Subscribe to the free digital magazine at NAGulfCoast.com Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $19.97 (for 12 issues) to the Fairhope address on the right.
Cover image by Jordyn Johnson from Getty Images/Canva Pro
CONTACT US
Natural Awakenings
Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition
123 Fig Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532
Ph: 251-990-9552
NAGulfCoast.com
MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
July is here! Happy Independence Day and God bless America. As we celebrate, we're excited to bring you the July issue of Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast, where our theme is all about "Keeping it Cool." As temperatures rise, we’re focusing on ways to stay refreshed, healthy and vibrant all summer long.
In May and June, we honored the Gulf Coast Women and Men in Wellness with an emphasis on women’s wellness and men’s health. If you haven’t already read these issues, I urge you to find one or visit our website: NAGulfCoast.com. I feel confident you will find an article or tidbit of information that will be meaningful to your health or that of your family and friends.
With a cool and collected approach, this issue focuses on your best health including seasonal eating, tapping into Ayurvedic principles and having a "skin-safe" summer. We delve into the delights of local seasonal foods. Eating in harmony with the season not only keeps our bodies nourished but
also helps us stay cool from the inside out. You'll learn how to balance your Dosha, foods for healthy skin and much more. The featured recipe offers a delicious ruby red pineapple-hibiscus drink that stimulates digestive enzymes, soothes the digestive tract and delivers the many benefits of pineapple and hibiscus in a delightful way. If you try it, I would love to hear from you about how easy or difficult it was to make and how yummy it was in your tummy.
'WISE WORDS’ gives expert advice on protecting and nurturing skin under the summer sun. From nutritious foods to healthy
gut microbiome, to aesthetic procedures, this article highlights ways to ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy.
Aquatic sports can help us stay active, strong and cool during summer months. As a former competitive swimmer, swim instructor and masters swim coach, I am especially excited about water sports and all they have to offer our bodies and minds. Even if you aren't the best swimmer, you can still run, do Zumba, aerobicize, or even cycle in the water. When you get into the pool or open water, "you are wearing a gentle compression sleeve around your whole body," says our ‘FIT BODY’ article. This unique benefit of water exercise not only keeps you cool but provides a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints and highly effective for overall fitness.
As we navigate summer, remember that staying cool isn’t just about temperature— it’s about maintaining a sense of calm and balance. We hope this issue brings you plenty of inspiration to do just that.
Stay cool and enjoy the summer!
You, Gulf Coast!
Exhibitor Spots Available at the Emerald Coast Holistic Expo
The Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo is set for September 7 and 8 at the Destin/Fort Walton Convention Center, located at 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This premier event gathers health enthusiasts, professionals and wellness seekers globally for a three-day transformative experience on the picturesque shores of the Emerald Coast.
Central to the expo is a celebration of holistic health, addressing all aspects of mind, body and spirit. It highlights a variety of practices, therapies and products, emphasizing natural and alternative healing approaches.
The event boasts an extensive lineup of renowned speakers, experts and practitioners who offer inspiring talks, workshops and interactive sessions. Participants have the chance to learn from leading figures in the field on topics such as mindfulness, nutrition, energy healing, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. Sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Exhibitors from across the holistic health spectrum present a wide array of products and services. Attendees can explore vendor stalls featuring organic foods and beverages, herbal supplements, essential oils, crystals, natural skincare products, yoga accessories and mindful lifestyle tools. This unique shopping experience introduces innovative products that support wellness goals.
Beyond educational offerings and exhibitor displays, the expo provides ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Morning beachside yoga sessions, guided meditation classes and nature walks along the breathtaking coastline are available. There are also dedicated areas for massage therapy, energy healing and other therapeutic treatments, creating a serene oasis for attendees to unwind and restore their vitality.
A strong sense of community and connection permeates the event, with attendees sharing experiences, insights and stories. Whether seeking to expand knowledge, connect with experts or embrace a holistic lifestyle, the Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo inspires and empowers participants, equipping them to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
For more information, visit ECHHExpo.com. See ad, this page.
September 7th & 8th
New Bathroom Tech to Monitor Health
Imagine a toilet that not only cleans itself but also performs a urinalysis to detect hydration levels, urinary tract infections and kidney issues. A trip to the restroom may be the first step in monitoring and maintaining health and wellness, as a number of new products with medical monitoring features are finding their way into the latest bathrooms.
Toi Labs makes smart toilets equipped with advanced sensors that non-invasively monitor fluid intake levels, stool and urine contents, and other vital health metrics without any burden to the user. Withings, a French company, offers a toilet device that detects a large variety of biomarkers found in urine and offers actionable advice for improving health.
CareOS has unveiled the first AI-powered smart mirror for mental wellness that the company asserts can identify mood and help manage stress. Look into the mirror for skin care recommendations and how to correct yoga poses. A Canadian company, NuraLogix, offers a mirror that detects blood pressure and vital signs and assesses disease risk. A 2020 study found that smart floor sensors could be used to predict fall risk and signs of illness. Smart bath maker BBalance is hoping to launch a mat next year that can measure weight and body composition, and detect posture and balance to predict the risk of neurodegenerative disease.
In Vivo Gene Editing
Several companies are experimenting on human subjects to develop gene editing that is performed inside the body. Such therapies differ from a recently approved treatment for sickle-cell anemia that removes bone marrow from the body before editing the genetic material and reintroducing it into the patient.
Intellia Therapeutics and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals are in clinical trials to use gene editing to knock out a gene that causes fibrous protein clumps, which can accumulate in organs and nerves, increasing the risk of heart failure and other serious complications. Verve Therapeutics is enrolling patients to test a gene-editing protocol designed to reverse the effects of a genetic disease that leads to severely elevated cholesterol and increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease. One caveat: These therapies carry the risk of editing unrelated genes.
andriano
Images/CanvaPro
it works?
DEXA Speaks Louder Know your numbers
Scan, the gold standard to know mass, fat mass, and
Detecting Cancer Early
Cambridge University’s Early Cancer Institute recently received an $11.7 million anonymous donation to further its research. The Institute is focused on detecting cancers before they produce symptoms and spread, which then requires expensive medical treatments that are not always effective. One team there is using 200,000 blood samples taken 10 to 20 years ago from ovarian cancer screening participants to identify genetic markers in those that later developed the disease.
Another team developed a cytosponge to collect cells and identify a protein associated with precancerous esophageal cancer. The Institute also has a team that is trying to pinpoint the biomarkers associated with prostate cancer. Their goal is to assist in the development of new and more effective ways to treat cancer.
Sperm Defy Newton’s Law of Motion
Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Scientists now understand how human sperm and single-celled algae seemingly defy this law. In research from Kyoto University and published in PRX Life, scientists explain how sperm, with their whip-like tails and algal flagella, propel themselves through viscous fluids that should, in theory, resist their movement. Because the cells generate their own energy, they thrust beyond the equilibrium in Newton’s law using an odd elasticity. The researchers believe their understanding of this unique aspect of nature will help in the development of elastic swimming micro-robots that can be used for drug delivery, sensing and microsurgery.
Pregnancy Adds to Women’s Biological Age
A study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences quantified the effect of pregnancy on biological aging. The study included more than 1,700 men and women from the Philippines aged 20 to 22 years old. The researchers concluded that the energy expended in reproduction comes at an expense. Across six epigenetic clock measurements, pregnancy was found to accelerate the women’s biological aging compared to those that had no pregnancies, and multiple pregnancies accelerated the women’s biological age on two of the epigenetic clock measures. Pregnancy did not result in aging of the men in the study.
Thicha Satapitanon from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Scar Tissue Release Massage
Scar Tissue Release with Microcurrent Scar Fade with IPL
Cellular Regeneration with PEMF and FIR
Pain & Inflammation Relief with Herbal Infusions JubileeHealingArts.com
Mammoth Pollution Vacuum
The world’s largest pollution vacuum started operating in May. Built in Iceland by Swiss company Climeworks, the direct air capture and storage plant named Mammoth is designed to draw in air, filter out up to 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and either store it permanently underground, reuse it or transform it into solid products.
This is the second large-scale carbon vacuum by Climeworks. Its predecessor, which launched in 2021, captures 500 tons of CO2 each year. Both facilities are powered by a geothermal power plant. According to Jan Wurzbacher, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, the company intends to scale up its technology to remove 1 million tons of carbon per year by 2030 and 1 billion tons by 2050.
Wild Orangutan Treats Own Wound
According to a scientific article published in Nature, a male Sumatran orangutan was observed self-treating a facial wound with medicinal plants in Southeast Asia. Three days after the injury, he ripped off leaves from a liana vine, chewed on them and applied the resulting juice onto the wound. As a final step, the orangutan covered the wound with the chewed leaves. The liana is a tropical plant that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties. This is the first documented case of wound treatment by a wild animal, providing insight into the origins of human wound care.
Coffee Alternatives
A research article in PLOS ONE predicts that by 2050, climate change will dramatically reduce the world’s most suitable and moderately suitable areas to grow coffee by more than 50 percent and 30 to 40 percent, respectively. With the potential reduced supply and high cost for our morning cup of Joe, several companies are exploring alternatives.
French company STEM is working to develop sustainable and future-proof coffee at a genetic level using coffee byproducts such as grounds and coffee cherry pulp. Other beanless coffee companies are trying to recreate the coffee taste and aroma using substitute ingredients. Northern Wonder, a Dutch company, uses lupin beans, chickpeas and chicory. Seattle-based Atomo infuses date seeds with a proprietary marinade. Minus, of San Francisco, uses fermentation out of pits, roots and seeds that might otherwise be discarded. Singapore-based Prefer uses a soy milk byproduct, bread and spent barley from breweries that are then fermented. Each of these makers of beanless coffee adds caffeine to their brews to provide the pick-me-up consumers crave in their morning cup.
Climeworks/Canvapro
263582
from Pixabay/Canvapro
Eduardo1961
from Getty Images Sara from Pexels/CanvaPro
Planting Seeds of Knowledge
Teaching Kids About the Origin of Foods
by Thais Harris, BCHN
There is a growing disconnect between children and the origins of their food. It stems from the urbanization of communities and the prevalence of processed foods. As a result, many children don't know how their food is grown, processed and brought to them, contributing to a lack of understanding about the nutritional value and environmental impact of their choices.
Why Knowing Food Origins Matters
A 2012 study by Stanford University showed that teaching young children that food is a source of diverse nutrients and explaining the importance of eating a variety of healthy in-
gredients significantly improved their understanding of nutrition, and even prompted them to voluntarily eat more vegetables at snack time.
“Gardens are a crucial part of how we change eating patterns and teach about health,” shares Sara McCamant, program director at Ceres Community Project (CCP), a nonprofit that provides meals to people facing health crises. “We put youth at the center of our program with the goal of having them understand where food comes from, as well as learning how to cook it, so it can create health. It is crucial that they understand the bigger picture of how food is grown and how the food system impacts access to healthy food. Many youth are also very concerned about the environment and climate change, and learning about growing food in a sustainable way gives them a way to make an impact on the environment.”
CCP reports that teens participating in their programs are more motivated to consume vegetables and fruits than other kids their age: 54 percent are eating six or more servings of produce a day. By contrast, only 22 percent of California teenagers that have not experienced CCP activities eat five or more servings a day.
Pilot studies by Harvest for Healthy Kids and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture both found that hands-on experiences with different fruits and vegetables in the classroom, garden and kitchen caused children to be more likely to taste and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Cultural Heritage
“Children’s limited recognition of food mirrors a deeper loss of cultural identity and heritage,” laments Sebastian White, founder, president and executive director of The Evolved Network. The limited understanding of food through commercial packaging not only deprives children of the rich stories and meanings embedded in their cultural
diets, but also reflects broader implications for how they perceive and interact with the world.
“The Evolved Network addresses these issues by integrating the tangible aspects of food preparation, such as cooking skills and community building, with intangible values like cooking with love and the significance of meals as communal gifts,” White explains. “This holistic approach fosters a sense of purpose and inclusivity, treating food education as both therapeutic and educational, with the goal of restoring a deep connection to food that transcends mere nutrition and taps into cultural identity and self-expression.”
Empowering children with knowledge about their food sources is a vital step toward fostering a healthier and more sustainable future. By engaging in hands-on experiences and understanding the journey of food from seed to plate, children can develop a deeper appreciation for nature, make informed dietary choices and support the environment.
What We Can Do
• Visit local farms or farmers markets. Encourage children to ask farmers about how food is grown and the significance of seasonal produce. This direct connection can spark curiosity and appreciation for the hard work behind each item on their plate.
• Start a family garden. Create a small bed or planter box so children can grow some of their own vegetables, herbs and fruits. This active participation not only teaches them about the growth process, but also instills a sense of responsibility and pride in nurturing and harvesting their own food.
• Cook together using fresh, whole ingredients. Teach children how to read labels and choose organic and minimally processed options. Preparing meals together provides an opportunity for practical learning about nutrition and the importance of making healthy choices. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond and instill lifelong skills.
• Eat as a family. Sit-down meals with kids can leave a lasting and positive impression, fostering a lifelong appreciation of dietary quality and communal dining. A 2007 five-year study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that more frequent family meals during adolescence predicted a higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and key nutrients, and a lower consumption of soft drinks. The young people also placed a higher priority on meal structure and social eating.
Thais Harris is a holistic nutritionist and author. Her children’s book, Little Red, told from the point of view of an apple, teaches children about the benefits of consuming fresh fruit. Find recipes and resources at NourishTogether.com.
Farm Foods in a Capsule
Finding Sustainable, Nutrient-Dense Options
by Kelcie Ottoes
The global dietary supplement industry reached sales of more than $177 billion in 2023. Natural supplements are gaining more attention for their emphasis on wholefood ingredients and for their holistic approach to nutrition.
Growing Demand
A nationwide survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition found that 74 percent of American adults take dietary supplements, with 92 percent of users reporting that they are essential for maintaining health. According to the National Institutes of Health, although supplements cannot replace a healthy diet, they can help ensure adequate amounts of essential nutrients and improve health. For example, calcium and vitamin D support strong bones, folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects and omega-3 fatty acids may help some people with heart disease.
David Perlmutter, M.D., a neurologist and expert in gluten issues, brain health and nutrition, sees an increased role of supplements in the future. He explains, “The world of health care is moving to a place of recognizing the fundamental role of metabolism in general health and compromising health through chronic degenerative conditions. I think there is a place for appropriate use of nutritional supplements when they are developed and validated in this arena.”
Synthetic Supplements
“Most nutritional supplements are the product of something going on in a chemistry laboratory,” laments Perlmutter, adding that manmade supplements contain nutrients that are artificially created, which may be harder for the body to recognize and process.
“Synthetic supplements are loaded up with excipients like magnesium dioxides, silica, etc.,” explains David Stelzer, founder and chief executive officer of Azure Standard, a producer of organic foods and natural products. “A lot of times, the minerals aren’t even predigested. If you’re taking iron, you wouldn’t be getting much better in those pills than if you were sucking on rusty nails, and that is not what the body can utilize.”
Whole-Food Supplements
Sometimes referred to as farm-focused supplements, whole-food supplements are made by extracting nutrients from fruits, vegetables and herbs with an emphasis on raw, unprocessed ingredients. They often contain organic food extracts and include a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients in their natural forms that can boost absorption, compared to synthetic alternatives.
Whole-food supplements come in the form of multivitamins, mineral formulas, herbal blends and specialized formulations. Some food products such as energy bars, shakes
Viktor LA/Shutterstock
and powders may also incorporate whole-food supplementation to boost their nutritional value and provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
“What we want to look for [in food-based supplements] is that they are sourcing sustainably; that they’re emphasizing organic, raw materials and non-GMO sources; that no harmful chemicals have been used, nor is there any part of the manufacturing process that does a significant amount of damage,” Perlmutter recommends. “Look for the emblems that indicate USDA Certified Organic ingredients. Some manufacturers also have B Corp certification, indicating the company is socially and environmentally sensitive.”
“Look at the source. Where is it from? What kind of products is it made from? What is being used as a flow agent or filler, if anything? How has it been produced? Make sure you can trust the company as well,” says Stelzer, adding that brands like Garden of Life, AzureWell, MegaFood and Standard Process promote their commitment to quality and transparency.
Shopping Tips
• Certifications: Choose products that are Food Alliance Certified, USDA Certified Organic, Demeter Certified Biodynamic, NonGMO Project Verified and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
• Ingredients: Opt for organic ingredients and avoid supplements with artificial colors, flavors and fillers.
• Nutrient Density: Prioritize supplements that contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients from whole food sources.
• Manufacturer: Visit brand websites, looking for the transparency of their manufacturing, quality control and sustainability disclosures.
“Food should be our medicine,” insists Stelzer. “Supplements, in and of themselves, should be the exception rather than the rule. There are some folks with exceptions. When your body has been depleted in nutrients for an extended period of time, like those recovering from serious illnesses, supplements help their bodies to catch up. Also, if your body is depleted and showing signs of fatigue or illness, then there’s definitely a place for supplements.” As with any dietary changes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting something new.
Kelcie Ottoes is a content writer for sustainable businesses, specializing in blog posts, case studies and white papers. She is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Gluten-free and Snack Options: Yummy Keto Bars, Nuts, Berries,...
Pet food & Supplements: Dr. Marty’s, Canine Caviar, Solid Gold,...
Ayurvedic Seasonal Eating
How to Balance Doshas With the Right Foods
by Carrie Jackson
Each season brings a unique bounty of fresh food to sustain and nourish us. A ripe tomato off the vine in the summer or a hearty winter squash stew highlights what the Earth naturally offers. Seasonal eating is a rhythmic approach that is more sustainable than relying on grocery-store staples and connects us to the world around us. Combining seasonal eating with the Ayurvedic concept of balancing our doshas helps to maintain harmony with nature. It also helps support local farmers, reduce carbon emissions, maximize the food’s nutritional value and nourish holistically.
The Fresher the Better Seasonal eating is intuitive, but modern technology and busy lifestyles get in the way. “For thousands of years, people ate seasonally all the time, as there was no other option,” says Erin Casperson, director at Kripalu School of Ayurveda, a global leader in mindfulness education. “They trusted that each harvest gave us exactly what we needed to survive and thrive. It is only recently, with the development of refrigeration and modern transport, that we are able to access food from other areas of the world and store it for long periods of time.”
Eating local food when it is fresh not only helps to maximize the food’s nutritional value, it strengthens our connection to its origin. “From an Ayurvedic perspective, we look at the prana, or life force, in food,” explains Casperson. “Generally, the shorter it’s been off the plant, the more life, or nourishment, it will supply. When it’s treated with pesticides and sits in storage or refrigeration for days or weeks, it starts to lose that life force. Looking at a freshly picked strawberry, you can see the value it has. If I pick up a plastic box of spinach at the grocery store, there’s no connection. I have no idea how long it’s been traveling or what it’s been exposed to.”
Kadiatou Sibi, a board-certified Ayurvedic and reiki practitioner and founder of Los Angeles-based A Web of Wellness, recommends frequenting farmers markets, coops and grocery stores that offer locally grown food to maximize freshness. “Consuming foods during their harvest honors the natural cycle of the Earth. The crops are brighter, tastier and more nutritionally dense. By purchasing food from a [farmers] market, you are supporting marginalized communities, which historically are often women and families working in the fields. Cultivating locally grown foods also helps to maintain the biodiversity of crops and prevents big corporations from taking over the land.”
Cutting out long-distance transportation doesn’t just increase the food’s freshness, it is better for the environment, too. “When
Zffoto from Getty Images/CanvaPro
we eat locally, we lower the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions it takes to access the food. It also eliminates the need for pesticides and other harmful agents that make the food last longer,” Sibi explains.
Eating seasonally is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practices, which Sibi says are rooted in a deep connection with nature. “The idea of seasons is based around the cycles of the moon and sun,” she asserts. “Food is one important way we can balance ourselves holistically. Seasonal eating teaches us to wait for the right time and not rush nature. We can look forward to watermelon in the summer and Brussels sprouts in the winter. We learn to cultivate deep gratitude and respect for the land and all it provides for us. It fosters deep stewardship for the Earth.”
Balancing Our Doshas
Incorporating the Ayurvedic understanding of doshas into our diet further supports our connection to nature and intuitive eating. “According to Ayurveda, everything and everyone is comprised of five elements: space, air, fire, water and earth,” says Veena Haasl-Blilie, founder of Minnesota-based Saumya Ayurveda. “These elements combine to form three basic energy properties called the doshas. These foundational energies, known as vata, pitta and kapha, are the building blocks of our universe. While all three doshas are present in every one of us, they manifest to varying degrees. Our distinct physical, mental and spiritual traits are the result of our unique dosha constitution.”
Disruptions in our daily routines, stress and diet changes can cause doshas to get out of balance. By mindfully incorporating dosha-balancing foods and herbs into our day, our bodies and minds can reset. “In Ayurveda, food is medicine. When we eat to balance the doshas, we are eating in the most supportive and nourishing way possible,” explains Haasl-Blilie. “Instead of
a one-size-fits-all diet, we are eating what is balancing to us specifically in that season.”
Understanding an individual’s own dosha type is a key starting point. Haasl-Blilie recommends, “Fiery pitta is best balanced through naturally sweet foods like fruit, most grains, squash, root vegetables, milk and ghee. The best tastes for balancing pitta are sweet, bitter and astringent, while sour, salty and pungent tastes should be minimized. Airy vata has a cold, dry, light nature that can be countered with foods that are warm, moist and grounding, such as hearty soups and healthy fats. Sweet, sour and salty foods help to balance it. For kapha’s cool, dense, oily nature, we should favor food that is light, dry and easy to digest, ideally served warm or hot with invigorating herbs or spices. Sweet, sour and salty tastes should be minimized.”
Cooking with seasonal food that supports dosha balance helps to further nourish holistically. Chef Divya Alter is a cookbook author and the co-founder of Divya’s, which combines culinary education, good-for-you packaged foods and a plant-based restaurant in New York City. Aiming to offer practical ways to bridge the ancient wisdom of food with modern living beyond the boundaries of India, she notes, “Part of my mission is to show people how to apply the universal Ayurveda principles to every part of the world, incorporating the ancient principles of food compatibility and digestion into local cuisines.”
The Joy of Summer Foods
Alter says that in warmer months, choosing balancing foods helps to naturally regulate our bodies and our doshas. “Summer is the season of outdoor activities, travel, vacationing and more. The heat and exertion tend to deplete our systems, but nature’s peak harvest season provides us with abundant produce to help us replenish. Ayurveda is all about balancing with nature, so in the hot summer, when we
tend to sweat more and feel dehydrated, we need to incorporate cooling and hydrating foods. We feel extra pleasure eating the juicy seasonal fruits like peaches, apricots, berries and watermelon because they quickly cool and nourish us. Zucchini, fennel, leafy greens, okra, carrots and green beans are all great vegetables to give us minerals, vitamins and fiber, plus keep our bodies cool. Coconut in every form is our best friend in summer because it is very cooling and nourishing. Fresh coconut water is the best natural electrolyte drink, and you can add fresh coconut milk to your curry or smoothie. For plant-based protein, mung beans and red or green lentils are all great choices.”
For a simple complement to any dish, Alter recommends using fresh herbs, most of which can be grown locally. “Cilantro, basil, parsley, dill, rosemary, thyme, curry
leaves and tarragon, and the cooling spices such as coriander, fennel, cumin and cardamom, add flavor without overheating the body. I use very little or no chili, and if my digestion needs a bit more heat, then I’d use warming spices like black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger in small amounts,” she says.
Sibi points out that using fresh herbs and spices while cooking also helps to preserve cultural traditions. “While they may not have originated here, locally grown and ethically sourced herbs honor global cooking and customs,” she says. “Incorporating fresh cilantro into a Mexican dish, turmeric into an Indian recipe, or parsley into a Mediterranean meal reminds us of their origins. Besides the medicinal benefits, the flavors are more palatable, and it’s a valuable way to teach these traditions to a younger generation. They learn that
what you put in your mouth doesn’t just affect you, but has a larger global impact.”
While this may seem like a lot to consider when making daily food choices, Casperson recommends starting with seasonal eating and balancing our doshas using ingredients that are readily available. “Seasonal eating is more accessible, because you can literally choose what to eat by what is in the market. From there, have some fun with it,” she suggests. “Look up recipes and menus that you can easily digest to support your dosha balance, and add in herbs grown in your own garden. Sit down and eat in a relaxed setting without distractions and really connect with how you’re nourishing yourself.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
Mark J. Tager on Secrets to a
Glowing Complexion
by Sandra Yeyati
Mark J. Tager, M.D., instructs medical practitioners and consumers in new approaches to wellness, emphasizing the complementary treatment of chronic conditions and the use of personalized nutrition as a cornerstone of optimal health. His synergistic approach to skin health and beauty has been shaped by years working in the integrative, aesthetic and regenerative fields.
Tager received his undergraduate and medical training at Duke University and currently teaches at the school’s Integrative Medicine Center. He has served as founding vice president of marketing for Reliant Technologies, where he helped launch the Fraxel laser for skin rejuvenation, and also served in executive positions with Syneron and Lutronic, two leaders in advanced aesthetic technologies.
The author and co-author of 10 books and hundreds of educational videos recently created the 40-hour continuing education course “Personalized Nutrition for Practitioners” on behalf of the American Nutrition Association. His most recent book is Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty, which serves as the basic content for the 10-hour online professional training program “Inside Skin Beauty”.
What are the characteristics of healthy skin?
Healthy skin begins with good barrier function. The epidermis—the outermost layer of skin—keeps water and key nutrients in and helps repel harmful agents such as bacteria and chemicals. Healthy skin has a glow that comes from good blood flow, rapid skin turnover, ample collagen and clarity—by this I mean skin that has been protected from harmful UVA/ UVB rays to minimize aging spots and premature skin damage. Radiant skin reflects light, so when someone is taking care of their skin, there is literally a glow about them.
What foods do you recommend for healthy skin?
Make plants a central part of your diet. A wide array of colorful plants provides the body with key antioxidants that help ward off the effects of oxidation. Interestingly, many plant ingredients have a mild, skin-protective effect when eaten because their key function in the plant is to protect it from harmful UV rays. While the effect is nowhere near that provided by sunblock, you do gain a “natural SPF” [sun protection factor] of 3 or 4 from some of the yellow-orange carotenoid phytonutrients, as well as the red-purple anthocyanins.
The second benefit of plant-based foods is providing fiber to the body. In addition to promoting healthy bowel movements, fiber is the preferred food of the helpful gut bacteria. They convert fiber into, among other things, short-chain fatty acids which, in the gut, protect the lining, and, when they enter the bloodstream, help to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
What aesthetic procedures should we consider?
I’m a big fan of fractional rejuvenation, which essentially produces small thermal wounds
that heal quickly, leading to skin turnover and bringing heat into the dermis for collagen remodeling. Microneedling creates a similar effect, although it does not have the added benefit of the heat going into the dermis. There are multiple products that combine microneedling with radio-frequency heat, and this provides a dual action.
How do we personalize a plan to optimize skin health?
It starts with a hard look at your diet. There is no way that anyone can out-supplement a crappy diet. If you are working with a professional, they will take a careful, functional-medicine history; look for the medications that deplete key nutrients; get basic bloodwork that can shed light on imbalanc-
Courtesy of Mark J. Tager
es; and closely examine the hair, skin and nails for nutrient insufficiency.
There are new tests that can shed light on personalization. One of these is a nutritional genomic test for skin health. This identifies the genetic variants that affect a host of skin-related processes, including the assimilation of vitamins and minerals; the rate at which collagen is broken down in the body; and glycation, the binding of sugar to collagen, making it more brittle and contributing to wrinkles. Then there are more advanced blood, urine, saliva and stool tests that can provide a snapshot of hormones, the microbiome and the metabolites that are produced in the body. Increasingly, these tests are going direct to the consumer, but I highly advocate having a well-trained professional help with the interpretation.
How does gut and skin microbiome testing relate to skin health?
The three to four pounds of bacteria in our gut produce more than 30 neurotransmitters, key vitamins and short-chain fatty acids. The gut communicates with the skin via these chemical messengers, but also through the nervous system, most notably through the vagus nerve, which sends signals to the brain. Ideally, we want to live in harmony with the good bacteria in the gut and support healthy communication.
There are less helpful bacteria in our gut, as well. These bacteria can proliferate and crowd out the good bugs. This is known as dysbiosis. Increasingly we are seeing specific changes in gut microbiome composition associated with conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. Changes in diet, including the removal of offending agents, as well as the addition of nutrients that repair the skin barrier and probiotics, can help restore this balance. I think we are in an infant stage with our understanding of the skin microbiome. This will change.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor
of Natural Awakenings.
Rick Miller President & CEO
If your team growth has you working harder and with more stress, I CAN HELP!
“Rick Miller was my first boss after graduate school. I tell everyone that I learned more under Rick in 6 months than I did in 6 years of business study. Rick is a season business veteran. He is able to synthesize business problems down to their essence and then get results”
DAVID
HODGE, PRESIDENT GILL ATHLETICS
Chronic disease often occurs when we lose the ability to make new
July's guide to local healthy food in Baldwin County
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
OX KITCHEN
Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com
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
Nourish Skin From Within
Foods That Enhance Health and Radiance
by Maya Whitman
Our skin is the largest human organ. In addition to protecting us from ultraviolet radiation, bacterial invaders and chemicals, it also provides a visual record of the human story, as it is vulnerable to emotional stress, hormonal rhythms and poor diet. While more research is needed, there is growing evidence that food can be an ally for resolving stubborn acne, preventing certain types of skin cancer and aging gracefully. According to a clinical review published in the journal Medicina, nutrients like vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, may be beneficial for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
“The global market for skincare topicals is estimated at around $180 billion,” says Mark Tager, M.D., an integrative healthcare synergist in San Diego, California, and author of Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty. “There are some topicals with ingredients that do penetrate the skin. For the most part, these approaches pale in comparison with the power of an inside approach to skin health and beauty.” He reminds us that what we consume is reflected in our skin.
Gut Health and Glowing Skin
Emerging research published in Gut Microbes in 2022 shows the relationship between intestinal flora and skin health and proposes the value of supplemental prebiotics, probiotics and fermented foods. “Trillions of organisms—mainly bacteria in
our gastrointestinal tract—produce vitamin K, neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, each of which plays a role in skin health,” says Tager, highlighting the microbe Akkermansia muciniphila, which produces acetone. “People with acne have much lower levels of this short-chain fatty acid in their skin microbiome. Raising the acetate levels, along with changing the ratio of good-tobad gut bacteria, can help with acne.” Tager recommends eating fiber, which is the preferred food of the good bacteria like Akkermansia, as well as taking probiotics.
Deanna Minich, a nutrition scientist, functional medicine practitioner and author of
The Rainbow Diet: A Holistic Approach to Radiant Health Through Foods and Supplements, concurs, “An imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to acne. Eating a diverse, colorful, plant-rich diet is a wonderful way to promote a healthy balance of gut bugs.” For acne, she lauds the benefits of green tea.
Full-Spectrum Sustenance
Skin-friendly foods are nutrient-dense and include avocados, sunflower and flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, b erries and cold-water fatty fish (herring, sardines and salmon). “Colorful plant pigments or phytochemicals can fortify skin internally,” Minich asserts. “They tend to accumulate in the skin and offer protection from the sun by absorbing UV rays and reducing inflammation. When we eat a colorful diet, we’re eating an array of nutrients and phytochemicals that protect our skin.” She recommends carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, which are abundant in foods like melons, tomatoes and carrots.
Minich also touts protein to help repair damaged skin, especially plant sources like lentils, beans and tofu, as well as animal proteins such as eggs, fish and lean meats, but
warns against charring in the cooking process. “This can create inflammatory compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGE), which can contribute to aging. Instead, prepare foods with low heat and wet cooking methods such as boiling, stewing and steaming.”
A 2019 prospective cohort study of French women published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition connected a decreased risk of melanoma and basal cell skin cancer with the adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
Trigger Foods
Reducing inflammation and taming a sweet tooth is important. “Too much sugar attaches itself to the collagen in our skin, making it brittle, and this leads to more fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Tager, advising, “Diets high in saturated fats and fried foods contribute to inflammation and changes in sebum production.” He underscores the possibility of food sensitivities to tree nuts, dairy, fish, wheat, eggs, shellfish, peanuts or soy that can manifest as skin irritations, itching and swelling.
Collagen Factors
According to Tager, collagen forms a scaffold within the body and is an essential component of connective tissue that supports the skin’s elasticity. Minich notes, “Collagen supplements can be helpful to improve the appearance of skin, but the body also creates its own collagen and needs nutrients like zinc and vitamin C to do so.”
A Personalized Approach
Ultimately, better skin depends upon multiple considerations, including diet, lifestyle, genetics, medical history and emotional health. “The real breakthrough we have seen over the last decade is the rise of personalized nutrition,” Tager observes, encouraging people to work with medical and nutritional professionals to develop a customized plan.
Maya Whitman is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Transform Your Health Journey with Personalized Coaching!
Striving to Lose Weight, Manage Stress, Improve Nutrition Or Enhance Your Overall Wellness?
Michelle will guide you every step of the way.
Tailored Guidance:
Receive customized plans that fit your unique goals & lifestyle.
Accountability:
Stay motivated with check-ins, tools, methods & support from a dedicated coach.
Education:
Learn valuable health-related insights & tips to make sustainable changes.
Holistic Approach:
Address all aspects of health— physical, mental & environmental.
Are you ready to take charge of your health and wellbeing? Discover the transformative power of personalized health coaching with Michelle
Michelle Smith Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach
Green Tabbouleh
This salad is very colorful and fresh-tasting. The vibrant greens flecked with red, orange and black vegetables, as well as the white quinoa, paint an image of a righteously healthy bowl. For variety, add steamed vegetables such as beets and sunchokes [artichokes], or raw cucumbers or jicama.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
⅓ cup white quinoa, washed and drained
¼ tsp plus a pinch salt, divided
½-inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
6 fresh curry leaves
½ green Indian or Thai chile, seeded (optional)
1 bunch kale (about ½ lb), washed, stems removed and torn into smaller pieces
1 tsp olive oil
Tiny pinch asafoetida [Indian spice]
¼ cup finely diced carrots
2 or 3 red radishes, diced
2 Tbsp celery, finely diced
¼ cup pitted black olives, chopped
¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
2 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves
1 Tbsp fresh mint leaves
DRESSING
2½ Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
In a medium saucepan, bring three cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the quinoa and one-quarter teaspoon of the salt. Cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until a little tail-shoot separates from the seed. Drain. Spread on a plate or tray to let the quinoa cool completely.
In a food processor, finely chop the ginger, curry leaves and chile. Add the kale leaves and pulse until they are finely chopped but not pasty.
In a 10-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the asafoetida, food-processed kale and carrots. Sauté for about three minutes, until the kale wilts but is still vibrant green and the carrots are softer but still crunchy. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool.
DRESSING
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt and black pepper. Toast the pine nuts or walnuts in a small skillet on low heat. Move them frequently in the pan until they turn slightly golden in color. Transfer the nuts to a small bowl and let them cool completely.
ASSEMBLY
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, kale and carrot mixture, radishes, celery and olives. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the tabbouleh and toss to mix. Serve at room temperature and garnish each bowl with pine nuts, parsley and mint.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Chef Divya Alter from her cookbook, Joy of Balance (Rizzoli, 2022).
Pineapple-Hibiscus Drink
This delicious and attractive beverage presents with a beautiful ruby color and smooth texture. It stimulates digestive enzymes, soothes the digestive tract and delivers the many benefits of hibiscus and pineapple in a delicious way.
YIELD: 5 CUPS
¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
2½ cups fresh sweet pineapple juice, strained 2 to 3 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Place the hibiscus flowers in a one-quart vessel and pour in three cups of room-temperature filtered or spring water. Cover and leave on the counter for at least eight hours or overnight. Strain and re serve the liquid; discard the hibiscus.
Stir together the hibiscus water and pineapple juice. Add the maple syrup to taste for additional sweetness. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store refrigerated for up to three days.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Chef Divya Alter from her cookbook, Joy of Balance (Rizzoli, 2022).
NATIONAL PRODUCT PICKS
Therasage is the gold standard for energy healing, naturally healing infrared, negative ions and eliminating EMFs.
Therasage.com
Scan to register for educational webcast to learn more.
A NEW fun and interactive series dedicated to the health and well-being of Preschoolers and their families. WORLD MUSIC, MOVEMENT, MINDFULNESS,
CREATIVE PLAY, TIME IN NATURE, & POWER OF THE HEART! SUBSCRIBE today!
Scan to learn more and subscribe.
Founded in 1932, Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, is best known for its popular Arnicare® line of pain relievers and Oscillococcinum® flu reliever.
Whenever we’re swimming or participating in other water-based activities, all of our senses are engaged and exhilarated. Aquatic sports can help us stay fit, strong and cool during the hot summer months. Here are a few recommendations to remain safe and reap all of the splashy benefits.
Learn to Swim Early
Cullen Jones, a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record, credits his parents for encouraging him to learn to swim even after he nearly drowned at a water park when he was 5 years old. “I recommend getting
infants into the water as early as 6 months old. This helps the child get acclimated to the water and pool environment, easing things when it’s time for professional swimming lessons by a trained instructor,” says Jones, the water-safety expert for Leslie’s Inc., a pool- and spa-care retailer.
Jane Brenner, a water aerobics instructor and lifeguard at YMCA of Metro Chicago, similarly believes that it is never too early to expose young children to water and never too late to learn how to swim. “I see people starting their relationship and journey with water in their 50s, 60s and 70s,” she says. “And I think that’s just as beautiful.”
Water-Based Exercises
Jones notes that any exercise can be done in the water for the added benefit of staying cool. Activities such as running, aerobics, Zumba, cycling and resistance training become a bit harder in the pool, upping the workout benefits.
Hydrostatic pressure is another advantage. “When you get into a pool, even if you’re just holding on to the wall, even if you’re not doing anything, you are wearing a gentle compression sleeve around your whole body,” Brenner explains. “The water is pushing down on you in a way that you barely even notice. You can’t register that
slight increase in pressure, but it’s more than the air, and that’s going to increase blood flow. It’s going to decrease pain and swelling. It’s going to do all that while decreasing impact on joints.”
“While other activities may target only one region of the body, water sports—and in particular, swimming—offer a full-body workout,” Jones asserts. “When it comes to swimming, you are using your legs to kick, your arms to paddle and your core to hold it all together. Swimming delivers a whole-body workout and mind-enhancing experience.”
While people can and do enjoy being in the water without knowing how to swim, Brenner notes that anyone that feels they can’t learn is selling themselves short. “I really believe that there is space for a relationship with swimming and water in every person’s life,” she says.
Jones admits it took working with five swim coaches before it clicked for him. Had it not been for his parents’ persistence, he never would have become an Olympic swimmer and gone on to win medals.
Water Safety Is Paramount
According to a 2023 survey commissioned by Leslie's and conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63 percent of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36 percent of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 say their child does not know how to swim, and 61 percent say their child has not taken swimming lessons. At the same time, almost 30 percent of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.
“Swimming lessons save lives,” Jones says. “It’s also an important life skill that can open up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others.” Still, Brenner and Jones say non-swimmers may enjoy the benefits of being in the water, whether to stay cool in the summer or to stay healthy and fit, both in mind and body.
Brenner teaches water aerobics to people from all walks of life and all ages. She notes that there is a real sense of community that happens in those 50-minute classes. “People are bringing cookies, and others are telling us about the garage sale that’s happening down the street,” she quips. In addition to the physical benefits of water fitness, coming together at the community pool or in a natural body of water offers mental-health rewards and fellowship.
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.
The Kindness Cure
Helping Ourselves by Helping Others
by Maya Whitman
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive,” says the Dalai Lama, who celebrates his 89th birthday this month. Kindness is critical to our existence, and altruism—the authentic inclination to help or inspire others—offers health benefits for both the giver and receiver. According to Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles, repeated acts of consideration for others boost oxytocin (the love hormone), dopamine (the feel-good chemical), and substance P (a key neurotransmitter in pain reduction).
Benevolence not only make us feel good, but also provides health rewards. Research pub-
lished in Psychoneuroendocrinology in 2017 shows a correlation between generosity and favorable changes in immune-cell gene expression, most notably helpful in the presence of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Being kind to others can even improve our own mental health. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that participants with low-to-moderate levels of mental well-being experienced mental health improvements after performing acts of kindness for others. A 2022 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology concluded that acts of kindness were more effective in reducing anxiety and depressive disorders than cognitive behavioral therapy.
Everyday Philanthropy
Applying genuine thoughtfulness in our daily lives ripples outward. “Unlike random acts of kindness, intentional kindness is not always easy or convenient, but it’s always impactful,” says Tracey Gates, a kindness ambassador, author and wellness coach in Pennington, New Jersey. “It’s inviting the new student to sit at your table or being late for your appointment because a friend was in need.”
To make meaningful connections, Gates recommends employing conscious compassion, which has been pivotal in her own journey through a stressful work environment, caring for her mother and negative news when her health buckled under an autoimmune disease. “I needed to do something to tip the scales back toward positivity in my life, so I decided to conduct an experiment,” explains Gates. “If daily stress could impact me physically and emotionally, what would happen if I put a daily dose of kindness on my to-do list?”
Inspired by her late father, who always requested “a few kind words” instead of tangible gifts, she challenged herself to craft an unexpected, handwritten letter of appreciation to a different person every day for one year. The results were transformational in her own life and health and led to her book, The Power of a Few Kind Words: Create a More Meaningful Life, One Letter at a Time. “What I learned is that we are much more alike than we are different. We all just want to know we matter.”
Reaching out to others “can be as simple as sharing your time with no agenda, be-
Yogendra Singh from corelens/CanvaPro
ing curious, asking questions or offering to walk someone’s dog,” attests Jennifer Schmeisser, a health and wellness coach in Dublin, Ohio. “Kindness is much more than being polite. The world throws so much at you, and approaching it from an intentional place of kindness versus overwhelm is a game-changer.”
As a dedicated mother of an autistic son, Schmeisser has experienced unkind responses from strangers through the years, something she has taken as an opportunity to teach others sensitivity simply by being a positive example and not lashing out. “The intrinsic value of kindness is a larger picture of humanity outside oneself, regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity.”
For Gates, a more compassionate society begins at home. “If you want kindness, empathy and compassion to be core values in your child’s life, then it needs to be a core value in your life,” she says. “As a family, share each night around the dinner table how you were kind today and how and if someone was kind to you.”
Compassion for Ourselves
Talk of “self-care” is common these days, but to achieve well-being, we must put it into practice. “For me, self-kindness is letting go, not taking all the responsibilities on my shoulders and letting myself be human. Kindness is forgiving my flaws and allowing space for the hard emotions, too,” says Schmeisser.
For Gates, being kind to ourselves makes it easier to be kind to everyone else. It also involves unplugging from screens and reconnecting to others in real time. “Get out of your chair and put your phone down,” she affirms. “Ask a colleague how their vacation was or how life with a new puppy is going. Kindness and benevolence are readily available medicines to ease the burden of our technological age.”
Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings. At PATH TO WELLNESS
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
You will be LISTENED to... You will be HEARD. .. You will be BELIEVED !
50% off First Massage Call Today And Experience The Difference 251-943-5885
17 Years In Business
Priscilla Condon, MSN, RN, MNT Catherine Cubbage MNT, LMT Mother/ Daughter Duo- Working Together
Taking Dogs for a Swim
Tips for a Safe and Fun Experience
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Dogs generally love to splash around and play in water, whether in a pool, a calm lake or the open ocean. This might give the impression that all dogs are natural swimmers, but that isn’t necessarily true. As responsible pet owners, it is important to realize that a dog’s swimming skills can vary based on their breed, age and health. Even for dogs that are good swimmers, it is crucial to keep a close eye on their health and safety whenever they are in the water.
Pre-Swimming Preparation
Understanding a dog’s abilities and comfort level in water is crucial. Observing their behavior around water provides insights into their readiness to swim. Signs of comfort such as approaching puddles excitedly or displaying relaxed postures and tail wagging suggest a natural affinity for water. Conversely, hesitance or fear may be indicated by behaviors like barking at waves or avoiding even shallow water.
To create a safe environment, select pools with gentle slopes or steps for easy access and exit. Consider factors like water depth, currents and potential entrapment hazards. Additionally, providing swim accessories such as sunscreen, life jackets, ear protection and paw balm can enhance safety and comfort. Adding water-safe toys can enhance the enjoyment of the swimming experience.
Before allowing a dog to swim, it is essential to check the water quality and temperature. A 2014 study conducted at Chiang Mai University, in Thailand, reported that cold water
below 77° F can elevate a dog’s heart rate and blood sugar levels after just 20 minutes of swimming, potentially straining their bodies, while very warm water above 98.6° F may cause rapid breathing. Water with a temperature around 91.4° F helps dogs stay comfortable and regulate their body temperature during exercise, minimizing the risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water.
Ensure the water is clean and free from pollutants and harmful chemicals by regularly testing its quality, especially in pools, to maintain proper pH levels and chlorine content. Chlorine is commonly used to keep pool water clean and free of harmful bacteria, but it can be irritating to a dog’s skin and eyes in high concentrations. A 2012 study published in the Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine examining the effects of frequent swimming in chlorinated pools found that dry hair (21 percent) and dry skin (19 percent) were the most common side effects observed after the first swim. These percentages significantly increased with more frequent swims, reaching 78 percent for dry hair and 59 percent for dry skin by the fifth swimming session.
Optimizing Swim Lessons
Keeping an eye on the dog while they swim is essential for their safety. Unexpected situations like strong currents or sudden deep spots can happen, and the dog may not know how to handle them. Dogs, like humans, can also become tired while swimming, making it crucial to monitor their energy levels. It can be easy for them to get lost or confused, especially in unfamiliar
surroundings, which is where the owner’s guidance comes in handy.
While the dog is in the water, minimize distractions by avoiding phone use and selecting quiet areas away from crowds or loud noises. Keeping within arm’s reach of the dog allows for immediate response to any difficulties they may encounter. Providing regular breaks and offering encouragement during swimming sessions helps maintain the dog’s comfort and confidence in the water.
“Common mistakes made by dog parents are rushing the process and trying to force a dog that is unsure or frightened,” says Beth Hrnciar, a dog trainer at Follow My Lead, in Connecticut. A dog with little to no swimming experience should never be thrown into the water or allowed to accidentally fall in, she adds, and if a dog displays fear, the swimming session should be terminated.
“Just because a dog is young and healthy doesn’t necessarily mean they can start swimming right away,” explains Hrnciar. Canine fitness instructors can design physical conditioning programs to help dogs avoid unnecessary strain on joints or the cardiovascular system.
Using a proper-fitting life jacket or vest made specifically for dogs will provide support and visibility. “Stick to the shallows until the dog is comfortable, using a floating longline for safety in large bodies of water,” Hrnciar suggests. “Consider having a dog swim with another dog that already knows how to swim and enjoys it, as they learn a lot from modeling other dogs.”
Post-Swim Care
After a refreshing swim, it is essential to prioritize the dog’s post-swim care. Begin by thoroughly rinsing them with clean, fresh
water to remove any chlorine, salt or contaminants that may irritate their skin.
Encourage them to drink fresh water to prevent stomach upset. Dry the dog with a towel, paying extra attention to areas where moisture can linger, including between paws and under the ears. Monitor the dog for signs of discomfort or illness such as ear infections or skin irritation, and seek veterinary care, if necessary.
Swimming can be a fun and enjoyable activity for dogs. With a few precautions and an eye on their safety and health, our furry friends can stay cool and comfortable during hot summer days by the water.
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.
*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
Celebrating Unseen Milestones
by Marlaina Donato
By the time we see our backyard gardens explode with abundance or notice a hillside’s vibrant palette of summer, stealthy forces beneath the surface have been at work for many months. Like nature subtly turning the page to another season or the decaying, secret magic of mycelium networks underground, human milestones are not always obvious. The job promotion, dream vacation or new car promptly gets posted to social media, but emotional and spiritual progress deep within our recesses is not usually announced or even capable of being articulated. In a world that values shiny, tangible successes, the stuff that matters to us most gets lost like rare wildflowers in the underbrush.
We struggle for decades to get out of the stranglehold of trauma, labor silently to
refine a spiritual practice or create a new life brick-by-brick after devastating loss. Some of us work late into the night honing a craft or work through addiction recovery programs without a visible support system cheering us forward. Sometimes getting out of bed after a long, debilitating period of depression feels like winning the lottery to which very few are privy.
Whether we put an old grievance to rest in a soft grave of forgiveness or master a yoga pose, our most valuable accomplishments are the quiet kind that rarely inspire commemoration. Too many of us refrain from sharing our hidden harvests because we do not wish to appear foolish, or worse, fear being judged, envied or even dismissed by others. Too many of us feel that our internal achievements are insignificant or unworthy of attention. Too many of us minimize the value of what is utterly invaluable.
For today, take a personal milestone from the shadows by honoring it or sharing it. Inspire someone else to do the same. After all, this deeper work—and the cultivation of our intangible joy—is what makes the human journey exquisitely and arduously worthwhile.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at Bluefire Studio.art.
mihailomilovanovic from Getty Images Signature/ CanvaPro
Chemical-Free Weed Control
In every garden’s life, there comes a time when weeds attempt to take over, turning what was once a serene escape into chaos. But combatting weeds does not require a chemical solution. By adopting these eco-friendly practices, we can maintain soil health and biodiversity, eliminate toxin exposure to people and pets, contribute to healthier air quality and lower the cost of weed management.
• Plant Spacing. Plants need space to grow, but too much of an open area can lead to weed proliferation. The goal is to keep plant spacing narrow enough to create a canopy that limits sunlight to areas where weeds would otherwise flourish. For an optimal garden layout, follow the instructions that often come with purchased plants or seed packets, or use an online space calculator like ViteGreenhouses.com/plantcalculator.asp.
• Solar Power. Covering the soil with clear plastic during warm months creates a greenhouse effect that heats the soil, killing weed seeds and harmful pathogens. It’s a great way to prepare garden beds without lifting a hoe.
• Mulch Magic. A thick layer of organic mulch comprised of wood chips, straw or grass clippings is a formidable barrier against weeds. Mulch offers the added benefits of regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, providing nutrients, preventing erosion and inviting beneficial earthworms.
• Hand Weeding. There’s something meditative about getting down on hands and knees and connecting with the garden.
Pulling weeds removes invaders directly from the root, preventing regrowth.
• Natural Predators. Birds, insects and even certain types of fungi feast on weed seeds. Installing bird feeders and creating habitats for beneficial insects can tip the balance in the garden’s favor.
• Boiling Water Blitz. For the toughest of weeds sprouting in cracks and crevices, pouring boiling water directly onto them will cook them from the inside out. Just be mindful of surrounding plants.
• Vinegar Solution. Spraying a vinegarbased solution directly onto the leaves of
unwanted plants can dehydrate and kill them, making this a quick and easy spot treatment. Vinegar is non-selective, so precision is key. Martha Stewart’s recipe includes a well-combined mixture of one tablespoon of dish soap, one cup of salt and one gallon of white vinegar.
• Soil Health. Robust soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and a natural deterrent to weeds. Regular supplementation with compost and organic matter improves soil structure and fertility.
• Native Plants. Selecting plants that are native or well-suited to the area’s climate and soil conditions creates a resilient ecosystem. Such plants are more likely to thrive and outcompete weeds, reducing the need for maintenance.
• Barrier Methods. For particularly vulnerable areas, physical barriers such as landscape fabric or cardboard can prevent weeds from taking root. Covered with mulch, they blend seamlessly into the garden.
$1 per word, per month (maximum 40 words). Email content to MichelleS@ NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.
Help Wanted
ADVERTISE your job openings here.
Classes/Training
ADVERTISE your classes or training here.
For Rent/Lease
ADVERTISE your rentals or leases here.
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 Natural Health Class, 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 Natural Health Class, 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. De-stress, 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.
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 Natural Health Class, 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 Natural Health Class, Ocean Springs, MS – 11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment that 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.
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 for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 15.
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 19.
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 9.
Breast Screening
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
FDA registered thermography offers breast/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 19.
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 21.
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 21.
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 5
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 9
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 8
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 15
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
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 13.
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 21.
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 20
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 21.
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 23.
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 13.
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 16
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.
—James Dent
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 29
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 6
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
Pilates, weight loss, fatburning 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 17.
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 23.
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 5
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 29
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 23.
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 13.
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 19.
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 29.
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 8.
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 29
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 8
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 23.
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 13.
Pilates
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
Pilates, weight loss, fatburning 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 17.
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 21
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 21.
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 15
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 15.
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
—Henry David Thoreau
Wellness Studio—
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 6.
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 16
ALLEVIATE SEASICKNESS ALLEVIATE SEASICKNESS IMPROVES YOUR STRENGTH AND IMPROVES YOUR STRENGTH AND BALANCE BALANCE
