June 2024 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

2024 Gulf Coast Men in Wellness

Positive Approaches to Men’s Mental Health

Maintaining Muscle Tone as We Age

Boosting Nutrient Absorption With IV Treatments

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

LOCAL TEAM

Publisher Michelle Smith

Editor Elizabeth Greene

Ad Design Helene Leininger

Layout Design Melanie Rankin

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© 2024 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

2024 Editorial Calendar

Greetings Friends,

Summer is here and it brings all kinds of goodness including beach days, summer vacation, Father’s Day and many other nationally recognized days. I discovered that June 1 is National Barefoot Day—a celebration I will gladly join, along with Father’s Day!

I am blessed to have four fathers in my life: my heavenly Father who loves me beyond measure; my father, who raised me and thankfully is still looking out for me today; my husband, whom I adore and is the father of my accomplished stepson; and my son, Zach, who is a father of two, with another on the way!

In June, we are celebrating Men’s Health Month, featuring articles addressing mental health issues and treatments specific to men. One article explores how physical activities such as softball, surfing or martial arts can strengthen the mind-body connection. In my experience, engaging in any sport that combines teamwork, mental focus, physical conditioning and a sense of accomplishment can be incredibly beneficial for mental health.

Additionally, Natural Awakenings presents our 2024 Gulf Coast Men in Wellness. I had the pleasure of spending time with each of these caring, creative and learned men. What they all share is a deep commitment to helping people be their best selves. Each exudes a profound passion for imparting knowledge gained from years of experience and a unique approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. Their dedication to holistic health practices is truly inspiring and their work has a significant impact on our community.

This month’s issue is filled with stories and insights that I hope will inspire you to prioritize your health and well-being. Whether it's taking up a new sport, spending quality time with the important men in your life or simply enjoying the warm summer days, I hope this will be a season of renewal and connection.

Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of our Gulf Coast Men in Wellness, along with the other remarkable men who enrich our lives. May this month be a time of reflection, appreciation and enrichment, as we acknowledge the men leading the way to holistic health and wellbeing.

Thank you for being a part of our Natural Awakenings community. Enjoy the sunshine, take care of yourself and each other, and have a wonderful summer!

God bless and keep you,

Annual June Corn Festival Fun for the Whole Family

The Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market (CAFFM) is hosting its annual Corn Festival Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It’s all about the delicious flavors of the season including juicy tomatoes, cool watermelon and the star of the show, corn! Vendors will have everything patrons have come to expect including fresh produce, seafood, meats and baked goods. The festival will also feature more artisans than ever, which could help visitors find a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day gift.

Since Father’s Day is June 16, bring dad out to enjoy the market and help crown the winner of the first-ever Corny Dad Cook-Off. Three local chefs who are fathers will be creating a delicious dish with corn as a main ingredient and 200 lucky attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish and vote for their favorite.

Bring the kids to take part in all the fun activities for them including an all ages corn-eating contest. CAFFM Market Manager Alescia Forland encourages everyone to drop by and enjoy the festivities.

“It’s the season of flip flops, sunshine, grilling and that first perfect bite of warm corn on the cob that makes the butter dribble down your chin. We’ve taken that freeing summer feeling and packed it into a festival full of food and fun for the whole family,” says Forland.

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

Microplastics in Placentas

A study led by researchers from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and published in Toxicological Sciences found nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in all 62 placenta samples they tested. Researchers identified the presence of rayon, polystyrene, polyethylene and other plastic particles. Polyethylene, which was present in 54 percent of the samples, is the most common plastic and is used in manufacturing water bottles, packing materials and bags. The research is important to evaluate the potential impacts of NMPs on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

New Recommendations for Concussion Treatment

The conventional treatment for concussions has been to rest in a dark room until symptoms go away. Research has consistently shown that strict rest is not beneficial and may significantly delay recovery, but the medical community has been slow to change its ways. Organizations like the Concussion Alliance are working to change that by educating patients and providers.

The Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, a report prepared by an international panel of experts, recommends active rehabilitation. Immediately following a concussion, the report suggests continuing daily living activities, sleeping as needed and reducing screen time for 48 hours. Patients can return to light-intensity activity such as walking during the initial 24 to 48 hours following a concussion, provided the activity does not more-than-mildly exacerbate symptoms. After the first 48-hour period, the intensity of physical activity can be increased, so long as symptom exacerbation remains mild.

In a concussion, the brain jiggles and twists, causing the neurons—long, cordlike cells that transmit signals—to stretch and fray. During recovery, the brain reroutes signals around the damaged neurons. The healing process may result in exhaustion, headaches, feeling emotionally drained and having trouble performing simple tasks. Physical activity aids the healing process.

New Limits on ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, which are used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. According to the EPA, “exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children.”

The rule is expected to reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people. Public water systems have three years to complete their initial testing for six PFAS categories, which will be paid for by a $1 billion dedicated federal fund. Where PFAS levels are found to exceed the new standards, public water systems must implement solutions within five years.

Antonio Diaz from Getty Images/ CanvaPro

holwichaikawee from Getty Images/CanvaPro

David Pereiras/CanvaPro

Familiar Smells Unlock Memories

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder that affects an estimated 21 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. For some, MDD may severely interfere with or limit a person’s ability to carry out life activities. People with depression also have trouble accessing memories.

JAMA Network Open recently published a study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine involving 32 patients with MDD, which sought to evaluate whether the participants could be prompted to recall a specific personal memory when exposed to an odor or word cues. The researchers rated levels of arousal, vividness, repetition and recall response time based on those memory clues. Participants recalled more specific personal memories when cued with odors than with words. Odor-cued memories were more vivid and arousing than word-cued memories. The results could have implications for managing MDD and possibly reducing depressive symptoms.

Mystery of Mima Mounds

In an area between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in Washington State sits a grassland expanse of naturally formed goosebumps known as mima mounds ranging from two to seven feet tall and up to 40 feet across. Despite research and monitoring over the last 50 years, the origin of these rare land formations has baffled scientists. Theories that have been published and debated include that they were built by pocket gophers; the result of wind-blown sediment being ensnared by vegetation; formed by glacial meltwaters; the result of earthquake waves; or the sediment from a glacial outburst flood that swept through the valley 17,000 years ago. No matter what created the mounds, visitors to the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve would agree the spring bloom of the purple camas flowers is a beautiful sight.

Mass Bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, an ocean ecosystem the size of Italy situated off the coast of Australia, is experiencing another mass coral bleaching event, the fifth such occurrence since 2016. Until 1998, there had been no evidence of a bleaching event in the reef’s 500-year recorded history.

Bleaching occurs when the ocean water is unusually warm or cold or has high levels of acid. Under such conditions, the coral turns white when it expels tiny photosynthetic algae that live in its tissue. While bleaching does not necessary kill the coral, it makes the reef more susceptible to disease. Scientists are concerned that these repeated bleaching events over a short period of time will make it harder for the reef to bounce back. Compounding the warming effects due to climate change, a 2023 El Niño effect has produced unusually warmer water in the Pacific. Australian scientists are continuing to study this latest bleaching to evaluate its severity and potential impacts.

iza md repin from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Making Concrete Green

Concrete is the second most used substance in the world after water, and it accounts for seven percent of global carbon emissions. That is roughly the same amount of CO2 produced by India. Large amounts of carbon dioxide are released when limestone and clay are super-heated to make cement, the glue that binds the sand and gravel together to produce concrete. This process is often powered by fossil fuels like gas and coal.

Driven by federal grants and state emission standards, a number of startup companies are developing technologies and techniques to produce cement with low or no CO2 emissions. Brimstone, for example, asserts that it can make cement from rocks that contain no carbon, while Partanna claims it can produce cement with less CO2. Eco Material Technologies sells coal and volcanic ash substitutes that reduce the amount of cement in concrete. Canadian startup CarbonCure Technologies has developed a process to pump the CO2 from the cement process back into the concrete. Many companies in the green cement business face challenges to make their products and processes cost-effective, and some have not yet built scalable factories. Nevertheless, cement makers have no choice but to continue to search for cheap ways to cut pollution.

2024 GULF COAST MEN IN WELLNESS

Welcome to our third annual Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Men in Wellness feature, part of our month-long emphasis on men’s health. We are highlighting a diverse group of men on the Gulf Coast, natural health professionals who are passionate natural health professionals.

NAGC is excited 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. If you are a Gulf Coast holistic health practitioner or provide natural health products or services, and would like to share your story, we invite you to participate in our online feature. Contact Michelle Smith, Publisher, at MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

We proudly showcase these entrepreneurs who embody Natural Awakenings’ philosophy of Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet. They offer resources in diverse areas such as business productivity, nutrition, sleep issues, brain and bone health, energy healing and whole-body wellness!

These men have positively impacted thousands of lives through hard work, extensive research, and a belief in natural healing via a mind-body-spirit approach. They enable Natural Awakenings to connect, educate, and empower readers to live naturally healthy and fulfilled lives.

Join us throughout June for more stories and special digital features, including video talks via Facebook Live at Facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsMag.

Please read, share and save this wonderful issue. Follow these Men in Wellness purveyors of natural wellness and consider their expertise, products and services when seeking local health and wellness professionals. Enjoy getting to know them, as we did!

DR. J. DOUGLAS BROWN

DC, DACNB NEUROLOGY, OWNER

Mind Performance Center

A comprehensive approach to brain disorders such as dementia and treatment resistant depression, with lifelong results, using the combined disciplines of dTMS BrainsWay and Functional Medicine to correct brain pathway imbalances.

Dr. J. Douglas Brown, a board-certified neurologist and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, serves patients with a dedication to enhancing mental clarity and brain functionality. His passion for neuroscience led him to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 1994 and further his studies in neurology in the late 1990s, merging functional medicine and chiropractic care to create innovative treatments.

As the first practitioner to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in Alabama, Brown employs advanced techniques for treating brain disorders. He utilizes Dale Bredesen’s ReCode protocol and Deep TMS, a noninvasive treatment developed by BrainsWay, which corrects faulty brain pathways and fosters new nerve connections to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions.

Brown believes that successful brain pathway rehabilitation requires integrating multiple disciplines, including Functional Medicine, Deep TMS and nutraceuticals. This approach addresses conditions such as anxiety, memory issues, serious brain trauma, dementia, ADD, ADHD and autism. He treats a wide range of patients, including accident victims, individuals with speech and mobility issues and those struggling with severe depression or suicidal tendencies.

mychadre77/DepositPhotos.com

dvest2/DepositPhotos.com

Rather than masking symptoms, Brown focuses on resolving the underlying problems. He has revived patients from persistent vegetative states and transformed the lives of children and adults, aged 5 to 100, often succeeding where other professionals have failed. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and encourages patients to seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms.

Brown is thrilled to help patients in Foley, Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores, Alabama. He also sees patients from Florida, Louisiana and globally through telemedicine. His goal is to restore quality of life for patients, their caregivers and families. "In medicine, drugs often alleviate symptoms but are not solutions. Our brain-focused approach aims for targeted results and full recovery," he explains. See ad, page 3

251-597-8787

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.

Jeff Nursey's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of healing. In 2007, he was hit by a truck while cycling. With five broken ribs, a punctured lung, a shattered tibia and fractured pelvis, he was told by doctors that he wouldn’t walk again. He was ruled 100 percent disabled by Social Security and tried everything to manage his excruciating pain. He was gifted The New You Miracle Band (TNYMB) and, despite initial skepticism, wearing the band transformed his life, allowing him to walk pain-free

and reclaim his independence within three years. Now, 15 years later, Nursey continues to spread the word about the band's transformative effects, helping others find relief from arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.

Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor and visionary, understood the fundamental principle that everything in the universe operates on frequencies. He famously stated, "If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration." Tesla believed that to attract something into our lives, whether it be success, love or abundance, we must align ourselves with its frequency. Drawing inspiration from Nikola Tesla's wisdom on energy and vibration, Nursey’s mission is to empower individuals to align with frequencies of healing and well-being. With TNYMB, pain becomes a thing of the past, and the future is filled with boundless possibilities for wellness and joy.

Nursey has received countless testimonials attesting to its transformative power. From alleviating migraines to providing relief from scoliosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel, the band has become a beacon of hope for those seeking natural pain relief. People have shared stories of newfound freedom and vitality, crediting the band with enhancing their quality of life. With each testimonial, Nursey is reminded of the profound impact that TNYMB has on the well-being of countless individuals. It's a testament to the band's efficacy to help people find relief from myriad ailments. As the testimonials pour in, Nursey remains committed to spreading awareness and making a positive difference in the lives of those suffering from chronic pain.

Experience the holistic benefits with TNYMB’s new line of shungite stones and necklaces that offer EMF protection, energy enhancement, pain relief and detoxifying and soothing properties.

The New You Miracle Bands are in Virginia’s Health Foods, Sunshine Health Foods, enrG Wellness and The Herb Shop. See ad on back cover.

DR. STEVEN E. TODD DMD,

MaS

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Gulf Coast Sleep Specialist

Specializing in Integrative Sleep Medicine, one of the foremost authorities on treating insomnia, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast area.

Dr. Steven E. Todd, DMD, MaS, is a Board-Certified Oral Implantologist and Dental Anesthesiologist with a master’s degree in Regenerative Medicine. He specializes in Integrative Sleep Medicine, a field that blends traditional medical practices with alternative non-surgical options to address sleep disorders and disordered sleeping.

Todd recognizes that sleep is a cornerstone of good health. These days, many people struggle to achieve the restorative sleep necessary for optimal well-being because stressors, technology and modern lifestyles can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and lead to sleep deprivation and impaired sleep. Todd emphasizes that sleep and wakefulness are

interdependent, akin to a yin-yang relationship, and must be in harmony to maintain overall health.

Integrative Sleep Medicine provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders by examining a variety of factors influencing sleep including circadian rhythms, the mind-body connection, light exposure, dreaming, the gastrointestinal system and the use of botanicals and supplements. Todd addresses common sleep issues such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, sleep-related movement disorders and parasomnia.

During sleep, the body undergoes crucial restorative processes: healing, rejuvenation, toxin and plaque removal from the brain and memory consolidation. However, age and stressors can disrupt these processes, resulting in fragmented and unrestorative sleep. Insomnia often involves complex bad habits ingrained in the subconscious mind, influenced by environmental factors such as artificial lighting, electronic devices and lifestyle choices. A constant "fight or flight" mode prevalent in modern life exacerbates sleep problems.

To diagnose sleep disorders, Todd employs the WatchPAT ONE home sleep test, which provides a detailed assessment of sleep patterns. Based on the diagnosis, he utilizes various treatment modalities including APAP Therapy, Custom Oral Appliance Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Todd explains that CBT-I is instrumental in reprogramming the subconscious mind with healthier sleep habits, replacing detrimental ones caused by modern environmental influences.

At Gulf Coast Sleep Specialist, Todd and his team create tailored treatment plans that promote restful, restorative and rejuvenating sleep for patients. By addressing the root causes of sleep disturbances and incorporating a holistic approach, they aim to enhance the overall quality of life for those suffering from sleep disorders.

Todd's innovative and integrative methods in sleep medicine highlight his dedication to improving patient outcomes, positioning him as a leading figure in Integrative Sleep Medicine. Todd says his most frequent comment from patients is, "Thank you Dr. Todd for giving me my life back!"

See ad, page 14.

JOSH FANDRICH

OWNER/REGIONAL DIRECTOR

OsteoStrong Fairhope, Midtown Mobile

A membership-based integrative health and wellness center focusing on musculoskeletal strengthening for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Josh Fandrich, owner of OsteoStrong in Fairhope and Mobile, is passionate about health, wellness and biotechnology. With a background in training athletes and motivation to help people with quality of life, he became an 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.

“OsteoStrong is more like a smart gym,” says Fandrich. “It focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Because of the aging process, we start to lose bone mass after the age of 30. A weak frame contributes to sarcopenia which also effects balance, slower reaction time, as well as losing the edge and more prone for injury from an athletic perspective.”

Fandrich jumped at the opportunity to bring OsteoStrong to Alabama as a Regional Director for the Corporation and opened locations in Fairhope and Midtown Mobile. Soon, there will be a third in South Foley.

While Fandrich has introduced the technology to professional and collegiate coaches and athletes around the U.S., it’s not just for athletes. “Our biggest impact is on people with osteoporosis,” says Fandrich, adding that one in two women and one in three 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 pharmaceuticals,” 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, 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.

OsteoStrong Fairhope, Midtown Mobile OsteoStrong.me 251-210-6955 or 251-586-8226

DR. ROBERT MASHBURN

HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER

Foley Thyroid Center @ enrG Wellness, Foley

Transforming lives and promoting lifelong health through a holistic, functional medicine approach, identifying root cause issues of illness and disease with testing and therapeutic tools.

Dr. Robert Wayne Mashburn is a distinguished expert in Applied Kinesiology, making a profound impact on people's lives through a functional medicine and holistic approach. He seeks out the root causes of health problems, uncovering issues that conventional tests and imaging have often missed. Conventional doctors may tell patients that their labs look just fine and there is nothing wrong, but Mashburn can typically find the underlying issues. By integrating Applied Kinesiology with functional medicine, he has the tools to test patients for multiple diseases, heavy metals, bacteria, fungi, genetic mutations, parasites, chemical toxins, viruses and more.

Mashburn's approach is unique in its thoroughness and effectiveness. His dedication to identifying these sources allows him to tailor highly specific approaches for his patients. One of his key therapeutic tools is the creation of custom tinctures designed to address each patient's unique health challenges, helping to restore balance and promote healing.

Many individuals who have exhausted traditional medical options and consulted numerous specialists with little success have found hope and transformation in Mashburn's care. His patients report significant improvements and life-changing results, attributing their recovery to his comprehensive and personalized approach. Mashburn’s holistic methods not only alleviate symptoms but enhance overall well-being by addressing physical, emotional and environmental factors affecting health.

Mashburn's practice brings hope to those seeking alternative solutions to persistent health issues. Located inside enrG Wellness in Foley, Mashburn and the team are dedicated to guiding patients toward optimal health and wellness. Anyone who is dealing with chronic conditions, unexplained symptoms or seeking a thorough health evaluation is invited to seek an initial consultation as Mashburn continues to transform lives and promote lasting health through his innovative and compassionate care. See ad, page 27.

Foley Thyroid Center @ enrG Wellness, Foley, AL FoleyThyroidCenter.com • 251-943-9355

DR. JIMMY STEGER ND,

PhD, DNM

Dr. Jimmy Steger’s Wholistic Healthcare

Naturopathy was the earliest known healing system. Before surgery and synthetic isolation of chemical substances, foods, water and whole herbs were used for a wide range of issues. Dr. Jimmy Steger employs natural medicine protocols in his wholistic approach to healthcare.

Dr. Jimmy Steger is a world-renowned naturopathic doctor, nutritionist and doctor of natural medicine, with 41 years in the field of natural medicine. As the president and CEO of J.S. Training Systems in Mobile, Dr. Steger offers a comprehensive approach to wholistic healthcare through his full-service health club, martial arts training facility and wholistic healthcare clinic. He specializes in nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, iridology and professional training.

Steger’s clinic integrates Naturopathy, Orthomolecular medicine, nutrition and herbal and homeopathic remedies to promote healing of body and mind. Customized personal nutrition, is the cornerstone of his approach, focusing on restoring the body's optimal environment by correcting biochemical imbalances with natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more to get his patients healthy for life.

Inspired by his grandfather, the first medical doctor in Arkansas, Steger’s journey into wellness began at age 5 and by 12, he had eliminated all refined sugar, white flour and junk food from his diet, a foundational step toward his lifelong commitment to health.

Steger has authored two books, Nutrition Factor and Better Health Secrets. A third, Nutrition and Disease, is on the way. His global clientele, 90% of whom see him online, seek his expertise for a variety of diseases. He employs a range of natural medicine protocols, starting with nutrition and extending to herbal medicine, homeopathy, iridology, cranio-sacral therapy, shiatsu and reflexology.

One notable case involved a patient facing a double leg amputation due to gangrene. Through a stringent nutritional regimen, the patient experienced remarkable recovery, regaining full health within 90 days. Steger’s dedication to providing "real answers" to those who have had it with pharmaceuticals and are "sick and tired of being sick and tired" underscores his holistic approach to healthcare. “This is why I get out of bed in the morning, to help everyone have the best health possible,” says Dr. Steger. See ad, this page.

Dr. Jimmy Steger’s Wholistic Healthcare DrJimmySteger.com • 251-660-1240

BLAKE MARTIN

CO-FOUNDER

Connexus Clinic Mobile, DexaFit Fairhope

Prioritizing scientifically backed treatments and personalized care to empower wellness through data and technology.

Blake Martin, Co-Founder of The Connexus Clinic and DexaFit Fairhope, is revolutionizing the health and wellness industry through data-driven solutions and advanced technology. With 15 years of experience in the medical device field, Martin brings a unique perspective to both ventures, prioritizing scientifically backed treatments and personalized care.

At Connexus, Martin and his team combine medical weight loss with advanced body sculpting technologies to empower individuals to achieve their health and aesthetic goals. State-of-the-art devices ensure clients have precise body composition data and personalized insights. This comprehensive approach offers sustainable weight loss and body contouring, enhancing overall well-being.

Martin’s passion for data extends to DexaFit Fairhope, a premier body composition analysis center. Utilizing DEXA scans, he provides clients with detailed information on body fat, muscle mass and bone density, enabling precise tracking of progress and personalized goal setting.

An avid athlete himself, Martin understands the importance of exercise and nutrition in achieving optimal health. Through in-depth consultations, he shares his knowledge and guides clients toward sustainable lifestyle changes.

"I believe everyone has the potential to live a longer, healthier life," asserts Martin. "By combining data-driven insights with advanced technology, we can empower individuals to take control of their wellness and unlock their full potential. Nothing gives me more joy professionally than when a client comes back months later and has made great progress toward their health goals."

Martin’s dedication to data-driven solutions, combined with his passion for empowering others, positions him as a true pioneer in the health and wellness space. See ad, page 8

TheConnexusClinic.com • 251-300-8724

DexaFitFairhope.com • 251-300-8724

HUNTER HARRIS

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Press & Co.

Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options to the local community, including plant-based, glutenfree and low-sugar. Offering freshly made juices, smoothies and bowls that provide a convenient, nutritious meal or snack.

Executive Chef of Press & Co., Hunter Harris, loves creating healthy and delicious menus out of locally sourced ingredients. At the organic-focused café and juicery in downtown Daphne, he does this daily.

Press & Co. opened in August 2023. Harris was brought in to help develop the food and beverage options that would fulfill the restaurant’s mission to offer convenient, healthy choices. The heavily organic menu emphasizes thoughtfully sourced, quality ingredients and features a full breakfast and lunch menu as well as smoothies, an acai bowl, cold-pressed juices and a complete menu of organic coffee and tea.

Prior to joining the Press & Co. team, Harris served as executive chef at several other restaurants on the Gulf Coast. He trained in New Orleans and even leads his own supper club, but this is the first time he’s created a complete menu from the start.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve created...especially the work we all put in to find the right local products and organic raw ingredients. Our spicy tuna bowl, for example, features yellowfin tuna right out of the Gulf of Mexico. Our sourdough bread, which is a customer favorite, is made at Forget Me Knot Bakery in Daphne,” Harris said. “And our coffee is all organic, coming from Amavida Coffee Roasters on 30A.”

What’s most important to Harris is God, family and community, which he says has helped make Press & Co. what it is today. His wife, Amber Harris, recently joined the team as Press & Co.’s General Manager. See ad, page 23.

Press & Co.

PressNCo.com • 251-314-0778

RICK MILLER OWNER

PRO356 Consulting

As a Certified ‘Tiny Habits’ Behavioral Model Coach, among other credentials, Rick Miller creates client wellness in profitability, growth, employee engagement and behavioral change.

A business leader with more than 30 years of leadership, Rick Miller founded Pro356 Consulting to build wellness in people and organizations. Miller’s mission is to joyfully live his faith while assisting individuals and teams in discovering and developing their God given talents and abilities. This mission is founded on a holistic approach to coaching and development: Balance is more important than speed.

Pro356 Consulting focuses individuals on maintaining balance not only in work, but also family, spirituality and community/recreation. Miller realized his progress in life was hampered by being out of balance with over emphasis on one of the areas at the expense of the others. This led to the creation of the online coaching portal with worksheets to track, monitor and adjust behaviors toward balanced goals.

Miller has also found that his 50-year commitment to physical wellness has improved his cognitive and emotional fitness. To help people get started, Rick has been certified as a Tiny Habits Certified Habiteer and licensed DiSC provider. He is a graduate of Gallups High-Performance Management program, a Business Enterpise Institute CeXP and a Trustee of Freedom Church International in Fairhope.

Pro356 Consulting maintains an office at the Hatch Entrepreneurial Development Center in Fairhope, where Miller serves as Director. Free consultations are available.

When not serving clients you can find Rick at the pool, the golf course, church or hanging out with his family at the beach. “Balance is more important than speed,” says Miller. See ad, page 21

PRO356 Consulting

Pro356Consulting.com • 251-472-5629

Jennie Tewell Photography

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"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."

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Dr. Dale Bredesen Now available on KnoWEwell.com. New York Times Bestselling author of The End of Alzheimer’s BONUS Q&A, ONLY ON KNOWEWELL.COM, WITH Dr. Dale Bredesen

Saving Our Oceans

June 8 is World Ocean Day, a time to inspire action and celebrate the incredible splendor of the ocean and all of its wondrous life-forms. There is a growing movement that calls for the protection and management of 30 percent of the world’s lands, fresh waters and oceans by 2030. Scientists believe that this is the critical mass needed to stem biodiversity loss and climate change facing our planet.

Covering 71 percent of Earth, the global ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, performing vital regulatory functions that influence weather and climate systems, impacting even those living far inland. This invaluable life source is in a dire state due to the damage humans have inflicted and continue to impose.

Every year, 17.6 billion pounds of plastic pollution enter marine environments. As we spew growing levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the ocean absorbs about 30 percent of it, causing seawater to become more acidic, to the detriment of sea life. Fertilizer runoff causes coastal algae to bloom, diminishing the oxygen in the water and causing massive fish kills that impact the natural food chain. Overfishing has ravaged certain species. And as global warming heats the ocean, glaciers melt, sea levels rise and ocean acidification intensifies.

There is much we can do to protect the ocean and encourage the sustainable use of marine resources.

• Purchase organic food and support regenerative organic agriculture.

• Choose plastic-free products.

• Reuse and recycle whenever possible.

• Organize beach, riverbank and land cleanups.

At

PATH

• Avoid products that harm the ocean, such as cosmetics derived from shark cartilage or jewelry made of seashells.

• Use microfiber absorbers to wash synthetic clothing.

• Write to legislators, pressing them to support policies that protect the ocean and marine wildlife.

• Bike to work, turn the lights out when leaving a room and keep the thermostat high.

• Buy sustainably caught, wild seafood.

• Leave nothing behind after a day at the beach or a picnic on the bay, making sure to dispose of all garbage.

• Spread the word about ocean pollution and let others know how they can help.

• Support reform of fishery management, focusing on practices that conserve ecosystems, while also sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security.

• Join an ocean conservation group to strive for change with like-minded people.

TO WELLNESS

We Believe There Are Many Factors That Contribute To Your Overall Health Lets identify the ROOT CAUSE OF SYMPTOMS (not just the quick fixes) for symptom relief

richcarey from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT Catherine Cubbage MNT, LMT Mother/ Daughter Duo- Working Together

Solving Mental Health Issues in Men

Finding Meaning in Turbulent Times

by Dr. Reef Karim

Many men struggle with mental health issues, often experiencing debilitating emotional turmoil, alone and in silence. Evidence of this suffering can be quantified in a number of ways.

An epidemic of “despair deaths” related to alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide is documented to be worse in men than women. According to the U.S. Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, American males were almost four times more likely to commit suicide than women in 2021. The National Institutes of Health reports overdose mortality rates for opioids and stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine are two to three times greater in men. While men use drugs at higher rates than women, this alone does not explain the gap in overdose deaths.

Loneliness has become such a widespread problem that the U.S. Surgeon General recently called it an epidemic and the World Health Organization noted, “The effect of social isolation and loneliness on mortality is comparable to that of other wellestablished risk factors such as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.” A 2021 report by the Survey Center on American Life stated that since 1990, the number of men saying they have no close friends has jumped from 3 percent to 15 percent.

Men’s Health and the Pandemic COVID-19 incurred invisible costs such as increases in loneliness and mental health strain. Because men generally tend to spend less time and energy cultivating meaningful social relationships but still require structure to thrive, the pandemic was particularly destructive to them.

Roughly one out of three men in America under the age of 30 reported having no sex in the last year (a 30-year low), which is an obstacle to building meaningful relationships and families. Men have become not only socially disconnected, but also more vulnerable to following dangerous groups, influencers and others with extreme messaging. Men that fail to attach to partners, communities or careers may grow increasingly resentful and act out with volatility and unrest. An African proverb says, “The young men who do not feel the warmth of the tribe will burn down the village to feel it.”

Origins and Causes

According to Gabor Maté, a Canadian physician, author and speaker on addiction, stress and childhood development, “The issue is men’s value has been defined in a very narrow sense, and when the power is taken away from people, people have a loss of agency and loss of control, belonging, meaning and value. Men have become deprived of a sense of meaning and belonging, and that’s a function of the culture we live in.”

Possible Solutions

Men’s Mental Health Advocacy: Shame is the biggest barrier, preventing men from seeking help and expressing vulnerability. We need to talk and stop shaming them.

Male-Specific Mental Health Treatment: Men communicate differently, so counseling must address unexamined feelings. Research shows that physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression, so sports activities that draw men together such as softball, surfing or martial arts can offer a win-win situation.

Emotional Communication Training: Men need to develop their emotional communication skills, such as how to express themselves and share feelings through language, vulnerability and emotional expression, to deepen relationships. Men can be strong and competitive while also being authentic, vulnerable and emotionally connected.

Maté advises, “Men need to accept their vul nerability and work it through, and not reject it or be ashamed of it. And to let go of, ‘I can’t be self-reflective; I have to be tough,’ and that takes a lot of help and sup port. Men who come back from war will heal by accepting their vulnerability and spending time in support groups. Another thing we should do is show respect for the courage of those men who choose to ex plore their vulnerability.”

Embracing Universal Masculinity and Femininity: We must realize there is mascul-

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Healthy Cells, Healthy Body

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inity and femininity in all of us. Neither masculinity nor femininity is the problem—hatred, oppression and inequality of opportunity are the problems, no matter the gender or ratio of masculine and feminine qualities within the individual.

Defining Healthy Masculinity: Masculine qualities are traditionally thought of as bravery, strength, courage, confidence, ambition, competitiveness, self-reliance and decisiveness. These standards are hard to live up to, so the question is how do we adapt healthy masculinity to be equipped with skills for success in changing times.

Offer Coaching Before Therapy: Because men may be more defensive, less open, less vulnerable and more disconnected from their feelings than women, many will respond to coaching over therapy, which can be a gateway to start thinking about deeper purpose and well-being. A personal development program geared specifically for men to build skills, share support and figure out how to excel in a changing world of technology and role-confusion may be helpful.

Encourage Inspiration and Purpose: Men need to find purpose by doing something meaningful that inspires them and makes them feel energized and appreciated. The more they feel helpless and stuck in survival mode, the more loneliness grows.

Psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo explains how a survival mentality doesn’t allow for meaningful and purposeful pursuit. “Perceived or real threats put you in survival mode, and when you’re in this mode, your limbic system takes over and you’re not thinking about purpose, connection or collaboration (things that can pull you out of this mode); you’re just trying to survive.”

Men’s health needs to become a movement that encourages males to be proud of their masculinity, but also add new skills in emotional communication and vulnerability to find purpose, improve their health and have the best chance for success in turbulent times.

Dr. Reef Karim is a humanistic psychiatrist and founder of Mad Genius and The Madness Movement. For more information, visit TheMadnessMovement.com and MadGeniusLife.com.

LAONG

June's

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

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

PRESS & CO.

Eastern Shores newest organic café. Breakfast. Lunch. Juice. Smoothies. Coffee. 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com

SAVANNA THE RESTAURANT

@ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO

A local dining favorite, a hidden gem. 20499 Oak Rd. E., Gulf Shores, AL SavannahTheRestaurant.com • 251-256-7007

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

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

WILD MAGNOLIA KOMBUCHA

Brewed with love, laughter and a dash of Southern sarcasm. Info@WildMagniliaLife.com 251-463-6233 • WildMagnoliaLife.com

For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/healthyeats. To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

Building Quality Muscle

How Diet and Resistance Training Can Help

by JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFS

Muscles act like metabolic Spanx, holding everything in the body tighter, supporting joints to prevent injuries, keeping bones strong and helping the immune system remain resilient to infection. Skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine-producing organ, supporting a healthy metabolism and balancing hormones. Strong, healthy muscles help us feel better, move more easily and live more powerfully.

Once someone crosses the threshold into their 40s, there is a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. Adults can lose 3 to 8 percent of muscle mass per decade after turning 30, with losses accelerating after 60. Preventing this decline and supporting quality muscle is key. “Muscle can be stimulated largely in two ways: first, through dietary protein, and second, through resistance,” explains Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician and author of Forever Strong

Optimal Protein Consumption

The building blocks of protein fall into two categories: essential amino acids, which are necessary nutrients that the body cannot make on its own and must be acquired through dietary intake; and non-essential amino acids, which can be synthesized by the body from carbohydrates and other dietary sources. To promote muscle recovery and development, it is important to consume protein that contains all nine essential amino acids in optimal amounts throughout the day.

More than half of older adults are not getting enough protein, and sarcopenia may increase their need for it. To offset age-related decline, every meal should contain a minimum of 30 grams of protein. Active people, including those that do resistance training, should target one gram of protein per pound of their ideal body weight daily.

The best animal proteins that offer all nine essential amino acids in the right balance include pasture-raised poultry and eggs, wild-caught seafood and grass-fed beef. Plant proteins of-

ten lack one or more crucial amino acid, so vegans or vegetarians should eat a minimum of 40 grams of protein per meal to reach an adequate intake.

Breaking an overnight fast with a protein-packed breakfast jumpstarts metabolism and provides more sustained energy during the day, fueling morning activities and preventing mid-morning crashes. A protein-rich dinner supports muscle recovery and helps the body rebuild during sleep.

Benefits of Resistance Training

“The most important type of exercise is resistance training as you get older, because you need to build muscle," says Mark Hyman, a functional-medicine doctor whose latest book, Young Forever, explores the secrets to longevity. “Without muscle, you become frail and dysfunctional.” Building muscle can improve the capacity for everyday activities, diminish the likelihood of chronic illnesses and decrease the risk of falls and frailty. Resistance training also improves bone density, metabolic health and overall quality of life.

Resistance-Training Tips

• Target multiple muscle groups simultaneously with compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, rows and overhead presses.

• Focus on lifting the maximum weight manageable while maintaining proper form to avoid injury.

• Gradually increase the resistance or intensity of exercises over time to continually challenge the muscles.

• Aim for two to four weekly resistancetraining sessions. Consistency and pa-

tience are the foundations for lasting strength and muscle-tone improvements.

• Engage all key muscle groups. For the upper body, try bench presses, overhead presses, dumbbell chest presses, pushups, pullups, bent-over rows, seated rows and lat pulldowns. To work the hips and thighs, try squats, lunges, deadlifts and step-ups. For core strength, consider planks, Russian twists and bicycle crunches.

• Perform two to four exercises for each muscle group, doing two to four sets for each exercise. Between sets, take 90- to 120-second rest breaks. Aim for eight to 15 repetitions per set.

Rest and Recovery

To prevent injuries or burnout, rest is crucial, allowing muscles to repair and rebuild. Give each muscle group 48 to 72 hours before targeting it again. It is normal to feel sore after a workout, but be mindful of the difference between soreness and pain. Soreness feels like mild, diffuse discomfort or stiffness and is a normal response to unfamiliar or intense exercise. Sharp, intense or persistent pain, particularly around a joint, indicates potential injury or overstrain.

On rest days, incorporate low-intensity, active-recovery activities like walking, yoga or swimming; try foam rolling, stretching and mobility exercises to improve flexibility and circulation; and consider meditation for mental-health benefits. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep, which promotes tissue repair and growth-hormone release.

Monitoring Progress

• To optimize strategies and identify areas for improvement, regularly measure the circumference of the biceps, chest, thighs, waist and hips.

• Keep track of the amount of weight, repetitions, sets and intensity of every exercise session.

• Track muscle mass and body-fat shifts with a body-composition scale and take consistent photos from various angles to document muscle definition and physique evolution.

Staying the Course

• Adjustments to diet and training programs may be necessary based on changing goals or feedback from tracking methods.

• If progress stalls, adjust training variables such as workout intensity or frequency.

• Use fluctuations in muscle mass or body fat to refine protein intake or overall macronutrient ratios.

JJ Virgin is a certified nutrition specialist, certified fitness instructor and bestselling author of The Virgin Diet, JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet and their companion cookbooks. Learn more at JJVirgin.com.

A Dose of Life Force

The Ins and Outs of Intravenous Therapies

by Zak Logan

The human body can thrive when it receives and absorbs a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, but due to an inadequate diet and compromised digestive system, the nutrients in food and oral supplements do not always hit their mark. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends 13 organic vitamins and 16 inorganic minerals for optimum health, but many of the water-soluble, vital substances such as vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins may not get absorbed by the body and wash out in urine.

This is where intravenous nutrient therapies (IVNT) can fill in the metabolic gaps.

Pioneered by the late Dr. John Myers in the 1970s, IVNT puts nutrition directly into the body, bypassing the digestive process to replenish vital elements. “As individuals age or take medications, absorption rates can decrease to as low as 3 to 5 percent,” says Dr. Mitchell Ghen, a clinician, researcher and author specializing in intravenous (IV) nutrition and psychoneuroimmunology in Boca Raton, Florida. “Intravenous nutrition offers a solution by ensuring 100 percent absorption of essential nutrients.”

IV Treatments

Beyond celebrity hype, claims of hangover cures and availability at trendy gyms, IV

therapy is on the rise at health facilities. A study published in Frontiers in Oncology in 2014 showed that intravenous vitamin C treatments minimize chemotherapy-related fatigue and other symptoms in cancer patients and improve quality of life.

IV vitamin therapy might offer improvement for individuals with nutrient deficiencies. “Anyone who has malabsorption issues will greatly benefit from IV nutrient therapy. Those issues may be caused by bariatric surgery, gut resections with reattachment or diverting colostomy, chronic pancreatitis, infections such as tropical sprue, parasites, tapeworm, or genetic diseases like celiac,” states Jeffrey Weiss, an internal medicine doctor, naturopath and medical director of the Infusion Center of New Jersey.

According to Weiss, cardiac chelation shows promise for cardiovascular disease. “Intravenous di-sodium EDTA [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid] acts as a magnet for plaque, grabbing onto it and flushing it out via the urine. I see incredible results from cardiac chelation for heavy metal detox, atherosclerosis and even critical valvular (mitral and aortic) stenosism,” he explains.

For allergy sufferers, IVNT can be an alternative to over-the-counter fixes. “Seasonal allergies manifest with elevated histamine levels. Intravenous nutritional intervention, including combining highdose vitamin C, zinc and B vitamins with oral nutrients such as quercetin, vitamin D3 and curcumin, can effectively alleviate these symptoms,” explains Ghen. For asthmatic patients experiencing broncho-spasms triggered by allergies, he adds, “Intravenous doses of magnesium sulfate can provide relief by relaxing the smooth muscle, therefore improving respiratory symptoms.”

Key Nutrients and Safety

For Ghen, optimal management of serious chronic diseases necessitates a broad approach. “Many of the disorders we encounter stem from underlying processes such as metabolic disturbances, infections, inflammation and oxidative stress,” he emphasizes. “While a multitude of nutrients can contribute to mitigating these disease processes, several components often stand out: vitamin C, valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; B vitamins; magnesium; and the number one intracellular antioxidant, glutathione.”

Weiss also spotlights glutathione as a powerful antioxidant and chelator that binds to heavy metals, mold, organic pollutants and environmental toxins, noting, “Fibromyalgia has a strong environmental etiology, with all my patients testing for some form of heavy metal or other toxicity.”

Ghen suggests pacing IV doses, tailoring treatments and conducting follow-up analysis. “As an educator who has trained over 3,800 physicians in the use of intravenous nutrition, I always emphasize safety. A well-trained intravenous healthcare practitioner adheres to a maximum infusion rate of 4 milliliters per minute,” elaborates Ghen. Before initiating IV therapy, he demands a comprehensive blood workup, and before each IV vitamin session, he requires an assessment of vital signs and urinalysis.

Caution should be exercised, especially with conditions like kidney disease, when high-dose vitamin C administration may exacerbate kidney failure. As for individuals with certain needs or that are on certain medications, Ghen clarifies, “Contraindications related to intravenous nutrition are primarily dosage-dependent rather than inherent to the natural components.” Vitamin C, commonly used as a base in intravenous mixtures, can pose challenges due to its high salt content. For patients with salt sensitivity or heart failure, Ghen points out that the typical doses may be contraindicated, but smaller doses remain an option.

To find a reputable IV treatment facility, visit IVTherapyDirectory.com.

Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living.

Thyroid Issues:

Fatigue • Weight Gain or Loss • Feeling Cold Hair Loss • Dry Skin • Depressed Trouble Concentrating • Weak Muscles/Joints Constipation & Many More

Prostate Protection

A Look at Holistic Cancer-Prevention Strategies

by Zak Logan

Most men don’t usually think about their prostate until they face an exam or experience symptoms such as pain or difficulties while urinating. These symptoms may be attributed to a benign enlargement of the gland, usually in older men, or to the presence of cancer cells. This understated reproductive player, which can be stimulated for sexual pleasure, is responsible for regulating urine flow, secreting semen and converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at puberty.

Prostatic cancer usually affects men over 65. African American and Caribbean men are at a higher risk. Although the American Cancer Society predicts almost 300,000 new cases this year, overhauling the diet and getting regular exercise can make a difference. “It’s never too early to begin taking care of

your prostate,” says Dennis Golden, a twotime cancer survivor and prostate-cancer coach from New Kent, Virginia.

Proactive Lifestyle Measures

“In terms of lifestyle, everything is accumulative. If you put in junk, your body doesn’t know what to do with it and stores all those chemicals that don’t belong there, and it all eventually catches up with you someday. Read labels. If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it,” says Golden, who went back to basics when he faced his frightening cancer diagnosis.

According to Jon Lanman, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Bend, Oregon, “In health care, we talk a lot about lifestyle change, and the reality is that lifestyle change is hard, and it takes time.” He ad-

vises tossing aside perfection and expecting slip-ups while committing to small changes that add up.

For Golden, eliminating restaurant food, excessive sodium and alcohol has been key. A fan of quick and easy meals, he relies on pan cooking for healthy, delicious fare with plenty of steamed veggies. “There’s no reason to grab a burger or to eat out when you can have a meal finished in 25 minutes. I veered away from beef and incorporated more chicken and fish like salmon and fresh trout,” he explains, adding that biking also made a difference. Now 81, he pedals 25 miles several times a week.

Dietary Recommendations

Lanman notes, “There is no single miracle food, but I’d recommend limiting sugars and processed carbohydrates, as well as processed meats and red meats.” To amp up nutrients, he spotlights the Mediterranean and DASH diets that accentuate fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Lanman also recommends lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, beets, radishes, cherries and pink grapefruit, which has shown promise in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) advocates cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, bok choy, kale and Brussels sprouts. Packed with the phytochemical glucoraphanin that targets cancer cells, broccoli is a heavy hitter, as well.

Recent research points to a number of nutritional guidelines. A 2021 study published in European Journal of Public Health noted that nitrites as food additives were positively associated with prostate cancer risk. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition also found a higher risk of the disease in those consuming red and processed meats.

In a 2022 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers reported a lower risk of aggressive forms of

Danijela Maksimovic/Shutterstock

prostate cancer in men under 65 that followed a diet rich in plant-based foods. After tracking men in a study for six years, a team of Harvard University scientists found that selenium supplementation was linked to a 65 percent lower occurrence of advanced prostate cancer, but it was contraindicated for individuals with high systemic levels of the mineral. Additional studies are underway to determine recommended dosages, but the researchers of this study suggested “a healthful diet that will provide good amounts of the mineral.”

Rethink Alcohol

Both Lanman and Golden recommend eliminating alcohol altogether. While research on the correlation between alcohol consumption and prostate cancer is inconclusive, a 2022 meta-analysis published in the journal Biomolecules suggests that alcohol intake and the development of prostatic cancer can create the perfect storm when

poor diet, folate and fiber deficiencies, advanced age, race, smoking, obesity, genetics, stress and other factors are also present.

Mood Regulation

According to the PCF, extreme stress can have a cumulative effect on the body, allowing prostate cancer to take root and grow. This is because the stress response can activate certain hormones that make it easier for tumors to grow and spread, while also negatively impacting the immune system.

To relieve stress and learn better coping skills, PCF suggests adopting relaxation and meditation practices, counseling, group therapy and exercise. For Golden, better health is a mindset. He endorses journaling and having good expectations daily. “Focus on the positives,” he says.

Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living and getting back to basics.

*Start curating your own learning library. KnoWEwell Pathfinder members get 50+ and growing courses for free, plus discounts on expert courses for less than a smoothie a month! Natural Awakenings readers receive a 30% discount on KnoWEwell memberships. Join at: https://www.knowewell.com/community/join-individuals. Apply code: KWW30

Cast Iron Mediterranean Chicken With Capers

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs

1 28-oz can of organic, diced, fire-roasted tomatoes

¼ cup capers (4 Tbsp)

¼ tsp Himalayan salt

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

2 medium-sized, fresh garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

1 Tbsp organic, extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place cast iron pan on a medium-high stove and sauté garlic until brown. Add chicken and pour fire-roasted tomatoes evenly over it. Add capers. Sprinkle salt, oregano and basil over chicken and tomatoes. Place uncovered cast iron pan into the oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken is tender. If desired, serve over garbanzo wheat-free pasta.

Recipe courtesy of frequent contributor Marlaina Donato.

White Quinoa Salad With Blueberries

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1¾ cups water

1 cup organic white quinoa

½ cup fresh or frozen organic blueberries

¼ cup finely chopped red or white onion

¼ cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar

⅓ tsp Himalayan pink salt

Organic, extra virgin olive oil

Combine quinoa, water and salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat; and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove covered pot from heat and let sit for 10 minutes before removing lid and fluffing the grains with a fork.

Add vinegar, blueberries, parsley and onion; mix gently. Serve quinoa salad warm or cold with a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipe courtesy of frequent contributor Marlaina Donato.

Cucumber Apple Salad With Cilantro

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

2 medium-sized cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber, sliced thin, peel optional

2 medium or large apples of choice, chopped into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

½ lemon, juiced

½ lime, juiced

¼ tsp Himalayan salt

1 Tbsp organic, extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Gently toss and serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of frequent contributor Marlaina Donato.

Jeffrey R. Gladden

on Cracking the Code of Longevity

by Sandra Yeyati

Jeffrey R. Gladden is the founder and medical director of Gladden Longevity, in Dallas, Texas, a clinic that helps people “live young for a lifetime”. He is the author of 100 Is the New 30, which provides an easy-to-understand blueprint, identifying four target areas to be optimized: life energy; longevity, which includes the hallmarks of aging; health; and performance.

A board-certified cardiologist, Gladden earned his medical degree with multiple honors from Temple University and practiced for 25 years as an interventional cardiologist. He co-founded the Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital, in Plano, as well as several cardiac catheterization programs around Dallas.

What is longevity medicine?

The best way to understand longevity medicine is to put it in context with what we currently are familiar with. Traditional medicine is called health care, but it’s actually reactionary, sick care that focuses on relieving symptoms with a sprinkle of preventive advice but offers no real health optimization. Functional medicine and integrative medicine look at the root cause of an issue to create a more complete and durable answer.

Longevity medicine, however, goes after the drivers of aging. So far, we’ve identified 16 hallmarks of aging that contribute to and accelerate the aging process. This is how we’re going to enable people to live young for a lifetime, thereby creating the most durable, most comprehensive answer to the symptoms they are experiencing and the aging process itself.

Is longevity medicine out of reach for people with limited resources?

When people first come to us to make them young again, we do extensive genetic testing and measure many biological ages for them. By knowing what cards they’re holding and where they are in the game, we know where to start. And then, many of the reversal-type interventions like stem cells, young plasma, peptides or custom-made medications may be important but require a financial investment.

The flip side is that there are many things people can do that are not costly. If you’re smoking, drinking or eating excessive amounts of processed foods, stop doing that. If you’re not exercising, start exercising every day. The other thing that’s massively important and doesn’t cost much, if anything at all, is working on your mindset.

People stop asking the questions that drive progress, and they get married to their current answers. They think: I’m going to get older, retire at 65, take Social Security, play golf, visit my grandkids, travel and then wind down. This picture of the future is make-believe, quite honestly, even though society reinforces it. The beauty of being human is that you can create your own reality. What if you paint a different picture by asking, “What does it take to make my life better?” or “How can we make 100 the new 30?”

What is the mental health impact on longevity?

So many of us have been plagued with anxiety and depression, and all of us have had traumatic experiences. Because of the way our brains are wired, we live in reaction to that trauma, either consciously or unconsciously. The problem is that if we are confronted with something again, it triggers a stress response or maybe a post-traumatic response that we’re carrying with us from the trauma that we incurred, and now our nervous system is on high alert. Our stress levels are on high alert. Our cortisol, insulin, adrenaline and dopamine and the whole sympathetic nervous system is activated in a way that is accelerating disease, aging and decline.

Courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey R. Gladden

You can never live young for a lifetime if you’re carrying all that burden. When you solve the mental health piece, you crack the code of anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction and all the self-sabotaging behaviors.

What is your personal goal in your longevity quest?

The target I’ve settled on right now is when I’m 100, I want to have a 30-year-old body and a 300-year-old mind, where I’ve solved, healed and transcended all of the mental health issues and past trauma, enabling me to have more wisdom and empathy, and freeing me to bring all of my gifts forward—my enthusiasm, artistry, intellect, compassion and my ability to help others and make the world a better place. If you have a clear target like that, all of a sudden you have a longevity mindset. You can never crack the code on aging if you don’t have a longevity mindset.

How do we stay the course and avoid falling back to old, unhealthy habits?

I think you have to be motivated by joy. If you’re motivated by fear you will definitely tap out. It has to come from this understanding that for me to bring all of my gifts to bear for the planet or for me to have my best life, I need to step into this concept of having a young body and a very mature, expanded, spiritual, intellectual, emotionally replete mind. That’s my target, and there’s so much joy in doing that, so every day I’m motivated by joy, not by obligation, and I think that’s what makes it sustainable.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit naturalawakenings.com/2024/05/ 30/490204/jeffrey-r-gladden-on-crackingthe-code-of-longevity or scan the QR code.

“Let me

Cannabidiol for Dogs

Tips for Successful CBD Treatments

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a standout compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it will not get a pet “high”, but it has caught the attention of dog owners worldwide for its health benefits. With more than 100 cannabinoids interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate everything from mood to inflammation, it is no wonder that CBD supplements for pets are on the rise. But as popularity grows, so do questions and concerns.

CBD Safety

Research suggests that CBD is generally safe for dogs when used responsibly. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science determined that a daily dose of 4 milligrams (mg) of CBD per kilogram of body weight was well-tolerated in clinically healthy dogs

for six months. Another study published in the same journal two years earlier tested the tolerability of three cannabis oil formulations containing CBD, THC or a combination of CBD and THC versus a placebo. The researchers found that dogs tolerated escalating doses of 18.3 to 640.5 mg of CBD oil well, concluding that a CBD-predominant oil formulation was safer for dogs than formulas containing higher concentrations of THC.

Choosing the Right Product

Angela Ardolino, founder of CBD Dog Health, highlights the benefits of fullspectrum hemp extract, which, unlike CBD isolates, incorporates a broad array of cannabinoids, including CBD and even THC in trace amounts up to the legal threshold of 0.03 percent. She recommends choosing organic, U.S. hemp-derived products to guarantee purity and legal compliance; CO2 extraction for a high-quality, solvent-free extract; and formulations made specifically for dogs rather than humans to prevent overdosing and unnecessary ingredients.

According to Ardolino, products should have enough CBD to treat a condition effectively, from 6 to 12 mg for stress or anxiety to 12 mg for pain and 50 to 100 mg for severe conditions like cancer or seizures. Consider bioavailability, also—sublingual oils are most effective for absorption.

“Only choose products that have a COA [certificate of analysis] by a third-party lab that tests for potency and purity and to ensure it has no contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins or solvents in the product,” recommends Ardolino. “This is also the only way to prove that you are buy-

Choose products specifically formulated for dogs, selecting only those that have a COA [certificate of analysis] by a third-party lab that tests for potency and purity and to ensure it has no contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins or solvents in the product.

ing a full-spectrum hemp extract. It should be easily found on the label or on the website. If you can’t easily find one, don’t buy the product.” Customer reviews can also provide insights into a product’s efficacy, safety and quality, as well as a company’s transparency and level of customer support.

Getting a Dog Started on CBD

While the general guidance is to start with a low dose and adjust based on the dog’s response, Ardolino notes that conditions like seizures, pain or cancer may require a higher dosage from the start. She acknowledges that dogs may initially experience a mild psychoactive effect, but this typically subsides as they become accustomed to CBD. The key is to monitor a pet’s reaction closely and adjust the dosage as needed to find a balance that alleviates symptoms without causing discomfort.

Duration of Effects

How long the effects of CBD will last depends on a variety of factors, including a dog’s size, as well as the dosage and administration method. A 2021 study published in Animals found that an intravenous administration of CBD will generally be eliminated from the body within nine hours. However, an oral dose, which is influenced by food intake and liver processing, has a lower bioavailability (13 to 19 percent), so less CBD enters the bloodstream, and yet its effects may last longer due to a slower absorption rate. The exact duration varies with dosage, metabolism and whether it is taken with food.

Potential Risks

While CBD is generally well-received by many dogs, some may experience mild side effects, including dry mouth, a decrease in blood pressure or drowsiness. Selecting the appropriate dosage and a high-quality product is crucial to minimize these risks. Research indicates that CBD can also influence liver enzymes, notably cytochrome P450s and alkaline phosphatase, both essential in metabolizing various medications. Consequently, there is a potential risk of inter-

DETOX HYDRATE BREATHE

JUNE SPECIAL

actions when CBD is used alongside other drugs, possibly altering the effectiveness and required dosages of those medications. Therefore, despite the availability of CBD treats and products, consulting a veterinarian before introducing a CBD regimen is vital to ensure safety and efficacy.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Purge

Change Your Plate, Change the World

by Dr. Mark Hammond

Every April, Earth Day is celebrated as a moment dedicated to the preservation and healing of our planet. This global event draws attention to issues such as electric vehicles, carbon emissions, microplastics and other environmental concerns that threaten the planet for future generations. Earth Day traces its origins to the iconic "Earthrise" photograph taken by the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968. During a time of immense societal upheaval in the United States, this image of Earth as a fragile blue orb in the vastness of space served as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet. There is a moving recitation of Genesis with the Earthrise image in a YouTube video (Tinyurl.com/Apollo-Earthrise).

The Environmental Impact of Diet

The past decade has brought a growing body of scientific research linking plant-forward diets to significant reductions in chronic diseases due to a healthier gut microbiome and decreased inflammation. Particularly when sourced locally and responsibly, the human health benefits of a whole food, plantbased diet are well-documented; however, the environmental advantages are less frequently discussed.

It is coming to light that plant-based diets have positive effects on the environment. A recent article from IAPWA titled "The Environmental Cost of Animal Agriculture" highlighted that replacing one daily serving of meat with a plant-based option for a year can reduce an in-

dividual's carbon footprint by the equivalent of driving a car about 8,000 miles. Additionally, producing one pound of ground beef requires nearly 2,000 gallons of water. Astonishingly, while 80% of global agricultural land is used for animal production, meat only accounts for 18% of the world's caloric intake. This imbalance underscores the unsustainability of current trends.

Local Initiatives and Community Actions

The Gulf Coast, renowned for its beautiful beaches, wildlife and natural habitats, faces threats from rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes, exacerbated by ongoing climate variability, according to research from NASA. However, local efforts are working toward a significantly healthier community and planet.

One compelling monumental change is the Blue Zones project, based on the research of Dan Buettner and his team, which identified lifestyle habits that contribute to longevity and well-being in a variety of locales around the globe. According to a 2018 article on BlueZones.com, the dietary principles of the Blue Zones not only promote human health but also benefit the environment.

Locally, initiatives are underway to integrate Blue Zones wisdom into community practices. Organizations such as Hope Community and the newly established Department of Health and Integrative Medicine at the University of South Alabama are at the forefront of this movement. Additionally, teach-

Teaching kitchens like the USA Health Mapp Family

Campus

in Fairhope are collaborating with local chefs to demonstrate the benefits of farm-to-table, plant-forward cuisine.

ing kitchens like the USA Health Mapp Family Campus in Fairhope are collaborating with local chefs to demonstrate the benefits of farm-to-table, plant-forward cuisine.

Reconnecting with Animals and Nature

Residents, Amanda and Nathan Upshaw and Elizabeth and Wade Oney, are making a difference by creating sanctuaries for abused farm animals. Their efforts highlight the importance of reconnecting with animals and fostering a sense of stewardship for all living beings.

Looking at the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet and the community-driven efforts to promote sustainability, it becomes clear that individual choices can collectively lead to significant positive changes. By considering what we can do to preserve our planet, we ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the same breathtaking view of Earth from space that inspired people in 1968.

Dr. Mark Hammond has practiced Internal Medicine for 38 years and currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Integrative Health and Wellness at the University of South Alabama.

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Classes/Training

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For Rent/Lease

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For Sale

ADVERTISE anything you’d like to sell here.

Opportunities

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ONCE A MONTH distributing Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast magazines in Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, AL. Must have clean driving record, reliable transportation and be available the last week of every month. Call Michelle Smith, 251-990-9552.

Services

GENESIS DOULA SERVICES. Let’s create your ideal birth experience together. Experience natural birth with compassionate doula support. Personalized care before, during and after labor. Comfort measures, advocacy and breastfeeding assistance. Empower your journey. Contact Asia Scott 251-281-8138 or GenesisDoulaService@gmail.com.

HIRE YOUR OWN HEALTH AND WELLNESS PERFORMANCE COACH: Are you struggling to prioritize your health with meal planning, daily exercise, managing stress and sleep? Michelle Smith, Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, will take you by the hand to design a weekly ACTION PLAN. Find out how. 251-635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

For questions or to appear in the calendar, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com by the 10th of the previous month. Free, online-only calendar listings may be submitted anytime at NAGulfCoast.com/calendar.

Sunday

Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251-479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VAFairhopeHealthFoods.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 – 10am-3pm, 2nd and 4th Sundays, March 10-December 15. FREE, open air, sustainably driven market showcasing 100+ local artisans and growers. Local musicians and food trucks. Family and dog friendly. South Park next to Fairhope Pier, Fairhope, AL. MBMakersMarket@gmail.com.

Monday

Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS –11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

S. Alexander Integrative Bodywork –Energy Balancing Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Experience the power of energy balancing and discover a renewed sense of harmony and vitality. Using sound healing, crystal healing and aromatherapy, this transformative practice promotes balance and restores your inner well-being. Embrace the positive energy and embark on a journey of rejuvenation. $20. Space is limited. 1260 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. Book online at SAlexanderBodywork.com.

Evening of Restoration, Ocean Springs, MS – 7-8pm, 1st Mondays unless holiday. Join us for a meditation journey that wakes up your soul and gives you exactly what you need in the moment. Destress, increase concentration, decrease anxiety and lower blood pressure with this practice. Dress comfortably, sweat pants or jammies welcome. Bring yoga mat, meditation pillow or blanket. $10. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

Mark Your Calendar

EAT-COOK-LIVE LOCATION MOVED – TBA Fairhope, AL TUESDAY, JUNE 4 • 11am – 3pm

Interactive Healthy Cooking Class & Food As Medicine Workshop $179

Kristin Alpine, RN, Healthy Cooking Chef, is teaming up with Michelle Smith, Functional Medicine Health Coach and Publisher, Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast, to provide an interactive luncheon on cooking and eating healthy for life!

“Let food be thy medicine, let medicine be thy food!” -Hippocrates

More info or to sign up: email TryMyCoach@gmail.com or call 251-635-6250.

Wednesday

Ecstatic Dance Class, Daphne, AL – 6pm Every other Wednesday. Ecstatic Dance is a sacred space to reach beyond the limits of your habitual patterns to connect with your soul. 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 per class. Beyond the Plunge 8851 Rand Ave. Suite B (come through the back). For updates visit Facebook.com/ EcstaticDanceFairhope. 251-929-4634. Dance@RebeccaWashburn.com

Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS –11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

Friday

Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS –11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

View our full calendar online at NAGulfCoast.com/calendar.

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

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 29.

Biofeedback Services

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 21.

Bioresonance Therapy

HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA

9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-374-7707

HarmonicHealthAlabama.com

Harmonic Health Alabama features the Harmonic Egg, a science-based, sound and light therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual energy healing. Please call, text or visit our website for more information. See ad, page 7.

Breast Screening

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

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

ThermographyAdvantage.com

FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 21.

CBD Health & Wellness

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 31.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL

251-479-3952

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 31.

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.

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 non-invasive 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 worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 3.

Detox 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 alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 35

Energy Healing

HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA

9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-374-7707

HarmonicHealthAlabama.com

Harmonic Health Alabama features the Harmonic Egg, a science-based, sound and light therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual energy healing. Please call, text or visit our website for more information. See ad, page 7

S. ALEXANDER INTEGRATIVE BODYWORK

Susan Cameron, Certified Chakra Balancing 1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 224-213-3018 • SAlexanderBodywork.com

S. Alexander Integrative Bodywork is rooted in the belief that we have the innate ability to facilitate our own healing. Offering crystal healing, sound healing & aromatherapy, as well as a variety of massage modalities to assist you in your physical & energetic healing journey. See ad, page 10

SACRED FIRE WELLNESS

Cindy Sabogal, Certified Reiki Healer 21040 Miflin Rd., Ste. 7, Foley, AL 251-504-5171 • Find Us on Facebook

Sacred Fire Wellness Reiki Studio is a place of healing, using Eastern based energy and sound therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Please call or text to book an appointment or for more information. See ad, page 22

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

Jeff Nursey, Customer Service 850-207-6621

TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com

Change your frequency, change your life! Our healing 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

Farmers Markets

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS

& FISHERMENS MARKET

781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL 251-709-4469

CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

Open year-round on Saturdays only, 9am-2pm. 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 5.

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

A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net

Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 9.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

AND

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

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

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 31.

PRESS & CO.

Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com

Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats guide or see ad, page 23

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

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

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 31.

Functional Medicine

GOOD LIFE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com

GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize 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 offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 33.

HILLSTAR HEALTH

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL

251-241-4346

HillstarHealthAl.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 sciencebased functional medicine.

Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 9.

MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA

109 Upham St., Mobile, AL

251-408-9980

DrManjaPodratz.com

Holistic health coaching with an emphasis on brain-based wellness and hormone balance. Services based on quantum medicine principles. Holistic breast cancer prevention and complementary services for cancer patients. Private and group coaching, corporate wellness programs and monthly health talks. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 7

Healing Jewelry

THE CRYSTAL SHOPPE ON MAIN

Meghan and Patrick Brewer, Owners 251-509-4816

TheBrewersAlley@gmail.com

TheBrewersAlley.com

Our shop is a serene sanctuary where seekers of inner balance and spiritual harmony find solace. We have jewelry of all shapes and sizes ranging from the inexpensive to the high end. Live intentionally. Live mindfully. See ad, page 35

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 Clinic

CONNEXUS CLINIC

2864 Dauphin St., Ste A Mobile, AL 36606

251-300-8724 • TheConnexusClinic.com

A wellness clinic specializing in weight loss, body sculpting, lymphatic compression and infrared sauna therapy in a safe, compassionate environment. Live better. Look better. Perform better. See ad, page 8

ENRG WELLNESS

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com

Pilates, weight loss, fat burning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs 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. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 25.

Health & Wellness Performance

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine

Health & Wellness Coach

251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize 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 offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 33.

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 alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 35

PATH TO WELLNESS

Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT Catherine Cubbage, BA, MNT, LMT 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-943-5885 • PathToWellness.llc

Offering personalized health solutions and massage therapy including specialized testing for microbiome and cellular energy deficiencies, rejecting the notion of ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Founded in 2007, the focus is on uncovering root causes to promote sustained vitality. A large choice of quality supplements are available. Therapeutic massage experience handcrafted just for you. See ad, page 19

It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.

—Lou Holtz

Hypnotherapy

ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912

EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

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

Infrared Sauna

HILLSTAR HEALTH

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346

HillstarHealthAl.com

Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation.

See ad, page 9.

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. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 21.

Massage Therapy

ELEMENTS 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 22.

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. See ad, page 10.

PATH TO WELLNESS

Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT

Catherine Cubbage, BA, MNT, LMT 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-943-5885 • PathToWellness.llc

Offering personalized health solutions and massage therapy including specialized testing for microbiome and cellular energy deficiencies, rejecting the notion of ‘one-size-fits-all.’ Founded in 2007, the focus is on uncovering root causes to promote sustained vitality. A large choice of quality supplements are available. Therapeutic massage experience handcrafted just for you. See ad, page 19

S. ALEXANDER INTEGRATIVE BODYWORK

Susan Cameron, LMT 1260 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 224-213-3018 • SAlexanderBodywork.com

S. Alexander Integrative Bodywork is rooted in the belief that we have the innate ability to facilitate our own healing. Offering crystal healing, sound healing & aromatherapy, as well as a variety of massage modalities to assist you in your physical & energetic healing journey. See ad, page 10

Personal Growth

ENERGY MODEL

OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A.

Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912

EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

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

Pet Health

A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net

Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 9.

Pilates

ENRG WELLNESS

620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com

Pilates, weight loss, fat burning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs 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. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 25.

Plant-Based Food

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

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

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch daily. See ad, page 31

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

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

Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch daily. See ad, page 31.

Reiki

SACRED FIRE WELLNESS

Cindy Sabogal, Certified Reiki Healer 21040 Miflin Rd., Ste. 7, Foley, AL 251-504-5171 • Find Us on Facebook

Sacred Fire Wellness Reiki Studio is a place of healing, using Eastern-based energy and sound therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Please call or text to book an appointment or for more information. See ad, page 22

Rolfing

EASTERN SHORE ROLFING

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

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.

See ad, page 29.

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my dad was to make sure your children know that you love them.

—Al Roker

Somatic Breathwork

RESPIRA WITH MORGAN

Morgan Tyner, (Bilingual) SomatIQ Breathwork Practitioner Fairhope, AL • 901-581-0434 Somatic@MorganTyner.com

Corporate wellness groups, retreats and events: SomatIQ Breathwork is a transformative wellness practice that releases suppressed stress from the body utilizing two breathing techniques. It empowers you to clear mental and emotional blockages, leading to enhanced clarity, wellness and more harmonious alignment in personal wellness and purpose. See ad, page 7.

Wellness Studio— Fairhope

DEXAFIT - FAIRHOPE

Located inside CONNEXUS CLINIC 23937 Hwy 98, Ste. 3, Fairhope, AL 251-929-8233 • DexaFitFairhope.com

A wellness studio focusing on body composition analysis, metabolic testing and smart gym resistance training. Guiding you toward a leaner, stronger and healthier self with AI-enhanced DEXA scans, VO2max tests, RMR analysis, Smart Gym workouts and more. See ad, page 8

Wellness Studio— Ocean Springs

NATURALLY GUIDED HEALTH

Personal Trainer; Board Certified Health Coach; Traditional Naturopath 809B Holcomb Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 228-215-0909 • NaturallyGuidedHealth.com

A wellness studio offering personal training, group classes, coaching and education. Specialize in mature adults, post injury/ surgery recovery and compassionate coaching. Check out our Forever Young class.

Yoga

MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA 109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-408-9980 • YogaWithManja.com DrManjaPodratz.com

Private, group, and corporate yoga classes, health coaching and retreats. Additional offerings: Reiki, Yoga Nidra, auriculotherapy, meditation classes, monthly crystal bowl sound bath and guided breathwork to erase limiting beliefs and painful trauma and help you blossom. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 7

Jeff Nursey (R) with Tom Bowman (L)

Bowman