Lowcountry Wellness magazine

20 08 edition

w w w.lo w c o u n t r y w e l l n e s s m a g.c o m

body

mind spirit

Live a healthier life

Fresh Ideas for going out and eating in

lowcountr y wellness contents

body

12 1 PAIN, 3 TREATMENTS Heal lower back ailments through the body, mind and spirit.

17

photo © R afa Irusta | Dreamstime.com

st. andrews famiy fitness plus. photo by chris and cami smith

15

15 a safe place in the sun Seven steps for saving your skin while basking in the daylight.

17 shape up!

Local fitness centers want to make you sweat.

24 pass the kleenex Allergies are just a part of life in the Lowcountry.

14

mind

14 m aintain your brain How to keep your noggin as sharp as a tack.

25 get in the mood Mentally prepare for childbirth to ease fear and worry.

30 blow your mind Local spas offer treatments to integrate mind and body.

editor’s note:

30

photo by l arry gleason

We are pleased to bring you the first issue of Lowcountry Wellness magazine! Our mission is to provide you with a wealth of advice and information to help you live a better, healthier life in this great region of ours. We hope you’ll enjoy this new publication and wish you wellness in everything you do!

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 |

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photo by stephen coburn I drea mstime.com

lowcountr y wellness contents

spirit

22 get a life ... coach A life coach can help you find direction and meaning.

22

28 A little help from your friends Support groups serve diverse needs and offer strength of community.

29 self-help bookshelf

book covers provided.

We recommend four books to nurture your spirit.

in every issue

29

8

CONTRIBUTORS

9

l ifeline Workshops, events, tips and tidbits to help you live a better life.

Tell us what you think We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions about Lowcountry Wellness. E-mail us at editor@lowcountryliving magazine.com, or drop a note in the mail to Lowcountry Wellness , c/o The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800.

10 Lowcountry Wellness 2008 |

ab out our contributors 2008 Edition publication M anager

Jane Comfort Editor

Cathleen Barrie Art Director

Holly Thorpe gr aphic designer

Melissa Kelley contributing editor

Stephanie Burt Williams Advertising gr aphic designer

Shannon McCarty proofreader

Carrie Kenady

Kim Catanzarite | writer SUBJECT:

“Shape Up!” page 17

Kim is a freelance writer and editor living in Charleston. She has written for Lowcountry Living and Lowcountry Brides magazines. Kim has been devoted to working out in health clubs and/or home gyms for more than 20 years. “It’s a stress reliever, calorie burner and antidote to so many physical ailments. How can you not ‘just do it’”?

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Jennifer H. Smith | writer SUBJECT:

“Get a Life ... Coach”

page 22

As a play-at-home mom of young children, Jen can relate to the quest for balance. Like many busy folks, she could accomplish more with the help of a skilled life coach.

Prioritizing is a challenge: separating the “hope-to-dos” from the “muddlethroughs,” and too often postponing the handful of tasks under “achieve with grace.” Fortunately, helpful taskmasters are plentiful in Charleston.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Contributing Writers

Kim Catanzarite, Kendall Lukas, Eugenia Payne, Jennifer H. Smith, Colleen Troy Contributing Photogr apher

Sully Sullivan Web designer

Amy Freeman Publisher

Larry W. Tarleton audience development Director

Steve Wagenlander Advertising Director

Bill Cranford Niche Division M anager

Jane Comfort cl a ssified M anager

Parks Rogers Retail Advertising M anager

Jamie Drolet New Media Advertising M anager

Zach Payer Sales M anagers

Michael Caristi, Kathryn Darden, Deseret Evangelista, Greg Gormley, Brenda Jaicks, Ruthann Kelly, Mark Mandel, Robbi Statham

Sully Sullivan | photographer SUBJECT:

“Shape Up!“

page 17

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“A Little Help from Your Friends” page 28

SUBJECT:

BEHIND THE SCENES: Colleen is a freelance writer and business owner with a deep interest in the mind/body/spirit connection. Researching local support groups was especially interesting, she notes. “I’ve always been a big believer that our loads are lightened when we share them with others. It’s so wonderful to see many of our friends and neighbors in the Lowcountry tapping into the power of support groups.”

To advertise in future publications, call your Post and Courier sales representative or our advertising department at (843) 937-5468. w w w.lowcountr y wellnessmag.com Lowcountry Wellness is an annual magazine of The Post and Courier , 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800. Copyright 2008 by The Post and Courier.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The Post and Courier . Printed by R.L. Bryan, Columbia, S.C.

sully sullivan photo by squire fox.

Currently based out of Charleston and living downtown “next door to a greatsmelling pizza place,” Sully has enjoyed a variety of commercial work and considers music and fashion to be his specialties. He has worked with ad agencies and publications as well as top record labels from around the world.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Colleen Troy | writer

lifeline October 18

r ac e f o r th e c u re Daniel Island

watch out m en

Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s largest and most popular event is the Race for the Cure. Started as one 5K (3.1 miles) race in Dallas, this event has grown to be a national series of more than 110 races in cities around the nation. The Lowcountry course starts and finishes at the Family Circle Tennis Center, and festivities include an expo and a survivor celebration.

GET INFO: (843) 556-3343 www.komenlowcountry.org/race

As a male...

• in Dorchester County, your chances of dying from heart disease are 36 percent higher than a woman’s; • in Berkeley County, the chances of dying from lung cancer are 41 percent higher than a woman’s; • in Charleston County, the odds of dying from pneumonia are more than 80 percent higher than a woman’s.

m ark nepo photo provided. hand illustr ation © ine beerten. bl ackberry Photo © henrik anderson. hand and bl ackberry photos from drea mstime.com.

Source: DHEC

EDUCATE YOURSELF The Diabetic Education Group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. at East Cooper Medical Center. This free monthly program teaches patients and family members how to successfully manage diabetes. For more information or to register, call (843) 884-7031.

Digital Diet Tips!

The MUSC Weight Management Center “cell-U-lite” weight loss messaging program is a free text messaging service that delivers a daily weight management tip directly to your cell phone. These messages provide practical tips and daily reminders to help you work weight management into your daily lifestyle. www.cell-u-lite.org

[ standing invitation ] Unity Church, North Charleston

Reiki Workshops

T

he practice of Reiki is a method of transferring Universal Life Energy, and Reiki practitioners transmit this energy through their hands to Tuesday evenings a person who is open to receiving it.

Clinics are held on Tuesday evenings except for the first Tuesday of the month. First-come, first-serve registration is from 7:15-8:15 p.m.

Suggested donation: $7. Call (843) 991-0831 for more information.

mark nepo

October 24-25 Fac i n g th e Li o n, B e i n g th e Li o n: F i n d i n g I n n e r C o u r ag e Wh e re I t Live s, P re s e nte r Mark N e p o The Sophia Institute, Downtown Delve into the courage to listen to your own life, the gift of vulnerability, the willingness to experiment and explore your own voice, the abiding commitment to respect your own and others’ journeys and the life skill of working with what we’re given. No experience is required, just a beginner’s mind and heart. Friday evening’s lecture at 6:30 p.m. is $20 in advance, $30 at door. The cost of the weekend workshop (includes Friday evening lecture) is $250.

GET INFO: (843) 720-8528 www.thesophiainstitute.org

november 8 Th i rd An n ua l G re e n an d Lean 5 K Brittlebank Park, Downtown Once again, Keep Charleston Beautiful has teamed up with Lowcountry Earth Force to sponsor the Third Annual Green and Lean 5K. This year’s race is certified, and all proceeds benefit environmental education programs, so put on your running shoes, race for a good cause and get some healthy exercise.

GET INFO: (843) 579-7501 www.charlestoncity.info/dept/?nid=402

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 |

lifeline discount m a s s age

Is it just me, or is it warm in here?

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is defined as any amount of sweating that causes problems or distress. It usually starts in adolescence or young adulthood, and up to 3 percent of the population suffers. There are treatments available, and dermatologists are generally the best physicians to consult for treatment.

d on’ t f orge t

Memory Screening

Nov. 18

National Memory Screening Day is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to promote early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and to encourage appropriate intervention. To find local screening locations, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org 10 | w w w.lowcountr y wellnessmag.com

Kindermusik Kindermusik is a program of music-filled classes designed to develop skills (cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language and musical) in the whole child, ages newborn to 7 years. Lowcountry Kindermusik offers fall and spring classes at the following locations: • Summerville – National Karate Institute, 827 Travelers Blvd., off Trolley Road • West Ashley – Susan Causey’s Dance Studio, 2487 Ashley River Road •J ames Island – School of Empty Hand Art Karate Studio, 325 Folly Road, in the Cross Creek Shopping Center • Hanahan – Highland Park Baptist Church, 6211 Murray Drive For more information, check out www.lowcountrykindermusik.com.

13 Super Foods for pregnancy

sweet potato

salmon broccoli whole cheese (pasteurized) grains

orange beans juice (fortified) beef berries milk pork tenderloin eggs yogurt (low-fat or fat free)

m assage photo © Alwekelo. wom an sweating photo © simone van den berg. girl pl aying x ylophone photo © hallgerd. pregnant wom an photo © iurii lupoli. all photos from drea mstime.com.

Take advantage of the many spa services offered by students in MillerMotte Technical College’s Therapeutic Massage and Esthetic Technology programs. Students are supervised by a knowledgeable, professional instructor. Schedule an appointment for yourself and for friends or order a gift certificate by calling (843) 266-1920.

[ spotlight class ]

diagnosis and tre atment

N

ext to the common cold, lower back pain is the most recurring ailment that causes people to miss work, mainly because of the inflammation of muscle tissue. While many suffering from back pain rightly seek the advice of a trained medical doctor, other treatments such as yoga and Rolfing are also viable sources of relief.

Certainly, a physician should be consulted immediately for conditions related to injury, numbness or leg weakness.

Yoga

Written by Eugenia Payne

3 Treatments The way to healing lower back pain is through the body, mind and spirit

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yoga photo © k athy w ynn. back photo © Sebastian K aulitzki. all photos from drea mstime.com.

1pain

“I thought that I was always going to be in pain and never be able to bend over again,” says Jeffrey Cohen, co-owner of Jivamukti Yoga of Charleston.

Cohen was bedridden and considering surgery for sciatica before he began the yoga practice that has cured his back problems.

First, yoga taught him how to breathe. Through mindful breathing, Cohen tapped into the ability of mind and body to quiet each other. He realized that the greater portion of his back pain stemmed from the mental anxiety about having pain, and he recalled that his back hurt the most at the doctor’s office, where his symptoms were given the most attention.

As nature intended, we are all conditioned to panic about our encounters with discomfort – both physical and emotional. But in yoga class, Cohen learned to trump his habitual reactions. Once his anxiety was in check, the pain lost its favorite accomplice and eventually vanished.

Cohen’s success story is similar to many yoga instructors who are compelled to teach others how to alleviate their suffering. Rather than seeking ways around pain, studying yoga meets the condition head on, enabling the concentration and blood circulation needed to restore the body. Simply put, the body cannot be treated without involving the mind and spirit.

diagnosis and treatment

Rolfing In addition to yoga, spinal alignment and posture can obtain new life with a treatment known as Rolfing, which restructures connective muscular fascia so that the body adheres to a more optimal form. Like massage, the practitioner uses hands and elbows, but Rolfing sessions work cumulatively and reach beyond surface muscles to realign the deepest layers of the connective tissue.

Jeremy Evers of Charleston Rolfing says that his clients notice the most change after about 10 Rolfing sessions; after that it’s, like anything, “a little maintenance here and there.” Naturally, Evers (who also teaches yoga) encourages stretches and exercises to maintain the adjustments. About 15 percent of sessions with Evers are spent learning how to actively manage your posture’s predispositions.

rolfing photo provided. acupuncture photo © yuri arcurs I Drea mstime.com.

Medical treatment Dr. Leslie Pelzer of Charleston House Calls draws from many disciplines when offering treatment for lower back pain. For the most severe cases, she recommends lumbar steroid injections to decrease inflammation around the nerve root. According to Pelzer, a series of three or four trigger point injections are often required before the pain subsides.

“Advancements in lumbar surgery are improving the success of artificial disc replacements, but more conservative treatments are advised before considering surgery.”

Along with medications and massage, Pelzer has witnessed patient satisfaction with well-trained acupuncturists, like Dr. Catherine Jones of Acupuncture and Wellness of Charleston.

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 13

he althy mind

E xercise your body regul arly, and get involved in physically active leisure pursuits

Maintain your

brain

What this means: At least 30 minutes of activity five times a week.

Keep your mind exercised! Engage in active learning throughout life, and pursue new experiences

What this means: Do your best to remain curious. Ask why.

Learn a new task, a new language or a new route to your favorite place.

Stay socially engaged with friends, fa mily and communit y groups

What this means: If you don’t like hanging out with your current “friends,” find new ones. Go over and meet that new neighbor.

Call your mom.

M aintain a positive attitude and a sense of control over your life

What this means: Being the master of your own destiny keeps your brain engaged with possibilities. If you give up control, you could eventually give up sanity.

Take steps to m anage stress

What this means: Don’t get to the point where everything gets to you. Stress can do serious damage to your whole body, so spend time enjoying a hobby, even if sometimes you feel you don’t have the time to spare.

T

What this means: Eat fish; eat broccoli; eat a lot more veggies than most Americans (and fries don’t necessarily count).

Mind your numbers: Lose any extr a pounds, lower your cholesterol if it is high, and keep your blood glucose and blood pressure under control

What this means: Before you can manage your health, you need to know the numbers. Make an appointment for a check-up to see where you stand on weight, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Get adequate sleep

What this means: Most adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, and studies show that a dark, cool room can help you get to sleep faster.

Get proper medical attention and treatment for any underlying health problems

What this means: Once again, make an appointment for a check- up, and if something concerns you, bring it up with your doctor.

Source: aarp.org

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br ain illustr ation © m ary burr I drea mstime.com.

he basic rule is, if you don’t use it, you lose it. Here are certain things you can do to counteract all those reality TV marathons spent sitting aimlessly on the couch. Keep those synapses firing, or they’ll get rusty.

Eat a bal anced diet, and focus on br ain-healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatt y acids, and consider taking a multivita min supplement that includes antioxidants and fol ate

safe

sun safet y

a place in the sun

sun Photo © Christian Wheatley. sungl a sses photo © R afa Irusta. both photos from Drea mstime.com.

O

ur doctors tell us to stay out of the sun, but this is the Lowcountry! We have beaches, lots of pool time, and often perfect weather for 18 holes of golf. So let’s be honest – there’s no way to stay completely out of the sun here, so how can we enjoy it safely?

The FDA recommends seven steps for sun safety:

1 2

Stay in the shade.

Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when sun rays are strongest. And don’t be fooled by cloudy skies. Harmful rays can pass through clouds.

Use sunscreen products on your skin.

Many suntan products have sunscreens to protect your skin from the sun. Products with sunscreens have an “SPF” number on the label. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. A higher number means it protects longer. Buy products with an SPF number of 15 or more.

3 4 5

Wear a hat.

A hat with a wide brim helps shade the neck, ears, eyes and head.

Wear sunglasses.

Buy only sunglasses with a label saying the glasses block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. If there is no label, do not buy the glasses.

Cover up.

Wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts when in the sun.

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 15

sun safet y

6

7

Avoid artificial tanning methods.

This includes sunlamps and tanning beds, as well as tanning pills and tanning makeup.

Tanning pills have a color addi- tive that turns your skin orange after you take them. The FDA has approved this additive for coloring foods but not for tanning the skin.

The large amount of color additive in tanning pills may be harmful.

Tanning makeup is put on the skin to make it look tan. Sometimes the color can be washed off with soap and water. Other times, it wears off after a few days. These products are not sunscreen lotions and will not protect your skin from the sun.

Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer.

Look for changes in the size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, moles and spots. If you find any changes or sores that are not healing, see your doctor.

SPF Crunching the num ber s An SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays; an SPF 10 filters out about 85% of UVB rays; an SPF 15 stops about 95%; and an SPF 30 stops about 97%. An SPF that’s higher than 30 does not provide any more UV protection; it just offers more time that you can stay in the sun without burning.

Source: Paula Begoun, cosmeticscop.com

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east shore athletic club at park west. photo by christopher brown

Written by Kim Catanzarite

Photography by Christopher Brown, Chris and Cami Smith and Sully Sullivan

local fitness gyms offer plenty to make you sweat

Shape

up!

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 17

I

t’s hard to find time to exercise and easy to come up with excuses not to. Temperatures are soaring, or the afternoon thunderclouds have arrived. It’s true, the Lowcountry’s elements do sometimes get in the way of a brisk walk or jog along the fitness trail. But there is a simple answer: the gym – air-conditioned, weather-proof and fun.

Yes, fun. Today’s gyms go out of their way to make clients happy. Not only do they provide the weights, fitness classes, yoga mats and stationary bicycles, but they also furnish the child care (should you need it), entertainment (via TVs and sometimes movie screens) and camaraderie (boot camp, anyone?). And after you’ve burned your allotted calories and sweated away all those pesky toxins, a cold bottle of Vitamin Water and a masseuse may very well be waiting in the wings.

Sound good to you? Individual memberships range in price from less than $20 a month to more than $50, depending on the facility and the amenities you want to use. Family memberships and kid-only memberships also are available. Shop around, tour the facilities and get quotes. The following is a sample of gyms that help Lowcountry residents get into the best shape of their lives.

EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF E a s t S h o r e At h l e t i c C l u b LOCATIONS:

910 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 856-8877; 3301 Stockdale St. (Park West), 375-0770; 1476 Long Grove Drive (Seaside Farms), 8817560; 610 Coleman Blvd., 881-8142; 677 Long Point Road, 284-4794 Daniel Isl and – 295 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 200, 284-5513 West Ashley – 1964 Ashley River Road, 266-7311 Moncks Corner – 414 DriveIn Lane, 761-5965 North Charleston – 8545 Dorchester Road, 767-1060 Hanahan – opening fall 2008 WEB SITE: eastshoreac.com HOURS: Call specific location. Some open 24 hours a day.

EQUIPMENT: State-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment AMENITIES (vary by location): Indoor pools, indoor/outdoor tracks and basketball courts, racquetball courts, sand volleyball court, steam rooms/saunas, children’s fitness center, child care, personal training, massage club and cafe Mount Pleasant –

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CLASSES: More than 1,200 group fitness class-

es per month, including Les Mills classes, spinning, yoga, Pilates and Silver Sneakers for senior members. FunFit! program for kids (Daniel Island, West Ashley, Park West and Johnnie Dodds locations).

Members have the option of working with personal trainers, attending boot camp or participating in the Performance Massage Club.

S t. A n d r e w s Fa m i ly Fitnes s Plus LOCATION: 1642 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., 763-3850 WEB SITE: standrewsfitness.com HOURS: Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1-6 p.m.

EQUIPMENT: Treadmills, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, arc trainers, stationary bicycles, Olympic-style free weights, nautilus circuits AMENITIES: Three-lane indoor track, aerobic studios, aquatics, fitness room, racquetball courts, indoor basketball, indoor heated pool, massage therapy, personal training, group nutrition training (registration required), child care CLASSES: More than 50 classes offered weekly, including belly dancing, Butt & Gut, water aerobics and Just for Kidz.

PERSONAL TRAINING To p S h a p e a n d S t e v e B a s i l e ’s To p S h a p e LOCATIONS: 778 S. Shelmore Blvd., Mount Pleasant, 388-2301 and 475 East Bay St., 723-2002 (Steve Basile’s) WEB SITE: topshapeworkout.com and stevebasilestopshape.com HOURS: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

EQUIPMENT: State-of-the-art training studio with Atlantis Precision Series weight-training equipment, elliptical trainers, treadmills and stationary bicycles (most with cable TV) AMENITIES: One-to-one personal training, men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers, towels and toiletries provided and in-home training available SESSIONS: During each 30- or 60-minute session, a professional trainer guides the client step-by-step through a personalized workout, helping him or her stay motivated as

east shore athletic club at johnnie dodds. photo by christopher brown

st. andrews famiy fitness plus. photo by chris and cami smith

st. andrews family fitness plus. photo by chris and cami smith

top shape. photo by sully sullivan

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 19

photo by sully sullivan

Child’s Play

I

1 2 3 4 5

swim ming photo © Julia Brit vich. silhouette illustr ations © Stephanie Murr ay. both from Drea mstime.com.

t’s no secret that childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes has become a concern for U.S. families, and that a lack of physical activity have contributed to a lot of out-of-shape kids. The days of joining the neighborhood gang for a game of “kick the can” are a thing of the past. One rising trend may help, however: gyms that cater to the physical activity needs of children.

“Our goal at Fun Fit! is to inspire children to develop healthy habits that will carry on into adulthood,” says Mandy Harrison of East Shore Athletic Club.

While today’s parent takes a spinning class (or buys groceries), his child may take a spinning class of her own.

Here’s where kids can go.

ECO Fitness (Mount Pleasant): A 4,400-square-foot Kids Towne hosts playground-like play and fitness programs.

Summerville YMCA: Fitastic Kids has ping-pong, air hockey and active video games. Those who are 10 and up can join parents for water aerobics, yoga and Pilates.

E a st Shor e Athletic Club (Mount

Christy MacKaness assists Beth

Plea sant, Daniel Isl and, West A sh-

Jeffcoat while she works out at

ley ): Fun Fit! Classes for 3-13 years

Curves of Johns Island. beth uses

of age include ball games, rock climbing, exergaming, kickboxing, creative movement and more.

St. A ndr ew s Fa mily Fitnes s Plus

Kidz Fitness features structured activities, such as cardio kickbox, and dance and gymnastics. ( West A shle y ):

Yoga M a m a K a r m a Kid (Mount Plea sant):

Yoga for all ages.

20 | w w w.lowcountr y wellnessmag.com

the CurvesSmart personal coaching system, a new technology that offers a precision-designed workout, moment-to-moment feedback and progress reports to keep members motivated as they exercise. Curves of Johns Island is among the first in the nation to feature the equipment upgrade.

he or she safely works toward fitness goals.

A 60-minute session includes warm-up, lower body stretching, core/ab exercises, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, upper body stretching and cool down.

The number of clients who workout at any given time is strictly limited to ensure privacy and equipment availability.

Friday 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

EQUIPMENT: Weight-training and cardiovascular equipment AMENITIES (vary by location): Personal training, child care, tanning, pro shop, private wom-

en’s areas and cardio cinema experience.

CLASSES: Group exercise, personal training, spinning, Pilates and yoga.

Rooted in its weight-lifting tradition that started in Venice, Calif., Gold’s Gym continues to change with the times by adding new programs like Pilates and yoga.

FOR WOMEN ONLY Curves LOCATIONS:

214 St. James Ave., 863-9101 Hanahan – 1233 Yeamans Hall Road, 744-5999 Ja mes Isl and – 1175-D Folly Road, 406-2878 Johns Isl and – 3575-V Maybank Highway, 557-1150 Moncks Corner – 102 Rembert C Dennis Blvd., 761-7737 Mount Pleasant – 557 Belle Station Blvd, 388-2588; 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd., 856-0761 North Charleston – 3746 Ashley Phosphate Road, 552-9436 Summerville – 1525-K Old Trolley Road, 486-0888 West Ashley – 1836-P Ashley River Road, 852-2878 WEB SITE: curves.com HOURS: Call specific location for schedules.

EQUIPMENT: The Curves Circuit consists of weight-training equipment that challenges every major muscle group in a 30-minute workout. Burns up to 500 calories per session. Curves Complete is an optional supplemental online nutrition plan.

AMENITIES : Trainers on-site to answer questions and motivate clients CLASSES: The Curves Circuit includes warmup, aerobic exercise, strength training, cool down and stretching.

Curves was created with the busy woman in mind, hence the 30-minute workout. Baylor University research proves that the Curves method protects muscle, burns body fat and raises metabolism.

Goose Creek –

FULL-SERVICE + CO-ED G o l d ’s Gy m LOCATIONS: 1291 Folly Road, 853-GOLD and 35 Folly Road, 329-GOLD WEB SITE: goldsgym.com HOURS: Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 21

life up grade

coach

get a life...

Written by Jennifer H. Smith

C

oach Yogi Berra said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, chances are you won’t get there.”

Such is the essence of life coaching, a rapidly growing profession where coaches assist clients through periods of transition in their relationships and careers.

Life coaches can help you stay on track or blaze a new trail. They are skilled enablers who can help people reach goals they may have already identified, such as kicking a bad habit or increasing worth in the marketplace. Coaches are also adept at helping people find the paths that will lead them to more fulfilling and balanced lives.

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Some clients are unsure what they need when they turn to a life coach. “‘I’m just not happy with my life right now,’ is a common opener,” says Kent MacEachern of PartnerCoach, who leads his clients through an assessment of various areas of their lives, including personal health, career, finances and physical environment.

A thorough review sets the wheels in motion, and the coach helps the client set and prioritize goals.

Choosing a Coach Life coaches come from varied backgrounds – many are former therapists and

yellow brick road photo © stephen coburn. chalkboard photo © Denise Ca mpione. both photos from drea mstime.com.

Need some direction?

A Life Coach can help you find your way

life up grade

consultants, some are detail-oriented taskmasters skilled at motivating and some are graduates of the School of Hard Knocks who are eager to help people overcome challenges similar to ones they faced.

Despite different credentials and approaches, good coaches can work wonders by helping clients clarify and focus.

Barbara Rawson works with Keith Sudano of A New Course: “He lovingly assists in unraveling the mysterious and intricate puzzles that are buried within. With Keith’s guidance, I have learned to hear with more compassion and understanding.”

According to the International Coach Federation, which currently has 14,000 members, the coaching profession continues to blossom at an impressive rate. The certification process for coaching is not yet regulated, but the training provides an element of supervision and accountability.

Varied skills and approaches make it critical to interview several coaches before choosing one whose background and approach meshes with your personality.

Despite different credentials and approaches, good coaches can work wonders by helping clients clarify and focus.

Karen Hoad of Life Transformations uses both hypnosis and coaching geared toward nutrition to help clients achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle. Spirituality is commonly employed in helping people lead more fulfilling lives, and coaches offer various perspectives, from newage to Christ-centered ones. Maggie Voelker of Living in Wisdom spent four years working as a leadership coach for FranklinCovey and classifies her current focus as Christian life/career coaching.

The Road to MVP Coaches agree that there is no “typical” engagement. Unlike counseling or therapy, which may require a weekly commitment for months or even years,

coaching is often short-term, and much of it can be done over the telephone.

Coaches are flexible based on their clients’ needs. Glenn Cohen of “I-TO-WE” Coaching explains, “When clients are working through a conflict, I am on call for them.”

MacEachern, a licensed marriage and family counselor, also works with entrepreneurial business people. “I coach clients throughout the country – some of whom I’ve never met – and I never dreamed that it could be as effective as it is. They seek accountability, encouragement, support, a sounding board.” He provides those, in digestible doses of the client’s choosing.

Coaches are passionate about helping people. “Coaching is rewarding because clients want it; they’re motivated,” said MacEachern.

Cohen feels rewarded. “The ultimate goal of my coaching is to have your soul at peace. If it is, I’ve done my job.”

C oac h e s to Consider Glenn Cohen www.i-to-we.org (843) 852-9828 Karen Hoad Life Transformations (843) 225-3036 lifetransformations@knology.net Kent MacEachern, MA, LMFT www.partnercoach.com (843) 849-0453 kent@partnercoach.com Keith Sudano www.anewcourse.com (843) 225-8993 anewcourse@comcast.net Maggie Voelker Living in Wisdom (843) 573-1923 maggievoelker@bellsouth.net Lynn Wiederhold (843) 991-0207 lynn@coastalpathways.com Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 23

sne ezing and wheezing

Kleenex Pass

Written by Stephanie Bur t Williams

the

I

n most areas of the country, allergy season is just that – a season. But here in the Lowcountry, our warm climate creates the perfect environment for allergies all year long, and that can mean constant irritants affecting quality of life.

“Since we have a warmer climate, our outdoor allergy season lasts almost the entire year,” says Dr. John Ramey of the National Allergy, Asthma and Urticaria Centers of Charleston. “We have tree pollen from January to June, grass pollen from April to September and weed pollen from July to October.”

Children often grow out of allergies, and many adults have been known to grow into them.

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glass of milk each day as a child might develop lactose intolerance.

In addition to changes in the body during the course of life, allergies can manifest themselves in a variety of ways.

WebMD lists 10 common allergic reactions that range from a rash to the closing of the airway, but other reactions can be allergy-related as well, such as vomiting, cramps or a rapid pulse. Mild allergies can also become more severe with time and move from simple itchiness to full-out swelling and hives.

If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, plan a trip to the doctor to determine your exact triggers before deciding to live your life in a plastic bubble to avoid allergens.

“The most important year-round allergens are pet dander (dog and cat), cockroach and dust mite. Many patients have year-round symptoms to these allergens.

The best way to find out what you are allergic to is to be evaluated by a boardcertified allergist,” Ramey says. “They can do allergy testing on either the skin or through the blood.”

check your allergen levels w w w.w e at her .c o m (under the “Healthy Living” button) w w w.p o l l en.c o m w w w.n at i o n a l a l l ergya n da s t h m a .c o m

dandelion im age © hadisagin I drea mstime.com.

But, of course, each person has different allergens, and the key is to discover yours. If your eyes redden and you start sneezing every time you pet your neighbor’s cat, then you can pretty much assume you are allergic to cats. However, deciphering your allergic triggers might not always be that easy.

Children often grow out of allergies, and many adults have been known to grow into them. Exposure to a certain allergen might build up in the body with time, and soon, an adult who drank a

Allergies are just a part of life in the lowcountry

mood

Get in the

How to mentally prepare for childbirth

Written by Kendall Lukas

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 25

S

How is a mom-to-be able to find peace, joy and answers with all of that data piling up in her mind, complicating an otherwise personal, instinctual and ancient process? Luckily, the medical/professional childbirth communities and fellow parents are tuning into this question and helping families return to a way of birthing that restores the mental health and innate abilities of mothersand fathers-to-be as they prepare to bring Baby into the world.

Claire Witbeck, doula and Birthing From Within class mentor says, “It’s OK to worry. Worrying is creating motivation so that parents can search out answers to their questions, learning what is personally ‘right’ for them and their baby …

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making personal decisions with more self awareness.”

Calming courses like Claire’s explore many childbirth issues ranging from coping with labor pain and unpredictability to the use of drugs and epidurals to building confidence in the ability to birth.

Topics like physical comfort measures, labor environments, fears and postpartum transition plans are also addressed.

“Most women are afraid of three things: the safety of their baby and themselves, pain and losing control,” says Lesley Rathbun, certified nurse midwife and family nurse practitioner at Charleston Birth Place. “We help mothers work against the scary stories and distorted cultural influences that indicate this is a “bad” [as in problematic] thing happening to the body. It’s all about adequately

pregnant wom an photo (on previous page) © Alex ander Shal a mov I Drea mstime.com. couple photo from gett y im ages.

o you’re having a baby and everyone has something to say about it! With the world at your (swollen) fingertips and baby “experts” at every turn, today’s expectant parents are so bombarded with information that half of the stress of the birthing experience is deciphering what is “best” or “right” for childbirth.

watch it

Want A Fresh Perspective?

Check out the documentary film, The Business of Being Born. It’s available to rent or watch for free on Netflix.com.

preparation checklist o Research labor methods.

movie poster provided. pregnant wom an photo © K ati Molin I Drea mstime.com.

preparing for childbirth and understanding that the average woman’s body is miraculously physiologically set up to handle natural labor.”

There are goals to strive for, but there is no right way. “I tell mothers that having a baby is like transcending a mountain,

“It’s OK to worry.

Worrying is creating motivation so that parents can search out answers to their questions, learning what is personally ‘right’ for them and their baby.”

– Claire Witbeck, doula and Birthing From Within class mentor

Rathbun says. “One of you will take a helicopter, while the other will take the climb.

You’ll get to the same place, with the same view, but the experience will be different with slightly different rewards. Safety is

always the most important thing.”

Judy Lutz, infant massage mentor with From Here To Maternity agrees: “Over nine years of my course, mothers have shared that what helps them is talking about the natural process of birth. It may also be helpful to take a care-of-baby course, a natural childbirth course, and a breast-feeding course as part of the prenatal preparation.”

She emphasizes the importance of calming influences throughout the experience. “A lot of visitation during the first few weeks is not generally helpful.

Keeping that time as private as possible – allowing for the essential bonding of parents and child – with someone who can deflate stress in the background is helpful.”

Judy believes that postnatal care for new families is as important as prenatal preparation. A nourishing and enriching group like infant massage engages mothers and fathers in a calming, bonding and nurturing learning experience with their babies and other parents in the same boat.

“The first few weeks are hard.

Parents are not often prepared for the lack of sleep. Some report crying the first two to three months. In a peer group you learn that you are not crazy or different, and all is going to be OK. All the sudden, one day the fog lifts and then you have Baby!”

o Choose like-minded labor coaches.

(This may include your partner, friends, family or a doula.)

o Research pain medication options even if you are planning for natural childbirth.

o Create a birth plan listing your expectations and preferences during the delivery process. (You can download a birth plan template at www.birthplan.com.)

o Schedule maternity tours at the hospitals/centers where you might want to deliver.

o Schedule prenatal/postnatal classes. (Many are free! Don’t forget infant CPR.)

o Pack your hospital bag well in advance of your due date (at least two weeks).

o Have your car seat properly installed ahead of time. (Hospitals won’t let you take your baby home without one, and it’s the law.)

o Stock extra groceries and frozen/assembled meals for the first couple of weeks after birth.

o Handle details regarding pet care, child care and home care for during delivery and afterward.

o Research breast-feeding, breast pumping and alternative feeding methods. Get feeding essentials and accessories together in advance.

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 27

supp or ting roles

Written by Colleen Troy

Help A Little

from your

friends

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B

attling cancer or the blues? Kicking the bottle or the blackjack table? Grieving a loss?

Join the club. Literally. The Lowcountry is awash in groups of folks grappling with similar issues and seeking the strength of community.

Many such support groups are organized by health or human service organizations. And most are open-ended, allowing individuals to join, then move on, as needed.

Area groups appeal to an amazing variety of needs. Health issues from A (Charleston Amputee Support) to T (a Trichotollomania group for folks who compulsively pull out their hair) have spawned gatherings.

Others deal with everything from spousal infidelity (Beyond Affairs Network) and relationship violence (My Sister’s House) to midlife crises and more (Center for Women).

hands photo Š Tom a s Kr aus I Drea mstime.com.

Support groups serve diverse needs and offer comforting commonality

supp or ting roles

But do they work? A small, but growing, body of academic research indicates they do. Participants benefit from being helped – and from helping others. Support groups offer comforting commonality – a safe place to learn from and see oneself in others.

That’s precisely what Karen* found after her “bright, creative” daughter was hospitalized for the fifth time because of a bipolar disorder. Crossing the MUSC lobby, Karen spied a flyer from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which offered a 12-week support group for loved ones.

“It was a Godsend,” she says. “I had never joined anything like this. Learning about other people – from all walks of life – and how mental illness affected them. Well, it gave me hope.”

Karen’s experience with NAMI was rather typical; the support group supplemented advice she was getting from doctors and social workers. Many people use the group support to complement private counseling or other means for gaining perspective. Experts advise that a prospective joiner talk with a member or the group’s facilitator before the first meeting, and group participants are encouraged to be fully “present” when they meet. Listening and paying attention are as important as talking.

Self-help or support groups are not for everyone. Experts at Health.com advise attending a group meeting at least three times before deciding if you’re ready to jump in. *Actual name changed to protect anonymity

Visible M e a ns of Supp or t Wondering how to get started?

Search online for terms related to your particular concern, or simply Google “Charleston Support Groups.” You may also consult your doctor, a religious leader or a trusted friend to help in your search.

Here are contact numbers for some of the area’s better-known groups (all area codes are 843): Alcoholics Anonymous 554-2998 (24 hours a day) Grief Support at Hospice of Charleston – 266-3497 Narcotics Anonymous – 720-8031 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 571-1832 Overeaters Anonymous – 577-9499 Positive Life Coaching Group Center for Women, 763-7333 SurvIVF/Support for infertility contact raleighdarrah@hotmail.com

Self-Help Bookshelf

all book covers provided.

When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions by Sue Monk Kidd Kidd reflects on the simple cocoon, a living parable of waiting, and how it can become an icon of hope for transformation. Charting her re-ascent from the depths of her spiritual crisis, she offers a new understanding of the passage away from the self (which is based upon others’ expectations) to the true self of God’s unfolding intention.

Sark’s New Creative Companion: Ways To Free Your Creative Spirit by Sark It’s little things that make us feel

really alive. Unfortunately, we’re so frequently occupied with the day-today that a mere moment of magic often seems miles away. Find insight and suggestions for creating everyday magic in your life with stories, poems and exercises embellished with vibrant illustrations that provide inspiration, self-reflection and discovery. This book will remind you that it’s never too late to kindle or rekindle the loving and creative spirit within.

Facing the Lion, Being the Lion: Finding Inner Courage Where It Lives by Mark Nepo Nepo, a poet, philosopher and teacher, believes there are two paths to manifesting courage: going within and knowing oneself, and turning outward,

allowing oneself to be vulnerable to experiences. The cost of not doing so is numbness, or living death, Nepo believes, and he sees courage as an ongoing series of choices. Nepo relates his own experiences of surviving cancer and overcoming certain fears.

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott In a short autobiography and 24 vignettes that appeared in ear- lier versions of the on- line magazine Salon, Lamott blends raw emotional honesty with self-mocking goofiness to show how the faith she has cultivated translates into her everyday life and friendships, especially into her relationship with her young son, Sam. – All reviews adapted from Publishers Weekly

Lowcountry Wellness 2008 | 29

mind & body treatments

blow your

Written by Stephanie Bur t Williams

mind

Advanced CranioSacral Therapy/Somato Emotional Release A light touch therapy that enhances the body’s natural healing processes. This hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the cranio- sacral system may release restrictions and improve functioning of the central nervous system. Somato Emotional Release uses and expands on the principles of this therapy to help rid the mind and body of trauma’s residual effects.

GET IT: Charleston Therapeutic Massage, 310 Broad St.

Herbal Heat Energizer

Post-Birthing Way In many societies, women are nurtured and massaged for weeks after labor to support the new mother, both physically and emotionally. In those cultures, symptoms of postpartum depression are rarely felt. This relaxing yet firm massage can aid in recovery, alleviate muscle strain and soreness, and renew your strength and energy. Add-on “Baby Blues” essential oil to the massage. GET IT: MomSpa, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite A-4, Mount Pleasant

The Energy Surge Soak your feet in a warm foot spa, while Aqua Detox therapy gently stimulates the body’s natural energy channels with electromagnetic waves to eliminate toxins and enhance overall wellness. Clients report that they sleep better, look luminous and feel revitalized with a sense of well-being. Six treatments, one per week, are recommended. GET IT: The Spa at Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St.

Chakra of the Senses

A balancing Thai Herbal poultice is applied to open the pores and bring a deep medicinal heat to the muscles to release tension and revitalize the mind. The treatment then concludes with an invigorating aromatherapy massage.

This 75-minute treatment starts with a back massage to realign the spine. Then it moves on to a facial massage to relax the senses. Finally, gemstones and scents are placed down the body for a deep relaxation, rebalancing and reconnection with the self. GET IT: Glow Spa, 320 West Coleman Blvd., Suite H,

GET IT: Earthling Day Spa, 245 East Bay St.

Mount Pleasant

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im age credits left to right: gett y im ages; from Drea mstime.com: © yuri arcurs, © Dmitriy Shironosov, © east westim aging, © Olga Lyubkina, © East westim aging.

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re you looking for something beyond just the standard facial and massage? Local spas have much to offer for intergrating body and mind systems. Here are a few special ones:

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