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Mission: Animal Rescue Big and Small, They Need Our Help

Conscious Eateries

The Best Menus Offer Healthy Foods

Fitness Myths

Common Tips that Can Cause Harm March 2015 | Greater Baton Rouge Edition | NABatonRouge.com

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Call today to schedule your appointment: (225)

229-6107

1528 Delplaza Drive, Suite B, Baton Rouge

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Greater Baton Rouge, LA

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contents 8

5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 1 1 community spotlight

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15 fitbody 16 naturalpet 18 greenliving 20 healingways

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22 consciouseating 24 calendar 25 classifieds 29 resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 225-238-1200 or email Publisher@NABatonRouge.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NABatonRouge.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NABatonRouge.com or submit online at NABatonRouge.com. Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

11 VEGAN AND

CRUELTY-FREE:

Beauty with Conviction

by Julianne Hale

12 MISSION:

ANIMAL RESCUE

Big and Small, They Need Our Help

by Sandra Murphy

12

15 POPULAR

FITNESS MYTHS

Seven Common Maxims that Can Cause Harm

by Leslie Perry Duffy

16 LIFESAVING ACTS Protecting Animals at Home and Abroad

16

by Sandra Murphy

18 A PRACTICAL GUIDE

18

TO COMPOSTING

Pick the Best Option for You

by Tracy Fernandez Rysavy

20 LOVE YOUR GREENS! New Ways to Prepare these Nutritional Powerhouses

by Nava Atlas

22 THE NEW

HEALTHY CUISINE

Good-to-Go Eats

20

by Judith Fertig

NABatonRouge.com natural awakenings

March 2015

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letterfrompublisher We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. ~Immanual Kant

I

contact us Publisher/Editor Jamie Shakotko Local Writer Elisa Smith Local Advertising Jamie Shakotko Design & Production Melanie Rankin Proofreader Randy Kambic Distribution Celinda Wilson

MAIL/PHONE/FAX/WEB: P.O. Box 77064 Baton Rouge, LA 70879 Phone: 225-238-1200 Fax: 225-238-1201 NABatonRouge.com © 2015 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. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. 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.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

4

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

am so excited to introduce you to our cover model, Franny, the basset hound! Although I love all types of dogs, basset hounds have always been my favorite, ever since the day I saw Rosco’s dog, Flash, on the television show, The Dukes of Hazzard. When I heard Franny’s story, I knew she had to be the focus of this month’s animal rights theme.

Franny was purchased as a puppy and put outside in a wire cage, often without food or water, forced to survive on her own waste. She almost starved to death before being rescued. Vicki Beechler, (pictured on the cover with Franny) agreed to foster this sweet pup and nurse her back to health until a suitable home was found. As you have probably guessed, Vicki fell in love with Franny and couldn’t let her go.

If you are considering adding a furry friend to your home, I encourage you to check out local animal shelters for fostering or adoption. There are so many wonderful animals awaiting loving homes.

It may be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Everyone I know who has ever adopted an animal insists that they are the ones who were rescued, and not the other way around. And really, who couldn’t use some unconditional love in their lives?

Our other cover story on “conscious eateries” came to mind as I traveled to Orlando recently with my oldest daughter where she competed in a cheer competition held at Walt Disney World. Although we were there for the competition, we also enjoyed Vicki Beechler and Franny a few days of play. When I travel, I am always a bit by local photographer apprehensive about being able to find healthy food Jessi Arnold options on the road and at my destination. Imagine my delight in finding many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food options available in all the Disney parks! What a welcome relief to see that healthier food options are becoming readily available, not only in Walt Disney World, but in communities across the country, including our own.

When I began eating healthier several years ago, the only “safe” places I knew were Whole Foods Market and local farmers’ markets. Later, when I switched to a plant-based diet, things got even trickier, with options few and far between. However, I’ve seen a big change in the past two years. A variety of healthier food choices, such as The Big Squeezy (see ad, page 20) and Room For Dessert (see ad, page 18), are popping up all over the Greater Baton Rouge area, offering quick, delicious and affordable options. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, paleo and/or gluten-free, you can now find healthy and delicious fare while on the go.

Whether your focus is on adopting a healthy lifestyle or a “furever” friend—or both!—I hope you enjoy this issue.

Jamie Shakotko, Publisher NABatonRouge.com

glossy IS NOT green

newsbriefs Spiritual Awakening Seminar with Joan Borysenko

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oan Borysenko, Ph.D., an author, psychologist and inspirational speaker, will lead a two-day Spiritual Awakening seminar at two locations in Baton Rouge. The first will take place at 7 p.m., March 6, at the Unitarian Church and the second part of the seminar will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7, at The Red Shoes.

In the first session, The Art and Joan Borysenko Science of Resilience, participants will discover how psychology, neuroscience and spirituality support enjoying and growing through the inevitable: change. The second session, Wisdom of the Heart: Where Psychology, Health and Spirituality Meet, offers participants the opportunity to learn the tools needed to retrain the brain and nervous system to generate heartfulness as a natural companion to mindfulness.

One of the pioneers in mind-body medicine and spirituality, Borysenko brings together ancient wisdom and modern science to offer new and practical tools to help attendees embody healing and wholeness.

Cost: $20 1st session, $75 2nd session, $90 both. Location: Unitarian Church, 8470 Goodwood Blvd.; The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St. For more information, call 225-3381170 or visit TheRedShoes.org. See ad, page 27.

Bodyworks by Vickie Hosts Essential Oil Classes

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odyworks by Vickie, in Baton Rouge, has partnered with Jeannie Causey, of Daystar Way, to offer two essential oil classes this month. Attendees will receive $5 off future services at Bodyworks by Vickie.

Introduction to Essential Oils will take place at 6:30 p.m., March 12. Participants will learn about essential oils and how to use them. They will also learn to discern the quality and sample therapeutic-grade oils.

Detoxifying the Body will be held at 6:30 p.m., March 26. Causey, a licensed practical nurse and certified natural health practitioner, will teach attendees how and why the body detoxifies itself and how essential oils can aid this process.

Cost: Free. Location: 6509 Government St. For more information or to register, call 225-572-3376. See ads, pages 16 and 23.

Specializing in: Manual Lymph Drainage • CranioSacral • Energy Balancing Deep Tissue Massage • Raindrop Therapy • Lomi Lomi Pregnancy • Swedish • Thai Body • Body Contour Wraps Herbal Teas • Customized Bath Salts • Essential Oil Blends 225-456-7577 • www.Biossage4Life.com 11822 Justice Ave, Suite A1, Baton Rouge natural awakenings

March 2015

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newsbriefs

News to Share?

Open House at Total Wellness for Women

Do you have a special event in the community?

Are you opening a new office or moving?

Recently become certified in a new modality?

Let us know about it!

T

otal Wellness for Women, in Baton Rouge, will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m., March 29. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Karen Miller and staff, tour the office and learn about integrative and holistic gynecology, and mind-body health.

A board-certified gynecologist with no obstetric patients to interrupt appointments, Miller provides routine annual exams and addresses all gynecologic concerns. She offers comprehensive wellness screenings, along with a personalized wellness plans and coaching.

Patients can take advantage of Miller’s schedule of classes, groups and seminars addressing women’s needs.

Location: 10101 Siegen Ln., Ste. 3B. For more information, call 225-288-1230 or visit TotalWellnessBR.com. See ad, page 17.

Jessica Tregre Opens New Mobile Wellness Business

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he Sanctuary Wellness & Day Spa, in Baton Rouge, will close on March 1 and owner Jessica Tregre will offer mobile wellness care for businesses, schools and families with her new company, Lotus Wellness & Consulting.

“Lotus can help businesses and families with their health and wellness needs,” explains Tregre. “I want to make sure that holistic wellness care is easily accessible to everyone.” The company will offer business and corporate wellness programs, such as employee weight loss challenges, and will conduct in-home health consultations and grocery shopping assistance to help families choose healthier foods.

“With the absence of spa services, I will be able to offer more time and energy toward my passion of sharing natural and holistic health with the community,” says Tregre. She will continue to offer health and wellness consultations using pH analysis; biofeedback scans; hair, skin and nail analysis; face and hair mapping; iridology; lifestyle support and coaching.

For more information, call 225-278-9187 or visit HealthyLotus.com. See ad, page 23.

Biossage Offers New Services

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News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item.

Call 225-238-1200 for additional information, or visit NABatonRouge.com 6

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

iossage, in Baton Rouge, has added Ashley Perry and Denise Jarreau to their staff, offering additional services to its clients.

A licensed massage therapist, Perry will massage for Health offer neuromuscular massage and localized corrective soft tissue massage services. Jarreau will provide Reiki, energetic trauma release and chakra balancing.

Biossage continues to offer Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, Lomi Lomi, Thai bodywork and craniosacral therapy, as well as raindrop therapy, deep tissue, massage for Health v.1b pregnancy and Swedish massage.

Location: 11822 Justice Ave., Ste. A1. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 225-456-7577 or visit Biossage4Life.com. See ad, page 5.

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www.WellnessCentreBR.com MERCURY SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Cypress Dental Family Dentistry

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Your beautiful healthy smile is our main concern.

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Our friendly staff provides superb service and quality care in a comfortable homelike atmosphere.

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Dr.Kurt A. LeJeune

3138 McIlhenny Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 • Visit www.cypressdental.com for more information natural awakenings

March 2015

7

A Walk in Nature is a Path to Progress

healthbriefs GINKGO BILOBA CALMS ADHD, BOOSTS MEMORY

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esearchers from Germany’s University of Tübingen’s Center for Medicine tested the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on 20 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a clinical trial. The children were given up to 240 milligrams (mg) of the extract for between three and five weeks. Before, during and after the treatment, the scientists evaluated the children by testing the brain’s electrical activity, along with other ADHD-related tests. Those that had received the extract exhibited significant improvement in ADHD symptoms.

A study from Liberty University, in Virginia, previously examined 262 adults ages 60 and over with normal memory and mental performance and found that the same Ginkgo biloba extract improved their cognitive scores. Half of the study participants were given 180 mg of the extract daily and half were given a placebo.

Standardized tests and a subjective, self-reporting questionnaire found the Ginkgo resulted in significant cognitive improvements among the older adults.

BUGS LINKED TO FACTORY FARM ANTIBIOTICS

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Explore new territory, advertise in Natural Awakenings’ April Nature’s Wisdom & Healthy Home Issue

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

225-238-1200 8

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

he bacteria E. coli now causes 75 to 95 percent of all urinary tract infections, and research from Iowa State University has confirmed that such occurrences are linked to factory farms that use antibiotics.

The findings support a study previously completed by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and George Washington University that shows a strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli called ExPEC, an extra-intestinal pathogen, was genetically traceable to factory-farmed animals receiving certain antibiotics.

The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System reports that 75 percent of chicken and turkey, 59 percent of ground beef and 40 percent of pork meats tested were contaminated with E. coli, and that the strains were predominantly multi-drug resistant.

MEDITATION MINIMIZES MIGRAINES

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esearchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced the number and duration of migraines among 19 episodic migraine patients. Ten were given eight weeks of mindfulness classes with instructions for adding personal meditation in-between sessions.

The other nine received typical migraine care.

Those in the meditation group experienced an average of 1.4 fewer migraines per month, which averaged nearly three hours less than the ones experienced by those in the control group. Pain levels of the headaches reported by those in the meditation group averaged 1.3 points lower on a scale of one to 10.

For local meditation classes, call 225-456-7577 or visit Biossage4Life.com.

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EVEN MODEST DRINKING RAISES RISK OF HEART DISEASE

Free your hips. Free your mind.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

pig

me

Ve g

an

-

nts frie av nd ail ly ab le

study published in the Nutrition and Cancer Journal reveals that the herb thyme is more than a cooking spice. Scientists tested a methanol extract of Thymus serphyllum—also referred to as wild thyme—on two types of breast cancer cells and found that it was able to kill them in laboratory testing. The testing also found the extract to be safe for healthy normal breast cells. The researchers state that wild thyme may provide the means for a promising natural cancer treatment.

BARRE • INTERVAL • BUTI YOGA • BRIDAL & NEW MOMMY SPECIALS

Ne Sh w op W ly U Ou eb pg r Sto rad re ed

ontrary to the hypothesis that moderate drinking can be heart-healthy, a new study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that even light to moderate drinking increases the risk of heart disease.

In a large, randomized meta-study, researchers examined patient data from 261,991 European adults derived from 56 studies. Participants were classified as non-drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers or heavy drinkers. The researchers also used a gene variation to determine alcohol intake—a genetic marker that indicates low alcohol consumption of less than 10 milliliters (about a third of an ounce) per week.

They found that those with the gene variation—and thus are virtually non-drinkers—had a significantly lower risk of heart disease, including stroke and hypertension, and that even light drinking significantly increased heart disease risk. The researchers concluded: “These findings suggest that reductions of alcohol consumption, even for light to moderate drinkers, may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.”

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natural awakenings

March 2015

9

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Salty Harvest

Seaweed May Be the New Lettuce Food items such as kelp, dulse, alaria and laver may be unfamiliar now, but likely not for long, as these and other varieties of edible seaweed and sea vegetables appear on more shopping lists and restaurant menus.

These ingredients are already favored by cooks for the jolt of salty goodness they bring to soups and salads and by health food advocates that appreciate their high levels of essential minerals. Goodies in the pipeline include seaweed-filled bagels, ice cream and chips.

The trend toward farming seaweed instead of harvesting in the wild is making news. Working waterfronts often go dormant in the winter as lobstermen that work during warmer months move inland out of season for part-time jobs. Seaweed is a winter crop that can keep boats out on the water, providing year-round aquaculture employment.

Entrepreneur Matthew Moretti, who operates Bangs Island Mussels, a shellfish and kelp farm in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine, explains, “Mussels are monoculture,” so he has been growing sugar kelp between mussel rafts to create a more ecological model.

Source: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future

Cultivating Youth

Farming Seeks to Recruit a New Generation With an aging population of farmers, it’s clear that agriculture needs to attract more young people, because half the farmers in the U.S. are 55 or older. But for much of the world’s youth, agriculture isn’t seen as being cool or attractive—only as backbreaking labor without an economic payoff and with little room for career advancement. However, with some effort, young farmers can explore contemporary career options in permaculture design, biodynamic farming, communication technologies, forecasting, marketing, logistics, quality assurance, urban agriculture projects, food preparation, environmental sciences and advanced technologies.

“Increased access to education and new forms of agriculture-based enterprises means that young people can be a vital force for innovation in family farming, increasing incomes and well-being for both farmers and local communities,” says Mark Holderness, executive secretary of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research.

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (nesfp.org), in Massachusetts, trains young farmers in how to run a small farm operation, from business planning to specialized advanced workshops in livestock and healthy food. Likewise, the Southeastern New England Young Farmer Network (YoungFarmerNetwork.org) hosts free social and educational events that bring together farmers of all ages and experience levels to network and collaborate.

Source: FoodTank.com 10

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

NABatonRouge.com

Frack Attack

Drilling Poisons Both Water and Air Major concerns about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, as a means of extracting natural gas have centered on how toxic fracking fluids and methane injected into the ground can pollute water supplies. Now a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Health attests how fracking adversely impacts air quality, too.

Lead author David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at New York’s University at Albany, is concerned that fracking sites show potential to develop cancer clusters in years to come. The study found eight different poisonous chemicals in groundwater near wells and fracking sites throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming at levels that exceeded federal limits, including levels of benzene and formaldehyde, both known carcinogens.

Approximately half of the air samples Carpenter analyzed exceeded federally recommended limits. Benzene levels were 35 to 770,000 times higher; hydrogen sulfide levels were 90 to 60,000 times higher; and formaldehyde levels were 30 to 240 times above a theoretically safe threshold.

“Cancer has a long latency, so you’re not seeing an elevation in cancer in these communities [yet],” says Carpenter. “But five, 10, 15 or more years from now, elevation in cancer incidence is almost certain to happen.”

Source: Grist.org

communityspotlight

Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Beauty with Conviction

by Julianne Hale

“W

hen I was ucts that I use in my in high studio are vegan and school, I cruelty-free,” she says. “I had a series of unfortunate would never use prodhaircuts so I started cutting ucts tested on animals.” my own hair,” describes Beechler’s deeply Vicki Beechler of her held belief in the value of early days of amateur hair all life extends to her clistyling. “I had one really ent’s overall well-being. brave friend who let me She explains, “I have cut her hair and it went realways been into holisally well.” tic wellness and natural

An excellent student health. When I went to Vicki Beechler in high school, Beechler work on my own, I really participated in the gifted wanted to find the most and talented program and applied natural, healthy products that I could to numerous colleges before graduaoffer so I did research and discovered tion. Despite her many options, she Organic Color Systems products.” struggled with which career to choose.

Ammonia-free and as chemicalIn a moment of clarity that eludes most free as possible in the realm of permateenagers on the cusp of adulthood, nent hair color, Organic Color Systems Beechler chose to hold off on going to products allow Beechler to feel good college until she knew what she wanted about the services she provides for her to major in and opted, instead, to take clients, knowing that the products she the road less traveled and go to beauty uses will not adversely impact their school in the interim. This decision health. “I like the transparency of the would prove to be one of the most imcompany,” she notes. “The products portant choices of her professional life. are labeled clearly and if there is an

After graduating and relocating to ingredient that is known to bioaccumuBaton Rouge, Beechler began an exciting late or have any negative impact, they career in the hair industry, the highlight make that very clear of which came when she met one of the on the label so that most influential figures in the world of customers can decide hair. “I got to meet Vidal Sassoon while whether or not to use he was still living,” Beechler beams. the product.”

The only passion that rivals

In addition Beechler’s interest in hair is her love of to cutting, coloranimals. “When I was 12, I went veging and styling hair, etarian because it was the first time that Beechler is a Reiki I put together that the food I was eating master and provides used to be a living animal. I could aromatherapy using never eat meat again after I made that dōTERRA essenconnection,” she explains. tial oils. She prides

This passion has spilled over into herself on providing a Beechler’s professional life. “All prodpersonal experience

to her clients. “I only take one person at a time so whenever someone has an appointment with me, it is just the two of us,” she notes. Beechler also teaches essential oils classes at her studio.

In her free time, Beechler helps nonprofits raise awareness about the treatment of animals in the agricultural industry and in product and scientific testing. She has worked with Mercy for Animals, to help inform area college students. “We go to college campuses and hand out information about animal agriculture and share vegetarian recipes,” asserts Beechler.

Her convictions about animal rights have permeated every aspect of her life, from what she eats, to what she buys, to the products she purchases and sells. Beechler understands that not everyone will make the type of commitment she has but she believes that everyone can make small changes that, when done by many, can have a significant impact. “I encourage everyone to take at least one small step for animals that is not very intrusive into their lifestyle by making sure that their personal care products are not tested on animals.

A quick check of LeapingBunny.org allows consumers to look up their products and find out,” Beechler advises.

Located in Baton Rouge, Vicki B Beauty & Wellness is available by appointment only. For more information, call 225955-0177 or visit Vicki-B.com. See ad, page 17.

Julianne Hale is a freelance writer.

She blogs at AnotherGrayHair.

Wordpress.com and can be reached at halejulianne@gmail.com.

natural awakenings

March 2015

11

infusion into the pet’s testicles causes them to atrophy. It’s less invasive, with a lower chance of infection and less pain, and reduces testosterone.

For feral cat populations where traps haven’t worked, megestrol acetate, derived from progesterone, added to food acts as birth control to slow or stop colony growth.”

Treatment of laboratory animals has also improved. “There have been three significant changes since 1984,” says Cathy Liss, president of the nonprofit Animal Welfare Institute, in Washington, D.C., founded in 1951 (awionline.org).

“General housing conditions are better, the number of government-owned chimpanzees has decreased and laboratories no longer obtain dogs and cats from random sources, so no stolen pets end up in labs.”

MISSION: ANIMAL RESCUE Big and Small, They Need Our Help

by Sandra Murphy

E

very creature in the animal kingdom has an essential purpose, yet through human interference, animal life overall has become so imbalanced as to signal a tipping point for Earth. Extreme care for the rapidly growing population of a relative handful of pet breeds stands in stark contrast to trending extinction of dozens of other species. Fortunately, in addition to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, conservationists and supportive lawmakers, every one of us can make a real difference.

Home Pet Rescues

Zack Skow started by volunteering with a nearby dog rescue organization.

He became director, and then in 2009 founded his own nonprofit, Marley’s Mutts (MarleysMutts.org), in Tehachapi, California, pulling many kinds of dogs out of Los Angeles shelters. “A lot of rescues are breed-specific; I think mutts deserve an equal chance,” says Skow, now the executive director.

“Small dogs get adopted faster, so we 12

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

get the larger mixes, including pit bulls and Rottweilers.”

Currently, the facility continues to expand its services, working with pet foster homes; providing medical care for severely abused animals in need of rehabilitation and socialization; and managing visits to prisons, mental health facilities and schools. “We take in who we can help. To see a dog triumph over tremendous odds gives people hope,” says Skow. Recently, volunteers pulled 70 dogs from Los Angeles shelters, fostered them for a month and then transported them east to adoption facilities where conditions were less crowded.

Spay/neuter is the best solution to pet overpopulation, says Ruth Steinberger, national founder of Spay First, headquartered in Oklahoma City (SpayFirst.org). From 20 years of experience, she explains that in locations and situations in which surgery is impractical, “We’ve had great results using calcium chloride in ethyl alcohol, done under sedation. A slow

NABatonRouge.com

She reports that animals now are subject to only one experiment, retired for adoption instead of being euthanized, and furnished with natural living conditions on-site—vertical space, an enriched environment with mental and physical stimulation, interaction with other animals and appropriate food and bedding. “Most lab animals are rats and mice,” says Liss. “Any animal has the capacity to suffer. It’s up to us to treat them humanely.”

Farm Animal Stewardship

“Animals become ambassadors,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary’s three locations in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Los Angeles and northern California (FarmSanctuary.org) and author of Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. “People are distanced from food sources.

Once you learn that sheep love to be petted and pigs like belly rubs, you know an animal as an individual. The best way to help is to share information, farm animal videos and plantbased recipes, so people can see that going meatless is about far more than just eating produce.”

Musician Sir Paul McCartney, author of The Meat Free Monday Cookbook, took the message to schools in 2012. Now students around the world participate in meat-free lunch programs. The adult initiative of going meatless for one or more days extends to 35 countries on six continents.

Pigs, cows, horses, peacocks and an alpaca live in harmony at local nonprofit Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven, in Alton, New York (CrackerBox Palace.org), which spurs recovery from illness, neglect or abuse. “People get animals without doing research on their care or habits. That’s how we got the peacocks—they have a bloodcurdling scream,” says Farm Manager Cheri Roloson, who rents out their goats as nature’s landscapers to clear brush.

Mistreated animals also provide therapy for returning military veterans and abused children at Ranch Hand Rescue, in Argyle, Texas (RanchHand Rescue.org). Kids find it easier to talk about their experiences with an animal that has also endured cruel treatment, like Spirit, a horse that received precedent-setting surgery to repair a leg that had improperly healed after being broken by a baseball bat.

Conscious chicken farms, too, are making an impact. “Chickens can be well-treated and have a healthy, decent life,” says Jason Urena, marketing manager with NestFresh, which operates 20 small farms and five processing plants, concentrated in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas to reduce its carbon footprint (NestFresh.com).

Starting with cage-free hens, the Denver company grew based on nationwide customer requests for certified cage-free, free-range, organic, pastureraised and nonGMO (genetically modified) eggs.

“We’re the first in the country to offer certified non-GMO eggs,” attests Urena.

He explains that in the process for certification, feed is inspected at every step, from planting seed (usually corn

“Pets are considered property, and until that changes, it’s harder to make a difference. Farm animals have no rights at all. Animals are sentient beings with rights commensurate with the ability to feel pain and even be valued members of the family. They deserve far more than a property classification.” ~Diane Sullivan, assistant dean and professor, Massachusetts School of Law or soy) to storage in silos and mill grinding, to allow traceability for potential problems and avoid cross-contamination.

Wildlife Habitat Preservation There are few places on Earth that humans haven’t impacted fragile ecosystems. Loss of habitat and lack of food sources are critical issues. Bats are a bellwether for the impact on wildlife from human-induced diseases. The Wildlife Conservation Society studies the loons in New York’s Adirondack Mountains to monitor their exposure to disease and pollution.

The mission of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is to use conservation and education to protect present and future wildlife.

Of the 410-plus species of mammals in the United States, 80 are on the endangered species list, reminiscent of the bison that used to number in the millions,

but now mostly exist in small bands on private and public lands.

NWF aims to build on the bison restoration efforts achieved to date (now numbering tens of thousands) by reintroducing them onto more public lands, reservations and protected habitats, and likewise build up populations of other wild threatened and endangered animals. Its programs feature green corridors to give native species a home and migrating species a rest stop.

“The important message is not how many species have gone off the list, but how many didn’t go extinct,” says David Mizejewski, a celebrity naturalist for NWF. “It’s important to understand species require different ecosystems.

When we quit draining swamps and rerouting rivers and leave them alone in a proper habitat, alligators will come back. Eagles have fewer young, so it’s not easy for them to recover.”

The success in restoring populations of the bald eagle, our national symbol, during the second half of the last century was significant. Measures

What You Can Do 4 Volunteer to walk a dog, foster a cat, make phone calls or help with shelter paperwork.

4 Spay/neuter pets and consider adopting before shopping at a pet store.

4 Donate to support rehabilitation of an abused animal.

4 Pick up litter, especially harmful in and near waterways.

4 Be a conscious consumer and don’t let factory farm prices influence decisions.

4 Tell companies what is accept able or not via purchases, emails and phone calls.

4 Lobby politicians to support worthy animal causes.

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March 2015

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that included banning the poisonous DDT pesticide that contaminated their food and affected reproduction, improving native habitats and prohibiting hunting of the bird allowed its removal from the endangered list in 2007. They are still protected by the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Another raptor, the peregrine falcon, has adapted to urban living in order to survive. Nests adorn tops of buildings and pigeons are a plentiful food supply.

Bears, mountain lions and wolves have been dwindling, hunted as dangerous, a nuisance or for sport. With fewer of these natural predators, whitetailed deer can overpopulate their habitat and starve. Deer and other displaced animals may migrate into suburban areas in search of food, prompting hurtful human reactions to reduce their numbers.

The American Bear Association provides safe, seasonal habitats for black bears (AmericanBear.org).

Located near Orr, Minnesota, the 360-acre sanctuary

The 1966 Animal Welfare Act improved the lives of many commercial animals, but more laws are needed.

See SustainableTable.org/ 274/animal-welfare. also hosts white-tailed deer, bald eagles, beavers, mink, pine martens, fishers, timber wolves, red squirrels, bobcats, blue jays, owls, ducks, songbirds and ravens.

Among movements to protect smaller endangered and threatened animals, the American Tortoise Rescue lobbies for legislation to ban the importation of non-native species (Tortoise.com). “Turtles and bullfrogs are imported as pets or as food, and many end up in streams or lakes, where they

Did You Know… n San Francisco’s SPCA is one of many organizations that offer free or low-cost spay/neuter for specific breeds most frequently seen in shelters, like pit bulls, and special programs offer free surgeries. Find locations at Tinyurl.com/SpayNeuterServices. n One female dog can produce litters of up to 10 pups twice a year; cats can have three litters a year of up to five kittens each. n An estimated 2.7 million healthy shelter pets remain unadopted each year, yet only about 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters or rescues, according to The Humane Society of the United States. n Factory farms account for 99 percent of farm animals, yet less than 1 percent of donated money directly assists them, reports Animal Charity Evaluators, in San Diego. The highly rated Mercy for Animals, dedicated to prevention of cruelty to farmed animals, reports, “Despite the fact that these are the most abused animals in the United States, they actually have the fewest number of advocates.” n Sandra, a 29-year-old Sumatran orangutan at the Buenos Aires Zoo, was recognized as a “non-human person” unlawfully deprived of her freedom by Argentine courts. “This opens the way not only for other great apes, but also for other sentient beings that are unfairly and arbitrarily deprived of their liberty,” says Paul Buompadre, an attorney with the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights. “The question is not ‘Can they reason?’ or ‘Can they talk?’ but ‘Can they suffer?’” says Barry MacKay, director of the Animal Alliance of Canada.

“That to me is the ultimate question.”

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kill native species,” says cofounder Susan M. Tellem, in Malibu, California. “They can carry salmonella, parasites and tuberculosis,” she explains.

Unfortunately, a California law passed to limit importation was revoked within weeks due to claims of cultural bias by politicians lobbying for Asian food markets that sell live turtles and bullfrogs.

As the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums-certified wolf facility in the world, The Endangered Wolf Center, in Eureka, Missouri, has been breeding and reintroducing wolves into the wild for 40 years (EndangeredWolfCenter. org). Founded by zoologist and television host Marlin Perkins and his wife, Carol, they helped increase both the Mexican gray wolf population from nine to 235 in managed care, plus at least 75 in the wild, and the red wolf population from 14 to 160 in managed care, with more than 100 in the wild.

Every pack of Mexican gray wolves roaming the Southwest and 70 percent of North Carolina red wolves can be traced back to the center.

Wildlife protection laws vary by state. Key conservation successes typically begin with local and regional initiatives promoted by farsighted individuals that care enough to get the ball rolling and back it up with supportive legislation.

Christian Samper, Ph.D., CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society, observes, “Zoos and aquariums help the public better understand the natural systems that make all life possible. The hope is that what people understand, they will appreciate and what they appreciate, they will work to protect.”

One person’s care can make a difference. For an animal, it can mean life itself.

Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect at StLouis FreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

fitbody

Popular Fitness

MYTHS Seven Common Maxims that Can Cause Harm

by Leslie Perry Duffy

W

e’ve heard them time and time again: fitness tips that guarantee we’ll meet our goals if we follow them. The truth is that some can hurt more than help. Here are seven fitness myths that are best to ignore.

No pain, no gain. It’s true that what we put into our workout has a direct impact on results. However, this doesn’t mean workouts should be painful. If something hurts during exercise, try a different move instead that targets the same muscle group to see if the feeling persists; adjust the form in case improper execution is the culprit or give it a rest and return when ready.

Muscle soreness can be expected after a tough workout and can persist for a day or two afterward. Try not to

confuse soreness or the discomfort felt from fatigued muscles during a workout with pain. In the presence of an injury, it’s often best to modify activities that contribute to the pain or refrain from workouts pending expert medical advice. “Working through the pain” might actually make things worse in the long run.

Never exercise a sore muscle.

Muscle soreness is a sign that the muscles are changing. It’s okay to feel sore for a day or two after a workout.

If it appears that the body’s stability or ability to maintain proper form will be affected by the soreness, then wait another day. However, if soreness isn’t severe, working out may actually help to relieve it by warming the muscles

If we carry a layer of fat on top of our abdominal muscles, the belly will remain if we rely only on crunches.

and stimulating blood flow. A few good activity choices for sore muscles after lifting heavy weights the day before include light cardio, stretching, yoga and light resistance training.

Lifting weights makes women look bulky. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Building big, bulky muscles requires testosterone—and lots of it.

Men typically have 20 to 30 times more testosterone than women. For women, strength training is well-known to be key in toning and sculpting muscles, maintaining healthy joints and bones, boosting metabolism and even improving mood and confidence. Don’t be afraid to pick up heavier weights.

To lose a belly, crunch the abs. Yes, abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles. However, if we carry a layer of fat on top of those muscles, the belly will remain. To lose a belly, continue regular ab work while focusing on cardio exercises, strength training moves for the whole body and eating properly.

The best time to work out is in the morning. The best time to work out is whenever it fits into our schedule.

The more exercise, the faster the results. Not true. When it comes to working out, an appropriate balance of hard work and rest is the best option.

Overusing the body actually prevents muscles from growing, resulting in decreased strength, endurance and metabolism (i.e., caloric burn). Plus, becoming overly fatigued often leads to sloppy form, which may lead to injury.

Listen to the body and rest at least one day a week or more if a break is needed.

Reduce calorie intake to lose weight. The body needs enough fuel to function, especially if it is regularly working hard. Eating less is not always the answer to losing weight. If we’re not eating enough, the body may think it’s starving, which causes it to store fat instead of burning calories, so eating too infrequently or not enough can sabotage weight-loss efforts. Eating smaller, more frequent meals allows the body to metabolize calories more effectively.

Leslie Perry Duffy is a FIRM workout program master instructor and entrepreneur in Columbia, SC, who contributes to Life.Gaiam.com from which this was adapted.

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March 2015

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6509 Government Street Suite C, Baton Rouge

LIFESAVING ACTS Protecting Animals at Home and Abroad

225-927-3549

by Sandra Murphy

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An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber

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ach year, more dogs, cats and other pets end up in shelters as lost, stray or owner-surrendered than leave them for a new home. What can be done to reverse this trend?

How to Help

Immediate steps: Have a vet implant a tiny RFID (radio frequency identification) microchip. It’s safe, affordable and helps reunite the owner with a lost pet. Spay/ neuter pets to avoid unwanted litters.

Spread the word: Only about 30 percent of household pets come from shelters or rescues, according to the ASPCA. To help, suggest that shelters post photos in the lobby, supported by a note about each animal’s good points and special needs to entice potential adopters. Also share YouTube videos that celebrate adoption and advocate controlling the pet population (see Tinyurl. com/SpayNeuterStreetMusic1 and Tinyurl.com/SpayNeuterStreetMusic2).

Volunteer: The Motley Zoo, in Redmond, Washington, provides medical care and behavioral training for ill, injured, neglected, abused and unwanted animals mainly from overflowing shelters.

About half of its 150 volunteers foster NABatonRouge.com

pets; others plan educational events or handle administrative tasks. “Each person has a specialty,” says Jamie Thomas, executive director. “We match fosters and animals to get the best results.”

No kill shelters are becoming more common, even though they require uncommon commitment. As part of implementing effective procedures and infrastructure, shelter leadership works to secure the support and involvement of the community. By joining together to implement lifesaving programs and treat each life as precious, a shelter can transform a community. Find a no kill shelter primer at Tinyurl.com/NoKillReform.

In Faraway Lands

Illegal wildlife trading and loss of habitat are huge and escalating problems wild animals face every day. Small repopulation success stories exist, but progress is slow. Here are some of the most urgent and dramatic perils topping the lengthy endangered species list.

Elephants are hunted for their ivory tusks. “China is the largest consumer of ivory, but the United States is second,” says Jeff Flocken, J.D., North American regional director with the International Fund for

Animal Welfare (IFAW), headquartered in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts (ifaw.org).

“Every year, 35,000 elephants are killed; an average of one every 15 minutes.”

Northern white rhinos once freely roamed East and Central Africa south of the Sahara. Until 1960, there were more than 2,000; today, only five exist—one in the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, one in a Czech Republic zoo and three at a wildlife conservancy in Kenya.

Imported as pets or show attractions, “There are between 10,000 and 20,000 big cats in private hands in America at facilities/businesses not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” says Carson Barylak, with IFAW’s Washington, D.C., office. “There are more tigers in private possession in the U.S. than in the wild.”

Pangolins eat ants and termites.

Hunted for meat and their scales (used in Asian medicines), they are one of the world’s most endangered mammals (see Tinyurl.com/SavePangolins).

Thirty years ago, the world population of lowland gorillas numbered 240. Thanks to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the population has grown to an estimated 880 (GorillaDoctors.org is supported by SaveAGorilla.org). Led by Ruth Keesling, the project has shown the inestimable value of the species.

“Once you’ve looked into the eyes of a gorilla, you’re forever changed,” says her son Frank, in Denver, Colorado.

How to Help

Make saving animals a priority. Contact legislators. Be a law-abiding consumer—don’t buy ivory or other endangered-animal products. Support conservancy groups. Share information.

Donate time and money.

“IFAW is working to advance legislation to prohibit private ownership of big cats in the U.S. The bill received bipartisan support and we hope to see it become law,” says Barylak. “We’ve asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ban direct contact with big cats. It’s harmful to the animals and the people that handle them.”

Annual running events with participants donning gorilla costumes raise funds and awareness. Following the Austin, Texas, event in January, runs will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 29 and in Denver, Colorado, on November 1. “Another way to help gorillas is to recycle cell phone and computer batteries. Coltan [tantalite] is used to make batteries—13 percent of the world’s supply of coltan is in the park area of the Congo,” says Frank Keesling.

Barriers to improving the lives of animals can be overcome and banished when we believe it’s possible and everyone helps. The animals are counting on us.

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greenliving green living

Pick the Best Option for You

easy as its name implies—simply toss organic yard and kitchen waste into a pile in the yard. Aerating or turning the compost with a pitchfork or shovel will provide quicker results, but waste will also decompose if left alone. Within six to 24 months, all of the waste will decompose aerobically into compost. Once a year, composters can dig out the finished compost from the bottom. This method won’t work for households that don’t generate yard waste because a pile of 100 percent green waste will attract pests.

by Tracy Fernandez Rysavy

Holding Bin

A Practical Guide to Composting

Good for: People that want a low-maintenance option that’s more attractive than a pile; average to large households with yard waste.

Make a bin out of wood or buy a plastic holding bin, which can contain up to 75 gallons. One with insulated sides may allow decomposing to continue in colder weather.

Y

ard and food waste make up 25 percent of the garbage destined for municipal landfills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pick the right composter and this organic waste will easily turn into rich—and free—garden fertilizer, saving landfill space and reducing the volume of greenhouse gases generated by anaerobic decomposition.

Unless using a specialized bin, maintain a roughly 50/50 compost mix-

ture of “brown” and “green” organic waste for ideal results. Green waste is moist, such as fruit and vegetable peels; brown waste comprises dry and papery material, including grass clippings.

Low-Maintenance Pile

Good for: People that want something simple, don’t need fertilizer immediately and have extra outdoor space; average to large households with yard waste.

Maintaining a compost pile is as

Tumbling Barrel

Good for: People that want quick results and can compost in smaller batches; small to average households with yard waste.

These barrel-shaped containers are turned with a hand crank, making aerating and speeding up decomposition a breeze. Some manufacturers promise results in as little as two weeks.

Due to the barrel’s relatively smaller size and capacity, getting the bal-

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ance between brown and green waste right is critical for optimal results, and users will need to wait for one batch of compost to finish before adding more organic waste.

Multi-Tiered Boxes

Good for: People looking for low maintenance, but quicker results than a pile or bin; average to large households with yard waste.

Multi-tiered composters are a series of stacked boxes with removable panels to allow the organic waste to move downward throughout the decomposition cycle. Finished compost comes out of a door at the bottom.

Because the boxes are smaller than a large pile or bin, compost will “cook” faster; some users report their first batch took just four to six months. Collectively,

WHAT TO COMPOST Do compost: 4 Fruit and vegetable scraps 4 Grass clippings, twigs, leaves and wood chips 4 Eggshells (broken into small pieces) 4 Coffee grounds and tea bags 4 Unbleached coffee filters, paper and cardboard Don’t compost: 4 Pet waste 4 Meat and dairy (except in Green Cone device) stacked boxes are often comparable in size to a large holding bin, so they can compost a large amount of waste.

Worm Bin

Good for: People that want to compost indoors; apartment dwellers and small households that don’t generate yard waste.

For everyone that has wanted to compost, but had insufficient outdoor space, a five-or-10-gallon bucket and some red worms could be the answer.

Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is so compact that a worm bin can

BASIC COMPOSTING TIPS

by Tracy Fernandez Rysavy

E

nsure that the compost pile retains a moisture content similar to a wrungout sponge. To moisten, add green waste; to reduce moisture, add brown waste.

Turn compost to get air to the aerobic bacteria and speed the process.

Wear gloves and a dust mask to protect against allergens.

Decay generates heat, so a pile should feel warm. If not, add green waste. Decomposition occurs most efficiently when it’s 104 to 131 de≠≠grees Fahrenheit inside the pile; use a compost thermometer.

Keep a small container in the kitchen to easily collect green food scraps. Store it in the freezer to keep unpleasant smells and flies at bay.

The best time to start composting is during warmer months. Alternately layering green and brown waste, using the “lasagna method” in colder months, readies the pile to decompose as soon as the weather warms. Consider stockpiling summer yard waste ingredients.

Be aware that low-maintenance composting won’t kill weed seeds, which can then get spread around the garden. A highly managed compost pile will kill some weeds through the generated heat. Put weeds out for municipal yard waste collection where there’s a better chance they’ll be destroyed.

fit under most kitchen sinks. Because red worms are so efficient—each pound of them will process half a pound of food scraps daily—a worm bin doesn’t need aeration and won’t smell or attract pests. Note that worms won’t process brown waste, meat, dairy or fatty foods.

Green Cone

Good for: People that just want to dump their kitchen waste and be done with it; those that want to compost fish or meat; households that don’t generate yard waste.

Solarcone Inc.’s Green Cone system will handle up to two pounds of kitchen waste daily, including meat, fish and dairy products. It won’t compost brown waste. Users bury the bottom basket in the yard, and then simply put green waste together with an “accelerator powder” into a cone hole in the top. According to Solarcone, most of the waste turns into water. Every few years, users need to dig a small amount of residue out of the bottom that can be added to a garden.

Tracy Fernandez Rysavy is editor-in-chief of the nonprofit Green America’s Green American magazine, from which this article was adapted (GreenAmerica.org).

Natural Awakenings encourages you to RECYCLE

Contributing sources: U.S Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Composting Council natural awakenings

March 2015

19

healingways

LOVE YOUR

GREENS! New Ways to Prepare these Nutritional Powerhouses

by Nava Atlas

Like us on

Facebook Follow our Facebook page NABatonRouge and stay up-to-date with local happenings!

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F

or seasonal eaters, farm market shoppers and members of community supported agriculture, vegetable greens have become a normal part of everyday diets. Recognized as the most nutrient-rich group of veggies, they deliver multiple benefits.

Greens are a top source of vitamin K, essential to bone health, and are abundant in vitamins A, B (especially folic acid) and C. They deliver considerable antioxidants and chlorophyll, widely known to protect against cancer, and are anti-inflammatory, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a family physician in Flemington, New Jersey, who specializes in nutritional medicine.

Fuhrman notes, “The majority of calories in green vegetables, including leafy greens, come from protein, and this plant protein is packaged with beneficial phytochemicals. They’re rich in folate and calcium, and contain small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.”

Hardy greens, like kale, chard and collards, are good sources of accessible calcium. Only about 30 percent of calcium from dairy products is absorbed, but according to Registered Dietitian Ginny Messina, “For certain leafy green vegetables, rates are considerably higher. We absorb between 50 and 60

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percent of the calcium in cruciferous leafy green vegetables like kale and turnip greens.” Tasty and versatile, greens can add interest and value to every meal. Here’s how.

Smoothies and juices. Spinach tastes so mild in smoothies and juices that we barely know it’s there. Kale and collards add a mild greens flavor.

A big handful or two of spinach or one or two good-size kale or collard leaves per serving is about right.

Greens blend well with bananas, apples, berries and pears. A high-speed blender is needed to break down kale and collards; a regular blender is sufficient for spinach. An online search for “green smoothies” will turn up many recipes.

Use “massaged” raw kale in salads. Rinse and spin-dry curly kale leaves stripped from their stems, and then chop into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the stems to add to another salad or lightly cooked vegetable dishes or simply discard. Place the cut kale in a serving bowl. Rub a little olive oil onto both palms and massage the kale for 45 to 60 seconds; it’ll soften up and turn bright green. Add other desired veggies and fruits and dress the mixture.

A favorite recipe entails tossing massaged kale with dried cranberries, toasted or raw cashew pieces, vegan mayonnaise and a little lemon juice.

Massaged kale also goes well with avocados, apples, pears, Napa or red cabbage, carrots, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. It can alternatively be dressed in ordinary vinaigrette, sesame-ginger or tahini dressing.

Add hardy greens to stir-fries. The best stir-fry greens are lacinato kale, collards or chard. Rinse and dry the leaves, and then strip them from the stems. Stack a few leaves and roll them up snugly from the narrow end. Slice thinly to make long, thin ribbons and then cut them once or twice across to shorten; adding thinly sliced stems is optional. Add the strips to the stir-fry toward the end of cooking. They blend well with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, bok choy, asparagus and green beans. Soy sauce, tamari and ginger add flavor.

Use leafy spring greens in salads.

Look beyond lettuce to create invigorating warm-weather salads. Use lots of peppery watercress (a nutritional superstar), baby bok choy, tender dandelion greens, tatsoi and mizuna (Japanese greens are increasingly available from farm markets). Combine with baby greens and sprouts, plus favorite salad veggies and fruits for a clean-tasting and cleansing repast.

Learn to love bitter greens. Add variety to the meal repertoire with escarole, broccoli rabe and mustard greens. These mellow considerably with gentle braising or incorporation into soups and stews. Heat a little olive oil in a large, deep skillet or stir-fry pan; sauté chopped garlic and/or shallots to taste. Add washed and chopped greens, stir quickly to coat with the oil, and then add about a quarter cup of water or vegetable stock. Cover and cook until tender and wilted, about five minutes. Traditional additions include raisins and toasted pine nuts, salt and pepper and a little apple cider vinegar.

Nava Atlas is the author of the recent book, Plant Power: Transform Your Kitchen, Plate, and Life with More Than 150 Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Recipes, from which this was adapted.

Visit VegKitchen.com.

RAW KALE SALADS

by Nava Atlas

H

ealth foodies can step it up a bit by discovering how to make delicious raw kale salads—sometimes referred to as massaged kale salads. Literally massaging this hardy green with olive oil, salad dressing or mashed avocado softens it for easier chewing, brightens the color and improves its flavor. A favorite kind of kale for salads is curly green kale. Lacinato kale works well, too, as long as it isn’t too large and tough prior to massaging.

Even when kale isn’t the main leafy green in a salad, adding a few prepared leaves can up the nutrient value of any kind of green, grain or pasta salad. For each of the following recipes, start with a medium bunch of kale (about eight ounces), or more or less to taste. Finish each salad with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, if preferred.

Southwestern-Flavored Kale Salad

To the massaged kale, add two or three medium-sized fresh ripe tomatoes, a peeled and diced avocado, one to two cups cooked or raw fresh corn kernels, some red bell pepper strips and optional chopped green or black olives. Flavor with freshly squeezed or bottled lime juice, a little olive oil and some chopped cilantro. To up the protein for a main dish, add some cooked or canned, drained and rinsed, black or pinto beans and then sprinkle pumpkin seeds over the top.

Mediterranean Kale Salad

To the massaged kale, add two or three medium-sized chopped fresh ripe tomatoes, strips of sun-dried tomato, plenty of bell pepper strips and chopped or whole cured black olives. For protein, add a cup or two of cooked or canned, drained and rinsed, chickpeas. Top with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves.

Kale and Avocado Salad

Add a peeled and diced avocado, plus thinly sliced red cabbage to taste, sliced carrots, diced yellow squash, halved red and/or yellow fresh grape tomatoes and sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Optionally, add a little more olive oil in addition to that used for massaging and some freshly squeezed or bottled lemon or lime juice.

Asian-Flavored Kale Salad

Massage the kale with dark sesame oil instead of olive oil as an option. Add a medium-sized red bell pepper, cut into narrow slices, three stalks of bok choy with leaves, sliced (or one sliced baby bok choy) plus one or two thinly sliced scallions. Dress with a sesame-ginger dressing. Optional additions include some crushed toasted peanuts or cashews, steamed or boiled and chilled corn kernels and about four ounces of baked tofu, cut into narrow strips.

All recipes courtesy of Nava Atlas, author of Plant Power: Transform Your Kitchen, Plate, and Life With More Than 150 Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Recipes; used with permission.

natural awakenings

March 2015

21

consciouseating

The New Healthy Cuisine Good-to-Go Eats

by Judith Fertig

K

atie Newell, a blogging Kansas City mother of two who fights inflammation from several autoimmune diseases, is rigorous about the fresh, unprocessed food she buys. After noticing adverse symptoms from dining at a restaurant, Newell initially thought that eating out was no longer an option for her.

Today, she happily ventures out for the occasional restaurant meal, knowing that the healthy food landscape is changing. “I look to restaurants owned by local chefs that use local and sustainable ingredients and prepare everything from scratch,” she says.

From higher-end dining to fast-food joints, food trucks and vending machines, we now have even more choices for fresh, seasonal, organic, local, sustainable, tasty nutrition when we’re on the go. It’s because entrepreneurial chefs and fitness buffs are responding to customer demand for healthy eating options away from home.

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Range of Restaurants

London’s celebrated Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, founder of several restaurants and takeout emporia and author of bestselling cookbooks Plenty and Jerusalem, says that “healthy” can happen simply by putting the spotlight on plants. Ottolenghi’s cuisine is known for celebrating vegetables, fruits and herbs. He says, “That attitude, I think, is a very healthy attitude to eating.”

At Gracias Madre, a plant-based vegan Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles and San Francisco, high style doesn’t mean chandeliers and rich cream sauces.

The brainchild of Executive Chef Chandra Gilbert, also director of operations for the Bay Area’s vegan Café Gratitude, it serves organic, local and sustainable fruits and vegetables and bold flavor without excessive calories. She says, “I’m inspired by what I want to eat that tastes good and makes me feel good, and I want to affect this planet—to create health and vibrancy all the way around.”

NABatonRouge.com

True Food Kitchen, a partnership between Dr. Andrew Weil and restaurateur Sam Fox, offers “honest food that tastes really good” at Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., locations. For lunch, diners might sip sea buckthorn, pomegranate, cranberry or black tea along with their quinoa burger or organic spaghetti squash casserole.

Newell and her family gravitate towards SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, touting recipes developed by James Beard Awardwinning Chefs Michael Smith and Debbie Gold, who partnered with entrepreneur Gail Lozoff to create the first healthy, high-style pizzeria in 2005. Today it offers traditional and gluten-free pizza topped with fresh and organic (whenever possible) ingredients at locations in Dallas, Omaha, the Kansas City metro area and Orange County, California.

Even at fast-food restaurants, healthy choices are increasingly available. “Unforked, Panera Bread and Chipotle do a great job being transparent about what’s in their food,” says Newell. Before venturing out, she often checks the company’s website for specific nutrition information.

Meals on Wheels– Food Trucks

A burgeoning fleet of creatively conceived food trucks takes healthy eating to local customers in U.S. cities. In addition to preparing organic, plantbased foods, The Green Food Truck, in Culver City and San Diego, California, recycles used vegetable oil, composts produce scraps and offers recyclable servingware. Josh Winnecour, founder of the Fuel Food Truck, in Asheville, North Carolina, cites losing 50 unwanted pounds as his incentive for serving nutrient-dense, made-from-scratch food to his clientele.

New Generation Vending

Most hospitals, universities, schools and corporations appear to espouse healthy eating—until the offerings in their vending machines reveal the opposite. Ethan Boyd, a student at Michigan State University, noted this disconnect. “While dining halls strive to serve healthy options,” he says, “there are 40 vending machines on MSU’s campus that spit out junk food.”

Sean Kelly, CEO of HUMAN Healthy Vending (Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition), had a similar, “Oh, no,” moment at his New York City gym when he was a university student.

Today, Kelly’s franchise model allows local operators to supply individual machines with better options from organic fresh fruit to hot soup. “Our vision is to make healthy food more convenient than junk food,” he says.

Entrepreneurs Ryan Wing and Aaron Prater, who also have culinary training, recently opened Sundry Market & Kitchen, in Kansas City, Missouri.

In their update on a neighborhood market, they sell takeout foods like red lentil falafel and citrus beet soup. “I think people want to eat local food and better food, but they want it to be convenient,” observes Wing. “The bottom line is we want to make it simple to eat good food.”

Make a healthy, fresh start … naturally The oils in this collection provide ongoing support for your home, health, and body.

Free Zyto Compass Scan with the purchase of a Young Living Premium Essential Oil Kit. Jeannie Causey, LPN, CNHP Wellness Coach Event Coordinator YL Member 1265021 Jeannie@DaystarWay.com 225-572-3376

Cathy Duplechin Wellness Coach Event Coordinator YL Member 1253105 Cathy@DaystarWay.com 225-347-4442

Olivia Bennett, LMT Massage Therapist #LA7511 Raindrop Technique YL Member 1395291 FacilitatingHealingLLC@gmail.com 318-792-5073

ZytoCompass Scans by appointment

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Your life doesn’t stand still. Neither do we.

We Bring Health and Wellness to You!

Whether it’s a homeschool group, helping business owners develop a wellness program or incentive, presenting a “Lunch & Learn” for employees, or a one-on-one private consultation, we deliver high-quality wellness education to you. We make

it easier to incorporate the knowledge you need to live a more balanced life through physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Learn how we can work together toward total health! Call (225) 2789187 or email jess@healthylotus.com.

Jessica Tregre Certified Natural Health Practitioner and Life Coach

Learn more at H ealtHy l otus . com natural awakenings

March 2015

23

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 5th of the month and adhere to our guidelines.

Email Calendar@NABatonRouge.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NABatonRouge.com to submit online. how to determine the quality of essential oils. Attendees will receive $5 off services at Bodyworks

by Vickie. Free. 6509 Government St, Ste D, Baton Rouge. 225-572-3376.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Quaker Circle – 2-3:30pm. Experience Quaker tradition of meeting for worship in expectant silence, to clear busy minds, creating an opportunity to experience the presence of spirit. With Sheila Kelly. $5 suggested donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Sleep on It: Problem Solving in the Dream State – 10:30-11:30am. Join others seeking to bring more insight and divine love into their lives at this special celebration of the Light and Sound of God. People of all faiths are warmly invited. Free. Holiday Inn South, 9940 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge. 1-800-3495197. EckankarLouisiana.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle-level class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

Reflections in the Garden – 12-1pm. Topic of discussion is America’s favorite fruit, tomatoes.

Bring your lunch; drinks provided. With Johnny Naylor. Free/members, $10/non-members. Burden Conference Center, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge.

225-763-3990. BurdenHorticultureSociety.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Mindful Meditation – 10-11am. Learn how simple meditation can ease stress and worry, and help you focus. Take part in a simple meditation that you can do at home. With Ashley Michel. Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-231-3250.

Spectral Spaces – 10:30am-12pm. Explore how color, sound and dreams produce this expanded experience of the poem. Develop techniques using these elements to enhance meaning and depth in poetry. In partnership with Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. With Cynthia Toups. $25. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 The Art and Science of Resilience – 7-9pm. Joan Borysenko, internationally known author, psychologist and inspirational speaker, brings together ancient wisdom and modern science to offer new and practical tools to help healing and wholeness. $20.

Unitarian Church, 8470 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Wisdom of the Heart: Where Psychology, Health and Spirituality Meet – 10am-5pm. Joan Borysenko, internationally known author, psychologist and inspirational speaker, brings together ancient wisdom and modern science to offer new and practical tools to help healing and wholeness. $75. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Aura Photography – 12-5pm. Join Mary Frost for photo and interpretation of photo. By appointment only. $25. Biossage, 11822 Justice Ave. Ste A1, Baton Rouge. 225-456-7577. BiossageForLife.com.

24

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle-level class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

Breathwork for Physical and Spiritual WellBeing – 2-4pm. Explore the intricate relationship of mind and body to breath. Pranayama helps to extend breath, life force, promotes spiritual and physical healing and reduces mental, physical and emotional stress while balancing energy. All levels of experience welcome. With Rahul Sharma. $20.

The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Parabola Discussion – 6-7:30pm. Join us for a monthly discussion of Parabola, a magazine that creates an exchange of ideas and beliefs across a wide variety of faiths, traditions, and inner disciplines. With Celia Strickler. $10. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Community HU Song – 3:30-4:30pm. Learn to walk with God to find joy in everyday things. Fellowship follows. Free. Holiday Inn South, 9940 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge. 1-800-349-5197. Eckankar Louisiana.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle-level class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

Library Walking Club – 10am. All levels of fitness are welcome to join as we walk. With Ashley Michel.

Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-231-3250. tap n’pow{h}er – 6:15pm. A balance fusion class designed to shape, tone and elongate muscle groups, is infused with messages of empowerment. First class free, then $15. Define Fitness Studio, 10735 Linkwood Ct, Ste A, Baton Rouge. 225-337-8278.

DefineFitStudio.com.

Poetry Essentials – 6:30-8pm. Explore how the elements of color, sound and dreams produce this expanded experience of the poem. Develop techniques using elements to enhance meaning and depth in our own poetry. With Cynthia Toups. $20.

In partnership with Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Pathway to Fulfillment – 6-8pm. Create, choose and claim how to move forward through life’s transitions and uncertainties by identifying personal and unique road map to enhance the quality and experience of life. Create an individual personal plan of action! With Denise Palmisano. $15. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org Plexus Health, Wellness & Pain Management – 6:30pm. Increase energy, lose weight, balance blood sugars, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, manage pain and correct intestinal issues the most natural way. First-time guests receive 3-day trial pack of Plexus Slim drink and Accelerator+ or Boost. With Terrie Crosby. Free. Portobello’s Italian Grill, 15440 George O’Neal Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-937-4657.

Chair Yoga – 10-11am. This gentle introduction to simple yoga moves is designed for those with mobility impairments who need a helpful way to relax and stretch. Remain in a chair and engage in the ancient practice of yoga. Consult a doctor before engaging in physical activity. With Ashley Michel.

Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-231-3250.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Introduction of Essential Oils – 6:30pm. Jeannie Causey, LPN and CNHP, will share what essential oils are and how, when and why use them. Learn

Pranic Healing Clinic – 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy a clinic for pranic healing. By increasing the prana, or life energy, to the body, we can accelerate the healing

NABatonRouge.com

Buti Yoga – 6:15pm. The only studio in Louisiana offering Buti Yoga, a movement that fuses yoga, tribal dance and plyometrics to keep the heart rate up and free the female spirit. First class free, then $15.

Define Fitness Studio, 10735 Linkwood Ct, Ste A, Baton Rouge. 225-337-8278. DefineFitStudio.com.

process. Avoid wearing leather or silk. With students of Master Stephen Co. $10 suggested donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Mindful Meditation – 10-11am. Learn how simple meditation can ease stress and worry, and help you focus. Take part in a simple meditation that you can do at home. With Ashley Michel. Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-231-3250.

Spectral Spaces – 10:30am-12pm. Explore how color, sound and dreams produce this expanded experience of the poem. Develop techniques using these elements to enhance meaning and depth in poetry. In partnership with Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. With Cynthia Toups. $25. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Lunations: New Moon Ritual – 6-7:30pm. Tap into the cycle of the moon as a source for re-centering and re-grounding. Gatherings include Christine Page’s Lunations meditation, discussion and water ritual, a means of letting go of things we no longer need. With Lisa Bovenkamp. Suggested donation $5. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Poetry Essentials – 6:30-8pm. Explore how the elements of color, sound and dreams produce this expanded experience of the poem. Develop techniques using elements to enhance meaning and depth in our own poetry. With Cynthia Toups. $20.

In partnership with Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 Chair Yoga – 10-11am. This gentle introduction to simple yoga moves is designed for those with mobility impairments who need a helpful way to relax and stretch. Remain in a chair and engage in the ancient practice of yoga. Consult a doctor before engaging in physical activity. With Ashley Michel.

Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-231-3250.

Detoxifying The Body – 6:30pm. Join Jeannie Causey, LPN and CNHP, for a discussion on how the body detoxes itself, things that challenge detoxing, and why it is important. Attendees will receive $5 off services at Bodyworks by Vickie. Free. 6509 Government St, Ste D, Baton Rouge. 225-572-3376.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Journaling: Exploration and Discovery – 10am5pm. The journaling process can be used to record events in life or to facilitate an in-depth exploration of the self, allowing the true self to emerge while observing the unfolding. With Kim Nagle. $45. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Journaling: Telling Your Life Story – 2-5pm.

Writing your autobiography is a powerful experience. Learn techniques to remember and convey details in a meaningful way. With Kim Nagle. $25.

The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 23 Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle-level class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Library Walking Club – 10am. All levels of fitness are welcome to join the walking club.

With Ashley Michel. Free. Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Rd, Baton Rouge.

225-231-3250.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

markyourcalendar Pelvic Floor and Yoga Workshop Presentation on pelvic floor issues (pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence) and demonstration of how PT and yoga can benefit.

Presented by Dr. Karen Miller and Susan Giglio, PT. Registration required as space is limited. $20 if registered by April 1.

April 12 • 1:30-3pm Total Wellness for Women, 10101 Siegen Ln, Ste 3B, Baton Rouge

225-288-1230 • TotalWellnessBR.com

classifieds

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Open Mic Music and Poetry Coffeehouse – 7-8:30pm. Enjoy musical performances and original poetry in our coffeehouse atmosphere. Musicians, singers or poets are welcome. Call early to reserve 5-minute spot. Join the audience to experience the best of Baton Rouge. $5. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Field Trip to Crosby Arboretum – 8am-3pm.

Guest speaker Rick Darke will explain the benefits of an ecologically diverse home garden. Darke’s book, The Living Landscape, explains the importance of native plants in one’s own backyard. After the talk, wander the trails and landscapes, followed by lunch. Hosted by The Red Shoes. $5 admission.

370 Ridge Road, Picayune, MS. 225-338-1170.

Meditate & Restore Workshop – 2-4pm. During this workshop, participants will learn and practice meditation techniques and enjoy Thai yoga therapeutics. $20. Reflection, A Yoga and Health Studio, 11015 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge. Info@Reflection YogaStudio.com. 225-663-8922.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Total Wellness for Women Open House – 1-3pm.

Come out for an opportunity to meet Dr. Karen Miller and staff, tour the office and learn about integrative and holistic gynecology, and mind-body health. Free. Total Wellness for Women, 10101 Siegen Ln, Baton Rouge. 225-288-1230. TotalWellnessBR.com.

To place a Classified Listing, email us at Publisher@NABatonRouge.com. Must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. $1 per word, $20 minimum.

Must be prepaid.

HELP WANTED SALES AND MARKETING PROFESSIONALS – Natural Awakenings is growing! We are looking for self-motivated professionals with sales and marketing experience. Flexible schedule with great earning potential. For more information, call 225-238-1200.

All gardening is

landscape painting. ~William Kent

Yoga Nidra – 2-4pm. Yoga Nidra creates an avenue for releasing deep mind/body issues by going to the root of what is covered; releasing stressful thoughts, struggle and physical pain to encourage healing.

With Dee Dee Poullard. $20. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 30 Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle-level class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

natural awakenings

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ongoingevents sunday

Your Pace or Mine Walking Club – 6-8pm.

Participants will start walking at 6:15pm following a path on map handout. On rainy days, walk inside perimeter of library. Wear casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. We will discuss goals, tracking, warm up, etc. With Yvonne Hull. Free.

Jones Creek Regional Library, 6222 Jones Creek Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-756-1180.

Matters of the Heart – 5-6pm. A time of introspection, and inter-religious, ecumenical experience for those yearning to unite through prayer, chanting, inspirational readings and silence. With Dr. Francis Vanderwall. Donations appreciated. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Yin Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Our instructor will guide the body through gentle stretches and deep breathing for release and healing. Agame Yoga and Meditation Center, 635 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-636-1891. AgameYoga.com.

monday Morning Yoga - A Perfect Beginning – 8-9am.

Wake up the body and invigorate your mind and spirit with morning yoga. With Tina Ufford and Dee Dee Poullard. $8/class, 7 classes/$48, monthly unlimited/$75. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.TheRedShoes.org.

Yoga for Cancer Survivors – 10:30-11:30am.

Gentle yoga practice combines simple movements, stretching, meditation and breath work to increase flexibility, strength and relaxation to promote healing. With Valerie Flynn-Wintz. Sponsored by Cancer Services. Free. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Gentle Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Relax your body and quiet your mind with gentle physical movement, breathing exercises and meditation. Enhance wellbeing, increase flexibility and build strength through yoga postures. With Tina Ufford and Valerie FlynnWintz. $8/class, 7 classes/$48. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Your Pace or Mine Walking Club – 6-8pm.

Participants will start walking at 6:15pm following a path on map handout. On rainy days, walk inside perimeter of library. Wear casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. We will discuss goals, tracking, warm up, etc. With Yvonne Hull. Free.

Jones Creek Regional Library, 6222 Jones Creek Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-756-1180.

A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. A Course in Miracles will meet weekly to begin a process of changing our perception as we become aware of love’s presence. Facilitated by Anita Faye Leclercq. $20 suggested monthly donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

tuesday Morning Yoga - A Perfect Beginning – 8-9am.

Wake up the body and invigorate your mind and spirit with morning yoga. With Tina Ufford and Dee Dee Poullard. $8/class, 7classes/$48, monthly unlimited/$75. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

26

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant, Chase Bank, The Irene W and C B Pennington Foundation, The Imogene Brown Foundation and the Office of Community Development. Star Hill Church, 1400 N Foster Dr, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

Red Stick Farmers’ Market – 8am-12pm. Seasonal produce and baked goods are sold here at this producers-only market. Unitarian Church, 8470 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

Gather the Women Circle – 4:30-6pm. Gather the Women, part of a global sisterhood, creates an opportunity for women to connect in authentic conversation to share their stories, to inspire and be inspired. Donations appreciated. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Altered Books – 6:30-8pm. Cut, tear, glue, fold, paint, stamp and embellish pages of books to create a journal, scrapbook or work of art! Step-by-step guidance to prep, prepare, embellish and finish the book. In partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. With Tanya Ruffin. $60. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge.

225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

wednesday Morning Yoga: A Perfect Beginning – 8-9am.

Wake up the body and invigorate your mind and spirit with morning yoga. With Tina Ufford and Dee Dee Poullard. $8/class, $48/7 classes, monthly unlimited/$75. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Wellness Wednesdays – 9am-5:30pm. Detox Footbath or Sauna Therapy for only $20/service (a savings of $10). Enjoy a complimentary wellness drink during your service. The Wellness Centre of Baton Rouge, 1528 Delplaza Dr, Ste B, Baton Rouge. 225-229-6107.

Red Stick Mobile Farmers’ Market – 9-11am.

Made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant, Chase Bank, The Irene W and CB Pennington Foundation, The Imogene Brown Foundation and the Office of Community Development. Scotlandville Library, 7373 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

Compassion in Action – 10:30-12pm. Documentaries and books spark the spirit of compassion within this circle. This January through March, we will read A Path Appears, by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. $20 suggested donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Red Stick Mobile Farmers’ Market – 12:302pm. Made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield

NABatonRouge.com

Book Study – 6:30-8pm. Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Learning to Walk in the Dark, eases into lunar spirituality and how to find strength and hope to face all of life’s challenging moments. With Joan McCaskill. $40. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

thursday Morning Yoga - A Perfect Beginning – 8-9am.

Wake up the body and invigorate your mind and spirit with morning yoga. With Tina Ufford and Dee Dee Poullard. $8/class, 7 classes/$47, $75/monthly unlimited. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Red Stick Farmers’ Market – 8am-12pm. Seasonal produce and baked goods are sold here at this producers-only market. Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge.

Breada.org.

Dream Discovery – 10:30am-12pm. Discover more about yourself as you learn to work with your dreams. With Joan McCaskill, Spiritual Director. $40/monthly. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Gentle Yoga – 12pm. This is a gentle class that offers basic alignment principles, simple breathing techniques, and is paced to allow the safe application of modifications. With Kate Suchanek. $10. Yoga Path. 759 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge.

225-931-9166. YogaPathLLC.com.

Gentle Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Relax your body and quiet your mind with gentle physical movement, breathing exercises and meditation. Enhance wellbeing, increase flexibility and build strength through yoga postures. With Tina Ufford and Valerie FlynnWintz. $8/class, $48/7 classes. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Spiritual Journey Circle – 6-7pm. Find inspiration on a journey that opens the door to the ideas of diverse spiritual teachers. Listen to amazing spiritual thinkers including Pema Chödrön, Clarissa Pinkola Estes Caroline Myss, David Whyte, and others. $20 monthly donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

The Key: Searching and Sharing – 6-7pm. A supportive place for men to meet that encourages authentic conversation about coming to a deeper understanding of the healthy masculine and the natural yearning for spirituality. With Tom Lastrapes. $20 monthly suggested donation. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170.

TheRedShoes.org.

Your Pace or Mine Walking Club – 6-8pm.

Participants will start walking at 6:15pm following a path on map handout. On rainy days, walk inside perimeter of library. Wear casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. We will discuss goals, tracking, warm up, etc. With Yvonne Hull. Free.

Jones Creek Regional Library, 6222 Jones Creek Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-756-1180.

friday Morning Yoga - A Perfect Beginning – 8-9am.

Wake up the body and invigorate your mind and spirit with morning yoga. With Tina Ufford and Dee Dee Poullard. $8/class, $48/7 classes, $75/monthly unlimited. The Red Shoes, 2303 Government St, Baton Rouge. 225-338-1170. TheRedShoes.org.

Red Stick Mobile Farmers’ Market – 8:3010:30am. Made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant, Chase Bank, The Irene W and CB Pennington Foundation, The Imogene Brown Foundation and the Office of Community Development. Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley St, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

Chair Yoga – 10-11am. A wonderful and beneficial alternative to the traditional mat yoga class.

Appropriate for all skill levels and ages. Instructor Faye Philips. $10. One Heart Yoga Center, 340 St. Joseph St, Baton Rouge. 225-383-1709. YogaBaton Rouge.com.

An animal’s

Red Stick Mobile Farmers’ Market – 12-2pm.

Made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana Grant, Chase Bank, The Irene W and C B Pennington Foundation, The Imogene Brown Foundation and the Office of Community Development. McKinley Alumni Center, 1520 Thomas H Delpit Dr, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber

saturday Livingston Parish Farmers’ Market – 7am-12pm.

Each week, stop by for food, fruits, vegetables, local specialties and crafts. Located in the New Covenant Church parking lot on U.S. 190 (Florida Blvd) across from McDonald’s in Denham Springs.

Red Stick Farmers’ Market – 8am-12pm. Once a week, local and seasonal produce, baked goods and farm-raised meat and eggs can be purchased downtown. The market is a fun shopping event for all ages, featuring not only local foods but quality handcrafts and live music. Corner of 5th & Main St, Baton Rouge. Breada.org.

A Center For Personal & Spiritual Growth

Zachary Farmers’ Market – 8am-12pm. Highquality, fresh, local produce as well as handmade crafts on a weekly basis. Zachary City Hall (side parking lot).

Forget the yellow brick road.

Come to The Red Shoes to follow the path of self discovery.

Sculpt Flow Class – 10am. Improve your strength, balance and flexibility in this unique class that incorporates yoga postures, weights and core exercises. $20. Reflection, A Yoga and Health Studio, 11015 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge. 225-663-8922. Info@ ReflectionYogaStudio.com.

YOGA & MEDITATION SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOPS CREATIVE ARTS BOOK & FILM STUDIES MIND-BODY WELLNESS SACRED CIRCLES

Flow and Go Warm Yoga – 10:30-11:15am.

45-minute flow class in a room heated to 80 degrees. $15. Agame Yoga and Meditation Center, 635 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge. 225-636-1891.

AgameYoga.com.

photo: Thomas Leth-Olsen

2303 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-338-1170, info@theredshoes.org www.theredshoes.org

natural awakenings

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27

I found it — The Secret to Anti-Aging!

My cholesterol dropped by 73 points in 1 month, my husband’s morning blood sugar level dropped from 200 to 113 in 3 months, and we are feeling and looking so much YOUNGER! A few months ago, my husband’s blood sugars were out of control after years of controlling it with diet. And his skin had taken on a yellowish-grey pallor… which showed me that his liver and kidneys were also in serious trouble. I was scared!

A friend stopped by, took one look at Charles, and said, “We have to get him on the Micronized Heart of Royal Purple Rice immediately!” Although I had never heard of it, I quickly said, “Get me some now.” I am so grateful that I did!

Within 3 weeks his skin was pink and glowing and he was feeling so much better. I also began eating it and began noticing more energy, sounder sleep, and improved skin.

It is so tiny and powerful that when you eat it … it does not even have to go through your digestive system — it can immediately go into the cells and energize them! Like tiny arrows, these highly charged alpha glucan chains of super nutrients can pierce cell walls and furnish the mitochondria (the cell’s battery) with fuel to create massive amounts of ATP Light Energy, so that the cells can recharge, regenerate, and function at the highest level.

Recharge, Repair, and Regenerate Your Cells

We had our blood tested and after eating this rice product for only a month, my cholesterol had dropped by 73 points! I had been taking several other natural supplements for two years to lower cholesterol to no avail, but after only one month my cholesterol dropped to normal, as did my triglycerides, and three other blood markers that had been way too high. My doctor was shocked. He said no drug would give me those quick and dramatic results!

And Charles, with several medical conditions, had 10 blood markers drop significantly! My doctor said he knew of nothing that could work like that across so many body systems! “Not drugs...but real foods,” I said.

The reason so many people who are eating well and taking good supplements are still sick is ... nutrition can’t get into the cell!

A recent medical study showed — more than 80% of the population is insulin resistant at some level That means that the sugars and nutrients we need for energy cannot get into the cells. (If a cell phone battery cannot be recharged — it powers down and eventually dies). If you are tired, and have dis-eases that have names … your cells are also powering down and dying.

When the sugars (polysaccharides) can’t get into your cells to be used for energy, they cause another problem, too. They float around your blood stream, sticking to proteins and fats—or “glycating”. Wherever they stick they cause problems … if they stick in the bloodstream they cause hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, in the brain they cause learning and memory issues or dementia, in the eyes—cataracts, in the skin—wrinkles.

With my raw natural product you can recharge your cells and reverse the glycation and aging now!

What’s In This Product and How Does It Work?

Read What This Has Done For My Friends ...

The basis of the product is a ancient, heirloom strain of royal purple rice that is now grown in Thailand in a pristine valley that has never seen chemicals, pesticides, or GMO’s.

Then, the purple husk, which is extremely high in anthocyanin antioxidants, along with the very heart of the rice (the endosperm) is removed—this is the part that carries the super polysaccharide sugars and polypeptide amino acid building blocks. Everything else is discarded.

With only the dense nutrient rice heart left — this is then milled down to the size of a micron! That’s it—that is all that’s in this amazing raw natural product.

When I shared this with my friend, Bonnie, her body used the new cellular energy to reduce her blood pressure and smooth the wrinkles from her face. Nicole’s intense pain from an accident is gone and she is off her debilitating medications. Jeff is no longer experiencing acid reflux or gout. Dee Dee’s night blindness is gone and so are her allergies. Charles morning blood sugars have dropped from 200 to 113. I am looking so much younger that someone asked me if I had a ‘procedure’ done! Even my granddaughter’s dog has gotten rid of his digestive issues because of this product. So … would you like to see what this amazing food will do for you?

It takes 60 pounds of Royal Purple Rice to make ONE Pound of my product.

Call me (Kare) at: 727-798-8764 I’ll send you my FREE book, answer all your questions, and get this product on its way to you so you can begin anti-aging, too!

But What Really Got My Attention…

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Kare & Charles Possick

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

NABatonRouge.com

www.KaresPurpleRiceProducts.com

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To be included, email Publisher@NABatonRouge.com or call 225-238-1200 to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

ESSENTIAL OILS

ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS CENTER

COYOTE MOON CRYSTALS AND GIFTS

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can safely and effectively treat a wide A C U P U N C T U R E range of health concerns, WELLNESS CENTER such as allergies, cancer care support, facial rejuvenation, fertility, headaches, menopause, pain, post-surgery & sports injury, shingles, stress & anxiety, as well as wellness & prevention. Call today to find out more or visit our website!

We have single oils, combinations of oils and organic oils, as well as carrier oils and creams for cosmetics. Lovely diffusers will fill your room with fragrant healing.

See ad, page 27.

711 Jefferson Hwy Ste 8, Baton Rouge 225-925-1188 AcupunctureBR.com

CHIROPRACTOR LEBLANC SPINE CENTER

Dr. Scott LeBlanc and Dr. Dana LeBlanc 10245 Siegen Lane, Ste A, Baton Rouge 225-763-9894 We provide the highest quality care by using stateof-the-art chiropractic equipment and technologies to provide effective treatment for our patients. We offer treatment for Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Disc Bulges/Herniations, Spinal Stenosis, Numbness in the arms or feet, Arthritis, Leg Pain and more.

DENTIST CYPRESS DENTAL, INC.

Kurt A. LeJeune, DDS 3138 McIlhenny Drive, Baton Rouge 225-248-8400 Offering dental services including cosmetic dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation, minimally invasive dentistry, mercury-safe environment, non-titanium implants, and laser dentistry. We also offer treatment for complex conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ dysfunction, head, neck and facial pain. See ad, page 7.

1938 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge 225-344-4448 CoyoteMoonBR.com

DAYSTAR WAY, LLC

Jeannie Causey, LPN, CNHP, YL #1265021 225-572-3376 YLWebsite.com/DaystarWay Learn to improve your health/ wellness by using therapeuticgrade YL Essential Oils and prayer. YL Essential Oils respect the sensitive methods required to preserve the oil’s therapeutic integrity without preservatives or additives. Zyto Compass Scans available for determining nutritional supplementation needs. Ask how to get one for free. See ad, page 23.

CATHY DUPLECHIN

Young Living Distributor #1253105 225-347-4442 LiveAndBreatheOils.com Young Living Essential Oils and products, Raindrop Technique, Zyto Compass Reading and local seminars on healthy living held the third Tuesday of each month.

Find out about the health benefits of Young Living, inquire about getting a wholesale membership or start a business. Share essential oils with others and make money. See ad, page 23.

FITNESS STUDIO DEFINE FITNESS STUDIO

10735 Linkwood Ct, Ste A, Baton Rouge 22-337-8278 DefineFitStudio.com We are excited to be the only studio in Louisiana to offer the Buti Yoga® and tap n’ pow{h}er® fitness methods. We offer a fun, welcoming environment for a results-oriented workout to free your hips and mind. Our classes are designed to build strength, burn calories, lengthen, challenge and empower you.

Define yourself here! See ad, page 9.

HAIR SALON SALON MISBAH

13367 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge 225-761-4313 SalonMisbah.com Specializing in eyebrow threading and facial hair removal, using treated thread, since 2003. Doesn’t pull the skin like wax and is great for super sensitive skin, ladies who use retinol, get professional chemical peels or on Accutane.

Results are phenomenal! Also specializing in vegan, organic, keratin infused hair color and products.

VICKI B BEAUTY & WELLNESS 225-955-0177 Vicki-B.com Vicki@Vicki-B.com

Vicki B Beauty & Wellness offers vegan and organic hair color, cut and styling services in an intimate studio setting. Vicki has been a hairstylist in Baton Rouge since 2001 while gaining knowledge from classes and hair shows around the globe. She is experienced in stage, film, runway and photo quality styles, as well as everyday wash and wear. See ad, page 17.

HEALTH COACH BETHANY FREEDMAN

225-294-9219 BethanyFreedman@gmail.com IntegrativeWellnessNOW.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES PATTI GARNER, INDEPENDENT AGENT 225-819-7815 Get_Credit_Now@yahoo.com MyFES.net/PGarner

Is your credit score healthy?

Financial Education Services (FES) offers credit repair services that are second to none. Also offering identity theft protection, wills, powers of attorney and many more tools to improve your financial situation. Call now for additional information! See ad, page 9.

Common health complaints can be improved using natural health modalities, supplements and balanced nutrition. As a Certified Health Coach trained in the science of nutrition, dietary theory, and practical coaching methods, I can help you create a personalized roadmap to health.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn about programs designed to fit your budget.

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FACILITATING HEALING, LLC

THE HEALTH NUT HUT

Olivia Bennett, LPN, LMT 315 N. Range Ave, Denham Springs 318-792-5073

We are your local source for natural remedies. A family owned and operated business since 1996. Offering a great selection of herbs, vitamins, supplements, wheat-free and gluten-free foods. Stop by and let our knowledgeable staff help you. See ad, page 17.

Olivia offers massages designed just for you. Her specialty is Raindrop Therapy Technique, a service that uses therapeutic-grade essential oils to realign the body structurally and electrically. This also helps aid in detoxification of the body. Call today to schedule your personalized service. YL # 1395291, LA Lic #7511. See ad, page 23.

11954-B Coursey Blvd, Baton Rouge 225-292-8500

MANICURES & PEDICURES FAYE JONES

THE MASSAGE EMPORIUM

240 Laurel St, Ste 101, Baton Rouge 225-387-0060, Est # E2528 MassageEmporium.net

2162 Christian St, Baton Rouge 225-315-6651 In the industry for over 20 years, Faye was mentored at a young age in the art of traditional manicures and pedicures. Her technique and attention to detail results in soft, smooth skin and a flawless finish. Services are for natural nails only, and offers the use of organic, all-natural products by request.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Offering a wide variety of diverse massage therapies including Swedish, Deep Ti s s u e , T h e r a p e u t i c , Reflexology and Sports Massage. Our specialty therapies include Hot Stone Therapy, Pre- and PostNatal massage, Couples massage, and 4-handed Vishnu massage. We have extras and add-ons to enhance any massage, unique combination services, chair massage, packages and adorning retail products.

BIOSSAGE

11822 Justice Ave, A1, Baton Rouge 225-456-7577, Est# E2898 Biossage4Life.com

6509 Government St, Ste C, Baton Rouge 225-927-3549 BodyworksBR.biz Detox and rejuvenate your body the natural way with ionic foot baths, a painless and effective way to dissolve toxic accumulations no matter where they are located in the body. Infrared Body Wraps help you lose weight and inches, diminish cellulite, tighten skin, relieve muscle pain, increase energy and metabolism and strengthen the immune system.

See ad, page 16.

NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS PLEXUS PRODUCTS

Terrie Crosby, Sr. Ruby Ambassador 225-937-4657 PlexusSlim.com/TCrosby Our life changing products offer the most natural way to improve health, increase energy, lose weight and manage pain. Plexus products help you achieve this goal by giving your body the ingredients it needs to balance, detox and heal itself as God designed it to do. See ad, page 5.

149 Cora Dr, Baton Rouge 225-927-9273 CenterForNaturalHealing.org

Have a Stubborn Skin Disorder and Tried Everything Else?

Finally, there’s a solution: try Natural Awakenings’ DermaClear, a natural, affordable, skin repair salve.

DermaClear brings comforting relief to sufferers of many skin irritations. The cooling and soothing calcium mortmorillonite/ calcium bentonite clay has been proven to be effective against: • SHINGLES • PSORIASIS • ECZEMA • BURNS • RASHES • JOCK ITCH • STINGS & MORE 4-oz jar $29.99 + $5 shipping/up to 5 jars Order online today at

ShopNaturalAwakenings.com or call: 888-822-0246

Greater Baton Rouge, LA

BODYWORKS BY VICKIE

CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALING

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NATURAL DETOX

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR

Our mission is to help promote the body’s natural healing process massage for Health through massage therapy. Andrea Perry specializes in Lomi Lomi, Thai Bodywork and Craniosacral Therapy. Other specialties include Raindrop Therapy, Energy Balancing, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Swedish Massage. See ad, page 5.

Ne Sh w op W ly U Ou eb pg r Sto rad re ed

.1b

HEALTH FOOD STORE

NABatonRouge.com

We have Certified Natural Medicine Doctors on staff who help with safe detoxification, customized nutrition plans, personal wellness and selfhealing techniques. Our mission is to train and support you with scientifically proven safe and effective programs for health and well-being. We want you to thrive and flourish physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. See ad, page 18.

KARIN NIELSEN, ND

1528 Delplaza Dr, Ste B, Baton Rouge 225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com Offering non-invasive health assessments, Total Thermography, Lymphatic Therapy and many detox therapies. We have a high success rate using homeopathic and functional medicine for women, men and children. We specialize in treating Lyme disease, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. See ad, page 7.

JESSICA PLAISANCE, ND, CNHP 225-361-7576 HealingNaturally@att.net HealingNaturallyBR.com

Providing natural health consults, prevention and lifestyle counseling, nutrition (including raw and livings foods), Iridology, biofeedback scans, nutritional supplements, therapeutic teas and aromatherapy. Imagine enjoying abundant energy, restful sleep, freedom from aches and pains, balanced moods and hormones, mental clarity and a strong sense of wellbeing.

ORGANIC BAKERY ROOM FOR DESSERT

9618 Jefferson Hwy, Ste B, Baton Rouge 225-293-9886 RoomForDessertBR.com Room For Dessert offers pastries and desserts, made daily, that are sugar, gluten and dairy free.

We take pride in offering the highest quality ingredients in our freshly baked products. Call or stop by for custom orders. See ad, page 18.

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH THE RED SHOES

2303 Government St, Baton Rouge 225-338-1170 TheRedShoes.org The Red Shoes is a nonprofit center offering opportunities for spiritual enrichment and personal growth through book and film studies, weekend retreats and workshops, as well as creative development through the art forms of collage, drawing, painting, writing and music. We offer movement classes including yoga and various dance disciplines. Classes are designed to broaden one’s understanding within a supportive community. See ad, page 27.

SKIN & BEAUTY SOUL FOOD

Melissa LeBlanc, Owner 985-373-8312 SoulFoodSkincare.com Soul Food Soaps and Skin Care products are appropriate for all skin types, but they were all originally formulated for sensitive skin. Most products are made to order, so choose your product, choose your fragrance from the twelve available essential oil blends, and nourish your skin with Soul Food.

See ad, page 16.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS & BOOKS

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

COYOTE MOON

TOTAL WELLNESS FOR WOMEN

Coyote Moon is a retail store offering all sorts of treasures to help you become healthy in body, mind and spirit. We stock wonderful books, relaxing music for meditation and yoga, gorgeous crystals, natural stones, sacred sage, Native American drums, Tibetan singing bowls, Kroeger Herb products and Shanti Kai flower essence sprays. New items arrive weekly. See ad, page 27.

Integrative gynecology practice offering traditional services, wellness screening and personalized wellness plans with meditation. Dr. Karen Miller has over 20 years experience and provides annuals, evaluates hormones, urinary incontinence, breast/pelvic issues, contraceptives, sexual dysfunction and other concerns. She formulates personalized plans to optimize health and wellness, using meditation and other alternative therapies.

Monthly seminars available. See ad, page 17.

10101 Siegen Ln, Ste 3B, Baton Rouge 225-288-1230 TotalWellnessBR.com

1938 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge 225-343-2340 CoyoteMoonBR.com

THERMOGRAPHY

YOGA

THE WELLNESS CENTRE OF BR Karin Nielsen, ND, CCT 1528 Delplaza Dr, Ste B, Baton Rouge 225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com

AGAME YOGA & MEDITATION CENTER

Total Thermography, non-invasive and radiation free, can often detect abnormalities 8-10 years before other screening methods. Thermography helps find underlying causes of disease as it looks at the entire body’s behavior after being stressed. Consultations and follow-up care are offered. See ad, page 7.

WEIGHT LOSS SOZA CLINIC

17534 Old Jefferson Hwy, Ste B2, Prairieville 225-819-3743 Discover a new lifestyle with Soza, where we empower our clients through education. Our program contains no prepackaged foods. We are focused on real food with real results. If you are interested in a fast, safe, effective weight loss solution, contact us for your free consultation today!

WELLNESS CONSULTING LOTUS WELLNESS & CONSULTING Jessica Tregre, CNHP and Life Coach 225-278-9187 HealthyLotus.com

635 S Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge 225-343-1144 AgameYoga.com

Phi, founder and owner of Agame Yoga & Meditation Center, is a 500-hr-level certified yoga teacher, Yoga Nidra facilitator, meditation teacher, Destination Method Coach and currently studying Ayurveda.

Phi leads yoga classes, workshops, yoga teacher training and works with clients privately. Phi is deeply inspired to help others release unnecessary suffering and experience compassion, love, peace and joy form within.

SPIRAL BRANCH YOGA

121 N Range Ave, Denham Springs 225-664-7759 SpiralBranchYoga.com We are happy to be the first studio dedicated solely to the practice of yoga in Denham Springs and Livingston Parish. Our goal is to provide our students with a variety of yoga experiences so you can find the fit that is best for you, your goals and your journey. We warmly welcome you to our community and family!

YOGA SCHOOL YOGA PATH, LLC

A holistic wellness consulting company reaching out to local businesses, schools and families, addressing health and lifestyle concerns, as well as preventative wellness. We offer corporate wellness programs, youth education programs and one-on-one consultations. Call now to start living a long, full and healthy life! See ad, page 23.

759 S Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge 225-931-9166 YogaPathLLC.com Yo g a P a t h i s a R e g i s t e r e d Yo g a School. We offer teacher training and general asana classes. Please visit www.yogapathllc. com for more information.

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