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Ways to Eat Safe
Kick Off Your Shoes Savor the Laid-Back Days of Summer
GOOD and Raw Model Carol Alt on Raw Food
Pet Food Alert
GMO's May Be Harming Our Pets
July 2013
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publishersletter
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oel Salatin, in Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World, raises an excellent point:
“The first supermarket supposedly appeared on the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.” In short, people grew their own food. Or, at the very least, it was grown nearby. Most everybody probably grew at least something that they could eat. A garden was not a hobby. It was a primary food source. If a person didn’t have a garden, other people very near to them did. It is that proximity to original production of produce and other edibles that we have lost completely and are now consciously striving to recreate. And we are making progress. We have to. Now that we face a food supply system being taken over by Genetically Modified crops, which have reduced nutritional value and can cause known, and unknown, health problems, our need to get back to growing our own food is both a spiritual awakening and a highly practical endeavor. Cindy is teaching me how to grow things. Her mother will tell you that Cindy has a green thumb. I think this is a talent that comes from spirit as much as from practical gardening experience. “Green fingers are the extensions of a verdant heart,” writes Russell Page in The Education Of A Gardener. To grow things takes knowledge but it also takes love. And patience. It takes 10 weeks for corn to grow this high! You also have to weed, water and keep a sharp eye out for bugs. But when you fall in love with your garden, you want to take care of your plants. If you do, they will definitely take care of you.
contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 404-395-9634 Co-Publisher, Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Advertising Sales, Birmingham Susan Wood Cell: 205-447-9644 Susan@AlabamaAwakenings.com Design and Production Karen Ormstedt 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.
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natural awakenings
July 2013
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contents 8
5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs
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10 ecotip 12 globalbriefs 15 wisewords
8 12
23 naturalpet 24 inspiration
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.
14 A HEALING TOUCH by Nicki Noftz
15 RELISHING RAW FOOD Supermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrant
by Beth Bader
16 SIX WAYS
25 calendars
TO EAT SAFE
29 resourceguide
by Melinda Hemmelgarn
The Latest Facts about Organics, Pesticides, Seeds and More
19 CUTTING THROUGH THE advertising & submissions 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.
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 publisher’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.
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NUTRITION NONSENSE
16
Reverse Diabetes (Preferably Before it Starts) by Steve Dupont, RD, LD
21 PILATES: A MOVEMENT EDUCATION by Jennifer Dunbar
22 HAPPY FOR REAL by Julie Watters
23 PET FOOD PERILS Lurking GMOs May Hurt Our Pets by Dr. Michael W. Fox
24 SAVOR SUMMER Revel in Blissful Indulgence by April Thompson
23
newsbriefs Sydne Stone Opens Practice in Birmingham
S
ydne Stone is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings, focusing on a broad range of mental health and chemical dependency issues. Ms. Stone understands that as a normal part of life, people run into unexpected transitions, stresses and losses. Relationship changes, work stress and health issues can create very uncomfortable feelings, physical problems, and we can even start behaving in ways that are not in line with how we want to go through this life. Counseling can help. Talking with a caring professional who honors individual strengths can help improve the quality of life. Ms. Stone believes each human being has the resources to live authentically and with integrity. Health is manifest in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life. She works cooperatively with clients to identify helpful means to reach each individual, couple or family’s unique goals. Ms. Stone has worked as a school counselor and gifted education teacher as well as facilitated various group therapies. She is passionate about helping people choose paths that are well fitting for them. Sydne Stone is located at 2116 Rocky Ridge Rd, Birmingham 35216. For an appointment, call 205-492-7760. See Ad on Page 20 and CRG on Page 29.
July Happenings at the Gardens
Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. ~Oscar Wilde
Healing Waters
T
he Certificate in Native Plant Studies program offers two classes in July, beginning with “Native Ferns and Their Relatives,� an elective which will be led by Dan Jones, Ph.D. on July 13. The class will allow students an opportunity to examine the life cycles of ferns that befuddled botanists for centuries and highlight typical characteristics of major fern families. The program will also offer a Field Trip on July 27. “Bats and Plants� will visit the 264 acre Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Scottsboro, AL, home to federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. The trip will be led by Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator John Manion and Michael Gilbert. For more information about all offerings in the Certificate in Native Plant Studies series, and to register online, visit BBGardens. org/plantstudies. Children’s Summer Camps continue in July, beginning with an afternoon camp “Growing Through Yoga� and morning camps “Ahoy! Pirates and Mermaids� and “Southern Summer Chefs: One Sweet Summer� July 8-12. A morning edition of “Southern Summer Chefs: One Sweet Summer� will also be offered on July 1519, while the week will also present a full-day option, “Passport to Imagination Stations.� “American Girls: Girls Just Like Me� and “Got Bugs?� are offered as morning camps on July 22-26. For more information about all Children’s Summer Camps offered in 2013, and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/summercamps. July 20 will mark the return of Member Day, an annual Birmingham event presented by more than 12 Birmingham cultural institutions, allowing members of each free admission to the others in the group. For more information about Member Day, visit Birmingham365.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. Admission to The Gardens is free.
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MoreThanColonics.com natural awakenings
July 2013
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COMING IN AUGUST
You Care About Your Family’s Health We do too. Our natural health experts share helpful information, insights and tips you’ll like.
Glass Recycling Resumes at Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center
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lass collection for recycling will resume today at the Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center located at 2431 Second Avenue North when Waste Pro, a recycling partner of the Alabama Environmental Council, will provide a roll-off container and help ship the glass to regional markets to be recycled. “We’re happy to be able to help find solutions for recycling in the Birmingham Metro,” said George Nicholson, from Waste Pro. “We have equipment and regional partners that can accept glass, so we reached out and developed a plan with AEC to be able to begin recycling glass again.” Nicholson said the glass would either go to Georgia or other markets around the Southeast. Long-term, the AEC and Waste Pro have plans to begin processing the glass to pulverize it and get it into a form that is marketable to local and regional industries. Many manufacturing processes could use the glass as cullet or aggregates in their facilities and this could be a sustainable product that could save resources. The Recycling Center is located at 2431 Second Ave North in downtown Birmingham. Find more information about the Alabama Environmental Council at AEConline.org, Facebook.com/aeconline, or Twitter.com/aeconline. To find out where other materials can be recycled, visit the drop-off recycling search engine at RecycleAL.com.
Pilates on Highland Workshop Features Renowned Pilates Instructor Amy Alpers
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ave the date, September 6-8, as Pilates on Highland brings the elite Pilates training of Amy Alpers and The Pilates Center from Boulder, CO. Friday, September 6, Amy Alpers will offer classes and private sessions. Saturday, September 7, 12pm-7pm, Amy shares how a teacher can use essential imagery skills to facilitate the client’s understanding of how to connect to the power of the core as well as untangle the many confusions and complications associated with pelvic positioning. Sunday, September 8, 9am-4pm, Amy illustrates how Pilates is about suspension rather than stability to follow nature’s design and achieve more results with less effort, such as Michael Jordan taking flight or Baryshnikov’s impossibly high leap above the dance stage. Individually $350 and 6 hours of CEU PMA Approved. Both Saturday and Sunday $600, 12 hours CEU PMA Approved. Call to register for classes, privates or workshops at 205-323-5961 or email info@ pilatesonhighland.com. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.
Pilates in the Park For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
256-340-1122 6
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P
ilates on Highland is excited to offer Pilates in the Park this summer. Spend some time enjoying the great outdoors this summer and come join us in Rhodes Park for a Pilates mat class. Pilates on Highland is offering a donation based mat class in the park every Tuesday Morning at 7am. Bring a mat, and some water and come enjoy an early morning mat class before heading off to work. Suggested donation is $5. Rhodes Park is located at Highland Ct South, Birmingham, AL 35205. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.
Pilates in the Workplace
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ilates is so much more than just a form of exercise, it is a lifestyle. It is more than just coming to class, working out, and leaving...forgetting about what you have learned. Pilates is meant to follow you out the door of the studio and become part of your life. It is meant to develop awareness within you, a connection to your body that cannot be found from any other form of exercise. It is our wish that everyone can discover this connection to their bodies, and discover how Pilates can affect you. Pilates on Highland would like to give you more than one way to be able to do this. We want you to be able to come to the studio and continue your Pilates education with us, but we also want to be able to bring Pilates to you! We want to give you the opportunity to have Pilates class where you work. We are excited to offer the opportunity for you to have a Pilates mat class at work. If you are interested in getting a Pilates class started at your work please contact us at info@pilatesonhighland.com. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.
Fourth Annual Soiree@SoHo on July 11
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he Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will host the fourth annual Soiree@ SoHo on July 11 at Rosewood Hall in SoHo Square. The event, organized
Functional Medicine: a different approach to get you
by our young philanthropists, includes food, drinks, music, and a silent auction. Guests will also have the privilege of watching some of Birmingham’s finest young professionals walk the Role Model runway in the season’s hottest fashions provided by Belk at Colonial Brookwood Village. Proceeds from the event ensure that girls across North-Central Alabama have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout programs, which help girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. With your support, you have the chance to change the lives of girls in your community. Cost of admission is $25 per person. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Robyn Tucker, Communications Coordinator anytime at 205-453-9530 or rtucker@ girlscoutsnca.org. Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square is located at 2850 19th St South, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6119.
“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
July 2013
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healthbriefs
Stone Fruits Keep Waistlines Trim
A BEVY OF BERRY BENEFITS
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ome favorite summer fruits, like peaches, plums and nectarines, may help ward off metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions including high blood sugar levels and excess fat around the waist that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, presented at the American Chemical Society’s 2012 National Meeting & Exposition, reported that pitted fruits contain bioactive compounds that can potentially fight the syndrome. According to food scientist Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, Ph.D., “The phenolic compounds in the fruits have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties… and may also reduce the oxidation of the bad cholesterol, or LDL, which is associated with cardiovascular disease.”
Kudos for Kale
T
he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new food pyramid, MyPlate (ChooseMyPlate.gov), is based on its 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, aimed at helping people make better food choices. Fruits and vegetables should comprise half our “plate”, and dark green veggies are the USDA’s top choice of nutrients. Kale leads the list of helpful leafy greens for many reasons. Like its cousins in the Brassica family—broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and collards—kale is a lowcalorie, nutrient-dense powerhouse of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. Per calorie, kale contains more iron than beef and more calcium than milk, and it is better absorbed by the body than most dairy products. A single serving (about one cup, chopped) provides 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, plus two grams of protein. The versatile veggie—it is tasty steamed, braised or baked—is also a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Best of all, kale is a “green” green, high on the sustainability scale. Growing one pound of kale uses about 23 gallons of water; raising a pound of beef necessitates more than 2,400. Sources: USDA.gov; VegSource.com
ICED TEA HAS ISSUES
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t is peak season for iced tea, but this warm-weather favorite may not be the ideal choice to counter dehydration. Iced tea made from black tea contains high concentrations of oxalate, one of the key chemicals that lead to the formation of kidney stones, a common disorder of the urinary tract that affects about 10 percent of the U.S. population. “For people that have a tendency to form the most common type of kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink,” reports Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor with the Department of Urology at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. While all black tea contains oxalate, dietitians note that people tend to imbibe more of it when it’s on ice than when it’s hot. 8
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electable strawberries serve up some sweet health benefits. Studying the effects of strawberries on cardiovascular health, heart disease and diabetes, scientists at the University of Warwick, UK, discovered that extracts from the fruit activate a protein called Nrf2, which increases antioxidant and other protective measures in the body and helps decrease blood lipids and cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular problems. The scientists plan to continue their research in order to identify the most healthful varieties of strawberries, how they are best served or processed and the amount to eat for optimum benefits.
HEALTHY METAL
I
n the United States, healthcareacquired infections (HAI) result in 100,000 deaths annually and add an estimated $45 billion to healthcare costs. Common HAI microbes that often contaminate items within hospital rooms include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant enterococcus (VRE). Few strategies have been clinically proven to reduce the spread of these infections, but copper’s antimicrobial properties are promising. According to a recent study published in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, placement of bed rails, tables, IV poles and nurse’s call buttons in intensive care unit hospital rooms reduced the number of HAIs in patients by more than half.
Nature’s Own Sports Drink
I
f Mother Nature chose an ideal sports drink for light-to-medium exercise, it might be coconut water, the clear liquid found most abundantly inside young, green coconuts. That’s the conclusion reached by Indiana University Southeast lecturer Chhandashri Bhattacharya, Ph.D., in presenting his research to the American Chemical Society. “Coconut water is a natural drink that has everything your average sports drink has and more,” says Bhattacharya. “It has five times more potassium than Gatorade or Powerade. Whenever you get cramps in your muscles, potassium will help you get rid of them.” A 12-ounce serving of coconut water may also help balance the typical American diet, which is too low in potassium and too high in sodium derived from excess salt; individuals consuming such diets tend to have twice the risk of death from heart disease and a 50 percent higher risk of death from all disease-related causes. Coconut water is also high in healthful antioxidants.
Plasticizer Undermines Heart Cell Functioning
T
he chemical DEHP, a phthalate used widely in household plastics, may change how rat heart cells use energy, according to a new study by George Washington University, in the District of Columbia. By shifting heart cells to depend on fatty acids as an energy source more than usual, DEHP may ultimately increase the long-term risk of heart attack and heart failure. The findings raise concerns about similar effects of plasticizers in humans. Earlier work from the same research team reported that DEHP causes irregular rhythms in cultured heart cells. DEHP is frequently used for medical blood bags and tubing and is found in foods packaged in plastics, especially fatty foods like milk products, oils and fish or seafood.
PRE-PREGNANCY DIET MAY ALTER GENES
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t’s common knowledge that a mother’s diet during pregnancy makes a measurable difference in the health of her child. Now, new research suggests that what a mom eats before becoming pregnant might be important, too. According to a study in the online edition of The FASEB Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the foods eaten by a group of non-pregnant female mice chemically altered their DNA, and these changes were later passed on to their offspring. The DNA alterations, called “epigenetic” changes, due to an inadequate maternal diet dramatically reduced the animals’ ability to metabolize many essential fatty acids that are essential to health. natural awakenings
July 2013
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ecotip Green Kitchen Home Composting Boosts Sustainability
Excellence in Academics Enlivened by the Arts – Early Childhood through Grade 8 –
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.
Voted “Best Preschool� and “Best Private School� in Birmingham Magazine’s 2011 Parent’s Choice Awards and voted “Best Private School� in 2012
1220 50th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222
alabamawaldorf.org
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!
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A 2012 report from the National Resources Defense Council notes that just 3 percent of uneaten food in the United States is composted, and landfill scraps account for 23 percent of all methane gas emissions. Composting, the process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich material, is an easy way to turn food scraps, lawn clippings, garden trimmings and other waste into natural garden fertilizer. Its relatively loose composition allows nutrients to pass into the soil quickly, and the practice reduces discards to landfills. Compost material is not limited to what’s left on a plate after dining. Expand contents to include peels, cores and husks from fruits and vegetables generated during meal preparation, egg and nut shells, tea leaves and coffee grounds, bread, crackers and pet food. Fruit and vegetable seeds won’t decompose in cold conditions, however. (Learn more about green gardening at GreenLiving.National Geographic.com.) Now, plates and cups made of sugarcane or corn, plus oil- and plant-based packaging, can also be added to the list. Pending legislation in California would allow products meeting certain criteria to bear “compostable� or “biodegradable� claims on packaging. Manufacturers of compost bins are responding to increased consumer interest with convenient options. In addition to traditional plastic or metal containers and wood-sided bins, new high-quality, enclosed, compost tumblers offer quicker processing time, protection from animals and less odor. Advanced models include automatic, electric, indoor composters. (See more at EarthEasy.com/ grow_compost.html.) Live composting in the form of vermiculture, or worm composting, teaches care for creatures and ecosystem sustainability. Food scraps feed worms, which then produce nutrient-rich castings (excreta). (Learn more at GrowOrganic. com and RedWormComposting.com.)
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Locavore Aid A Handy Atlas for Eating Local
Happiness is... a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry under a shade tree. - Astrid Alauda
Strolling of the Heifers, a Vermontbased local food advocacy group, has released its second annual Locavore Index, tracking the availability and use of locally produced foods and ranking states based on their committed support. Using recent data from multiple sources, the index incorporates farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) operations and food hubs in its per capita comparison of consumer interest in eating locally sourced foods, known as locavorism. The top five states for accessibility of local foods are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Iowa; the bottom five are Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The organization’s Executive Director, Orly Munzing, says the purpose of the index is to encourage local food efforts by supporting farm-to-school programs, urging hospitals and nursing homes to purchase local foods and asking supermarkets to buy from local farms. View the ranking of every state at Tinyurl.com/LocavoreIndex.
Mall Dogs Humane Pet Nonprofits Follow the Crowds Animal welfare organizations serving cities around the country are discovering that shopping malls are ideal places to find forever homes for needy pets. At the Coronado Mall, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Darlene Arden teaches volunteers to clicker-train cats and dogs to make them more adoptable. The SPCA in Cattaraugus County, New York, sets up a highly successful location for adoptions and raising donations in the Olean Center Mall every holiday season. The Dumb Friends League, in Denver, Colorado, maintains an off-site location at The Shops of Northfield-Stapleton, and the Collier County Humane Society, in Naples, Florida, turned a defunct pet shop in the Coastland Center mall into a thriving adoption center staffed by volunteers. Some shelters motivate the public to embrace and encourage the technique of trap/neuter/release (TNR) as a way to control feral cat populations. Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of the Found Animals Foundation, states, “We launched the groundbreaking Michelson Prize and grant program aimed at developing a non-surgical, single-dose sterilizing agent for cats and dogs. This type of product will help shift pet population control from lethal to non-lethal methods by dramatically reducing the number of pets coming into shelters.” Learn more at FoundAnimals.org/ pet-spay-neuter. 12
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Bee Careful Honeybee-Killing Pesticides Banned in Europe Colony collapse disorder, a mysterious ailment that has been killing large numbers of honeybees for several years, is expanding, wiping out 40 to 50 percent of the hives needed to pollinate many of America’s fruits and vegetables. Some beekeepers and researchers cite growing evidence that a powerful class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which hinder the bees’ brain learning function and leave them unable to make the connection between floral scents and nectar, could be a key factor. Although manufacturers claim the pesticides pose no threat to bees, a recent British honeybee field study found enough evidence to convince 15 of 27 EU member governments and the Executive European Commission to support a twoyear ban on three of the world’s most widely used agricultural pesticides in this category, starting this December. The action followed a European Food Safety Authority report in April that indicated these toxins pose an acute risk to honeybees. Source: Voice of America
Johnny Appletree One Life Yields Two Forests Jadav “Molai” Payeng spent 30 years single-handedly planting a 1,360-acre forest in his native India. The extraordinary, yet humble, eco-conscious farmer stands as a shining example of what one person can accomplish to make the world a better place. Now he is planning on devoting his next 30 years to planting another forest. Payeng makes a living in the forest he planted, rearing cows and selling milk in the nearest town with his wife and three children. He says, “I feel sad when I see people felling trees. We have to save the nature, or else we all will perish.” In 1979, when Payeng was 16, he began planting vegetation to transform the landscape after seeing wildlife perish from exposure along a barren sandbar near his home in northern India’s Assam region. Decades later, the lush ecosystem he created is now a safe haven for a variety of large and small species that include birds, deer, rhinos, tigers and elephants impacted by extensive habitat loss. Source: Treehugger.com
Hands Off Protecting a Natural Laboratory The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is working to preserve a tract known as the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), a world-renowned freshwater research facility in Northwestern Ontario that takes research out of the lab and into the environment, where scientists can isolate the effects of specific pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Over the past four decades, research conducted at the ELA has provided scientific evidence of the environmental effects of acid rain, phosphorous and other pollutants that has informed policy around the world. With new pressures like climate change and poorly understood emerging contaminants such as chromite, nanoparticles and endocrine disrupters, the logic for continued support is strong. IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan emphasizes the mission is to be an independent, world-class research facility for freshwater ecosystems science, maintained “in the public domain and in the public interest.”
Poisoned Poisson Fish Rendered Scentless by Pollution Fish living in lakes tainted with metals are losing their sense of smell, prompting worries about dwindling populations, because when dissolved metals contact fish nostrils, their neurons shut down to protect the brain. Fish use their sense of smell to navigate murky waters, find mates and food, and avoid predators. The effect of metals has been linked to impaired reproduction and growth, but this secondary, “covert toxic” effect is described by Keith Tierney, a University of Alberta assistant professor, this way: “If you can’t smell food or avoid predators, you’re more likely to die.” The good news from Canadian researchers, as reported in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environment Safety, is that such harm to fish can be reversed. When study co-author Greg Pyle, a professor at Alberta’s University of Lethbridge, and his research team relocated yellow perch from Ontario lakes contaminated with mercury, nickel, copper, iron and manganese to a cleaner lake, the fish regained their sense of smell within 24 hours. Most of the contaminated lakes involved have a metallic mix, making it hard to determine precisely which pollutants are to blame. Copper is high on the list of suspects; its agricultural and manufacturing use has more than doubled in the United States over the past three decades, according to the Copper Development Association. Source: Environmental Health News natural awakenings
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A Healing Touch by Nicki Noftz
T
he mind-body-spirit connection is not a new phenomenon. For years, we have heard about the benefits of this connection through yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation, acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Keeping our minds healthy as well as our bodies is important to our overall health and well-being. However, we rarely hear about the energetic body. We know that everything is made up of energy and that various vibrations of energies affect us every day. Whether it is waves from our cell phones or negative thoughts or other people around us, we are coming into contact with various energies on a daily basis. As well, we have our own unique energy systems; an energetic system that works in conjunction with our mental and physical body. The tricky part of this energy stuff is we can’t see it. In my view, the energetic body is the space that holds the mind-bodyspirit connection. There are various ways to look at the energetic body. Traditional Chinese Medicine calls it the meridians. In yoga and Ayurvedic tradition, it is the chakras. Other types of work focus on the energy field around the body known as the aura. Whether it is an acupuncturist using the meridian system or Reiki practitioner
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using the chakra system, they are all looking to remove energy blockages, increase energetic areas that are sluggish or replenish energetic areas that are overworked to create a healthy flow within your body. Many struggle with the notion of an energetic body because we cannot see it; however, most of us have felt the energetic body. Think about a person in your life that always seems to suck your energy. It is not something we see, it is something we feel. Now think about how various energies, such as electronics, and our own physical and mental patterns can over stimulate or fatigue our energetic systems. Add that to the energy suckers and we have an energetic system on overload. We may find some balance with the energy system through yoga or Pilates, but there are other alternatives, such as Reiki/Energy Healing sessions. Reiki/Energy Healing is to help re-balance your energy system. During a session, you are fully clothed while the practitioner uses light touch to scan and balance the energetic body. Energy flows through the practitioner to calm overworked areas or stimulate sluggish ones. While the practitioner works, you may get hot or cold, have dreams, have muscle twitches, feel a rush of
energy or fall asleep. After a session, you may feel more energized, the need for a nap, de-stressed, deeply relaxed or have vivid dreams. Reiki/Energy Healings can help with anxiety, depression, fatigue, joint problems, pain management, stress, during transitions, boost your own healing process and immunity as well as maintain health. Many hospitals and clinics, such as the Mayo Clinic, are using this type of healing practice to help patients heal. Even Dr. Oz is a proponent of Reiki touting it on his tv show and using it during heart surgery. The best way to understand Reiki/ Energy Healing is to experience it yourself. The key is finding a practitioner that is the right fit for you. I always say be a skeptic, but make sure to be open to the experience without expectations. That is the best way to truly experience anything in life. For more information or to schedule a Reiki session, contact Nicki Noftz at info@ soulnicity.com or 205202-9198. See Ad on Page 5 and CRG on Page 29.
wisewords
“Raw” seems like an easy diet to prepare, but some of the methods can take time and special equipment. What’s a simple starting point?
Relishing Raw Food
Using a blender, you can make everything from soup to dessert. Start with things like guacamole, salsa and soups. You can also use a pot and hot water (up to 115 degrees) to warm kelp noodles to add to a blended soup. You can make a mousse from raw chocolate and avocado. Also begin to think of a dehydrator as a crock-pot that works while you’re away. It’s a simple option once you are in the habit of using it. Of course, you’ll want to make all kinds of fresh salads.
Supermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrant by Beth Bader the past year, she’s been overseeing the U.S. launch of her skin care line, Raw Essentials.
How has your relationship with food changed over the years, and what role has raw food played?
photo by Jimmy Bruch
C
arol Alt characterizes the latest stage of her 30-plus-year career as a “perfect storm of busy,” including the launch of her latest book, Easy Sexy Raw, and her roles in Woody Allen’s film, To Rome with Love, and the HBO documentary, About Face, exploring the relationship between physical appearance and the business of beauty. For
How do you maintain your raw food plan when you are eating out or in social settings?
I grew up like other kids on Long Island. Mom cooked spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Dad would sometimes grill a piece of meat until it was dead a second time. On weekends, we ate pizza or Chinese takeout. I never realized broccoli was green, because overcooking turned it gray. One day, I got sent home from a job because they said I was not in “swimsuit condition.” A friend recommended a physician that specialized in raw food diets, which was the first I’d heard of it. So I tried a raw diet, cold turkey, and felt better immediately. Today I eat raw food as an antiaging agent and natural medicine that makes me healthier; it’s also a filler that makes me less hungry. My holistic lifestyle no longer includes any over-the-counter drugs. These days, my system runs efficiently, like an electric golf cart. When I need to go, I go. When I need to stop and sleep, I sleep. The body can work phenomenally well if we just let it.
I look for foods that I know will be raw. If I have any doubts, I ask the chef. If there’s any question, I just don’t eat it. There’s a bit of discipline in this. You have to eat on a schedule and make sure you are getting the food you need. I may lunch even if I am not hungry, especially when I know I’ll be dining out later. It’s important to make sure you are not feeling deprived and hungry; otherwise you may find yourself craving things like the bread on the table.
Do you ever miss cooked foods and sometimes indulge? My diet is 75 to 95 percent raw. When you eat raw foods, you feel so much better that you don’t want to eat anything else. My one indulgence is munching on popcorn when my favorite sports team plays.
Do you have any final advice on exploring a raw diet? Relax and have fun trying different things. If you cheat, it’s okay. If you feel deprived in any way, go eat. Above all, enjoy the adventure. Beth Bader is the co-author of The Cleaner Plate Club and blogs at CleanerPlateClub.com.
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Six Ways to Eat Safe
The Latest Facts about Organics, Pesticides, Seeds and More by Melinda Hemmelgarn
H
ot fun in the summertime begins with fresh, sweet and savory seasonal flavors brought to life in al fresco gatherings with family and friends. As the popularity of farmers’ markets and home gardening surges onward, it’s time to feast on the tastiest produce, picked ripe from America’s farms and gardens for peak flavor and nutrition. Similar to raising a sun umbrella, learning where food comes from and how it’s produced provides the best protection against getting burned. Here’s the latest on some of the season’s hottest food issues to help families stay safe and well nourished.
Local Organic Reigns Supreme Diana Dyer, a registered dietitian and garlic farmer near Ann Arbor, Michigan, observes, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same thing.” Purchasing local foods whenever possible has many merits, including shaking the farmer’s hand, asking about farming methods and developing sincere relation16
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ships. Buying local also supports the local economy and contributes to food security. Yet “local” alone does not necessarily mean better. Even small farmers may use harmful pesticides or feed their livestock genetically modified or engineered (GM, GMO or GE) feed. That’s one reason why the smartest food choice is organic, with local organic being the gold standard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification label ensures that strict national organic standards—prohibiting the use of antibiotics, hormones and GM feed and ingredients—have been met. Plus, organically raised livestock must have access to the outdoors and ample time on pastures, naturally resulting in milk and meat with higher levels of health-protecting omega-3 fatty acids. Still, organic naysayers abound. For example, many negative headlines were generated by a recent Stanford University study that questioned whether or not organic foods are safer or more healthful than conventional. Few news outlets relayed the researchers’ actual conclusions—that organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria; children on organic diets have significantly lower levels of pesticide metabolites, or breakdown products, in their urine; organic milk may contain significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids; and organic produce contains higher levels of health-protecting antioxidants. Jim Riddle, former organic outreach coordinator at the University of Minnesota, in Lamberton, explains that organic farming methods are based on building and improving the soil, promoting biodiversity and protecting natural resources, regardless of the size of the farm. Healthier ecosystems, higher quality soil and clean water will produce healthier plants, which in turn support healthier animals and humans on a healthier planet.
Pesticide Problems and Solutions Children are most vulnerable to the effects of pesticides and other environmental toxins, due to their smaller size and rapid physical development. Last December, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement that asserted, “Beyond acute poisoning, the influences of low-level pesticide exposures on child health are of increasing concern.” The organization links pesticide exposure to higher risk for brain tumors, leukemia, attention deficit disorders, autism and reductions in IQ. Because weeds naturally develop resistance to the herbicides designed to kill them, Dow AgroSciences has genetically engineered seeds to produce crops that can withstand spraying with both the systemic herbicide glyphosate (Roundup), and 2,4-D, one of the active ingredients in Agent Orange, used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War. The latter is commonly applied to lawns and wheat-producing agricultural land, even though research reported in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives links exposure to 2,4-D to birth defects and increased cancer risk. Dow AgroSciences’ new GE seeds
await regulatory approval. Eric Mader, program director at the Portland, Oregon-based Xerces Society for the conservation of invertebrates and pollinator protection, warns that broadspectrum pesticides kill beneficial insects along with those considered pests. Mader recommends increasing the number of beneficial insects, which feed on pests, by planting a greater diversity of native plants on farms and in home gardens.
Demand for GMO Labeling Despite California’s narrow defeat of Proposition 37, which would have required statewide labeling of products containing GMOs, advocates at the Environmental Working Group and the Just Label It campaign are pushing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nationwide GMO labeling. Responding to consumer demand, Whole Foods Market recently announced that it will require GMO labeling in all of its U.S. and Canadian stores by 2018. Filmmaker Jeremy Seifert’s powerful new documentary, GMO OMG, should give the movement a major push, as well. The 2013 film explores the danger in corporate patenting of seeds and the unknown health and environmental risks of engineered food. Seifert says, “I have a responsibility to my children to hand on to them a world that is not poisoned irreparably.” As for the promise that
Get Your Non-GMOs Here Reading labels is always a good practice. We can also rely on trusted sources to help us sort out suspect products from the natural whole foods that we know are good for us. Here’s a short list of websites and associated apps to help make food shopping a bit easier. CenterForFoodSafety.org; Tinyurl.com/getCenter
ForFoodSafetyapp Fooducate.com; Tinyurl.com/getFooducateGMOapp NonGMOProject.org; Tinyurl.com/getNonGMO
Projectapp NonGMOShoppingGuide.com; Tinyurl.com/get
ShopNoGMOapp Also take action at Buycott.com: Tinyurl.com/get
BuycottGMOapp
GMOs are required to “feed the world,” he believes it’s a lie, noting that it’s better to “feed the world well.”
Seed Freedom and Food Choice Roger Doiron, founder and director of Kitchen Gardeners International, headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, celebrates Food Independence Day each July Fourth. Doiron believes that growing, harvesting, cooking and preserving food is both liberating and rewarding, and patriotic. More than 25,000 individuals from 100 countries belong to his nonprofit network that focuses on re-localizing the world’s food supply. Food freedom starts with seeds. Saving and trading heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds is becoming as easy as checking out a library book. Several libraries across the country are serving as seed banks, where patrons check out seeds, grow crops, save seeds and then donate some back to their local library. Liana Hoodes, director of the National Organic Coalition, in Pine Bush, New York, is a fan of her local Hudson Valley Seed Library. The library adheres to Indian Physicist Vandana Shiva’s Declaration of Seed Freedom and makes sure all seed sources are not related to, owned by or affiliated with biotech or pharmaceutical corporations. In addition to preserving heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, each seed packet is designed by a local artist.
Finicky about Fish Grilled fish makes a lean, heart-healthy, low-calorie summer meal. Some fish, however, may contain chemicals that pose health risks, especially for pregnant or nursing women and children. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, which is toxic to a baby’s developing nervous system. Both the EPA and local state health departments post consumption advisories that recommend limiting or avoiding certain species of fish caught in specific locations. For several decades, Captain Anne Mosness, a wild salmon fisherwoman, operated commercial fishing boats in Washington waters and from Copper River to Bristol Bay, Alaska. She worries about the threat of pollution from industrial aquaculture, plus the effects of genetically engineered salmon on wild fish populations, coastal economies and ecosystems. Mosness explains that AquAdvantage Salmon, a product of AquaBounty Technologies, was created “by inserting a growth hormone gene from Pacific Chinook natural awakenings
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and a promoter gene from an eel-like fish called ocean pout into Atlantic salmon.” She questions the FDA approval process and failure to address unanswered questions about the risks of introducing “novel” animals into the food supply, as well as related food allergies and greater use of antibiotics in weaker fish populations. “The salmon farming industry already uses more antibiotics per weight than any other animal production,” comments Mosness. The FDA’s official public comment period on GMO salmon closed in April, but consumers can still voice concerns to their legislators while demanding and applauding national GMO labeling. GMO fish may be on our dinner plates by the end of the year, but with labels, consumers gain the freedom to make informed choices. Consumers can also ask retailers not to sell GMO fish. Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Whole Foods have all committed to not selling GMO seafood.
of all antibiotics are given to farm animals for two reasons: to prevent illness associated with living in crowded, stressful and often unsanitary conditions; and to promote “feed efficiency”, or weight gain. However, bacteria naturally mutate to develop resistance to antibiotics when exposed to doses that are insufficient to kill them. Wallinga points out that antibiotic-resistant infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), cost our nation at least $20 billion annually and steal tens of thousands of American lives each year. Most recently, hard-totreat urinary tract infections (UTI), were traced to antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in chickens. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria exist in our environment, but are more likely to be found in conventionally, rather than organically raised meat and poultry, which by law must be raised without antibiotics. Consumers beware: the word “natural” on food labels does not provide the same protection. The good news is that according to Consumers Union research, raising meat and poultry without antibiotics can be accomplished at minimal cost to the consumer—about five cents extra per pound for pork and less than a penny per pound extra for chicken.
Antibiotic Resistance According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotics are one of the greatest public health achievements of the past 100 years. However, one of the most critical public health and economic issues we currently face is the loss of these drugs’ effectiveness, due in large part to their misuse and overuse in industrial agriculture. Dr. David Wallinga, senior advisor in science, food and health at the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, says that about 80 percent
Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “Food Sleuth”, is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host at KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO (FoodSleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image. blogspot.com.
Food Supply News Sources Antibiotic Resistance Healthy Food Action:
HealthyFoodAction.org Institute for Agriculture and
Trade Policy: iatp.org Keep Antibiotics Working:
KeepAntibioticsWorking.com Meat Without Drugs:
MeatWithoutDrugs.org Not in My Food: Tinyurl.com/
NotInMyFoodNoAntibiotics Fish Food Safety Center for Food Safety:
CenterForFoodSafety.org Food and Water Watch:
FoodAndWaterWatch.org Food Sleuth Radio interview with
fisherwoman, Anne Mosness: Tinyurl. com/FoodSleuthRadioAnneMosness GMOs GMO Food Labeling:
JustLabelIt.org GMO OMG: GMOFilm.com
Local/Organic Eat Local: Simple Steps to Enjoy
Real, Healthy and Affordable Food, by Jasia Steinmetz: TableOfTheEarth. com/eat-local-simple-steps Organic Farming Research
Foundation: ofrf.org Pesticides Safe Lawns: SafeLawns.org
Private Pilates Lessons Semi Private Lessons Cardio Pilates
t Pilates Mat Classes
t
Group Pilates Equipment Classes
Yoga Classes Private Yoga Lessons Massage Therapy
Xerces Society: Xerces.org/mission
Seed Freedom and Food Choice Kitchen Gardeners
Return to Life
through breath, spinal decompression and mobility. Develop long lean strong and flexible muscles, along with a balanced body, mind and spirit.
International: kgi.org National Center for Home Food
Preservation: nchfp.uga.edu Seed Libraries: NewDream.org and
Tinyurl.com/StartLocalSeedLibrary Pilates on Highland LLC 2827 Highland Avenue South www.pilatesonhighland.com
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Seed Matters: Tinyurl.com/
SeedMattersCommunityProject
Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD
Reverse Diabetes Preferably Before it Starts
lifestyle changes are not made, the diabetic will typically become “insulindependent” at some point (requiring shots), because eventually the body’s insulin producing factory in the pancreas will burn out. Although, in most cases function of the pancreas can still be recovered and the insulin-dependence reversed. Again, if the person is willing to buckle down and kick their carb addiction. If not, however, the body becomes a ticking time bomb. Oddly enough, hardly anyone dies from diabetes per se. They die from other, diabetes-induced conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, kidney disease
Fast Track to Diabetes Freedom?
I
n case you haven’t heard, our great nation is on a collision course with public health Armageddon. Basically, we keep getting fatter and sicker every year. Among other grim statistics and prognostications, according to a recent report by UnitedHealth Group, Inc., half of Americans will have diabetes or prediabetes by the year 2020. Half! Yes, I believe our collective soft drink sluicing and couch potato-ism is largely to blame for this, but so is our aging population. After all, the onset of diabetes (Type II), being a degenerative disease, tends to increase almost exponentially with age. Perhaps a new wonder drug will emerge, but I say fat chance (no pun intended). If anything comes close, it will likely cost a king’s ransom. Meanwhile, a means of reversing diabetes may have already been discovered, and it costs nothing!
First, a Diabetes Primer A very small percentage have Type I or juvenile-onset diabetes. Unfortunately for this group, the die is cast in terms
of being insulin dependent for life, barring any “cures.” In Type I, the insulin factory of the pancreas is attacked and destroyed by the body itself. But, with proper management, these individuals can live long and prosper, so to speak. According to a 2011 University of Pittsburgh study, those diagnosed between 1965-1980 lived to age 69 on average. Chances are the life expectancy is even longer for those diagnosed today. About 95% of diabetics are Type II. Understand it’s not Ebola virus or something you’re suddenly stricken with. It’s a wear and tear disease. And, the fact is, some people start life with more durable equipment than others. The disease typically starts with “insulin resistance,” where the insulin produced by the pancreas becomes less effective in doing its main job—that is, escorting blood sugar (glucose) into cells around the body, which use it for energy. This often results from many years of carbohydrate overload. For example, sipping on a BIG GULP of Mountain Dew all day, every day—but in fairness to some, not always. Nevertheless, if diet and
There’s another possible path to diabetes reversal, a much shorter one involving much more radical measures—specifically a “very low calorie diet.” We’re talking nearstarvation levels of intake here, around 600 calories per day as was used in one particular study to reverse diabetes in 64% of subjects in just eight weeks! Now, unfortunately, this constituted seven of only 11 people involved—a very, very small study. But other, slightly larger studies have shown similar results. The big, still-unanswered question of course is: What will it then take to keep the diabetes “in remission?” Just to be clear, however, I do not recommend embarking on a very low calorie diet unless you’re being advised and monitored by both a registered dietitian and a physician. At the very least you will need to supplement vitamins, minerals and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) in order to avoid potentially serious side effects. And you’ll want to get regular blood tests to make sure you’re on track.
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and infection. But that’s not all. Many uncontrolled diabetics will also contract other less-lethal ailments along the way, such as blindness, amputation of limbs and even periodontal disease. So their lives are made shorter and more miserable to boot.
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We’ve known for a long time that Type II diabetes can, in fact, be reversed gradually—over many months or years—by moderate restriction of carbohydrates and overall calories, along with exercise. Oral medications like metformin can be a sensible part of this equation as well. For those who are overweight or obese (vast majority), weight loss of at least 5-10% is critical and 25% or more may be necessary. To get there, I recommend three meals per day, high in protein (lean meats, eggs, seeds, nuts, legumes, dairy, whey), high in “good “ fats (oils such as olive, canola, peanut, coconut, flax) and low in carbohydrates, especially breads and starches like white potatoes, corn and pasta. No snacks, unless you’re on insulin and blood sugar is dropping too low between meals. The American Diabetes Association typically recommends 4-5 “servings” or 60-75 grams of carbs per meal, which is fine if your goal is management. But if you want to reverse diabetes, you’ve got to push the envelope. The only time I’m okay with 4-5 carbs per meal is if they’re all coming from the most nutritious sources, namely fresh fruits and vegetables, whole intact grains like oats, barley, quinoa and non-white rice, legumes and dairy. No sweetened beverages (including fruit juice). No bread. No potatoes. No processed corn (fresh okay in moderation). And no desserts, with possible exception of one bite of dark chocolate, if you have the willpower! With regard to exercise, three times per week at 45-60 minutes each is a starting point. But the more carbs you eat, and the more weight you have to lose, the more exercise you’ll need to do. Assuming you can tolerate it physically, shorter, more intense workouts (15-30 min.) five to seven days a week might be even better. Drinking water is also a must—roughly 64 oz. per day—and if you read my prior article on fluoridation you know I recommend purified water. This provides basic hydration, dilutes the blood sugar and keeps up a good filtration rate through the kidneys. Last but not least, get plenty of sleep. Whatever you need to feel rested. Because when the body gets tired, it tends to get hungry. And when it gets hungry, it tends to crave carbs. If you know someone struggling with diabetes, please share this article with them, and encourage them. The time to turn things around is now! 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.
Pilates:
A Movement Education by Jennifer Dunbar
I
get asked all the time what is Pilates? There seems to be much confusion on what Pilates really is. Some will say it is all about the abs and core while others think it is some workout with a ball. Others may find it the elite thing to do or too strenuous. None of these encompass the raw inspiration that Pilates is. The simplest definition of Pilates is an education of your body-mind-spirit connection. Joseph Pilates originally called the system Contrology, the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. It was not created to be a bunch of reps or an ab exercise. It was created to teach you how to move properly with freedom, with a sense of natural grace and focus on connecting the mind and body to invigorate the spirit. Each of the exercises mimics natural human movements with a tension and release approach to build strength with flexibility. In the Pilates world, we strive for uniform development or a body that is balanced inside and out. And, the key to uniform development is to understand what proper movement is in your body. It makes me cringe every time I hear someone say they do tons of push-ups and crunches because I know it is an injury ready to happen. Not only are they doing too many reps, they are many times moving in improper form focused on isolation of muscles; a technique that is not natural to the body and trains improper movement patterns. Ever heard someone say they do 100 crunches and never get a flat stomach? The reason is improper form. You can do 1000 crunches and never get a flat stomach because it isn’t about how many you do. It is about how well you do the movements. Many times these sloppy reps cause undo tension in the body leading to injury or chronic pain. Just a slight change in how
they move can make all the difference in achieving optimum results. Pilates only does as many reps as you can do in the right form. We work to move the body in as many ways as possible instead of repeat patterned movement, which leads to improper muscle building. Pilates exercises are meant to delve into the deeper inner muscles and myofascial, a sheath that wraps all our muscles, many times forgotten by traditional workouts. These are the real keys to strength, flexibility and natural movement. More importantly, Pilates is a highly focused practice connecting breath with movement to improve the cardiovascular system, create a rhythm for your practice and calm you. The best part is that Pilates is for everyone. It is for the senior, athlete, new mom, injured person, or those looking to feel good in their own skin. We make adjustments based on the body in front of us, as each person is unique. Adding Pilates to your healthy lifestyle can improve what you love to do. Love the boot camp? Add Pilates and see how much more effective your boot camp will be. Love yoga? Add Pilates and see how you gain balance and body awareness. Love running? Add Pilates to build stamina and endurance. Pilates is an education in how to move your body no matter what you love to do.
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Happy for Real by Julie Watters
I
n March, on the first night of my weekly outdoor class, it was freezing. The time-change had not occurred, and the group of twenty or so brave participants looked at me with twisted and puzzled expressions. That’s the first time I heard it, in the form of a whisper: “why is she smiling so much?” I laughed to myself, because I was. A lot. So much in fact, that I can remember the cold wind biting me right in the teeth. I wasn’t comfortable. So why do it? “You know, you would do well in the Spanish inquisition,” says a longtime client of mine. This about 30 seconds into a really difficult exercise. She is in a visible state of discomfort. I give her an acknowledging grin, reminding her to breathe. Unlike you might expect from a sixty-three year old, she rolls her eyes, sticks her tongue out and keeps going. Sweat runs down her forehead. She is a smiler, too. Struggle releases sarcasm in her, a laugh, and even an occasional
expletive. These are her coping mechanisms during hard times. After she’s done the work, she leaves every time with a “thanks honey” and a giant hug. This woman seems externally happy. But she is no stranger to pain. She has suffered through many of the things we pray will never happen to us, the inevitable loss of a parent and the less-inevitable death of her sister by way of breast cancer. For a year, she slowly opened up about her sister, showing some honest hurt, smiling mostly, and being sure to point out things like her brand new pink gym kicks. When she walked with her best friend in “Race for a Cure,” we made sure to meet up for a hug, then stood there laughing away painful stories. Last November, my heart broke along with hers, when her husband died unexpectedly. A month later, when she pulled out a picture of him and subsequently a photo of her beloved dog, who had passed just before, I joked “Oh man. We need to get some photos of living people in your wallet.” She cried and laughed simultaneously. Initially it may seem inappropriate, but I equate it to the scene in Steel Magnolias between Olympia Dukakis and Sally field: “Here. Hit Ouisa!” This year, she suffered a terrible fall, practically debilitating her. When her doctor finally cleared her to train again, she came in and promptly showed me where they had shaved her head around a lifethreatening head wound. We made jokes about punk-rock hairdos and got to work. It has not been an easy road for her, but this woman is the definition of bounce-back, if I have ever seen it. I relate to her. Despite my permagrin, I’ve faced intensely hard times—a myriad of troubles that many people face, but perhaps not all in the same lifetime. I have a stable of reasons not to smile. And yet, like my client, I do it anyway, because I am seeking joy. Somewhere along the way, I latched on to the idea that happiness is the answer for everything. A person who is
intently happy is less likely to harm others or himself. A happy girl, grows into a confident woman. Happiness weathers pain, fosters resilience, and creates opportunity for coming back stronger. That’s all well and good, but it can be hard to persuade someone who is intently un-happy to follow suit. Unhappiness is easy to cling to. From a place of darkness, it may be easier to dismiss joy as ridiculous, unattainable or available only to a fortunate few. I can see how an outsider who sees me smiling could discard the idea that we have anything in common. On the contrary, we have these fundamental things in common: We all experience hardship. We are all capable of happiness. The truth is, many people share space with you in a day who experience heart-wrenching trauma. Just because they don’t share their story with you doesn’t mean it hasn’t or isn’t happening. From violent crime to cancer, some of the most devastating pain comes as a result of things that have the word “silent” in their nickname. There is now a smorgasbord of information coming out about happiness and its impact on the quality of life. The fact that “The Happiness Project,” a blog-turned-book by Gretchin Rubin made the New York Times #1 bestseller spot, not only restores faith that literacy is still very much alive, but it also illustrates the idea that happiness isn’t limited to a few. A LOT of people are interested not only in what it means to be happy, but how to get happy. I fall into that category. For the past five or so years, I’ve aimed specifically for happiness. Since then, I’ve had some hard tumbles, but the fact that I’ve come out on the other side fairing okay and with my smile still in good working condition let’s me know that I’m on the right path. Julie Watters CPT, CES is a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer, Cancer Exercise Specialist and the original Happy (Fit)Camper. Specialty offerings include private guided group training and support for weight loss, athletic conditioning, range of motion restoration and belly dance. HappyFitCamper@gmail.com. Facebook.com/jwfitcamp.
naturalpet
Pet Food Perils Lurking GMOs May Hurt Our Pets by Dr. Michael W. Fox
Such problems are caused partly by the inherent genetic instability of GM plants, which can result in spontaneous and unpredictable mutations (Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews). DNA in GM foods is altered by the genetic engineering process; it can be incorporated by gut bacteria and may alter their behavior and ecology in the digestive tract. Likewise, when digestive bacteria incorporate material from antibioticresistant genes, engineered into patented GM foods crops to identify them, it could have serious health implications, according to Jeffrey M. Smith in his book, Genetic Roulette, and Terje Traavik and Jack Heinemann, co-authors of Genetic Engineering and Omitted Health Research.
What Pet Owners Can Do
L
ike a canary in a coal mine, dogs serve as sentinels, drawing our attention to health hazards in our shared home environment and in the products and byproducts of the food industry.
Multiple Health Issues In the mid-1990s, as genetically engineered or modified (GE, GM or GMO), corn and soy were becoming increasingly prominent ingredients in both pet food products and feed for farm animals, the number of dogs reported suffering from a specific cluster of health problems increased. It also became evident from discussion among veterinarians and dog owners that such health problems occurred more often among dogs eating pet food that included GM crops than those consuming food produced from conventional crops. The conditions most cited included allergies, asthma, atopic (severe) dermatitis and other skin problems, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion, plus abnormalities in liver, pancreas and immune system functions. People often reported failed treatments and harmful side effects to prescribed remedies (e.g. steroids), as well as problems with various manufactured
prescription diets after their attending veterinarians diagnosed their animals with these conditions. According to a 2011 study in the journal Cell Research, in engineering crops like corn and soybean, novel proteins are created that can assault the immune system and cause allergies and illnesses, especially in the offspring of mothers fed GMO foods. Diminished nutrient content is a concurrent issue. “The results of most of the few independent studies conducted with GM foods indicate that they may cause hepatic, pancreatic, renal and reproductive effects and may alter hematological, biochemical and immunologic parameters,”concluded Artemis Dona and Ioannis S. Arvanitoyannis, of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the University of Athens Medical School, in their 2009 study on the effect of GM foods on animals.
Look for pet foods that are free of GM corn and soy, and/or organically certified. Pet food manufacturers that use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic ingredients—and especially those that don’t use corn, soy, canola, cotton byproducts (oil and cake) or sugar beet, which are more commonly genetically engineered, or imported rice, which can have GM strains—can legitimately claim “No GMO Ingredients” on their packaging. Information, plus tips on avoiding hidden GMO ingredients are available at NonGMOShoppingGuide.com. Many websites also provide recipes for homeprepared diets for companion animals, including DogCatHomePreparedDiet.com. Let responsible pet food manufacturers know of consumers’ concerns and heed Hippocrates’ advice to let our food be our medicine and our medicine be our food. Enlightened citizen action is an integral part of the necessary revolution in natural agriculture aimed at promoting more ecologically sound, sustainable and humane farming practices, a healthier environment and more healthful, wholesome and affordable food for us and our canine companions. Michael Fox, author of Healing Animals & the Vision of One Health, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. Find GMO-free pet food brands and learn more at DrFoxVet.com. natural awakenings
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inspiration
Savor Summer Revel in Blissful Indulgences by April Thompson
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It is the many practitioners and businesses who advertise that make Natural Awakenings possible. Ɣ They are providing you with one of the most valuable resources for healthy living in Alabama. Ɣ Through their dedication and commitment we work together for happier, healthier communities. Ɣ Please support these practitioners and businesses who are making a difference.
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rom freshly picked cherries to moonlit hikes, summer offers endless free gifts. Its lingering daylight reminds us to step outside, take a deep breath and savor life’s simple joys. “Summer is a time to enjoy the small things in life, which are often the sweetest,” counsels Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and founder of the online Simplicity School (Simplicity Journey.com). “Kids do this instinctively, like seeing who can throw a rock furtherest into the water. I’m happy just having a simple backyard dinner with friends, reading a book in a city park or paddling a canoe.” Here are some summer classics to expand our own “to savor” list. Feast on Earth’s bounty. Make the most of summer’s cornucopia of candysweet berries, rainbow-colored heirloom tomatoes and other natural treats abounding at local farmers’ markets. Get wet. Go skinny-dipping in a hidden creek, run through sprinklers in shorts or swimsuit or round up the neighborhood kids for a trip to a local water park, lake or public pool. Water games like Marco Polo and underwater tea parties never grow old, even for grown-ups. Commune with creatures. Who can resist the winking lightning bugs, flickering dragonflies and songs of an evening insect chorus? Summer immerses us in nature. See how many animals that eagle-eyed friends and family members can spot during visits to area parks and preserves. Read by sunlight. The pleasure of reading heightens with natural light and fresh air. Pick an easy read to take to the beach or a hammock with sunglasses and a glass of herbal sun tea. Celebrate community. ‘Tis the season for free local festivals, picnic con-
certs, open-air movies and state fairs. Invite a friend or make a Dutch treat of it, even organize an informal potlatch block party. Take a day trip. Consider the healthy dose of activities that exist close to home. Delightful discoveries await the curious when traveling by local waterway, walking trail or bicycle path. Map a flexible route, allowing ample time for unexpected stops. Try something new. Summer is a chance to be adventurous. Step into a bright, pastel shirt or tropical sundress, and then revel in the compliments. Move from an indoor exercise routine to a free yoga class in a shady park and test ride a standup paddleboard. Look up. Summer skies offer more drama than daytime TV. Perch on the porch at sunrise, sunset or before a thunderstorm rolls in. On a clear calm night, lie back on a blanket and trace constellations while watching for shooting stars and meteor showers. Capture memories. Gather a pocketful of seashells, press wildflowers from special spots, make breadand-butter pickles from the garden and print favorite snapshots to spark happy summer memories any time of the year. Do nothing. In the midst of so many marvelous options, we can also give ourselves permission to cancel our own plans on a whim and just do nothing. Simple daydreaming can lead to good ideas and inner rhapsodies. Summer is the best time to just be. “Try to not to plan more than one thing in a day this summer,” advises Luhrs. “Otherwise, you’ll end up cutting short activities to rush off to the next thing instead of enjoying what’s already in front of you.” Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
calendarofevents WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
SUNDAY, JULY 7
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Flames For Freedom: Night Iron Pour & Fire Show – 7pm. Celebrate our independence with a fire show and molten hot iron. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a cooler to enjoy the festivities. You will also have the chance to make your own metal art. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St North, Birmingham, AL 35222. Sloss Furnaces.com.
Jazz in the Park—On Purpose Featuring Dwight Houston, Roland Gresham, Pedro Moore – 6-9pm. Admission free. Wiggins Park & Recreation Center, 3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-616-1735.
Race—Are We So Different? Film Series: The Power of an Illusion: The Story We Tell – 6:30pm. The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th century science that legitimized it, and how it came to be held so fiercely in the western imagination. McWane Science Center, 200 19th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-714-8300.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Learning Indian Cuisine with Chef “E” – 6pm. This program provides a great introduction to the slow food movement’s philosophy of homegrown ingredients, and family participation in meal preparation. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. Reservations required. Contact Leslie West, 205-332-6620 or lwest@bham.lib.al.us.
Jazz in the Park—Lao Tizer, Kim Scott – 6-9pm. Admission free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-616-1735. Thunder on the Mountain 2013 –9pm. Firework show over Vulcan Park. For the best viewing experience, make sure you have a clear view of Vulcan. Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, UAB campus, among others. For safety purposes, Vulcan Park itself will close at 6pm. Freedom Fest – 5-7pm, car show; 6-9pm, music & entertainment; 9pm, grand fireworks show. Admission free. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, 100 Ben Chapman Dr, Hoover, AL 35244. 205-739-7361 or 205-739-7362.
SATURDAY, JULY 6 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. Admission free. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Let us know to expect you: 205-637-0299 or email info@EMBODYBirmingham.com. EMBODY birmingham.com. 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. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with mjpittenger@gmail.com. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Southeastern Outings Sunday Stroll and Swim 1pm. An easy, fun short Sunday stroll with long swim and small, natural waterslide in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve near Pinson. Meet at Pinson Chevron Station, 6700 State Highway 79 North. For additional important info, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com.
MONDAY, JULY 8
TUESDAY, JULY 9 The Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club – 6:30pm. Join us as we explore the world of slow food with Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
FRIDAY, JULY 12 The A,B,C’s of Medicare – 12pm and 6pm. 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. Outdoor Summer Concert Series—Hunter Lawley Band – 7:30-9:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show. Admission free; rain or shine. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 205-978-4678.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 Contentment in Everyday Life – 7-9pm on 5 Wednesday evenings beginning July 10. This course provides an exploration of genuine contentment, the foundational views of the Buddhist teachings, and meditation in action for daily life. Cost: $75 (or whatever you can afford). Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. Please register at Birmingham. Shambhala.org.
Native Ferns & Their Relatives –8:30am12:30pm. This course will examine the life cycle of ferns and highlight typical characteristics of major fern families. Common Alabama ferns will be spotlighted with special focus on their identification, ecology, culture, and landscape uses. $40 Members/$45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. BBGardens.org.
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If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is—infinite. ~William Blake natural awakenings
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Trussville City Fest – 9am. The 33-year-old festival located in the heart of historic Trussville features vendors, food, activities for the kids, entertainment by local bands, and much more. Admission free. The Mall in Trussville, 125 South Mall, Trussville, AL 35173. 205-655-7535. Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am. Join Becca Impello for the third of a 4-part series. Low Back Basics with additional poses to open the hips. $35 per class. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Becca at SOSYoga.com. Southeastern Outings Easy River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike – 9:30am. An easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Float and walk in the river from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls. Depart from the Cleveland Chevron. For additional important info, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com.
Food Integrated Training With Jennifer Cole Conn – 6pm. Learn how easy it is to prepare foods at home so that you can control the amount of sodium, sugar, fats in your diet and take back control of your life. Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620. Jones Valley Teaching Farm – 6:15-7:15pm. Learn about community gardening, plant something to take home, and eat local produce. Admission free. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6619. Homewood PublicLibrary.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 19 Childrens Yoga Teacher Training – 4-8pm, July 19; 8am-5pm, July 20; 10am-4pm, July 21. Ajeet Khalsa. For yoga teachers, school teachers, therapists, parents, and anyone interested in sharing the joy of yoga and health with children. Learn more at BirminghamYoga.com.
SUNDAY, JULY 14 Jazz in the Park—Goodfellas, Tina Wilson, Fred Spraggins – 6-9pm. Admission free. W.C. Patton Park. 3969 14th Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35234. 205-616-1735.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Turning Trash Into Treasure: Backyard Composting and Vermiculture – 9am-12pm. Have composting questions? Join us for an informative workshop discussing the basics of backyard and worm composting. Please register by Monday, July 15. $10. ACES Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-879-6964x10. ACES.edu. Leesall@auburn.edu.
SATURDAY, JULY 20 UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Presents Nite Market – 4pm. Buy produce from local farmers markets while enjoying live music, food from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and craft brews from Good People Brewing Co. Admission free. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 Tenth Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-2787. AlysStephens.org.
SUNDAY, JULY 21 Jazz in the Park—Kenneth Williams, T.A.D. of Jazz, Jose Carr – 6-9pm. Admission free. Ensley Park and Recreation Center, 2800 Avenue K, Birmingham, AL 35218. 205-616-1735.
THURSDAY, JULY 18 The Color Of Healthcare – 6-9pm. Join us for a panel discussion that explores how historic and contemporary views of race affect medical research and healthcare delivery. Admission free. McWane Science Center, 200 19th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-714-8300. McWane.org.
Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace. ~Albert Schweitzer
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MONDAY, JULY 22 “Green” Feng Shui with Katie Rogers 6pm. Certified feng shui consultant Katie Rogers advises on how to live “greener” by giving solutions that instill respect for the Earth. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 Master Food Preparation Class – 10am-3pm, July 24-25. How to prepare and preserve vegetables and fruit in season. The second day will consist of preparing and enjoying a meal from preserved food. $20. ACES Food Safety, Preparation & Preservation, Springhill Baptist Church, 5400 Hwy 278 W, Cullman, 35057. 256-737-9386. Rbs0005@auburn. edu. ACES.edu.
THURSDAY, JULY 25 Playing @ the Plaza—Flying Jenny – 6:30pm. Flying Jenny is an old-time string band that plays American music that is the precursor to bluegrass and country. Admission free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-4447821. HooverLibrary.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 26 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. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com., EMBODYbirmingham.com. Land Aid –7pm. The event will be held at Avondale Brewery and will feature local music. All proceeds will benefit the Freshwater Land Trust. Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. For tickets, call 205-417-2777 or email info@fwlt.org.
SATURDAY, JULY 27 Southeastern Outings Short Hikes and Long Swims – 8am. Join us for short, moderately easy hikes to two waterfalls on South Caney Creek and Hubbard Creek. We’ll swim at both of the falls, which are very lovely. Meet 8am at the Kmart Green Springs or 9:30am at Jacks Double Springs. For additional important info, contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com. Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am. Join Becca Impello for the last of a 4-part series. Advancing your yoga practice while protecting and nourishing your low back. $35 per class. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, register with Becca at SOSYoga.com.
SUNDAY, JULY 28 Jazz in the Park—N’Fusion Featuring James Crumb Jr, Left Field, Soul Collaboration – 6-9pm. Admission free. East Lake Park, 1st Ave North & Oporto-Madrid Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-616-1735.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 Better Than Therapy Book Club – 2pm. Join us as we discuss Laura Moriarty’s The Chaperone. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.
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. Becca Impello. An all levels yoga practice 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. Kundalini Yoga – 12:30-1:30pm. Christine S.A. An all-levels class emphasizing breathing, meditation and chanting. Origin of these kundalini sets are from Yogi Bhajan. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. 7-Week Series for Runners– 5:30-6:45pm, Mondays through July 29. Jennifer Howell. $15 class. This 7-week series for all levels will focus on what runners need most to keep them limber, flexible, run more efficiently, and stay injury-free. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com. Basic Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Karen. A good class for newcomers and those that like an gentler slower practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.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.
Restorative Yoga – 6:45-8pm. Bliss Wood. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.
Yoga All Levels – 6-7:30pm. Lauren Brown. 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. 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. 256-637-4228. Birmingham Yoga.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. Pilates in the Park – 7am. Donation-based mat class to get your day started. Suggested donation $5. Make sure to bring a mat and some water. Rhodes Park, Highland Ct South, Birmingham, AL 35205. For more info, please contact info@pilateson highland.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. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Michelle. A vigorous class for those with a strong yoga practice. Get your heart rate up while you move deeper into your practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.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.
Yoga for Fertility – 7-8pm. Michelle. Aids in fertility by helping to reduce stress, balance hormones, and improve the flow of energy (or prana) in the body. Physically assists the body to prepare for and improve the chances of pregnancy. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.com.
wednesday Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am. Akasha. 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. Appropriate for all levels. $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. For those with limited mobility 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. EMBODYbirmingham.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. A flowing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. No prior yoga experience needed. Physician’s approval required. Please register through UAB at tgw318@ uab.edu or 205-934-5772. PH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Rd #211, Birmingham, AL 35243.
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Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Nancy Roberts. Prenatal class focussing on the gentle needs of a pregnant woman’s body to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for the miracle of birth. A doctor’s waiver is required for all new students. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.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. 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. 205-988-2938. EarthFare.com.
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.
Farm Stands on the Railroad – 4-7:30pm. Are you looking for a good place to buy fresh produce during the week? If so, stop by Railroad Park. Farm House of Homewood and Grow Alabama will be on site every Thursday evening. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.
Basic Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Emily. A good class for newcomers and those that like an gentler slower practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.com. Beginner’s Yoga – 6-7:30pm. 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. Lauren Brown. 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.
If the doors of perception
were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is—infinite. ~William Blake
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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 – 5:45-7pm. A flowing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. No prior yoga experience needed. Physician’s approval required. To register, contact teri.hoenemeyer@ccc. uab.edu. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODY birmingham.com. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Michelle. A vigorous class for those with a strong yoga practice. Get your heart rate up while you move deeper into your practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.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.
friday Pranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:157:30am. Akasha. 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. Gentle Flow Yoga – 12-1pm. Karen. Gentle Flow is designed for those who prefer a less vigorous class. It includes gentle stretches and breathing as well as simple movements to systematically increase the range of motion, strength and flexibility. McMinn
Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail. com. McMinnClinic.com. Yoga for Body Maintenance – 1:15-2:15pm. Not a fully guided practice, but more of a semi-private instruction. 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. Slow Flow Yoga– 9:15-12:15am. An all levels class which is designed to move gracefully at a slower pace, holding postures and slowing down the movement in order to experience and explore the alignment and benefits of each posture. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.com. Pilates Arc Class – 9:15am. Utilizes Pilates mat exercises to connect to your core mentally and physically. We move through a variety of exercises using the Pilates Arc to challenge our body to connect deeper and discover the true meaning of core. Requires prior Pilates experience. $25. Pilates on Highland, 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com. 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. Prenatal Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Michelle. Offers a safe and supportive environment for both expectant and new mothers. Postures in this class are modified, and help ease pregnancy and delivery by building strength, creative flexibility, and emphasizing proper breathing. Doctor’s release required. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. SweetOmYoga@hotmail.com. McMinnClinic.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.
communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com to request our media kit. 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.
CHIROPRACTIC 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.
COLON HYDROTHERAPY HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPY 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 MondayFriday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
FAMILY MEDICINE BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth 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.
COUNSELING SYDNE STONE Licensed Professional Counselor AAMFT, Clinical Member 2116 Rocky Ridge Rd Birmingham, AL 35216 205-492-7760 SydneStoneCounseling@gmail.com SydneStoneCounseling.com With 25 years of experience, Sydne Stone has been successful in helping people in several areas including Life Stage Adjustments, Grief, Divorce, Anxiety, Work and Career, Stress, Self-esteem, Addictions and Co-Dependency, Couple and Family Therapy and Coping with Chronic Illness.
HOOVER ALT MD Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D. 3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 HooverAltMD.com 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."
ENERGY HEALING 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-bodyspirit, 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.
FELDENKRAIS (SOMATIC EDUCATION) JENNIFER ROWLEY, LMT # 1039 Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner 1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-595-3671 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
July 2013
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FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS
MASSAGE THERAPY
OFF THE VINE ORGANIC PRODUCE
JUDY BOWLES LMT #556, NMT
Serving Birmingham and Montgomery 850-374-2181 Support@OffTheVine.org OfftheVine.org
1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-563-5839 HeyJudy99@gmail.com
All organic—all the time! We bring the farmers market to you. Check our new selection every Friday and pick up the following week. Pick up or delivery available.
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.
HOLISTIC HEALING INTEGRATIVE HEALING
STEPHEN WADE, LMT #2390
Rama S. Khalsa, LMT #238, DAC 1025 23rd Street South Suite 205 Birmingham, AL. 35205 205-329-1272 Ramask10@gmail.com
1025 23rd St. South Suite 205B Birmingham, AL 35205 205-792-1967
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.
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.
HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT
NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS
JOAN SCOTT LOWE Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-939-0071 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com 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!
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 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
It may well be that a society’s greatest madness seems normal to itself. ~Alan Bloom 30
Birmingham
NABirmingham.com
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.
PSYCHOLOGICAL KINESIOLOGY TRANSCENDING WISDOM Terry Lowry, PSYCH-K Facilitator 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650 Birmingham, AL 35209 TrancendingWisdom.com 205-414-7559 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 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.
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natural awakenings
July 2013