond’s musings, of which he wrote hundreds, are individual pearls of wisdom, each created with the intention of raising the life energy of the reader. Read more at DrJohnDiamond.com. ~

Susan Diamond

A New Chapter— Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope

by Brooke Goode

In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.

By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest

franchise publishing network in the health and wellness industry.

As the magazine’s 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, Natural Awakenings was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, “The why that has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission

statement that inspired me to create Natural Awakenings: to inspire and empower people to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”

The world’s delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. “The critical issues we now address in Natural Awakenings like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency,” Bruckman said. “The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on grander scale.”

Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder and CEO of KnoWEwell. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match. com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.

A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.”

Combining her entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings, KnoWEwell’s mission is to transform health care by

inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.

Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings, creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.

A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help

Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.

While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”

Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.

Hope for People and Planet

Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, “Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes.” Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.

Rodale Institute, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crises. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”

Research by Rodale Institute has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale Institute researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”

Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.

Looking Forward

The World Economic Forum reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper “The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism.

The good news is that the local Natural Awakenings print magazines, together with KnoWEwell's Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a global digital ecosystem, are forging the paradigm shift. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. “We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all—our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”

Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor.

Bon Appétit!

A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

FEATURING

The International Goat, A Gourmet Deli

To find The Goat in Fairhope, Alabama’s Piggly Wiggly customers need only follow the piquant scent of garlic and spices. After 40 years at Four Winds International Market in Pensacola, James Tarabay, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, sold his shop and retired. But then, Danny Manning, the owner of the Fairhope grocery store, made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. In 2021, The International Goat (TIG), A Gourmet Deli, opened. Tarabay is ever-present at the counter offering samples: Asiago-and-feta dip on fresh-baked baguettes; bites of perfectly seasoned lamb; tastes of freshly made tabouli, which is a Lebanese salad that includes cracked wheat, parsley, diced tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Everything prepared and sold at The Goat is “allnatural, no preservatives, nothing synthetic,” says Tarabay. “The olive oil, parsley, lemon juice and spices make the food glorious. It just melts in people’s mouths.”

Tarabay got the nickname “the GOAT,” from his family. His granddaughter called her grandfather “Jiddi”, which means “baby goat” in Arabic. So, the name stuck! It also means “the Greatest of All Time.” It’s no surprise as Tarabay lives by the quote often ascribed to Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” In addition to the wonderful food he serves, one of Tarabay’s detox remedies is simply one organic whole lemon with St. Aniol pure mineral water, sold at TIG. The optimal mineral composition of the water is thanks to many years of natural filtering through layers of volcanic rock.

In addition to the fresh food and drink available in the deli – TIG offers Greekstyle shrimp scampi and ravioli to-go, gyro and muffuletta sandwiches, plus an assortment of olives and cheeses. TIG also offers its own blend of coffee and an assortment of internationally sourced items.

What customers get is extremely authentic

Mediterranean cuisine, no Americanizing. Tarabay’s Zaatar flatbread recipe is from the mountains of Lebanon. Just a few ingredients—Zaatar spice, sesame seed and olive oil, and it’s a healthy snack, appetizer or breakfast. Another popular recipe is the Tortellini salad made with pure olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, tomatoes, onion and fresh parmesan cheese. And don’t forget the Spanakopita, a popular Greek savory pie made of flaky phyllo dough with a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese.

One customer standing in line waiting to be served said, “I can’t wait, I’ve been thinking about this all day. It’s an experience. Sample, taste, love it, come back tomorrow!”

Tarabay gives everybody a sampling and loves selling his foods. Ask for two slices of cheesecake, for example and he will encourage you to get four. Ask for a small portion of hummus and he will pack the container with a full pound. “Everything is good here,” he says. The Middle Eastern cuisine he serves verges on addictive.

When asked why he’s been doing this for so long he replied, “What we eat is very important. The body needs healthy food like a house needs a good foundation. I’m here to serve people the best food they ever had, made from scratch in varieties they’ve never tried before. I also encourage children to taste, so they learn to eat good food from the beginning because it will affect the rest of their life.”

“We invite customers to come in today to sample whatever they want!” says Tarabay.

Location: Piggly Wiggly, 100 Plantation Pointe Rd., Fairhope, AL. Hours: MondaySunday 7am-9pm. Call ahead to order 251928-0239. Coming soon locations in Mobile and Foley. See listing, page 21.

James Tarabay

February’s guide to local healthy food in Baldwin County

AGAPÉ JUICES

Nourishing your body, mind and spirit. Fountain Plaza Shopping Center

3782 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL Agape-Juices.com

AHI SEAFOOD MARKET

Fairhope Gourmet Market. Guaranteed fresh and highest quality seafood, beef and pork.

18874 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7533 • AhiSeafoodMarket.com

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture.

20733 Miflin Rd., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY

Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market

18327 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com

LOCALS FAIRHOPE

Quaint, mom-n-pop eatery providing healthy eats in a casual atmosphere. 312 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL LocalsFairhope.com

MCKENZIE FARMS

Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community.

17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL MckenzieFarmMarket.com

OHANA POKE

Poke combines ingredients of a delicious sushi roll into a quick meal. 561 Fairhope Ave. #102, Fairhope, AL OPFairhope.com

OX KITCHEN

Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com

SAGE LEBANESE CUISINE & CAFÉ

A surprising blend of traditional and new Mediterranean & Lebanese cuisine. 319 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL SageLebaneseCuisine.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE

Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

THE HAPPY OLIVE

Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com

THE INTERNATIONAL GOAT

Always fresh, all-natural ingredients prepared to melt in your mouth. Located inside Piggly Wiggly 100 Plantation Point R. Fairhope, AL Call ahead to order 251-928-0239

TWO SISTERS BAKERY & DELI

Gluten-free, keto-friendly options, featuring boars head meats & cheeses. 19452 Scenic Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 251-517-0622

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS

A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness. 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL

WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com

WILDFLOWERS & FRESH FOOD

Simple and colorful high-vibe cooking classes, events and fresh recipes. 251-656-9112

WildFlowersAndFreshFood.com

For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/healthyeats.

RHYTHMS OF THE HEART IMPROVING MOOD WITH VAGUS NERVE TONING

by Kirby Baldwin

While most people consider the brain to be the power center of the body, the heart is stronger in several ways. In research pioneered by the HeartMath Institute in the 1990s, the heart has been found to be 40 to 60 times stronger than the brain electrically and about 100 times stronger magnetically.

HeartMath studies heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the naturally occurring beat-to-beat changes in heart rate and rhythms, and is a key marker of overall health, resiliency and longevity. HeartMath discovered people could train themselves to improve their HRV and, as a result, their ability to regulate emotions by using breath as a type of biofeedback.

Central to this work is the vagus nerve, a main component of the parasympathetic nervous system that carries signals at an unconscious level between the brain, heart and digestive system. Due to its many functions, particularly controlling mood, researchers

have targeted the vagus nerve in treating depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

According to a 2018 study, “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders,” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Treatments that target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production. Both are important mechanisms of resiliency. The stimulation of vagal afferent fibers in the gut influences monoaminergic brain systems in the brain stem that play crucial roles in major psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Since the vagal tone is correlated with capacity to regulate stress responses and can be influenced by breathing, its increase through meditation and yoga likely contribute to resilience and the mitigation of mood and anxiety symptoms.”

Vagal tone tells us how well the vagus nerve is functioning, and it is measured indirectly by HRV. A toned vagus nerve can help regulate the nervous system and improve digestion, heart health and breathing rate. It can also counter the body’ s “fight” response and help us relax and bounce back from daily

stresses by boosting the “restand-digest” response, which also boosts HRV.

Because the vagus nerve is integral to the gut-brain connection, Michael Ruscio, DNM, DC, writes that lifestyle practices that are good for the gut and brain, like diet, exercise and deep breathing, can improve vagal tone. The Cleveland Clinic states that the vagus nerve can be naturally strengthened through meditation, massage, music therapy and cold-water immersion.

Other non-invasive methods of stimulating the vagus nerve include lightly tapping the chest while holding the breath, as well as light-to-moderate massage in areas near the vagus nerve. Because the nerve connects to the throat, gargling with salt water and laughing have also been proposed as potential interventions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, and there are ongoing studies to expand its use for other health conditions and disorders. This is an invasive solution, as the device is surgically implanted under the skin on the chest.

Bruce Cryer, co-founder and former CEO of HeartMath, says, “We could all use a helping hand to get into our happy place” in these uncertain times. The 40-year wellness leader recently turned to Sensate, a new personal device designed to help people improve HRV and derive calming benefits without the need for extensive training in meditation or breathing techniques.

Developed by Stefan Chmelik, a physician, Sensate is a palm-sized device that is simply placed on a person’s chest as it emits stress-relieving sound waves directly to the nervous system using bone conduction. Similar to the comfort a person experiences when a purring cat lies on their chest, Sensate causes the chest to resonate sound, which signals the vagus nerve to relax. When used over time, the device can train (or retrain) the vagus nerve to default to this calming state.

In a 2022 study, adults with and without anxiety and depression disorders used Sensate for an average of three and a half months, five to six days per week. After the test period, more than 70 percent of the participants reported low, mild or normal stress levels. More than 65 percent of the participants with anxiety disorder and over half of those with a depressive disorder reported an improvement in their condition.

Chmelik says, “Stress is a ‘global catastrophe’, and with a chronically stressed public, there is no will or ability to address all the other issues facing us. My goal in developing Sensate was to enable people to self-regulate more efficiently. I want to create a tipping point to create a more conscious world. As more people become aware of their breath and its connection to stress, and take advantage of the powerful tools of meditation, breath and other tools like Sensate, hopefully that tipping point is reached.”

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

The right food choices don’t just prevent heart disease and help shrink artery plaque, they also nourish and heal the heart. For a healthy ticker, enjoy these five food groups every day.

Fabulous Fiber

Fiber is the roughage in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, and it is loaded with agebusting nutrients. Eating fiber suppresses appetite, promotes weight loss, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation and feeds a healthy gut microbiome.

The challenge is to get more fiber every day. Too often, people consume fiber from processed grains and flour, and the sugar load that comes with grain fiber has many adverse impacts on heart health. The best option is to enjoy daily fiber from the following sources: three cups of colorful vegetables; two pieces of fruit, such as one cup of berries and one apple; two handfuls of nuts and seeds; and one-half to one cup of beans.

Nourish the Heart

FOODS THAT PROMOTE CARDIAC HEALING

by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS

Beneficial Beverages

Start with at least four cups of water per day. It doesn’t matter whether it’s flat or sparkling, so long as it’s pure. Pure water can be purchased or made at home or at work with a reverse osmosis filter system.

Smart Fat

Clinical studies show that enjoying fats from seafood, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts decreases the risk of a heart attack and stroke without causing weight gain. Healthy fats improve cholesterol levels, assist with blood sugar control, are critical for the brain, improve hormone balance and reduce inflammation.

Fats enhance the texture of food, adding that smooth, creamy mouth feel to a meal that makes eating a pleasure. Enjoy healthy fats from avocados, seeds and dark chocolate daily.

Clean (Not Mean) Protein

Raising animals in large-scale conventional operations with cruel living conditions is not just mean, it also produces less nutritious meat that can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Choose clean protein instead, which does not contain added hormones, pesticides and other toxins. Good sources of protein are organic dairy products and eggs, wild seafood and animal protein that has been grass-fed or organically fed while living on open pasture. Beans are also a great protein-packed choice that improves blood sugar and cholesterol profiles. They are the most powerful anti-aging food ever tested.

Except for people that are caffeine sensitive, one to two servings of caffeinated beverages can be enjoyed daily. In moderation, those tea and coffee pigments are good for us.

Don’t forget a fiber- and protein-rich smoothie to stay satisfied and revved up all morning. A balanced and delicious recipe includes one serving of protein powder, frozen organic cherries or blueberries, almond milk and chia seeds.

Take advantage of the option to enjoy wine with dinner—just be sure to limit wine intake to no more than two servings daily. Avoid any beverage with added sugar or commercial sweeteners. Don’t be fooled into drinking juice; without the fiber, fruit juice is much closer to drinking soda than to eating fruit.

Powerful Probiotics

Not only do probiotics help gut function— a healthy gut microbiome decreases inflammation and supports weight control. The latest research reveals that the microbes in the gut have a dramatic impact on the risk for heart disease, as well. Because healthy microbes feed on fiber, eating fiber is good for the gut microbiome, too.

The right gut microbes offer numerous benefits. They lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist with weight loss, decrease inflammation and

decrease production of trimethylamine N-oxide (also known as TMAO), a marker for heart disease. Support the gut microbiome by eating probiotic food sources daily, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled veggies and miso.

Dr. Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Learn more at DrMasley.com.

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning

2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

8 large cage-free, organically fed eggs

2 Tbsp organic, whole fat milk (or sour cream)

½ cup organic Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated

¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

FRITTATA WITH SPINACH, MUSHROOMS AND CHEESE

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

½ pound fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems removed, chopped

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ medium sweet onion, finely chopped

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

½ tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 375° F. Place spinach in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and allow to steam on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain; squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

Heat a sauté pan to medium heat; add olive oil, then onion; stir occasionally. After 1 minute, add mushrooms and continue heating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms

have softened. Add garlic and Italian herbs and heat 1 minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Stir in the Comté or Gruyère cheese, steamed spinach and sautéed onions with mushrooms.

Grease a pie dish with extra virgin olive oil, then pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it has the texture of custard—trembling and barely set. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes of baking, but don’t over-bake, or it will get tough. Check it 5 minutes before it’s supposed to be done.

This recipe and photo were excerpted from The Mediterranean Method. ©2019 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Harmony Books. All rights reserved.

CIOPPINO (ITALIAN SEAFOOD STEW)

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

¼ tsp sea salt

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil)

¼ tsp ground black pepper

3 large carrots, chopped

1 medium fennel bulb, chopped into ½-inch pieces (or 3 celery stalks)

1 cup red wine

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce

2 cups low sodium vegetable or fish broth

1 pound mussels and/or clams in the shell, scrubbed clean

1 pound fresh whitefish, cut into 1-inch pieces (tilapia, cod, snapper, catfish)

½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 large sea scallops

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Heat a large stew pot over medium-high heat. Add oil, onions, salt, mushrooms, herbs and black pepper; stir for 2 minutes. Add carrots and fennel; cook another 2 minutes. Add wine to deglaze for 30 seconds while stirring. Add bell pepper, tomato sauce and broth; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, unless the seafood is super fresh, soak fish, shrimp and scallops in orange juice or milk for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain when ready to add them to the pot.

Bring another pan with a steamer tray to a boil; add the mussels and/or clams; cook until they open, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the liquid for later use.

Increase the temperature under the large stew pot to mediumhigh and add the fish, shrimp and scallops. Heat 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and fish is cooked. Add the drained mussels and clams plus 1 cup of the reserved clam/mussel liquid; simmer another minute.

Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with parsley. This stew is fabulous accompanied with a tossed green salad on the side or as a second course. Be sure to set the table with additional large bowls for discarded shells.

3 small zucchini, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2½ cups)

2 small yellow squash, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)

2 Tbsp white wine

3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2½ cups)

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp fresh rosemary, diced

1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

⅛ tsp paprika or cayenne powder (or to taste)

tastes better when served the next day. Steam eggplant on the stove top for 6 minutes or microwave in a glass container for 4 minutes. Cook until tender.

RATATOUILLE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 medium eggplant (remove ends and any damaged skin), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium sweet onion, diced

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp oregano, dried

½ tsp fines herbes (or Italian herb seasonning), dried

1 lb firm tofu, cubed, or 15 oz cooked cannellini beans (optional)

Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, and/ or thyme)

This fragrant side dish from southern France is packed with nutrients. It goes well with chicken or fish, and especially a soufflé. To convert this from a side dish to a complete meal, add 1 pound of cubed tofu or 15 ounces of cooked cannellini beans. Can be served hot or cold and usually

Heat a pan on medium heat and add olive oil; add the onion, salt, black pepper, oregano and fines herbes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent. Add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and wine; stir. Cover and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 10 minutes, until squash softens and the flavors blend.

For a touch of heat, add paprika or cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Recipe excerpted from The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up by Steven Masley, M.D. Copyright © 2021 by Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed.

“The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

Colds

Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds

Styes

Warts

Ringworm

Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA35

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

Love in the Present Moment

MINDFULNESS FOR COUPLES

by Marlaina Donato

Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heart-unions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy.

Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.

Conscious Hearts

“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, in-house relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.

Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us disidentify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution.

She emphasizes that couples often go into fight-or-flight mode because they feel threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.

Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”

Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, recommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk, cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”

A Deeper Dive

Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking questions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple. The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to ask, “What scares you today? What is the most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”

Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance—flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

MINDFUL TIPS FOR DEEPER SEXUAL INTIMACY

FROM DEBBIE LAMBERT

Couples get too familiar with each other over time, and the wonder and curiosity leave the bedroom. To deepen the sexual experience, couples can:

n Shift from knowing to curiosity. Ask yourself, “What does my partner need in this moment?” Be in tune with subtle movements and embrace them in the moment, versus thinking this is what my partner likes.

n They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Eyegazing in bed is a deeply spiritual activity that allows us to connect beyond our normal experiences with each other.

n Smile, laugh and embrace the moment with some lightness. When we smile and laugh, we are out of our heads and into our hearts. This is where we want to spend more time in general.

FROM MACI DAYE

While most couples think they must do more to experience novelty, the best sex results from simply being there and tuning into bodily sensations. Knowing this relieves couples that are exhausted and pressured by the demands of modern life, which have been exceptional lately. They may avoid sex because they fear they must “go all the way”. However, if we are fully present, we can have magical, erotic experiences that are brief and don’t necessarily involve the genitals.

Dr. Felix Liao

permanently resolve.

Dr. Felix Liao, DDS

Hues Salon and Wellness Being Mindful of People and the Planet

According to Hues Salon & Wellness, every day is an opportunity to connect, educate and inspire. “At Hues we aim to be ‘daymakers,’” says Chelsey HughesSaridemir, owner and operator of Hues Salon & Wellness, who has a passion for design and creative pursuits. Since joining AVEDA in 2007, she has expanded her talents and has opened new opportunities for her and her team.

Hues Salon & Wellness offers an array of services including (but not limited to) hair styling and color, hair and scalp treatments, wellness massage, facials, waxing, lash and brow enhancements and mindful meditation along with a retail selection of gifts, gratitude journals and mugs. But the daily mission for the salon staff is always to make everyone who enters feel loved, heard and important. To that end, the Mindful Meditation practitioner is available by appointment to ensure clients can experience this firsthand.

“Our in-house Mindful Meditation Coach uses a trauma sensitive focus in her work and people see absolutely amazing results from her sessions,” says Hughes-Saridemir.

The salon strives to offer gentle and natural services to guests by avoiding harsh chemicals or peels, microdermabrasion or injectables. “We are an Aveda Concept Salon, so we carry and believe in their vegan, cruelty-free, plant-powered products and incorporate their mission in our own,” says Hughes-Saridemir. “We offer Aveda-specific facials and massages and pamper our guests with aromatherapy and hand massages, as well.” Aveda is a champion of sustainability, maximizing the use of post-consumer recycled materials in packaging with most bottles and jars containing 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials. Aveda also manufactures with 100 percent wind power and responsibly sources ingredients from communities around the globe.

Hydrofacials and Dermaplaning, which are non-abrasive treatments that gently and effectively exfoliate the skin without downtime or irritation, are popular and can be used to help eliminate sunspots, signs of aging, imperfections, blemishes or other issues.

“These are both incredibly effective ways to improve the look and feel of skin immediately, without any irritation or recovery time,” says Hughes-Saridemir.

For hair removal, the wax used at the salon is from Nufree, which is a plant-based formula that is good for sensitive skin. Providers specialize in full body waxing, lash lifts and tints, brow tinting and facials, which are being offered at a discount through February.

The salon also has a massage therapist who is trained as a Rolfer through the Dr. Ida Rolf institute. Hughes-Saridemir says, “His approach is unique because he does not believe in working at levels where the nervous system fights against him. It’s very effective and much less painful than traditional work or deep tissue.” She says the “no pain no gain” way of massage is now antiquated.

Officially Green Circle Certified, which means that it recovers about 90 percent of beauty waste including hair clippings, color tubes, foils and wax materials, Hues Salon & Wellness is kind to the planet. Green Circle partners with recycling plants, chemical waste facilities, clean energy producers, bio-composite plastic producers and more to take recycled materials and turn them into clean energy and renewed resources. All Green Circle’s partners have been investigated to ensure that they’re the real deal.

“We can trust that what we recycle is being used to its full potential with the planet in mind,” says Hughes-Saridemir.

Location: 19 N. Church St., Ste. B, Fairhope, AL 36532. 251-200-2131. HuesSalon.com. Chelsey@HuesSalon.com. See ad, page 23.

BABY STEPS TO LIVING GREENER

TIPS FOR LOWERING TOXINS IN THE HOME

by Tom O'Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN

Millions of Americans are spending more time in their homes as employers embrace work-at-home arrangements following the pandemic. Many families have redesigned living spaces to accommodate one or more offices, and as they streamline their abodes, it is important to also take care of any potential hazards.

Some dangers around the house are easy to spot, like toys left in a hallway where people might trip or exposed electrical wires that could cause a fire. Other hazards are not as obvious but equally dangerous. Daily exposure to invisible household toxins, for example, can cause serious health consequences.

Almost beyond comprehension, the average person is exposed to 700,000 to 2 million toxins each day, and some of these are

“forever chemicals” that never leave the body or take decades to be expelled. This huge toxic burden can accumulate in the body, strain the immune system and compromise overall health. “The research is very clear—huge, huge, strong correlations between toxin load and most of your autoimmune diseases,” remarks Joseph Pizzorn, ND, author or co-author of six textbooks for doctors and seven consumer books, including, most recently, The Toxin Solution

The good news is that many of these threats can be corrected with a little insight, planning and budgeting. Changes to our everyday choices can go a long way toward keeping our bodies and homes healthy and safe, while also creating a greener and healthier environment.

The Air We Breathe

The air inside our homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, containing pollutants such as mold, smoke, out-gassing chemicals, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses. There are many portable HEPA and carbon air filter options available at different price points that will help remove contaminants. According to a 1989 Clean Air Study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, common houseplants can remove organic pollutants from indoor air and, when combined with activated carbon air filters, are more effective. Examples of such plants are the Boston fern, spider plant, variegated snake plant, peace lily, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena and many other inexpensive varietals.

Between the Sheets

Flame-retardant chemicals in our sheets, mattresses, mattress pads and even pajamas out-gas minute amounts that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Because we spend approximately onethird of our lives in bed, it is important to ensure that the sleeping environment is as healthy as possible. Consider switching to organic cotton options for all bedroom items. Pressboard furniture is soaked with formaldehyde; replace it with solid wood pieces to reduce exposure to off-gassing. Turn off Wi-Fi at night to reduce exposure to EMF radiation. These changes can be made gradually, as the budget allows; think of them as an investment that will pay off with improved sleep and wellness

In the Kitchen

For many of us, turning on the faucet for a glass of water can produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as the “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (ewg.org/ tapwater) provides a searchable database of contaminants found in drinking water by zip code.

Investing in a water filtration system is a great way to avoid these chemicals. They, too, are available at different price

points. Whether it’s a countertop unit, a filter mounted on the faucet, an under-sink device or a whole-house system, the best solutions include charcoal granulation, a two-micron filter and reverse osmosis.

Smart swaps in cookware and bakeware are also a must. Begin by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, glass or cast-iron options. If replacing them all at once isn’t economically viable, start with the most damaged and scratched pans and continue as finances allow.

Food storage can be another source of toxins. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastics can leach into our food. Move away from plastic storage containers to glass, and swap plastic wrap for a non-toxic alternative like beeswax wrap or reusable bowl covers.

In the Bathroom

Clean the shower head and install a chlorine shower filter. Gradually begin to replace soap and shampoo with non-toxic products that contain all-natural ingredients; specifically look for ones that are paraben-free, gluten-free and organic.

For other personal products such as perfume, move away from synthetic fragrances, which can contain endocrinedisrupting chemicals, and replace them with all-natural alternatives such as essential oils. Toothpaste should be glutenand fluoride-free. Newer options contain hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral—which can be an alternative to fluoride and help remineralize teeth. Replacing makeup all at once can be costly, so begin with lipstick and lip balms and look for gluten-free alternatives.

Baby Steps

While it may feel overwhelming to embark upon a green living journey, positive change doesn’t happen all at once. Pick one area and make baby steps. Even small, incremental actions can have a powerful cumulative impact on the mind, body and planet.

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is the founder of theDr.com, author of The Autoimmune Fix and chief health officer for KnoWEwell, the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the Heart

by Kirby Baldwin

Bruce Cryer has been called a Renaissance man because of a varied, four-decade career as a singer, actor, dancer, publisher, author, marketing executive, teacher and coach. In New York City, he played The Boy for 800 performances in the world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks. He co-authored the book, From Chaos to Coherence: The Power to Change Performance, was lead writer of the Harvard Business Review article titled “Pull the Plug on Stress” and taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Cryer was part of the original leadership team and former CEO of the HeartMath Institute, which has scientifically studied heart-brain communications and deepened our understanding of how the workings of the heart can influence human perceptions, emotions, intuition and health. For three decades, he has dedicated himself to developing and teaching stress reduction and resilience techniques that tap into the power and intelligence of the heart.

As one of the leaders of HeartMath, what did you hope to achieve?

Part of what motivated me to join the original HeartMath team was the notion that the heart is much more than a pump. The values we associate with the heart—courage, wisdom, love, compassion—were being viewed as completely separate from the physical heart. Before founding HeartMath, Doc Childre discovered that anything he did in life that succeeded—a job, a diet, an exercise program, a relationship—worked better if he “put his heart into it”. Childre also realized that every major religion, culture and civilization revered the heart throughout history. However, the Western scientific method had reduced the human body to individual components and viewed the heart as a “fantastical machine”. This perspective was inadequate to explain the profound feelings of love, care and even grief we experience in the heart.

How has HeartMath evolved through the years?

The core message of HeartMath has always been this: Human beings have a remarkably well-integrated system with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The heart’s intelligence helps to coordinate all these aspects. The phrase “follow your heart” has actual scientific meaning.

HeartMath’s work has been validated through more than 400 peer-reviewed studies. When we started in the early 1990s, we were a research, education and training organization. Our discoveries using heart-rate variability proved to a mainstream, scientific audience that individuals can regulate their hearts, minds and emotions to produce profound changes in health, well-being, brain function and performance.

How can HeartMath positively impact people’s lives?

HeartMath is a beautiful and simple system that allows people to adapt to life’s relentless change and uncertainty and find balance. The brain directly benefits from the heart’s balancing capacity, which then facilitates expression, communication, listening, reaction times, coordination and emotional strength.

Having survived two life-threatening conditions and then rediscovering many sources of creative expression in myself, I’ve learned that our capacity to keep growing and learning is one of the greatest gifts of being human. Research is now confirming that the

more we stay active, interested and curious in life, the more we continue to create a flexible, youthful brain. A childlike spirit of delight and wonder is something we can tap into our entire lives.

How do you practice HeartMath in your own life?

I use heart-focused breathing many times each day. The idea is to inhale for about five seconds and then exhale for about five seconds while keeping your focus in the area of the heart. This 10-second cycle is the optimal pace allowing our systems to find balance and coherence. Sometimes I sit and radiate love to someone I care about or a situation in trouble. Heartfocused breathing has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I do this not only to maximize my own health physically, mentally and emotionally, but also to connect with humanity as one family, one heart.

Why do you encourage people to develop heartfocused coherence?

The heart is a key center of intelligence for our human system. The practice of breathing and focusing our attention on the heart is the first step to bring the heart and brain into coherent alignment. As we breathe in qualities we value—kindness, compassion, love—and then exhale worries, tension, anxiety or fear, a surprising power is unleashed. More than 30 years ago, I dedicated my life to this path of the heart. It’s an incredible journey.

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

calendar

To appear in the magazine, submit your listing online at NAGulfCoast.com . Online-only listings may be submitted online at any time. Please email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com with questions.

Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service – 11amnoon. Held inside and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speakers each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarian Fellowship@gmail.com. FairhopeUU.org.

SUNDAYS

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

Open Table United Church of Christ – Sunday School 9:30-10:20am. Worship 10:30-11:30am, rear chapel of All Saints Episcopal at 151 S. Ann St, Mobile, AL. Wednesdays 6-7:30pm online book study: Sleeper, Awake on Facebook, Facebook.com/ WhereTrueLoveIs or by Zoom. Office@Open TableUCC.org. OpenTableUCC.org.

Spiritual Awakening Center Sunday Community Service – 10:30am. IIn person and streaming LIVE at FaceBook.com/Sac360.org. Join Rev. Jack Fowler and a loving, inclusive spiritual community for an inspired morning of music, message and encouragement. We honor all spiritual paths, religions and lifestyles, believing the presence of God is found within all living beings. We are grateful to see humanity awaken to its spiritual magnificence. You are a part of this transformation. We meet at CoWork Daphne, 25369 US-98, Daphne, AL (next to Badcock Furniture). Spiritual Awakening Center 360, P.O. Box 848, Daphne. Sac360.org@gmail.com. Sac360.org.

Unity on the Eastern Shore Sunday Celebration Service – 10:30am. In person, streaming on Facebook.com/UnityEasternShore or via Zoom. Rev. Linda Fisher and Bobbi Jo Machholz along with guest speakers present a metaphysical message each week. Empowering people on their journey with practical, progressive teachings that ignite spiritual awakening and transformation. We honor all religions, spiritual paths and lifestyles. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com. Check our calendar for talk titles and guest speakers: UnityEasternShore. wixsite.com/unity.

Youth/Children’s Spiritual Program – 10:30am. Advancing the global movement of spiritual awakening and transformation through Unity. Kids ages 4 and up are invited while parents are in service to learn about the life changing principles of Unity, which promotes kindness, love of one another, confidence and self-esteem through the understanding that they and every person are children of God. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com. UnityEastern Shore.wixsite.com/unity.

Mobile Bay Makers Market – 11am-3pm, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Open air, sustainably driven market showcasing 25+ local artisans and growers. Music. Food trucks. Year-round, family and dog friendly. Free. South Park of Fairhope Pier, Fairhope, AL. MBMakersMarket@gmail.com.

Conversations on ‘A Course in Miracles’ – 12pm. (Immediately after Sunday Service) 2nd and 4th Sundays. Scripture tells us that Adam fell into a deep sleep yet is there never a mention of him waking up. We are collectively experiencing this ‘Awakening’ now as our eyes are finally opening to the Truth of our spiritual magnificence. Join Rev. Jack Fowler for a discussion of these life-altering concepts that teach us to see the world through the eyes of love instead of fear. Donations accepted. Meet at: CoWork Daphne, 25369 US-98, Daphne (next to Badcock Furniture). Spiritual Awakening Center 360, P.O. Box 848, Daphne. Sac360.org@ gmail.com. Sac360.org.

Ecstatic Dance – 6:30-8pm, 1st and 3rd Sundays. Explore the wisdom of your body and connect with your intuition through free-form dance. This is a safe space for releasing stagnant energy and emotions to find self-expression and freedom within. No experience required, only openness and curiosity. $25. The Yoga Hive Studio, 1901 Main Street, Daphne, AL. Facebook.com/EcstaticDanceFairhope. Contact Rebecca Washburn at Dance@RebeccaWashburn.com or 251-929-4634.

TUESDAYS

Open Door Drop-in Sessions – Noon-3pm. Every Tuesday each month. Drop-in and counsel with our spiritual advisor/minister. Empowering people on their journey with practical, progressive teachings that ignite spiritual awakening and transformation. 22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@ gmail.com. UnityEasternShore.wixsite.com/unity.

THURSDAYS

Gulf Coast Creation Care – Every 1st Thursday of the month at 4pm by Zoom. An alliance of faith communities working to focus the Gulf Coast community’s moral attention on the climate crisis. Info@GulfCoastCreationCare.org. GulfCoast CreationCare.org.

SATURDAYS

Tai Chi & Qigong – 2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturdays, 7-10am. Tai Chi for the first 2 hours & Qigong from 9-10am. Join Jim Harkins for an interactive hour of Mind, Body and Spirit rejuvenation. 22979 US

HWY 98, Fairhope. Hosted by Unity on the Eastern Shore. 22979 US HWY 98, Fairhope, AL.

Tai Chi & Restorative Yoga Morning Workshop – First Saturday, Feb 4., 9am-12pm. Join Jim Harkins & Bobbi Jo Machholz for three hours of Mind, Body, Spirit rejuvenation. Come for Tai Chi or Yoga or stay for both practices. Bring your mats, blocks, towels or blankets. $25 donation is suggested but not mandatory. Hosted by Unity on the Eastern Shore. 22979 US HWY 98, Fairhope, AL.

Prism United – 2-4pm. Find community. Be yourself. Serving LGBTQ youth in Mobile and Fairhope through facilitated, activity-based support groups for pre-teens, teens and families. Info@ PrismUnited.org. 251-219-8441. PrismUnited.org.

February 24-26

Flowering Lotus Meditation Retreat – Freedom from Bias. Three-day meditation retreat featuring Dr. Valeris (Vimalasara) Mason-John at the William J. Kelley Retreat Center, Bay St. Louis, MS. Give yourself the gift of presence. “To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to let go of the self. To let go of the self is to be illuminated by a myriad of things.” -Dogen. Register at FloweringLotusMeditation.org or contact FloweringLotusMS@gmail.com or 601-869-5292 for more information See ad, page 9.

Friday, March 17

A Night of Mantra Music with Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band – 6-9pm. Enjoy a night of interactive, soul-stirring ancient mantras given new voice through dynamic songs that merge conscious lyrics and New Orleans roots, rock, gospel and world grooves. The band is celebrating the release of their critically acclaimed new album ‘Mystery,’ named one of the best albums of the year in Louisiana music by Offbeat Magazine. Early Bird Tickets before March 1 $35, regular price $40. Visit River RockYoga.com or use our app to purchase tickets: River Rock Yoga and Pilates, 2429 W. Commerce St., Ste. C, Ocean Springs, MS. Contact Kim with

Sundays at 10:30AM

All Saints Chapel 251-333-0435

opentableucc.org

Instagram: @opentablemobile

community directory

Connecting you to local resources for natural and green living. To find out how you can be included in the directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.

BEAUTY

HUES SALON & WELLNESS

AVEDA – GIFTS – JEWELRY

19 N. Church St., Ste B, Fairhope, AL 251-200-2131 • Daymaker@huessalon.com

@huessalonwellness (Instagram)

Our team wants you to feel LOVED, HEARD & IMPORTANT. Come in for a cup of tea and enjoy up to 93% naturally derived permanent hair color along with massage, Rolfing, lashes, facials, hydrofacials, curly hair & blonding specialists, body & Brazilian waxing. Green Circle Certified. See ad, page 23

KAREN WATSON

TruAura Skincare Specialist/Makeup Artist

Daphne, AL • 256-508-0389

TruAuraBeauty.com/trubeauty4u

Skincare, anti-aging, cosmetics and body care that are pure, clean, safe and effective with zero harmful ingredients. Prebiotic/probioticbased and microbiomefriendly. See ad, page 15.

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666

2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334

TMACsHairStudio.com

A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar effective hair treatments. See ad, page 37.

BREAST SCREENING

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225

ThermographyAdvantage.com

FDA registered thermography offers breast/full-body screenings that are noninvasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering ElectroLymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 13.

CBD HEALTH & WELLNESS

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 25.

SIMPLY CBD

Aaron VanHauter, Owner 2005 Hwy 98, Daphne, AL 251-586-8890 • Simply-CBD.net

At Simply CBD our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality hemp-derived CBD products in a multitude of ways, helping you experience the healing benefits you deserve. See ad, back cover.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL

251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 25.

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

FAIRHOPE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP

1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-929-3207 • FairhopeUU.org

FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com

Welcoming people of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or cultural background. We seek truth and knowledge, care for the Earth and show kindness to others while creating an atmosphere of love.

OPEN TABLE UCC

151 S. Ann St., Mobile, AL 36604

Pastor@OpenTableUCC.org

251-333-0435 • OpenTableUCC.org

We are believers, seekers, and skeptics. We are Open Table. Worship Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Providing progressive biblical scholarship and ministries for racial reconciliation, care of creation, and LGBTQ+ support. See ad, page 35.

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING CENTER 360 Daphne, AL

251-289-1038 • sac360.org

sac360.org@gmail.com

A new loving, inclusive spiritual community focused on the integration of spirit, mind and body. If you’re ready for support and growth in all areas of life, this is the place to be. Join Rev. Jack Fowler and a group of inspired spiritual seekers for our 10:30 a.m. Sunday service and upcoming events, classes and workshops. Call 251-289-1038 for meeting location. All are welcome.

UNITY ON THE EASTERN SHORE

22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532

UnityEasternShore@gmail.com

251-304-4715

UnityEasternShore.wixsite.com/unity

An extraordinary spiritual family honoring every religion, path and lifestyle. All are welcome to join our progressive Sunday morning service or attend one of our life-affirming classes & events. With the presence of God within each of us, we are co-creating a world that works for everyone. See ad, page 33.

WE’VE MOVED! Make an appointment at our larger location today! 22806 HWY 98, FAIRHOPE, AL

DEMENTIA HELP

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is noninvasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 3.

DEPRESSION RELIEF

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787

MindPerformanceCenter.com

We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%.

See ad, page 3.

FARMERS MARKETS

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

20733 Miflin Rd. (Co. Rd. 20), Foley, AL 251-709-4469

CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

Open year-round on Saturdays only, 9am2pm. Featuring local farms with seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, seafood, hand-crafted soaps and more. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

NATURE NINE FARMS, LLC

Foley, AL

NatureNineFarms.com

100% sustainable farming practices. Your source for local, ethically grown food. Pasture raised eggs, grass fed and finished beef. Find us at your local Piggly Wiggly Fairhope, Greers Markets, or order online at NatureNineFarms.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

FOOD & NUTRITION

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 25.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 25.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

National Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach

251-635-6250

GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health conscious, men and women struggling to prioritize the things that will prolong your life—healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll take you by the hand to offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 8.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE OF LOWER ALABAMA

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-210-8615

AlabamaIntegrativeHealth.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse

Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine—a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 13.

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Midtown Mobile, AL 251-270-7200 • 251-586-8198

PeakAlkalinity.com

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower and detoxifying foot spas. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 29

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

National Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach

251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com

GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health conscious, men and women struggling to prioritize the things that will prolong your life—healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll take you by the hand to offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 8.

THRIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Personal Trainer

251-504-5237 • BeHealthyAndThrive.com

Kimberly@BeHealthyAndThrive.com

Holistic, Integrative Health Coach specializing in helping busy women get off the diet rollercoaster, release stubborn weight, balance hormones, gain energy and achieve the health they deserve in mind, body and spirit. Come love yourself healthy versus starve yourself thin!

See ad, page 19

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225

ThermographyAdvantage.com

Electro-Lymphatic

Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Similar to a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses an instrument with 2 small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. An impaired lymphatic system often results in inflammation, colds, flu, sinus problems, edema, excess water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can have a positive impact on many of these conditions. See ad, page 13.

MASSAGE THERAPY

ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

6920 Airport Blvd., Ste. 111, Mobile, AL

251-342-6415

ElementsMassage.com/Mobile

A therapeutic massage handcrafted just for you. Reduced stress, elevated mood and a strengthened immune system are all part of experiencing a therapeutic massage The Elements Way. Schedule an appointment today. See ad, page 19.

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com

Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

127 Harbor Blvd.

1018 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS Info@WildFlier.com

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry, yoga apparel and accessories along with men’s and women’s coastal fashion. Find your inner Zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 11

PERSONAL GROWTH

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912 • EnergyModelOfChange.com EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

PLANT-BASED FOOD

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday. See ad, page 25

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday. See ad, page 25.

REIKI

35 years experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 29.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com

Our goal is to truly help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling and joint alignment. See ad, page 15

OSTEOSTRONG

Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength

Josh Fandrich, Owner Fairhope, Mobile 333 Greeno Rd., Suite 2B OR 2724 Old Shell Rd., Suite D Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me

Just 15 minutes, once per week on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 23.

SOUL SHINE

Emily Sommerville, Reiki Master

103B N. Bancroft St., Fairhope, AL 251-225-8994 • Emily@TheSoulShineLife.com

Reiki is a holistic system for balancing, healing and harmonizing all aspects of the person - body, mind, emotions and spirit - and it can also be used to encourage personal and spiritual awareness and growth. Offering individual sessions and Reiki attunements. Call or email to book.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

UNITY ON THE EASTERN SHORE

22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL

UnityEasternShore@gmail.com.

UnityEasternShore.Wixsite.com/Unity

Treat yourself to a relaxing, healing and rejuvenating session of Restorative Yoga with Bobbi Jo Machholz. Bring mat, pillow, blocks and willingness. 1st Saturday each month, 10 a.m. Donations to Unity accepted. See ad, page 33.

ABOVE AND

BEYOND

YOGA AND SALT THERAPY

878 Hillcrest Rd., Ste C, Mobile, AL

Info@ABHotYoga.com • 251-639-9030

New Member Special. Start your yoga journey with us. New members to Above and Beyond are eligible for a 30-day Yoga Trial Membership for $49 and a Salt Therapy Trial Membership for $69. Salt Therapy Sessions in our beautiful salt room can help with allergies, asthma, COPD and many other respiratory issues. In addition, it reduces stress and anxiety. For more information, please call Above & Beyond Yoga or visit. ABHotYoga.com. See ad, page 6

ROLFING

EASTERN SHORE ROLFING

Pam Reaves, Certified Rolfer® 22806 Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 706-681-2935

Rolfing® is a holistic approach to manual therapy that seeks to improve your health and function by reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the human body. More information at EasternShoreRolfing.com. See ad, page 36.

WELLNESS SALON

HUES SALON & WELLNESS AVEDA – GIFTS – MASSAGE

19 N. Church St., Ste B, Fairhope, AL 251-200-2131 • Daymaker@huessalon.com

@huessalonwellness (Instagram)

Our team wants you to feel LOVED, HEARD & IMPORTANT. Come in for a cup of tea and enjoy up to 93% naturally derived permanent hair color along with massage, Rolfing, lashes, facials, hydrofacials, curly hair & blonding specialists, body & Brazilian waxing. Green Circle Certified. See ad, page 23

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

127 Harbor Blvd.

1018 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS Info@WildFlier.com

We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry, yoga apparel and accessories along with men’s and women’s coastal fashion. Find your inner Zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 11

classifieds

HELP WANTED

THE SUNFLOWER CAFES ARE LOOKING TO HIRE full- and part-time cooks in Mobile and Fairhope. The Cafes are open only for lunch Monday-Saturday. Apply in store or call Krissy Little at 251-479-3952.

$1 per word, per month. Email content to MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

SERVICES

ATTENTION ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW YEAR LIFESTYLE? —Struggling to prioritize healthier choices? Get focused, get active, make a plan. Michelle Smith, Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach will take you by the hand and coax change by designing customized BEST PRACTICES for your life. Find out how. 251-635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

Accelerate Healing with Energy.

Using light energy through distance healing, your healing process can move forward more smoothly.

“My knee was warm for about 3 full hours after I left. It seemed to heal further after I slept the first couple of nights. While my knee was not healed 100%, it was significantly better and I was able to go on my Montana ski trip the next week.

P.S. Another month after my ski trip my knee has continued to improve.”

Robert, Gainesville, GA

Practicing by donation for nearly 10 years. Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit https://www.distancehealer.me