June 2023 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

ROCKING THE DAD ROLE Leading With Intention

Foods That Boost Energy

Lifelong Vitality for Men

Earth-Friendly Outdoor Grilling

MEN’S HEALTH

PUBLISHER Michelle Smith

EDITOR Julie Peterson

AD MANAGEMENT Gabrielle W-Perillo

LAYOUT DESIGN Melanie Rankin

AD SALES Veronica Miller

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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

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

J is for June; J is for Jack…

D ear Friends,

Welcome to the June Men’s Health issue of Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast

So much is packed into this summertime issue, I hope you can sit somewhere cool and peruse the pages. If you are a woman, please pass along these Men’s Health nuggets to your favorite men! We have Conscious Fatherhood, Metabolic Health, Socially Conscious Investing, Lifelong Vitality and Gulf Coast Men in Wellness.

Speaking of men, I am blessed to have three wonderful fathers in my life who amaze me with their love and kindness. My dad Jack, in Tennessee, my son Zach, in Texas and my husband Will who has two sons, his and mine, both from previous marriages. These remarkable men in my life will always have my heart.

I want to share a moment in time that set my young life on an unforeseen path. It was horrific at the time but worked out for good. I was about five years old and my sister was one. In a terrible car accident, our car flipped and slid upside down along the highway. My mother plucked my sister right out of the air to keep her safe. I remember sliding face down on the ceiling of the car, which caused an abrasion on my nose, but we all survived, including the dogs.

Daddy is the rock of our family. Without pause, he grabbed our hands, had us bow our heads and we prayed. We thanked God that He saved us. I believe that was a defining moment that set the tone for my family’s lifelong faith. He rarely missed a swim meet, tennis match or any other childhood event that took place. My life as a youth was rich, and not much has changed. I am still, as he says, Michelle “my belle.” Fast forward 25 years and he became a role model for my son Zach whose dad was pretty much absent throughout his childhood. He taught Zach all those ‘boy’ things like fishing, hunting, baseball and basically how to be a dad. Nowadays, Daddy is still living in Tennessee, still being a rock for my mother. I love you Daddy.

Zach, now married with children of his own and a special wife, Brianne, who loves and takes care of him, you will find him on the cover of this June issue. I could not resist showcasing his handsome face and my sweet granddaughter on this Father’s Day, Men’s Health edition of Natural Awakenings, because to me he is THE picture of health and wellness in mind, body and spirit!

My husband Will, has always been an involved, caring and loving father. He consistently shows his unconditional love for his children and his wife. But that is a story for another time. For additional ‘men on a mission’, please visit our 2023 Gulf Coast Men in Wellness both in print and online during June. I hope you will find a helpful resource and a wealth of information.

May God bless you and keep you,

•

Michelle Smith, Publisher

‘Longest Day’ Yoga Fundraiser for The Alzheimer’s Association

OnInternational Yoga Day, June 21, Yoga Happy at Gulf Coast Training & Education Services in Biloxi, Mississippi, is hosting a day of yoga to support The Alzheimer’s Association. Several workshops and classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including a mini-sound bath and the launch of sound therapy at Yoga Happy.

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated worldwide on the longest day of the year. Likewise, the Alzheimer’s Association selected the longest day to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through fundraising activities.

“At Yoga Happy we’ve been helping our community stay well since 2013. Wellness allows one to rest actively, work efficiently and fully participate in life,” says Sheila Farr, M.Ed., RYT-200, YACEP. “Whether you’re seeking to make a connection with yourself through heart-centering practices like meditation or cacao ceremonies, learn mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress or develop a regular self-care practice, Yoga Happy is here to help you meet your needs.”

Since 2010, Farr has trained in and taught many forms of yoga, from Vinyasa to Yin, but restorative yoga is her passion. “We are all so busy. Our bodies seem to stay in a constant state of stress,” she says. “I like to focus on meditation, restorative postures and a healthy practice of pranayama.”

Location: 1015 Howard Ave., Ste. C, Biloxi, MS. For more information call Sheila Farr 228-229-3117 or register online at GulfCoast Training.org. See ad, page 6.

Flowering Lotus Compassion Meditation Retreat

Acompassion meditation retreat hosted by Flowering Lotus Meditation will take place on July 6-9 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, at the William J. Kelley Retreat Center. Flowering Lotus Meditation is a volunteerled nonprofit organizing mindful meditation retreats in a variety of locations. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether new to meditation or not. Attendees can expect comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, peace, time and stillness, all under the instruction of a qualified teacher. It’s a great place to connect with like-minded individuals, which can bring the sense of community needed to sustain a regular meditation practice.

A silent meditation retreat can be a beneficial and transformative experience.

1. Practicing meditation in a supportive environment for hours each day helps to develop greater mindfulness and concentration.

2. Unplugging from technology and the outside world creates space to focus inward and recharge.

3. Silence and stillness cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

4. Stepping away from daily routine can provide fresh perspective, clarity and purpose on life, relationships and priorities.

“The retreats offer a valuable opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection and connection with others,” says Beth Herzig, retreat director.

Sign up for the retreat and subscribe to the newsletter at FloweringLotusMeditation.org. Contact Beth Herzig at 601-869-5292. See ad, page 21.

Sheila Farr

Foley Mind Performance Center Treats Pro Surfer for Traumatic Brain Injury

In November 2019, renowned Florida surfer Sterling Spencer was hit on the head by his surfboard. He didn’t think much about it, as it’s a common injury for surfers. The next month, his physical mobility became somewhat limited. In February 2020, he noticed that his mental strength was deteriorating. In March, doctors told him he was depressed and prescribed Xanax. Six months after the cut on the head, which was long forgotten as it hadn’t been that severe, Spencer couldn’t walk.

He wondered, “Does depression cause disability?” His family thought he might have a severe case of Covid. His friends legitimately thought he was pranking them because he used to be a funny guy.

In August, a therapist advised Spencer to get another opinion as it was clear his issue was not depression. In October 2020, a doctor finally recognized that Spencer had a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and post-concussion syndrome. He was then referred to Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, owner of the Mind Performance Center in Foley, Alabama.

After 18 months of not knowing if he would survive, Spencer had someone in his corner to assure him that he could recover.

“Dr. Doug was the first person to really understand what I’m going through,” says Spencer, who was extremely frustrated because he couldn’t function and people didn’t understand that his brain was not working. “It was like being a 3-year-old. I had to relearn the alphabet.”

Brown explained to him that people likely would not understand. TBI is something that is invisible, and it’s difficult for others to grasp that you look the same but you can’t think the same.

Brown put Spencer through the TBI treatment, which Spencer admits was the hardest thing he’s ever done. But after six weeks, he went from not being able to walk to standing up on a surfboard. The treatment works.

“Sterling was a typical brain injury patient, but his case was severe. He was barely able to walk. His problems were very complex because he had damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and to the frontal lobe, which made it almost impossible for him to function,” says Brown. “In our brain, we are constantly creating maps of where our body is in space. If those maps fail, we must recreate them in order to balance and move properly.”

Brown specializes in deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, brain metabolic enhancement and brain performance. He utilizes functional medicine and various therapeutic exercises to correct brain pathway imbalances, and by correcting pathways, patients with TBI get stronger and experience restored quality of life. He also treats severe depression and dementia, Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and learning disabilities for children and adults.

Location: 112 West Section Ave, Foley, AL 36535. 251-732-5502. MindPerformanceCenter.com. See ad, page 3.

Photo: Alex Dantin.

Courtesy of Sterling Spencer

Heard. Important.

Sterling Spencer surfs Pensacola Pass

Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy

Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy has a lot to offer students at every level, including a yoga room with top of the line air purification and sanitation equipment, hypoallergenic Zebra yoga floors and beautiful changing rooms with shower facilities. “From the very beginner interested in finding out more about yoga to advanced practitioners who have practiced extensively, we want to encourage each and every one of our students, wherever they may be on their path,” says Shoshana Treichel, Owner and Director of Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy in Mobile.

Yoga for Everyone

New members can start a yoga journey with a 30-day trial membership for just $49, whether new to yoga or experienced. Treichel emphasizes that yoga classes are safe spaces where nobody will be staring at or judging anyone else. The instructors guide participants with compassion and respect. “All of our classes are suitable for beginners yet challenging enough for advanced practitioners. Anyone of any size, shape, condition or background can do the variety of yoga offered at Above and Beyond.”

Dry Salt Therapy

Salt Therapy has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and detoxify the respiratory system. “It can help with the symptoms of allergies, asthma, COPD snoring, sleep apnea, sinusitis, bronchitis, colds, flu and more,” says Treichel. “In a salt therapy session, we infuse the air with pulverized medical grade salt. All you do is sit back and breathe it in. It can have you breathing better than you have in years.”

New members can take advantage of a Salt Therapy Trial Membership for $69.

August Yoga Retreat to India

From August 5 through 15, Treichel and Nrithya Jagannathan, director of the KYM Institute of Yoga Studies, will lead attendees on the Heart of Yoga Retreat to India, exploring several cities and attending sessions at the world renowned Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai. “Immerse yourself in the rich culture and yoga traditions of India with us and unlock your inner peace as you deepen your understanding of yoga,” says Treichel, adding that the trip will also include sightseeing in Mysore, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram and Chennai along with vegetarian meals and delicious flavors of traditional Indian cuisine.

Location: 878 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. C, Mobile, AL. ABHotYoga.com. For more information, email Info@ ABHotYoga.com or call 251-639-9030. For more information on the India Retreat, see ABYogaandSaltTherapy. com/heart-of-yoga-india-retreat. See ad, page 8.

Nrithya Jagannathan and Shoshana Treichel

Daily Intense Activity Prolongs Life

A new study in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that short bursts of intense movement are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The UK researchers analyzed data from about 25,000 nonexercisers with an average age of 62 that wore movement tracking devices on their wrists.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to short, sporadic bursts of exertion done as part of daily living, such as walking very fast while commuting to work or climbing stairs. The scientists found that compared to participants that engaged in no VILPA, those that did just one to two minutes of VILPA three to four times daily exhibited a 38 to 40 percent lower risk of death over the course of seven years. They also noted that just a few minutes of VILPA throughout the day reduced cardiovascular disease-related mortality by up to 49 percent.

Similar results were obtained when they analyzed vigorous physical activity in roughly 62,000 participants that exercised regularly. VILPA in non-exercisers appears to elicit similar effects to vigorous physical activity in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise on a regular basis.

Smartphones Make Poor Babysitters

Parents are busy people, often juggling multiple commitments. Add a toddler meltdown to the mix, and it is easy to understand why parents may reach for a tablet, smartphone or other screen to calm and occupy the child.

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children pay a price for this strategy.

Researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the frequent use of mobile devices to calm young children may displace their opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies over time. The cohort study involved a sample of English-speaking parents of typically developing children aged 3 to 5. The scientists gathered baseline data at the start of the study, as well as follow-up evidence after three months and six months.

The participating parents used a five-point scale to report how often they used mobile devices to calm upset children. At each follow-up, the child’s executive functioning and emotional reactivity were assessed. The study found that the frequent use of mobile devices for calming young children was associated with increased emotional dysregulation, especially in boys, and included rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, greater impulsivity and sudden mood changes.

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Budington Kelland

Rise in Children With Autism

In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been steadily on the rise. One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018, and one in 150 children in 2000 when the CDC first established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network to track ASD prevalence in this country.

Autism was 3.8 times as prevalent among boys (4 percent) as girls (1 percent), and for the first time among 8-year-old children, the prevalence was slightly lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services.

The report included communities in 11 states that participate in the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network— Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Children included in this report were born in 2012 and lived in surveillance areas during 2020. ASD prevalence varied from state to state, with Maryland having the lowest and California the highest observed rates.

Herbs and Spices Promote Gut Health

A 2022 research study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that herbs and spices may be unsung heroes in the quest for gut health. The three-period, randomized, controlled-feeding study involved 54 obese or overweight adults aged 30 to 75 with at least one other risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as elevated glucose or triglycerides.

Participants consumed the same average American diet for four weeks, along with one of three daily doses of spices and herbs—0.5 grams, 3.3 grams or 6.6 grams—which included cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme. Fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and the end of each diet period.

Researchers determined that consuming 3.3 or 6.6 grams of herbs and spices per day increased levels of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria, a major player in the maintenance of gut health. The highest levels of this beneficial bacteria were observed among those that consumed the highest levels of herbs and spices. The scientists recommend further investigation to identify the metabolic implications of their findings.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.

Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

Ruslan Huzau/ShutterStock.com

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

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Open Letter to Pause AI Experiments

A group of leading technology executives, researchers, academics and others from around the world have signed an open letter prepared by the Future of Life Institute calling for a six-month pause on large, humancompetitive artificial intelligence (AI) experiments. As of March 31, more than 1,800 CEOs and 1,500 professors had signed the letter.

“AI labs are locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one— not even their creators—can understand, predict or reliably control,” the letter contends. The authors are concerned that “AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks.”

While AI systems grow more powerful, there is no natural law or barrier to technical progress. The letter’s authors and signers are asking all AI labs to pause the training of powerful AI systems so that safety protocols can be implemented to ensure the effects of these systems will be positive and the risks manageable. According to the letter, “If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

Individuals can view and sign the letter at Tinyurl.com/ AImoratorium.

Artificial Intelligence That Can See With the Mind’s Eye

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Stanford University are using artificial intelligence (AI) to decode human brain scans and determine what a person is picturing in their mind.

Participants underwent brain scans using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine while looking at more than 1,000 pictures, such as a red firetruck, a gray building and a giraffe eating leaves. This fMRI data was processed by an AI model for roughly 20 hours per patient, as it trained to associate certain brain patterns with the different images.

To test the learning capabilities of the AI model, the subjects were then shown new images while undergoing fMRI. Upon reviewing the brain waves, the AI system generated a shorthand description of each person’s brain state and sketched its best-guess facsimile of the image the participant saw The AI-generated image matched the attributes (color, shape and other details) and semantic meaning of the original image approximately 84 percent of the time. Researchers believe that in a decade the technology could be used on anyone, anywhere.

Microplastics Released by Tea Bags

Most mesh tea bags are made of 20 to 30 percent plastic, which can release microplastics and nanoplastics, causing harmful effects for both human health and the environment. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that one standard tea bag made with plastic released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a cup of tea. The particles in the tea matched the nylon and polyethylene terephthalate in the original tea bag.

jatupronAdobeStock.com

Safer alternatives include steeping loose teas with a stainless steel or silicone tea strainer, or purchasing tea from brands that offer plastic-free teabags. Organic teas may still have plastic in the tea bag, as the packaging is not overseen by organic-certifying organizations.

lazaalaexa/ShutterStock.com

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Define Values

Conscious Fatherhood BUILDING

A BETTER FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.

“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations.

Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”

The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eight-week program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values. The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.

Smith Family Brand Statements

n We believe you can be who you want to be.

n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.

n Smiths are kindhearted.

n Smiths are creators.

n Smiths do hard things.

n Smiths are healthy and active.

n Smiths love and support one another.

Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts families to decide where and how to spend their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.

A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents. “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.

These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.

Balance Priorities

According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.

For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.

Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to all of his priorities. He regularly involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.

Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.

Discipline With Love

Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.

Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”

But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,” says Greenfield. “At the end of the day, kids just want to be seen and loved and heard.”

Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

Dr. Mark Hyman ON LIVING

HEALTHY TO 100 AND BEYOND

by Sandra Yeyati

Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, bestselling author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, founder and senior advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and board president for clinical affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the founder and chairman of the Food Fix Campaign, dedicated to transforming our food and agriculture system through policy change, and hosts The Doctor’s Farmacy, a podcast with more than 150 million downloads. Hyman is a regular contributor to CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, The View, Fox and CNN. His latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, champions the latest science on healthy aging.

How is the emerging science on longevity changing the way we view aging?

Many things we’ve come to accept as a normal part of getting older are not. Decrepitude, frailty, disease, diabetes, cancers, dementia—these are optional. We can’t change chronological aging, but we can slow and reverse biological aging by influencing the hallmarks of aging, which are these underlying processes that go awry as we get older.

What are the hallmarks of aging?

In my book I wrote about 10 hallmarks of aging, which are all part of one ecosystem of problems. They’re not separate; they influence each other; and they’re dynamic. It’s things like inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, zombie cells, shortened telomeres, microbiome changes and epigenetic changes, which are changes in how our genes are expressed. They’re all important, but the most important hallmark of aging is called deregulated nutrient sensing, which means how our body interacts with food and how that influences us for good or bad. Problems with nutrient sensing affect almost all the other hallmarks and make them worse.

How can we address deregulated nutrient sensing?

We have built-in longevity pathways and over 3,000 survival genes, and we can activate this innate healing intelligence at any time. A major way to influence four of these pathways is through food. I call them longevity switches, which we need to learn how to regulate to make our health span equal our lifespan.

The first one is activated by too much sugar and starch, which drives too much insulin signaling, causing diabetes, pre-diabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease or obesity. When insulin is overexpressed, it causes weight gain, fat storage, inflammation and lots of other problems.

The next one is mTOR [mammalian target of rapamycin], a pathway that makes new proteins and builds muscle, but gets overstimulated because of our constant eating and snacking and eating before bed. mTOR needs to be inhibited periodically by intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating to allow autophagy to happen, which is like a recycling and repair crew that comes in at night and cleans up all the damaged proteins.

The other two pathways, sirtuins and AMPK [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase], sense a lack of nutrients and switch on survival pathways. If we’re constantly eating sugar and starch, then AMPK and sirtuins are overstimulated, and they’re not given a break to activate these pathways.

Photo by Masha Maltsava

What is the role of exercise in longevity?

If it were a pill, exercise would basically fix everything. It’s probably the most potent intervention there is, other than calorie restriction or fasting, and it works on many of the longevity pathways. The most important type of exercise is resistance training as you get older, because you need to build muscle. Without muscle, you become frail and dysfunctional.

Exercise influences our DNA stability; lengthens telomeres; preserves the genome; affects the proteins; regulates mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins; preserves mitochondrial function; prevents zombie cells; helps with stem cells; reduces inflammation, cardiovascular risk and diabetes; and it’s also really important for becoming insulin sensitive.

What is hormesis and how can it help with healthy aging?

Hormesis is the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The concept is not new. We know that exercise, for example, is a stress on the body, but it actually makes you rebound stronger. When you lift weights or you run, it’s a stress, but you’re getting thinner and stronger. There are other forms of hormesis that activate longevity pathways. Hot sauna therapy reduces your risk of cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent. Cold immersion therapy has many benefits, like increasing dopamine, activating brown fat and regulating metabolism. Fasting is a kind of hormesis, and longer fasts—for a day, three days, a week—are very powerful.

What role does finding community have in this quest for longevity?

The science is pretty clear that the body has innate systems that can be regulated by our thoughts. We now understand the mechanisms by which our social relationships and connections can influence our gene expression and everything from inflammation to insulin resistance to everything else, so building connection with others and building relationships and community is very important.

What longevity strategies do you implement on a typical day?

A lot of this is just habit development and routine. This morning I worked out with my resistance bands for half an hour, took a steam shower and an ice bath, then had a longevity shake with goat whey, creatine, urolithin A and adaptogenic mushrooms. Then I took a walking meeting for an hour-and-a-half outside while I was on a call. Tonight, I plan to spend time with friends. I eat pretty simply most of the time. Last night, I had lamb chops, sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, artichokes (which are a great prebiotic food) and some broccoli with lemon, garlic and olive oil. I take my supplements as well. So it’s very simple, very easy.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

Maintaining Libido and Energy

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

Optimizing Hormones

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall

health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a combination of sciencebased medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

Treating Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDAapproved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”

Incorporating Lifestyle Solutions

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks.

Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a noninvasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Bon Appétit!

A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

The Best of Local, Organic and Sustainable Foods

Send Us Your Favorites

People often splurge on unhealthy foods when eating out even though a healthy diet has been shown to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes; support vital growth, development and aging; help maintain a healthy body weight; and reduce risk of disease. Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Healthy Eats articles and guide detail places to eat that offer the feeling of the “splurge” on excellent food, but still maintain healthy eating habits. An added benefit is that we can support local entrepreneurs and lower our carbon footprint by eating local foods.

Healthy Eats is a fairly new addition to Natural Awakenings. “We would be remiss if we didn’t promote healthy eating in a healthy living magazine,” says Michelle Smith, publisher. “I encourage readers to suggest their favorite local healthy places to eat and shop so that we can expand this feature. There are many healthy markets and restaurants that I likely haven’t discovered yet, especially outside of Baldwin County. I love finding new places that offer all natural or organic choices, along with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.”

Smith lives in Baldwin County where she and her husband frequent markets and restaurants that offer healthy options. Her plan is to discover new places there and to expand to Mobile County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast counties. “We gravitate toward places that have a reputation of caring for the planet, caring for their customers and providing excellent quality food and service. The Safari Club at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Sunflower Cafes, Agape Juices, Fairhope Juice Co. and Ahi Seafood Market are just a few examples of our favorites,” says Smith.

Readers have given lots of positive feedback on the Healthy Eats articles (not to mention the mouth-watering pictures). The International Goat even had a visitor who drove from Gulf Shores to Fairhope to get a sandwich!

“Not only would we like to hear about new markets and places to eat, but also the foods you love to eat there,” says Smith. “I love The Safari Club Tempura Cauliflower with rice flour and club soda batter with a buffalo or bulgogi sauce and their wood grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos take lunch to another level. One dish I eat often is Sunflower Café’s Sesame Ginger Stir Fry. Superb!”

The Gulf Coast is a great place for healthy food establishments in part because moderate temperatures allow for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and seafood is abundant. Farmers Markets and restaurants have a ready supply of fresh, local and wild-caught ingredients. “I hope people will continue to get educated on the importance of choosing local, organic and sustainable food for the health of the body and the planet. As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, I consistently stress the importance of eating a variety of vibrant, colored fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to fight inflammation and disease and boost the body’s immune system,” says Smith. “In that regard, we all need access to safe and nutritious choices regardless of location, income or socio economic status to meet dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. My hope is to promote Food Security for all by the end of this decade through awareness and continued education.”

To recommend markets, eateries and your favorite dishes, email michelles@nagulfcoast. com or send a message at facebook.com/ NaturalAwakeningsMag.

June’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 MEN IN WELLNESS

Welcome to our second annual Natural Awakenings

Gulf Coast Men in Wellness feature, part of our monthlong emphasis on men’s health. We are highlighting here in print just a few of the dedicated natural health professionals on the Gulf Coast who practice wellness as a priority and passion in their lives, with more to come online throughout the month.

NAGC is thrilled to showcase the following stories of men-on-a-mission in this special multi-platform feature, which begins with our June print issue and continues throughout June on our website NAGulfCoast.com and our social media platforms. So, if you are a man on the Gulf Coast who is a holistic health practitioner or who provides natural health products or services and would like to share your story, we would love to showcase you online throughout the month of June. To participate in this limited Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast feature, contact Michelle Smith, Publisher, at MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

We are proud to present the stories of men from various fields who faithfully support the Natural Awakenings philosophy of Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet. These people have made a difference in thousands of lives through hard work, extensive research and a belief in natural healing through a mind-body-spirit approach. These are a few of the men that enable Natural Awakenings to connect, educate and empower readers to live natural, healthy and fulfilled lives.

We invite you to join us throughout the month of June for additional stories and special digital features, including video talks via Facebook live at Facebook.com/ NaturalAwakeningsMag.

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

BARRY GASTON PARTNER, NURSE PRACTITIONER Aspire Functional Medicine

Helping men achieve their full potential through male directed health and wellness protocols with a focus on hormonal therapies and lifestyle interventions.

After working for 20 years as a Nurse Practitioner, primarily in occupational medicine and primarily with men, Barry Gaston, N.P., realized that men were not the best stewards of their health. “A man’s most common reason for being seen was either trauma or because their significant others told them to,” says Gaston. This observation led him to pursue the development of a men’s health program focused not only on treatment, but also education to provide men with tools to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Gaston then became associated with Dr. Larry Brock and the Regenerative Medicine Center of Alabama. Dr. Brock was one of the earliest in the area to embrace functional and regenerative (anti-aging) medicine. With him, Gaston was able to become involved with men’s health issues and treatment with, among other things, testosterone therapy. “Low T” is quite common, can be influenced by many factors, and is not just an older man’s issue. Getting one’s hormones balanced and optimized can be life changing.

Gaston continued with the Regenerative Medicine Center after it was acquired by Dr. Kristin Kalmbacher and then until the Mobile location closed in 2022. He now works with Dr. Luke Fondren, DO, and Jan Wood, Ph.D., CRNP, at Aspire Functional Medicine. Fondren is trained in family medicine and is developing a practice based on the idea that family medicine should be focused on the optimization of health at all ages through a combination of appropriate use of pharmacologic intervention when warranted, but with an emphasis on lifestyle interventions. Wood is a women’s health advocate whose focus is on using an integrative approach to treat patients experiencing menopausal symptoms. Together, they aspire to help you feel your best while achieving and maintaining optimal health at any age. See ad, page 19

JEFF NURSEY OWNER

The New You Miracle Band

From being a victim in a terrible accident and living in agony, to the ‘Miracle Man’ living pain-free.

In 2007, Jeff Nursey was hit by a pickup truck while cycling. He suffered five broken ribs, a punctured lung, his left tibia was shattered and his pelvis was fractured on both sides. His doctor told him that he wouldn’t be able to walk again. He was ruled 100 percent disabled by Social Security and tried everything to manage his pain. Two years after his accident, he was in so much pain he told his orthopedic surgeon to cut off his leg!

A friend gifted him a New You Miracle Band and Nursey told her she got ripped off. But, having nothing to lose, he put it on. It was like a miracle because his agonizing pain went away. In a few days, he felt like he could walk 1,000 miles and over the following year that’s what he did. He was able

to come off disability in 2010 and in 2021, he went back to his orthopedic surgeon for another x-ray. His leg was still broken, but his surgeon was surprised that Nursey was not in any pain. It has been 13 years since he started wearing his New You Miracle Band and he has been pain-free and able to walk a few miles every day.

The New You Miracle Band truly works for pain relief. It helps alleviate pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel and other joint and body aches. It improves strength and balance along with providing relief from seasickness. In addition to providing pain relief, the band protects the wearer from the negative effects of 5G and EMFs.

Nursey has heard countless testimonies on how the New You Miracle Band has helped people and given them a better quality of life and it is something that he will never get tired of hearing. Some of the many testimonies are on tnymb.com along with a demonstration of how the band works. But Nursey wants the whole family to find pain relief and protection from 5G—including the four-legged family members. TNYMB will be launching a line of collars for pets. Nursey says, “Our pets can’t tell us how they feel but we can see when they are feeling good!”

The New You Miracle Band is sold in more than 100 stores in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and online TNYMB.com. See ad, back cover.

JOSH FANDRICH OWNER/REGIONAL DIRECTOR OsteoStrong Fairhope, Midtown Mobile

A membership-based integrative health and wellness center focusing on musculoskeletal strengthening.

Josh Fandrich, owner of OsteoStrong, is passionate about health, wellness and biotechnology. With a background in training athletes and motivation to help people with quality of life, he became a key influencer in the biohacking community, introducing tools created by Dr. John Jaquish and used by Dave Asprey, Kyle Zagrodsky, Dr. Joseph Mercola and Tony Robbins, among others. “OsteoStrong addresses issues and achieves the greatest reward with the minimum risk associated with a deconditioning musculoskeletal system,” says Fandrich.

Numerous health conditions are affected by bone health, so Fandrich jumped at the opportunity to bring OsteoStrong to Alabama. “I opened two locations: OsteoStrong Fairhope and OsteoStrong Midtown Mobile,” he says. “Since then, I have trained other franchise owners and introduced our technology to professional and collegiate coaches and athletes around the U.S.”

But it’s not just for athletes. “Our biggest impact is on people with osteoporosis,” says Fandrich. One in two women and one in four men over age 50 have fragility fractures due to osteoporosis.

“With our proprietary technology, we can address bone density issues without the unwanted side-effects from pharmaceutical interventions,” says Fandrich. “Our system not only addresses the bone, but the complete musculoskeletal system. Members experience reduced back and joint pain, better management of A1C for Type 2 diabetes, balance improvements, functional strength gains and improved posture.”

OsteoStrong partners with Tony Robbins, world renowned author, life coach, motivational speaker and philanthropist. Under Robbins’ influence, OsteoStrong has evolved into a biohacking wellness studio addressing cellular health and recovery, with technology including X3 bar variable resistance personal training, red light/infrared light, PEMF therapy and BioCharger. See ad, page 15.

J. DOUGLAS BROWN DC, DACNB NEUROLOGY, OWNER

Mind Performance Center

Treating anxiety, memory issues, dementia, traumatic brain injury, resistant depression and brain disorders using Brain Rehab, BrainsWay Deep TMS and Functional Medicine.

Dr. J. Douglas Brown has a passion for neuroscience. He graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in 1994 and returned to school in 1999 to begin his study of neurology in both functional medicine and chiropractic arenas. By merging the two fields, he created something brand new to the medical community.

The first to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in Alabama, Brown uses new techniques and approaches in the treatment of brain disorders. His use of Dale Bredesen’s ReCode protocol, Deep TMS, is a noninvasive treatment developed by BrainsWay to help alleviate symptoms related to mental health conditions by correcting faulty brain pathways and training new nerve connections.

By merging Deep TMS, Brain Pathway rehab and metabolic enhancement via Functional Medicine, Brown has been successful in alleviating anxiety, memory issues, serious brain trauma and disorders such as dementia, ADD and ADHD and autism in his patients. He works with accident victims, people who can’t speak, people who can’t walk, patients who are suicidal or depressed and with those for whom medicines haven’t worked. While others put a bandage on the problem, Brown corrects the problem. He has awakened patients from a persistent vegetative state and continues to change the lives of children and adults, ages 5 to 100, when other professionals turn them away without a cure. He recommends that patients come in as soon as symptoms are experienced, rather than waiting. Along with treating patients at his practice in Foley, Brown also lectures upon request, about brain function, what can go wrong and innovative solutions. “In medicine, drugs are most often not solutions, they are symptom alleviators. What we are doing with the brain now is solution oriented and aimed at targeted results to provide full recovery,” Brown says. See ad, page 3.

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the

food consumed in the Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

Correcting Liver Function

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

Personalized Diet Plan and Nutritional Coaching

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains.

“The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

NEM LUI HUE (LEMONGRASS SKEWERS WITH PORK OR CHICKEN)

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 lb ground pork or chicken

1 Tbsp finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp finely minced shallot

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

12-15 stalks of lemongrass

Salt to taste

SKINCARE ANTI-AGING MAKE-UP BODY CARE

SKINCARE ANTI-AGING MAKE-UP BODY CARE

SKIN CARE ANTI-AGING BODY CARE

HAIR CARE MAKEUP

ZERO HARMFUL INGREDIENTS

Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop.

Free of gluten, parabens, sulfates, phthalates & synthetic fragrances.

ZERO HARMFUL INGREDIENTS

Free of gluten, parabens, sulfates, phthalates & synthetic fragrances.

PURE, CLEAN, SAFE & EFFECTIVE

Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the ground mixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.

Clinically-proven simple formulas that work.

PURE, CLEAN, SAFE & EFFECTIVE

Clinically-proven simple formulas that work.

PREBIOTIC/PROBIOTIC BASED & MICROBIOME FRIENDLY

PREBIOTIC/PROBIOTIC BASED & MICROBIOME FRIENDLY

Protect and nourish your skin’s natural balance.

Protect and nourish your skin’s natural balance.

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

CHICKEN CURRY

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped

1 chicken breast, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp mild or medium curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove

Vegetable stock

If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance

Karen Watson TruAura Beauty Consultant

Based in Daphne, Serving the Gulf Coast 256-508-0389

Greener Grilling

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass. This year, consider adding a few eco-friendly upgrades to America’s favorite summer tradition.

Fuel Source Matters

The biggest environmental impact from outdoor grilling comes from the fuel source. Here is a handy comparison of the options.

n Charcoal briquettes are little chunks of carbon made by baking wood byproducts, sawdust and other additives. Charcoal burns inefficiently and produces caustic smoke before and after the useful temperature for cooking. To reduce the carbon footprint, consider sustainably sourced bamboo or coconut shells to flame up the barbie.

n Gas grills burn fossil fuels like propane or natural gas. On the other hand, they produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal, heat more quickly and can be turned off immediately.

n Electric grills may seem more eco-friendly for backyard cookouts, but most electricity is derived from fossil fuels. If the home runs on renewable energy, electric wins. Otherwise, gas grills have a smaller carbon footprint.

n Infrared is the latest in barbecue technology. These pricey outdoor grills can reach high temperatures quickly, use less fuel and cook foods evenly. Because they use electric or gas heating elements that radiate infrared waves to the food, they generally run for less time than other grills. One drawback is that their high temperatures can easily overcook or burn foods, especially ingredients that don’t need high temperatures, like fish, vegetables and other seafood.

Cleaning Is Paramount

Regardless of the fuel source, it is important to keep the grill free of grease and food particles to prevent more smoke. When the grill is still warm, clean the grates with a wire brush. If grates are already cool, scrub with baking soda and water.

Caramelized Fruits and Vegetables

Burgers and ribs may be synonymous with traditional cookouts, but the modern barbecue menu isn’t all about meat. Recipes abound for grilled veggies and fruits that lend a delicious smoky and caramelized flavor to these nutritious foods. Embrace the appeal of slightly charred corn on the cob, browned portobello mushrooms and grill-marked pineapple. If meat-free burgers won’t please the crowd, look for certified organic, grass-fed and locally raised meats.

RossHelen/ShutterStock.com

Straighten Up and Feel Right

TIPS FOR GOOD POSTURE AND A HEALTHY SPINE

by Cristina Parker, PT, DPT

Standing up straight is not just something our parents remind us to do, it also happens to be good for our health. Posture describes the position of the body in space, but the realities of how we stand and move in day-to-day life are much more complex. Healthy postures encourage proper alignment of body structures, while unhealthy postures can lead to a host of issues, including muscle and joint pain, balance impairment and decreased mobility. Awareness of the body’s proper static and dynamic position is essential to maintaining a healthy spine.

The Spine and Its Role in Posture

The body’s main support system is the spine, which consists of three sections. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and connects it to the shoulders, enabling us to turn

our heads from side to side as well as up and down. The thoracic spine stabilizes the rib cage, which protects the vital organs. The lumbar spine consists of thicker, more robust vertebrae, as they are the main load bearers and enable us to rotate our bodies and bend forward and to the side.

Muscle tightness or joint immobility can shift the spine out of its ideal positioning, causing postural dysfunction. A recent study published in the journal Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science estimates that 66 percent of the population is living with forward head posture (FHP), a cervical spine dysfunction that occurs when the head moves forward in front of the body. FHP can lead to headaches, migraines and jaw pain. Thoracic kyphosis, a rounded upper back, reportedly impacts 20 to 50 percent of the population and impairs numerous functions, including digestion and breathing. The lumbar spine is at particularly high risk for joint disease as both lumbar muscle strength and pelvic mobility decrease in sedentary individuals. Low back and pelvic immobility are contributing factors for the estimated 103 million individuals worldwide that live with lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that may cause pain or numbness in the legs.

Three-Step Process to Take Control of Our Posture

STEP ONE: IDENTIFICATION

In her book Rethink Your Position, biomechanist Katy Bowman recommends that we pay attention to a few common signals the body sends out to alert us to an imbalanced weight distribution, including aches in the feet or low back and tension of the shoulders or neck. “Good alignment isn’t about any one fixed position, but a healthy

range of positions,” she says. “By focusing less on memorizing postures and more on learning about load on parts of the body, you can optimize your positioning for many different activities.”

Bowman recommends a quick and easy way to self-assess if a postural imbalance is present and, if so, to identify where the imbalance begins: “The body’s joints stack in a vertical line. You can use a plumb line to indicate where your parts are supposed to be. If you take a string with a weight at the end and drop it down from your shoulder, it should line up with the hip, knee and ankle on the way down.”

STEP TWO: CORRECTION

Dr. Krista Burns, co-author of The Posture Principles and founder of the American Posture Institute, recommends a two-minute exercise routine, performed while standing against a wall, that addresses each segment of the spine. Repeat each exercise five times.

1. Neck retraction: Push the head forward away from the wall as far as possible, then pull it back so the base of the skull contacts the wall. Keep the eyes parallel to the horizon, rather than looking up toward the sky.

2. Posture angel: Stand with the back against the wall, elbows bent and tucked in close to the waist. Keeping the back of the hands against the wall, reach up as far as possible then slowly lower back to starting position. This movement, which is like making a snow angel while standing, should be felt between the shoulder blades when performed correctly.

3. Pelvic tilt: Arch the back so there is a small space between the wall and the lower spine, then tuck in the tail, flattening the spine against the wall and closing that space. This exercise helps initiate movement into the lower joints.

STEP THREE: MAINTENANCE

The key to maintaining a healthy posture is frequent movement, which can include an hourly stretch break or a bi-hourly rangeof-motion routine to move muscles and joints throughout the day. To make postural exercises a habit, physical therapist and integrative health coach Margie Bissinger recommends pairing an exercise routine with something that is already done multiple times a day–for example, mealtime. “People are busy, so it is hard to always dedicate that mental space to awareness of their head or back position,” she states. “When they pair it with something they’re routinely doing, it becomes a habit, and that is when the mental load of the task starts to go away.”

Cristina Parker holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She is a researcher, health content writer, educator and clinician specializing in neurologic disorders, limb-loss rehabilitation and adaptive sports techniques.

Smart Men Do Yoga

When yoga instructor Shoshana Treichel opened Above and Beyond Yoga and Salt Therapy in Mobile, yoga obviously appealed to women, but she knew men needed yoga too. Coming from a competitive bodybuilding background, Treichel knew that had she incorporated yoga earlier in her training regime, she could have recovered faster and avoided surgeries.

Many men workout, but they too frequently perform the same types of movements. “A day will come when you can’t remember the last time you were not in pain,” says Treichel. “Yoga makes those ailments better.” In fact, Kai Green and Jay Cutler, two of the top male bodybuilders both credited yoga with their improved flexibility and ability to train more efficiently and avoid injury.

Today, there are many types of yoga classes, but a lot of men are unsure about what happens in that room. “Is it just stretching and meditation? Will they sprout a man bun and go all ‘new agey’?” jokes Treichel.

The truth is that Above and Beyond’s classes now commonly host men. They are all ages and abilities, some looking for more range of motion and others looking for increased athletic ability. From dads with desk jobs to local NFL players, men come to yoga because they often have tight muscle groups, most frequently the hamstrings, glutes and shoulders. Yoga can help increase flexibility, which improves daily performance. Yoga also improves breathing. In a yoga class, the breathing slows down rather than speeds up. This expands lung capacity allowing for a greater amount of oxygen.

“Yoga also helps you improve your posture and balance. As we age, these become more of a challenge. The balance we find on our mats translates into our lives,” notes Treichel. “Other benefits include more efficient breathing, which reduces blood pressure and lowers the stress response. People who practice yoga also have reduced problems with sciatica, rotator-cuff issues, carpal tunnel and other ailments.”

Yoga is a wonderful way to help everyone live a longer and more active life. Yoga classes are nonjudgmental and can be modified for all abilities. “Don’t fear it. Give it a serious try. You won’t be disappointed and it could be one of the best decisions you will ever make,” says Treichel.

See ad, page 8.

Leaps and Bounds

KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

Preventing Mishaps in a Jumper

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

Getting Dogs in Shape to Avoid Injuries

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

Avoiding Cervical Disc and Neck Injuries

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.

For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.

Maintaining an Exercise Regimen

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.

Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

Socially Conscious Investing

HOW TO CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE STOCKS AND MUTUAL FUNDS

by Sheila Julson

Young recommends that new investors start by determining which social and environmental issues matter most to them. From there, tools such as the free US SIF sustainable investing course (ussif. org/courses_individualinvestors) offer an overview of sustainable investing, as well as investment options and strategies. He also encourages a visit to As You Sow (AsYouSow.org/invest-your-values) to help investors find the companies and mutual funds that align with their social and environmental principles, and to steer clear of those that don’t.

“Vote with your pocketbook,” the saying goes, prompting consumers to buy parkas from planet-friendly Patagonia or socks by Bombas, which donates a pair to homeless shelters for every pair purchased. When choosing stocks and mutual funds, a growing number of investors don’t just want to get a good return on their investment, they also seek to support corporations that spread kindness, protect (or do not pollute) the environment and support women, minorities and LGBTQ+ people.

This year, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) reported that environmental, social and corporate governance investing “represents more than $8 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. alone, and people expect the worldwide number to surpass $50 trillion by the end of 2025.”

These types of mutual funds can yield returns akin to conventional funds, says Michael Young, director of education and outreach for the U.S. Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. Some industries, such as oil and gas, may be more eco-challenged than others, but companies can and should make best efforts relevant to their industries, he says, suggesting that investors review a company’s corporate social responsibility report, which provides insight into their environmental and social practices.

“Most people invest in companies through fund structures via retirement plans or online brokerages,” Young explains. “Through As You Sow, they have search tools that help interested investors determine if they own funds that include companies in fossil fuels, weapons manufacturing or other industries one might not want to invest in.”

Robin Diedrich, the director of sustainable investing for Edward Jones, asserts that their division arose over the past few years as a result of client demand. The analysts in her division evaluate whether the stated sustainability and financial objectives of a fund are actually being met, using vetting tools like Morningstar (Morningstar.com/topics/sustainable-investing). “Morningstar has become much more rigid in their methodology. They’re trying to make sure that what’s being labeled as sustainable is truly that,” she says.

Diedrich advises investors to use the same criteria that they would use with any fund, whether traditional or sustainable. “It’s important that you look at a sustainable fund in that same way, because it is an

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investment with your money,” she says. “Ultimately, it needs to be driven by clients’ personal choices, as well as their financial goals.”

Sustainable Investing Goes Mainstream

Green Century Funds (GreenCentury.com) is a mutual funds company that engages corporations on behalf of its shareholders to seek specific outcomes. Young says Green Century Funds’ efforts worked with companies like Starbucks, Conagra Foods and Hormel Foods to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. “There are ways to leverage your dollar to make an impact, because as an individual, you likely couldn’t convince a large corporation to do that,” Young notes.

Ceres, a nonprofit headquartered in Boston, works with investors, companies and capital market influencers to drive action on sustainability issues. It is the co-founder of numerous sustainability enterprises, including Net Zero Asset Managers, a global initiative through which large institutional investors have committed to support net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050 and interim emissions reductions by 2030. Similarly, many pension funds are signatories to the Paris Aligned Asset Owners, meaning that they also support net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Because of the sheer volume of their trades, institutional investors and pension fund managers have a great deal of clout and are able to influence corporate leaders to take environmental stewardship seriously. Their commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions means that corporations are pressed hard by these investors to eliminate emissions by the stated deadlines.

“As the climate crisis has worsened over the years with extreme weather disasters causing multi-billion-dollar losses, disrupting supply chains and affecting corporate business operations, investors have increasingly recognized climate change as a financial risk. Most institutional investors now analyze climate-related financial risks and opportunities and incorporate those risks and related sustainability risks into their decision making,” says Kirsten Snow Spalding, vice president of the Ceres Investor Network.

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

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

HELP WANTED

enrG WELLNESS IS NOW HIRING high energy receptionists and RNs! If you are interested in being part of the positive changes coming to our new health care industry, we want to talk with you! Call 251-943-9355, email info@enrgiv.com or stop by 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste 200, Foley, AL.

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 8.

VitalikRadko/DepositPhotos.com

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 7

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 30.

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 6.

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 17.

THERMOGRAPHY

ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Owner, Therapist

Laura Worthington, Assistant, Therapist

Mobile & Foley (other locations by request)

251-623-2225

Offering multiple biofeedback services such as the AO Scan Technology by Solex™, which includes the scan, consultation and custom imprinted patches that can be worn 24 hours a day to continue frequency balancing, along with listening to daily frequencies on your smartphone. AO Scan provides impactful results as does EVOX BY ZYTO emotional therapy. Call today to determine which service will best meet your needs. The first AO Scan is complimentary. See ad, page 17.

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 17.

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 29.

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 29.

COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

FAIRHOPE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP

1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL

251-929-3207 • FairhopeUU.org

FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com

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

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 35.

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

See ad, page 27.

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 10

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 29.

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 29.

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 37.

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 21

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 37.

THRIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Personal Trainer

251-504-5237 • BeHealthyAndThrive.com

Kimberly@BeHealthyAndThrive.com

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

See ad, page 30

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 43.

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 17.

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 21.

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 19.

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 31.

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 15.

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 10

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 29

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 29.

35 years experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 43.

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 8

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 35.

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 6

ROLFING

EASTERN SHORE ROLFING

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

Rolfing® is a holistic approach to manual therapy that seeks to improve your health and function by reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the human body. More information at EasternShoreRolfing.com. See ad, page 6.

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 7

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 31

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.

CHANGE YOUR FREQUENCY L KWHAT’S NEW!!

“If you could eliminate certain outside f requencies that interfered in our body, we would have greater resistance toward disease.”

Nikola Tesla

PROTECTION FROM 5G PAIN RELIEF THAT WORKS!

TH E NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

ALLEVIATE PAIN FROM ARTHRITIS , FIBROMYALGIA , CARPAL TUNNEL , AND OTHER JOINT AND BODY ACHES , ALLEVIATE SEASICKNESS IMPROVES YOUR STRENGTH AND BALANCE PROTECTION FROM 5G AND EMFS