Natural Awakenings of the Coastal Carolinas - May 2020 by Natural Awakenings of the Coastal Carolinas

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HEAL

YOUR BODY NATURALLY

Autoimmune Breakthroughs

FINDING

CALM During Trying Times

The Matrix of Life

Eye

Care

for Kids

A Clear Path to Healthy Vision

Boosting Collagen for Better Health May 2020 | SE North Carolina & Serving Greater Myrtle Beach | HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com

What a

site to see!

Contents 12 FINDING CALM During Trying Times

13 HEALING THE

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope

16 THE MATRIX OF LIFE

Boosting Collagen for Better Health

18 EYE CARE FOR KIDS A Clear Path to Healthy Vision

NATURAL AWAKENINGS HAS A

NEW

WEBSITE We’ve launched a brand-new, comprehensive online hub for all things healthy and sustainable. Check us out to see the exciting features we’re rolling out for readers and advertisers alike.

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If you are interested in digital advertising opportunities with online placements available on a first-come, first-serve basis, contact:

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19 CORONAVIRUS PET SAFETY

Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

20 JONATHAN

SAFRAN FOER

on Conscious Eating to Save the Planet

22 SOUL NOURISHMENT The Kitchen As Sacred Space

24 FLOWER WOW-ER Beautiful Floral Designing

26 DANCING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER

The Healing Power of Movement

DEPARTMENTS 5 news briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 11 eco tip 12 inspiration 16 healing ways 18 healthy kids 19 natural pet

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20 wise words 22 conscious

eating 24 green living 26 fit body 27 calendar 28 resource guide 30 classifieds

Natural Awakenings is a family of about 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Inspired Lifestyle Travel plus: Brain Health

13 22

JUNE

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services: Transformative Travel Companies Natural Habitat Adventure • Self-Discovery Vacations Personal Growth Retreats • Adventure Tour Groups Travel Outfitters • Neurologists • Functional Medicine ... and this is just a partial list!

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JULY

advertising & submissions

Beyond Factory Farming plus: Gut Health

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AUGUST

Biological Dentistry plus: Environmental Education

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910-833-5366 May 2020

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Southeast NC & serving GREATER Myrtle Beach Publisher Lori Beveridge

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Distribution Jena Skai Sales Lori Beveridge

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letter from publisher

s I look outside, I see and appreciate the sun, all of my beautiful flowers, chirping birds and lizards running about. I can’t help but think daily how our world, country and our state has changed in the recent months. Knowing that this will pass maybe weeks or even months from now, it is sometimes hard to grasp when things are out of our control. Take a moment and let’s appreciate that the gas prices went down, people have more time by this new working and schooling from home and now might become our new norm. Our strength, love, patience and faith are all being tested for all of us right now. How are we to respond? Maybe learn to appreciate and understand that Mother Earth needed to breathe; there is less pollution which results in cleaner air and maybe the cleanest we have had in hundreds of years. She is forcing us as a world to clean up this mess that we have all made. In the inspiration article “Finding Calm,” Laurie Nadel shares “Hardship is part of life’s journey. Even this global pandemic can serve as our spiritual wake-up call to learn how different spiritual traditions heal from life-shattering events.” As such, our priorities may have changed because of things being out of our control. What seemed to be most important to many of us like sports, fame, money and even politics are now dramatically different. I know for sure these things are not necessarily my focus any more. I have grown more accustomed to family time, the good and bad; yes, we all have the moments of arguing, it’s okay to be stressed. It takes getting more creative every day as the weeks seem to be longer, we are quarantined. Schooling from home has been a challenge, but we have gotten on a routine and are pushing through like many other parents. My family right now is my focus and keeping all of them healthy and happy. We are taking everything day by day and appreciate the simpler things and getting back to the basics. Try and stop for a moment and just breathe, and count your blessings of what you do have and always remind yourself that your bad day can be someone else’s good day. Take this time to grow into a better more fulfilled version of yourself. Finally, we have updated our resource guide page to help find your Natural Awakenings magazine in print, please check it out on page 21 and thanks again to everyone supporting us. You can also enjoy reading it on our website at HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com; you will also see subscription options available for print and digital, too. Peace and Happiness, Lori Beveridge, Publisher

©2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

I find hope in the darkest of days and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. ~Dalai Lama

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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news briefs

Dental Health to Support Overall Immune System

uring the coronavirus outbreak, dental offices are limited to providing only emergency services nationwide. “It’s a scenario that’s new for patients and dentists. In over 10 years of practice, I have never seen anything like it. I can assure you that as a dentist, I miss seeing you in my office,” says Dr. Jessica Shireman, DMD AIOMT, owner of Wilmington Holistic Dentistry. The best way to take care of oral Dr. Jessica Shireman health at home according to Shireman is to maintain your regimen. “If I had to summarize the best daily home care routine for all patients, it would include brushing twice with a soft toothbrush, or extra soft if you are sensitive, floss once daily and use an oral irrigating device such as a Waterpik once daily,” she recommends. Each individual varies in dental health so some home care suggestions may not apply to everyone. As teeth are the only non-shedding surface of the body, unlike the skin that regenerates itself about once a month, they require maintenance to benefit one’s immune system. Keeping teeth clean at home (and having them cleaned when allowed) keeps the microflora of the oral cavity healthy. If one has an altered immune system or just seeks maximum health, consider having a probiotic consult with one’s physician or pharmacist. A healthy oral microflora will decrease the level of inflammation that the oral cavity places on the rest of the body. A low level of inflammation makes one less susceptible to many health problems. Location: 6200 Oleander Dr. For more information, call 910-7774020 or visit WilmingtonHolisticDentistry.com. See ad, page 9.

Thermography Options Open and Available

“A

t Beacon Thermography, Inc., we are taking our responsibility to the community seriously,” comments owner Shelly Laine. “We are following CDC guidelines and taking additional precautions in each clinic/scanning location to ensure sanitization is maintained and we continue to practice safe hand hygiene to mitigate transmission.” Shelly Laine Laine recommends for those requiring a thermography scan to ensure that they practice and perform routine hand hygiene as hand sanitizers will be available in the treatment room. In addition, keep in mind that during the session only the thermographer and the patient will be present in the examination room and the six-foot social distancing parameter will be maintained at all times. Laine adds, “We may choose to wear a face mask during the procedure, and encourage our clients to do the same for the foreseeable future. Should you require a scan involving the head/face, you will need to remove your mask for that procedure. “If you are feeling unwell or are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please contact us as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment for when you’re feeling back to normal. And, if you traveled or will be traveling to an area with high rates of COVID-19, please contact us and plan to postpone appointments for two weeks following your return.” Current clinic/scanning locations: Elite Chiropractic, 1391 Military Cutoff Rd., Wilmington; Healing Leaves, 1015 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington; Carteret Chiropractic & Family Wellness, 211 WB McLean Dr., Cape Carteret; Natural Health Center, 10255 Beach SW, Calabash; and Integrative Medical Clinic of NC, 5915 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 910-803-2150 or visit BeaconThermography.com. See ad, page 14.

SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES!

he heart and soul of any thriving community is comprised of local business owners and right now, more than ever, THEY NEED US! And we need them. Certainly, stressors are high and budgets are tight, but when making needed purchases, COMMIT to shopping in person or online at local, small businesses whenever you can. Choose local markets, buy direct from local farmers, opt for takeout from your favorite restaurant. We need each other to stay balanced and healthy, supporting our immune systems, our rest and renewal and our environments. Check in with local specialists, retail stores and practitioners about inventory and resources to support diet, stress and sleep, to optimize a healthy mind, body and home. Take care of our communities -

THINK LOCAL, BUY LOCAL. May 2020

news briefs

Upsurge in ‘Victory Gardens’ Offer Hope and Optimism

Wellness Center Re-Opening May 1: Offering Insight and Recovery Options

midst these difficult times, it appears that Shelton Herb Farms, in Leland, has beneficial options for those with ample time on their hands. Owner Margaret Shelton comments, “We have been busy with what seems to be an increased interest in planting home gardens, Victory Gardens if you will.” “We’re open with abbreviated hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, allowing us time to take care of basic chores at the nursery, thus providing better attention to customers and focus on their needs during the sunniest, middle part of the day,” she notes. “We’re following CDC guidelines of personal spacing and encouraging hand washing and ensuring to sanitize our work areas. Our shopping and sales area are located outside in the sunshine and fresh air. We are suggesting visitors limit their numbers when inside the greenhouses.” “Customers are patient and considerate and complying with spacing themselves out as we check them out with their purchases. There are lots of questions and an eagerness to learn about basic gardening skills and share information. I always have felt that our customers here at the farm are a special breed to themselves-well educated, thoughtful, considerate and pleasant; all around good folks,” compliments Shelton. The farm is offering curbside pick-ups as well. They handle the details by phone and the customer can pick up their purchases without visiting the nursery sales area or making contact with anyone. Staff selects the plants they want and bring them to the roadside (in a shopping wagon that has been spritzed with sanitizer.) She adds, “Of course no one knows how this thing is going to play out. Our schedule may change at any time depending on state or federal mandates. I’m hoping for the best and sometimes I even feel optimistic that we’ll get past these difficult times sooner rather than later.”

ictoria Chavez, founder of the PureLife Wellness Center and makers of the Miracle Skin Relief First Aid in a Jar product line, plans to re-open her practice from noon to 4 p.m. seven day a week beginning on May 1 in downtown Wilmington. Chavez, a certified Senior Herbalist and Nutritionist who has been practicing and follow Victoria Chavez her passion for 25-plus years including 12 years at her storefront, holds an undergraduate degree in health and wellness and a graduate degree in public health for epidemiology, and educates on holistic alternative options. Chavez suggests the following for coping with the pandemic: practice wellness therapy breathing; build one’s immune system with healthy organic foods; practice maintaining calmness; stay balanced mentally and physically; walk or play music and dance to release endorphins; and finally, practice: self-care by limiting stress, getting outdoors and engaging in new hobbies. To assist with recovery efforts, she is introducing two new products, Grandma’s Elderberry Fire Cider and colloidal silver hand-sanitizing mist spray, both with a 20% discount. Furthermore, her store carries homemade products which include Grandma’s elderberry concentrate which can make three, standard-size bottles of elderberry syrup; herbal and holistic tonics for treating anxiety, cardiovascular disease, PMS and menstrual, sexual healing and more; an her own line of Miracle Skin Relief products for relief from psoriasis, eczema and dry, cracked skin. Chavez comments, “80% of my products are homemade and I only offer products with 100% transparency.” Her center also offers reiki, cognitive behavioral therapy, neurolinguistic program, hypnosis and wellness planning. Currently, virtual consultations are offered free and wellness planning is discounted 50%. Chavez adds, “Don’t forget about our 100% organic juice bar which can be picked up or delivered by Grubhub.”

Location: 340 Goodman Rd. For more information or to place an order, call 910-253-5964 or visit SheltonHerbFarm.com. See ad, page 11.

Location: 317 N. Front St. For more information, call 910-279-9059, email Info@MiracleSkinRelief.com or visit MiracleSkinRelief.com. See ad, page 17.

Healing the Body. Transforming the Mind. Nurturing the Spirit. massage & energy healing sessions

first session 15 off your with this ad.

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training & workshops in the healing arts Jena Skai Rowland, NC LMBT #6986

Don’t Succumb to Stressful Eating Habits

“D

uring these trying times, elevated levels of stress can lead to bad eating habits unbeknownst to individuals,” comments Karen Dettore, Certified Nutrition Consultant and owner of the Calla Lily Advantage. Dettore continues, “This can lead to numerous health issues and reduce your Karen Dettore ability to fight off this awful virus by reducing the intake of beneficial nutrients our bodies need. Additionally, a stressful diet can lead to unwanted weight gain.” With the additional “extra time” people now have, “I can assist you to get and stay on track, as well as prepare healthy meals ahead of time to have available when life returns back to normal.” Currently, she is accepting new clients and is available for virtual consultation and counseling. She offers nutritional wellbeing, holistic nutrition, cooking/meal planning, weight management and sports nutrition services. For more information or to make an appointment, call 910262-6732, email Karen@TheCallaLilyAdvantage.com or visit TheCallaLilyAdvantage.com. See ad, page 9.

Hampstead Practice Open with New Hours

nnate Health Family Chiropractic & Wellness is open in Hampstead, but with modified hours for the near future. “We are following all CDC guidelines and we are still accepting new practice members who wish to incorporate chiropractic care as a way to improving and maintaining their overall healthy,” comments practice owner Dr. Ada Dr. Ada Aniniba Aniniba, DC. She continues, “Our office hours have temporarily changed to accommodate most people working from home and kids being home-schooled. Our adjusted hours are now Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We see regular members by appointment only, during these hours, and any high-risk practice members by appointment only during our off hours.” Aniniba adds, “Over 90% of our practice members utilize us as their primary care; the nervous system and immune system are interconnected. Chiropractic care and adjustments work to remove inflammation and interference in the nervous system, allowing better communication and activation of the immune system. We here at Innate Health work to help improve your overall health through chiropractic care, nutrition, removal of toxins, exercise and maximizing your mindset.” Location:14866 U.S. Hwy. 17N. For more information or to make an appointment, call 910-406-1200 or visit DrAdaAniniba.com. See ad, page 13.

Emporium Rock Shop Goes Digital

at Zachry, co-owner of Blue Lagoon Wellness Center and Emporium Rock Shop, in Wilmington, has added an online shopping store for all of his customers’ needs and interests in rocks, accessories and other items. “This addition now allows all of our store products to be purchased online with shipping or store pick-up options.” The center offers the high-quality and unique crystals and metaphysical tools including specimens, points, tumbled stones, palm stones, spheres, hearts, rough natural chunks, sage, incense, sprays, essential oils, jewelry, stone bracelets and more. Zachry adds, “From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention into each item. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.” Location: 1202 Floral Pkwy. Note: Store currently closed due to stay at home order; plan to re-open is tentatively set for April 30. For more information, call 910-685-2795, email EmporiumRockShop@gmail.com and to order online, visit EmporiumRockShop.com. See ad, page 13.

kudos The North Carolina Coastal Federation partnered with Carteret County to acquire 76.25 acres of land in the community of Ocean on March 20. Located between the Morada Bay Subdivision and Red Barn Road, the property has a remarkable view of the Bogue Sound that will ultimately be shared with and accessible by the public. The purchase price of $7,474,000 was made possible through funding from the Coastal Federation, the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the U.S. Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, the North Carolina General Assembly, and the North Carolina Parks and Recreational Trust Fund. The property will increase public access to educational and recreational opportunities through nature trails, access to Bogue Sound and the restored habitats, and onsite conservation techniques demonstrations. The events building will host workshops, volunteer activities and student programs. The Event Center will also assist people statewide through online resources and remote learning on topics like stormwater management, coastal resilience, marine debris, water quality and more. May 2020

In a study of 76 people with mildly high total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, research published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that consuming 30 milliliters of vinegar made from date pulp and pits daily for four weeks significantly improved total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride and HDL levels, as well as several biomarkers of inflammation.

A new Harvard study of 746 young sperm donors reports that men that exercise more have better sperm quality. The men, with an average age of 26, at least a high school education and no radiation exposure or sexually transmitted diseases, were qualified to donate to a sperm bank in their area. Compared to men that seldom exercised, those that reported the most total exercise and logged the most time doing intense workouts had better sperm motility, which increases the chances for sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach an egg.

Supplementation with quercetin, a plant pigment found in capers, cilantro, fennel, onions, red leaf lettuce, watercress, elderberries, asparagus, kale, cocoa, apples and chia seeds, can significantly reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, lowering each by about three milliliters/ Hg, reports a new review of research published in the Oxford Academic Journal, of 17 clinical studies that tested 896 participants. Quercetin also improved HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when consumed for eight weeks or more. 8

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Fewer than seven hours of sleep for a child is not only linked to anxiety, depression, impulsiveness and cognitive difficulties, but also impacts a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain structure, suggests new research from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warwick University published in Molecular Psychiatry. Researchers used data that included MRI scans of more than 11,000 children ages 9 to 11 from 21 centers in the U.S. Parents also provided information about their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep duration and mental health conditions, and children performed a battery of cognitive tests. Researchers found that compared to children that slept between the recommended nine and 11 hours, those receiving less than seven hours had 53 percent more behavioral problems and scored 7.8 percent lower on cognitive tests. In children that slept less, volumes were smaller in five brain regions. Children that slept longer showed less depression and higher cognitive scores, and felt safer and more secure in their homes and neighborhoods.

Ljupco Smokovski/Shutterstock.com

Take Quercetin to Reduce Blood Pressure

Tuck Kids In Early to Reduce Depression and Cognitive Issues

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Exercise to Boost Sperm Quality

Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com

Consume Date Vinegar to Boost Heart Health and Reduce Inflammation

health briefs

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Eat Less Sulfur Amino Acids to Reduce Heart Disease Risk A plant-based diet low in such sulfur amino acid foods as meat, dairy, nuts and soy may be key to lowering the risk of heart disease, concludes a study from the Penn State University College of Medicine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins; a subcategory called sulfur amino acids plays integral roles in metabolism. Researchers correlated diets and blood biomarkers of more than 11,000 participants from a national study and found people that ate foods containing fewer sulfur amino acids tended to have a decreased risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. They also found that the average American consumes almost two-and-a-half times more sulfur amino acids than the estimated average requirement. “People who eat lots of plant-based products like fruits and vegetables will consume lower amounts of sulfur amino acids,” says lead author Zhen Dong, a doctor of public health. Confirming this, a Northwestern Medicine and Cornell University study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that every two servings of red meat, processed meat or poultry per week increased cardiovascular disease risk by 3 to 7 percent. For every two servings of red meat or processed meat per week, the risk of death from any cause was increased by 3 percent. The findings, based on an analysis of six studies involving 29,682 people, contradict a controversial study published last year that recommended people not reduce the amount of red meat and processed meat they eat. “Everyone interpreted that it was okay to eat red meat, but I don’t think that is what the science supports,” says senior study author Norrina Allen, a professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern.

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Buzz Off

global briefs

If Australia can grow enough of the puffy, pink Asparagopsis taxiformis seaweed for every cow in Australia, the country could cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent. That’s the conclusion the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) seaweed research group leader Associate Professor Nick Paul. The cows burp out methane, but, “When added to cow feed at less than two percent of the dry matter, this particular seaweed completely knocks out methane production. It contains chemicals that reduce the microbes in the cows’ stomachs that cause them to burp when they eat grass,” he says. Cows are known to eat seaweed. “This seaweed has caused a lot of global interest, and people around the world are working to make sure the cows are healthy, the beef and the milk are good quality,” Paul notes. “But the one missing step, the big thing that is going to make sure this works at a global scale, is to make sure we can produce the seaweed sustainably.”

Life Perseveres

New Bird Species Found on Remote Island

Although thousands of species have been identified and finding new taxa like birds, is rare, a study published in the journal Science describes five new songbird species and five new subspecies found on a single small island near Sulawesi, Indonesia, during a six-week expedition. Scientists targeted the area because of its geological history and complexity, and the historical notes of other explorers. Two factors that contributed to the description of the large number of species in a small geographic area included knowledge of geographical land connections that helped pinpoint isolated islands likely to harbor substantial endemism and accounts of historic collectors such as British naturalist Alfred Wallace. The findings suggest that human understanding of biogeographically complex regions remains incomplete. 10

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Seaweed Lowers Cows’ Methane Emissions

New research from the University of Sheffield in the UK published in Scientific Reports suggests that individual members of a bee swarm behave like neurons in a human brain. The scientists applied a theoretical model commonly used to study human psychology to the behavior of bee colonies, and they believe that studying “bee speak” could inform us about how our own minds make decisions. In the field of psychophysics, Weber’s law describes a relationship between the size of a stimulus and noticeable increases in its magnitude. This general rule about stimulus and perception has been observed in birds, fish and even the collective behavior of simpler organisms, but not in whole clusters of tiny brains such as an insect hive. To investigate its role in the decision-making processes of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the researchers watched hives split apart and hunt for new homes. Among bees, the process of choosing a hive comes down to the interactions of scout bees communicating their discoveries through a visual display of body wiggles. “The study also supports the view of bee colonies as being similar to complete organisms,” says computer scientist and lead author Andreagiovanni Reina.

Charging Ahead

New Batteries From Fruit Waste Carbon aerogels that exhibit high specific surface areas, high proportions of mesopores and significant levels of nitrogen doping have been developed for the first time using waste from durian fruit and jackfruit scraps using a chemical-free, green synthesis procedure. According to the Journal of Energy Storage, the electrodes also displayed longterm cycling stability and rapid charge–discharge processes. Both electrodes are attractive candidates for the next generation, high-performance, yet low-cost supercapacitors for energy storage devices derived from biowastes.

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Passing Gas

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Bee Swarms Form Giant Brains

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eco tip

Virus Fighters

Essential Oils for Challenging Times In these coronavirus days, an essential oil mixture with legendary origins in the Bubonic Plague offers soothing scents for the homebound and might add some viral protection. The mixture of five oils: eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, lemon and rosemary, is known as Thieves. As the story goes, in the 1500s, as the Black Death decimated Europe, when four unemployed spice merchants that turned to robbing the bodies and homes of the dead were captured and threatened with being burned alive, they confessed to the judge their secret to avoiding infectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the spice blend that they rubbed on their hands, ears, feet and temples. They were all hanged, but their formula survives as Thieves, and is today one of the most popular essential oil blends in the market, sold under that name and also as Five Guards, Health Shield and Fighting Five. Although shown to sharply reduce three kinds of airborne bacteria in 10 minutes, its antiviral properties have not been extensively studied. Its components, however, have proven antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties: n Eucalyptus, long used for respiratory infections, has been proven effective against a number of viruses, particularly the swine flu and herpes type 1 viruses. n Clove has exhibited strong antiviral activity against such viruses as the adenovirus type 3 respiratory virus, poliovirus and coxsackievirus. n Cinnamon leaf shows antiviral activity and can prevent pneumonia due to influenza. n Lemon oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is often used in cleaning products.

n Rosemary eases stress and has antiviral, antimicrobial and antidepressant qualities. Thieves can be purchased in natural health stores or online. For a homemade blend, Jennifer Lane, an aromatherapist, registered nurse and founder of LovingEssential Oils.com, recommends combining these essential oils: 4 35 drops lemon 4 20 drops cinnamon leaf 4 15 drops clove bud 4 15 drops eucalyptus 4 10 drops rosemary Adding five drops of the blend, along with water in a diffuser, can waft the scent throughout a room and diminish airborne odors and germs. For respiratory support, put a few drops into a cup of steaming, but not boiling, water, drape a towel around the cup and face, and breathe in the fumes. Add it to a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil at a 1:30 ratio (such as one-half ounce Thieves to 15 ounces jojoba) and rub it on pulse points in the wrist and neck. But do not ingest the blend. If a child under 10 is in the house, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diffuse it or use it topically on them, because rosemary and eucalyptus can be unsafe for a child, advises Christina Anthis, author of The Beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Essential Oils: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.

May 2020

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inspiration

FINDING CALM During Trying Times

by Laurie Nadel

rom the moment we wake up and log on to our day, we are flooded with news about people whose days started off much the same, with an expectation of going from point A to point B, to lunch, to point C and then back home. But something happened. A tornado touched down in the neighborhood. Or a train derailed in a cousin’s hometown. Or, like now, an invisible killer stalks the globe, threatening to take our life or the life of someone we know. Within seconds, we are flooded with horror and helplessness. Unable to stop the cascade of acute stress hormones, our bodies shift into fight-or-flight mode or leave us frozen like deer in the headlights. Whether we see what is happening online, on screen or in real time, we feel unsafe in our own skin. Although disturbing images can be swiped away, when something bad happens to us, we don’t know what to do. We can’t change the channel. Even during these tough times, we can find opportunities to develop new strengths and grow individually and together. To start with, we need emotional first aid to help us find calm quickly. We can do this by locating the tension points in our body and asking them what color would help them feel calm. Then we can inhale that color, letting it find its way within to soothe our cells, and exhale our stress by breathing out a different color.

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We can repeat this technique as long and as often as needed. Teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, report that this really works for kids, too. To heal means to make whole. It doesn’t mean to make something go away. Hardship is part of life’s journey. Even this global pandemic can serve as our spiritual wake-up call to learn how different spiritual traditions heal from life-shattering events. Five gifts offer us the keys to wholeness: n Humility helps us accept what we cannot change. n Patience takes the edge off when the hurt lasts longer than we want. n Empathy keeps us connected for the long haul. n Forgiveness means forgiving ourselves, our leaders and God. n Growth lets us look back with thanks for what we learned when the journey of life was anything but comfortable and easy. Let’s journey together. Laurie Nadel, a Manhattan psychotherapist, is the author of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes.

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Healing the Immune System

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope by April Thompson

ome 23 million Americans suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases—a category comprised of more than 80 conditions, including fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes. These pernicious disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose, even harder to treat and can be debilitating, diminishing the quality of life for sufferers. Another commonality is the increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in women versus men; in the case of lupus, for example,

a nine-fold difference. Some early indicators are that this may be related to a “gene dosage effect”, as men with XXY chromosomes have the same risk of developing lupus as other women, and women with XXX chromosomes (known in medical parlance as “superwomen”) have an even higher risk of autoimmune disease, according to Judith James, chair of the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, in Oklahoma City. Yet there is hope on the horizon, as sci-

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entific discoveries unlock important insights about the manifestation and progression of autoimmune diseases leading to new treatments and prevention tips. Evidence is also mounting around the role of diet and lifestyle in autoimmune conditions, giving patients new avenues for taking charge of their health instead of simply waiting for a cure. Autoimmune diseases are chronic and can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, digestive

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Self-Healing from Autoimmunity

By her early 20s, Mickey Trescott, of Willamette Valley, Oregon, was bedridden and had lost her job to autoimmune disease. At one point, doctors thought it was multiple sclerosis (MS); she was dizzy, numb, falling over and slurring her speech. Eventually, she was diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s and celiac diseases, affecting the thyroid and small intestine, respectively. Trescott, a nutritionist, chef and author of The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, had been vegan for 10 years, but had a feeling that her body needed something different. She found an early version of what would become known as the autoimmune protocol (AIP), and in following its guidelines, began to find relief. Trescott connected with other women and started a private Facebook group to share information on what was improving their

lifestyle changes,” she says. Anecdotal successes like Trescott’s have led researchers to pursue funding to test the AIP’s efficacy. In a pilot study of 18 individuals with an average sick time of 19 years that didn’t respond to traditional medication, 73 percent were in clinical remission at the end of the trial, having followed the AIP. “It was a small sample size, but the results are promising,” says Trescott.

Physician, Healed Thyself

condition from which the AIP community sprung. AIP, an elimination diet that seeks to reset the immune system by cutting out inflammation-causing foods and treating leaky gut, has much in common with the paleo diet and promotes vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods. However, every individual comes out of the AIP process with a customized diet. For Trescott, “Gluten is a forever-no, and I am also allergic to dairy and sensitive to a lot of nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers.” It took three years to recover most of her functioning, and although she had been a personal chef, it was still challenging to determine a new approach to eating that didn’t include the grains and legumes that had been staples of her diet. Trescott is still on medications, including the same thyroid support she’s relied on from the start. “There is a misconception that the AIP is an alternative to conventional medicine. We really pride ourselves on using all the tools in our toolbox, including surgery, medication and

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Like many physicians, Terry Wahls focused on treating her patients with drugs or surgical procedures—until the Iowa City doctor was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Within three years, despite conventional medical treatments, her back and stomach muscles had weakened to the point where she needed a tilt-recline wheelchair, and by the summer of 2007, she could no longer sit up. Though Wahls had been a vegetarian on a low-fat diet for 20 years, she went back to eating meat and gave up all dairy, wheat and grains, but still wasn’t improving. Delving back into the science of her condition, Wahls realized that mitochondrial support was key, and the speed of her decline slowed while taking a cocktail of vitamins to support its functioning. It wasn’t until she took a comprehensive approach to optimize everything she could take in through her food rather than relying on supplements that she saw radical results: Her brain fog, fatigue and pain went away and she biked around the block for the first time in six years. “Taking in nutrients in the form of food rather than supplements, you get related compounds and thousands of others in biologically

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tract and blood vessels. Each disease carries its own set of symptoms, but inflammation is nearly always present, and are all connected by how the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. “Those shared characteristics hold the potential for shared treatments, and ultimately potentially common cures,” says Jane Buckner, president of the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), at Virginia Mason, in Seattle, which works to advance the prediction, prevention, reversal and cure of immune system diseases. “I’m excited about our progress toward prevention. We are working to understand those tipping points in transitioning into disease that help us understand who is at highest risk, and helps give very directed therapies,” says James.

anticipated ratios,” explains Wahls. “I still do take some supplements, but the magic is the food.” Those key ingredients, says Wahls, include magnesium, zinc, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, cholesterol, omega-6 and omega-3s, fats, carnitine and creatine. Her rule of thumb for daily intake is three cups of leafy green vegetables; three cups of sulfuric vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms and onions; and three cups of deeply pigmented vegetables, plus sources of protein for meat eaters and vegetarians. While her work was initially not accepted, today she has funding from the National MS Society and her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. “Basic science is now showing that the microbiome has a huge impact on the immune system activity and the brain; the food we eat can turn gene expression on and off,” says Wahls, who hasn’t taken any drugs for her autoimmune condition since 2008. Buckner cautions against patients trying to manage disease with lifestyle changes alone, without giving available allopathic treatments a fair try. “People do better if they are treated early and aggressively. They are reliant on fewer medications down the road and don’t have permanent damage if they seek treatment early.” However, even researchers focused on pharmaceutical approaches acknowledge the importance of diet and lifestyle. Meggan Mackay, professor of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, at Northwell Health, in Manhasset, New York, believes this can play a critical role in disease management. She cites numerous studies showing exercise as a stress-buster positively influencing disease outcomes, as well as a more specific study looking at the benefits of adding fish oil and vitamin D to the diets of lupus patients. “The rise in obesity, which is linked to increased inflammation in the U.S., may be one of reasons we are seeing more autoimmune disease than ever,” says Mackay. At-risk individuals should be aware of factors under their control, adds James. “If someone is worried about autoimmune disease running in their family, monitoring and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels

and avoiding smoking and other high-risk behaviors can help improve their chances.” Even sleep patterns can play a role in disease manifestation, says the researcher. In one study, individuals at high risk for autoimmune disease that slept less than seven hours per day were more likely to develop an autoimmune condition, according to James.

Common Links Serve as Research Clues

There are some clear links between autoimmune diseases, such as the genetic predisposition that runs in families. “Someone with rheumatoid arthritis may have a sister with celiac disease, for example, and one individual may suffer from multiple autoimmune conditions. We can learn from these common genetic links,” says Buckner. These common links can serve as important clues. For example, Buckner says they are able to demonstrate changes in T cells in diabetes and MS that are the same, which might lead to common treatments for the two conditions. While the process from basic scientific discovery to development of effective treatment can be slow, there are some concrete breakthroughs autoimmune researchers are excited about, having demonstrated ability to both prevent and delay disease. Citing a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “They have demonstrated in kids at high risk for developing Type 1

diabetes the ability to delay onset for at least two years. It’s an incredibly exciting finding,” says Buckner. Mackay is hopeful about advances in basic science addressing specific immune system abnormalities linked to inflammatory problems. “Lupus is very challenging to diagnose and treat because it can affect every system in the body,” says Mackay, whose research team has focused on lupus for decades. “The only forms of treatment have been very immune-suppressive medications that shut down the immune response. None of these medications are specific, so in shutting down the immune response to treat lupus, they in turn interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection and cancer.” Researchers are now honing in on single cells from biopsies that indicate which proteins are abnormal, thereby helping develop more selective therapies, she says. Seeing progress in the lab is one thing; seeing it in the waiting room is another, and that’s where autoimmune scientists and clinicians are really beginning to note a difference. “I’ve seen patients for 25 years, and when we started, we had very few options in my clinic, which was full of wheelchairs,” says Buckner. “In the last 20 years, we have seen an explosion in research and available treatments. I don’t have wheelchairs in my office anymore.” Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

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healing ways

THE MATRIX OF LIFE Boosting Collagen

Essential Foods

for Better Health by Maya Whitman

ollagen, a protein, holds us together from the inside-out, helping to build bones and providing the scaffolding that knits our bones and organs together. Stress and poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating too much sugar, can contribute to its breakdown and accelerate the aging process, but strategic dietary choices and supplements can have a significant positive impact on our skin, as well as underlying conditions. Although celebrated for its cosmetic effects, “Most people are surprised to learn that collagen is equally important for blood vessels and tissues surrounding and supporting the internal organs,” says Pamela Schoenfeld, a dietitian and nutritionist in Raleigh, North Carolina, and author of The Collagen Diet: Rejuvenate Skin, Strengthen Joints and Feel Younger by

Boosting Collagen Intake and Production. Collagen is mostly found in tendons, ligaments and skin, and is also abundant in bones, cartilage, muscles, corneas, blood vessels, the gut, vertebrae discs and teeth. In studies, collagen supplements show promise for joint pain, arthritic conditions, osteoporosis and heart health. A Penn State study of 147 student athletes found that those that took 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate daily for 24 weeks had significantly less joint pain while walking and at rest compared to a placebo group. A 2012 study featured in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that 1,200 milligrams of collagen hydrolysate taken daily decreased joint pain in older people by 20 percent compared to a placebo. In a 2018 study, post-menopausal women that took five grams of collagen daily for a year

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Collagen health starts with our diet. Leafy greens and jewel-toned, lycopenerich vegetables, like beets, red peppers, tomatoes, berries and pomegranates, as well as seeds, including chia, sunflower and pumpkin, all pack a collagen punch. Schoenfeld recommends bone broth, too, for its joint-lubricating molecules called glycosaminoglycans, which hold many times their weight in water. Kellyann Petrucci, a naturopathic doctor in Philadelphia and author of Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet, concurs: “Bone broth is more than a soup. It’s concentrated healing and contains a bioavailable form of collagen your body can use immediately. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and so much more.” She also recommends sulfur-rich foods like eggs, broccoli, onions, garlic and cauliflower, as well as shellfish and red meat in moderation for copper. “Copper activates the enzyme that is critical in producing collagen,” she explains. Also important, according to Petrucci, is vitamin C: “If you’re depleted of vitamin C, your body won’t make any collagen. Experiment with broccoli, kiwi, tomatoes and various citrus fruits. Bioflavonoids also improve the ability of vitamin C to be absorbed and utilized.” Schoenfeld recommends chicken, including the skin; omega-3-rich fish with edible bones, such as sardines and canned salmon; and proline-rich, aged cheeses and yogurt. “Gelatin is also a fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy collagen and can be added to foods high in water like soups, stews, hot cereals, as can bone broth and collagen powders,” she says.

Supplements

A 2019 review of 11 studies published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oral collagen hydrolysate or tripep-

Vladimir Gjorgiev/Shutterstock.com

had better bone buildup and less bone degradation. A 2017 Japanese study of 31 healthy adults found that those that took 16 grams of collagen daily had more flexible arteries after six months.

PhotoSGH/Shutterstock.com

tide at dosages ranging from 2.5 grams to 10 grams a day increased “skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density” and showed promise for wound healing and skin aging. Aloe vera, ginseng, berries, garlic, hyuralonic acid and red light therapy also boost collagen production, according to osteopathic physician and author Joseph Mercola. For vegans, British homeopath Melissa Foreman recommends homeopathically-based minerals known as tissue salts at low potency, “which offer the benefits of meat-derived collagen and bone broth without having to ingest a meat product.” She personally relies on a combination of Nat phos, Calc phos and Kali sulph to promote new skin cells and improve the skin cell matrix. “These remedies are totally animal-free,” she says. “You can produce a supplement similar to collagen powder and it has the same health benefits of bone broth.” Maya Whitman is the author of several books. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Homeopathic Collagen-Boosters

omeopathic physician Melissa Foreman, of Brighton, England, recommends the following tissue salts:

Calc phos for strengthening bones and easing stiff joints, is particularly recommended for active people, aging athletes and menopausal women. It supports growth, builds cells, supports teeth and nail strength, and helps ease irritable bowel syndrome. Calc fluor promotes elasticity and

flexibility. It’s essential for tendon and bone health; softens, strengthens and tones the skin; and helps when the digestive organs have lost their elasticity and become compromised.

Silica is found in hair, nails and bones.

It decreases inflammation, eases painful joints, supports and strengthens nails, encourages new hair growth and improves the length and quality of eyelashes.

Nat Mur brings moisture to the skin and

regulates the moisture content of every cell in the body. It promotes hydrochloric acid, helping to prevent heartburn, bloating, colic and flatulence.

Nat phos is known as the antacid of the biochemical world and like collagen, can protect the gut by neutralizing acids.

May 2020

Eye Care for Kids A Clear Path to Healthy Vision

by Ronica A. O’Hara

he blurry distant vision of myopia is a worldwide epidemic. Nearsightedness has doubled in the U.S. since 1971 to 42 percent, and in some Asian countries it affects 90 percent of teens and adults, reports the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye doctors say the key time to pay attention is during childhood, because myopia and other eye and vision problems can be reversed or stabilized if addressed at an early age. “Parents tend to assume that vision problems aren’t a concern for the young and healthy, but it’s never too early to promote healthful habits or to be on the lookout for potential vision issues,” advises ophthalmologist Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., medical director of the Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center, in San Diego. Ophthalmologists and optometrists recommend having a child’s eyes tested at 6 months, 3 years and 5 or 6 years to detect nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, “lazy eye” (amblyopia), crossed or misaligned eyes (strabismus) and other potential problems. “For signs of trouble, I ask parents if they have seen their child have an eye that wanders or if the child covers an eye regularly, they are rubbing their eyes or playing with their 18

toys close to their face,” says optometrist Nathan Langemo, of the Hopkins Eye Clinic, in Hopkins, Minnesota. If myopia becomes severe, it can lead to retinal detachment, premature cataracts and glaucoma in adulthood, but early detection is possible. An Ohio State University study of 4,500 children found that myopia in eighth-graders could be predicted in the first grade by their eyeglass prescription. Children at age 6 are naturally slightly farsighted, and those with normal vision are more likely to become myopic later. A common medical treatment to slow myopia in kids is daily use of 0.01 percent atropine eye drops, the medication used to dilate an eye before an exam. It slowed down nearsightedness by roughly 50 percent in Singapore children. A new, twoyear study shows that combining the eye drops with nightly contact lens-wearing is 28 to 38 percent more effective. For preschoolers with amblyopia, an iPad game called Dig Rush was shown to be helpful in a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center study. Hong Kong researchers report that 15 weeks of acupuncture beat out eye patches for treating children with lazy eyes, resolving the condition in 41 percent of cases, compared to 16 percent.

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The simplest preventive strategy for myopia may be simply to shoo children outdoors every day, including involving them in outdoor sports. Researchers aren’t sure whether it’s the vitamin D effect or the fact that when they are outdoors kids focus more on distant objects like trees and balls than when reading a book or screen, but recent studies in Taiwan and Denmark have verified that more time outdoors is linked to less myopia. Even sitting in sunlight inside while reading or using fullspectrum light bulbs is protective, say researchers. When outdoors, “Make sure the child has 100 percent UVA and UVB sun protection for the eyes,” advises Langemo, including using UV contact lenses. Evidence is mixed on whether closeup reading brings on childhood myopia, but a study of 500 college students that heavily used computers found 53 percent reporting headaches, 55 percent with burning sensations in the eyes and 48 percent with tired eyes. When kids focus on a computer, their eye-refreshing blinking rate slows from 10 to 12 times a minute to three or four times a minute, says optometrist Marc Grossman, of New Paltz, New York, author of Natural Eye Care: Your Guide To Healthy Vision and Healing. He recommends taking breaks at least 10 minutes every hour, using homeopathic eye drops and gently massaging the eyes by moving fingers from the inner corner, around the upper socket and underneath, stopping about six times to massage each point for five to 10 seconds. It’s also important to remove household hazards. Medical emergency rooms increasingly report eye injuries in kids from popular toy weapons like Nerf, BB guns and paintball guns, as well as colorful detergent pods that preschoolers love to squeeze or bite, plus aerosol spray from paint, hairspray, cleaning products and bug repellants. Feeding children the right foods, including lots of vegetables, fruits and grains, also benefits their eyes. The omega-3s in fish oil, nuts and seeds help minimize dry eye, and leafy greens and eggs have the eye-protective antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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healthy kids

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natural pet It is unlikely a pet will become infected and serve as a source of infection for people.

Coronavirus Pet Safety Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

by Shawn Messonnier

here are many types of coronavirus. COVID-19 is new—a novel coronavirus—and there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in dogs or cats. Dogs can become infected with a canine coronavirus. It is fairly speciesspecific and will not infect people, but can infect cats (without causing clinical disease in naturally infected cats). Most infected dogs do not show symptoms and recover without showing signs of infection; young puppies may exhibit mild diarrhea. Cats have their own coronavirus that, like dogs, usually causes an asymptomatic infection, or may cause mild diarrhea or mild respiratory infection (especially in kittens). However, this coronavirus, for unknown reasons, can mutate in the GI tract and transform into the (usually) lethal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (this occurs in about 10 percent of infected cats). Again, this feline coronavirus will not infect dogs or people, and only infects felids. (A curious note is that cats can become infected with the human SARS coronavirus experimentally and naturally, but do not become ill, and the original SARS virus was suspected to have originated from a mongoose.) As with human coronaviruses, canine and feline coronavi-

ruses can survive outside of the pet’s body for a period of time, especially in a colder environment, but are easily killed with most soap or disinfectants.

Dogs and cats that develop their own coronaviral diseases will not infect people. However, by serving as fomites (objects that can carry an infectious organism on the surface), dogs and cats could potentially carry a virus on their coat or skin if an infected family member gets infected material (saliva, respiratory droplets, etc.) onto the animal. Like any other surface in the home, the virus could transfer from the surface of the pet to other uninfected family members. (This is usually by hand to face transfer.) To be safe, it may be wise to keep the family pet away from the infected family member, or at least have the infected family member bathe and/or wipe the pet’s coat with a wet washcloth before the pet is exposed to uninfected family members. Keep in mind that maintaining proper blood levels of vitamin D in people and in pets is important in minimizing infectious diseases. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the owner of Paws & Claws Holistic Animal Hospital, in Plano, Texas, and an award-winning author and host on Martha Stewart Radio.

Publisher@HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com May 2020

wise words

Jonathan Safran Foer on Conscious Eating to Save the Planet by Julie Peterson

onathan Safran Foer, the prize-winning author of bestselling novels that include Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, turned to nonfiction in his 2009 book, Eating Animals, about the morality of food choices in a factory-farm age. His most recent book, We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast, argues that only collective action will save our home and way of life, and it starts with what is on our plate. He points out that there’s often a painful disconnect between the way we think of ourselves and the actions that we take that inadvertently and negatively affect the planet, and that science can help us make more informed choices.

How did you make the connection between diet and climate change?

For anybody who has even the tiniest

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amount of curiosity about human interaction with the climate, it’s something you can’t possibly avoid learning about. The science is readily available now, and it’s extremely comprehensive. It’s important to continuously come back to that scientific consensus to make clear that this is nobody’s theory or perspective. Ninetyseven percent of climate scientists agree.

Did anything in researching climate science surprise you?

There’s a lot that startled me. A lot that scared me. I was surprised by how wrong we have been and how wrong we often are about what matters… putting the emphasis in the wrong places or not knowing where to put it at all. There are four activities that matter more than all others in terms of an individual’s relationship with the environment: having fewer children, eating less meat or animal products, flying less and driving less. As somebody who has spent a lot of time recycling and not using plastic straws, I was surprised to learn that those activities are very low impact compared to the four I mentioned. I was surprised by how broad that misunderstanding is. Think about our response to coronavirus compared to our response to climate change. The way governments are acting together to do what needs to be done for a virus makes it all the more puzzling how ineffectual the response to climate change is.

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If people can’t do everything that needs to be done, what small steps can they take that will have a collective impact?

We all need to question what our own limits are, what we can do and then do that with rigor. We don’t need to stop flying, we just need to do it a lot less. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to suddenly become vegan. I think a better idea is to eat as few animal products as possible, and if that amount is zero, great. If it’s once a week or once a day, then that’s a hell of a lot better than doing nothing. Rather than measuring the distance from some ethical perfection, we want to measure the distance from doing nothing at all.

Why is it such a struggle for people to follow through on climate change goals?

I think that if we approach change as if it isn’t difficult, then we diminish our chances of being able to sustain change. A lot of the things we need to give up are fun. It’s a shame we can’t solve climate change by not eating broccoli; we would have done it already. Climate change requires a different sort of moral imagination because, realistically, you and I aren’t going to die because of it. Human nature makes it more difficult to have an energetic response for something less immediate.

What call to action would you like to convey?

We have a feeling of helplessness, a feeling that there’s nothing we can do, but there is a lot that we can do and must do. The easiest and most powerful way to begin is with what we eat. That doesn’t mean you become vegan tomorrow, but tomorrow is a wonderful time to start eating fewer animal products. It’s a journey, not an event. Julie Peterson writes about health and the environment. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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other convenient services Blue Lagoon Wellness Center and Emporium Rock Shop 1202 Floral Parkway 910-685-2795 Now offering shop online EmporiumRockShop.com Pure Life Wellness Center 317 North Front Street 910-279-9059 Re-opens May 1, 7 days a week, 12-4 Organic juices available through Grubhub pickup/delivery Shop online with free shipping MiracleSkinRelief.com Virtual classes available Madame Meerkatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cabinet of Curiosities 1001 South Kerr Avenue Now offering shop online and curbside pickup honk between 12-5 MadameMeerkat.com Healing Leaves 1015 S Kerr Ave 910-660-8127 HealingLeavesNC.com Re-opens May 1. Tues-Friday 11am-6pm, Sat Noon-5pm. Shop online too, $5 flat shipping fee.

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Practical Magic

Soul Nourishment The Kitchen As Sacred Space

by Marlaina Donato

n our busy lives, grabbing food on the run or eating while standing at the kitchen counter is often the norm. Designating the kitchen as a practical sanctuary and seeing the sacredness of food not only makes it more conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but also gives our spirits much-needed satiety. “If we don’t touch the transcendent— emotionally and spiritually—physical nourishment won’t fill us up,” says Ronna Kabatznick, Ph.D., former psychological consultant to Weight Watchers International and the author of The Zen of Eating: Ancient Answers to Modern Weight Problems. “Seeing the kitchen as sacred is something that represents gratitude, beauty and blessings.” Delia Baron, co-author of Better Together Kitchen: Beautiful Recipes to Share With People You Love and the host of seasonal food workshops with partner Ronnit Hoppe in Melbourne, Australia, concurs, “The kitchen is often the heartbeat of the home and the best place to gather, feast, chat and create beautiful memories and rituals. The kitchen is also a place to connect to our food source.” 22

Fun and Felicity

Preparing meals the old-fashioned way can slow us down and foster mindfulness, but Kabatznick emphasizes that cooking is irrelevant. “Look at the kitchen in terms of possibilities: ‘What can I create in this space?’ You don’t have to turn into Julia Child,” she says, adding, “You could be eating Chinese takeout or a prune; it’s all about mindset and simple rituals like saying a blessing, appreciating what we eat as a great gift.” Kabatznick encourages everyone to eat with dignity, and this includes using the good dishes, putting fresh flowers on the table and eating with awareness. Seeing the kitchen as the inspired nucleus of the home, it’s natural to add favorite items like art prints, colorful jars, sentimental treasures, dried flowers and other seasonal delights to nourish daily contentment. Conjuring an element of joy adorns the mundane. “Put on some music to put you in either a peaceful or joyful mood,” says Molly Larkin, author, healing practitioner and blogger at Ancient Wisdom for Balanced Living (MollyLarkin.com), in Corrales, New Mexico. “Turn off the TV and give everyone in the family a job.

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Meal prep can be enjoyable and even relaxing in a calm environment. For Baron, organization is key. She advises, “Having all the ingredients you need and working in a clean space also helps make the experience rewarding.” The smallest of kitchens can be abundant and organized with the help of a little innovation. A simple bookcase can offer additional shelf space for dry goods, bowls of produce or favorite cups. A small end table can hold a favorite tea pot and a jar of gourmet dark chocolate. A beautiful basket can hold go-to spice jars, and a pretty pitcher near the stove can accommodate a multitude of cooking utensils. “If you can’t fit it all out of sight in a cabinet, get some glass jars, fill them with grains, flours and legumes and line them up on the countertop. It will be neat, and you can see what you have,” suggests Larkin. In the end, a well-nourished body and spirit fosters a beautiful life and inspires the same in others. An advocate for supporting the hungry in all communities, Kabatznick underscores local efforts and seeing the big picture of our relationship with food: “Taking out the garbage and cleaning up is also a sacred act if we bring that attitude into it. Food connects us to the Earth, the moon and the stars. From the seed to the truck driver—everything and everyone involved—the process of food is miraculous.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Laugh throughout the meal preparation. Dance as you cook. Do the same thing if you live alone.” Preparing food, whether a healthy smoothie or a gourmet weekend dinner for two, is a way to express love for ourselves and others. Baron loves the presence of plants, lovely ceramics and interesting platters and dishes, and notes, “Families can definitely shop, chop, cook and mealplan together to make the kitchen a fun place to be. Doing these things together is very bonding and sends the message that looking after yourself is important.”

conscious eating

SACRED SERVINGS

Spring Fever Salad with Flowers and Fruit Yields: 4 servings

photo by Marlaina Donato

1 head romaine or green leaf lettuce 8 medium-large organic strawberries, thinly sliced, or 2 small packages of fresh organic raspberries Handful of fresh, chemical-free flowers from the garden or store’s produce section: nasturtium, pansies and/or calendulas; gathered wild: spring violets and dandelion blooms

In-the-Bowl Dressing:

Moroccan-Spiced Red Lentil Soup

photo by Marlaina Donato

Yields: 4 servings 4 cups water 1½ cup red lentils 1 tsp sea salt 1 medium-size organic carrot, chopped in bite-size pieces 2 soft, dried apricots, chopped, or 1 Tbsp golden raisins or 2 dates, chopped ¼ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp ground turmeric ¼ tsp ground coriander seeds or ½ tsp crushed coriander seeds ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp crushed or ground cumin seeds 2 tsp extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil

Juice from one fresh tangerine 1 part organic apple cider vinegar to 2 parts avocado oil Dash of sea salt Add avocado oil, apple cider vinegar and salt into a large bowl, swirl around twice. Tear (don’t chop) lettuce and add to the preliminary dressing. Squeeze tangerine juice over lettuce and toss lightly until well-dressed. Place strawberry slices over salad. Sprinkle (don’t toss) flowers on top or artfully place where desired. Serve immediately.

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For a better us.

Bring water, carrots, apricots and all spices and seasonings to boil. Add red lentils, stir once and set heat to low. Cover pot with lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, remove from heat. Add olive oil and allow to sit for five minutes before serving. Optional toppings for each bowl: finely chopped red onion, red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro and/or a sprinkle of turmeric. Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. May 2020

at Buddhist altars, according to Jeanne Ha, owner of the Washington Flower School, in Takoma Park, Maryland. In the 16th century, Japanese samurais practiced flower arranging prior to combat to help calm them and stay centered, a stress-reducing activity most of us can benefit from today. “Seasonal flowers are an important element of Ikebana,” says Ha, part of a longstanding Japanese tradition of appreciating plants and flowers throughout the four seasons.

Finding a Floral Style

FLOWER WOW-ER Beautiful Floral Designing by April Thompson

resh-cut flowers can The good news arranging is more than elevate a space with is you can’t mess just a decorative art; it’s a spiritual activity that helps color, scents and up flowers. create a kinship with nature textures that draw the eye and merge the indoors and and nose, but professional ~Kathy Jentz outdoors. floral designs can be pricey. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower DIY arranging, however, is an easy, fun arranging, dates back to the seventh and inexpensive creative outlet that can century, when floral offerings were made also help cultivate mindfulness. Flower

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As with any artistic medium, creative choices are important in floral arranging. We can opt for a fussy, formal style, a rustic farmhouse look or a modern, asymmetrical design. “The good news is you can’t mess up flowers. Whether multidimensional or one-sided, monochromatic or multicolored, you really can’t go wrong,” says Kathy Jentz, publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine and a flower arranging instructor in Silver Spring, Maryland. Like a good meal, the ingredients of a bouquet are as important as how they are assembled. Start with organic, pesticidefree buds. “Look for local, seasonal flowers, which will be fresher and last longer than those flown in,” says Betty Ann Galway, a certified floral designer and instructor at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, in Virginia. Farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture CSAs and pick-your-own farms are all great places to find locally, sustainably grown flowers, according to Jentz. To select for long shelf life, look for fresh-looking stamens and foliage, and firm heads on flowers. Mums, carnations and asters will last up to three weeks, says Galway. When selecting flowers, Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer at the Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, recommends starting with a color scheme, whether limiting the palette to one or two colors, using analogous colors like pinks and purples or selecting complementary colors like blues and oranges. “It’s also good to find a focal flower or a show-stopper that will immediately draw attention to a bouquet,” says Wilber. Prepping the flowers before arranging will also prolong an arrangement’s longev-

Daria_Cherry/Shutterstock.com

green living

ity, including cutting stems diagonally to provide more surface area for water, suggests Jentz. She also recommends plunging flowers into cool water immediately after trimming their stems. Leaves pump water up the stem, so leave a few on while clearing those from the bottom that would otherwise be submerged in water, adds Galway. There are many ways to create structure for an arrangement, most of which is often hidden. Wilber stuffs chicken wire into an opaque container and then tapes down the top with a grid of floral tape to provide more control over the direction of the stems. Ha uses floral foam, soaked to provide hydration, into which stems can be inserted at any angle to create a gravity-defying design. Different styles of arranging draw from different principles, but many common rules of thumb apply; for example, using odd numbers of each type of flower and adding

in the largest flowers first to create an anchor for the composition. For a rustic, farm-totable bouquet, look beyond just blooms to incorporate seed pods, grasses and other foliage from the backyard or woods, says Wilber. These will not only fill in gaps left by thin-stemmed flowers, but also help create contrast in texture, she adds, recommending that 70 percent of the container be green. Once the design is complete, finetune the arrangement by stepping back to see the big-picture look and making any adjustments, removing discolored leaves

and adding greenery to any bald spots, says Wilber. Many designers wrap large, flat leaves around the inside of a container for a clean, polished look that hides the stems. Most importantly, don’t forget to stop and smell the lilacs. Let the flowers lead the design and let go of any unattainable vision of perfection. “Appreciating the flowers and being thankful is an important part of the process, too,” says Ha. Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

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Flower Arranging Tips From a Pro

healthy, professional-looking bouquet doesn’t take years of flower designing to achieve; these tricks of the trade will help neophyte designers get started. To loosen up tightly wound buds, breathe on them. Hot breath will open buds up faster, says publisher and arranger Kathy Jentz. An arranging technique Jentz recommends is clustering blossoms between the index finger and thumb of the less-dominant hand, resulting in a tight arrangement that can be held in place by a rubber band pulled up to the tops of the stems. If working with hydrangeas or other flowers with woody stems, smash open the stems along the length to get more water circulation. Consider upcycling common containers to make flower vases, Jentz says. “You can create recycled vases out of old jars and bottles, or use chalk paint to colorfully cover over a tin can.” The secret sauce in flower food is simply sugar and citric acid, says Jentz, so a little lemonade mix added to the water of an arrangement will work fine in a pinch.

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May 2020

DANCING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER The Healing Power of Movement

by Marlaina Donato

ovement comes in many colors, from modern dance to country line dancing, and there’s something for everyone, including those that claim to have two left feet. Dancing is healthy for the heart and improves cognitive function by forging new neural pathways in the brain. It builds stronger bones, helps balance and improves flexibility and endurance. Putting on dancing shoes also has a positive effect on depressive disorders, flooding the brain with endorphins that uplift mood and jumpstart motivation. Dance has found its way into the clinical setting as a psychotherapeutic tool for healing trauma, eating disorders and addictions.

Dancing, in essence, is for everyone. “Dance is a human right, a feature of almost every culture in the world, and our natural inclination to dance is one of the things that makes us human,” says David Leventhal, program director of Dance for PD, a nonprofit Parkinson’s Disease program of the Mark Morris Dance Group, in Brooklyn. Valerie Durham, a modern dancer in Baltimore specializing in the Isadora Duncan technique, concurs, “Birds don’t consider if they have talent for singing, they just sing. They sing because they have a voice. Similarly, dance is a right offered to anyone with a body.” 26

A Deterrent for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer Going dancing on a Friday night also proves to nourish the brain. A 2017 study published in Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience shows evidence that dance increases white matter that diminishes with cognitive decline. An older study sponsored by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in the New England Journal of Medicine spotlights data gathered during a 21-year period and reveals that regular social dancing can reduce the risk for dementia in seniors by 76 percent. “A number of peerreviewed research studies point to dance’s ability to improve motor skills and function of people living with Parkinson’s disease—balance, gait and tremor. Dance is expressive, giving people a creative voice when it feels that their capacity for physical, vocal and facial expression is being taken away,” says Leventhal. Durham, who worked with patients at the University of Florida Shands Hospital Arts in Medicine Program in the 1990s, witnessed memorable responses from cancer patients. “We danced with patients who were attached to IVs and those even in the ICU, some who were

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partially or even completely paralyzed, people who maybe could dance only with their eyes. And yet they danced,” marvels Durham. “Getting the lymphatic system, endorphins and breath flowing all elevate the body out of pain mode.”

Dancing from the Soul All forms of dancing have the capability to free the spirit and heal deep emotional wounds buried in the memory-holding fascia of the body’s soft tissues. Ecstatic dance, which has roots in ancient spiritual practices, is an unstructured option that dilutes limiting, self-conscious habits. These days, ecstatic dance gatherings have been organized in cities around the world. “There’s a vast movement in the dance world that has nothing to do with performance, but rather, is done for the joy of inhabiting a body in motion. Ecstatic dance is a free-form conscious dance and is a vibrant global community for people who love music and movement,” says Donna Carroll, founder of Ecstatic Dance International, in San Francisco. “When we can be courageous enough to turn away from our cultural norms that say you need ‘talent’ to dance, we get a chance to experience music through our bodies, and it can be quite pleasurable and life-affirming. Ecstatic dance is one of the most effective methods to return to what matters, to our bodies, to our ‘home’, and is accessible for people of all abilities.” In her artistic sphere of performance art, Durham has seen her students blossom from the inside-out. “They are able to connect with the deep wisdom in their bodies, thereby releasing old energetic wounds. Depression and anxiety are relieved during dance because you are so consciously consumed with the present moment of the steps and the music. Dancers will find that they feel more joyful and at peace at the end of a dance session.” For Leventhal, moving the body is a blessing for all: “Dance should be accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.” Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at AutumnEmbers Music.com.

Luis Molinero /Shutterstock.com

fit body

calendar of events NOTE: Visit HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com for guidelines and to submit entries online. Email Editor@ HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com with questions. Deadline for calendar/events: 12th of the month. Please call ahead to confirm event times.

Due to COVID-19, many events, classes and groups are on a modified schedule or are being held in a virtual format. We suggest confirming details with the host before attending. Please also regularly visit our online calendar or the social media pages and websites of your favorite businesses for their updated schedules. Saturday, May 2 Sugar & Gluten Sensitivity Workshop – 11am12:30pm. With Chris Poorten. Presentation on the effects of foods on our body, mind, and spirit and how gluten and sugar sensitivities develop. “Listen to your body” and develop a better understanding. Cost: $20. Blue Lagoon Wellness Center, 2720 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington. 910-685-2765. BlueLagoon WellnessCenter.com.

Sunday, May 3 Sunday Services Unity MB LIVE – 11am. Join Unity Myrtle Beach and Reverend Margaret Hiller LIVE on Facebook every Sunday until further notice. Visit Facebook.com/UnityMyrtleBeach. For more information call 843-238-8516 or visit UnityMyrtle Beach.org. Sunday Services Unity of Wilmington LIVE – 11am. Join Unity of Wilmington and Reverend Mindy Tucker LIVE on Facebook every Sunday until further notice. Visit Facebook.com/UnityofWilm. For more information call 910-763-5155 or visit UnityWil.com.

Monday, May 4 Indigo Mom’s: Community Support Group for Moma’s – 6:30-8pm. With Michelle Wells of Soal

Star Intuitive Arts. Support group for magical mamas and mamas of magical children of all ages to come together in a safe space to learn, talk, share, and ask questions for parent empathic or Indigo children. Cost: $20. Blue Lagoon Wellness Center, 2720 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington. 910-685-2765. BlueLagoon WellnessCenter.com.

Thursday, May 21 Breathwork – 6:30-8pm. With Brigette Toussant. Breathwork is an active meditation that moves stuck energy (fear, anger, anxiety, grief and negative thought patterns) in the body, using a circular two-part breathing technique. As you breathe your mind begins to quiet, endorphins are released, and your heart begins to open. Cost: $30. Blue Lagoon Wellness Center, 2720 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington. 910-685-2765. BlueLagoonWellnessCenter.com.

Saturday, May 23 World Turtle Day – Celebration started by the American Tortoise Rescue in 2000 to raise awareness and turtles and tortoises. Goal is to engage conservation and protective measures for these animals.

Sunday, May 24 Sunday Services Unity MB LIVE – 11am. See May 3 listing. Myrtle Beach. Sunday Services Unity of Wilmington LIVE – 11am See May 3 listing. Wilmington.

Thursday, May 7

Monday, May 25

Angel Speak Gallery Readings – 6:30-8pm. With Sheri Perbeck. Receive channeled messages from the Angelic Realm in a group setting from an Intuitive, Spiritualist and Medium. You will learn about the Angels and who is coming through to assist us now. Cost: $35. Blue Lagoon Wellness Center, 2720 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington. 910-685-2765. BlueLagoon WellnessCenter.com.

Memorial Day

Sunday, May 10 Happy Mother’s Day Sunday Services Unity MB LIVE – 11am. See May 3 listing. Myrtle Beach. Sunday Services Unity of Wilmington LIVE – 11am See May 3 listing. Wilmington.

Sunday, May 17 Sunday Services Unity MB LIVE – 11am. See May 3 listing. Myrtle Beach.

Ease and Convenience of At-Home Health Tests The public can check many health aspects at home in an easy and highly convenient way without going to a doctor’s office. LetsGetChecked, based in Dublin, Ireland, and New York City, provides comprehensive, at-home health testing along with complementary clinical services and connections with a global network of regulated laboratories, enabling users to take more active roles in their health and decision making. After obtaining a testing kit online or from a selected pharmacy, customers selfcollect a blood, saliva or urine sample with a kit-provided lancet and send it to an affiliated lab—all Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved and College

Sunday Services Unity of Wilmington LIVE – 11am See May 3 listing. Wilmington.

of American Pathologists-accredited—using a pre-paid label. Most will receive a call from the company’s nursing team with results a few days later, which are also posted in their LetsGetChecked account. Thirty separate kits—grouped in men’s, women’s and sexual health plus wellness—can check for sexually transmitted diseases; some cancers; thyroid function; vitamin, cholesterol and hormonal levels; and more. Since its founding in 2014, the company has performed more than 250,000 tests. CB Insights, a leading private com-

calendar There’s always something to do at HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com

pany research and analysis firm, named LetsGetChecked to its inaugural Digital Health 150 list in October. For more information or to register, visit HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com. Natural Awakenings readers can receive 20 percent off their order by using discount code Natural20. See ad on page 31.

Advertorial May 2020

community resource guide HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, visit HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com or call 910-833-5366.

Access Energy Services Aubrey LUECK

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

JAN

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

FEB

Cardiovascular Health Plus: Regenerative Medicine

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD

APR

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies Plus: Healthy Home

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Plus: Protein & Collagen Connection

JUN

Inspired Lifestyle Travel Plus: Brain Health

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JUL

Beyond Factory Farming Plus: Gut Health

AUG

Biological Dentistry Plus: Environmental Education

SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEP

Emotional Well-Being Plus: Adaptive Yoga

OCT

Stress Management Plus: Joint Health

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

NOV

Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care

DEC

Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

Access Bars Facelift & Body Process Practitioner End of Life Specialist 630-292-0216 • AccessAubrey@yahoo.com AccessAubrey.com Offering Access Bars, Facelift and Body process hands-on method promoting energies to flow, heal and repair. This energy transformation modality, links season wisdom, ancient knowledge, and highly contemporary pragmatic tools for positive change. Receiving these holistic, non-invasive treatments will leave you with a sense of peace and space; and a feeling like there are more possibilities open to you. All of life comes to me with ease, joy and glory.

ACUPUNCTURE Lumina Acu Clinic

Enhong “Ann” Yu, LAc 6781 Parker Farm Rd, Ste 130, Wilmington 910-256-3939 • Info@LuminaAcuClinic.com LuminaAcuClinic.com At our practice, we combine acupuncture with traditional Chinese herbal remedies to address a variety of our patient’s needs. Dr. Yu’s extensive training in both Chinese and Western medicine in China gives her a unique perspective that allows her to deliver the best possible care to all her patients.

Alternative Medicine The Club at CamClinic

Nan Cameron, MSN, RN, LAc 1928 S 16th St, Wilmington 910-342-0999 • CamClinic.com Located at the Cameron Clinic of Oriental Medicine, The Club increases your treatment options utilizing complementary alternative therapies. We help you design a program that meets your health and wellness goals utilizing cutting-edge technology. Let us be part of your team! See ad, page 12.

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Your Business Directory Listing Could Be

HERE! HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com

ANIMAL SERVICES GOOSE MASTERS, LLC

910-523-9668 • Info@Goose-Masters.com Goose-Masters.com Natural, humane and eco-conscious Canada goose control company offering services in Southeastern North Carolina and Northeastern South Carolina. Highly trained Border Collies that never touch or harm geese bring peace of mind to properties overrun with Canada geese by persuading and keeping the birds away.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Bio Symmetry

Dr. Chris A. Pate, MD 265 Racine Dr, Ste 102, Wilmington 910-399-6661 • BioSymmetry.com Are you experiencing any of the following: muscle loss, weight gain, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, memory loss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, erectile dysfunction? You could have declining hormones and benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for both men and women. See ad, page 15.

chiropractic Innate Health Family Chiropractic & Wellness

Dr. Ada Aniniba, DC 14886 US Hwy 17N, Hampstead 910-406-1200 • DrAdaAniniba.com Dr. Ada Aniniba is a Max Living Doctor at Innate Health Family Chiropractic and Wellness. She focuses on five essentials of health: maximizing the mind, chiropractic, nutrition, lean muscle and minimizing toxins. Innate Health is a familycentric practice open to patients of all ages. Corrective and wellness care programs provide a primary source of wellness, nutritional support, immunity and allergy support, education, inspiration and fitness. See ad, page 13.

Call

910-833-5366 to join us next month.

Farm Shelton Herb Farm 340 Goodman Rd, Leland 910-253-5964 SheltonHerbFarm.com

Specializing in growing a large variety of culinary herbs, and grow seasonal vegetable plants, heirloom and native plants; butterfly and bee plants. Open year-round with seasonal varieties. Provide fresh-cut herbs, edible flowers and microgreens to local restaurants, caterers and home use. Also participate in local farmers’ markets, garden shows and special events. Farm tours, workshops and classes available. See ad, page 11.

HEALTH EDUCATION SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF NATURAL HEALTH

Brunswick Islands of NC 910-216-0100 SouthernInstituteofNaturalHealth.com We educate and empower students to higher knowledge concerning natural health and healing. Offering a variety of local classes and online courses to support living, sharing and teaching a natural, healthy lifestyle.

HOLISTIC DENTIST Wilmington Holistic Dentistry Dr. Jessica Shireman, DMD AIOMT 6200 Oleander Drive, Wilmington 910-777-4020 WilmingtonHolisticDentistry.com

Dr. Shireman is excited to bring holistic dentistry to Wilmington. She and her family recently relocated from Raleigh where she had a holistic practice for 5 years. S h e h o l d s b o t h S M A RT certification and is accredited by the IAOMT in safe-mercury removal and has a unique, patient-based approach to dentistry. See ad, page 9.

HOME SEXUAL HEALTH TESTING

Metaphysical Shop Madame Meerkat’s Cabinet of Curiosities

Lets Get Checked

1001 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington MadameMeerkat.net

910-833-5366 NA-SENorthCarolina.com Save 20% Code: Natural 20

A community metaphysical shop supplying crystals, tarot, incense, and local art in a welcoming atmosphere complete with coffee bar, energy healers, intuitive readers, and workshops to help you learn and grow. Facebook/Instagram: @ madamemeerkat. See ad, page 6.

Convenient at-home STD testing with online results in a matter of days. Accurate and reliable, private and confidential, discreet packaging along with a dedicated medical support team available 24/7 to call and explain your results and provide treatment options. See ads, pages 27 and 31.

Hypnotherapy Inner Gold Counseling & Hypnosis

Novella Hall Serving Greater Wilmington area 910-398-4724 • Novellac@BellSouth.net Novella Hall has been treating through hypnosis for attachment trauma, past life regression, future life progression, pain management to restore vital and healthy functioning, plus habit change, as well as providing Akashic readings for over 15 years. Both private and group sessions including over telephone and via Skype. International Board of Certified Hypnosis Trainer.

JEWELRY Origami Owl

609-915-2033 JewelryByLAJ.OrigamiOwl.com Tell your story through customizable jewelry. Origami Owl is a leading custom jewelry company known for telling stories through our signature Living Lockets, personalized Charms, Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings.

NATURAL AESTHETICS

Bliss Aesthetics Studio

Bonnie Briceno 4712 New Centre Drive, Wilmington 910-515-7641 BlissAestheticsStudio.com All-natural skin care services and treatments using unique, naturally corrective products for all types of skin and ethnicities to treat all skin care concerns; including fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, enlarged pores acne and more! Permanent makeup and lash extensions also available. Mention Natural Awakenings for discount.

Natural Services Life Elixir Wellness Tea 970-903-5311 LifeElixirTea.com Glenn@CaptainGlennsTeas.com

Captain Glenn's Life Elixir Tea is a “Wellness Tea” that, when used regularly, promotes good health and well-being. While providing an excellent herbal supplement to fight colds and flu, Life Wellness Elixir Tea has demonstrated the ability to foster changes in the body that can aid digestion, infections, headaches and even symptoms of anxiety. Grandmother says, “It’s Good for What Ails You!” See ad, back cover.

We’re getting social

HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST The Calla Lily Advantage Karen L. Dettore 910-262-6732 Karen@TheCallaLilyAdvantage.com TheCallaLilyAdvantage.com

...and being safe while practicing social distancing.

As a master-level certified Nutrition Consultant, Karen offers several services including nutritional well-being, holistic nutrition, healthy cooking/meal planning, weight management, and sports nutrition. Eat better, feel better, and have more energy; all in a fun and rewarding environment with a healthier and happier lifestyle goal for you. See ad, page 9.

@naturalawakeningscc

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@nacoastcarolina @naturalawakeningscc May 2020

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $25 (up to 20 words) + $1 per word over 20 words. To place listing, email content to Editor@HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

OPPORTUNITIES Natural Awakenings is seeking aspiring writers. Apprentice with us. Obtain experience in interviewing. Receive guidance from a professional editor. See your by line in print! Contact Publisher@HealthyLiving CoastalCarolinas.com or 910-833-5366 for more information.

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Natural Services Willing Beauty

Beacon Thermography, inc.

You don’t have to choose between safe & effective skincare! We are a skin-loving beauty brand with heart, created to inspire your life, celebrate your beauty. We believe in simple, safer, better-for-you formulas that harness the power of nature, deliver proven results, and are fun to use. Our products are free of parabens, sulfates, DEA, phthalates, mineral oils, chemical sunscreens and synthetic fragrances. Never tested on animals. Rewards program available. See ad, page 17.

Thermography is a state-of-the-art, radiation-free diagnostic tool which creates a digital map of your body, illustrating heat patterns that may detect some condition or abnormality using a scanning-type infrared camera that measures your body’s surface temperature. Thermography aids in the detection and monitoring of many types of diseases and physical injury. Multiple scanning locations throughout the Wilmington area. See ad, page 14.

609-915-2033 WillingBeauty.com/LAJ

NEUROSCULPTING Sharon Meny, CNSF

910-899-3124 BloomgrowBlossomYoga.com Neurosculpting® is a 5-step meditation process that aids in releasing the grip of old patterns and training the brain to create new and more supportive patterns, habits and behaviors. Classes offered online and one-on-one inperson sessions, as well as corporate and private sessions. Currently accepting new clients. Mention Natural Awakenings for discount.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

THANK YOU

UNITY MYRTLE BEACH

1270 Surfside Industrial Park Dr Surfside Beach 843-238-8516 • UnityMyrtleBeach.org Our uplifting mission of prayer, service and education enriches and transforms lives. We are a spiritual community of individuals dedicated to knowing Self and knowing God, and doing our part in supporting the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of children, individuals and families on the Grand Strand. See ad, page 24.

UNITY of WILMINGTON

717 Orchard Ave, Wilmington 910-763-5155 • UnityWil.com

To the healthcare professionals who are risking their lives during this epidemic, thank you for fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.

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A positive path for spiritual living committed to expanding consciousness and inspiring transformation, Unity teaches a culturally Christian and spiritually unlimited way of life. Unity is an open-minded, accepting community emphasizing practical, everyday application of spiritual principles for more abundant and meaningful living. Check Facebook and Meetup for events. See ad, page 11.

SE North Carolina & Serving Myrtle Beach

HealthyLivingCoastalCarolinas.com

Shelly Laine 910-803-2150 BeaconThermography.com

THYROID HEALTH Lets Get Checked

910-833-5366 NA-SENorthCarolina.com Save 20% Code: Natural 20 Lets Get Checked home thyroid test will provide a broad picture of how your thyroid is performing with online test results in 2-5 days. Biomarkers covered: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGAB)*, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO/TPEX)*. Note: presence of TGAB or TPEX antibodies can indicate thyroid damage which can include autoimmune disorders. See ads, pages 27 and 31.

wellness center Blue Lagoon Wellness Center Pat and Jo Zachry 1202 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington 910-685-2795 BlueLagoonWellnessCenter.com EmporiumRockShop.com

Besides being one of Wilmington’s Largest Emporium Rock Shops with all your Metaphysical needs, we offer Energy Work, Chakra Balancing, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Psychic Readings. Many classes. Check Meetup and Natural Awakenings online for listings. See ad, page 13.

PURELIFE WELLNESS CENTER and Emporium Rock Shop Victoria RP Chavez, Owner/Manufacturer 317 N Front St, Wilmington 910-343-1374 MiracleSkinRelief.com

Creating wellness paradigms for mind, body and soul. Offering vitamins, herbs, minerals, specialty formulas, handmade herbal remedies, fresh organic juices, smoothies and salads, local products and honey, over 100 varieties of teas, spices and herbs; and also wellness therapies including reiki, cognitive behavior therapy, ear candling, hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming. See ad, page 17.

AT HOME TESTING, FOR A HEALTHIER YOU. Convenient, confidential and accurate health testing for women and men with online results in a matter of days. We will be launching a test for Coronavirus to help frontline healthcare workers combat COVID-19, with hopes to launch an at-home test for the public soon. Order the right test for you. We have a wide range of tests to cover your health needs. Order with next day delivery and avoid sitting in a doctor's office or clinic

Collect your sample. Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.

Confidence. Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.

Visit LetsGetChecked.com on your computer or smartphone today. 20% OFF EVERYTHING Use code NATURAL20 at cart.

This ad contains affiliate codes to products. Natural Awakenings may receive a commision for purchases made through these codes.

Captain Glenn’s Newsletter Grandmother says, “It’s Good For What Ails You!” The coronavirus (COVID-19) has everyone sitting up in their seats. The coronavirus is new and different from flu and other viruses, so medical experts are still discovering its characteristics and the best way to treat it. What has been established is that COVID-19 spreads more rapidly than the flu and can be ten times more lethal. It is already among the worst Pandemics in history. Since a vaccine or cure is not yet available, doctors are suggesting rest, eating right, and plenty of fluids to let our own immune systems fight off the virus. To assist in this fight, Captain Glenn’s Certified Hieronymus Life Elixir Tea is a Natural, proven immune system booster. When first developed in the early 2000’s in Colorado, college students and other users reported a much faster recovery from colds and flu, with some doctors calling the Elixir Tea “Flu Buster”! This getting back to nature may be the answer. In simpler times, many folks relied on blending a variety of herbs, fruits and spices to create a tea that had marvelous healing properties. These “elixir” teas were the foundation of holistic, natural remedies for

coughs, colds, fever, indigestion and a myriad of other ailments. Introduce yourself to Captain Glenn’s Certified Hieronymus ® Life Elixir We l l n e s s Te a . Only one teaspoon makes a satisfying cup of tea. Served hot or cold over ice, this remarkable tea can aid in the betterment of a number of health issues and restore a sense of calm, focus and wellbeing.

“What’s in it?”

Many ask that question and we are happy to share. Yerba-Mate leaves, Peppermint Leaves, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, and Clove Buds. These ingredients, portioned correctly, work synergistically to enhance the healing powers of each. It’s not just using premium natural organic ingredients, but also balanc-

ing the perfect amount of each ingredient to create the optimal effect. Nutrients and phytochemicals in these herbs & spices include beta-carotene, lecithin, amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C and E. Our Life Elixir Wellness Tea’s exclusive formula cleanses and detoxifies, and can aid digestion, infections, and even symptoms of anxiety. It helps you feel better and get well sooner. Captain Glenn feels called to make his Elixir Teas available nationwide. Captain Glenn’s final thoughts: “Enough is enough of the abuse, pain and stress that people go through— most of that suffering is not necessary. All I want to do is help people wake up to the healing power of Mother Earth.” It has become his life’s mission to help others by guiding them to become more aware of what they put into their bodies and how they can recover naturally.

“I have found that Captain Glenn’s Wellness team (I’m the one who suggested that he should call it ‘Elixir of Life’) has benefited several of my patients and clients. Typical of the effects is that one patient who stated it makes me feel more centered.” —Dr. David Sigurslid, M.D.

To enjoy Captain Glenn’s Life Elixir TeaTM, visit www.lifeelixirtea.com or call 970-903-5311. advertorial

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1015 S. Kerr Ave Unit “C” Wilmington