May 2023 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

PUBLISHER Michelle Smith

EDITOR Julie Peterson

AD MANAGEMENT Gabrielle W-Perillo

LAYOUT DESIGN Melanie Rankin

AD SALES Veronica Miller

VeronicaS@NAGulfCoast.com • 251-422-9114

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Living with Resistant Depression, Dementia? We can help.

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

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessments. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.

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

Foley, AL

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.

Mind Performance

Dr. J Douglas Brown DC DACNB, Board Certified Neurology-Chiropractic

M is for May, Mothers, Merriment and Mindfulness

Dear Friends, May is a lovely month and a beautiful time to be alive. After all, April showers bring May flowers. All the April hustling and bustling to finish taxes is behind us now and it’s the last month of school, woohoo! May also brings my birthday, my mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day. Three more reasons to celebrate May. Merriment.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’d like to take a moment of mindfulness to brag on my courageous and caring mother. We like to say we ‘grew up’ together since she had me when she was just 18 and my father was 21. They had been married only 11 months. In my humble opinion, that by itself was very brave. She was born in Arkansas and raised by her single mother, my Mamaw, in Calico Rock and then Memphis, Tennessee, which is where I was born. Her father was killed when she was very young (long story for another time). Her little family had it tough for a while, but she made good grades, cultivated a few good friendships and married young to a man who loved her dearly and still does. My sister came along four years after me and became my best friend. (That’s what sisters are for, love you, Tonya!)

My mother is one of those rare combinations of a loving parent who provides support, structure and boundaries, a giving mother who would do anything for her children and a comforting friend and confidante who stands by your side through thick and thin. She will speak her mind when it counts, but typically she reserves judgement and allows my sister and I to be exactly who we are, loving us unconditionally, even if she disagrees and even if we’re wrong. Of course, that hardly ever happens She holds her tongue unless we ask her for advice. That is rare.

When I was about to start dating she prepared me and helped me go out with a handsome young man who was a bit older than me, because she liked and approved of him, even though technically, technically I wasn’t allowed to date yet. She has always looked out for her girls. Thanks, momma. Just a few years ago, she took a horrific fall down a flight of stairs at the age of 78. We thought we’d lost her. She spent those early days in the hospital, in a medically induced coma, while our family, extended family and community of friends around the country prayed fervently for her recovery. On the third day she awoke and spoke. We were so happy; we knew we had her back. God is good. I praise the Lord that my mother is still with us as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and a friend to all who know her. That’s my mother. I love you, Momma. Happy Mother’s Day.

May God bless you and keep you,

•

Michelle Smith, Publisher

Tonya, Me and Mom

Wild Flier: Passion With a Purpose

Wild Flier is a unique retail boutique inspired by owner Amanda Schmidt’s passion for living. Her wish is that everyone will discover their own inner Wild Flier through the offerings of exclusive, purpose driven brands of yoga and skater apparel, along with other specialty gifts.

Wild Flier’s flagship store in historic downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has been in business for 10 years this July. At the Destin Harborwalk Village in Florida, Wild Flier has a booth that operates on most sunny days from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the Olin Marler Dolphin Cruise and the Bungee Jump, right in the heart of all the action on Destin Harbor. Both locations carry jewelry, crystals, men’s and women’s apparel, as well as sunblock, beach and boat accessories. Their online store ships anywhere in the world. Schmidt’s passion for living extends to sharing yoga on her YouTube channel along with offering immersive yoga retreats in Florida, Costa Rica and onlocation for private events. Her home in Costa Rica is also available as a vacation rental where she is happy to allow others to discover the beauty and peace of five lush acres.

Location: 1018 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. Visit in person or online at ShopWildFlier.com. See ad, page 15.

7th Annual Corn Festival at CAFFM

The7th Annual Corn Festival on June 17 is the Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market’s largest event of the season with many popular vendors. It is a celebration of summer at the high point of the produce season.

The festival is family-friendly and features many activities for kids. Adults can join the corneating contest where, win or lose, you will leave with a full belly. There will also be various artisan vendors showcasing gift ideas for Father’s Day (or any day) including unique items that can’t be found elsewhere.

The food choices will be bountiful. From delicious Gulf seafood that’s ready to cook or ready to eat, fresh meat, just-harvested local veggies, baked goods and honey, the selections to eat on site or take home to supply the kitchen for fresh local meals can’t be beat. The freshest tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe and blueberries are in season and hard to resist.

Stop by the award-winning Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market and spend the day celebrating the season and enjoying all the best the Gulf Coast has to offer at this year’s Corn Festival.

Farmers and Fishermens

Location: 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, Alabama. 251-709-4469 (ask for Alescia). For more information on the corn festival, see our Facebook page or visit CoastalAlabamaMarket.com. See listing, page 41.

SKINCARE ANTI-AGING

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FEED YOUR SKIN A HEALTHY DIET!

FEED YOUR SKIN A HEALTHY DIET!

Karen Watson TruAura Beauty Consultant Based in Daphne, Serving the Gulf Coast trubeauty4u.truaurabeauty.com 256-508-0389

Karen Watson TruAura Beauty Consultant Based in Daphne, Serving the Gulf Coast 256-508-0389

COASTAL ALABAMA

Men’s Wellness Series

Join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a life-changing series entitled The Healthy Man each Tuesday in June at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT.

TOPICS

n Lifestyle choices that add years to a man’s life and life to his years

n Tips to maintain youthful energy, a desired weight and a healthy libido

n Strategies for optimal eye health

n Good posture techniques for peak human performance and pain-free aging

n Habits that create resilient kids and a lasting legacy

SPEAKERS

n Ben Greenfield, human performance consultant and author of 17 books including Boundless Parenting

n Dr. Eric Plasker, chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle

n Dr. Tracy Gapin, board-certified urologist and author of Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity

n Dr. Krista Burns, chiropractor, founder of the American Posture Institute and author of The Posture Principles

n Christopher Smith, co-founder of Family Brand and the Campfire Effect, creating leaders at home and in business

n Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, board-certified optometrist and pioneer in neuro-optometry

n Dr. Tarin Forbes, board-certified integrative doctor specializing in anti-aging and metabolic medicine

n Dr. Alan Christianson, naturopathic endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disease and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet and The Thyroid Reset Diet

Admission is $59, which includes all Tuesday evening sessions and a one-year membership to KnoWEwell. To learn more and register, visit Tinyurl.com/WellMen2023 or scan the QR Code. See ad, page 38.

Osteoporosis Awareness

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness month. Osteoporosis is a disease that affects every human. It was identified by the WHO in the early 90s as a skeletal disease and we now know that it is associated with the aging process and affects more than just bone tissue.

The skeletal system is the foundation of the human body as it protects vital organs, and the muscles, ligaments and tendons ride on it and attach to it. It is vital for life and when it’s weakening, it can affect the immune system, account for slower reaction time, weaker functional strength, posture issues, organ and metabolic issues. Osteoporosis is called the silent killer because as we are aging, we lose on average 1 to 3 percent of skeletal mass every year until we die, and we never feel it changing.

There is a solution. Wolff’s law, discovered in 1892, established that if bones received efficient amounts of pressure, they would remain healthy and promote faster regrowth. This is why exercise is critical for bone development. In 2015, it was discovered that one needs impacts equal to 4.2 times the body weight to trigger osteogenesis, or new bone growth, in the hips. Unfortunately, most people can’t engage in heavy enough weight bearing exercise to keep the hips healthy with quality bone development. OsteoStrong helps people do this safely.

According to OsteoStrong owner, Josh Fandrich, “With proper nutrition, lifestyle changes and supplementation alongside strength training, you can develop a healthy bone matrix. So, love your bones and put them under performance just like you would your heart and muscles. It’s crucial for life.”

For more information, visit OsteoStrong.me or call for an appointment 251-586-8226 in Mobile or 251-210-6955 in Fairhope. See ad, page 17.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet

A Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis is often regarded as a lifelong sentence and typically treated as such, requiring an increasing number of drugs. However, sustained remission of T2D is now well established.

In a recent primary care-based cohort study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, advice on a lowercarbohydrate diet and weight loss protocols was offered routinely to 9,800 patients with T2D between 2013 and 2021. Overall, remission was achieved in 51 percent of the patients that adopted a low-carb lifestyle, with individuals diagnosed with T2D within the previous year more likely to achieve remission (77 percent) than those that had been diagnosed for longer (20 percent for patients with a T2D duration greater than 15 years). Additionally, about 97 percent of the patients experienced improvements in blood glycemic control. Average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased, and there were also significant financial savings on drugs.

Light Therapy for Autoimmune Symptoms

Fatigue is often reported as the most disabling symptom for people with autoimmune disorders, significantly impairing their physical, mental and social quality of life. Autoimmune researchers in Denmark, noting previous studies wherein bright light therapy significantly reduced fatigue related to traumatic brain injury and cancer, devised a study involving multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study was conducted as a randomized, sham-controlled trial of 26 people with MS that reported a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score greater than 36. Participants received either bright light therapy or a dim red light sham intervention for 30 minutes each morning for two weeks. The bright light therapy decreased FSS scores over the course of the study. However, this benefit occurred in the sham control group as well, highlighting the need for more research on the effects of light therapy on fatigue.

A low-carb diet may give hope to those with T2D as a practical, manageable way to achieve remission, as well as substantial health and financial benefits. Even for those with poorly controlled T2D that may not achieve remission, improvements in diabetic control may be within reach. Do

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

you spend more mental and emotional energy than you'd like, thinking about body image and appearance? Do you avoid talking about it, because you fear it's "not very spiritual?" This may be the online retreat for you!

"Diet culture" is not a uniquely modern phenomenon. The Buddha addressed it in terms of 3 mada (infatuations with youth, health and life) over 2500 years ago. In fact, one of the Buddha's main concerns was to address popular mistaken ideas about the body as an expression of a self, controlled by a self As we apply the Buddha's teachings, we can relieve suffering rooted in confusion

Ashwagandha May Improve Women’s Sexual Experience

Poor sexual function affects about 40 percent of women and may worsen their quality of life. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a known adaptogenic herb that has been reported to improve sexual satisfaction, sleep and quality of life in women. Researchers in Mumbai set out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standardized ashwagandha root extract in improving sexual function in healthy females.

A randomized, placebo-controlled study of 80 women between the ages of 18 and 50 with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and no other hormonal imbalances were given either 300 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract twice daily or a placebo for eight weeks. Sexual function, quality of life and safety were assessed. In comparison to the control group, the ashwagandha participants experienced statistically significant improvements in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction; improved lubrication and orgasm; and less pain.

Seniors Avoid the Hospital With Nature

New research has found that exposure to natural environments may reduce the risk of hospitalization for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and Parkinson’s disease. The cohort study included approximately 62 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older that lived in the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2016. Researchers looked at ZIP-Code-level greenness, percentages of park cover and blue space (water) cover, as well as hospitalizations. They found that exposure to greenness, park cover and blue space cover reduced hospitalizations for patients with Parkinson’s. Greenness—but not park or blue space cover—was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Ruslan Huzau/ShutterStock.com

Scientists Invent Battery Made of Paper

Scientists have developed a water-activated, disposable, paper battery, according to a proof-of-concept study published in Scientific Reports The developers believe that their invention could be used to power a variety of lowpower, single-use electronics, such as smart packaging, environmental sensors and medical diagnostic devices, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

The single-cell battery consists of one square centimeter of paper treated with salts. One side is printed with ink containing graphite flakes, which serves as the positive terminal, and the other side is printed with ink containing zinc powder to create the negative terminal. Another layer of ink containing graphite flakes and carbon black is applied over that, linking the battery’s positive and negative ends to two wires secured by wax.

When a few drops of water are added to the paper, the salts dissolve, releasing charged ions that spread across the paper to activate the battery. In tests, researchers were able to reach a stable 1.2 volts. (The voltage of a standard AA alkaline battery is 1.5 volts.) The battery’s performance decreased significantly after an hour when the paper dried. However, after two more drops of water were added, the battery maintained 0.5 volts for an additional hour.

Exploring the Doomsday Glacier

Roughly measuring the size of Florida, the Thwaites Glacier is one of the most rapidly melting ice formations in Antarctica, having retreated more than eight miles since the 1990s. Scientists refer to it as the “doomsday glacier” due to concerns about its collapse, which could raise global sea levels by more than a meter, causing devastation along coastal cities and communities. According to two papers published in the journal

Nature, researchers are learning more about the driving forces behind the glacier’s rapid retreat, thanks in part to a robot deployed through a 600-meter-deep borehole in the glacier. Although melting has increased beneath the ice shelf, the current melt rate is slower than many computer models had estimated. A layer of fresh water between the bottom of the ice shelf and the ocean below slows the rate of melting along flat parts of the shelf.

Scientists discovered that the melting had produced a stepped topography across the bottom of the ice shelf, resembling a staircase, as well as cracks in the ice where rapid melting was taking place. “Our results are a surprise, but the glacier is still in trouble,” says Dr. Peter Davis, oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey and lead author of one of the papers.

photo courtesy of newatlas

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Using Algae for Industrial Carbon Capture, Food, Fuel and Plastic

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Honda is experimenting with the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii class of algae they have nicknamed “Dreamo”, which can eat twice its weight in carbon dioxide in three to five days, depending on the time of year. Developers are growing Dreamo on the roof of a car factory in Tochigi, Japan, where it can absorb CO2 emissions from manufacturing. It has been genetically modified to grow hardier and five times faster than ordinary microalgae, allowing the growth solution to last months instead of weeks.

The development team is also exploring additional uses for Dreamo. After serving its pollution-fighting role, the algae can be harvested, dried and turned into food, fuel or plastic. Depending upon the amount of nitrogen applied to the algae, its cellular composition can be modified to be either predominantly carbohydrate- or protein-based. When the algae is mostly protein, an enzyme can be added to easily extract the starch to be used as food or as a raw material in animal food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

When the algae is mostly carbohydrate, it can be extracted as glucose and ethanol to be converted into plastic resin or jet fuel.

Your body is like a finely tuned instrument. Every cell and organ in the body has its own distinct frequency, creating a harmonious symphony when every part works as it was designed. When these frequencies fall into chaos, whether by injury, diet, stress or emotion, it creates a disruption.

there was a way you could identify the optimum frequencies of the cells, tissues and organs in your body, and restore them to a state of balance and harmony?

The Divine Messiness of Motherhood

by Marlaina Donato

The pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors.

It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Self-care enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy:

n Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety.

n Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes.

n Play a favorite song and dance with your kids.

n Avoid overscheduling and “shoulds”.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Loved. Heard. Important.

MAY: WOMEN’S WELLNESS SERIES

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and Your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and Its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN, FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD, DNM Stress and Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health and Homeopathy

Earth-Friendly Delights for Mom

by Marlaina Donato

This year, consider putting an ecological spin on Mother’s Day by showering her with gifts that honor Mother Earth. Here are some sustainable gifting ideas.

Flower Power

Lavish her with an eco-friendly bouquet. Conventional blooms that are flown in from South America can be riddled with fungicides, carcinogen-laden floral foams, sheens and other hazardous chemicals, not to mention the huge carbon footprint required to bring them here. Locally grown, organic flowers at farmers markets, sustainable florists and small-business greenhouses are produced with fewer or no chemicals, support pollinators and require no jet fuel to get to mom’s doorstep.

Choice Chocolates

Satisfy mama’s sweet tooth with organic, fair-trade chocolate that helps cocoa farmers earn a living wage and does not promote deforestation. Opting to buy ethical chocolate prevents child and slave labor and provides women equal pay as well as opportunities to own a business. Look for certified, fair-trade labels as well as non-GMO and organic certifications.

Bling Blessings

Adorn her with ethically sourced and sustainable jewelry created from recycled precious metals, Fairmined Ecological gold and conflict-free gemstones. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations can be found at local artisan fairs or online from eco-conscious jewelers. Look for sellers with sustainable jewelry certifications and those that use recycled, upcycled or reclaimed materials

Climate Café

Fill her cup with bird-friendly, shade-grown, fair-trade coffees and teas that offer a healthier caffeine fix while protecting bird populations and canopy cover. Choosing products labeled Rainforest Alliance Certified or Bird Friendly helps to ensure the habitat for 40 species of migratory songbirds that winter in plantations.

Local Luxuries

There are so many ways to support the local economy while treating mom to an unforgettable experience that makes her feel extra-special. Give her a gift certificate for a massage, aromatherapy session or makeover at an organic salon. Treat her to a fabulous dinner at a vegan restaurant. Subscribe her to receive a monthly produce box from a communitysupported agriculture outlet. Pack a healthy picnic and spend the afternoon together at the park. Create a gift basket of goods made by local artisans, including beeswax candles, pottery or body treats like handmade soaps and lotions.

SOLVING STRESS

HOLISTIC TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE DOCTORS

by Linda Sechrist

Medicine is changing as a new class of doctors endeavors to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of disease, helping their patients achieve optimal health with lifestyle changes, medicine, herbs, supplements and modalities tailored to the individual. No longer reaching for a prescription pad as often, these functional and integrative physicians are spending an average of 45 minutes per office visit. Using their sleuthing skills and innovative skillsets, they ask probing questions about a patient’s current lifestyle and history, pinpoint the root cause of a problem and craft customized solutions.

To help someone manage stress, a functional or integrative doctor may suggest a daily dose of herbal tea, nightly entries in a gratitude journal, a visualization practice, brisk walks, gardening, art therapy, mindful meditation, a nutrient-rich diet that reduces food allergies, yoga poses and regular sessions of qigong or tai chi. Armed with an extensive list of better-for-you choices than addictive, prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers, individuals are empowered to improve their health and eliminate stress. Studies suggest that 75 to 90 percent of illnesses are stress related. Getting to the root cause before it escalates into cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes is what curious and compassionate doctors do.

“Because sleep is a great resolution to almost anything, it’s one of the first things I consider,” says Carrie Jones, a functional and naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon. “Stress can be physiological, caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins, as well as blood sugar imbalances. Not getting enough sleep, or poor sleep, is stressful to the body, which is on alert all the time.”

According to Jones, finding ways to coax the body into feeling safe can help people relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep. “People rarely realize that basic things such as joy, play, laughter and a community of supportive people have anything to do with feeling safe enough to sleep deeply. It’s why I inquire about those things,” she explains.

Tips for Sounder Slumber

n Turn the thermostat down in the bedroom. A cool temperature combats insomnia.

n Snuggle under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure signals the autonomic nervous system to go into rest mode.

n Install blackout shades. Light decreases melatonin, the sleep hormone.

n Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can disrupt the sleep cycle.

n Stop using electronics, including social media, television and phones, two hours before getting under the covers. The blue light emitted by screens restrains the production of melatonin.

Connecting and spending quality social time with friends helps to alleviate stress.

Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, advises, “Every day, stress causes the stress hormone cortisol to go up and oxytocin, the connecting hormone, to go down, lessening the desire to connect. It’s a double whammy for women in perimenopause and menopause, because hormones are declining, and stress overloads the already overtaxed endocrine system.”

Rebecca Hunton, personalized medicine doctor and founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, coaches her patients to modify unhelpful habits. “I’m always looking for that one thing that patients can easily change. Sometimes it’s teaching them the difference between stress resilience and stress avoidance. A stress avoidance activity is spending two hours playing a game on your phone that leaves you beating yourself up and feeling like, ‘Why did I waste all that time?’ If, on the other hand, an activity leaves you feeling energized and wanting to tackle the other things on your to-do list, you just did a stress resilience activity,” says Hunton.

Stress Resilience Activities

n Meditation

n Prayer

n Chanting a mantra

n Expressing creativity, such as cooking or painting

Carol Penn is a dual board-certified physician and movement coach in New Jersey. While observing her 87-year-old father practicing qigong, a form of meditation in motion, she had an epiphany and saw a powerful life lesson occurring before her eyes. “Moving with strength and grace through his practice so close to the end of his life, it occurred to me that he was role-

modeling what it would be like for me to be kind to my future self. I teach my patients from this perspective, visualizing their future selves full of health, vitality, wonder and awe,” says the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness

Qigong has psychological and physical components, regulating the mind, body movement, breath and posture. “It balances and calms the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that you feel less stress upon completion of the practice. Movements are designed to build longevity on a cellular level,” Penn explains.

According to Lorraine Maita, a board-certified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey, “The body sends out hormonal fight-or-flight signals when it’s distressed. In the initial stages, there’s a release of adrenaline, followed by cortisol, keeping your body on high alert. To most people, stress is just worry, and they’re thinking they’re handling

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it, but stress can be like a viral program running in the background all the time. It’s still there whether you’re reacting to it or not, whether you’re stuffing it under the surface or not. It’s why you go to therapy with mental stress, or why you need someone to talk to for processing it.”

Maita is a proponent of alternative modalities that help people modulate the stress response. “I recommend HeartMath to my patients, which is self-regulation technology based on more than 32 years of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, resilience and the interactions between the heart and brain,” says the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, in Connecticut, might determine if her patient is suffering from chronic stress by testing their saliva for cortisol levels in the morning and evening. Noting that her favorite

teas for sleep and relaxation are chamomile and passionflower, she explains that passionflower is for someone that can’t fall asleep because there’s a radio playing in their head. “For dealing with stress, I like adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and L-theanine. The stress response requires a lot of B vitamins, along with magnesium and vitamin C,” she says.

Citing Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning, Patterson recommends starting every day with a set of stress-relieving rituals Elrod calls “Life S.A.V.E.R.S.” She explains, “S is for silence, like meditation. A is for affirmations. V is for visualization, so you can visualize how your day is going to be. E is for exercise. R is for reading, and S is for scribing, writing things in a journal.”

Pointing out the differences between stress and anxiety, Patterson notes that anxiety is a continual rumination of thoughts, second-guessing and overthinking. Anxiety can cause stress, but stress can occur without anxiety. People with high anxiety sometimes have heart palpitations. Some stress is good for us. Without any stressors, Patterson cautions, we are unmotivated, lethargic and lacking

Technological Solutions to Quiet the Anxious Mind

This handheld biofeedback device can help an individual self-monitor their body’s physiology and learn to control the involuntary body-mind connection.

Meditation apps: Insight Timer, Calm and similar apps offer guided meditations, relaxing music videos and meditation instruction for newbies and experienced practitioners.

YouTube videos: Look for musical compositions with energy frequencies and binaural beats that encourage relaxation, promote positivity and decrease anxiety.

Taking Control of Our Hormones

NUTRITIONAL TIPS TO SUPPORT THE DELICATE BALANCE

by Sheila Julson

Think of hormones as the body’s messengers, sending signals that affect a host of functions. Produced by the pancreas, thyroid and other endocrine glands and organs, hormones drive our metabolism, impact mood, regulate blood pressure, manage our sleep cycles, influence sexual function and more. Key players are insulin, cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Keeping these hormones in proper balance is critical for health, and imbalances can lead to a wide range of effects, including diabetes, thyroid disease, unintended weight fluctuations, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings and infertility. While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

Dr. Ann Lee is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When treating hormonal, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, she says it is important to focus on foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that support those systems. For women of all ages, she recommends blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, celery and papaya. Teens and women in their 20s can also benefit from apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and most lettuce varieties. The nutrients in these vegetables and fruits become even more important as

women reach 30 and for those dealing with menopause, so Lee recommends more frequent consumption of these fresh, whole foods to support the adrenal and thyroid glands.

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. She advises women over 50 to lower their caffeine intake. Dairy products contain naturally occurring hormones that can impede human hormone balance and should be eaten in moderation. “ The less external hormonal exposure you have, the easier it is for your own hormones to balance,” Lee explains.

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, Lee believes that the trendy eating pattern can deny the body the vitamins and minerals it needs, causing it to produce more adrenalin and cortisol to make up for the loss. “People do intermittent fasting because it might feel good to have more adrenalin, and thus more energy, but it does come at a price—your hormones,” she says.

Most of the foods Lee recommends are low in calories. “In order to curb hunger, you have to eat them regularly, and that goes against intermittent fasting. People that do intermittent fasting often focus on proteins and fats, so they don’t have to eat for a long time, but that can cause adrenal burnout because the body is not getting what it needs,” she explains, noting that avocados and potatoes tend to help people feel full longer.

Jaclyn Downs is a functional nutrigenomics practitioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and author of Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine:

Artem Varnitsin/AdobeStock.com

Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility. She notes that for hormones to be produced by the body, nutritional cofactors or “helper nutrients” are required. “Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are a few of the spark plugs that move these processes and keep the wheels spinning,” she emphasizes. “Grass-fed beef liver or capsules contain all of these.”

According to Downs, menstrual problems can be an indicator of eventual fertility issues. To support female reproductive hormones, she recommends cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These foods also support liver detoxification pathways due to their high concentrations of vitamins and sulfur. “ The liver helps clear used or ‘dirty’ hormones,” she notes. Downs also recommends pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation-producing free radicals. Healthy fats from cold-water, wild-caught fish support pregnant women and growing fetuses. “Folate is often emphasized as a nutrient for pregnant women, but choline is just as important for everybody, regardless of life stage or gender,” Downs notes. Choline is found in egg yolks, sunflower lecithin and shiitake mushrooms. For 50-plus women, Downs prescribes fish or high-quality fish oil, which can benefit brain, liver and hormonal health.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings.

KALE AND TEMPEH TACOS

In this yummy, low-carb taco recipe, cabbage leaves substitute for the tortillas and are filled with a mixture of proteinpacked tempeh, veggies and lots of great spices. Compounds in tempeh called isoflavones serve as a natural remedy for menopausal relief.

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

4 oz tempeh, cubed

½ tsp sea salt or more, to taste

½ tsp black pepper or more, to taste

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne

¼ cup vegetable broth

2 cups stemmed and chopped fresh kale

4 to 6 large, green cabbage leaves, dipped for 30 seconds into hot water to soften

½ avocado, sliced

1 radish, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

½ lime, cut into wedges

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and tempeh and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika and cayenne, stir, then add the

broth and kale. Stir again to combine and cook until the broth thickens and reduces by at least one-half. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Spread the cabbage leaves open on a large plate. Spoon the kale mixture into the center of the leaves. Add some of the avocado, radish slices and cilantro, then fold in the sides like a taco.

Serve with lime wedges.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

cabe/Courtesy of Random House

While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

BONUS RECIPE AT NAGULFCOAST.COM!

VANILLA AND FIG SCONES WITH PISTACHIOS

Bon Appétit!

A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

FEATURING Safari Club

Proudly Serving Herbivores, Omnivores and Carnivores

and vegetables from their Munsell Sustainable Garden. “We work hand-inhand with the zoo on recycling, composting and green certification,” says David Craft, restaurant manager.

chips or a variety of vegetables. There is also an extensive wine and craft beer selection.

According to Craft, the Safari Club is experimenting with a Natural Awakenings recipe for Cilantro Rice to add to their summer menu. “We are always happy to try new healthy recipes to keep our menu enticing and our zoo patrons coming back for more,” says Craft.

In addition to the scrumptious menu, the Safari Club has indoor or outdoor seating that is a great place to relax, enjoy great food and take in the sights and sounds of the zoo.

The restaurant is a fully equipped venue that can handle large parties or special events. Throughout the beautifully landscaped 25 acres, the zoo has integrated a variety of indoor and outdoor settings that can be reserved for groups ranging from 20 to 500 people.

Join the Safari Club gang for all day happy hour and live entertainment on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular ‘Delta Donnie’ is a must see, and, for Sunday brunch, Timmy G. will never disappoint.

As Alabama’s first certified Green Restaurant, the Safari Club at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo opened its doors in 2019 and is a unique and exciting dining experience. The Safari Club has been singled out by the Green Restaurant Group of Boston as a leader around the Gulf Coast in conservation, recycling and reduced waste. The zoo and the restaurant have made great strides to be an energy efficient operation. No Styrofoam products are used. Plastic straws, napkins, to-go containers and all utensils are bio-degradable or recyclable. They have teamed up with the City of Gulf Shores recycling program to recycle a variety of waste. In addition, through the zoo’s sustainability committee, the Safari Club helps the zoo with composting materials and the zoo provides the restaurant with a variety of fresh herbs

The Safari Club offers a nice selection of eats, from tantalizing small plates and handmade artisan wood-fired pizzas to a full variety of seafood and meat selections cooked on an open flame. They offer gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as wild caught and ‘barely touched’ seafood to ensure every palate is satisfied. Local favorites include Crunchy Goat Cheese and Tempura Cauliflower appetizers, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Coconut Shrimp, Bacon Jam Burgers, Safari Salad and local Crab Cakes. For sides, choose between plantain chips, homemade coleslaw, hummus with pita

“Safari Club is a unique dining experience nestled right up next to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Our guests can enjoy a wide variety of foods all while sitting on the back porch watching lemurs, giraffes and tigers,” says Craft. “Please call us about our menu and upcoming entertainment. We are proud and happy to answer questions about your dining experience.”

Location: 20499 Oak Rd. E., Gulf Shores, AL. 251-256-7007. For more information visit AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.com/Dine-atthe-Zoo. Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed 11-3; Thu, Fri, Sat 11-8; Sun 10-2.

May’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.

781 Farmers Market Ln., 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

SAFARI CLUB AT ALABAMA

GULF COAST ZOO

Unique casual & fine dining, green certified, family oriented and “wild”.

20499 Oak Rd. E., Gulf Shores, AL AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.com • 251-256-7007

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 Pointe Rd., Fairhope, AL Call ahead to order, 251-928-0239

TWO SISTERS BAKERY & DELI

Gluten-free, keto-friendly options, featuring Boar’s 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.

2023 GULF COAST WOMEN IN WELLNESS

Welcome to 2023 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Women In Wellness, part of our month-long salute to women’s health! We are highlighting some of the incredible holistic health professionals and businesswomen in the Gulf Coast area and celebrating women everywhere who hold wellness as a priority and passion in their lives.

NAGC is thrilled to showcase these stories and missions in this special multi-platform feature, which begins with our May print issue and continues to our website at NAGulfCoast.com and Facebook.com/ NaturalAwakeningsMag. We are proud to present the stories of 12 diverse women from various fields who have made a difference in so many lives by their hard work, their extensive research and their belief in natural healing through a mind-body-spirit approach in everything they do. These are the women that support and enable Natural Awakenings to connect, educate and empower readers all along the Gulf Coast to live healthy on a healthy planet.

We hope you will read, share and save this wonderful section of our magazine, follow these Women In Wellness practitioners and purveyors of natural health and wellness and consider their products and services when you, your friends and family are seeking health and wellness professionals. Enjoy learning all about them, as we did!

MISSY GUITTERREZ OWNER, RPh

Peak Alkalinity

Peak alkalinity in Fairhope is a fullservice wellness and detox spa best known for providing water ionizers for home and office use so that everyone can have the convenience of good health at the touch of a button.

With a pH greater than seven, alkaline water is less acidic than tap water. In the body, alkaline water flushes toxins, stabilizes pH, hydrates faster, improves energy, boosts metabolism and strengthens the immune system.

At Peak Alkalinity, the benefits of proper alkaline levels are understood. Owner, Missy Guitterrez, is committed to helping people live their healthiest, most fulfilled life. “The natural pathogen-fighting properties of a pro-alkaline balance help you feel better than you knew was possible,” she says.

A pharmacist by degree, Guitterrez has used most of Peak Alkalinity’s services for more than 20 years and is passionate about pursuing better health for her family, friends and community.

Those who seek out Peak Alkalinity enjoy ionized alkaline water, ionic foot detox, far infrared sauna, Himalayan salt therapy or the oxygen bar for accelerated health benefits. “We’ve seen people find improvement with things like acid reflux, gout, asthma, diabetes, respiratory and skin conditions. We’ve helped people with concerns they didn’t even know they had,” says Guitterrez.

Most recently Guitterrez added the sought after Lifewave X39 Stem Cell Re-activation patch to her natural healing lineup. Clinical studies have shown that by using the patch, in one to three months, 3,000 to 4,000 genes begin to reset. An elevation of antioxidants occurs, inflammation decreases and an increase in energy begins.

“The X39 patch is revolutionary. It utilizes the body’s own infrared heat to engage GHK copper peptides, which in turn stimulate dormant stem cells in the bone marrow to awaken,” explains Guitterrez. “As we age, stem cell production begins to slow. This hampers the healing process and results in various ailments.”

“Stop by Peak Alkalinity’s Fairhope location and have a conversation with our professional staff. We have something for everyone,” Guitterrez says. See ad, page 13.

JANET BAKER REGISTERED NURSE, OWNER enrG Wellness

Providing expertise in integrative and functional medicine, with a passion for naturally improving the body’s own healing mechanisms, especially for those with autoimmune disorders and metabolic diseases.

Janet Baker, RN, has worked in integrative and functional medicine since 2007. Through her practice of functional medicine, she helps people heal their bodies with appropriate nutrients, supplements and improved metabolism through her extensive knowledge of the roles that nutrition and genetics play in health issues.

In the medical field since 1995, Baker began her career in nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital where she worked in the intensive care units. She later worked at St. Vincent’s East as a charge nurse in orthopedics. Her personal journey with an autoimmune disorder led Baker to specialize in working with patients diagnosed with autoimmune and metabolic diseases. “I’ve designed a practice around seeking permanent health solutions to keep our patients on the correct path to wellness,” she says.

ENRG Wellness has transformed into a multidisciplinary practice. Licensed medical staff trained to guide clients to the correct products and services, such as weight loss, anti-aging therapy, IV therapy, ozone therapy, oxygen with aromatherapy, vitamin C infusions, bio resonance therapy plus NAD and peptides that offer DNA repair functions. “We are able to help so many,” says Baker. “Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, opioid and alcohol addictions respond very well with NAD and peptides, helping patients see long-term continued benefits.”

In addition, the weight management program includes semaglutide and MOTS-c, which “work together to help people lose more inches quickly,” says Baker.

Clients at enrG Wellness are usually looking for a more holistic way of being treated than what they have already experienced. Everyone at enrG Wellness collaborates to provide healing from the inside out. The experts include Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Tara McLellan; Functional Chiropractor, Dr. Rachel Gilmore, who specializes in working with athletes; Therapeutic Massage Therapist, Kelly Molyneax; Certified Pilates Instructor, Sherae McMurphy; with acupuncture coming soon. See ad, page 35.

251-943-9355 • 251-240-0842

TARA MCLELLAN FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NURSE PRACTITIONER

Integrative Healthcare of Lower Alabama at enrG Wellness

Using a holistic approach to treat chronic conditions and handle preventative health concerns with a focus on identifying the root cause of symptoms and moving forward with natural methods.

Tara McLellan, functional medicine certified, family nurse practitioner (NP) is the owner of Integrative Healthcare of Lower Alabama. She is also an athlete who focuses on functional flexibility, strength and movement. She practices what she preaches on living a well-rounded and active life.

McLellan became a Nurse Practitioner to help people be healthier and happier. “I realized traditional medicine often uses medications to mask symptoms, rather than asking why the symptom is occurring in the first place and if it can be addressed holistically,” she says. “So, in 2019, I started studying integrative medicine and became a certified NP through the Institute of Functional Medicine.”

One specialty area for McLellan is working with hormone imbalances. “The body makes many hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and more. All interact with each other in a delicate balance to maintain health. When the body becomes inflamed due to illness or age, hormones can suffer and affect a person’s weight, mood, energy level and a host of other things,” says McLellan.

Functional medicine is patient-focused, not disease-focused, and seeks the underlying causes of symptoms to correct and treat them through natural means. McLellan commonly finds that lifestyle modifications and supplements can treat the root cause, rather than simply masking symptoms with medication. She enjoys helping patients of all ages with hormone imbalances, autoimmune disease, chronic gastrointestinal issues and those struggling with their mental health.

Learn more about how the functional medicine approach is changing lives with a holistic approach to chronic and preventative health concerns. See ad, page 18.

LYNNORA ASH OWNER

Fairhope Health Foods, Virginia’s Health Foods, Sunflower Café

Providing full-service health food stores and healthy eating cafés, helping customers maintain a purposeful, healthy lifestyle utilizing products from local vendors.

In over 30 years as the owner of both Virginia’s and Fairhope Health Foods, Lynnora Ash, is a leader in the industry, overseeing three relocations with Virginia’s, withstanding the COVID pandemic and maintaining a strong presence in both the Mobile and Fairhope communities. Virginia’s and Fairhope Health Foods provide unparalleled service, knowledgeable employees, whole foods, natural supplements, cosmetics and more, mostly from local vendors.

After 45 years of investing in healthy living and education, first with her family and then with the stores, Ash was in a good place when the recent increased popularity of alternative and herbal treatments for chronic and acute health conditions swelled. She has long shaped her businesses to offer long-lasting and contemporary remedies including an emphasis on quality customer service. She has maintained a standard of operating the stores with a concern toward education by providing her staff with ongoing training.

Ash says she is humbled to have gained the trust of so many customers, sharing her health and wellness philosophy, seeing personal successes of longevity and pain-free living. Between herself and her loyal employees, they have over 100 years combined experience in nutrition, health and wellness.

As proprietor to two restaurants: Sunflower Café and Sunflower Café II, located alongside the health food stores, quality meals have always been a standard for Ash. Open seven days a week, the cafés welcome customers old and new with open arms and are delighted to share daily specials and a delightful Sunday brunch menu.

Fairhope Health Foods now has a Tik Tok, which Ash uses to encourage her customers to have confidence when seeking out new ways of improving their health and find products that promote cleaner living. “Invest in your tomorrow by investing in your health today,” she advises. See ad, page 31.

CAROLYN OLSON CCT, CLT, FOUNDER Thermography Advantage

Non-invasive holistic treatments and multiple screenings are available for overall health, immune system issues, disease intervention, balancing the body and mind through biofeedback and more.

After hearing about thermography, a medical imaging method that does no harm to the body, during a cancer prevention seminar for her nursing continuing education credits, Carolyn Olson knew she wanted to learn more about the radiation-free, non-invasive and highly effective device. Olson became certified in thermography and opened Thermography Advantage in 2009 to serve the Gulf Coast community.

Today, Olson enjoys forming personal relationships with each of her clients. With a history of cancer in her family, she was motivated to research the natural treatments and therapies that are available. At an American College of Clinical Thermography conference, she was given an award titled Excellent Achievement in Contributing to Clinical Thermography Studies.

Thermography Advantage offers electro-lymphatic drainage therapy, which is non-invasive, painless and very calming. “It is like having a light touch massage, but instead the certified lymphatic therapist uses an instrument that has two small handheld wands that are lightly and slowly moved across the body in a specific direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow,” Olson says. “This therapy is helpful to many as lymphatic organs play an important role in the immune system. An impaired lymphatic system can result in colds, flu, sinus problems, excess water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breasts, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer.”

Men and women of all ages can benefit from Thermography Advantage’s services. “One of our popular services is the AO Scan, which measures the frequencies of each part of the body to identify what is out of balance,” says Olson. “You will be given a report and balancing tones to listen to at your convenience on a daily basis.” The clinic also offers cutting-edge supplements that assist in balancing a person’s frequencies.

“I’m proud to give people hope, holistic health options and to help educate them on alternative therapies,” says Olson. See ad, page 9.

2023 WOMEN IN WELLNESS

JENNIFER (ADAMS) KILGO NURSE PRACTITIONER, OWNER

Jubilee Healing Arts

Providing scar tissue healing. Over 15 years’ experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing, without the ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality.

Scar tissue is under appreciated in how it affects us. We often hear, “It is just a scar, there is nothing you can do about it!” But, according to Jennifer Kilgo, owner of Jubilee Healing Arts, “We can do something about the pain (physical, mental, emotional) the mobility and the way it looks and functions. We can also do something about our perception of scar tissue. My passion revolves around the sincere appreciation I receive from my clients when I listen and give them the gift of positive change. I don’t promise miracles. But I do promise improvement and sometimes any improvement can feel like a miracle when all hope was otherwise lost.”

Long- and short-term effects of scar tissue injuries and surgeries can include not only physical, but also physiological and psychological aspects. Connective tissue restrictions in one area of the body may contribute to issues in different locations that are otherwise thought to be unrelated. For example, it is not uncommon for a fused ankle to hinder the healing of a knee or hip injury, or for a knee replacement to contribute to low back pain or neck and shoulder pain.

Killgo, at Jubilee Healing Arts, uses her training in STRAIT Method (Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies) as well as Dolphin Neurostim during her medical massage sessions to affect a positive change on scar tissue, making it more functional, aesthetically more visually acceptable, less painful, more pliable and closer in resemblance to normal scarfree tissue.

Sessions are available by appointment only, with bookings typically full one or two months in advance. See ad, page 13.

Jubilee Healing Arts

JubileeHealingArts.com

251-616-4201

MANDY ULLERICH QUANTUM LIVING ADVOCATE AO Scan Biofeedback Services

Technology exists that could empower you with knowledge to live your best life, master quantum living and allow all experiences to be empowering.

“Life doesn’t always take you down the path you intend. Sometimes it leads you to less traveled trails, winding you from one path to the next, ultimately opening up a beautiful opportunity,” says Mandy Ullerich, Quantum Living Advocate. That’s how she feels about her own path.

As a business owner, Ullerich has sought natural options for her family’s health since her children were babies. “It’s amazing what happens when you become a mom, responsible for a little body and what you put in it. I suddenly started reading labels, researching medications and anything else I was putting in, or on, my babies.”

For the past 15 years, Ullerich has been down many paths and has relied on natural remedies to maintain healthy immune systems and help fight off any “bugs” that might cross her family’s path. But one path led to another and led her to an incredible opportunity.

“A true blessing, I was introduced to a biofeedback device by a naturopathic doctor. It looks at frequencies in the body and identifies energetic imbalances. It generates balancing frequencies to help guide the body back into homeostasis,” says Ullerich, adding, “The results are unbelievable.”

An affordable and educational tool, this device can be used remotely and has allowed Ullerich to help people near and far. “Everything is energy, it doesn’t matter if you are sitting next to me, or in another state, I can direct frequencies right to you and your body will receive them. It helps with physical and emotional situations,” she explains. “I truly believe every home and health-centered business should have one of these scanners. It is such an empowering tool to help navigate health and wellness.”

Complimentary scans are available by appointment. See ad, page 11.

MARYBETH SVATEK OWNER, CERTIFIED HYPNOTHERAPIST

The Psycho-Energetic Institute

Hypnosis to help those struggling with anxiety, pain, repetitive poor habits, cycles of failure or abuse, smoking, weight loss and finding divine purpose.

Mary Beth Svatek, MA, offers hypnosis and coaching for clients to remove barriers to access strengths and to find peace, joy and wellness. “Our ‘superpowers’ are the divinely placed gifts that each of us have from birth in our natural form,” she says. Today’s culture encourages people to identify and hold tightly to trauma rather than releasing it to write your own story. Wellness starts with mind, body and spirit working synergistically. “By taking a holistic approach, clients learn understanding and friendship with their body, giving them the strongest foundation to achieve wellness and peace of mind. Our bodies and minds are ‘garbage in, garbage out’ so we manifest what we put into both,” says Svatek.

Svatek developed, The Energy Model of Therapeutic Change (EMTC) in the 1990s and offers certification training accredited by the IMDHA for qualified life coaches and therapists to become certified EMTC practitioners.

“The EMTC is a life changing technique…refined across three decades after observing that my clients improved their quality of life and outcomes by addressing the mind-body connection and stopping the ‘bleeds’ and bringing in more ‘feeds.’ In my 20-year career as a counselor, I observed clients getting worse while root causes were ignored. More than not, the path to wellness is within reach but it starts with building a strong bodily foundation,” Svatek says. See ad, page 33

EnergyModelOfChange.com

• 251-300-9912

CHELSEY HUGHES-SARIDEMIR OWNER , MASTER HAIR STYLIST

TARA MCADAMS-MAY OWNER, MASTER HAIR STYLIST TMAC’s Hair Studio

‘Holistic hairapists’ always prepared to cater to the needs of clients no matter the style or texture. With two locations for hair care, styling and haircuts along with eyebrows, facials, makeup, massages, nails and waxing.

Over the last 23 years, Tara McAdams-May (nicknamed TMAC) has used her passion for cosmetology to travel the world learning and teaching as an international artist. Her expertise comes from a wide range of experience having worked in fashion shows, films, with celebrities and at destination weddings. With numerous certifications under her belt, she is artfully caters to her diverse clientele. TMAC works from a holistic viewpoint and is known for educating her clients as well as her apprentices over the last 14 years at her two locations in Mobile and Daphne.

A practicing trichologist (NPI #1245795632), TMAC offers treatments such as plant, stem cell-based hair loss treatments and herbal detox masks for the scalp. A trichologist is a specialist who focuses the study of diseases or problems related to the hair and scalp, as well as their treatments. Trichologists are not doctors, but they can advise people who are having problems such as hair loss or breakage, oily scalp or scalp psoriasis.

TMAC’s staff has a variety of specialties who consult with clients to get things just right. “Book an appointment with TMAC’s today, you’ll be so happy you did,” says McAdams-May. See ad, page 8

KIMBERLY MULLEK, OWNER, BOARD CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH Thrive Health & Wellness Coaching

Hues Salon & Wellness

• Green Circle Certified LOVED, HEARD, IMPORTANT. Come in for a cup of tea and enjoy up to 93 percent naturally derived permanent hair color along with massage, Rolfing, lashes, facials, hydrofacials, curly hair and blonding specialists plus Brazilian and body waxing.

Chelsey Hughes-Saridemir is passionate about wellness, sustainability and emotional health. A master stylist by trade, her true gift is helping others realize their inner light through selfexploration. Her loyal clients always leave feeling centered, heard and beautiful. When she is not working on her business or motivating her team, Chelsey is exploring her love of art therapy, continuing her wellness education or creating motivational content for her website, HuesSalon.com.

Hughes-Saridemir believes wholeheartedly in the power of community healing and strives to make her salon a safe space to exchange ideas and support. She is also an advocate for charity: water, an organization that provides funding for clean water projects around the world.

“I believe that we have been beautifully designed with purpose and the ability to influence the world around us. While I’ve always known this, my personal life journey really launched me into an existence of gratitude that has benefitted not only myself but my employees, clients and inner circle. I hope you join me on the path to freedom,”says Hughes-Saridemir. “My team and I would love to meet you and make your hair, skin and wellness dreams come true.” See ad, page 12.

• 251-200-2131

Thrive works with your healthcare team to order the lab workup that will find the root of the problem, whether you want to lose weight, have more energy or eat to address a specific health issue. Come Thrive with us.

Kimberly Mullek, owner of Thrive Health & Wellness Coaching, is also a Nutrition Coach, Fast Metabolism Coach and Personal Trainer and lives in Baldwin County with her two children. She is passionate about healthy living in her own life and sharing her passion with others. When she isn’t working, you can find her on the beach or on a boat.

“When we provide our bodies with the right food, which is information, then our bodies will function at their highest level of information,” says Mullek explaining that food programs your biology for better or for worse.

Metabolic pathways are the result of biochemical decisions. These pathways tell the body what to do with sugar, protein, fat, carbohydrates and how to detox.

Thrive focuses on repairing metabolic pathways and restoring metabolic function. Metabolism is your rate of converting food into energy. Instead of counting calories, Mullek focuses on nutritional quality over quantity and different food combinations to target specific issues.

Thrive Health & Wellness coaching provides food programs that address gastrointestinal dysfunction (e.g., IBS or indigestion), low energy and fatigue, hormonal dysfunction (perimenopause, menopause, PMS), high cholesterol or other impaired lipid metabolism, mood changes and cognitive challenges, blood sugar issues (diabetes or prediabetes) and autoimmune disorders. See ad, page 29

DONNARAE LOWTHER OWNER, COOKING COACH Down To Earth Connections, LLC Hydroponic Produce & Healthy Cooking Workshops

Learn a sustainable lifestyle with hydroponic growing and cooking. Lessen your ‘foodprint’ on Earth. Workshops use fresh hydroponic herbs and vegetables and demonstrate how to make your own countertop hydroponic/microgreen unit. Group coaching and private in-home coaching available.

Donnarae Lowther is a married mother of three, an artist, food coach and hydroponic grower.

In October 2021, Lowther’s husband had a widow maker heart attack, but CPR, AED and four stents later, he went home to recover and learn a new lifestyle. The idea of teaching others about healthy foods was born.

Lowther had been a chef for 30 years, cooking in private establishments that require special medical dietary needs. In her new venture, she first reached out to neighbors and asked about their food needs. Then she started cooking in private homes. She grew her own foods and shared her delicious vegetables and herbs with her neighbors.

Eventually, Lowther created workshops so that people could experience hands-on cooking for their health. Workshops can hold 4 to 12 people. They start with eating a prepared four-course meal and get to know each other. Participants then prepare a meal for two to cook at home. The workshop ends with a tour of the hydroponic nursery and learning how to make and grow your own hydroponic farm. Sustainable living tools are shown in each workshop. Lowther donates a meal to a family in need after each workshop. See ad, page 29.

Facebook.com/DownToEarthConnectionsLLC • 251-298-3001

Gardening Therapy

HEALING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN THE YARD

by Sheryl DeVore

moment, especially when we leave our phones inside,” says Pennsylvania-based psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, author of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope and Peace

In a study of the health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening published in the Journal of Public Health, researchers measured the mood, self-esteem and general health markers of people given plots for gardening versus those that didn’t garden at all. The scientists found that the gardeners displayed significantly better self-esteem and experienced less depression and fatigue. The top three reasons participants gave for enjoying their time tinkering in the soil were: being outdoors and having contact with nature (70 percent); feeling a sense of achievement (50 percent); and having the opportunity for restoration and stress relief (35 percent).

Gardening outdoors adds color and texture to yards and neighborhoods and, with the right plants, attracts pollinators, whose numbers are declining. It also can improve human health. The exercise, sunshine and fresh air promote mental and physical health, and so does our contact with soil microbes and the harmonious patterns of nature.

“Being in the sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D, which is linked to mood and wellbeing. We spend so much time inside, where our perspective and thoughts can close around us. Getting outdoors can improve mindfulness and the sense of being in the

Cultivating our outdoor space also gives us a healthy perspective, helping us to accept our limitations and better understand our place in nature. “It’s easy to see in the garden how many things are outside of our control, such as rain, temperature and pests. We can do our best, but at some point, we need to let go,” Gillihan notes, adding that learning to let go is a lesson we can apply to other aspects of our lives.

When he faced a long-term illness coupled with depression, Gillihan built raised garden beds and planted herbs and vegetables. “I knew I needed to get more involved in something that would bring me a sense of reward and engagement. All of that creative effort really helped to bring me back to life,” he recalls. “In a garden, you’re exercising, but it’s not a repetitive thing like running, so that can make it more fun and seem like less of a task.”

HollyHarryAdobeStock.com

“Digging, walking, carrying and squatting circulate our blood and release dopamine and endorphins in our brains,” says Karen Hugg, author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants. “We feel more energetic and happier. Similarly, puttering in the garden or designing an ornamental bed is really about playing, and playing is integral to mental health.”

By merely observing greenery we can find peace and clarity. “A tree’s subdividing branches or the whorled arrangement of leaves are patterns that can calm the nervous system. If you look at plants during even a five-minute break, either indoors or out, you’re practicing a kind of relaxation therapy,” Hugg affirms.

A little bit of earth under our fingernails is good for us. “When you get your hands dirty, there are beneficial microbes in the soil that improve your health and well-being,” says Charlie Hall, professor of horticultural studies and department chair at Texas A&M University, who has researched the physiological, psychological and social benefits of plants.

According to Hall, horticultural therapy reduces stress and anxiety, enhances memory and attention span and can improve quality of life for those with physical, mental or cognitive challenges. Citing the example of disabled adults helping to run a garden center and greenhouse at the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, he notes, “Working together in a garden builds a sense of belonging. Even those who are not physically able to participate in those activities benefit. Just being in the garden can dramatically reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Gardening Tips to Improve Human and Planetary Health

n Choose a modest space outdoors or purchase small containers.

n Keep it simple and start small with just a few plants.

n Read books to learn about plant needs by region.

n Talk to nurseries that sell native species.

n Think of the garden as a refuge, a place to smell flowers and watch plants thrive.

n View gardening as a fun exercise.

n Join a community garden to cultivate flowers and vegetables in a social setting.

n Grow houseplants, herbs and lettuces to bring in the outdoors.

n Volunteer at a nonprofit that propagates vegetables for food pantries.

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore. wordpress.com.

First Signs of Menopause

HOW TO RESOLVE VAGINAL DRYNESS

by Linda Sechrist

When The New York Times and National Geographic cover the subject of menopause in the same calendar year, perhaps it’s a sign that the inevitable phase of a woman ’s life that ushers in vaginal dryness, irregular periods, hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, night sweats, sleep problems, decreased sex drive and weight gain is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Solutions for women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are not covered in medical school. Instead, they stem from the work of pioneers like Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, author of What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones: Your Guide to Natural Hormone Treatments for PMS, Menopause, Osteoporosis, PCOS, and More, and Dr. Christiane Northrup, who wrote Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing.

Today, integrative and functional doctors, researchers and continuing education instructors are leading the charge to provide innovative and customized answers for women experiencing vaginal dryness and other hormone-related symptoms.

The earliest sign of changes occurs between the ages of 40 to 44, during perimenopause, and according to Dr. Lindsey Berkson, author of Safe Hormones, Smart Women, vaginal dryness is the flashing red light. “A sign of insufficient hormone signaling, vaginal dryness is the body’s warning that bones are beginning to thin; the brain’s structure, activity and neuron connectivity are beginning to decline; and the aging process has begun,” she explains.

A continuing-education instructor for doctors and pharmacists, Berkson notes, “The vagina doesn’t exist alone. Treating only the vagina is minimized medicine. It’s so important to find a doctor who practices functional medicine, has completed continuing-education

hours in hormone replacement therapy and nutrition, and has experience in these areas.”

Dr. Meena Malhotra, a double board-certified internist practicing functional and integrative medicine for 27 years, understands that vaginal tissue is hormone-dependent, and dryness left untreated can lead to urinary tract infections that can progress to kidney infections. “Atrophic vaginitis with dryness, itching and burning doesn’t happen overnight; it happens gradually. Many women who are not seeing a gynecologist regularly for checkups are unaware of the gradual decrease of their progesterone and estrogen,” advises the founder of the Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center, in Glenview, Illinois.

“Women generally self-treat sexual discomfort from dryness first with self-prescribed, over-the-counter gels, suppositories and creams, which are temporary fixes,” Malhotra says. “Functional medicine, which allows for longer appointments, in-depth intake and more intimate conversations, can determine the root cause of vaginal dryness, which can be treated early with FormaV, a non-surgical, painless rejuvenation procedure which tightens loose labia, improves vaginal health and makes sexual intimacy desirable again.”

Known as “the girlfriend doctor”, triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Anna Cabeca has been in practice for 23 years and is the author of The Hormone Fix: Burn Fat Naturally, Boost Energy, Sleep Better, and Stop Hot Flashes, the Keto-Green Way. Recognizing that many over-the-counter lubricants perpetuate dryness and create damage to the tissue, she formulated her own products. “Inflammation can happen because of a reaction to the ingredients in the lubricant. I tell my patients that they can make their own lubricant using organic coconut oil mixed with aloe vera gel and a few drops of an essential oil that turns their partner on. They can also strengthen the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises and eat a keto-green diet,” Cabeca suggests.

Dr. Rebecca Hunton, the founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, believes that treating the changes in a woman ’s body is a form of personalized medicine. “Every woman ’s journey is different, but generally before vaginal dryness comes progesterone deficiency. Symptoms include trouble falling asleep, anxiousness and moodiness,” she says, adding that not all vaginal dryness is hormone-related, as an autoimmune disorder could also be a cause.

Hunton recommends, “Starting early with a transdermal progesterone cream can mitigate some dryness, but at a certain point, progesterone won’t suffice. There are nonsurgical treatments such as MonaLisa Touch, a laser treatment that brings the tissue in the vagina to a more youthful state. It needs to be repeated every 18 months to two years.”

These doctors all agree that women no longer have to power through the changes. There are answers. As Cabeca asserts, “This is a time that heralds a second spring of our lives and should be a beautiful journey.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior writer for Natural Awakenings

Skin Fitness

DAILY ROUTINES FOR A RADIANT APPEARANCE

by David J. Sautter

While many of us work out to tone our muscles, we may be neglecting the largest organ in the body: our skin. Every day, it is exposed to a variety of irritants, including ultraviolet rays, air pollution, extreme weather and highly processed foods. Stress can also cause skin irritations and conditions. To serve its important functions and look healthy, our skin needs a fitness regimen. With a few daily routines, lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, a radiant appearance is within reach.

Skin Conditions Exacerbated by Stress

ACNE: When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the production of pore-clogging oils, which can lead to the formation of acne. Stress also triggers inflammation, which can worsen existing acne.

PREMATURE AGING: Stress can accelerate the aging process by reducing the skin’s elasticity and causing wrinkles and fine lines. It triggers the production of free radicals, precipitating damage to collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple. When they are damaged, the skin becomes saggy.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, which are characterized by inflammation, dryness and itching.

Lifestyle Tips to Improve Skin Health

GET ENOUGH SLEEP. A good night’s sleep is essential for skin health. It also helps reduce the impact of daily stress. Aim for no less than seven hours of shut-eye each night.

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Getting our bodies moving is essential to reduce stress levels and improve skin health by increasing blood flow, nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the skin.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET. “An anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, veggies and healthy fats like those from seeds and nuts will help to keep skin healthy,” says Jennifer Scheinman, a registered dietitian and nutrition coach. “Foods rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and walnuts are great for skin health since they have natural antiinflammatory properties, and the fats help to keep skin moisturized.”

PRACTICE STRESS-RELIEVING TECHNIQUES. Engage in activities that help manage stress, such as yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

APPLY SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON’S SKIN

TYPE. According to Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within and Natural Beauty Reset, “The most important care tip is to find skin care with mild acidity [4.5 to 5.4 pH] and natural actives [plantbased extracts] that support the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome means less chance for breakouts, blemishes and premature aging.”

According to Dr. Anne Marie Fine, author of Cracking the Beauty Code, “Air pollution has been demonstrated to prematurely age the skin and cause age spots. This is why you want to make sure to consume antioxidants and use antioxidantcontaining, clean skin-care products.”

Therapies to Enhance the Skin

RED-LIGHT THERAPY DEVICES use infrared light to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and promote healing. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging.

MICROCURRENT FACIAL TOOLS use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles, helping to tone, reduce puffiness and promote a youthful appearance.

LASERS DESIGNED FOR HOME USE offer a safe way to treat various skin issues such as wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and pigmentation problems. They can also help even out skin tone by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.

GUA SHA is an ancient Chinese technique that involves gently scraping the surface of the skin with a special tool to increase blood flow, promote healing and reduce puffiness and inflammation.

OXYGEN TREATMENTS infused into pores using a special device can help nourish skin cells, decrease inflammation, reduce wrinkles and improve overall complexion.

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points to stimulate energy flow, which may improve circulation, reduce tension and promote smoother skin.

FACIAL MASSAGE reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It promotes circulation, drainage and toning.

David J. Sautter is a certified personal trainer specializing in fitness nutrition and sports conditioning, as well as a professional fitness writer. Learn more at WriteFit.com.

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.

~Mother Teresa

Microplastic Overload

REDUCING CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

Exposure to plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics is a lifelong inevitability. Researchers are investigating the human health impacts of these synthetic materials, and while we have a growing picture of potential risks, additional scientific exploration is needed to know how petroleumbased polymers affect kids. Though it is impossible to hide from plastics, much can be done to limit children’s exposure.

Global plastic production was estimated to be about 430 million tons in 2021, and humans are continually finding new ways to use it because of its light weight, extreme temperature resistance and low cost. Although plastic takes hundreds of years to fully biodegrade, it breaks down into smaller components that find their way into the ground, air, water, food, clothing, wildlife and our bodies. Microplastics are smaller than five millimeters, while nanoplastics measure from one to 1,000 nanometers. Regardless of size, plastics are packed with toxic compounds, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Studies have shown that microplastics are found in human tissue, including the lungs, placenta and blood. According to research published in Environmental Science & Technology, children consume and inhale an estimated 74,000 to 81,000 particles of microplastics annually. Those amounts could be higher for those that drink more water from plastic bottles than from the tap.

Nano and microplastics (NMPs) build up in the body. Another study published in Environmental Science & Technology reported that by age 18, children accumulate an average of 8,300 particles of microplastics in their tissues, and by age 70 that accumulation grows to 50,100 particles.

A small, but increasing, amount of research links plastic exposure to human health conditions. A review of data to date published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found evidence that exposure to NMPs affects both the digestive and nervous systems. The review identified microbiota alterations, intestinal barrier permeability (leaky gut), oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotoxicity and behavioral disturbances. While toxicological research on NMPs has not specifically focused on child health, kids’ immature defense mechanisms make them particularly vulnerable.

“Microplastics are a big problem for fertility,” asserts Jaclyn Smeaton, a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in fertility. The chemicals found in NMPs pose a threat to children’s future reproductive abilities.

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more durable and can be found in flooring, lubricating oils and personal-care products. According to Yvonne Karney, a gynecologist and CEO of Vitality Renewal, “Phthalates are hormone disruptors that mimic estrogen. They off-gas chemicals that damage the cell membrane and mitochondria.” Studies have linked this chemical to reduced egg quality, less reproductive success and increased gynecological diseases in women; and lower sperm count, lower testosterone, reduced sperm quality and increased DNA damage in men.

Children have higher levels of exposure and are more vulnerable to phthalates. Research conducted by scientists from Columbia University, University of North Carolina and Harvard University found that phthalates increase children’s risks for learning, attention and behavioral disorders. Another study linked prenatal phthalate exposure to lower IQ and problems with attention, hyperactivity and poor social communication in children. “This is all so new that we are just starting to learn about the effects of microplastics,” Karney remarks.

Limiting Microplastic Exposure

“The first tip is avoidance,” Smeaton says. Eliminate harmful plastics, in particular those labeled with the recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols). To protect children, soft vinyl toys, old plastic toys and teething rings should be shunned.

“Wear cotton or wool,” recommends Karney. “Air dry synthetic clothes to limit microplastic release. Laundry balls can keep microfibers from breaking off.”

“I can’t overemphasize the importance of ensuring children are eating clean food and drinking clean water,” states Smeaton. In 2020, researchers found microplastics in fruit and vegetables, with highest levels of microplastics in carrots and apples.

“Eating organic can also help, though when contaminants are in soil or water, they can affect even organic produce,” warns Smeaton. “Limit the consumption of shellfish, rice, tea made using a tea bag, table salt and premade meals. Avoid cans

and takeaway cups as these are lined with plastic to protect the food. Even if a container states BPA-free, it may still contain BPA’s cousin, bisphenol S.”

“Employing a water filter is great to remove contaminants, which exist both in city and well water. Reverse osmosis is best, but anything is better than nothing,” says Karney. Look for plastic-free alternatives for cooking and storing food like glass, steel, ceramic and bamboo. Karney also recommends never microwaving foods in plastic, limiting use of bottled water and dusting and vacuuming regularly to remove settled microplastics.

“Avoid exposing children to NMPs in personal-care products,” says Smeaton. She recommends choosing those that meet the standards of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org/skindeep).

“Pick your battles; focus on what you can control,” Karney advises. “Find things that will not disrupt our life that are doable. It’s not that hard to get a filter for tap water; it is not that hard to get glassware for storing your food.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

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.

View our full calendar online at NAGulfCoast.com/calendar

classifieds

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

HELP WANTED

FAIRHOPE SUNFLOWER CAFE IS LOOKING TO HIRE full- and part-time cooks. The Cafe is open for lunch MondaySunday 10:30am-3pm. Apply in store or call Sunflower Cafe 251-929-0055.

OSTEOSTRONG IS NOW HIRING SESSION COACHES. Seeking full- and parttime motivated individuals to join our team who love people and want to be a part of the next generation of the health and wellness, biohacking! Must have high energy, great personality, and some knowledge of fitness or kinesiology. Call 251-210-6955 or email Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me.

SERVICES

ACUPUNTURE & DRY NEEDLING –Holistic wellness care for the whole family addresses a wide variety of health concerns beyond just pain: Back, neck and joint pain, fatigue, allergies, fertility, hormone balance, sleep, stress, anxiety, headaches, neuropathy, sports injuries and more. Daphne Clinic, 6384 Bayfront Park Dr., 251-201-9303. AlMaxwellness.com.

ATTENTION PEOPLE WHO ARE STUCK. LOOKING FOR A LIFESTYLE CHANGE? 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 build change by designing customized BEST PRACTICES for your life. Find out how. 251635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

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.

Spiritual Awakening Center 360 Sunday Community Service – 10:30am. In person and streaming LIVE at FaceBook.com/Sac360.org. Join our 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 Daphne CoWork, 25369 Hwy 98, Daphne, AL (next to Badcock Furniture). Spiritual Awakening Center 360, P.O. Box 848, Daphne. Sac360.org@gmail.com. Sac360.org.

Eastern Shore UNITY Sunday Celebration – 10:30am. We do “church” differently. Don’t believe in God? You are welcome here. In person, streaming on Facebook @UnityEasternShore or via Zoom. Rev. Linda Fisher, Bobbi Jo Machholz, and various local and national guest speakers present a metaphysical message each week. Live music on the first Sunday by Larry Andrews. Brenda Bledsoe plays Native American Flute on the second Sunday of the month. 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 Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com.

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.

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’ – noon. (Immediately after Sunday Service) 2nd and 4th Sundays. Scripture tells us that Adam fell into a deep sleep yet there is 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: Daphne CoWork, 25369 Hwy 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.

MONDAYS

Qigong & Tai Chi Drop-in Sessions – 6pm. Casual movement sessions with James Harkins. Any skill level from novice to expert are welcome to come and move with Jim. A spiritual practice can change your health and well being. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@ gmail.com. UnityEasternShore.wixsite.com/unity.

TUESDAYS

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

SATURDAYS

Tai Chi & Qigong – 7-10am. Tai Chi & Qigong 7am-10am. Join James Harkins for an interactive morning of Mind, Body and Spirit rejuvenation. Beginners and newbies welcomed. $20 donation to UES is suggested but not mandatory. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 Hwy 98, Fairhope.

mark your calendar

August 5-15

Above and Beyond Yoga India Retreat – August 5-15. 10-day yoga retreat with Shoshana Treichel and Nrithya Jagannathan (director of KYM Institute of Yoga Studies). Visit several well-known locations including Mysore, Chennai, Pondicherry and the world-renowned Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. For more information or to register, contact Jake Treichel at Jake@ABHotYoga.com or 251-639-9030. See ad, page 4.

Plans Change Call Ahead

community

resource guide

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 12

KAREN WATSON

TruAura Skincare Specialist/Makeup Artist

Daphne, AL • 256-508-0389

TruBeauty4u.TruAuraBeauty.com

Skincare, anti-aging, cosmetics, body care and skin care that are pure, clean, safe and effective with zero harmful ingredients. Prebiotic/probiotic-based and microbiome-friendly.

See ad, page 6.

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 8.

BIOFEEDBACK SERVICES

AO SCAN TECHNOLOGY BY SOLEX

Mandy Ullerich, Quantum Living Advocate

Bon Secour, AL • 251-210-9255

MandyUllerich@gmail.com

AO Scan Technology by Solex™ is an elegant, yet simply designed technology inspired by discoveries from Tesla, Einstein and many other renowned scientists. It is designed to communicate with the body via subtle biofrequencies and electromagnetic signals. Call today for a complimentary scan. See ad, page 11.

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer

Mobile & Foley (other locations by request)

251-623-2225

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

FAIRHOPE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP

In addition to full body screenings and ElectroLymphatic Therapy, impactful results have been seen with Biofeedback/Frequency services such as AO scanning and Zyto or Evox for emotional therapy. See ad, page 9.

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 9.

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 31.

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 31.

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.

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 our 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 11.

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

781 Farmers Market Ln., 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

DOWN TO EARTH CONNECTIONS, LLC

HYDROPONIC PRODUCE & HEALTHY COOKING WORKSHOPS

Daphne/Baldwin County

251-298-3001 • Facebook.com/

DownToEarthConnectionsLLC

Learn a sustainable lifestyle with hydroponic growing and cooking what you grow. Learn ways to lessen your footprint on earth. Each workshop uses fresh hydroponic herbs and vegetables with a demonstration on how to make a countertop hydroponic/micro green unit. In our workshops you prepare and take home a healthy 4 course meal for 2 and memories of a fun and educational evening with your neighbors. At the end of each workshop a four-course meal is donated to a family in need. Group coaching and private in-home coaching available. See ad, page 29

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 31.

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 31.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

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 18.

HEALING JEWELRY

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

Jeff Nursey, Customer Service

850-207-6621

TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com

Change your frequency, change your life! Our jewelry has an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPA

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL

251-270-7200

PeakAlkalinity.com

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 13

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 33.

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!

HYPNOTHERAPY

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912

EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 33.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist 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 two 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 9.

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 6.

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.

MED SPA

ENRG WELLNESS

3099 Loop Rd., Orange Beach, AL 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-240-0842 • enrGWellness.com

Weight loss, fat burning, food programs, vitamin IV lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom plans include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Call us for a free consultation. See ad, page 35.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

Destin HarborWalk Village, FL, Booth 11am-6pm 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 15.

PERSONAL GROWTH

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912

EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

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 17.

PLANT-BASED FOOD

DOWN TO EARTH CONNECTIONS, LLC

HYDROPONIC PRODUCE & HEALTHY COOKING WORKSHOPS

Daphne/Baldwin County

251-298-3001 • Facebook.com/

DownToEarthConnectionsLLC

Learn a sustainable lifestyle with hydroponic growing and cooking what you grow. Learn ways to lessen your footprint on earth. Each workshop uses fresh hydroponic herbs and vegetables with a demonstration on how to make a countertop hydroponic/micro green unit. In our workshops you prepare and take home a healthy 4 course meal for 2 and memories of a fun and educational evening with your neighbors. At the end of each workshop a four-course meal is donated to a family in need. Group coaching and private in-home coaching available. See ad, page 29

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 daily. See ad, page 31

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 daily. See ad, page 31.

35 years experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 33.

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

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 4

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, 9 a.m. Donations to Unity accepted. See ad, page 11.

YOGA HAPPY

1015 Howard Ave., Ste. C, Biloxi, MS GulfCoastTraining.org • 228-229-3117

At Yoga Happy it is our mission to offer tools and training to assist you in your quest to achieve greater levels of health, well-being and happiness. As part of Gulf Coast Training & Education Services, we provide opportunities for learning and skill development for nearly every age and everybody. See ad, page 43

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 43.

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 12

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

Destin HarborWalk Village, FL, Booth 11am-6pm 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 15

to manual therapy that resolves physical discomfort , releases tension and alleviates pain while and enhancing energy

706.681.2935

13 Moons Animal Wisdom

13MoonsAnimalWisdom.com

DO YOU KNOW ANIMALS WANT TO BE HEARD? Yes, they talk!

(Be careful because they’re listening, too!)

Heart-to-Heart Telepathic Animal Communication

Book a session to discover how your animals feel, their thoughts and desires, what will help them and why they do the things they do.

Gabrielle Wyant-Perillo specializes in Multi-Species Animal Communication and End-of-Life Support. She will soon join the handful of certified Trust Technique practitioners in the United States.

gulfcoasttraining.org

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

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D’Angelo