June 2013 by Natural Awakenings, Birmingham AL

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Secrets of a Happy Life Fresh Ways to Well-Being

Barefoot Benefits

Going Shoeless Soothes and Heals

Canine Fitness

Acid Reflux

Healthy Play for People and Pups

Double-Edged Sword of Stomach Acid

June 2013

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publishersletter “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” –John Lennon

n article in one of the New Age blogs that I read defined two groups among those people who’s mission in life is, whether they know it or not, to increase the light quotient on the planet. The two designations were Workers and Blissers. The Workers are those who do something active that raises the positive vibration, such as healers, teachers, meditators, energy workers, creative visionaries, volunteers, and people of faith who pray. The Blissers just stay blissed out. Both types are necessary: the Blissers hold the template for the new, high-vibrational Earth and the Workers work to bring it about. I am a Blisser. Anybody who knows my work habits compared to my enthusiasm for enjoyment would confirm this immediately. It is true, I have a short path to joy, and many tried and true avenues for achieving it, some more elegant than others; but for a Blisser, they are all legitimate. Joy! Bliss! Not just achieving these happy states of mind, but holding the feeling, sustaining that vibration. Refining bliss, sharing joy, and spreading both all around.

contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt

Talk about enjoying one’s job. Blisser. I like that. Best part about it, I’ve got science to back me up here. Both our feature article this month, entitled “Life Lift: Being Happy from the Inside Out” and the documentary film Happy (2011, available on Netflix or GaiamTV) explore the new Science of Happiness, or Positive Psychology, a field of study that seeks to quantify or measure happiness in the same way that depression has been quantified and measured for years. In the film, research based on identical twins suggests that at least half (50%) of a person’s happiness falls in a baseline range determined by genetic factors. Some people simply have a higher genetic propensity for happiness, it seems. Those would be the Blissers. But the study also suggests that anyone can increase their own happiness levels quite significantly. At least, there is significant room for improvement, you might say. That’s because only 10% of one’s baseline happiness range is determined by the usual suspect factors of income level, social status, where one lives, or age. Only 10%! And since 50% is set by genetics, that leaves a whopping 40% of the happiness matrix that can be affected by “Intentional Activity,” or what one chooses to do that increases one’s happiness. Follow your bliss, as they say. Whether you’re a Worker or a Blisser, Happy helps humanity, and a happy humanity helps everything on Earth.

Natural Awakenings Birmingham 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 NABirmingham.com © 2013 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 $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

natural awakenings

June 2013

contents 5 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 13 fitbody

15 naturalpet 18 community spotlight

23 calendars 29 resourceguide

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.

13 WALK THIS WAY

Step Up to Barefoot Benefits

by Randy Kambic

14 SELF- OBSERVATION CAN EASE PAIN by Jill Copeland, LMT, NMT

15 DOG SPORTS People & Pets Play Well Together

by Sandra Murphy

16 LIFE LIFT

Being Happy from the Inside Out

by Judith Fertig

advertising & submissions

18 BIRMINGHAM

HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Getting to the Root Cause of Illness by Cindy Wilson

19 CUTTING THROUGH THE NUTRITION NONSENSE Reflux Redux: The Double-Edged Sword of Stomach Acid by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

20 FITNESS WITH FIDO Five Ways to Make Workouts Fun by Joshua Fleming

21 MEN UNDER PRESSURE by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D.

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Earth Fare Celebrating One Year in Birmingham

arth Fare, the healthy supermarket in Riverchase near the Galleria Mall, is turning one! Stop by June 9 from 12-3pm for great food, fun and festivities the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy free samples, giveaways and so much more, as well as special appearances by Steel City Pops and other local food trucks. Organic wine samples will be available from Sundown Wines. Come hungry! We will have the grill ready with all natural antibiotic and hormone free burgers and sides, because you and your family are better than fast food. For more details Like Us on Facebook at EarthFareBirmingham. Earth Fare is an organic and healthy supermarket located at 3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL. The full service supermarket offers a variety of organic and all natural fresh produce, meat, dairy, cheeses and prepared foods. Sign up for our great freebies by visiting Earthfare.com/our-stores/birmingham. Join Earth Fare every Thursday from 4-8pm for Family Dinner Night, where up to 6 kids eat free with the purchase of a $5 adult meal. It’s healthy, easy and affordable.

Therapeutic Yoga Series for Low Back with Becca Impello

pend four Saturday mornings this summer at Embody Practice Center learning a comprehensive yoga practice for low back issues: from the basics for daily low back maintenance, to improving core strength and hip flexibility, to advancing your yoga practice without hurting your back. Becca is a physical therapist and yoga instructor with many years of experience teaching individuals and classes a yoga practice that is both healing, strengthening and safe for the low back. Attending all four classes will give you a well-rounded program. However, single classes will be beneficial also as the basics will be reviewed each time. This series is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience or inexperience. If you have had recent low back surgery or a significant chronic low back condition please email Becca with your details at becca@sosyoga.com. June 8, 9-11am: Low Back Basics – Relax and unwind to promote spinal flexibility and gentle low back strengthening. Learn a gentle but effective yoga sequence for daily low back care. June 22, 9-11am: Low Back Basics and Core Engagement – Review of low back basics with additional poses to strengthen the core for functional movement and stability. July 13, 9-11am: Low Back Basics and Hip Opening – Review of low back basics with poses to open and balance the hips. July 27, 9-11am: Beyond Low Back Basics – Advancing your yoga practice while protecting and nourishing your low back. $100 when you preregister for all four or $35 for individual classes. Registration and payment available at SOSyoga.com. Classes held at EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com. See Ad on Page 25 and CRG on Page 30.

Four Tillers Two Tilleys Jeffrey J. Boron Whether working in acrylic or oil, artist Jeffrey Boron creates a magical vision of nature’s play of color and light. He deftly combines the bold color elements of Impressionism with his own contemporary, representational painting style. Boron’s gift for celebrating nature and landscapes began at an early age, showcased in watercolors depicting his rural neighborhood in Concord, Ontario. While living and working in northern Ontario, his fascination with birds and nature led him to woodcarving; many of his waterfowl and shorebirds can be found in collections throughout Canada and the United States. After moving to Victoria, British Columbia, his passion for painting and sketching, he says, “was rekindled by the beauty of the coastal environment.” Boron’s works, vibrating with life and soul, are often painted en plein air. He remarks, “As an artist, I want my works to bring to the viewer a sense of the joy I feel when painting them, as well as highlighting the wonder and beauty of those small spots of nature that we live amongst, but so often overlook, in our busy lives.” View the artist’s portfolio at JeffreyBoron.com.

natural awakenings

June 2013

newsbriefs Happenings in the Garden

ducational opportunities abound at Birmingham Botanical Gardens for students of all ages as the official beginning of summer approaches. The Certificate in Native Plant Studies program is packed, beginning with a field trip to the Bibb County Glades on June 1. While the month’s first field trip is sold out, a second field trip will be offered on June 15, as Ashley Allen and Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator John Manion lead a group of students to the Stephen C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site in Union Chapel, AL. Three electives will complement the field trips: “Ethnobotany” on June 8, “Basics of Sustainable Design” on June 22 and “The Ancient Forests of Alabama” on June 29. To learn more about each of these classes and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/plantstudies. Junior Board of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will return in June with their offering “Mint Mixology.” On Thursday, June 13, students will learn how to complement their summer cocktails with fresh mint from the garden. To learn more about the class, visit BBGardens.org/classes. Children’s Summer Camps get into full swing in June, featuring new full-day camps to complement the existing half-day options. “Cooperation Not Competition: What We Can Learn From Nature” will begin morning options June 3-7, followed by “Southern Summer Chefs” held June 17-21. “Growing Through Yoga” is the afternoon option for June, held June 17-21, while two age levels will be offered “Young Builders: Legos in the Landscape” as full-day options June 24-28. To learn more about all of this year’s Children’s Summer Camps and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/ summercamps. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. Admission to The Gardens is free.

Reiki Certification Classes are being offered at Natural Forces Studio

erri A. Heiman, owner and founder of Natural Forces Studio is offering a Reiki 1 class on Saturday, June 1 from 8am-6pm. Reiki, a Universal Life Force energy, is a system of natural healing that anyone can learn to use. The class offers the history, the principles, an introduction to the energy fields and the chakra system. Practice time for self care is offered as well as time for working on others. For those already certified at the first degree, a Reiki 2 class will be offered on June 8 from 8am-6pm. This 6

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is for those who want to learn more about this natural system of healing. It provides further training and techniques. Both of these classes offer NCBTMB 10 hours of CE credit. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Reiki is an integrative energy medicine. Energy medicine stimulates the body’s inherent ability to self heal on all levels. Reiki can be used to restore depleted energy in the body as well as stop the onset of illness. Reiki balances the body, mind and spirit. For more information or to register, contact Terri Heiman at Natural Forces Studio located at 605 37th Street South inside Birmingham Yoga. She can be reached at 205-201-6985 or terri@naturalforcesstudio. com. See Ad on Page 26 and CRG on Page 29.

Summer Solstice Celebration

atural Forces Studio and Birmingham Yoga will celebrate the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 21, 7-9pm, with yoga, circle dance, and summer crystal and bowl meditation. Terri Heiman, Shannon Andrews Skipper, and Melissa Scott will lead this unique and transformative celebration, open to anyone. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and a time of powerful, exciting energy. Activity is in full bloom, and there are abundant opportunities to manifest dreams and tap into your personal power. Terri, Shannon, and Melissa will guide you through joyful practices to access your inner fire and offer gratitude to the Sun energy. All levels of practice are welcome. Recommended to wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. All proceeds from the event will go to Sweet Om Alabama. $10 advance registration $15/door. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. BirminghamYoga.com. NaturalForcesStudio.com.

Soulnicity Brings Reiki/ Energy Healing to The Yoga Circle

eiki/Energy Healing is now being offered at The Yoga Circle in the 5 Points South location. Nicki Noftz, Owner of Soulnicity, is excited to be working with The Yoga Circle to help guide the individual to understand the energy and sacred space within their own body and mind. Reiki/Energy Healing helps promote the body’s ability to heal itself, deep relaxation, increase energy, remove energetic and emotional blockages, ease transitions and deepen one’s mind-body-spirit connection. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Reiki seeks

to restore order to the body whose energy has become unbalanced. The healing energy of Reiki can be used to provide relief from conditions such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, negative side effects of treatments and medications, joint problems and other ailments.” Nicki promises to: 1. Treat you as an individual and care about you, 2. Provide healthy challenges, 3. Provide the tools needed to heal, 4. Create a safe space to explore what you need, 5. Get in touch with your physical, emotional and mental blockages. For the month of June, mention Natural Awakenings and get 50% off your first session. To book an appointment, contact Nicki at info@soulnicity.com or 205-202-9198. See Ad on Page 26 and CRG on Page 29.

Mindful Movement and Art Workshop

oulnicity and Art Stories Studio are offering a Mindful Movement and Art Workshop June 15 from 4pm-6:30pm at The Yoga Circle in the 5 Points South location. Nicki Noftz, Owner of Soulnicity and Pilates Instructor, will open the body through various mindful movements to explore the depths of creative expression of the body. We will focus on connecting our body and mind to create a sense of support and grounding. Sarah Wade, owner of Art Stories Studio and Art Therapist, will open the artist in you through creative expression of the mind. We will explore our personal strengths and weaknesses to fully let our voice be heard to create the support needed to express who we are at a core. We will start with mindful movements utilizing aspects of Pilates, yoga and other movements to tap into the freedom and true essence of you. We will then take that freedom of expression into our artwork to create and explore what it means to be creatively you. For more information or to

reserve your spot, contact Nicki at info@soulnicity.com or 205-202-9198. No previous Pilates, yoga or art experience needed. See Ad on Page 26 and CRG on Page 29.

A Kirtan Celebration with Prema Hara: Sacred Music for World Peace & Healing

n June 9 from 5-9pm, Birmingham will once again host Prem Hara as they make their way around the southern United States. Prema Hara’s mellow; meditative songs build into ecstatic rhythms, creating a jubilant celebration of the spirit. “One of the greatest new kirtan groups today… Prema Hara makes some of the sweetest mantra music you’ll ever hear. Their new album, Tears of Love, is overflowing with the nectar of their devotion.“ – Spirit Voyage Prema Hara Kamaniya and Keshavacharya are kirtan gypsies, touring internationally as the sacred music duo. Attracted by Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion, both have spent many years living in ashrams, searching for

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the divine through devotional service and singing. Seeing so many people’s hearts transformed through the power of chanting sacred mantras, they were inspired to commit their lives to sharing the universal practice of kirtan with the world. Prema Hara has toured extensively throughout the USA and Europe, quickly gaining recognition as one of the West’s most prominent mantra music bands. Visit PremaHara.com to listen to their music and view videos of their live events. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Food for Life Vrindavan. The price of admission is $15 in advanced and $20 the day of the event. For more information or tickets, contact Birmingham Yoga at 205-637-4228 or visit BirminghamYoga.com. See CRG on Page 30.

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enná Gilleylen, a 41-year-old mother of four, struggled with being overweight for 20 years prior to being introduced to the Great Shape Today Weight Loss Program. She has lost 36 pounds so far and reports that unlike with past weight loss efforts, she felt an increase in energy by Day 5. Best of all, she realized that she was spending less money each month on groceries. Success with the program prompted her to become a Herbalife Independent Distributor. Now she enjoys coaching others and showing them how to lose weight safely. Herbalife is a global nutrition company that’s improving lives in more than 80 countries and providing innovative, science-based products. In addition to weight loss products, Herbalife offers immune solutions to support your body’s natural defenses; protein-powered products to help maintain your energy 24/7; healthy aging products that will help you stay active whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s, or beyond; men’s health products that target male health issues; natural balance products for women; and essential nutrition products your kids need. Herbalife uses only the highest research, development and manufacturing standards, including the finest raw ingredients and precise formulation and labeling. Renná invites you to visit WeightLossCentral.herbalhub.com and look around the site for information about the Herbalife product line, how to lose weight, burn fat, and to hear from other weight loss success stories. While there, you can get a free account to Great Shape Today, a free online support community. For information contact Renná Gilleylen at 800-928-2709. See Ad on Page 7.

Hoover Alt MD Anti-Aging and Hormone Balancing

his integrative medical practice in Hoover urges people to stop by and pick up an information pamphlet on their Anti-Aging and Hormone Balancing programs. This includes Thyroid and Adrenal Optimizing, Male and Female Hormone Replacement (Bio-Identicals), and the use of Premium natural supplements and Herbals so you can restore your energy and be at your very best. Call Hoover Alt MD today for your initial consultation and comprehensive exam. Dr. Elizabeth Korcz’s program of Wellness, Anti-Aging and Spa Medicine exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning of patients. All this in one location, and at reasonable prices. Transfer all your primary care, or they will simply complement your current doctor’s care. Hoover Alt MD is located at 3421 South Shades Crest Rd., Suite 111 in Hoover, AL. Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment. See Ad on Page 2 and CRG on Page 29. 8

Birmingham

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Private Pilates Lessons Small Groups

David Hulse Brings Good Vibrations to Birmingham

Continuing Education Workshops Yoga Classes Pilates Mat Classes Massage Therapy

avid Hulse, a Certified Master Sound Therapy Teacher, has discovered a series of sound therapy techniques that use the power of the ancient frequencies used in Ancient Gregorian Chants. He utilizes specialized tuning forks to facilitate the release of energy blockages for innate healing. When asked how tuning forks work as a healing modality, he says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tuning forks are a very ancient tool. They are pure vibration, and we know everything is energy vibrating. That is the real core essence of what everything is in this third dimensional world. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy vibrating. Also, we are more than 80% water, and sound moves four times faster through water than air. So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why tuning forks are so powerful because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re mostly water and it can move through water.â&#x20AC;? David says the first thing he notices about everybody who comes in for a healing session is that they are energy depleted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That means they are giving more than they are receiving so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of imbalance with people,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can tell that because the sound will be absorbed into the energy of the person like a dry sponge would soak up water. The first thing weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do is build the energy up beyond the level that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using energy because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just recycling it over and over.â&#x20AC;? The end result? â&#x20AC;&#x153;People leave with more energy available to them than they came in with,â&#x20AC;? he says. For more information about David Hulseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, visit SomaEnergetics. com or email info@SomaEnergetics.com. David Hulse will be in Birmingham on June 2-3 offering workshops and private appointments. Call Unity of Birmingham 205 251-3713 for more information about his Birmingham schedule. See Ad below.

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EVENTS Unity of Birmingham Welcomes New Ministers Unity is delighted to welcome Rev. Charles and Rev. Christine Perry as new ministers. The Perrys recognize and honor the rich history and strong foundation of Unity of Birmingham. Unity offers practical teachings that help people live healthy, prosperous, and meaningful lives by assisting people to discover and live their spiritual purpose with a commitment to rising up to the Christ consciousness in all they do as individuals and all they do as a ministry together. Join us as we walk a Positive Path for Spiritual Living!

Healing through Sound and Vibration David Hulse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; First time in Birmingham Sunday, June 2nd June 2nd Monday, June 3rd June 3rd

11:00am Topic: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church of Nowâ&#x20AC;? 1:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30am $20 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebrate your Authentic Selfâ&#x20AC;? Private Appointments 10:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00pm Call 251-3713 6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:30pm $20 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ancient Solfeggio Frequenciesâ&#x20AC;?

David Hulse is a Sound Therapy Master Teacher, certified by the Natural Therapies Certification Board of North America. www.SomaEnergetics.com

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Vic Sorrell and Kenya Walker have blended their passion for writing songs that make a difference, with dynamic performance and decades of New Thought study. Through their music, they offer an uplifting, compelling glimpse of their journeys, on a path of peace, joy and Source Love. Now performing with accomplished Nashville musicians Joel Atkins and James Wold, Vic and Kenya look forward to sharing Source with the people of Birmingham. Source will also be sharing their music in the 11:00am service.

Sunday Services 11:00am natural awakenings

June 2013

healthbriefs

PSA Testing Controversy

en face a new dilemma at their annual physical this year—should they be screened for prostate cancer? Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine screening for this form of cancer, regardless of age. Some doctors claim this will cause treatable prostate cancer cases to be missed. The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland, can be measured with a simple blood test. Until the USPSTF issued its recommendation, doctors routinely used the test to screen men 50 and older. The task force, however, concluded there is at least moderate certainty that the potential harms of PSA testing outweigh the benefits; many benign conditions, particularly prostate infections and enlargement, can elevate PSA readings higher than normal, prompting more aggressive testing. Before deciding on the test, it helps for men to explore this issue with their doctor. Some physicians take a “wait and see” approach and retest several times over a few months before making a recommendation; others suggest an immediate biopsy if PSA levels are high. While a blood test is a benign procedure, a prostate biopsy is not. A high PSA reading coupled with an overly aggressive doctor can cause anxiety and result in additional—and possibly unneeded—medical treatment.

FLAVONOIDS PROTECT MEN AGAINST PARKINSON’S

indings published in the journal Neurology add to a growing body of evidence that regular consumption of flavonoids, found in berries, teas, apples and red wines, can positively affect human health. According to new research on 130,000 men and women undertaken by Harvard University, in Boston, and the UK’s University of East Anglia, men that regularly consumed the most flavonoid-rich foods were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those that ate the least. No similar protective link was found for women. It is the first human study to show that flavonoids can help protect neurons against diseases of the brain.

Source: James Occhiogrosso, ProstateHealthNaturally.com

SPORTS AND MUSIC: A WINNING COMBINATION

istening to our favorite music, whatever the genre, can increase both our enjoyment of and performance levels in competitive sports participation. Keele University researchers, presenting these findings at the 2012 British Psychological Society annual conference, noted that playing selected tunes reduces perceived exertion levels, plus increases one’s sense of being “in the zone”. The greatest effects were found with music used during structured training sessions. Previous studies showing that motivational music in general boosts performance did not include exploring the effects of listening to one’s favorite music.

A Father’s Love is Critical

ased on 36 studies from around the world involving more than 10,000 participants, researchers at the University of Connecticut, in Mansfield, concluded that a father’s love contributes as much—and sometimes more—to a child’s development as a mother’s love. The critical importance of fatherly love to a youngster’s healthy development provides added incentive for men to become more involved in nurturing child care. Source: Society for Personality and Social Psychology

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EXCESSIVE DIETARY FAT MAY HINDER CONCEPTION

ne reason for a couple’s inability to conceive could be linked to too much fat in the male’s diet. A study by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital of 99 U.S. men uncovered an association between a high fat intake and lower sperm count and concentration. Results were published in the journal Human Reproduction. Men that consumed the most saturated fats had a 35 percent lower total sperm count and 38 percent lower sperm concentration than men that ate the least amount of such fats. Moreover, men that ate more omega-3 polyunsaturated fats—the type of healthful fat often found in fish and plant oils—had better-formed sperm than men that ate less.

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globalbriefs Tech Trash Recycle All Electronic Products With the average American household owning 24 electronic devices, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) estimates we are annually producing nearly 3 million tons of e-waste. Tube-type TVs and computer monitors contain lead, while cell phones harbor toxic mercury, cadmium, arsenic and brominated flame retardants, all of which can leach from landfills into groundwater. Alternatives include selling old phones or trading them in at a store, and buying a new phone only when necessary. For $10, Staples will recycle any brand of computer monitor, desktop and laptop computer, fax machine, printer or scanner. Dell products are accepted at no charge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers information about local e-waste recycling and regulations regarding handling of electronic equipment at Tinyurl.com/EPAeWasteTips. For a global perspective, see the United Nations Environment Programme 2010 update at Tinyurl.com/UNeWasteReport.

Hot Stuff New Technology Increases Solar Efficiency There is huge potential in solar power, but our current methods of capturing the sun’s energy are limited as widely used silicon solar cells approach their theoretical limit of 33.7 percent efficiency. Now a Princeton University research team has applied nanotechnology principles to incorporate a design that significantly increases their efficacy. Led by Stephen Chou, the team has made two dramatic improvements: reducing reflectivity and more effectively capturing the light that isn’t reflected. The new solar cell is much thinner and less reflective, capturing many more light waves via a minute mesh and bouncing off only about 4 percent of direct sunlight. The new design is capable of capturing a large amount of sunlight even when it’s cloudy, producing an 81 percent increase in efficiency even under indirect lighting conditions. Source: OpticsInfoBase.org

Lost Ecosystem Hawaiian Coral Reef Under Siege In the tropical paradise of Hawaiian waters, a milky growth has been spreading rapidly across the coral reefs along Kauai’s north shore. Marine biologist Terry Lilley, the foremost expert on the outbreak, says it now affects up to 40 percent of the coral in Anini Bay, and conditions in nearby areas are as bad or worse. The growth, identified by U.S. Geological Survey scientists as both a bacteria that grows through photosynthesis and a fungus, is killing all the coral it strikes and is spreading its infection at the rate of one to three inches a week. “This bacteria has been killing some of these 50-to-100-year-old corals in less than eight weeks,” Lilley told the Los Angeles Times, noting that the entire reef system appears to be losing its immune system. Some feel the cause is high levels of fecal and related bacteria from the town of Hanalei, which has no sewer system and where homes are connected to cesspools and septic systems. Because no definitive link has been shown, government action has been limited. 12

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Moon Fuel Two New Sources of Sustainable Energy A new compound of lead telluride— a semiconductor first used in the Apollo moon landings to provide astronauts with a renewable, thermoelectric power source—can transform the heat emitted from car tailpipes and the chimneys of power stations and factories into a power source. According to the scientists engineering the innovation at Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, as much as 15 to 20 percent of the heat currently being lost could be recovered as electricity. Another team of researchers at Utah State University, in Logan, has created a yeast biodiesel fuel that can be made using the watery waste from the mass production of cheese. One cheese plant’s daily byproduct of up to 1 million gallons of liquid cheese waste can produce 66,000 gallons of fuel.

Thanks, Dad Norway Recognizes Fatherhood Norway’s liberal paternity leave policy places equal responsibilities on men and women, which in turn progressively redefines traditional gender roles. Pappapermisjon, or paternity leave, is often combined with a mother’s maternity leave to provide seamless childcare at home without overtaxing parents’ work life. The Norwegian government has socially engineered a society in which men and women are expected to have equal domestic and economic responsibilities. Some specifics of the country’s “fathers’ rights” philosophy include leaving the workplace by 5:30 p.m.; being able to adjust office hours around daycare drop-offs and pickups; and allowing time to organize family dinners and help with housework. Source: The Christian Science Monitor

The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.

fitbody

~ Leonardo da Vinci

WStep ALK THIS WAY Up to Barefoot Benefits by Randy Kambic

arefoot walking conjures images of children playing in open fields and families strolling on a beach, yet it can also embrace many other settings as part of a health and fitness routine and lifestyle of optimum wellness. As Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee attest in their new book, Barefoot Walking, “It’s not just physical; it’s soothing on an emotional and spiritual level.” In adults, many muscles in our feet may have weakened and atrophied due to disuse from wearing shoes, which substitute the support and mobility that our bodies’ lower parts were created to provide. Years of wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels can also hamper bone density and proper alignment of each foot’s 28 bones; produce aches and pains in knees, back and neck; and constrict circulation to legs and feet, a condition compounded by desk jobs. Here are some tips in preparing to go shoeless: Work out feet. Prevention.com advises working to individually wiggle each toe; touch and rub each in its entirety; and flex and move both feet in as many different ways as possible. This will help them better absorb and distribute weight. Then, suggest Sandler and Lee, try “grabbing” exercises for toes, picking up round objects ranging in size from golf balls to baseballs. Also practice arch lifts, calf raises and ankle rolls.

Check it out. Walk around a room and note if the weight upon landing moves from the heel to the big toe right away; if so, try shifting bodyweight while walking so that the pressure proceeds from the heel to the little toe and then across to the big toe. This maximizes functioning of the entire foot and keeps the arch from collapsing inward. This subtle change helps support knees, the pelvic floor and even abdominal muscles. Fields, dirt trails and beaches are ideal sites to start walking barefoot. Repeated skin-to-ground contact also coincides with grounding, or earthing, a therapy that connects a being with Earth’s electrical field. The concept is that this allows negatively charged free electrons to enter and eliminate free radicals, the positively charged particles that may cause diseases and inflammation. When we’re in shoes, “We’re separated [from the Earth] by an inch of rubber, which is a fantastic resistor to electricity,” the co-authors point out. Because barefoot walking stimulates foot nerve endings, it’s also a form of self-reflexology, helping to lower blood pressure and anxiety while bolstering the immune system. For all these reasons, enthusiasts conjecture that it’s wise to follow in the natural footsteps of healers past and present that have chosen to walk this way. Sandler provides special tips on getting started for some specific groups:

Children: “They haven’t had their feet weakened by wearing shoes for many years, so let them develop their own style.” Pregnant women: Start with a tiger walk technique (land with the heel barely off the ground, focusing on grabbing traction with the toes) for as much stability and fullest contact with the ground as possible. Seniors: Use a walk and roll technique (lift the forefoot up before gently landing heel first) to keep weight directly beneath the body’s center of gravity. “Some seniors are fearful of going barefoot; concerned their feet are soft and sensitive. But they find that it actually helps them regain balance, coordination and body-brain connections.” A key to expanding onto terrains like gravel and pavement while avoiding injury is to build up stronger plantar skin on the bottom of the feet, because it is “600 percent stronger than skin elsewhere and can grow even thicker, up to half an inch, but only if you use it,” according to Sandler and Lee. “Going about barefoot stimulates additional skin growth (layering) and pushes the moisture out of the skin (strengthening), which together, thicken the soles of your feet.” Other basic tips to avoid injury include: go slow, build foot strength, focus on form, learn to rest, inspect feet daily for potential nicks or scratches and see a physician if in doubt about anything. “Once you’re aware of your surroundings and have toughened up your feet, you’ll avoid most sharp objects and be relatively shielded from the rest,” advise Sandler and Lee, who see the activity as a big step toward greater overall health awareness. “You’ll learn more about your body… what’s right and what’s not, what’s working and what can be improved.” Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

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June 2013

shortened, relaxed position will often calm the spasm.

Self-Observation Can Ease Pain

Examine daily habits, postures, and movements. Here are tips for observing your own patterns as they relate to pain. The origin of intermittent or chronic pain may be in the daily habit you least suspect. Listening to the body can be the first step in alleviating pain. Sitting: Notice the position of your pelvis. Does your spine stack effortlessly or become C-shaped? When the pelvis is in neutral position, the lumbar curve is intact, which allows the thoracic and cervical spine to stack without tension. Tilt the pelvis forward and back to find your position of optimal ease in the spine. If you cross your legs how does it affect your knee, low back, and hip? Standing: Observe the weight distribution between your feet, the position of the knees, and the alignment of your spine. Become aware of strain and see how balancing your weight between heels and toes and softening the knees changes that tension.

by Jill Copeland, LMT, NMT

ase, Effortlessness, Slack are words that have come to replace Fix, Push, Force, and Stretch in my vocabulary as a manual therapist. I spent the first years of my practice encouraging clients to stretch through the areas that felt tight and painful. As I gained experience in my work I felt dissatisfied with my ability to help clients maintain healthy, pain-free movement. So began a journey of careful observation of my clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bodies and empowering them to improve their own body awareness. I have found common patterns in the relationship between a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaint and my structural assessment. As clients better understand the organization of their bodies and move accordingly, pain often dramatically decreases. There is not one answer for all bodies, however, these ideas and cultivating your ability to observe your own body may be helpful. Pain often presents in tissues that are overly lengthened, weak, and unstable. For example, in a majority of cases with neck pain and spasm, the head

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tilts away from the side that is in pain. If someone complains of left-sided neck pain, their head typically will be positioned closer to their right shoulder. When clients complain of left low back pain, they are often standing on their right leg and side-bending slightly to the right. Very rarely is the client aware of this pattern, and frequently they feel the opposite to be true. Spasm often accompanies pain, and stretching often increases spasm. A muscle spasm is a protective mechanism. Your body has sensed a danger and is sending the message that muscles need to engage and stay strong to protect themselves and nearby joints and tissues. To take a muscle in spasm into a stretch typically takes the alarm bells up a notch, either within minutes or by the next morning. Combined with a new understanding that most pain comes from overly lengthened tissues, you can begin to understand that stretching may not be the solution for all injuries and pain. However, to take the tissues that are in spasm into a

Listen to and respect the messages of your body. As you become a better observer of your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posture you can begin to hear the signals of pain and tension. Notice the difference between stretching a painful area and putting it into a relaxed slack position. Moving gently and slowly will allow you to listen and make appropriate adjustments. Do not push or stretch through pain. Take notice of all movements and positions that cause pain and do all you can to avoid those. Your body has amazing capabilities for self-healing when given the chance. Improving your awareness of how your body naturally reacts to pain and observing how your responses create either ease or more strain is a crucial step toward pain relief. Learn more about Jill Copeland, LMT, NMT and her practice at EMBODY Manual and Movement Therapy online at JillCopeland.com and EMBODY birmingham.com.

naturalpet

DOG SPORTS People & Pets Play Well Together by Sandra Murphy

ith most exercise programs, while his person works out, a dog stays home alone, counting squirrels outside the window and wishing Animal Planet wasn’t a rerun. How about bringing some of that exercise home so the pet gets fit, too? John E. Mayer, Ph.D., a Chicago clinical psychologist and author of Family Fit, maintains that, “Fitness works best as a group event, including the family dog. They love to participate in many things, so be creative. Try swimming, touch football, jumping rope, rollerblading, tag or hide-and-seek.” Diane Tegethoff Meadows and Susan Riches, Ph.D., each accepted a challenge to exercise with their dogs 30 minutes a day for 30 days. “I walk my three Scotties every morning anyway, so adding minutes was easy,” says Meadows, a retired senior paralegal in Bulverde, Texas. “One of them is in charge of choosing the route, and we seldom go the same way two days in a row.” Riches, a retired Fort Lewis

College professor and archaeologist, in Durango, Colorado, doesn’t let inclement weather interfere. “Inside, we play fetch up and down the stairs,” she says. “I hide treats for tracking games of ‘find it.’” The dogs also like to jump through hoops. “The Scottie and Westie go at it for 30 minutes; the Maltese stops after 15.” Jeff Lutton, a Dogtopia dog daycare/boarding franchisee in Alexandria, Virginia, conducts a popular running club. “On Sunday mornings we have about 15 people that run with their dogs. My golden retriever used to run six miles, but since she’s 9 now, we’ve cut back to three.” “Treibball [TRY-ball] is herding without sheep, soccer without feet,” explains Dianna L. Stearns, president of the American Treibball Association, based in Northglenn, Colorado. “All you need is Pilates balls, a target stick for pointing, a signal clicker and treats. It’s a fun, problem-solving game for all involved.” The idea is for the dog to direct rubber balls into a goal with its nose,

shoulder and/or paws—eventually, as many as eight balls in 10 minutes. Treibball can be played in group classes or competitions or at home using a kiddie soccer goal. Another exercise option is to turn the backyard into an obstacle course for the dog, kids and adults. Use a clicker to signal the next move. Four or five hula hoops spaced a bit apart provide a pattern for a sit/stay game as the dog moves into each one on command. A thin wooden dowel across two boxes and anchored to a stick-on photo hook on either end provides a hurdle. A child’s oversized plastic golf club hits a tennis or plastic ball just far enough for the dog to retrieve. For a doggie triathlon, add more elements, such as yard races between dogs and children on their tricycles or scooters down a straight path, with everyone cooling off in a hard-plastic swimming pool as part of the event. For dogs that are older or have mobility issues, some stretching before or even after exercise is suggested. “Doga [dog yoga] has become a daily ritual with my 11-year-old golden retriever since the onset of arthritis in her hips and back. Besides keeping her joints limber, it’s good one-on-one time for us,” says latchkey dog expert Eileen Proctor, in Castle Rock, Colorado. “Whenever she wants to stretch, she will come up and gently paw me,” relates Proctor. “Her favorite is the upward dog pose. Before practicing doga, this dear one had trouble getting to her feet, and then was lame for a minute. Now she is able to get up and move about immediately.” When exercising with pets, always keep plenty of water handy, start slow and watch out for how the weather or workout affects the participants. Scientists have changed from saying it takes 21 days to form a new habit to admitting it may take up to three times that long. That might be true for people, but try explaining it to the dog standing at the back door on day two—he’s ready to do it again. Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

natural awakenings

June 2013

LIFE LIFT Being Happy from the Inside Out by Judith Fertig

An age-old question rides a new wave of bestseller lists, university research and governmental soul-searching. The answers to “What are the secrets of a happy life?” might surprise us.

“

appiness is the only true measure of personal success,” advises Geoffrey James, of Hollis, New Hampshire, author of How to Say It: Business to Business Selling. His work confirms that the rollercoaster world of business does not always promote a sense of well-being. James believes, “The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that are outside your control.” For him, something as simple as a good night’s sleep contributes to personal happiness. Each of us has certain things that help make us feel positive, and they often come in small moments, advises Ed Diener, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Illinois and author of Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. Based on 25 years of research into the subject, he’s a recognized expert in what he calls “subjective well-being.” In a recent six-part BBC series

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on happiness, Diener told viewers, “It may sound silly, but we ask people, ‘How happy are you, on a scale of one to 10?’ The interesting thing is that it produces real answers that are valid—not perfect, but valid—and they predict all sorts of real things in their lives.”

Getting to Happy The moment-to-moment path to happiness follows a trail blazed by paradox. A recent University of Missouri College of Business study by Marsha Richins, Ph.D., suggests that happiness is in the wanting, not the getting. As noted Positive Psychologist Martin Seligman, Ph.D., remarks, “Focusing solely on happiness as a foundation of a good life,” won’t get you there. Gretchen Rubin, the New York City-based author of The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, further finds that, “Happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy.” Trying each day to be emotionally centered, af-

fable, kind, conscientious, generous, patient, principled, accomplished, spiritual and true to yourself—the kind of person that should be happy and that makes other people happy— can be tough. Widespread economic and associated financial challenges have made many question whether money can buy happiness, a common core assumption of the “happiness starts on the outside” approach. Apparently, money can sometimes buy feelings of well-being, but only to a certain degree, according to researchers Angus Deaton and Daniel Kahneman, at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs. In 2010, they surveyed 450,000 randomly chosen residents across the country via daily questionnaires. The study revealed that, “Low income exacerbates the emotional pain associated with such misfortunes as divorce, ill health and being alone.” Yet they also discovered that, “High income buys life satisfaction, but not happiness,” and there is no further progress in happiness beyond an annual income of $75,000 (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). On the other side of the world, in the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan, where 70 percent of its 717,000 citizens are subsistence farmers and an annual income of $75,000 would be considered a fortune, people say they are generally happy, partly due to the nation’s “happiness starts on the inside” philosophy. Since 1971, Bhutan has been operating based on a gross domestic happiness (GDH) value system. Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley explains that the country has focused on growing both materially and spiritually, and citizen well-being has taken precedence over economic growth. For decades, this was deemed an oddity by many in the West, although now it appears prescient. “It’s easy to mine the land and fish the seas and get rich,” says Thakur Singh Powdyel, Bhutan’s minister of education. “Yet we believe you cannot have a prosperous nation in the long run that does not conserve its natural environment or take care of

the well-being of its people, which is being borne out by what is happening to the outside world.â&#x20AC;? The country measures its success in maintaining GDH by conducting regular surveys of the population. The reigning official definition of happiness involves peace, contentment and living in harmony with all creation. Seligman, author of Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being, has become a believer in GDH. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can you measure well-being in a person, a family, a country or globally?â&#x20AC;? he queries. Research by Seligman and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, points to four basic elements: positive emotion, relationships, meaning in life and accomplishment, or PERMA. Seligman says there are proven ways to improve each element. For positive emotion, writing down three â&#x20AC;&#x153;blessingsâ&#x20AC;?, or things that went well that day, can increase our feelings of gratitude and well-being. For relationships, actively listening and being present for a loved one and having that attention returned can strengthen those bonds. Increasing meaning in our lives, says Seligman, can be a challenge for Westerners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have threadbare spiritual and relationship furniture. We have too much â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and not enough â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;we,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? he says. But getting involved in something that increases the â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;? factor will help make us happier.

Nurturing Signature Strengths Self-surveys at AuthenticHappiness. com can help us identify our strengths and realize what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially good atâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we increase our feelings of accomplishment by doing more of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can even figure out how to do the task you like least by using your signature strength,â&#x20AC;? Seligman advises. He shares an example of a grocery store cashier that disliked bagging groceries, but was exceptional at social interaction. She made herself happier by chatting with her customers while she packed their selections. Lara Blair, a portrait photographer in Camas, Washington, believes in

If I become happy and it makes you happy, it is like tipping the first domino so the next one falls and that happiness spreads. ~ James Fowler, economic behaviorist, University of California-San Diego celebrating strengths. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If making things is what you love, give it the space in your brain, home and life that it deserves.â&#x20AC;? Blairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminars and retreats help people tap ways to increase feelings of creativity, accomplishment and meaning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you nurture it and believe that growing this beautiful thing is worth the effort, the rewards will be more than you ever dreamed,â&#x20AC;? she says. When, as a happily married lawyer with children, Rubin thought her life was missing something vital, she used her love for reading and writing to explore that wistful, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What if?â&#x20AC;? She started researching subjective happiness via Marcus Aurelius, Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and St. ThĂŠrĂ¨se de Lisieux, whom Rubin refers to as her â&#x20AC;&#x153;spiritual master.â&#x20AC;? She decided to test-drive her findings at Happiness-Project.com and began blogging about new ways of thinking and behaving that were bringing her and her readers greater self-realization and contentment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A great place to start is with your own body,â&#x20AC;? she counsels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting good food to eat? When you take care of those very basic things, you feel energized, and then you can start moving to address other issues.â&#x20AC;?

Sustaining Happiness Once weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve upped our happiness quotient, it can still be difficult to stay at that level, says Kennon Sheldon, professor of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri, in Columbia. In a recent study conducted with researchers at the University of California-Riverside, Sheldon and his colleagues found that by both recognizing that the desire for â&#x20AC;&#x153;moreâ&#x20AC;?

and â&#x20AC;&#x153;betterâ&#x20AC;? in our lives wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop and also appreciating what we have, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll stay happy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equally vital to continually keep things fresh, with positive new experiences at home, work, play and exercise, as well as in relationships. In other words, sustained happiness takes a little work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just before going to bed,â&#x20AC;? suggests James, â&#x20AC;&#x153;write down at least one wonderful thing that happened that day. It may be anything from making a child laugh to a big sale. Whatever it is, be grateful for the present day, because it will never come again.â&#x20AC;? The benefits of individual wellbeing radiate to those around us, notes Seligman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When individuals are flourishing, they are more productive at work, physically healthier and at peace.â&#x20AC;? He believes that as we find ways to increase positive emotion, relationships, meaning in life and individual accomplishment, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible for life on Earth to flourish. Judith Fertig is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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June 2013

communityspotlight alternative therapies. Patients are active partners in managing their health, and Dr. Miller works with patients to change activities that are putting their bodies at risk in order to get them on the road to a better life. To identify sources of the problem(s), she may look for inflammation with environmental allergy, food allergy/intolerance and heavy metal toxicity testing. She analyzes body composition and metabolic testing. Birmingham Integrative Health provides family medical care along with other services, such as acupuncture, weight loss, lipotrophic injections, and nutritional IV therapy.

Getting to the Root Cause of Illness

arly on in medical school, Dr. Melanie Miller realized she wanted to practice medicine in a holistic manner She is open to different approaches to help people be healthy. The victim of a car accident, Dr. Miller suffered with pain for two years, at which time a nurse referred her to a physician who practiced acupuncture. After ten visits, she had found results that had eluded her with conventional

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medicines and physical therapy. This augmented her desire to help others in an unconventional way. Just being free of disease does not make one healthy. Dr. Miller believes that being healthy is both physical and mental well being. She wants her patients to live with energy and vitality, sound mind, an open spirit. She practices what is called Functional Medicine, which involves finding the root cause to problems. Functional Medicine is much more than just treating someone's symptoms. It is finding out the underlying causes of one's symptoms and/or aiding the body to heal itself from the symptoms. Dr. Miller also believes in using natural and less invasive options for patients when ever possible. Her practice is a combination of traditional medicine and

Melanie Miller, MD, Janet Baker, RN, and Gwendy Starkey, CRNP

They also have the Vibacore Vibrating Platform available to patients. The Vibacore aids with weight loss, helps to improve body balance and increase muscle strength and endurance. Birmingham Integrative Health carries a wide range of supplements and hard to find products, including Plexus Weight Loss products. Dr. Miller completed medical school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, School of Medicine. She finished family practice residency at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was certified in acupuncture at UCLA Helms course work. Dr. Miller also completed a course training under Dr. Andrew Weil in alternative medicine. Birmingham Integrative Health is located at 159 Main St in Trussville, AL. For appointments or more information, call 205-655-2110 or visit BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com.

Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

Natural Prevention of Reflux

REFLUX REDUX:

Good news! There are many steps you can take to prevent or lessen the severity of acid reflux, chief among them:

The Double-Edged uble-Edged Sword of Stom Stomach m Acid

irst, let’s make ke one thing clear: If you suffer from heartburn or Gastroesophageal phageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the problem is not that your stomach omach is too acidic. Nor is it the case that you have e an inherent deficiency cy of Prevacid, Prilo-sec or Nexium. Instead, what you have is a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is basically y the gatekeeper between your esophagus and stomach. The job of the LES is to allow passage of food and beverages to the stomach, then clamp down tight and prevent backflow. When something enters the stomach, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes are secreted in response. This helps break down your food into a sort of slurry called chyme, which can then flow past the lower gatekeeper, the pyloric sphincter, into your small intestine where the nutrients can be absorbed. Then, by the time it reaches the large intestine (colon), it’s mostly waste material. Extra water is drawn off and, well, you know how this story generally ends…with a splash! Like I said, this is the way your gut is supposed to work—and when it does indeed work properly, it’s an amazing little processing and extraction factory. My point is, you don’t want to monkey around with the system unless you’ve exhausted all other remedies. Yes, the aforementioned proton pump inhibitor drugs can be very effective,

prompting it to contract more tightly and prevent reflux. In other words, it’s likely those taking drugs to chemically suppress acid in fact have more reflux—they just don’t feel it.

but understa understand this is an extreme step step…kind of like using a weather ma machine to solve the problem of a leaky roof. You think turnin ng off the rain might turning have so some unintended cons n consequences?!

Why Acid is W Your Friend Yo SSounds like the title of a San Francisco hippie pamphlet…but seriously, stomach acid serves two primary biological functions: 1. Full and proper digestion of food, especially proteins, as well as absorption of vitamins and minerals, although the research is quite mixed on this latter issue. The strongest evidence shows a linear relationship between stomach acid and vitamin B12 levels. Somewhat less convincing studies suggest an increased risk of bone fractures with suppressed acidity, related to calcium absorption. We do know, however, that acidity is what triggers the release of key digestive enzymes into the small intestine, without which full absorption of nutrients cannot occur. So it’s possible that low acid conditions result in sub-clinical malabsorption. 2. First-line immune defense against swallowed pathogens (bacteria and viruses). Several studies show that suppressing stomach acid increases the risk of becoming infected with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which causes severe diarrhea. Beyond that, however, it’s interesting to note that stomach acid also communicates directly with the LES,

• Quit smoking. As if you needed another reason, smoking has been associated with higher incidence of reflux. • Cut down on caffeine, especially at meal times. Caffeine relaxes the LES.

Can Melatonin Put GERD to Sleep? One of the most intriguing studies I came across in researching this article was one demonstrating that melatonin, in combination with several other nutrients, can diminish the symptoms of GERD, or acid reflux, more effectively than omeprazole (Nexium) — the purported mechanism being that melatonin suppresses both stomach acid and nitric oxide, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. Melatonin, of course, is best known as the natural substance that your body produces to regulate its sleepwake cycle. In recent years, however, melatonin has been implicated in numerous other functions including as an antioxidant, an immunity modulator and an anti-aging factor. In the study, 176 people were given this melatonin/nutrient cocktail, while another group of 175 were given omeprazole for 40 days. According to the (Brazilian) researchers, 100% of the melatonin group reported a “complete regression of symptoms,” versus only 66% of the omeprazole group, which indeed represented a statistically significant difference. Granted, this is one small study, but certainly food for thought. The complete list of ingredients in the cocktail, if you’re interested, was: melatonin, l-tryptophan, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, methionine and betaine. All natural substances, and all harmless in moderate doses. As far as I know, however, there is not a single product on the market containing all these ingredients together, so you’ll have to concoct your own.

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June 2013

• Skip the after-dinner mint. Peppermint also relaxes the LES. • Avoid drinking carbonated beverages with meals, the gas from which bloats the stomach and may force contents upward. Of course, most soft drinks also contain caffeine, so they’re a double-whammy.

FITNESS WITH

FIDO

• Avoid large and/or high fat meals. Large meals of course will overfill the stomach, while fat tends to hang around the longest—all the more time to create reflux conditions.

Five Ways to Make Workouts Fun

• Avoid spicy foods, which are more likely to cause reflux. • Lose weight. If you’re too thick around the middle, that is. The more “visceral fat” you have around your stomach, the greater chance of reflux due to the squeezing effect. • Try a basic antacid after meals, when you do happen to overeat or consume troublesome foods. Tums is mainly calcium carbonate, which can perform double duty as a calcium supplement. But try to avoid becoming reliant on any particular product, and make sure you’re taking the other steps first. All that being said, if you honestly believe you’ve made every effort with little or no effect on your reflux problem, the pharmaceutical approach may be your best last resort. After all, reflux can be a serious issue. Aside from being uncomfortable or even painful, repeated exposure to stomach acid can damage the lining of your esophagus, a condition sometimes called Bartlett’s Esophagus. This damage, in turn, increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefits. Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal planning. 205-213-7953. SteveDupont.com. 20

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by Joshua Fleming

ogs are great at showing unconditional love, being a good listener and offering open paws when a hug is needed; they also make superb workout partners. Here are five ways to bond and get healthy with your favorite four-legged friend.

Walking An obvious way to exercise with a canine pal is to take walks together. Vets generally recommend that dogs go for at least one walk every day, and tagging along is a good way to get the 30 minutes of daily cardiovascular exercise that doctors encourage for us. Also, the regularity of a daily walk helps strengthen the relationship between a dog and owner, while developing the animal’s trust and obedience.

ming builds strength and stamina and is gentle on the joints; it works the body in ways that no other exercise does.

Dancing Dancing is another way to get a groove on and burn calories at the same time. Turn on some tunes and start moving, encouraging your dog to move with you, perhaps even standing on his or her back paws if it feels right. The laughter that results is a whole other form of exercise.

Bicycling

Swimming

Years ago, bicycling with man’s best friend was dangerous. Fortunately, today we have contraptions that attach a dog safely to a bicycle for a ride and prevent falls when Fido lunges after a squirrel. Bicycling with a dog running alongside is an effective workout for both of you. Exercising with canine pals can be rewarding in many ways, but workouts must be safe, as well as effective. Unless exercising at home or in a fenced yard, dogs should remain on a leash at all times and wear identification tags. Understanding the limits and abilities of a dog’s breed is also important, so that workouts can be appropriately tailored. Now, grab Fido and get moving.

It may be difficult to find a salt pool (avoid chlorine) where pooches are welcome, but shallow lakeshores, local streams and other natural bodies of water can provide enjoyable destinations to take a supervised dip. Swim-

Joshua Fleming, a personal trainer and sports nutritionist based in Daphne, AL, is the founder of Victory Fitness, a nationwide virtual personal training initiative. Learn more at VictoryFit.com.

Fetching Many dogs love chasing tennis balls, tree limbs or other thrown objects. To get the most out of a workout, after throwing the object to be fetched, take off after it with your dog. Although the four-legged competitor may win most of the time, running back and forth and friendly competition benefit all.

MEN Under Pressure

The Brain. Just like the heart and kidneys, the brain has blood vessels with endure damage, and narrowing with cholesterol. Uncontrolled blood pressure can either damage and cause the vessels to burst (bleeding in the brain), or can cause clots in the hardened vessels which choke off the blood supply to vital areas for speech, motor control, and memory/intelligence. This is called a Stoke, which can lead to disability, dementia, seizures and even death. Less dramatic is a stepwise “microvascular” dementia caused by hypertensive damage to numerous areas of the brain.

by Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, MD

en’s Health is too often neglected, and caring for a man is complex. Many men put off their health concerns, and barely see a doctor from age 18 to almost 40. Too many times, a male patient comes to us only because “My wife said I should come.” At my practice, Hoover Alt MD, we know that many men have high blood pressure, also called Hypertension. This is an important condition to control as early as it is found. Your blood pressure can impact all your body’s major systems, and over years, it can do a lot of damage, if ignored. (Hey women, this all counts for you, too.) The Numbers. So, how high is too high? Just a few decades ago, we thought 140/90 was okay. Now that is defined as hypertensive, and most doctors start medication. “Normal” has steadily declined over the years, and currently stated to be Below 120/80 with truly normal being about 115/75. 120-140 for the top number (Systolic) or 80-90 on the bottom (Diastolic) is considered “Prehypertension,” and 140/90 and above is Hypertension and needs treatment. Men tend to have worse blood pressure problems than women, and tend to suffer more ill effects. Silent Killer. Hypertension has often been called the “silent” killer. This is because many people have absolutely no symptoms, until it is too late. I saw a patient recently who stated he felt great, and was headed out to dinner after his visit, but his pressure was 186/120. Suffice to say, he didn’t make it to the restaurant. It took two medications by mouth, and a third by IV, to finally bring his pressure down to the 140s/90s. His EKG was also abnormal,

showing heart enlargement. The good news was we will be able to reverse and correct his problems. Some Signs. Some people are lucky enough to get symptoms when their blood pressure is too high, but they often pass off warning signs as “something else.” Heart racing, or palpitations can be a warning, as well as headaches or dizzy spells. Some describe a pulsing sensation, or redness in their ears or neck. Late signs might include chest pain, visual blurring, or skin splotches. The Heart. Hypertension’s impact on the heart is profound. (Think of a garden hose that is too small for the water pressure). The heart has to thicken and enlarge to fight that extra resistance. Thick Biceps are good, thick hearts are not. It can cause the heart to beat abnormally, pump poorly, and eventually give out. Heart failure, blood clots and arrhythmias are possible consequences of high blood pressure. Further, too much pressure damages the heart’s arteries, leading to narrowing/hardening and heart attacks. The Kidneys. Kidney’s are the body’s filter. The organ is made of tons of tiny, delicate blood vessels that retain nutrients while dumping waste into the urine. In hypertension, the increased pressure damages these tender vessels, leading to poor function, and eventually scarring and loss. High blood pressure is one of the top reasons for people developing kidney failure and needing to go on dialysis.

And More. Throughout the body, damage can be done to blood vessels and tissues. In the limbs, hypertension causes artery disease leading to swelling, poor blood flow and blood clots. The vessels within the eye are also damaged, leading to retina problems and blindness. Lung tissue is traumatized, causing scarring and chronic lung disease (which in turn, causes more heart damage). High blood pressure damages tissues in the male organs, too, causing erectile dysfunction. Have your attention, now? Go back and read the article again. To conclude, get your blood pressure checked, and take it seriously. Check it at the pharmacy, but also at the doctors office. Lots of options for treatment are available, Gentlemen, from weight loss and diet changes, to herbals and vitamins, and finally, medications. Men can live long and healthier lives with some good care and support from a compassionate, experienced doctor. Dr. Elizabeth Campbell Korcz has a growing, innovative practice in Hoover that augments Traditional Family Medicine with Complementary and Alternative medical therapies and practices. She is currently accepting new patients. Hoover Alt MD, 3421 South Shades Crest Rd, Suite 111, Hoover. Call 205-733-6676 to schedule an appointment today. See Ad on Page 2 and CRG on Page 29.

natural awakenings

June 2013

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calendarofevents SATURDAY, JUNE 1 16th Annual City of Birmingham Park and Recreation Family Fishing Rodeo – 7am-1pm. Enjoy arts and crafts, information booths, games and other family-friendly activities. You can fish for tons of catfish stocked in the lake for the event. All ages are welcome and encouraged. Admission free. East Lake Park, 1st Ave North & Oporto-Madrid Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-254-2391. Open Meditation – 7:45-8:45am and 12:151:15pm. EMBODY Practice Center will be open to anyone looking for a quiet space to meditate. Props will be available for you to find optimal comfort in your self-guided meditation. Admission free. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Reiki 1 Certification Class –8am-6pm. Reiki 1 certificate awarded. NCBTMB 10 CE hours awarded. For more information or to register contact Terri Heiman at Natural Forces Studio located at 605 37th Street South inside Birmingham Yoga. She can be reached at 205-201-6985 or terri@ naturalforcesstudio.com. NaturalForcesStudio. com/blog. Breath Class with Margaret Pittenger – 9am12pm. With Margaret’s training in Feldenkrais and yoga, this will be a unique opportunity to experience lightness and peacefulness within the body through the breath. Appropriate for all ages and abilities. $50. Register with mjpittenger@gmail.com. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Ross Bridge Spring Market – 9am-2pm. Come out to the Ross Bridge Village Green and enjoy the day shopping with the Craft, Art, Produce, Handmade, Retail Item, and Pet Vendors. Live music all day. Kid’s activities. Leashed pets welcome. Ross Bridge Welcome Center, 2101 Grand Ave, Hoover, AL 35226. 205-951-0412. Saturday Sketching at Aldridge Gardens – 2-3:30pm. This is an open group that meets to draw and sketch around Birmingham. We welcome all skills levels and mediums. Bring a drawing pad, pencils, crayons, watercolors, or whatever medium you wish to use. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission free. Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216. Info: birmingham.sketchup@gmail.com. 4th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq and Blues Festival 1-9pm. The entire family can enjoy a variety of blues musicians from local to national talent. Free

giveaways, children’s corner, activities for kids and adults, delicious food, drinks and desserts will be available. Bring a chair or blanket and set up your spot for the day. DeBardeleben Park in Downtown Historic Bessemer. 1623 Second Ave North, Bessemer, AL 35020. 205-426-1400.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2 Speaker David Hulse: “The Church of Now” – 11am. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. Unity Bham.com. Vulcan’s 109th Birthday Bash – 12-4pm. Vulcan Park and Museum will host a festive outdoor community celebration offering fun activities for the whole family. See VisitVulcan.com for additional party details. Admission charged. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL. 205-933-1409. David Hulse Workshop: “Celebrate your Authentic Self” – 1:30pm. $20. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205251-3713. UnityBham.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 Gardening with Hydrangeas – 8:30am-3:30pm. The Alabama Hydrangea Society hosts a symposium about our beloved and versatile plant. Visit AlabamaHydrangeaSociety.org for details. Admission charged. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-991-6463. BBGardens.org. Alabama Clinical Therapeutics Game Plan for Diabetes Prevention & Teatment – 6:30pm. Know your risk for developing diabetes. Join us as Alabama Clinical Therapeutics provides free, quick and simple diabetes tests. They will also discuss prevention information as well as explain some of the latest treatment options. Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 Mindful Movement Practice – 6-8pm. We will learn how to stay present in each movement by being mindful to create freedom in our body and minds. All levels of Pilates practitioners and yogis welcome. Cost $30. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. PilatesOnHighland. com. Info@pilatesonhighland.com.

Summer Reading Kickoff featuring Roger Day 5:30pm. Come help us kick off this year’s summer reading with a fun-filled concert for all ages featuring well-known singer/entertainer Roger Day. Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071. 205-631-6639.

Earth Fare 1st Anniversary – 12-3pm. Join us for a cookout, samples, wine tastings, demos, kids’ activities, freebies, etc. We will have various community partners here to pass out goodies and share health & fitness information. Earth Fare Birmingham, 3230 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244.

Sidewalk Salon: Social Justice – 6-8pm. Film and Social Justice with Stephen Black of the University of Alabama Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Ruth Crosby of First Light and Stasi of Seeitproductions. ROJO, 2921 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-324-0888.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

David Hulse Workshop: “Ancient Solfeggio Frequencies” – 6:30-8:30pm. $20. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 Teen Movie Madness & Pizza Party – 2pm. Let’s kick-off Summer Reading with a great new release movie with a popular teen read. Rated PG, call for more information. Reservations required to ensure pizza to spare. Contact Leslie West at 205-3326620 or lwest@bham.lib.al.us. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

Reiki 2 Certification Class – 8am-6pm. Reiki 2 certificate awarded. NCBTMB 10 CE hours awarded. For more information or to register, contact Terri Heiman at Natural Forces Studio located at 605 37th St South inside Birmingham Yoga. She can be reached at 205-201-6985 or terri@natural forcesstudio.com. Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am, June 8 and June 22. Join Becca Impello for the first of a 4-part series. Learn a gentle but effective yoga sequence for daily low back care. $100 for series of 4, $35 per class. Register with Becca at SOSYoga. com. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODY birmingham.com.

natural awakenings

June 2013

COMING IN JULY

Sizzling Summer Goodness.

Healthy Food. Wacky Fun. Living at its Best.

Black Creek Arts Festival at Black Creek Park – 10am-2pm. A Juried Art show with more than $400 in prize money given. More than 40 artists have participated in the past. We will have musical entertainment and children’s arts activties. Admission free. Black Creek Park, Yarbrough Rd, Fultondale, AL 35068. 205-538-3676. FultondaleArtsCouncil.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 Ethnobotany – 12:30-4:30pm. This course will explore the heritage uses of the southeast’s native plants. Participants will acquire hands-on experience making and using plant preparations such as sumac tea, smilax farina meal, jewelweed ointment, cane shafts, and a wild salad. Admission charged. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. BB Gardens.org. Southeastern Outings Attendance at Free Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concert in Railroad Park – 8pm. Enjoy music under the stars with your blanket or lawn chair. If you’d like to eat with us, please bring your picnic (no glass or alcohol allowed) to enjoy at 7:30pm. To find the group, please look for the Southeastern Outings sign near the walkway on the railroad side (far side of park away from 1st Ave South) of the park. Admission free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35223. ASO office: 205-251-6929.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Speaker Leonard McCray, LCSW, PIP: “The Map is Not the Territory” – 11am. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 10 Foods from Around the World with Chef E – 6pm. The first in this series features healthy Italian cooking. Chef E will teach participants how to create Italian foods that are delicious and hearty. This program will emphasis healthy cooking techniques for diabetics. Come and enjoy food demos, prizes and recipe giveaways. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

256-340-1122 24

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dozen magic tricks and will teach them about this ancient art. Reservations required. Contact Leslie West at 205-332-6620 or lwest@bham.lib.al.us. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209.

The Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club, Tuesday 6:30pm. Join us as we explore Helen Simonson’s delightful debut Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand. Can the relationship between a English widower and a Pakistani widow survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition? Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. Street Magic Workshop with Tommy Johns – 6:30pm. This street magic workshop will provide teens the supplies and instructions to perform a half

Genealogy 101 – 1-2pm. This class will teach you the basics of tracing your family tree. Admission free. Gardendale–Martha Moore Public Library, 995 Mt Olive Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071. 205-631-6639. Outdoor Summer Concert Series: Rollin’ in the Hay – 7:30-9:30pm. Think high-octane ‘Renegade Bluegrass’ with a touch of down home foot stompin’. These music veterans have been thrilling fans for years, opening for everyone from Greg Allman and Alabama to Widespread Panic. Bring your lawn chairs. Admission free. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 205-978-4678.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Canoe and Kayak Trip with Dinner After – 9am. Join us for on a relaxing canoe trip on scenic Terrapin Creek in Calhoun County near Piedmont, Alabama. The section we will paddle is relatively easy with no classified rapids. Afterwards we are planning to go to a restaurant in Gadsden for an optional dinner. Depart at 9am from Applebee’s Restaurant, Trussville. Reservations required; call David Shepherd, 205-240-4681 or email davidshep2@yahoo.com. SEOutings.org. The Seven Threats to Your Family Security – 10am-12pm. Asset Protection Law Center lawyer Jay Greene presents a program on estate planning, including the best ways to protect your assets and your loved ones. For more info or to register, call Jay Greene at 205-746-2465 or ALassetprotection. com. Homewood Public Library, Room 101, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. How To Age Gracefully In Your Home – 10:3011:30am. This special DIY seminar is geared toward seniors. The professionals at Jones-Warren construction will show you some specific things you can do around your home to make it safer and easier to get around in. Admission free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-503-5776. Mindful Movement and Art Workshop – 4-6:30pm. Join us as we blend the creative expression of movement with art. We will start with mindful movements utilizing aspects of Pilates, yoga and other movements to tap into the freedom and true essence of you. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Nicki at info@soulnicity.com or 205-202-9198. No previous Pilates, yoga or art experience needed. The Yoga Circle, 1425 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

New Ministers, Rev. Charles and Rev. Christine Perry, Speakers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11am. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-2513713. UnityBham.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 17 How Feng Shui Can Make or Break Your Health With Katie Rogers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm. Everything in your environment is either having a harmonious or harmful effect on you and your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Katie Rogers is a certified feng shui consultant who will show you how to make the best of your home and office space so that it can positively support you, your health, and your life in general. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 The A,B,Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Medicare â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm and 6pm. Have you been wondering about all the new changes to our Medicare Benefits? Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about the how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 Brown Bag Lunch Program: The Greek Community in Birmingham â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30-1:30pm. Local author Niki Sepsas (nikiwrites.com) will speak to us about the Greek community in Birmingham. Please bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Emmet Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Library (Mountain Brook), 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-445-1128.

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Let Your Summer be Sweet by Eating the Right Treats with Chef â&#x20AC;&#x153;E â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3pm. The best way to maintain a normal weight (and be smarter and stronger) is to stop depriving yourself. Go ahead and eat a healthy snack between meals, and enjoy it. Chef â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eâ&#x20AC;? shows you how. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 Award-Winning Documentary Film AROVA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30pm. This short documentary explores the legacy of Alabama Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founding Artistic Director, world renowned Bulgarian Ballerina Dame Sonia Arova. AROVA received Best Film and Best Director at the 2012 NW Short Film Festival. Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. CDF StageDoor Youth Theatre presents Ramona Quimby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30pm, June 20-22; 2:30pm, June 23. A comedy for audiences of all ages written by Len Jenkin adapted from the books by Beverly Cleary. Seating is limited, admission charged. CDF Studio Theatre, 1715 27th Court South, Downtown Homewood. 205-870-0073.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 Summer Solstice Celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7-9pm. Celebrate the solstice with yoga, circle dance and summer crystal and bowl meditation. Terri Heiman, Shannon Andrews Skipper, Melissa Scott. $10 advance registration, $15/door. $10 advance registration $15/door. Contact: Terri Heiman, 205-201-6985. Natural ForcesStudio.com. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. BirminghamYoga.com.

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Alabama Waldorf School is a community dedicated to educating responsible world citizens. We combine academic excellence, critical thinking development, and a sense of shared social responsibility. Students learn the skills and values to prepare them for success in high school, college and life. Through a rigorous curriculum of arts and academics, and a teaching approach that honors the individual child, our students learn how to meet life with courage, conviction and compassion for others. Call (205) 592-0541 to schedule a tour. Inquiries about tuition adjustment are welcome.

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Voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Preschoolâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Private Schoolâ&#x20AC;? in Birmingham Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards and voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Private Schoolâ&#x20AC;? in 2012

1220 50th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222

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June 2013

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork – 9am. Easy river float on the Locust Fork River from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls and below. We’ll float downstream to the widest waterfall on the Locust Fork River and eat our picnic lunches sitting on the rocks overlooking the waterfall. This is one of the prettiest lunch spots we have ever seen in Alabama. For additional important details, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. Depart 9am from the Cleveland Chevron. SEOutings.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 Speakers Rev. Charles and Rev. Christine Perry –11am. Music by Nashville group Source. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com. Source in Concert – 1:30pm. Suggested Love Offering $20. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25 Look to the Night Sky: An Evening with Astrophysicist Kevin Manning – 6pm. This dynamic program is open to everyone who would love to have the opportunity to view the amazing rings of Saturn, craters of the moon and other jewels of the night sky through a powerful telescope, weather permitting. Family programming at its best. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Ashley L. Lundy, LAc. Doctor Of Oriental Medicine

The Better Than Therapy Book Club – 2pm. Join us as we discuss The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. The fairy-tale marriage of Anne Morrow to the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh brings heartbreak and hardships, ultimately pushing her to reconcile her need for love and her desire for independence. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

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alacupuncture.com

doclundy@alacupuncture.com

Restorative Yoga at EMBODY – 6pm-8pm. Join Lauren Brown for a full session of restorative yoga, where your mind and body can rest and renew with the help of props and massage to support the body’s relaxation. $25. Register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Soulnicity

Synchronicity of the Soul Reiki/Energy Healing Pilates/Mindful Movement Instruction Meditation, Spirituality, Workshops

Nicki Noftz soulnicity.com info@soulnicity.com 205-202-9198 26

Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

Southeastern Outings Moderately Strenuous Dayhike and Creekwade in Collier Creek, Bankhead National Forest – 8:30am. This is one of the prettiest creeks in the Bankhead Forest, with many waterfalls. The hike is 4 1/2 miles off trail over rugged terrain including wading 3 miles in two creeks, portions of which may sometimes be knee deep. Depart 8:30am from the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride or 9am from the Mile 300 Rest Area on I-65 just south of Cullman, AL. For additional important details, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@ bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.org. The Ancient Forests of Alabama – 12:30-4:30pm. Alabama forests were once dominated by giant club mosses and horsetails. We will consider the rich and significant paleobotanical record of Alabama including examination of some actual fossil specimens, and discuss what they reveal about the history of our state and its amazing flora. Admission charged. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-991-6463. BBGardens.org.

ongoingevents sunday Mysore Yoga – 10:30am–12pm. Brent. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com. Community Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Lindsey. Open to all levels. A beginners flow Vinyasa Yoga Class based on the Ashtanga System Donation based class. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going discussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

monday Yoga All Levels – 9:30-10:30am. Join Becca Impello for an all levels yoga practice that will explore rotating themes, always with an emphasis on core control and functional daily movement. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with becca@sosyoga.com. EMBODY birmingham.com. Msyore Yoga – 6pm. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com. Yoga All Levels – 6-7:30pm. Join Lauren Brown for an all levels traditional yoga practice, to include relaxation, basic pranayama (breathwork), asanas (postures), and meditation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com. EMBODY birmingham.com. Beginner Basics Community Class – 7-8:30pm. For those new to yoga with a focus on building an understanding of the linkage between breath and movement. Students will learn how to build strength, increase flexibility, and align the spine using asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), restorative postures, and meditation. Geared toward beginners but all levels are welcome. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-6374228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Hoop Dance Class Series – 6:45-7:45pm, Mondays, June 3-24. This 4-week series is for hoop dance instruction starting from basic waist hooping to taking the hoop on and off your body. Why the hoop? You’ll get a complete cardio and strengthening workshop, and have fun doing it. $10/class. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com. Info@pilatesonhighland.com.

tuesday Mysore Yoga – 6:30-8am. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. A Dancer’s Floor Barre Mini-Series – 12:151:15pm, Tuesdays, June 4-25. Pilates principles provide core strength that flow perfectly into ballet floor exercises completing a mind, body, spirit unity. The series is designed for dancers and non-dancers of all levels. $80 for all 4 sessions/$25 drop in. Professional dancer discount can be applied. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com. Info@pilatesonhighland.com. Tai-ji Quan (Tai Chi) – Beginners class at 5:30pm, Intermediates at 6:30pm. First Class free or just come and observe. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Crestline (next to Post Office). Taught by Stephen Guesman of Dancing Stone Tai-ji Quan. 205-919-6231. GreenWorks.sg@gmail.com. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5:30-6:45pm. Kerry. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specific breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Ashtanga Yoga, Level 2 – 6-7:30pm. Akasha. Level 2 will build on the practice from beginner series, taking the Primary series postures a bit deeper. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Restorative Yoga – 6:45-8pm. Bliss Wood. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

wednesday Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am. Akasha. During this class we will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition,

to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Mysore Yoga – 7:30-9am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Community Mat Class – 8:15-9am. Free community mat class taught by apprentices enrolled in a training program. Wednesdays and Fridays 3pm-4pm. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. PilatesOnHighland. com. Info@PilatesOnHighland.com. Yoga All Levels – 9-10am. Join Suzanne Graham for this Hatha based class, designed towards a moderate to gentle pace for those who seek a slower physical release and a softer approach to understanding how yoga can heal physical, emotional and mental stress. Appropriate for all levels and will yield adaptive, therapeutic applications for each individual. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks Payable to instructor. Register with sgraham.bham.rr.com. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Road Suite 100. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Chair Yoga with Suzanne Graham – 10:3011:30am. This class provides a practice for those with limited mobility from injury, who cannot sit long or comfortably on the floor, or those who want to explore a different yoga experience. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. Register with sgraham.bham. rr.com. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODY birmingham.com. Basic Hatha Yoga – 12-1pm. A level 1-2 hatha yoga class focused on learning basic movements, breathing, and meditation skills for stress reduction. Taught in the Kripalu Yoga tradition. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors – 1:152:15pm. Join UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and Suzanne Graham for a flowing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. This class is appropriate for all levels and no prior yoga experience is needed. All cancer patients and survivors, with physician’s approval, are welcomed. Please register through UAB at tgw318@uab.edu or 205-934-5772. PH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Rd #211, Birmingham, AL 35243. Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Nancy Roberts. A special class for mothers to be. Prenatal class focuses on the gentle needs of a pregnant woman’s body to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for the miracle of birth. Pranayama (breathwork) and calming meditations are also used to help relieve stress and bond mother to her new baby. A doctor’s waiver is required for all new students. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

natural awakenings

June 2013

Primary Series Ashtanga Level 3 – 5:30-7:15pm. This is the full Ashtanga led Primary Series with everything in Level 2 This is an all-levels class, but can be considered physically challenging to those who are new to yoga and/or exercise. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Beginner’s Yoga – 6-7:30pm. This class is designed to provide progressive instruction on asana (postures) and pranayama (breathwork) for beginners. The series introduces skillful pose alignment and transitions, mindful movement, breath awareness, and guided relaxation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, or register with a friend for $60 per person. Payable to instructor. Register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Road Suite 100. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

thursday Pranayama Yoga – 6-6:30am. Akasha. During this class we use certain healing chants (mantras) Breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Mysore Yoga – 6:30-8am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Mantra/Meditations – 8-9am. Akasha. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Yoga All Levels – 10-11:30am. Join Lauren Brown for an all levels traditional yoga practice, to include relaxation, basic pranayama (breathwork), asanas (postures), and meditation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com. EMBODY birmingham.com. Embodiment of a Quiet Mind – 4-5:30pm. Margaret Pittenger will take you through yoga poses that can be difficult and explore movements utilizing Feldenkrais, yoga, poetry and breath work to create awareness and ease. The class will support and practice meditation postures and quieting the mind during and at the end of class. $15 drop in, $12 with package. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with mjpittenger@gmail.com EMBODY birmingham.com. Earth Fare’s Family Dinner Night – 4-8pm. Every Thursday from 4-8pm kids eat free. One adult meal of $5 or more receives up to 6 free kids meals. The kids can choose their main item (pizza, pasta, sandwich, quesadilla, etc.), and they will always receive fresh fruits and veggies. Parents can choose anything from the hot bar, salad bar, deli case, sushi, pizza or sandwiches. We have a cafe where families can sit and eat, or we can package everything to go. Earth Fare, 3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244. 205988-2938. EarthFare.com. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5-6pm. Akasha. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specific breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors – 5:457pm. Join UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and Suzanne Graham for a flowing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. This class is appropriate for all levels and no prior yoga experience is needed. All cancer patients and survivors, with physician’s approval, are welcomed. Please register through UAB at tgw318@uab.edu or 205-934-5772. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Core Vinyasa, 4 Class Series – 6:35-8:05pm. Melissa Scott. A strong vinyasa flow practice with an emphasis on developing deep core strength. Good for all levels and great follow up from Intro and Ashtanga Series. $48 for series. Drop-ins welcome. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. ~George Herbert 28

Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

friday Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am. Akasha. During this class we will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition, to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga

Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Mysore Yoga – 7:30-9am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Yoga for Body Maintenance – 1:15-2:15pm. Join a group of individuals who want a regular time and space to practice yoga that suits each person. This is not a fully guided practice, but more of a semiprivate instruction. This is a great opportunity to receive feedback on your personal practice as you practice. $20/class. Pre-approval required from Becca. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with becca@sosyoga.com. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Community Ashtanga Flow – 5:30-6:45pm. Christine S.A. Release stress from the week and welcome your weekend with this energizing and relaxing flow class. Class is donation based, suggested donation is $10. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228 BirminghamYoga.com.

saturday Homewood Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. Urban Cookhouse presents a Farmer’s Market with vendors of all kinds, including cooking demos. SoHo Square, 1830 29th Ave South, Homewood, AL 35209. 205405-8881. Shiva Flow Yoga, Level 2 – 10-11:30am. Lauren. Inspired by the Ashtanga Primary & Secondary Series, this vinyasa flow class is good for experienced beginners and experienced yogis looking for a heatbuilding practice. Room is heated to 80-85 degrees. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Slow Flow Yoga – 12-1:30pm. Jennifer H. A flowing style of yoga that deeply integrates breath, movement, awareness and alignment. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Breath Classes with Margaret Pittenger, M.S.P.T. 9am-12pm, 1st Saturday of each month. This class can assist with anxiety, asthma and allergies, high blood pressure, metabolic imbalance, chronic fatigue and pain, fuzzy brain and disorganized thoughts. The space will be open for meditation for one hour before and after class, available for anyone wanting a quiet space. To register for Breath Class, please contact Margaret at mjpittenger@gmail.com or 205-999-9070. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

communityresourceguide ACUPUNCTURE ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC. Doctor of Oriental Medicine 4735 Norrell Dr, Suite 5 Trussville, AL 35173 239-240-5428 Alacupuncture.com DocLundy@alacupuncture.com Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment.

ACUPUNCTURECRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

FAMILY MEDICINE

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth

Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor and School 720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 MoreThanColonics.com Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, anti-anti-oxidant, alkaline water. We also offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, infra red sauna, light therapy, Koreanstyle Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer are also available. Come and experience the difference. Be sure to ask about the QXCI, “the computer that can tell if your are well.” It is a must for anyone who is serious about improving wellness. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.

MARGOT WALBERT DOM, AP, CST Licensed/Board certified 3125 Independence Dr, Suite 108 Homewood, AL 35209 205-868-1313 East meets West at McMinn Clinic. Acupuncture Physician (AP), Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM), Chinese Massage, and Craniosacral Therapy. Dr. Walbert uses Craniosacral Therappy independently from, or in conjunction with, acupuncture—an approach which established her unique standing within the Integrative Health Care community.

CHIROPRACTIC

HOOVER ALT MD Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D. 3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 HooverAltMD.com

ENERGY HEALING REV. TERRI A. HEIMAN, RMT Natural Forces Studio, LLC 605 37th Street South Inside Birmingham Yoga Birmingham, AL 35222 516-457-3885 Terri@NaturalForcesStudio.com NaturalForcesStudio.com Reiki Certification Program, Energy Medicine, Vinyasa Krama Yoga. Crystal, Color & Light Therapy. Private sessions, classes and workshops.Walk-in Reiki Clinic.

CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALIST Dr. Jeanne R. Chabot 2116 Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-2177 ChabotChiropractic.com 36 years of Chiropractic experience, certified herbalist and Reiki Master. Dr. Chabot provides physiological therapeutics, conventional Chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, as well as gentle adjustments according to your preference and need. Private treatment rooms provided for your comfort. Also available at the clinic:Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Mediation classes, Personal Training, and Yoga classes. Most insurances accepted.

Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her definition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease. She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture.

Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Wellness/Natural Medicine, Acupuncture, Weight Loss/ Fitness, Hypnosis, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Counseling, Addiction, Botox/ Fillers, Facials. “A different kind of practice, a deeper kind of care."

FELDENKRAIS (SOMATIC EDUCATION) JENNIFER ROWLEY, LMT # 1039 Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner 1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-595-3671

SOULNICITY: SYNCHRONICITY OF THE SOUL Nicki Noftz 205-202-9198 Info@Soulnicity.com Soulnicity.com

“Inner peace is standing still in the chaos of life.”

Offering Reiki/energy healing, Pilates/Mindful Movement Instruction, meditation, spirituality and workshops. Energy healing can provide deep relaxation, assist in the healing process emotionally and physically, assist in connecting the mind-body-spirit, balance life energies, and help you maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. Call or email for more information about energy healing or other services. Two locations available in the Birmingham area.

Learn to move more easily and with less effort. Learn to move beyond your habitual patterns of movement and posture that may be causing pain or limitations. The Feldenkrais Method® of Somatic Education (www.feldenkrais.com) offers a way to live more comfortably in your body. Over 28 years experience of assisting others to move better. Call for more information or to schedule a movement lesson.

natural awakenings

June 2013

FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS

MASSAGE THERAPY

OFF THE VINE ORGANIC PRODUCE

STEPHEN WADE, LMT #2390

Serving Birmingham and Montgomery 850-374-2181 Support@OffTheVine.org OfftheVine.org

1025 23rd St. South Suite 205B Birmingham, AL 35205 205-792-1967

All organic—all the t i m e ! We b r i n g t h e farmers market to you. Check our new selection every Friday and pick up the following week. Pick up or delivery available.

HOLISTIC HEALING INTEGRATIVE HEALING Rama S. Khalsa, LMT #238, DAC 1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-329-1272 Ramask10@gmail.com Offering an integrative treatment approach for optimal health and wellness through massage, acupuncture, yoga (trained by yoga master Yogi Bhajan), ayurvedic nutritional counseling and energy healing. If you are seeking more vitality through a balanced state of being, please call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the daily pressure of life, needing therapeutic sports massage to complement your active lifestyle or for tension and pain relief. I would like to help you so call today for your appointment. Over 5 years’ experience. Specializing in neck and shoulder relief.

NEUROFEEDBACK Tess Powers 2232 Cahaba Valley Dr Birmingham, AL 35242 205-332-5988 BirminghamFocusCenter.com ADD/ADHD, anxiety, pain? Neurofeedback is a cutting edge technology that can help almost anyone improve attention and gain self-control. Birmingham Focus Center is happy to offer brainwave training for these and other issues that keep you from living your best life.

GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353

Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like"). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

PILATES PILATES ON HIGHLAND

1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-563-5839 HeyJudy99@gmail.com Massage therapist with 18 years of therapeutic bodywork experience. I specialize in back, neck/shoulder pain; help with headaches/migraines and range of movement. Deep Tissue, NeuroMuscular Reprogramming, Structural Integration, Thai Massage and Sports Therapy. Let me help you be pain free. By appointment only.

Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

Terry Lowry, PSYCH-K Facilitator 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-414-7559 TrancendingWisdom.com PSYCH-K is an interactive process. Within minutes a limiting belief held in the subconscious mind can be changed into a positive belief. PSYCH-K incorporates Educational Kinesiology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), acupressure, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and various psycho-spiritual healing systems. Call to set up an appointment for a free demonstration.

YOGA BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO 605 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 205-637-4228 Contact@BirminghamYoga.com BirminghamYoga.com Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for guest

NUTRITION AND GIFTS

Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-939-0071 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com

JUDY BOWLES LMT #556, NMT

TRANSCENDING WISDOM

BIRMINGHAM FOCUS CENTER, LLC

JOAN SCOTT LOWE

MASSAGE THERAPY

PSYCHOLOGICAL KINESIOLOGY

2827 Highland Ave South PilatesOnHighland.com Info@pilatesonhighland.com 205-323-5961 Pilates on Highland is a full service studio located in the historic Highlands area, offering a caring, certified staff, personalized attention and top of the line Pilates equipment. The Pilates method increases your strength, tones your body, decompresses your joints, improves flexibility and range of motion, boosts circulation and stimulates your mind.

speakers and teachers.

EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-637-0299 Info@embodybirmingham.com EMBODYbirmingham.com EMBODY Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions. Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specific to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back). EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops.

Functional Medicine: a different approach to get you

“On the Journey to Healthy Living”

Finding the root cause of dysfunctions Speciality and Hard to Find Supplements

Body Composition Analysis Metabolic Testing Weight Loss Lipotrophic Injections Family Medicine

Nutritional IV Therapy Vibacore Vibrating Platform Plexus® Products

Birmingham Integrative Health Melanie Miller, MD Gwendy Starkey, CRNP Janet Baker, RN Call Today Dr. Melanie Miller

205-655-2110

Most Insurances Accepted

159 Main St. Trussville, AL 35173 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com

natural awakenings

June 2013