Natural Awakenings January 2015 by Natural Awakenings of Va's Blue Ridge

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WHOLE SYSTEMS HEALTH

It’s All About Metabolism and a Healthy Lifestyle

ENERGY BOOSTERS

Four Ways to Recharge

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Embrace the Real You

INDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES Fun and Health for Everyone

January 2015 | Virginia’s Blue Ridge Edition | NABlueRidge.com

letterfromthepublisher contact us Publisher Tracy Garland Publisher@NABlueRidge.com Editor Karen Adams Marketing & Advertising Bonnie Cranmer Bonnie@BlueRidgeGreenMedia.com Design & Production Courtney Ayers Karen Garland, Graphic Design Distribution Leigh Anne Woods distribution@nablueridge.com To contact Natural Awakenings Virginia’s Blue Ridge Edition:

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© 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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appy New Year! This is the time for making resolutions to develop new healthy routines and to break unproductive habits or patterns of thinking. This month’s Natural Awakenings has some great information to help you start the new year on the right foot! Our Community Spotlight this month features indoor activities in the area to give you ideas for healthy family fun this winter. Our feature article details how important our metabolism is to our whole system health. Our Healing Ways article on energy boosters is one of my favorites. It describes simple ways to increase energy. Surprisingly, time and relationship management play a key role. Diet and exercise can as well. Area physician Dr. Eduardo Castro weighs in with his outlook and advice on which foods to avoid and which ones to seek out to promote optimal energy production. Perfectionism has been a struggle for me and many others that I know, and having a perfectionist attitude can be counterproductive. Not only that, but mastering your perfectionist tendencies can help improve relationships, health and happiness. Our Inspiration article tells you why. I love simple articles with pros and cons of different types of products, and our piece on eco-friendly floors offers descriptions of the greenest options for underfoot. Even if you’re not looking at flooring now, you may be in the future, or you may simply want to know more about the flooring where you and your family members work and live. If you’re like me and constantly concerned about how much time your kids spend with their electronic devices (“Put down your tablet and go outside!” Sound familiar?), then you’ll appreciate our Healthy Kids feature. “An App a Day” reviews alternative, fun, visual learning computer apps for kids that also teach them the ways and means of a healthy lifestyle. January is a slow month for activities and events, and is the perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. But don’t forget to live in the present. As John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” I hope your new year brings you peace and prosperity! This year, please be sure to visit our advertisers and let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings.

Happy New Year! Tracy Garland, Publisher

contents 4 newsbriefs 7 nonprofit

8 9 10

12 14 15 16 18 20 25 28

spotlight healthbriefs globalbriefs community spotlight blueridge greentravel ecotip inspiration greenliving healthykids healingways calendar resource directory

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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.

10 INDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES Fun and Health for Everyone by Karen Adams

12 BLUE RIDGE

GREEN TRAVEL Virginia Green Travel Awards

by Anne Piedmont

15 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU When ‘Good Enough’ Is Perfect by Elizabeth Lombardo

16 ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORS

Sustainable Beauty Underfoot by Avery Mack

18 AN APP A DAY

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NABlueRidge.com. Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.

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Keep Kids Engaged in Healthy Living

20 ENERGY

BOOSTERS Four Ways to Recharge by Kathleen Barnes

22 IT’S ALL ABOUT METABOLISM Getting to the Root Cause of Disease

by Linda Sechrist

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January 2015

newsbriefs CHP Named Nonprofit of the Year

C Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley assembly plant in Dublin, Va., in November became carbon neutral in its electricity use.

Volvo Truck Plant Now Carbon Neutral

he electric power used by Volvo’s New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin is now carbon neutral. As of November, 100 percent of the plant’s electricity is generated by methane gas produced at 13 landfills in the region. The fossil fuels previously used to generate the NRV plant’s electricity in 2013 produced 40,408 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Volvo’s electricity provider now uses landfill gas to produce power for the plant that otherwise would have required fossil fuels to produce. “We are proud that Volvo’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond producing fuel-efficient trucks,” says Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “Our customers can be assured that we strive for energy efficiency every step of the way.” Carbon neutral electricity is the latest milestone in the NRV plant’s commitment to sustainability. Plant management and employees have worked to identify and implement various initiatives to reduce the plant’s CO2 footprint through energy efficiency. Some results include capturing solar heat absorbed on an exterior wall of the plant to provide heating and removing the lighting from vending machines throughout the plant. These initiatives resulted in a reduction of energy intensity by 30 percent. The NRV plant’s energy conservation efforts have been recognized with certification under both ISO 50001 standards and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Superior Energy Platinum (SEP) program, the top international and U.S. certifications for driving continuous improvements in energy efficiency. For more information, visit VolvoGroup.com.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

ommunity Housing Partners (CHP) was named Nonprofit of the Year 2014 by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting and awards dinner held on December 4 at The Inn at Virginia Tech. More than 400 attendees came for the event, which highlights local businesses and individuals for their work to improve the quality of life for the local business community. Headquartered in Christiansburg, CHP has worked for 40 years with private and public partners to develop, design, build, manage and sell affordable housing; promote resident self-sufficiency through education and services; and deliver energy conservation training and contracting work in the Southeast. “CHP has a long-standing tradition of both practicing and fostering environmental, economic and social responsibility, so it is a great honor to be recognized by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce as a partner in the creation of strong and sustainable communities,” says CHP Director of Development Kimberly Strahm. “Because CHP is locally based and our staff has developed strong relationships in this community, there will always be a unique focus on service to Montgomery County.” The local concentration of activities includes affordable housing development, as well as homeownership, energy conservation and resident services. The award nomination process was open to Chamber of Commerce members and non-members; nominees are vetted by a committee composed of chamber members. The Chamber serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County and supports approximately 700 local businesses through educational, marketing and networking opportunities. For more information, visit CommunityHousingPartners.org.

Tai Chi Offerings in January and February

lexandria Pederson, of the Centers of Light and Love, in Roanoke, is offering two tai chi workshops in January and weekly tai chi classes starting in February. All are welcome. Stepping Workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on January 10. Participants will learn a gentle and smooth way to step and move. Pederson will teach one breathing pattern and several walking patterns. Tai Chi for Relaxation Workshop will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on January 27. Participants will learn techniques for improved balance and breathing, and will practice guided visualization to improve relaxation and sleep. Weekly tai chi classes will start in February, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Fridays. Students may attend one or both classes. The first of each class (February 3 and 6) will be free. Participants should wear flat, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing and bring water. “Tai chi is a relaxing, fluid movement to assist you in choosing peace and harmony, and releasing stress,” Pederson says. “Some of the many benefits of tai chi are improved strength and balance, reduced pain and stiffness, enhanced sleep and improvement to your immune system.” Cost: $15 per workshop; $12 per class (first two in February are free). Location: Centers of Light and Love, 1420 Third St. SW, Roanoke. For more information, call 540-588-0788, email CelebrationOfLight@gmail.com or visit AlexandriaPederson.com. See Community Resource Directory, page 29.

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Researchers Find Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Cancer

Local Roots Wins Green Restaurant Award

irginia Tech researchers have found that a protein responsible for regulating the body’s sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm, also protects the body from developing sporadic forms of cancers. “The protein, known as human period 2, has impaired function in the cell when environmental factors, including sleep cycle disruption, are altered,” says Carla Finkielstein, an associate professor of biological sciences in the College of Science, Fralin Life Science Institute affiliate and a Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Fellow. Specifically, researchers found that, when unaltered, the human period 2 protein directly interacts with tumor suppressor proteins in cells to control cell division. “When [human period 2 protein] is non-functional because it is either mutated or somehow modified, then it is unable to do its job and prevent the cells from dividing at certain times of the day,” Gotoh says. “This is particularly a problem in cases where tumor suppressor genes are mutated as it happens in more than 80 percent of all cancer cases.” The researchers observed the connection by studying various human and animal tumor cells, where repressing the human period 2 gene led to both abnormal circadian rhythmicity and a malignant transformation. Researchers are now working with patients to identify those at risk of developing cancer due to the malfunctioning of the protein and the gene that produces it. Results from these studies may help develop new, more effective prevention strategies for populations at risk due to circadian disruption. For more information, visit VTNews.vt.edu/ Articles/2014/12/120314-Fralin-CircadianRhythm.html.

ocal Roots, a farm-to-table restaurant located in Roanoke’s Grandin Village area, was recently awarded the Virginia Green Travel Star Award for the 2014 Green Restaurant of the Year. The 2014 Virginia Green Diane Elliot accepts the award Travel Star Awards were anfrom Tom Griffin of Virginia Green nounced at the Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference in December. This is the fifth year the awards have been given out. Recipients are those Virginia tourism businesses that have distinguished themselves by embracing green practices in their operations and supporting green tourism efforts in Virginia. Diane Elliot, owner of Local Roots, says, “We work to be transparent on everything we buy, cook and serve to our customers.” According to Elliot, the restaurant’s operation includes a number of factors that were considered in the award application, including: • Working with the city of Roanoke to recycle all glass, paper and plastic waste • Composting kitchen scraps for use in the restaurant’s garden • Monitoring the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to optimize energy usage • Using local, organic, sustainably produced foods • Decorating with locally produced and/or upcycled furnishings and decor • Eliminating the use of ingredients containing GMOs Elliot says the restaurant plans to reapply for the award next year. “We will go deeper and continue to improve. It’s all about living harmoniously with the earth and everything on it.” For more information on the Virginia Green Awards, see this month’s Blue Ridge Green Travel article on page 12. For information about Local Roots, see ad on page 18 and Community Resource Guide, page 29. Also see ad on page 24.

Roanoke County Parks Recognized with Four State Awards

oanoke County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism recently received four awards at the Virginia Recreation and Park Society’s annual conference, held at the Homestead Resort. The County was recognized for excellence in special events with an award for the Roanoke Zombie 5K race, as well as excellence in environmental sustainability for the public information campaign “The World Is Not Your Ashtray.” The department was also recognized for outstanding promotional efforts, including a Green Ridge Recreation Center video production and a facility rental brochure. More than 100 applications were received for awards in 14 categories. Judged by a jury of peers, Roanoke County was among the most awarded organizations this year. According to Parks, Recreation and Tourism director Doug Blount, this year’s strong showing was a positive reflection on the community. “These awards demonstrate our dedication to improving quality of life by providing engaging recreational opportunities for our citizens,” he says. “We’re proud to offer such a diverse selection of program offerings, and we’re proud of the hard working staff and volunteers that make them possible.” Awards presented to Roanoke County at the conference include: Best New Special Event : Roanoke Zombie 5K; Best New Environmental Sustainability: “The World Is Not Your Ashtray” Campaign; Best Promotional Effort (Specialty): Green Ridge Fun, Family, Fitness TV Ad; and Best Promotional Effort (Traditional): Facility Rental Guide. For more information, call Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism at 387-6078 or visit RoanokeCountyParks.com. natural awakenings

January 2015

newsbriefs Appalachian Sustainable Development Celebrates 20 Years

ppalachian Sustainable Development, a nonprofit whose mission is to mission is to “grow food, communities and opportunities to build a thriving Appalachia” is 20 years old in 2015. In 2014, ASD achieved the following milestones:

• 124,000 pounds of produce was donated to food pantries through its Healthy Families / Families Farms program • 15,000 pounds of food was grown in home-based gardens for those in need through its Grow Your Own program • 70 farmers sold their products through its food hub, Appalachian Harvest and Rooted in Appalachia • 186 farmers have increased their farms’ viability by participating in food safety training provided by ASD and its partners • 85 low-income participants enjoyed fresh food and friendships through its Garden Box Project

ASD will continue to work with higher education, industry, health care, public health, extension, buyers, farmers and others. ASD’s plans for 2015 include promoting a collective impact model that represents “the commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a complex social problem.” In this case, the complex social problem is food systems and specifically how to move food from farms to tables so that it is profitable for farmers and accessible and affordable to those in need. ASD has three fundraisers currently planned for 2015, including the Local Love Fundraiser in February, the 5th Annual Farm to Fork Gala in June and the Bluegrass and BBQ event in September. For more information, visit ASDevelop.org.

Virginia Tech green building class benefits area organizations

partnership between a Virginia Tech sustainable biomaterials class, the Giles County Technology Center and Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley enabled the college students to develop teaching materials on green building Virginia Tech students explain green building for high school students. concepts to visiting high school students. High school students at the technology center are creating a house for Habitat for Humanity. School officials and representatives from Habitat for Humanity met with Daniel Hindman, associate professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, to discuss how to incorporate green building practices into the house. Hindman volunteered to have students in his Green Building Systems course provide lessons for the high school students. The VT students created models, posters and interactive displays to demonstrate green building concepts. They addressed energy use, disaster protection, green building, material life cycle planning, passive house concepts and construction details of floors, roofs and walls. “I realized this was a great project to get my students involved in,” Hindman says. “They demonstrated what they had learned over the course of the semester by creating teaching modules to educate the high school students.” Students and teachers from the Giles County Technology Center and Christiansburg High School came to the VT campus last month. They visited LumenHaus, Virginia Tech’s award-winning 600-square-foot solar home, and Hindman’s class, where his students gave presentations and demonstrated the models they created. “The visitors learned how the concepts of sustainability and making efficient decisions are the future of the building construction industry,” Hindman says. For more information, visit CNRE.VT.Edu.

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nonprofitspotlight

Growing Goodwill: Community Gardening Takes Root by Karen Adams

ast year, when the nonprofit Roanoke Community Garden Association (RCGA) and Goodwill Industries of the Valleys came together to found the Growing Goodwill Community Garden, the project quickly took root and grew. Located on the corner of 24th Street and Salem Turnpike, in Roanoke, the garden consists of 30 square plots available to those who don’t have a place to have a garden. Among the families registered for garden plots, some were first-time gardeners. But some were very experienced. RCGA founder Mark Powell was pleasantly surprised when nearly half the gardeners who showed up were originally from Burundi. “It was really remarkable,” Powell says. “We knew there were a lot of folks living nearby in apartments who were from Burundi, and it turns out that many of them grew their own food back home. So they naturally were interested.” They told him how grateful they were to have the space, as gardening had been a big part of their lives, he says. For 2015, prospective gardeners are asked to register during January online at RCGA’s website, RoanokeCommunityGarden.org. Spaces are allotted on a first come, first served basis. Many gardeners are planning to return, but there will be a few spaces open at each of the six RCGA gardens across the community, Powell says. The future looks bright for the entire organization. At the Goodwill garden, there is another half-acre to develop in addition to the community spaces already established. “We are working to design a food forest there,” says Powell, who will team up with neighborhood residents, horticulturists, permaculture experts, master gardeners, a botanist and Goodwill staff to create it. “We have a lot of talent with people who understand what we’re trying to put together.” He explains that a food forest replicates what a forest looks like. “Basically in a forest you see a large, tall canopy of trees, with smaller trees under

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Goodwill Gardens 2014

those, then shrubs and bushes, berries and nuts,” he says. “It’s about getting all those plants to interact: some need shade, others need sun, and you need to know which plants grow well together.” He adds that the team of experts will advise on plants that will grow well in this climate, and that are drought-tolerant and resistant to pests and disease. In 2015, there will be some exciting new developments. Of RCGA’s six public gardens, two are school gardens. A third and possibly a fourth school garden will be added this year. Other RCGA plans include a beekeeping course for kids, continuing programs with Acts 2 Ministry and the West End Center for Youth, and eventually a public orchard in a city park. RCGA also works with local farmers’ markets as well as school staff to get locally grown food to more tables, for young and old. “There is so much good stuff going on right now,” Powell says. “It’s exciting to see how many different ways these gardens are helping people.” For more information, call Roanoke Community Garden Association at 540-904-3122 or visit RoanokeCommunityGarden.org. See Community Resource Directory, page 30.

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January 2015

healthbriefs

Eucalyptus Oil Inhibits Spread of TB

any of the natural compounds in the essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora may prevent the airborne spread of the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), according to a study from the Institute for Tuberculosis Research at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. Several of the compounds in the eucalyptus oil inhibited the airborne spread of the infection by 90 percent, while the major component of the oil was only weakly active, at 18 percent. The scientists used an array of analytical laboratory tests to measure the airborne spread of TB from contagious patients. They also identified 32 active airborne compounds within the essential oil of eucalyptus and studied the impact of the interaction of multiple components in artificial mixtures. The researchers undertook the study because “the rapid emergence of extensively and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has created a pressing public health problem… and represents a new constraint in the already challenging disease management of TB.”

YOGA BREATHING HELPS ILL KIDS’ LUNGS

esearchers from Brazil’s University of São Paulo have found that hatha yoga breathing exercises can significantly improve lung function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease that often ends in premature death from respiratory failure. The average age of the 26 children that completed the study was 9-and-a-half years old. Participants were taught how to perform hatha yoga breathing exercises and instructed to perform them three times a day for 10 months. The researchers performed spirometry [breathing] tests before, during and after the study period. At the end of the 10 months of practice, the scientists found the breathing exercises improved both the children’s forced vital capacity (the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration) and forced expiratory volume in one second (the volume of air that can forcibly be exhaled in one second after full inspiration).

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

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Low Magnesium Levels Linked to Kidney Disease

study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that people with low levels of magnesium in their blood have a significantly greater risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers correlated the blood levels of magnesium in 13,226 people ages 45 to 65 with the incidence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease among them. Subjects that had blood serum magnesium levels below what is generally considered the normal range (0.7–1 millimole per liter) were associated with a 58 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease and a 139 percent increased risk of endstage renal disease. Abnormally low levels of magnesium may result from a number of conditions, including inadequate intake of serum magnesium due to chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, alcoholism, chronic stress and the use of medications such as diuretics. Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, avocados, bananas and figs.

Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values are in balance. ~Brian Tracy

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

Safer Groceries Landmark Food Law Being Enforced The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has reached a settlement agreement (Tinyurl. com/FoodSettlementAgreement) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that sets firm deadlines for the agency to fully enact the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. A federal court will maintain supervision to ensure FDA compliance. CFS senior attorney George Kimbrell, who led the case, says, “The first major update to our food safety laws since 1938 must now be implemented in a closed-ended, timely fashion. That means safer food for American families.” Congress passed the law to combat the epidemic of food-borne illnesses affecting one in six Americans annually. After repeated delays, the FDA must now comply with the following court-overseen schedule to implement the final rules: preventative controls for human and animal food (8/30/2015); imported food and foreign suppliers (10/31/2015); produce safety (10/31/2015); food transportation (3/31/2016); and intentional adulteration of food (5/31/2016). Source: CenterForFoodSafety.org

Water Cartons Paper Can Easily Replace Plastic The Boxed Water is Better company was launched in 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to provide a more sustainable alternative to the ubiquitous plastic containers that are made from petroleum products, have big carbon footprints and clog U.S. landfills. Boxed Water containers resemble milk cartons and are far more sustainable because about 75 percent of the box comes from a renewable resource—trees in certified, well-managed forests—and are completely recyclable. The company uses reverse osmosis and carbon filters for its purified drinking water from the municipal source at the location of their filling plant, and then ships the product to retailers via the shortest route to curtail the transportation footprint. Boxed Water has partnered with 1% for the Planet to help with world water relief, reforestation and environmental protection projects, benefiting both humanitarian and environmental efforts. For more information, visit BoxedWaterIsBetter.com.

Om-Based Care Holistic Healers Reach Out to the Underserved An annual report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that up to 33 percent of uninsured people are avoiding needed treatment for economic reasons. Lifestyle changes and natural remedies like yoga and massage therapy can be highly effective when treating conditions such as high blood pressure, depression or aching joints, and groups nationwide are making these modalities more affordable for everyone. At California’s Healing Clinic Collective (HealingClinicCollective. Wordpress.com), in Oakland, women receive a day of free holistic health care—from acupuncture to massage therapy and nutritional counseling— and discounted rates for follow-up appointments. The Third Root Community Health Center (ThirdRoot.org), in Brooklyn, helps arrange for acupuncturists, herbalists, Reiki practitioners and others to treat low-income people in New York City, especially community organizers and activists that are often overworked and lack the resources for these types of care. The Samarya Center (Samarya Center.org), in Seattle, Washington, uses revenue from its yoga studio to provide free yoga to critically ill patients served by the city’s Bailey-Boushay House and the local VA hospital, and also to patients with chronic pain at the Pike Place Medical Clinic, which treats many homeless and lowincome Seattle residents. Source: YES! magazine

natural awakenings

January 2015

communityspotlight

Relax with Reiki Improve your overall sense of well-being with: Amethyst Bio-Mat Bach Flower Remedies Young Living Essential Oils

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Indoor Winter Activities: Fun and Health for Everyone

(540) 397-1355 Ask me about my sliding scale senior discounts!

by Karen Adams

It’s easy to be outside and exercise in the spring, when the days are longer, warmer and brighter and the air carries the scent of growing things. But what about in the winter? Our New Year’s resolutions may be sincere, but when it’s cold and gray outside and we don’t have much energy, how can we keep those resolutions? Take heart. There are plenty of fun and healthy activities indoors in the Roanoke Valley. Bring the whole family!

Please join us for: greendrinks 2nd Wednesday of each month

5 to 7 pm

1327 Grandin Rd., SW Roanoke Info@GrandinCoLab.com

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Virginia’s Blue Ridge

The River Rock Climbing Wall, in Roanoke’s Wasena neighborhood, offers indoor rock climbing for all ages and levels of experience, in a fun and friendly environment. The facility has more than 4,500 square feet of climbing

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space with an average height of 12 feet and a peak height of 16 feet. There is an additional 4,000 square feet of roped climbing, with an average height of 30 feet and a maximum height of 37 feet. River Rock offers both group and individual lessons for beginners, classes on climbing and technique for beginners and experts alike, as well as yoga classes for strength, fitness and flexibility. For kids, a holiday camp will be held on January 19. “After School Rocks” sessions include instruction on stretching, team-building, balance, fitness and climbing. Memberships are also available. Location: 806 Wasena Ave., Ste. 100, Roanoke. For more information, call 540-685-2360 or visit RiverRockClimbing.com.

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Roanoke City Parks and Recreation offers many indoor fitness opportunities throughout the winter. There is a variety of unique yoga classes alone, such as vinyasa flow yoga, candlelight yoga, lunch time power yoga and standup paddleboard yoga, as well as line dancing, Pilates, cardio and Zumba, and a beginner’s boot camp. Martial arts classes are offered for adults and children, such as jow ga kung fu, which combines fluidity, speed, power and self-control of the mind and body. Aquatic fitness is a good aerobic workout for anyone with joint or back discomfort or an injury or disability, or for those who simply like the water. For more information, call 540-8532236 or visit PlayRoanoke.com.

Green Ridge Recreation Center, in Roanoke, is part of Roanoke County Parks and Recreation and features many of the same classes and activities, for children and adults, at other Roanoke County locations. In addition, it has a gym, which offers personal training, and pool. Memberships are available as well. Also, child care and activities are offered for kids while their parents take classes or work out in the gym. Special family events at Green Ridge include a Father-Daughter Dance on February 13 and a Glow Night at the indoor pool (swimming with glow sticks) on February 27. Location: Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7514 Wood Haven Rd., Roanoke. For more information, call 540-777-6300 or visit GreenRidgeRecreationCenter.com.

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first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Roanoke County Parks and Recreation also offers a variety of indoor classes for children and adults. Preschoolers can try Fitness ABC’s and gymnastics, in some cases with their moms. Kids of all ages can join Family Exercise 101, Kid Fit Boot Camp, and martial arts classes including karate and aikido. Group exercise is available for adults, from gentle to intense, includes barre, cycling, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, body enrichment, Jazzercise, Zumba and boot camps. Seniors can join such classes as Senior Fit, Regain Vitality, Eating for Health, Family Health from Within and Meditation. For more information, call 540-3876078 or visit RoanokeCountyParks.com.

The YMCA has always offered many activities for youth, true to the “Y” in its name. At its various locations around the area, there is something for its members of all ages, from preschool through high school: dance classes (including ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop), fencing, gymnastics, basketball, karate, soccer, music movement, strength training, kids’ marathon training and, of course, swim lessons. For adults, there are swim lessons, too, as well as such water activities as stand-up paddleboarding and stand-up paddleboard yoga. Other classes and programs include weight loss, boot camps, personal training and fitness, self-defense, racquetball, basketball, volleyball and self-defense. Child care is available as well. For more information, or visit YMCARoanoke.org.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

natural awakenings

January 2015

blueridgegreentravel

Second Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference and Awards by Anne Piedmont attendees take their green practices to the next level. The VGTA held an inaugural training and accreditation class for green meeting planners and conference and meeting sales teams at partner facilities. Another session featured renewable energy and cost-savings energy evaluation services, solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations. Members of the Virginia Green Suppliers Network introduced water-bottle filling stations and compostable products and systems. The Virginia Green display at the Travel Virginia Conference

he Virginia Green Travel Conference, held in December at the Science Museum of Virginia, in Richmond, lived up to its “green” promise. The conference and Green Travel Awards presentation is an opportunity for organizations, businesses and individuals involved in the travel industry to learn about and talk about—and even taste—green products and best practices. Now in its second year, the event was organized by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance, which is the non-profit organization formed last year to support and expand the marketing and outreach efforts of the Virginia Green Program. The program, in turn, is a partnership of the Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association. The choice of the science museum as the conference location set the tone for the two-day event. SMV was a 2012 Green Travel Award winner and continues to showcase green practices and projects. An electric car charging station sits in front of the museum entrance. Technical workshops offered at the conference focused on helping

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Four diverse Green Travel winners highlighted their green practices and provided a preview for the next day’s awards presentations. Their presentations included: • The Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which has Virginia Green restaurants working to recycle shells that are collected and used as breeding grounds for new oysters • The Hyatt Regency Reston’s innovative laundry technology, which saves water through the use of scrubbing beads instead of chemicals • The greening of Richmond’s festivals

to support Virginia Green and other good causes in conjunction with its promotion of tourism and travel experiences in Virginia. Founder Bonnie Cranmer introduced a fundraising effort, running until April 2015, which will feature products, services and travel packages for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. Day one of the conference concluded with a reception that spotlighted wines and beers from Virginia Green award-winning partners: North Gate Vineyard, DuCard Vineyards and Port City Brewing. A highlight of the Green Travel Conference was the presentation of the 2014 Virginia Green Travel Star Award winners. Roanoke restaurant Local Roots won the Green Restaurant of the Year award. The restaurant, which opened in its Grandin Village location in August 2010, is owned by Diane Elliot. It is a farm-totable restaurant with a philosophy of offering high-quality food that is sustainable, organic, local and ethical. Several other venues in the Blue Ridge region won Green Travel Leader Awards. They include the Clay Corner Inn, a boutique hotel in downtown Blacksburg, the Mountain Song Inn, a bed and breakfast in Floyd County, the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center, and Oak Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast near South Boston, which won for the second year in a row.

• North Gate Vineyard, a LEEDcertified, solar powered winery The conference marked the debut of the Roanoke-based Travel Virginia Experience, a new venture that aims to connect travelers in the Mid-Atlantic region to the destinations, events and communities where memories are made. Blog posts, podcasts and articles will dig into travelers’ true experiences. In addition, the Travel Virginia Experience is a Virginia Green media partner and sponsor. The new partnership encourages consumers

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The Travel Virginia Experience Display

• Richmond Multisports, Richmond

• Shadow Mountain Escape, Luray, Green Inn / Cabins of the Year

• Salamander Resort and Spa, Middleburg

• North Gate Vineyard, Purcellville, Green Winery of the Year

• Sandbridge Blue Realty, Virginia Beach

• Norfolk International Airport, Green Supporting Organization of the Year

• The Westin Richmond • University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg

• Natural Organic Process Enterprise, Richmond, Green Supplier of the Year

• Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach

The awards await their recipients

OTHER VIRGINIA GREEN TRAVEL STAR AWARDS ARE: • John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, Green Attraction of the Year

THE ADDITIONAL 2014 VIRGINIA GREEN TRAVEL LEADER AWARD WINNERS ARE: • Adventure Kayak Tours, Chesapeake

• Port City Brewing, Alexandria, Green Brewery of the Year • EnRichmond Foundation, Richmond, Green Event of the Year • Lorien Hotel & Spa, Alexandria, Green Hotel of the Year

• Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, Charlottesville

• Virginia Living Museum, Newport News Finally, three awards were given for Most Innovative Green Projects: Hyatt Regency Reston Laundry Project, Reston; Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, Richmond; and Inns at Montpelier Virginia Green Project, Montpelier. For more information, visit VirginiaGreenTravelAlliance.org.

• Blue Mountain Escape, Linden • Broad Appetit, Richmond • Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Richmond

Anne Piedmont is a writer and research associate based in Roanoke. For more information, visit PiedmontResearchAssociates.com. See ad, page 24.

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Super Suds Score Healthy and Eco-Friendly Points at Parties For healthy eaters, Super Bowl partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bent toward rich, calorie-laden foods compete with our desire to shed some holiday pounds and return to regular diet regimens. Whether supplying eco-beer selections for guests or bringing refreshments to a gathering, armchair players can score green points both in terms of natural ingredients and supporting the domestic economy and environment. Sierra Nevada Brewing Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plant in Chico, California, uses 10,000-plus solar panels and a large on-site water treatment facility for recycling and conserving water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the number one ingredient in brewing,â&#x20AC;? says Sustainability Manager Cheri Chastain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can generate more energy, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make water.â&#x20AC;? Other American microbrews deploy varied eco-solutions. Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BrewFarm, in Wilson, Wisconsin, for instance, obtains most of its energy via a wind-powered generator. Goats â&#x20AC;&#x153;mowâ&#x20AC;? the grass outside the Anderson Valley Brewing plant in Boonville, California. Odell Brewing Company, in Fort Collins, Colorado, practices waste reduction and recycling and uses renewable energy sources. The 100 percent wind-powered brewery also encourages employees to bike to work and/or carpool, and uses biodiesel-powered delivery trucks (the biodegradable fuel emits 78 percent less CO2 than standard fuel). Five of the 2014 Good Food Awardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; winning beersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; exceeding the criteria of recycling water, local sourcing and banning genetically modified ingredientsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria, Virginia; Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon; Bear Republic Brewing Co., Healdsburg, California; Victory Brewing Co., Downingtown, Pennsylvania; and Ninkasi Brewing Co., Eugene, Oregon (GoodFoodAwards.org). ChasingGreen.org offers information on many other U.S. craft breweries that operate in sustainable ways, including the Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, New York; New Belgium Beer, Fort Collins, Colorado; and the Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland, Ohio. If none of these brews is yet a current favorite, seek them out at a specialty beverage retailer that stocks from multiple regions in order to score a touchdown for us and the Earth. Some just may become part of local fansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first-string beverage â&#x20AC;&#x153;teamâ&#x20AC;? after the game is over.

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New Year, New You When â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Good Enoughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Is Perfect by Elizabeth Lombardo

oes it sometimes feel like if we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do something perfectly, why should we bother doing it at all? Perfectionism feeds on such an all-ornothing approach in following rigid self-imposed rules that can sabotage relationships, health and happiness. Instead, try adopting a â&#x20AC;&#x153;better than perfectâ&#x20AC;? mindset that embraces lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imperfections without guilt or shame. A clean enough house or a good enough job is in many ways better than perfect. Here are helpful approaches to reframe the internal discussion. Remember what matters. In planning a big birthday party for her husband, one wife was so stressed trying to manage every detail that she had to stop and ask herself: What is most importantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;having everything look perfect, or having a fun party they would enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives? Thinking about our values keeps things in perspective and perfectionism in check. Perfection isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t likable. We often try to be perfect to gain other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention and approval, but no one wants to be around a person trying to be someone they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. No oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is perfect. Social media often present idealized versions of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. Few post about fighting with their partner or coping with an unhappy infant; we most often hear about vacation

adventures and babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first word or step. We can avoid feelings of dissatisfaction by avoiding comparisons with others. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not failure, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s data. Rather than personalize a perceived failure, take it on as an opportunity. If a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution to work out more isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kept, ask why: Is the exercise location too far away or is the class schedule inconvenient? It feels better to adopt a more successful strategy than to beat ourself up about falling short. Perfectionism is a treadmill. People often think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy when I weigh this or achieve that,â&#x20AC;? always seeking the next level of self-improvement. Appreciating who we are right now is a path to happiness. Perfectionism is a learned behavior, and anything learned can be unlearned at any age. As we continue to strive for excellence, we can learn to embrace whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good. Take a perfectionist self-assessment quiz at Tinyurl.com/PerfectionismQuiz. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love plus A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. Connect at ElizabethLombardo.com.

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Linoleum is made from linseed oil, wood powder, resins and ground limestone. Mineral pigments provide rich color throughout, which prevents paler worn spots. A personalized pattern may include borders using linoleum sheets or tiles. It’s long-lasting, durable, fireresistant, biodegradable, has no harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) and repels dirt and dust. Note: Vinyl, made from unnatural chlorinated petrochemicals, won’t wear as well or last as long as linoleum.

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ruly good flooring is beautiful, practical and eco-friendly. The best choices may change from room-to-room, as well as with geography, depending on family needs. Here are some key factors to consider for an optimum installation.

Added Value–Hardwood Wood comes in many colors, polished to a high gloss or textured, and can be refinished when styles change. “Timber used to float downriver to the sawmill and not all of it arrived. We salvage logs from the bottom of the Penobscot River for flooring and other products,” says Tom Shafer,

co-owner of Maine Heritage Timber, in Millinocket. “Our wood is as fresh as the day it was cut decades ago.” Cold water preserves the resource and adds a natural patina. Removal of the estimated 700,000 cords of underwater wood will help restore the waterway’s natural eco-system. Note: Wood can scratch or dent and be susceptible to water damage. Even recycled wood might not be eco-friendly. “Wood reclaimed from manufacturing plants can contain machine oils, harsh chemical residue, lead paint or asbestos,” explains Shafer. “Know where it came from; follow the chain of evidence.”

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Long-Lasting–Tile Bottles recycled into glass tile reflect light, brightening smaller rooms like the bath. Long-lasting ceramic or porcelain tile has no VOCs, is easy to clean and won’t host germs, bacteria or dust mites. Note: Look for lead-free glazed tile. Glass tile may be cost-prohibitive for larger spaces. Most tile can be slick when wet; texturing increases safety.

Child-, Pet- and Elder-Friendly, Warm and Comfy–Cork Cork is lightweight, flexible and can mimic stone, granite, tile, marble and wood, while providing comfortable cushioning. “Cork assumes the ambient temperature in the room, keeping feet warmer. It holds up to dogs, too,” says Tim Tompkins, a Portuguese Cork Association committee member in Greenville, South Carolina. “Cork is both healthy for the consumer and sustainable for the environment.” Note: Due to its cushioning nature, heavy furniture or high-heeled shoes may make indentations.

Wood-Like and Sturdy–Bamboo The Great Imitator–Concrete Bamboo generally regrows in three to five years, is twice as hard as red oak and can be stained almost any color. Edge-grained bamboo, banded together, turns flooring into a statement. Note: “It’s shipped from Asia and may have formaldehyde glues and durability problems, so shop carefully,” advises David Bergman, a New York City green architect and author of Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide.

Long-Wearing Classic Look–Stone Travertine, limestone, granite, slate and marble are all stone flooring options. Stone can increase home value, has a classic look and is a piece of history that adds to any décor, although it’s not a renewable resource. Cork or non-petroleum-based laminated floors can give the look of stone without destroying an in-situ natural resource. Note: Large blocks of stone are cut at quarries and transported to processing plants, cut into slabs and transported to a processor to be cut again, shaped and polished before being shipped to the store—a big carbon footprint.

Easy-to-clean, durable concrete never needs to be replaced. Small repairs can be patched. Large repairs, such as a broken pipe beneath the surface, may require refinishing the entire floor to match the stain color. Some homeowners have created a faux rug using other stain colors to disguise the repaired area. Finishes can make concrete look like hardwood, painted tile, carpet, marble or granite, including terrazzo options. For an entryway, homeowners can design a custom welcome mat, perhaps

incorporating a family crest, monogram or motto. Finishes can be textured to varying degrees to increase foot traction. Note: Ensure the structure is sturdy enough to bear the extra weight of concrete. It feels cold underfoot in winter and cool in summer. Epoxy coatings don’t let concrete breathe, so any moisture emanating from the concrete slab will be trapped. Test for the moisturevapor emission rate; problem areas can include sections covered by furniture. Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

FUN FLOOR FACTS Mixed and matched floors create a planned flow in an open-concept house. Find fun ideas at Tinyurl.com/FlooringTransits. Most carpet is chemical-laden and not so health- or eco-friendly, although there are some exceptions. Sustainably produced handwoven wool rugs backed with jute are susceptible to the jute retaining spills and pet odors; its yellow-tan pigment also can color rug fibers. Jute eventually disintegrates, leaving clumps of unsecured wool fibers. In Portugal, bark is hand carved off the tree as cork, which is healthy for the tree. Trees are grown on protected land that also benefits insects and birds. NASA, Mercedes and BMW sometimes find cork a lightweight, durable replacement for steel. The Library of Congress has relied on its original cork flooring for 75 years. Kinetic energy from people dancing or walking on special flooring can light up the area and send energy back to the grid (see Joycott.com/energy-floors).

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n today’s technology-fueled society, kids spend many hours of their free time staring at smartphones or tablets instead of exploring nature, riding bikes or playing outdoor games with their friends. Rather than just imposing radical reductions in screen time, parents and caregivers can meet youngsters halfway by adding apps to their handheld devices that provide tips on healthy eating, exercise and behavior. Here are five that are fun for kids and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Super Stretch Yoga HD. Super Stretch is the primary character in this yoga adventure in which players are encouraged to, “Create a peaceful, balanced life by living a NAMASTE mission: Nothing is impossible; Always be honest; Make the world a better place; Act with kindness; Share with others; Trust and believe in yourself; and Enjoy and have fun.” Creator and founder Jessica Rosenberg, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, explains, “I translated a curriculum that I’ve been using for kids into an ‘edutainment’ app that combines gaming and real-life kids

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as characters that bring yoga to life.” Players are challenged to master the skills presented by each of the game’s 12 main characters, increasing awareness of breathing and other aspects of how the body works, plus promoting self-esteem. Free in the iTunes App Store. If, the Emotional IQ Game. An adventure game inspired by If, a well-known poem by Rudyard Kipling, players go on a quest through Ziggurat, a fantasy world where they enlist energy creatures called Vims to rid their avatars of dark energy. Youngsters are challenged to complete missions using emotional language. The character traits required to complete the tasks include patience, teamwork and other skills that help kids build emotional intelligence. Free in the iTunes App Store. Smash Your Food. Nutritionist Marta De Wulf, from Bellevue, Washington, felt compelled to develop her innovative app when she realized that while kids understand that certain foods contain too much sugar, fat or carbs, they have

no idea how the information pertains to them. The award-winning app â&#x20AC;&#x153;allows children to input their age, gender and level of physical activity to measure their individual caloric need,â&#x20AC;? says De Wulf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When they choose a food to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;smashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and see that eight grams of sugar cubes are in a can of soda, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to process healthy food information.â&#x20AC;? Smash Your Food features audio/video of actual food smashing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids are sensorial and different kinds of learners. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more effective than using cartoon images,â&#x20AC;? she observes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $2.99 in the iTunes App Store. Oh, Ranger! Park Finder. Instead of vaguely suggesting that kids put down their electronic devices and head outdoors, why not ask them to choose an adventure for the whole family? Using the Oh, Ranger! Park Finder app, kids can search for nearby outdoor recreation areas from a comprehensive database of national parks, state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites and U.S. Army Corps recreation areas. Kids can further seek out specific activities from 20-plus categories that range from birdwatching and hiking to boating and camping. Free in the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Kids Making Healthy Choices. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that rates of childhood obesity have doubled in the past 30 years. This kid- and parent-friendly app is designed to help. It springboards from San Diego, Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Merilee Kernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book of the same title. Embedded via an e-reader, kids can play games, print coloring sheets and explore healthy recipes while parents check out the news section and resource page for links with information for keeping youngsters healthy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surveys show that parents often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that their child has a weight problem,â&#x20AC;? notes Kern. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to discuss this topic within the family, and the app helps facilitate this in a non-threatening, helpful way.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $2.99 in the iTunes App Store. Julianne Hale writes and edits for Natural Awakenings franchise magazines and blogs about motherhood at AnotherGrayHair.wordpress.com.

Healthy Web Edutainment ZisBoomBah.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parents typically spend 90 percent of their grocery budget on products from the inside aisles of stores,â&#x20AC;? says Karen Laszio, founder of this award-winning website, which teaches kids about the value of food in the outside (produce, dairy and meat) aisles and how to choose fresh, whole foods to incorporate into kid-friendly recipes for the whole family. PBSKids.org/itsmylife. Designed for teens and tweens, this PBS Kids Go! website teaches children to make responsible decisions about pertinent issues, including drugs, alcohol, anorexia and bulimia, and how to objectively view celebrities, dating and the challenges of puberty. Visitors can find reliable, accurate information about subjects they may not be comfortable discussing with adults or peers. NPS.gov/WebRangers. The National Park Service online Web Rangers program enables kids to create a customizable ranger experience and discover national parks and historic sites around the country.

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self off from the flow of energy in your home and become exhausted,” says the Tustin, California, feng shui expert. “When I ask a client to take half of the stuff off a shelf and then ask how it feels, they almost always take a deep breath. The clutter literally chokes off breath and vitality.”

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ENERGY BOOSTERS Four Ways to Recharge by Kathleen Barnes

tress saps energy, and Americans feel stressed more than ever, with 20 percent of us experiencing “extreme stress” at least weekly, according to the American Institute of Stress. Could latenight TV and the ubiquitous presence of electronic devices be the culprits? Partly, according to information published by Harvard Medical School. While all light stimulates the brain, the blue light from electronic devices and some eco-light bulbs disrupt circadian rhythms, prevent production of melatonin and block deep, healthful, restorative sleep. Fortunately, there’s an easy remedy, say Harvard experts: Seek abundant exposure to bright natural sunlight, and then turn off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. Some experts even suggest wearing orange-colored goggles for the last two waking hours to neutralize the energy-sucking blue rays. Here are a few more energy thieves and ways to neutralize them.

Avoid Energy Vampires Problem: We all know someone that exhausts us, according to Dr. Judith Orloff, Venice Beach, California, author of the new book, The Ecstasy of Surrender. Maybe he or she talks endlessly about personal matters, is incessantly negative, a gossip or a guilt-tripper.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Solution: “Take control. Get in the driver’s seat,” advises Orloff. “Create a circle of positive people around you. Stay calm and centered. Distance yourself from energy vampires and if they’re family, limit time spent with them and establish boundaries.”

Recognize Time Leeches Problem: We fall into the black hole of Facebook or cute kitten videos. Hours pass and we fall behind in more productive activities and then feel drained and groggy. Solution: Time management is essential to preserving energy, says Orloff. Limit time spent on social media. Check email once or twice a day instead of every 15 minutes. “The Internet is addictive, almost like a drug,” explains Orloff. “When you’re online, your energy is cut off and you become a zombie; you’re not in your body. Take a technology fast. Talk to your mate. Make love. Go for a walk in the woods. See your best friend.”

Get Rid of Clutter Problem: We all have way too much “stuff,” says Linda Rauch Carter, author of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life. “If you don’t have room, you shut your-

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Solution: “Clear out what isn’t needed,” counsels Carter. “Keep a balance by making it a habit when bringing new things into a home or work environments to let go of a comparable number of old things at the same time.” Beware of clutter creep, the slow accumulation of energy-sapping clutter, she says. “I believe the lack of energy so many of us experience is a nearly undetectable, chronic energy drain that seems slight, yet over time becomes a big problem.”

Stop Electromagnetic Pollution Problem: We are all surrounded by energy-draining electromagnetic fields (EMF) from myriad electronic devices and systems in homes and offices, plus cell phone towers and transmission lines. All of these operate on frequencies that can be major energy drains, says Carter. Japanese research physician Ryoichi Ogawa found that 80 percent of his chronic fatigue patients were frequent users of electromagnetic technologies (Omega-News). Solution: Minimize indoor exposure to EMFs by using land lines with corded phones, power strips and shutting off electricity to nonessential appliances when not in use. “I’ve been preaching this for 20 years,” says Carter. Protecting sleep space is a primary consideration. “Make sure no beds are near electrical outlets and cell phones. Get rid of cordless phones, which are like mini cell towers, right there in the house,” she adds. The easiest solution, Carter says, is to put bare feet on bare earth for 15 to 20 minutes a day. “It will pull some of that excess EMF charge right off of you.” Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books and publisher at Take Charge Books. Connect at Kathleen@KathleenBarnes.com.

ENERGY AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL by Eduardo Castro, M.D.

nergy production is the most fundamental requirement of life. All creatures must produce energy. All the members of the animal and plant kingdoms produce their life-sustaining energy in the mitochondria that are present in every cell. The process of creating energy produces free radicals as by-products. Free radicals damage tissues unless they are neutralized by antioxidants, so it is no coincidence that mitochondria have abundant levels of antioxidants. Despite built-in antioxidant protection, the site where energy is producedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the mitochondrial membraneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is the most vulnerable part of the cell to injury and unavoidably becomes damaged over time. This is most obvious in aging. Accumulated mitochondrial damage eventually causes the cells to become increasingly inefficient at producing energy, and thus aging proceeds. Since a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy level is directly related to his or her quality of life, it makes sense to make an effort to keep energy levels high by keeping mitochondria as healthy as possible. The indispensable antioxidant that protects the mitochondrial membrane is glutathione. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids is important to maintain good levels of glutathione, especially foods rich in sulfur, such as onions, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, kale and collards. Exercise also increases glutathione levels. Alcohol lowers it. Damaged mitochondrial membranes can repair. To do so the diet must also supply the fats that make up the structure of the membrane: omega 3 fatty acids and healthy saturated fats. Cooking with coconut oil is one way to obtain high-quality saturated fats that are stable when heated. Supplementation is likely necessary for omega 3 fatty acids since so few foods contain them. Fish oil supplements should have very low levels of mercury and other toxic substances. The customer service department for the product should be able to send a copy of a lab assay that confirms that the fish oil has had its toxic load significantly lowered. Trans fats are among the most damaging substances to the mitochondrial membrane, so avoiding processed and packaged baked goods, commercially fried and battered foods (especially deep-fat fried food, margarine, frostings and prepared frozen foods) helps preserve brisk energy production. Dr. Eduardo Castro has been practicing complementary-alternative medicine for more than 20 years. He specializes in treating chronic and degenerative disease and in promoting healthy aging. He is currently in a temporary setting in Rocky Mount, Virginia, with plans to move to Roanoke in the near future. For more information, call 540-483-3678. natural awakenings

January 2015

nected systems of organs. Optimally, they function together harmoniously to achieve homeostasis, the overall chemical and energetic balance that defines metabolic health.

The Reign of Metabolism Many perceive the role of metabolism as limited to determining energy expenditure via the number of calories burned per day, but it does much more. Metabolism actually encompasses thousands of physical and chemical processes that take place in the functioning of every cell, the building blocks of life; healthy cell function produces proper endocrine (hormonal) functioning, influencing homeostasis. This past August, 12 nationally recognized functional medicine experts participated in the country’s first online Metabolic Revolution Summit to discuss the importance of recognizing the dots that connect the majority of today’s chronic diseases—high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, weight gain, obesity, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer and even infertility. All of the panelists pointed to the root cause that links them all—the craze for a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet starting in the 1990s combined with a sedentary lifestyle.

It’s All About Metabolism Getting to the Root Cause of Disease by Linda Sechrist

ttempts to tender lay explanations of how to attain and maintain better health have become fragmented and compartmentalized, with complex scientific cause-andeffect explanations of disease regularly reduced to isolated infographics and sound bites in the media. But understanding our body’s sophisticated, self-regulating, self-correcting and interdependent physiological systems, which work in collaboration with each other and inform us of the body’s status by means of symptoms, deserves a whole-systems frame of reference. Stepping back from immediate concerns to grasp the bigger picture allows for rethinking the Western approach to health. A perspective that connects all the dots works best, beginning with the foundation of wellness—the functioning of 73 trillion cells that are organized into a variety of tissues, including intercon-

When several complex conditions exist simultaneously, medical science refers to them as a syndrome. Regardless of how such intricate interrelationships become manifest, all of these syndromes have early-stage signs that include inflammation, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, which can affect metabolic health.

A Holistic Approach Doctors that specialize in functional integrative medicine strive to improve the health and well-being of patients by engaging them in their own healing process. One popular approach is practiced by Durango, Colorado, Doctor of Chiropractic James Forleo, author of Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated: A Systems Approach to Vibrant Health. He starts by educating people about the basic functioning of the major body systems involved in their specific health challenges.

Unity of Roanoke Valley Sunday Services 9 & 11 am, Weekly Classes, Workshops & Weddings. CelebraƟng all paths to God!3300 Green Ridge Road Roanoke, VA 24019 www.UnityOfRoanokeValley.org (540) 562-2200 22

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“To maintain metabolic health, no one should overlook that the body’s intelligence works 24/7 to solve multiple problems simultaneously, including balancing their metabolism. The more complex the pattern of symptoms, the more systems are involved. Whether a single or group of symptoms indicate metabolic dysfunction, it means that numerous systems that rely on healthy cells are unable to perform their normal functions,” explains Forleo. For example, blood sugar issues, excess circulating insulin and buildup of excess glucose stored as fat can lead to metabolic dysfunction. The pancreas, thyroid and gastrointestinal tract—primary glands in the endocrine system that plays a major role in balancing body chemistry by secreting hormones directly into the circulatory system—are negatively impacted. Well-functioning adrenals are necessary to balance blood sugar and one role of the pancreas is to produce insulin. When four of the eight major organ systems—immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and digestive—are impacted by metabolic dysfunction, a more holistic and systemic approach to health can provide a broader understanding of how they interrelate, and why preventive measures can preclude having to later pursue ways to reverse serious chronic diseases.

Lifestyle Factors Functional medicine’s integrative approach to metabolic health is based on proper nutrition and regular exercise. “The inflammatory agents present in much of the food consumed at each meal in the standard American diet—highglycemic refined carbohydrates, highfructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders,” says Forleo, who notes that the body instead needs good fats, such as those obtained from olive and coconut oils. Factors over which we can exercise some control—physical activity, stress, sleep, diet and circadian rhythms—all play roles in metabolic health. Unfortunately, “We are moving further away from our ancestors’ healthier diet and lifestyle. We’re overfed and undernourished because we’re no longer eating for nutrition, but for entertainment,” remarks Doctor of Chiropractic Brian

Mowll, the medical director of Sweet Life Diabetes Health Centers in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He characterizes metabolic dysfunction as the ultimate problem because it’s the doorway to many other ailments. “A hundred years ago, infectious diseases plagued humanity. Today and in the future, it’ll be metabolic disorders such as obesity, cancer, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders and other endocrine problems, diabetes and Type 2 diabetes,” predicts Mowll.

Metabolic Health Education Dr. Caroline Cederquist, author of The MD Factor Diet: A Physician’s Proven Diet for Metabolism Correction and Healthy Weight Loss, and founder of Cederquist Medical Wellness Center, in Naples, Florida, conducted a one-year study of patients to identify their health issues via blood work analysis. Eightynine percent of the men, women and children showed evidence of insulin resistance. This often-overlooked metabolic condition affects how the body processes glucose, a simple sugar and the body’s primary fuel, making gaining weight easy and losing it difficult. Treated with proper diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, plus medication in advanced stages, Cederquist found that metabolic dysfunction is reversible. She explains that long-term insulin resistance can lead to fatty liver disease, high blood sugar and eventually, diabetes. It also directly affects cholesterol levels and can induce triglycerides, high blood pressure, low HDL (highdensity lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), increased waist circumference and heart disease. In Cederquist’s young adult patients, metabolic dysfunction was also associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a cause of infertility. Germany’s Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine and creator of a well-regarded metabolic balancing program, noted that insulin resistance both increases the production of stress hormones and blocks production of the anti-inflammatory hormones that slow the aging process. Funfack’s all-natural, personalized nutrition plan, backed by more than 25 years of scientific study, is designed to bring hormonal balance, optimize health and lead to long-term weight management.

Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, author of Metabolic Cardiology, goes a step further. He believes that metabolic dysfunction involving cells, hormones and inflammation encompasses the molecular-based essence of all disease. He observes, “Individuals diagnosed with several conditions can leave a doctor’s office with three or four prescriptions, rather than the one solution for reversal and prevention—a healthy lifestyle and non-inflammatory diet to offset and neutralize weight gain, blood pressure elevation and other abnormalities such as high blood sugar.” Mowll agrees that many conventional healthcare practitioners don’t address the root cause of metabolic disorders or provide lifestyle interventions. “They simply reach for the prescription pad,” he says. This growing problem presents an opportunity to educate the entire populace. Bestselling Virgin Diet author JJ Virgin, who characterizes the human body as a “chemistry lab,” adopts an easy-tofollow nutritional and fitness approach for metabolic health. She recommends eating the types of healthy fats found in wild fish, raw nuts and seeds, coconut, avocado and olives. Virgin prefers the clean, lean protein of grass-fed beef and wild fish, plus low-glycemic lentils and legumes and plenty of low-glycemic fruits like raspberries, blueberries, pears and grapefruits. Low-glycemic vegetables on her list include green peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onion and eggplant. “When you eat this way, there’s a slow release of sugar, and insulin remains at lower levels,” advises Virgin. As in any systems theory, the whole must be understood in relationship to the parts, as well as the relevant environment. Experts agree that it’s paramount to take an expanded, systemic approach to metabolic health, rather than fixating on only one or two aspects at a time. Metabolic health—from basic cells to the most sophisticated of organized systems—can only be achieved and sustained when the whole system is healthy. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings and host of the online Metabolic Revolution Summit. Visit her website ItsAllAboutWe.com for a free audio sample.

natural awakenings

January 2015

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any patients, both men and women, have a hero-worshipping attitude toward their physicians and can be intimidated during visits. They may feel it’s impolite to question a doctor, even to get information needed to make critical decisions for one’s self or a loved one. Some doctors seem to have forgotten they are still just people with a medical degree. Patients should remember this if they encounter any perceived aloofness or arrogance. Too often, such an unhelpful attitude may be acquired along with professional experience. Getting ready for a visit to a doctor often entails following instructions, but should also include preparing questions you want answered. If a serious health issue has surfaced, such as an abnormal lab test or a diagnosis that requires treatment, make key questions count: “Where did this come from? Is there anything I can do for myself? What is the recommended treatment? What are the expected effects and unintended side effects of the proposed treatment? Are there alternative forms of treatment? Can I speak to one of your patients that has undergone this treatment?” Then, do online research upon returning home. The Internet has placed the entire library of medicine at our fingertips. Sift out the science from the hype, refine questions and go back for deeper answers. Get a second opinion from another medical doctor or naturopath (some states license them) or doctor of Oriental medicine (acupuncture and herbs). No matter if the proposed treatment is as seemingly simple as a course of antibiotics or as serious as surgery, question it before automatically submitting to a diagnosis and drug prescription. Each of us is the only person on Earth with the unique vantage point of living inside our body. We shouldn’t let anyone label us as depressed if a sick body says otherwise, that “It’s all in your head,” if it’s real, or that there’s no cure. That’s where alternative medicine usually begins and miracles can happen. The best results come from standing up for ourselves. Dr. Carol L. Roberts practices integrative medicine at the Perlmutter Health Center, in Naples, FL (PerlHealth.com). She is a founding diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

calendarofevents To have your event included in the Calendar of Events, please email Publisher@NABlueRidge.com or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Calendar entries are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 Resolution Run â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 am. 5K run to benefit Bethany Hall. $10/person through December 10; $25/person December 11-29; $35/person day of event. Wiley Dr, Roanoke River Greenway (gazebo side), Roanoke. 540-343-4261. ResolutionRunRoanoke.com. Info@BethanyHall.org. BethanyHall.org. Blessing Empowerment of Green Tara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2-6pm. Join us for the Blessing Empowerment of Green Tara to renew our potential for compassion and wisdom in our lives as we begin the new year. Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 315 Albemarle Ave SE, Roanoke. 540-521-7989. DharmapalaEPC@gmail.com. MeditationInVirginia.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 Community HU Song and Introductory Book Discussion in Lynchburg â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm. Community HU song followed at 7:30pm with an introductory Eckankar book discussion on Eckankar: Key to Secret Worlds by Paul Twitchell. Harmonic Wave Wellness Center, 3201 Hill St, Lynchburg. Sponsored by Eckankar Center, Roanoke. 540-353-5365. SWVA.Eck.Cntr@gmail.com. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Yoga For All â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm. Join Helen Maxwell, owner of Bedford Yoga Center, for a yoga session for all ages and skill levels in the picturesque setting of the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Peaks of Otter Lodge, 85554 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Bedford. 866-387-9905. Peaks of Otter.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Roanoke 100 Miler. The Roanoke 100 Miler is a community active-living campaign that challenges people to do 100 miles or more in 100 days, completely human-powered. Sponsored by Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports and Walkabout Outfitter. 540-853-6807. Heather.Chilton@RoanokeVA.gov. Roanoke100Miler.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Stepping Workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11am-12:30pm. Learn a gentle and smooth way to step, move and choose peace. $15/

person. Centers of Light and Love, 1420 Third St, Roanoke. 540-588-0788. CelebrationOfLight@ gmail.com. AlexandriaPederson.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Parenting with Positive Discipline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm. Learn how discipline practices originated, how they have changed and why techniques that parents use today are ineffective and potentially damaging. Sponsored by Parenting SOS. Free. Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller St, Blacksburg. 540-239-0287. SongerCat@Parenting-SOS.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 James River Day School Open House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm. Parents of rising kindergartners through 8th graders are invited to discover why James River Day School is what a school should be. James River Day School, 5039 Boonsboro Rd, Lynchburg. 434-455-5763. McHenry_K@JamesRiverDaySchool.org. Parenting with Positive Discipline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30pm. Learn how discipline practices originated, how they have changed and why techniques that parents use today are ineffective and potentially damaging. Sponsored by:Parenting SOS. Free. Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller St, Blacksburg. 540-239-0287. SongerCat@Parenting-SOS.com. Runa in Concert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30-9:30pm. Runa draws on the diverse musical backgrounds of its band members and offers a contemporary and refreshing approach to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. $12/person. Bedford Public Library, 305 N Bridge St, Bedford. 540-586-8911. VisitBedford.com/event/Runa-in-Concert.

Spiritual Experiences Discussion in Roanoke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7-8pm. Open discussion of past-life memory, insightful dreams, dĂŠjĂ -vu, inner guidance, soul travel and more. Eckankar Center, 1420 Third St, Roanoke (first floor, back far right office). 540-353-5365. SWVA.Eck.Cntr@ gmail.com. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Awakening to Inner States Workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30am6pm. Use Hemi-Sync technology to activate the power within, achieve inner peace, transcend limiting patterns and access guidance. Pre-registration is required. $95/ person. KeyQuest, Floyd County. 540-651-2727. KeyQuest.US.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Tai Chi for Relaxation Workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm. Tai chi is a relaxing, fluid movement to assist you in choosing peace and harmony and releasing stress. $15/person. Centers of Light and Love, 1420 Third St, Roanoke. 540-588-0788. CelebrationOfLight@gmail.com. AlexandriaPederson.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 6th Annual Southwest Virginia Meets India Dinner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5-10pm. Order from a variety of Indian dishes; regular menu items also available. Feel free to wear your Nehru jackets and Indian garb. Call for reservations. Local Roots Restaurant, 1314 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-206-2610. LocalRootsRestaurant.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Law of Attraction Workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30am-5:45pm. Create the abundance, health and relationships you desire by learning and applying the key concepts of the Law of Attraction. Pre-registration is required. $95/person. KeyQuest, Floyd County. 540-651-2727. KeyQuest.US.com.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Eckankar Book Discussion in Floyd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30am12:30pm. The book Stranger by the River by Paul Twitchell will be discussed. Floyd Library, 321 W Main St, Floyd. Sponsored by Eckankar Center, Roanoke. 540-353-5365. SWVA.Eck.Cntr@gmail.com. EckVirginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Monroe Institute Excursion Workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am-6pm. Continues on Sunday, 9am-5:30pm. Easily access expanded states of consciousness using Hemi-Sync technology to realize more of your untapped potential. Pre-registration is required. $195/person. KeyQuest, Floyd County. 540-651-2727. KeyQuest.US.com.

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natural awakenings

January 2015

ongoingevents sunday Unity of Roanoke – 9 and 11am services. All welcome. 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roanoke. 540-562-2200. Office@UnityRoanoke.org. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org. Unity in the Seven Hills – 10-11am. Sunday service. Free. 3522 Campbell Ave, Lynchburg. 434-845-5832. Love@ UnityInTheSevenHills.org. UnityInTheSevenHills.org. Valley Community Church – 11am. Practical solutions based on the teachings of Jesus. Services include varied musical programs; refreshments served afterward. Also streaming live on the Internet. All welcome. Nursery available. 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com. Eckankar Worship Service – 11am-Noon. Second Sunday of each month. During each worship service we explore a spiritual topic and practice simple spiritual exercises to help gain personal experience with the light and sound of God. All welcome. Eckankar Center, 1420 Third St, Roanoke (first floor, back far right office). 540-353-5365. SWVA.Eck.Cntr@gmail. com. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org. Peace Readers Book Group – 2pm. Last Sunday of every month. Book group focusing on titles that help to create a culture of peace. For more information, check the calendar on our website. All are welcome! Free. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com. Flow Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Practice yoga in a fun, safe, intelligent, well-stocked studio. No registration required; drop in any time. Bedford Yoga Center, 715 Liberty St, Bedford. 434-944-1150. YogaBedford.com. Enter the Mysterium – 5-7pm. A weekly spiritual service featuring grounding games, interactive presentations, mudra meditations and energy healing. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-998-9789. VCCDS.com.

Flow Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Practice yoga in a fun, safe, intelligent, well-stocked studio. No registration required; drop in any time. Bedford Yoga Center, 715 Liberty St, Bedford. 434-944-1150. YogaBedford.com. Coworking at the CoLab – 9am-5pm. Opportunity to sample a working space at the CoLab. Free. Grandin CoLab, 1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-524-2702. Info@GrandinCoLab.com. GrandinCoLab.com. Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com. Creating Your Joy: Yoga to Manage Your Mood – 7-8:15pm. Join us for a gentle yoga class that emphasizes balancing the nervous system and mood regulation. $12 drop-in or purchase a class card. All are welcome! Inner Wisdom Yoga and Psychotherapy, 1420 Third St, Roanoke. 540-798-8478. InnerWidsomYogaTherapy@gmail.com. A Course in Miracles – 7-9pm. All welcome. Love offering. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roanoke. 540-562-2200 x10. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

tuesday Kid’s Yoga – 4:30-5:15pm. Beginner’s class aimed at being light and engaging for children. Call to preregister. Ages 4-11. Free/first session; $8/one session; $36/six sessions. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com. Beginner’s Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Also Thursdays 4:15-5:30pm and Fridays 9:30-10:45am. Increase your strength and flexibility. No experience necessary. Call to pre-register. Free/first session; $12/one session; $48/6 sessions. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

monday

AA Meetings – 6-7pm. Also on Thursdays. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

AA Meetings – 8am-9am. Also Wednesdays and Fridays. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

Zen Meditation Group – 6-7pm. Meditation instruction is available.Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. tainormand@verizon.net.

Learn from the past and let it go. Live in today. ~Louise Hay

Kripalu Yoga – 6-7pm. What distinguishes a Kripalu yoga class is an emphasis on bringing awareness to the physical sensations, emotions and thoughts that arise throughout the practice. Accessible to all levels. Bedford Yoga Center, 715 Liberty St, Bedford. 434944-1150. YogaBedford.com. Community HU Song – 7-7:30pm. First Tuesday of each month. Singing HU has helped people of many different faiths open their hearts more fully to the uplifting presence of God. Eckankar Center, 1420 Third St, Roanoke (first floor, back far right office). 540-3535365. SWVA.Eck.Cntr@gmail.com. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org. Spiritual Experiences Discussion in Roanoke – 7-8pm. Third Tuesday of each month. Open discussion of past-life memory, insightful dreams, déjà vu, inner guidance, soul travel and more. Free spiritual experiences guidebook with audio CD provided. Eckankar Center, 1420 Third St SW, Roanoke (first floor, back far right office). 540-353-5365. SWVA. Eck.Cntr@gmail.com. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org. Edgar Cayce Search for God group – 7:30-9:30pm. New members welcome. 413 Dunton Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-2873. IniBeckman@yahoo.com. My Co-op 101. Learn more about a cooperative business and how to make the most of your ownership. Last Tuesday of every month. Free to owners; walkins welcome. Please call to reserve a space. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

wednesday Mindfulness Self-Care for Practitioners – 9-10am. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Hosted by Alan Forrest, LPC, LMFT. Practice mindfulness for 30 minutes and then enjoy an open discussion for 30 minutes. Free-will offering. Pre-registration is required. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com. Life in Balance Open House – 10am-6pm. Stop by and check out all of our great services; no appointment necessary. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com. Prayer and Meditation – Noon-12:20pm. Add your energy to the peaceful environment of our chapel and be lifted up through the use of positive affirmations during this sacred time of prayer and focused attention. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-5622200. UnityOfRoanokevalley.org.

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(X)po Wednesdays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5-7pm. Gathering of local people talking about their ideas, experiences and interests with the goal of sparking a discussion. Light refreshments and beverages. Grandin CoLab, 1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-524-2702. Info@ GrandinCoLab.com. GrandinCoLab.com. Zen Meditation Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6-7pm. Meditation instruction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. tainormand@verizon.net. Meditation, Reading and Book Discussion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:30pm meditation; 7-8:30pm reading and book discussion. Visit website for current book. Valley Community Church, Divine Science, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. One block off Rt 419, behind McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com. New River Valley Unity Study Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30-9pm. Meditation, introspection and discussion. Free. Location varies. Call for details: Bev 540-763-2410 or Betty 540-639-5739.

thursday Hot Yoga â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6-7pm. Better suited to the student with some prior yoga experience, this class incorporates a faster pace, high temperatures and fun music. No registration required; drop-in any time. Bedford Yoga Center, 715 Liberty St, Bedford. 434-944-1150. YogaBedford.com. Laughter Yoga â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6-6:30pm. Laughter yoga is held every first and third Thursday of the month. No experience required. Free. Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540392-3723 or 540-544-6820. laugh4u.org.

Mysore Yoga â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6-7:30pm. Deepen your experience of yoga. $10/public; $5/students. Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. BlueRidgeMassage.org.

Second Fridays in Centertown Bedford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5-8pm. Second Friday of every month. Art galleries and shops will be open. Centertown Bedford, Bedford. 540-5868582. CentertownBedford.com.

Roanoke Community Drum Circle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm. Express yourself through rhythm. Free. Grandin Village, Courtyard of Raleigh Court Baptist Church, corner of Memorial Ave and Grandin Rd, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, Roanoke. 989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.

saturday Zen Meditation Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9-10pm. Meditation instruction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. tainormand@verizon.net.

Meditation Class â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7-8pm. Open to everyone. Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center, 315 Albemarle Ave SE, Roanoke. 540-521-7989. DharmapalaEPC@ gmail.com. MeditationInVirginia.org.

Free Science-Based Natural Health Information â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10am-5pm. Second Saturday of each month. Drawings for free gift certificates, proven wellness information and great savings opportunities. The Well, 1764 Patriot Ln, Bedford. 540-587-9000; 877-843-9355. TheWellInBedford@gmail.com.

friday Vinyasa Flow Class â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30-10:45am. Class is open to all levels. $10/public; $5/students. Blue Ridge Blue School of Massage and Yoga, 2001 S Main St, Ste 106, Blacksburg. 540-392-3723 or 540-544-6820. BlueRidgeMassage.org.

Monthly Silent Peace Vigil â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Noon. Third Saturday of each month. All welcome. Downtown Roanoke City Market Building, 32 Market St, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, Roanoke. 989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.

CoLab Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lunch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12-1pm. Join your fellow members for a brown bag lunch and discussions on various topics. Grandin CoLab, 1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-524-2702. Info@GrandinCoLab.com. GrandinCoLab.com.

classifieds SEEKING LPC OR LCSW. Join our group of private practice behavioral health counselors. Our center focuses on serving clients in a professional, caring and compassionate manner and empowering them by using a holistic approach to counseling. Furnished office, referrals, credentialing and administrative billing support provided. For more information, call 540-381-6215, ext. 0.

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Support Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3-4pm. Meets every third Friday of the month in the Woodland Studio at the Village Center at Warm Hearth Village. Members will discuss issues that arise from caring for a loved one with dementia. Light refreshments available. Free. Warm Hearth Village, 2603 Warm Hearth Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-9176. Retire.org.

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natural awakenings

January 2015

communityresourcedirectory To be included in the Community Resource Directory, please email Publisher@NABlueRidge.com or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

ANIMALS AND PETS – SUPPLIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANDIN COLAB

NATURE’S EMPORIUM 3912 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018 540-989-8020 MyNaturesEmporium.com The largest selection of pet gifts, toys, beds and healthy foods and treats for all the special members of the family. Natural and holistic pet food, wild bird and garden supplies. See ad, page 17.

ANIMALS AND PETS VETERINARIANS CONCORD VETERINARY SERVICES Lori Leonard, BS, DVM, LFHOM 8908 Village Hwy., Concord, VA 24538 434-993-2403 ConcordVetServices.com

540-397-4377 GrandinCoLab.com The Grandin CoLab is a hub for ideation, or generation of new ideas. It is designed to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to resources, education and networking opportunities throughout the Roanoke and Blacksburg regions. The space is available for memberships, business meetings and events. See ad, page 10.

H2O AT HOME Jean Cox, Founding Senior Director 360-271-9525 MyH2OatHome.com/Jean

Discover methods of support and comfort for your beloved animals. For 20 years we have offered homeopathy and other holistic modalities as well as conventional veterinary care. New patients welcome!

Ground-floor business opportunity. Earn “green” while helping others go green with your own home-based business. Be among the first advisors in Virginia and help launch the East Coast. Incentive packages available to experienced leaders. Call for more information. See ad, back cover.

HOLISTIC VETERINARY CONSULTANTS

CHURCHES

Marjorie M. Lewter, DVM 2401 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-616-9247 HolisticVeterinaryConsultants.com Professional guidance for clients with many issues including vaccines, nutrition and special health problems. Geriatric care, cancer support and hospice care. Routine medical care for small animals, farm animals and horses. Integrative medicine including acupuncture, botanical medicines, chiropractic and homeopathy. Discover the power of holistic medicine. See ad, page 22.

ECKANKAR, RELIGION OF THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD 1420 3rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-353-5365 swva.eck.cntr@gmail.com eck-virginia.org Are you looking for the personal experience of God, every day? Each of us is connected to God through Divine Spirit (the ECK), which can be heard as Sound and seen as Light. Connect with a spiritual community of people who share your desire for truth See ad, page 6.

BODYWORK – REIKI ROANOKE METAPHYSICAL CHAPEL

LUELLA CROCKETT

Rev. Reed Brown, Pastor 1488 Peters Creek Rd., NW Roanoke, VA 24017 540-562-5122 RoanokeMeta.org

Usui Reiki Practitioner 229 Union St., Salem, VA 24153 540-397-1355 LuellaCrockett.WordPress.com LuellaCrockett@gmail.com Reiki sessions available at Grandin Gardens every Wednesday and in Salem by appointment. Amethyst BioMat, Bach Flower Remedies and Young Living Essential Oils are combined to create a relaxing healing session as unique as you. Buy 2 Get 1 Free. See ad, page 10.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

We are a metaphysical church with spiritualist roots. We offer classes, workshops and speakers throughout the year, and we teach and practice positive spirituality. Sunday services: adult study, 9:30 a.m.; spiritual healing, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m. Weekly classes and weddings. All welcome!

NABlueRidge.com

UNITY OF ROANOKE VALLEY Rev. Linda Taylor 3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019 540-562-2200 UnityOfRoanokeValley.org We are a vibrant, loving, spiritual community, demonstrating Christ consciousness, embracing diversity and inspiring personal transformation. Join us in co-creating a world that works for all! See ad, page 22.

VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, DIVINE SCIENCE 5000 Carriage Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018 540-774-5512 VCCDS.com Teaching practical, spiritual laws based on and found in the example and teachings of Jesus, as well as the Bible and other great wisdom literature. Through Divine Science teachings you can lead a life of joyful inner and outer satisfaction and serenity.

ENERGY – CONSERVATION AND HVAC J & J WEATHERIZATION 434-847-5487 JoLangford@juno.com JJWeatherization.com With 30 years of experience in home energy performance, J&J Weatherization is a full-service company specializing in insulation, home energy conservation and efficiency. See ad, page 14.

FITNESS – HOOPING BLUSKYE HOOPS 252-489-7451 Info@BluSkyeHoops.com BluSkyeHoops.com At Blu Skye Hoops we are passionate about making life fun through the art of hoop dance. Invoking a fun, creative way for self-expression, combined with classes and custom hoops, we aim to ignite the passion and light that we each hold inside.

FOOD – NATURAL, ORGANIC AND VEGAN ROANOKE NATURAL FOODS CO-OP 1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015 1 Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011 540-343-5652 RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop Virginia’s largest, cooperatively owned natural-foods grocery store. Nutritious food choices and earthfriendly products. We support sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses and our community. See ad, page 16.

THE WELL 1764 Patriot Ln., Bedford, VA 24523 540-587-9000 The.Well.In.Bedford@gmail.com WellOfCourse.net The destination for natural health when looking for sciencebased information, superior products, herbal tinctures, supplements, natural foods, bulk foods, spices and teas. The Well has all of this and more. Your benefit is our business. See ad, page 21.

FOOD RESTAURANTS LOCAL ROOTS FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015 540-206-2610 LocalRootsRestaurant.com Roanoke’s first true farm-totable restaurant. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch and familystyle supper. Full bar and wood-fire oven. Available for private parties, corporate events, celebrations and catering. See ad, page 18.

FUNERAL AND BURIAL SERVICES - GREEN FOREST REST AT MOUNTAIN VIEW 5970 Grassy Hill Rd., Boones Mill, VA 24065 540-334-5398 Sensor@EvergreenMemorialTrust.com EvergreenMemorialTrust.com Forest Rest is a natural cemetery where interments are made without burial vaults or common embalming chemicals. Wood tablets or native stones mark the graves. See ad, page 15.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

REV. KANTA BOSNIAK, CHT

NATURE’S SPECIALIST

Life Coach and Wedding Officiant 540-577-8854 Art4Spirit@yahoo.com KantaBosniak.com

Dorothy Harrell, Pharmacist 4620 Lee Hwy., Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-0914 NatPharm.Dottie@gmail.com

Coaching and guided imagery for weight loss, life purpose, creativity, new directions, business and career growth, confident interviews, dating. Take positive thinking to a deeper level. Personalized and meaningful wedding ceremonies.

Specializing in naturopathic consultation, natural therapies and hair analysis. Nature’s Specialist also keeps a stock of high-quality vitamins, herbs and nutritionals. Call for an appointment, or stop by to shop for supplements.

HOLISTIC NUTRITION SOURCE Info@HolisticNutritionSource.com HolisticNutritionSource.com 540-454-8191

HEALTH AND WELLNESS SPAS AND SALONS

Health coach Taunya Bruton offers custom, bio-individual, whole-health solutions for people and companies. Services include individualized health coaching programs, ALCAT food sensitivity testing, functional blood chemistry analysis, pharmaceutical-grade supplements and wellness workshops. See website for upcoming events. Schedule your free consultation today.

ALL ABOUT YOU SALON 1630 Braeburn Dr., Salem, VA 24153 540-312-6141 Full-service hair salon. Organic hair coloring and perms that are made with certified organic extracts and natural ingredients that are 100-percent ammonia-free. Spa services include manicures, pedicure, facials and massage. Flexible appointments for busy schedules.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS DENTIST DR. KAREN PERKINS, DDS 46 Shelor Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-237-6328 MercuryFreeDDS.com Providing the highest quality of dental care in a mercury-free environment, using safe and biocompatible dental materials. We practice safe removal of old mercury/silver (amalgam) fillings with the safe mercury/silver filling removal protocol outlined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine, IAOMT. See ad, page 19.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS ALEXANDRIA PEDERSON, HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER

REVIVE ORGANIC SALON 2305-A Colonial Ave., Roanoke, VA 24015 540-816-0986 Organic salon offering ladies and men’s haircuts, demineralizing treatments, organic base coloring, highlights, color correction and hair loss solutions. Revive’s mission is to treat others with respect and dignity while nurturing them in an organic environment. See ad, page 19.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – WELLNESS CENTERS

Centers of Light and Love in the Be-ing Center for Holistic Living 1420 3rd St. SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-588-0788 CelebrationOfLight@gmail.com AlexandriaPederson.com

LIFE IN BALANCE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER

Ready to live the light you truly are? Come and enjoy one of the many classes or sessions designed to nurture and support you in awakening to the light within, being empowered and making the choice to live in harmony!

The Life In Balance team of therapists offers psychotherapy for adults, children, adolescents, couples and families, as well as massage therapy, Reiki, yoga classes, relaxation and meditation classes and health and wellness workshops. See ad, page 24.

125 Akers Farm Rd., Ste. D, Christiansburg, VA 24073 540-381-6215 LifeInBalanceCenter.com

natural awakenings

January 2015

PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

HOME – CLEANING SUPPLIES H2O AT HOME

KEYQUEST

Jean Cox, Founding Senior Director 360-271-9525 MyH2OatHome.com/Jean Now you can care for your home with our innovative smart tools and just water or certified natural and organic products. Your home will be sparkling with no harsh chemical residues or fumes! See ad, back cover.

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ECOTOURISM

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE VALLEYS 2502 Melrose Ave., Ste. A, Roanoke, VA 24017 540-581-0620 GoodwillValleys.com

Ellen Jones-Walker Floyd County, VA 540-651-2727 KeyQuest.us.com Highly experiential, small-group workshops using powerful HemiSync audio guidance technology for self-discovery and personal transformation. Monroe Institute consciousness exploration workshops, calming mind and body, awakening to inner states, slowing the aging process, healing yourself and improving sleep.

VIRGINIA GREEN

RETAIL - NONPROFIT

We put your donations to work by dedicating 90 percent of our resources to providing services to the community. Donations entrusted to us are used to help people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to employment and achieve a level of independence in life.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

RECYCLING

804-986-9119 VirginiaGreenTravel.org

BOOKBAG SANTA

Virginia Green is Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout the state’s tourism industry. Member destinations and events include recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation and consumer education. The program is a partnership between Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Tourism.

540-342-2083 BookbagSanta@verizon.net BookBagSanta.com Roanoke-based 501c3 charity keeps two TONS of used school supplies out of the landfill every year. Since 1990 the group has traveled each summer to Belize to deliver supplies to three schools. Email, call or visit the website for more information about making donations.

CLEAN VALLEY COUNCIL

PARENTING

Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Ste. 319, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-345-5523 CleanValley.org

PARENTING-SOS Cathy Songer 540-239-0287 SongerCat@Parenting-SOS.com Parenting-SOS.com Nearly all of us face parenting challenges at some point in our lives. There is no need to let it create ongoing stress. Our mission is to help you get over those hurdles by teaching you positive and effective skills that will bring out the best in you and your family. Complimentary speaking engagements offered.

A nonprofit organization serving the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. Providing educational programming and citizen participation events to spread the word about litter prevention, recycling, waste-stream reduction, storm-water pollution prevention and protecting our natural resources. The go-to resource for local recycling information.

RIDE SOLUTIONS 866-424-3334 Info@RideSolutions.org RideSolutions.org Ride Solutions connects you to your transportation options with free regional carpool matching, bike commute support, transit assistance and employer services, all for free.

WATER CONSERVATTION AND FILTRATION - ALKALINE WATER HEALTHY WATER FOR ME 540-230-7459 or 540-789-7808 HealthyWaterForMe@hotmail.com HealthyWaterForMe.com Kangen Water® is a great way to increase hydration, balance body pH, obtain optimal health, neutralize free radicals, reduce pain and more. Change Your Water…Change Your Life ™. Call to begin a free threeweek alkaline, antioxidant water challenge today. See ad, page 24.

Have a Stubborn Skin Disorder and Tried Everything Else? Finally there is a solution, try Natural Awakenings DermaClear, a natural, affordable skin repair salve. Our all natural personal skin care product brings comforting relief to sufferers of many skin irritations. DermaClear will simply feel good putting it on. Cooling and soothing, the Calcium Montmorillonite/ Calcium Bentonite clay penetrates pores and open areas of the skin and pulls out toxins and inflammation. The proprietory blend of homeopathics go even deeper, address the root causes and assist to bring even deeper toxins to the surface.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

NABlueRidge.com

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