Natural Awakenings SELA FEB 2014 by NALAMAG

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HAPPY HEALTHY HEART What Pioneering Docs Are Learning about Heart Care

GREEN LOVE QUIET KID? Not to Worry THROWS MAGNET Introverts Just A Mardi Gras Paradigm Shift

Draw True Love Your Way

February 2014 |

S.E. Louisiana Edition natural awakenings

Operate A Little Differently

NOLAHealthyLiving.com February 2014

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letterfrompublisher

“T

hrow me something mister!” This cry will ring out again at 96 Mardi Gras parades throughout Greater New Orleans this season as revelers vie for the best spots to catch trinkets tossed from passing floats. Mardi Gras here is one of the best, biggest and longest annual parties on the planet. But the pre-Lenten celebration comes at a large cost to our environment and health that has spawned a movement to clean up and green up the festivities. Last month we reported on the hazardous chemicals in much of the ‘free stuff’ caught by parade goers. I flinched at the thought of all the years my young son attended every parade in Uptown with us. He amassed trash bags full of plastic throws. When he tired of playing with them, they went into the attic. His favorite parades featured truck floats because of the sheer volume of ‘goodies’. Seeing his happiness, you would have thought his trash bags were filled with gold. We finally got our chance to pull them all back out of the attic when he rode in a truck parade with his seventh grade class. Our recycling of the plastic toys kept them from being thrown into a landfill… at least not by us. Groups like Verdi Gras, The Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Arc of Greater New Orleans are ardently working to find environmentally wiser throw options for krewes. On page 30 Colleen Morgan reports on some of the potential options for safer throws in the future. It’s an uphill challenge that will require creative incentives and we likely won’t see large scale changes immediately because the big party is financed in large part by the krewes. They buy large quantities of plastic throws from China cheaply and sell them to their members at a reasonable price to raise funds that sponsor their activities, including parades. I like the coming idea of throwing fewer, better quality items that can be useful or at least recycled. The vast quantities of throws make them less special to merrymakers that are getting increasingly particular. We all see parade watchers step back and let throws fall to the ground because it wasn’t what they were trying to catch. At the end of every parade, the streets are filled with beads and trinkets swept into a local landfill, where their hazardous chemicals can leach into our soil and groundwater. No one is suggesting we give up the grand party, but it will take community will and effort. So what would a sustainable Mardi Gras look like? All throws would be locally made and eco-friendly; disposables would be compostable; everyone would pitch in with a massive recycling effort. It would be “about the show and not the throw,” as Dr. Holly Groh of Verdi Gras suggests. Our environmental footprint would not be zero, but it would be tons better. It’s also possible. Won’t you join me this year and cry “Throw me something green mister!”

contact us Publisher/Editor Lolita Werhan Assistant Editors S. Alison Chabonais Paul Scott • Colleen Morgan Design & Production Paul Scott Advertising Sales Lolita Werhan Advertising@NOLAHealthyLiving.com Distribution Sonny Daniels • Jennifer Parker Jerome Holmes • Keith Thompson Rosalie Torres • April Stolf Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin Jeff Teachworth To contact Natural Awakenings S.E. Louisiana Edition: PO Box 750758 New Orleans, LA 70175-0758 Phone: 504-330-2157 Fax: 504-324-0131 Editor@NOLAHealthyLiving.com www.NOLAHealthyLiving.com © 2014 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 for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $30 (for 12 issues). Please call 504-330-2157 with credit card information or mail a check made out to Natural Awakenings – S.E. Louisiana to the above address.

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras,

Lolita Werhan, Publisher Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy based ink.

New Orleans

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contents

6 7

6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs 18 businessprofile 24 healingways 26 healthykids 28 consciouseating 32 fitbody 35 wisewords 36 naturalpet 38 inspiration 39 calendarofevents 40 classifieds 43 community resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 504-330-2157 or email advertising@NOLAHealthyLiving.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: editor@NOLAHealthyLiving.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: calendar@NOLAHealthyLiving.com or call 504-330-2157. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 1-239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 1-239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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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.

20 RETHINKING

HEART HEALTH Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist

24 SIMPLE STRESS

BUSTERS Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness by Kathleen Barnes

26 QUIET KIDS IN

A NOISY WORLD Bringing Out the Best in Introverts

by Meredith Montgomery

28 CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig

30 THE GREEN GRAS

IS GROWING Local Businesses Create Green Alternatives by Colleen Morgan

32 CYCLES OF SPIN Returning to its Heart-Healthy Origins by Janet Osen

35 LOVE MAGNET

Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way by Debra Melani

36 CARDIAC CARE FOR PETS

How to Keep Little Hearts Humming by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

natural awakenings

February 2014

newsbriefs Jump Start A Healthy Lifestyle

t Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic, Dr. Josh Rilette is now offering a complete healthy start-up program for those who want to lose weight and generally get healthier. Rilette states that the three-week program is easy and a great way to jump start one’s metabolism, eliminate toxins and inches, while increasing body function. The weight loss plan does not involve dieting, but cleansing. The supervised cleanse is suitable for almost anyone and Rilette says it is a great way to jump start your body into healthy habits. The cleanse focuses on releasing unwanted toxins hiding within fatty tissue throughout the entire body. On average, he notes, a person could lose 8 to 12 pounds in only 12 days. The 21-day Healthy Habits Program includes a meal by meal breakdown for the cleanse period, daily planned easy-to-do exercises, nutritional supplements to help balance hormones and specific chiropractic care to enhance the body’s overall function as well as relieve everyday aches and pains. As a wellness consultant, Rilette explains that his focus is to provide people the opportunity to completely prepare their body for a true healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Habits Program supports that focus by encouraging a positive change in diet, exercise, appropriate nutritional supplements and stress relief. Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic is located at 128 W. Harrison Avenue in Lakeview. To learn more about the Healthy Habits Program or to make an appointment, call 504-488-1800. For information on the practice visit UCFamilyChiropractic.com. See ad on page 27.

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New Orleans

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Online Radio Emphasizes Role of Natural Health Care

special Rethinking Health Matters online radio show, hosted by Natural Awakenings National Editor Linda Sechrist from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST, February 7, will highlight the importance of independent media in informing the public about natural health care options. Guests will include several Natural Awakenings publishers and Scott Tips, president of Natural Health Federation, an international educational nonprofit that protects access to healthy food and supplements and alternative therapies without government restrictions. Additional guests are Joanne Quinn, Ph.D., executive director of the Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine, which collects clinical data to advance nontoxic, cost-effective therapies, plus international research consultant Ferdinando Pisani Massamormile. Also participating are Dr. James Forleo, author of Health is Simple, Disease is Complicated; Dr. Constance Casebolt, owner of South Carolina’s Greenville Functional Medicine; and Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo. com, the world’s foremost openaccess, natural medicine database. To listen, visit Rethinking Health Matters at BlogTalkRadio.com/ greenmedradio.

Art Meets Bodycare at Cake Face Soaping

2020 Postpartum Support Group

OLA Nesting doulas are hosting a monthly meeting at the ZukaBaby store in New Orleans for new moms and moms-to-be as a response to a national call to action by the 2020 Mom Project to discuss challenges and feelings about caring for an infant. The meetings will offer a supportive environment to discuss all topics from sleep to body changes. Handouts and local resources will be provided and licensed counselors will be available who specialize in maternal mental wellness. Children are welcome. Organizers of the 2020 Mom Project report that up to 20% of expecting and new moms experience a maternal mental health crisis, many of which go undiagnosed or untreated. Expecting and new moms are not consistently screened for emotional problems, so they often suffer in silence. The project’s goal is to involve more than just the OBGYN to help identify women who need help such as involving hospitals, insurers and birth classes in educating on the subject. For more on the project visit 2020MomProject.com/20. The February meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the ZukaBaby store, 2122 Magazine St., New Orleans. For more information contact ZukaBaby at 504-596-6540. Find Zukababy’s full event schedule at ZukaBaby.com. See ad on page 26.

ake Face Soaping, a local company producing all handmade, natural and vegan body products, will have their baby product line in all Whole Foods Markets in the Greater New Orleans area. The Cake Face Baby line includes a body wash, powder, oil, cologne, lotion, diaper pale spray and an antibacterial wash and spray. After suffering for years with a mysterious illness, Artist Kelsey Foreman started her company, Cake Face Soaping, three and a half years ago as a means to have quality body products that she could trust and afford. It has since blossomed into a full line of products for adults and babies. Foreman, the sole creator in the company, designs every label, bar of soap and essential oil blend. “Everything is made by hand, all natural and vegan. There are no artificial fragrances or chemicals or artificial preservatives. Each item that I make is geared to addressing some sort of skin issue,” she explains. Products are made in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. Cake Face Soaping offers bar soaps; lotions and butters; liquid soap; bubble bath; sugars, salts and scrubs; gifts and gift wraps, in addition to the baby line – at very affordable prices A chocolate sugar mask; Mosquito Quito repellant; Shea Body Butter; Lavender Lemon Daily Lotion; and a large selection of bar soaps are some of the offerings found online. Gifts and fun gift wraps can also be found there. Keeping it all very green, Foreman uses tree-less paper made from bananas, mangoes or lemons and all bottles and paper are recycled. Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible. View the entire product line at www.cakefacesoaping.com. See ad on page 17.

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February 2014

Glass Recycling

Sustainable Schools Coalition

n January 10, at a seminar co-hosted by the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, LifeCity launched a Green Schools Group to help local educational institutions become more environmentally sustainable through collective efforts. The goal is to bring schools together so they can use their buying power to cut costs, LifeCity Director Liz Shephard said. “If schools go in on something together, they can get it for a better price. We partner with green vendors, so we can help schools get cisterns, fruit trees, green cleaning supplies, you name it. These vendors will be offering schools discounts because they are making the effort to implement sustainable practices.” Similar to the Green Restaurant Group formed last year, the group members can also learn from each other to achieve other sustainability goals, such as energy efficiency. “Schools are economic beings,” Shephard said. “If they can lower their utility bills, that means more dollars can go to their mission.” Another goal is to develop curriculum around sustainability, she said. “I used to be a teacher, and it is important for youth to embrace sustainable practices from the beginning. …Students are the future.” Sandra Lundquist, Vice President of Operations and Membership Development at the Chamber of Commerce, said this effort helps improve quality of life in the community through the schools. “We want to support organizations that focus on the triple bottom line, make an environmental difference in the community and create green jobs.”

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he lack of glass pick up by municipal recycling programs is an ongoing frustration in the Greater New Orleans area. Yet there are still a few places where the determined recycler can take their glass. All Target stores have permanent community recycling stations since April 2010, when the company installed the stations in all 1,740 stores to celebrate Earth Day. In addition to glass, Target has bins for aluminum, plastic, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges at each store. There are Target stores in Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Harvey and Covington. More on Target’s sustainability programs can be found at Target.com/ecofriendly. Newcomb College in Uptown New Orleans is currently accepting glass, but only clear glass. The drop off is on the extension of Plum Street, behind the building. Phoenix Recycling offers glass recycling, mostly to commercial clients, but does still have residential clients in Kenner and on the West Bank. Director Chris Prasad said he has 80 commercial clients – mostly restaurants, hotels and bars with high volumes – and serves big events and festivals, including the French Quarter Festival. The collected glass is delivered to Pearl River Aggregates in Mississippi, where it is ground into an additive to concrete to make it more durable and better looking, he said. Visit their new website for details: TheGreenCompanyNOLA.com.

kudos Welcome to Natural Awakenings Baton Rouge

E The Lawsuit Updates

he Louisiana Attorney General has responded to the lawsuit filed against him in December by the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA), saying that the suit should be dismissed since his office did not violate any law by approving a resolution by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East (SLFPA-E) that hired a law firm to sue 97 oil and gas companies. The court filing said the state’s head attorney, James “Buddy” Caldwell, had approved many, similar resolutions in the past, and that he only approved the resolution, not the actual hiring of the law firm, according to The Louisiana Record. The response claims that Caldwell’s office can only represent the SLFPA-E if called upon to do so, and that any award received by the Authority, if successful, would not be considered “State funds” since the entity is “an independent political subdivision, not a State entity of agency,” the filing reads. LOGA’s claim asserts that Caldwell’s office should have handled the matter, and not an outside firm, and that allowing this to take place – and approving it through the resolution in question – was a violation of state law and his duties. The trade association has no plans to drop the case. The SLFPA-E is the entity responsible for the levee system that protects the Greater New Orleans area. The agency filed a lawsuit in July against the oil industry, claiming their activities contributed to the deterioration of the coast, which has resulted in more intense storm surges hitting the city’s levee system. As developments in this story are more frequent than Natural Awakenings publications, for more information on the lawsuits and the parties in the cases, logon to: LOGA.LA, Ag.State.LA.us, SLFPAE.com, RestoreLouisianaNow.org and JohnMBarry.com/index.htm.

d i t o r ’s N o t e : N a t u r a l Aw a k e n i n g s S o u t h e a s t Louisiana is pleased to announce and welcome the launch of a sister publication, N a t u r a l Aw a ke n i n g s o f Greater Baton Rouge, which launched in January 2014. We c o n g r a t u l a t e a n d welcome new publisher, Jamie Shakotko, to our Louisiana group and to the family of 90 plus publishers around the country. In the true spirit of family, Jamie and her husband came and helped out with the NOLA Healthy Living & Sustainability Expo in October 2013. We wish Jamie all the best in her new venture. Jamie Shakotko and Natural Awakenings Baton Rouge may be reached at 225-238-1200 or at Publisher@NABatonRouge.com

PBS Reccognizes Founder

GCU Public Media has recognized Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman as one of its 14 exceptional women for 2014 Makers: Women Who Make Southwest Florida. The award coincides with the magazine’s celebration of 20 Years in Publication, a milestone recognized nationwide.

For more information and to connect, visit Natural AwakeningsMag.com.

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February 2014

healthbriefs

Early Warnings of Heart Troubles Differ for Women

omen may worry more about breast cancer, but in reality, heart disease is the top killer of American women, claiming 300,000 lives a year, 7.5 times the number that die of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although heart disease is more often perceived as a men’s issue, since 1984 more women have died of heart disease than men. Part of the reason may be that women’s heart attacks can differ from men’s and the American Heart Association (AHA) warns that women often fail to recognize the symptoms, ranging from torso aches and pains and nausea to anxiety, shortness of breath, dizziness and extreme fatigue. They may experience subtle symptoms for months and write them off as byproducts of menopause, heartburn or effects of aging. The National Institutes of Health states that 43 percent of women that have heart attacks experience no chest pain. The difference between the more subtle signs of a heart attack in women and the more dramatic signs in men may help explain why 75 percent of men, prompted to act quickly, survive a first heart attack, while only 62 percent of women do, according to the AHA. “Research shows that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men,” notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

New Orleans

NOLAHealthyLiving.com

Nostalgia Arms Us for the Future

aving lingering fond memories of happy times, once actually thought to be a psychiatric disorder, have now been confirmed as a healthy and, ultimately, positive activity. Most people experience nostalgia at least once a week and nearly half of those surveyed reported experiencing it three or four times a week, say researchers at England’s University of Southampton. When speaking wistfully of the past, individuals are usually reconstructing happy memories of family and friends, and typically become more optimistic about the future, reports lead researcher and Social Psychologist Constantine Sedikides, Ph.D., who observes, “Nostalgia makes us a bit more human.” The Southampton paper, presented to the American Psychological Association, meshes well with another study confirming that nostalgic memories inspire positive feelings of joy, high self-regard, belonging and meaningfulness in life. In two studies, social psychologists at North Dakota State University found that past fond memories help us become more self-confident and cope better in the present. “We see nostalgia as a psychological resource that people can dip into to conjure the evidence they need to assure themselves that they’re valued,” says lead researcher Clay Routledge.

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NATURE’S RITE

TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HAWTHORN BERRIES

erbs comprise a substantial part of traditional health care. Many may be consumed with food or infused into tea while others work well applied directly to skin. Examples include celery used for joint health, sage for digestion and rosemary for circulation. According to the American Journal of Health (2003), Hawthorn berries prove helpful in supporting aging vascular systems, which can lose elasticity and become increasingly rigid due to lack of copper in the diet which authors note, helps build flexible collagen; and can be exacerbated by poor Vitamin C intake which results in scarring on the inside of the blood vessels (Nature Genetics, Feb 2004). With the heart continually pumping blood through the body, a rigid vasculature structure can raise blood pressure, causing the heart has to work harder and all the systems become stressed. Hawthorn berries work to tone the heart muscle and relax vasculature tissues, according to most sources of herbal information. (HerbalWisdom.com). This two-phased effect is generally noticeable within the first week of taking Hawthorn berries. (Whole berries are preferred to tinctures or extracts that fracture or leave out essential nutrition components that work best in combination.) Hawthorn berries have even been associated with the correction of some arrhythmias, easing of congestive heartfailure symptoms and improvement in the condition of the interior walls of blood vessels, according to Pittler, Schmidt and Ernst in the American Journal of Medicine (2003). Hawthorn berries, like many other herbs, are available in supplement form under a variety of brand names. It’s a good practice to test a few and find the one that works best, then keep the bottle refrigerated to extend shelf life. Primary source: Steve Frank, founder and managing partner, Nature’s Rite LLC. For more information, email SteveF@ NaturesRiteRemedies.com or visit MyNaturesRite.com/blog. See ad, page 13.

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W W W. A M A Z I N G R E I K I . C O M

Disc Herniation? Cleared By FDA

Metairie – A new free report ($50 value) has been released that reveals how breakthrough medical technology is offering new hope to disc and sciatica sufferers. Discover how a clinical study has revealed that non-surgical spinal decompression is 86% successful in treating debilitating back pain. Find out how this FDA cleared technology is helping bulging & herniated disc pain patients. For your free report entitled, “The Severe Back Pain, Sciatica and Disc Pain Guide,”

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natural awakenings

February 2014

Happy Marriage, Healthier Lives

University of Missouri expert says that people in happy marriages are more likely to rate their health better than their peers as they age. Evidently, engaging with one’s spouse builds a strong relationship that can improve spirits, promote feelings of well-being and lower stress. Analyzing data from 707 continuously married adults that participated in the Marital Instability Over the Life Course panel study, a 20-year nationwide research project begun in 1980, researchers found that married people have better mental and physical health and are less likely to develop chronic conditions than their unmarried, widowed or divorced peers. Thus, researchers recommended involving spouses and families in treatment for any illness. They further suggested that in cases of a strained marital relationship, improving marital harmony would also improve health.

EGG WHITES FUNCTION LIKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS

aintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for longterm heart health, and scientists have now discovered evidence that a component of egg whites may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Researchers from Clemson University, in South Carolina, found that a peptide in egg white, one of the building blocks of proteins, reduces blood pressure in animals about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a prescription medication for high blood pressure. The RVPSL peptide acts as a natural ACE inhibitor, functioning similar to the entire family of prescription medications that treat hypertension.

FDA Moves to Ban Trans Fats

eart-clogging trans fatty acids may soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the first step to remove trans fats from its GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, effectively banning their use in food products. Trans fats, also known as hydrogenated vegetable oils, can be found in many processed foods, including baked goods, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, frozen pizza, margarine and coffee creamers. Created by adding hydrogen to liquid oils to turn them into a solid form, trans fats have been used to improve the texture, shelf life or flavor of foods. For more than a decade, numerous scientific studies have documented that trans fats raise dangerous LDL cholesterol and lower good HDL cholesterol. The FDA’s proposed ban would require the food industry to gradually phase out all trans fats, likely over several months or years, noting their threat to health. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the move could prevent 20,000 heart attacks a year and 7,000 deaths. Many food manufacturers have already phased out trans fats since new nutrition labeling requirements were introduced by the FDA in 2006; plus an increasing number of local laws have banned them. 12

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A DIFFERENT BREATHALYZER TEST FOR HEART FAILURE

imply blowing up a balloon may help doctors test heart function, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. Although such examinations usually require expensive and sometimes invasive procedures, the new test can be done in a doctor’s office in 30 seconds, according to the research findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The patient simply breathes into a Mylar balloon, similar to a party version, and the air is passed through a machine to produce an individual “breathprint”. Researchers determined that exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds that can be easily analyzed to determine potential heart failure.

THE WHOLE FISH IS BEST FOR BLOOD PRESSURE

ver the years, a broad range of research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and s a r d i n e s p r o m o t e h e a r t and brain health. Now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have found that taking fish oil supplements isn’t as effective at keeping blood pressure under control as eating an actual fish. The animal study published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating oily fish helped open ion channels, a complex series of membranes in the cells that line blood vessels, letting sodium, calcium and potassium in and out of those crucial cells and helping reduce blood pressure. Because fish oil supplements did not activate the ion channels, they didn’t reduce blood pressure in the same way.

globalbriefs Wild Valentines

Many Animals Mate for Life Humans like to think of themselves as unique when it comes to taking vows of togetherness. But a surprising number of other species in the animal kingdom provide sterling examples of fidelity, monogamy and lifelong pairing. Gibbons, of the ape family, are the nearest relatives to humans that mate for life. They form extremely strong pairings and both sexes are on relatively equal footing in their relationships. Bald eagles, our national emblem, typically mate for life, except in the event of a partner’s inability to procreate. Wolves, often portrayed as tricksters in folklore, conduct a family life more loyal than many human relationships. Wolf packs typically comprise a male, a female and their offspring, making them akin to a human nuclear family. Swans form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years or even for life. Their loyalty is so storied that the image of two swans swimming with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of true love. French angelfish are seldom found far from their mate, because they live, travel and even hunt in pairs. The fish form monogamous relationships that often last as long as both individuals are alive. In fact, they act as a team to vigorously defend their territory against neighboring pairs. Other examples include albatrosses, African antelopes, black vultures, Malagasy giant rats, prairie voles, sandhill cranes, termites and, of course, turtle doves. To view images, visit Tinyurl.com/AnimalMatePics and Tinyurl.com/ AnimalMatesSlideshow.

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Dr. Bronner Clears Out Imposters The nonprofit manufacturer of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps (DrBronner.com), known in the U.S. for more than 50 years for its devotion to purity and informationcrammed product labels, has taken to filing lawsuits against companies that don’t live up to health claims or that employ deceptive greenwashing tactics. One primary focus is the cosmetics industry’s use of so-called “organic” ingredients. Company president David Bronner reports, “About 80 percent of these companies simply dropped their claims; the others reformulated.” He also lobbies for labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in Washington State. Source: Worldwatch.com

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Cement that incorporates waste ash from sugar production is not only stronger than ordinary cement, it also qualifies as a greener building material. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, have found that cement made with sugar cane ash mixed in is stronger, can withstand higher pressure and crumbles less than ordinary cement. In countries where sugar cane is grown, such as Cuba and Brazil, this agricultural waste product has been added to cement for years. Extracting sugar from the cane typically leaves a lot of fiber waste that is burned into ash, discarded and then requires disposal. Using sugar cane ash also can lower the energy use and carbon footprint of cement production. Heloisa Bordallo, a researcher at the Institute, comments, “You are saving both CO2 emissions and raw materials.” Source: EcoSeed.org

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Shop Class Teaches Sustainability According to a report in The Boston Globe, some American schools regret that they replaced woodshops with high-tech educational forums in the 1990s. Shop class is valuable for students that may underperform in traditional academic settings and empowers them to learn and produce tangible results. Doug Stowe, a woodworker and teacher in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, writes in WisdomOfHands.Blogspot.ca, “Our society has inadvertently created a dependent generation of young people that don’t know how to fix things and lack even the most basic manual competence. Putting girls and boys into shop class would challenge rampant consumerism because a person is less inclined to throw out a piece of furniture and buy a replacement if they know how to fix it. “With so many cheap imports flooding stores, it’s difficult for students to gain perspective on the resources and time required to create a piece of furniture, so shop class can teach students to appreciate long-lasting quality and its accompanying fair price tag. In this way, shop class is linked to sustainability.” Source: Treehugger.com 14

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Star Trekking Voyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) recently confirmed that after 36 years, the Voyager 1 probe crossed the boundary of the heliosphere, or the extent of our Sun’s influence, a year ago. It’s the first manmade object to venture into interstellar space. At a distance of about 12 billion miles from the Sun, the latest data indicates that Voyager 1 has been traveling through the plasma, or ionized gas, present in the space between stars. The journal Science notes that this corroborates the existence of a longhypothesized boundary between the solar plasma and the interstellar plasma. Voyager 2, a companion craft launched at the same time, is also expected to break the barrier. Source: EarthSky.org

While online mega-shopping malls have decimated many types of small businesses around the country, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies notes that independent bookstores are doing surprisingly well. For the last four years, their number and total sales have grown, despite the recent recession. In 2009, citizens patronized 1,651 independent bookstores in the United States; today their number exceeds 1,900. In addition, local coffee shops have grown faster than the largest chain’s storefronts. Bakers and specialty food purveyors, independent pharmacies and pet, fabric and stationery stores are growing, too. One reason for the good news is the “buy local” ethic promoted by groups such as the American Independent Business Alliance. Last year, sales at independent businesses in cities benefitting from these campaigns grew 8.6 percent; those without them still increased 3.4 percent. Independents are winning customer loyalty in part by hosting and sponsoring events that enrich the community. The public is realizing that buying local supports area families, keeps more dollars circulating locally and strengthens a healthy sense of community that benefits everyone. Source: YesMagazine.org

Green Finance

Canada Shows the Way via Mass Transit The government of Ontario, Canada, is issuing “green bonds” to fund the expansion of mass transit infrastructure in the province. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says, “Green bonds are a great tool to raise capital for a project with specific environmental benefits. The worldwide market for green bonds in the last year has doubled; it’s now estimated to be more than $346 billion in U.S. dollars.” Source: Treehugger.com

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outh Coast Solar, a 100% Louisiana owned and operated solar energy design and build contracting company, started with three partners and a few staff seven years ago. Now it is one of the largest solar companies in the Southeastern U.S. with a staff of over 30 people headquartered in a warehouse facility in Metairie. It is one of the 250 largest in the world, according to Solar Power World. Tucker Crawford and Scott Oman were part of the initial trio that germinated the idea of South Coast Solar in Crawford’s condominium in 2007. Robert Suggs later

joined them, replacing the original third partner. The company utilizes the purchase model, where homeowners buy and own the system. Financing is offered as a 12- to 18-month bridge loan to allow customers time to file for and receive their tax credits, which makes it all affordable. From its inception, South Coast Solar has been at the forefront of the solar industry in Louisiana, having been one of the first to install a solar system after the state’s 50 percent tax credit went into effect in 2008. They were there at the beginning working with legislators to

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help write the tax credit rules and with regulators to set standards for the industry in Louisiana. At South Coast Solar all the employees are factory trained and many hold nationally recognized certifications. To date, the company has installed more than 600 residential, commercial and governmental installations in the state and boasts more installations outside of the state than any other Louisiana-based solar contractor. The partners proudly talk of their installations in Florida, Texas, New England, the Caribbean and Africa. A sampling of some of the more notable solar installations here include the Falstaff Brewery, Make It Right, Fort Polk, Baton Rouge Public Works, New Orleans Public Schools, Abita Brewery and Southeastern University. Oman revealed that their biggest project to date, two 100,000-kilowatt systems in South Florida for the Veterans Administration, was successfully completed in December. At the same time the company finished up almost 100 installations before New Year’s Eve. “Our goal every year is to not have to work on New Year’s,” Crawford said, explaining that the systems must be complete by year end for the tax incentives to take effect. Over the years, the pair have only been able to take the holiday off twice. In 2012, Louisiana ranked 6th in the U.S. for the number of solar installations, Crawford reported. According to a May 2012 press release by Louisiana Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell, at that time there were 2,579 systems in the state, or one-tenth of one percent of the state’s 1.9 million utility customers, who generated 16 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 16 big

Installation at St. Joseph loft apartments in New Orleans box retail stores. Crawford reported that currently there are approximately 7,000 systems, generating enough power for 43 big box stores, almost tripling that of a year and a half ago. About 3,000 of those systems are located in Greater New Orleans. “You drive around in New Orleans and you see more solar on rooftops than anywhere else,” Oman said. Solar customers get a 30 percent federal tax credit, and combined with the state tax credit most Louisiana homeowners practically get the system paid for. These tax credits spurred the industry here, but across the country solar is gaining ground because equipment costs are coming down and solar companies are getting better and more efficient, Oman said. Moreover, buildings are being constructed (or retrofitted) to be energy efficient, which helps the solar system perform at its optimum. The company views Louisiana as well positioned to take part in the economic benefits of the transition to cleaner energy sources. The three (3) kilowatt system in Oman’s home, which features energy conservation strategies, has allowed for an energy use reduction of 80 to 90 percent, he said. “I produce almost 100 percent of my electricity,” he explained, “but another home might only be 10 percent because of use [i.e. air conditioning]. But we can accurately model the amount you can produce.”

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oronary artery diseases are the number one cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization. For decades the most commonly studied and accepted behavioral risk factors include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of these lifestyle factors are seen in individuals as higher than normal blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids as well as overweight. Stress and how we see the world also play a role in the disease. For the past decade another risk factor has garnered the interest of cardiovascular researchers – the role of oral health and oral bacteria in the development of heart disease. Natural Awakenings checked in with local dentist, Mike Robichaux, to get the most recent insights on the subject. NA: What exactly is the connection between heart disease and oral health? MR: Within the last decade we have learned that chronic inflammation in any part of the body can and does cause problems throughout the body. We have known since 1997, for instance, that the underlying cause of heart disease is chronic inflammation and that one of the sources of inflammation is oral bacteria. In fact, according to Pessi, T. et al, in a study published in Circulation in February of 2013, the analyzed clots of 101 patients, who were actively experiencing a heart attack, had

the presence of oral bacteria which was confirmed through DNA testing. We now know that there are 11 bacteria that can reside in our gum tissues. DNA testing has also shown that these bacteria often show up in the walls of coronary arteries. The inflammation is in part the body’s reaction to the presence of the bacteria, but in the process, the encapsulation of the bacteria by the body’s defenses actually produces clots in the arteries as well as plaque. NA: Is this mostly a concern for people with periodontal disease then? MR: The interesting thing about these bacteria is that we can’t tell by looking at the health of the mouth whether they are present or not. A person can have relatively healthy gums and yet we could have these bacteria in our tissues. NA: So what can a person do who would like to know if they have these bacteria in their mouth? MR: The only way to be sure is to collect samples of fluid from the gum tissues in different areas of the mouth or by rinsing the mouth with a special solution and having DNA tests run to determine if any of these bacteria are present. The test is painless, only takes a few minutes and costs between $150 and $200. NA: Should this be part of a regular check when you have teeth cleaned? MR: The test should be done before teeth are cleaned, otherwise the patient will need to wait 10 to 14 days after the cleaning. That’s also true if antibiotics are begin used – there would be a 10 day wait after finishing the course of antibiotics. NA: What will the test report show? MR: The test will tell us if any of these 11 bacteria are present and the quantity of each one found. NA: Then what? Is there a treatment for this?

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MR: A protocol or module is created and customized based on the amount and type of bacteria present, and of the amount of gum disease, if any. The goal is to eliminate the harmful bacteria and restore the mouth to health, if necessary. This usually involves a series of visits in the office, a program that the individual will follow at home and possibly a short period of antibiotic therapy. We are very conservative regarding the use of antibiotics in our practice, using them only when necessary to rid the body of these bacteria. At the end of the protocol a follow up test is recommended to confirm the elimination of these bacteria. NA: Do you see this test becoming a part of the regular dental check up? MR: It all goes back to what each patient wants for his/her mouth and in this case, for overall health. My feelings are that it would be wise for each of us to know whether or not we have these bacteria present and what it would take to rid the mouth of them. Insurance may or may not cover the tests, but usually will help with the treatment. Since these bacteria can be passed on to our spouse and/or children, it is a much bigger issue than just our own health.

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February 2014

RETHINKING HEART HEALTH

Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist

n 1977, Dr. Dean Ornish began to think beyond an allopathic medicine paradigm that defined the reversal of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and the hypertensive diseases such as heart failure and stroke, as physiologically implausible. Undaunted by the challenge of funding his research, he pushed forward. Results

of his foundational 1986 to 1992 Lifestyle Heart Trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, proved that individuals with preexisting coronary atherosclerosis that make intensive, integrated lifestyle changes can begin to experience improvements in their condition after as little as one year without using lipid-lowering drugs.

Based on his 30-plus years of clinical research, Ornish and his colleagues further showed that five years of following proper nutrition, fitness and stress management— which must include love and support— can reduce symptoms of CHD and other chronic conditions. He remarks in Love & Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health that despite numerous studies

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Love and intimacy are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing. ~ Dr. Dean Ornish, Love & Survival showing a medical basis for its occurrence, the reason why CHD is reversible is still the subject of debate. Ornish’s work has paved the way for a growing corps of pioneering integrative physicians successfully collaborating with patients to reduce the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Plaque the Culprit

The cause of cardiovascular disease is arterial plaque, a fine layer of fatty material that forms within the arteries and blocks blood flow. It is largely the result of food and activity choices, plus the degree of inflammation in the arteries. Dr. Steven Masley’s three keys to improving heart health highlighted in his book, The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, and an upcoming PBS special, concern lifestyle factors capable of shrinking plaque, improving circulation and strengthening the heartbeat. “Abnormal plaque growth is preventable 90 percent of the time,” states the president of Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida. While conducting research on the heart health of nearly 1,000 patients over a period of 20 years, Masley suspected

that the traditional assessment approach of measuring cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure didn’t effectively address the biochemistry within arteries. Testing intima-media thickness (IMT) using a simple 10-minute external ultrasound confirmed it. The test bounces highfrequency sound waves to measure the thickness of the cartoid arteries’ innermost two layers on either side of the neck. “This valuable tool allows for an estimate of arterial age. A healthy, young cardiovascular system has less plaque and an unhealthy, old one has more,” advises Masley. IMT, a useful tool for preventing future heart attacks and strokes, differs from standard carotid Doppler ultrasound, which looks for artery obstructions suggesting surgery. A practitioner of functional medicine, Masley explains heart-related diagnoses differently than his allopathic counterparts. “Rather than diagnosing high blood pressure as hypertension, I categorize it as not enough exercise, not enough fruits and vegetables, high emotional stress and excessive body fat.” To optimize heart health, Masley

employs a broad, holistic matrix of options that enhance the cardiovascular system—the interactions among diet, activity level, weight, environmental toxins, hormones, stress and biochemical factors such as blood sugar control and inflammation levels. He prescribes heart-healing foods that simultaneously help to manage the aging process, following a customized, heartfriendly supplement plan; engaging in exercise that strengthens the heart and arteries; and learning how to better manage stress. He contends that cardiovascular events remain the top cause of death because individuals are largely unaware of treatment options before they get into trouble. More, “Most people falsely assume that their condition has been fixed with a medical procedure and/or drugs, and that a lifestyle change isn’t necessary.”

Cholesterol’s Bad Rap

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist, anti-aging specialist and bioenergetics psychotherapist in Manchester, Connecticut, has also shifted his heart health paradigm. He now prescribes a combination of conventional medicine, food, supplements, mind/ body strategies and natural healing methods. His book, Heartbreak and Heart Disease: A Mind/Body Prescription for Healing the Heart, relates many inspiring case histories that address the psycho-emotional component of heart

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It is no coincidence that we address our physical and emotional heart by the same name. Our physical heart usually reflects the state of our emotional heart, and vice versa. ~ Dr. James Forleo health and illustrate how to repair and reopen a broken heart by releasing longrepressed emotions. Following two years of Gestalt psychotherapy training and seven years of bioenergetics training, Sinatra likewise realized that heartbreak was one of the major causes of heart disease. An expert in the field of natural cardiology, he had once believed that cholesterol and fat were the primary causes before 40 years of treatment research taught him otherwise. “Cholesterol is not the reason for heart disease,” advises Sinatra, founder of HeartMDInstitute.com and author of The Great Cholesterol Myth. “The body produces and needs cholesterol to convert sunlight to vitamin D, to make sex hormones, vital semipermeable membranes for the body’s trillions of cells, plus bile salts for digestion. Even your brain makes and uses cholesterol to build connections between the neurons that facilitate learning and memory.”

Real Perpetrators

Sinatra names the real perpetrators of heart disease—stress, inflammation and overeating sugar and processed foods

containing saturated fat. He counsels that the heart benefits less from a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet than one low in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, overturning widespread medical mantras. Also, a high-fructose, high-grain carbohydrate diet raises triglycerides, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and contributes to insulin resistance, causing the liver to produce more cholesterol, as well as more inflammatory, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) particles, all of which increase the risk for CHD, diabetes and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that metabolic syndrome, which affects nearly 35 percent of American adults, may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for CHD. The AHA currently is focused on increasing awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Its Go Red for Women campaign emphasizes the vital need to take preventive basic actions, including adopting an exercise routine, healthier diet and doctor visits for appropriate non-invasive tests.

Essential Spirit

Dr. James Forleo, a chiropractor in

Durango, Colorado, with 30-plus years of clinical experience, maintains that health is simple, disease is complicated (also the title of his book). He counsels patients, “If mental stress is present in your life, you owe it to your cardiovascular system to change to a healthier lifestyle. Your life may depend on it.” Forleo has recognized that an individual’s state of mind can be a big help or hindrance in maintaining a healthy heart. “The heart represents a different realm of experience entirely, one that cannot be explained by logic and reason,” comments Forleo. He champions the link between maintaining normal spinal function and healthy heart function, along with supporting the inner presence of Spirit, which he calls the healthy heart’s ultimate elixir. “Its essence relaxes the heart, opens the mind to possibilities greater than itself and provides the perspective that the heart and the mind are complementary,” he observes. He explains that when our emotions get bottled up, something in our heart or circulation has to give. “If you or someone you know experiences heart problems, chances are that unresolved emotions lie directly below the surface,” he says. “There are exceptions, and genetic problems can explain many heart defects, but heart problems don’t usually show up unless emotions are involved.” Forleo’s concept is supported by the work of Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., executive vice president and director of research at

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California’s Institute of HeartMath. His research papers include The Energetic Heart: Bioelectromagnetic Interactions Within and Between People. “Today, evidence suggests that the heart may play a particularly important role in emotional experience. Research in the relatively new discipline of neurocardiology has confirmed that the heart is a sensory organ and acts as a sophisticated information encoding and processing center that learns, remembers and makes independent functional decisions that don’t involve the cerebral cortex,” advises McCraty.

To Happy Hearts

Pioneering integrative medical doctors Masley, Sinatra, Forleo and Mona Lisa Schultz, who also holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, agree that in matters of heart disease, emotions take center stage. Schultz, who recently coauthored All is Well: Heal Your Body with Medicine, Affirmations and Intuition, with Louise L. Hay, a leading founder of the self-help movement, applies her 25 years of experience as a medical intuitive with the best of Western clinical science, brain research and energy medicine. Shultz observes, “Every illness has an emotional component, which tells us intuitively that something or someone in our life or environment is out of balance and needs to be addressed. Our use of language—such as frustration makes our heart race, anger boils our blood—and our common sense are telling us what we don’t need more studies to confirm. If we can’t deal with our anger in a timely fashion, name our feelings, respond effectively and release them, we increase our chance of illness, ranging from hypertension to cardiovascular events.” According to the American Journal of Cardiology, the U.S. spends 10 percent of all healthcare dollars for cardiovascular disease prevention and medical management versus 90 percent on medical treatment procedures and hospital care. For individuals interested in taking charge of their heart health, working with a physician that embraces the emerging paradigm of integrative lifestyle changes and prevention can be a drug-free, life-saving decision. Linda Sechrist is the senior st aff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for full interviews.

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February 2014

healingways

Simple Stress Busters Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness by Kathleen Barnes

e all encounter everyday stressors and usually find our own ways of defusing them. However, when chronic stress remains unresolved, it extracts a toll on health that may range from heart disease and stroke to obesity, gastrointestinal problems and depression. Thankfully, Natural Awakenings has uncovered inviting ways to regularly de-stress that naturally make us feel good. Here are some refreshing ideas for immediate rest and relaxation. Eat Mindfully. Chocolate can be an excellent antidote to stress-related

binge eating, advises Dr. Susan Lord, an integrative physician in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, who leads mind-body medicine programs at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge. “We rarely eat mindfully,” comments Lord. “We’re usually gulping down our food while watching TV, arguing with the kids or reading a book.” She often leads a meditation in which participants are allotted one small piece of chocolate that they must eat slowly and consciously. “Most people discover they have never really tasted their food,” she says. “They are pleasantly surprised to discover that they feel satiated and satisfied on every level.” Lord’s teaching is supported by a study from an Oregon Research Institute affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, showing that people lost significant amounts of weight by eating

slowly and mindfully. Accordingly, Kripalu has encouraged eating in silence for nearly 40 years, a practice Lord heartily recommends to her patients for one meal a day. Walk a labyrinth. A meditative walk on a labyrinth may be just what the doctor ordered, says physician Esther Sternberg, professor of medicine and research director at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. “A labyrinth differs from a maze, which has high walls and many dead ends,” notes Sternberg. “Walking a maze is inevitably stressful; a labyrinth has the exact opposite effect. There is only one path in and one path out. You go to the middle, meditate and walk back out. It’s a perfectly calming walking meditation.” In physiological terms, Sternberg explains, the deep breathing induced by labyrinth walking activates the vagus nerve, which prompts relaxation. It does this by interrupting the brain’s stress response and halting the release of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. Our ancestors built labyrinths as early as 4,000 BCE. They exist today in churches, healing centers and backyards all over the world. Finger labyrinths, even as simple as an outline printed on a piece of paper, also have proved to be effective relaxation tools, says Neal Harris, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Barrington, Illinois. His study confirming its relaxing effects was published in the Annals of Psychotherapy & Integrative Health. Shake (or laugh) it off. Anyone that has ever felt like exploding from tight shoulders, indigestion, headaches or other conditions caused by accumulated stress

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can benefit from Lord’s recommendation to experience a whole-body shake. “Just stand with your feet firmly planted and start shaking—first your feet, then your legs, arms, head and neck and eventually, your whole body—for at least two or three minutes,” she counsels. “You’ll shake off all of that tension, energize every cell and probably start laughing, another great stress reliever.” A good belly laugh is likewise a powerful stress reliever, according to a study by researchers at Indiana State University, in Terra Haute, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. Results also showed that laughter increased production of the protective cells that boost immune function.

Create a memory garden. For Sternberg, her personal place of peace is an unconscious re-creation combining the sights and smells of her grandmother’s garden with the comfortable “at home” feeling of her parents’ deck and mementos from a happy time in Crete. At the center of Sternberg’s happy memories are fragrant jasmine and gardenia trees, lavender and basil, all reminders of happy times in her life. She recalls, “It wasn’t until I was finished that I realized what I had done.” A review of relevant science reported in Neural Plasticity explains that the brain’s hippocampus region, a seat of memory, especially related to place, also normally regulates the production of cortisol. But an

excess of cortisol due to stress can impair its memory functions. “When we are in a place that brings happy memories to mind, we let go of stress and stop the release of cortisol,” says Sternberg. “It helps to just think of a place where we have been happy.” She recommends creating a home space with some plants on a windowsill, photos of happy family gatherings, fabrics or paint in beloved colors and perhaps inherited items that trigger fond memories. Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books, including 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Music Soothes the Soul

Breathe Deeply

Dozens of studies from leading institutions like Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, in Yonkers, New York, and Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, show that music can offset stress, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, improve immune function and support restful sleep. So play a tune or two of much-loved music and let the calming effects induce a state of relaxation. According to research from the American Society of Hypertension, classical music, the blues and other soothing music work best because they cause the body to release endorphins and slow breathing rates. It’s better yet if our favorite music inspires stress-releasing body movement.

Perform this subtle de-stressor while in line at the market or driving. It slows heart rate, oxygenates the body, improves mental clarity and has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Source: GreenMedInfo.com

n Sit or stand straight. n Put the tip of the tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind the upper front teeth, and keep it there throughout the entire exercise. n Inhale through the nose for a count of four. n Hold each breath for a count of seven. n Exhale completely through the mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of eight. Source: DrWeil.com

natural awakenings

February 2014

healthykids

Quiet Kids in a Noisy World Bringing Out the Best in Introverts by Meredith Montgomery

abrielle Perillo’s daughter, A’ngel, 11, is a deep thinker, compassionate for all beings (human and not), a defender of justice, spiritual and extremely creative. She pursues any subject she studies with focus and passion. Although other children are naturally drawn to her, A’ngel, a born introvert, generally prefers to play quietly on her own. At first, her mother worried that her daughter was being insensitive to others and not paying attention to her surroundings. But once Mom released her own emotional projections, she recognized how happy her daughter is in her own space and began to appreciate the benefits of this independence. At least a third of Americans are introverts, yet many parents are prone to mischaracterize their more private children as antisocial, self-centered and lonely. Susan Cain, a former corporate attorney and author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop

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Talking, explains, “Introverts are not antisocial, they just prefer socializing in lower-key ways.” They usually form a few deep and intimate relationships compared to extroverts that often cultivate many friends. Christine Fonseca, an educational psychologist and author of Quiet Kids, notes the danger in misunderstanding a child’s hesitancy or reserved nature. “Kids can benefit from understanding who they are and what it means to be an introvert. Otherwise, they may compare themselves to their extrovert friends and feel deficient.” Introverts own many exceptional qualities. They tend to be deep thinkers able to work independently in highly creative and innovative ways. They may prefer to learn a lot about a few topics instead of a little about many different areas. Often described as empathetic, conscientious and self-aware, introverts make authentic leaders and effective

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managers as adults. Introvert and extrovert temperaments are distinguished by how individuals generate energy. Introverts process the world and recharge through solitude; many can flourish in social situations as long as they can rejuvenate by being on their own. Fonseca notes a defining difference in physiology. “Introverts use part of the nervous system that has a long pathway from point A to point B, so it takes them longer to process information.” Cain adds, “Introverts also usually have a longer runway than others, so it takes them longer to take off and fly. It’s crucial that the message they’re receiving from parents and teachers is, ‘That’s okay.’” It’s important that parents balance how they honor a child’s preferences with teaching them skills to thrive. “Don’t expect them to follow the gang,” says Cain. “Instead, encourage them to follow their passions.”

Parents can empower children with tools to increase their comfort zone. If youngsters have difficulty speaking up in class, it helps to prepare them with what they want to say beforehand. Cain notes that this lessens anxiety and when they are able to speak up, they’ll feel like part of the class. Simple tips can offer relief in uncomfortable social situations. Perillo reinforces social manners before she and A’ngel arrive at an event. She focuses on the greetings, reminding her to extend her hand first, speak clearly, make eye contact and smile. Also, because selfpromotion doesn’t come naturally to introverts, they often need coaching to highlight their own assets when applying for a club, college or job. Fonseca encourages families to embrace digital technology. She observes, “Most introverts are extroverts online. While face-to-face communication tends to drain them, that doesn’t happen as much online, plus it’s easier to feel more adept socially there.” They’ll still need to disconnect and renew after socializing online, so it’s important to set usage boundaries. Fonseca, who has one introverted and one extroverted child, facilitates dialogue that teaches each of them to communicate with their peers about their needs. “My introvert tells her extrovert friends not to take offense if she needs to take quiet time alone. They offer each other a perspective that makes their own point of view more well-rounded.” Fr o m a n e u r o p s y c h o l o g i c a l perspective, introverts and extroverts can learn from each other, as well. According to Fonseca, extroverts that habitually activate their sympathetic nervous system (“fight-or-flight”) can experience burnout if they don’t learn how to slow down and be calm. However, introverts, relying mostly on their parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”), can be overly calm and slow to respond to situations. Fonseca notes, “It’s not about one temperament being more positive than the other; it’s about understanding who everyone is, their authentic self and finding balance.” Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

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CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD

Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig

“

esearch tells us that 14 out of any 10 individuals like chocolate,” quips cartoonist Sandra Boynton. American chocolate lovers buy 58 million-plus pounds around Valentine’s Day, according to Nielsen Research. Ideally, the dark treat would be as healthy as a salad or an apple. Fortunately, accumulating research is on the way to giving plant-based chocolate superfood status. All chocolate starts with cacao beans, seeds from the pods of the tropical cacao tree that thrives only in hot, rainy

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climates in Africa, Indonesia and South America. Local soil and climate conditions determine flavor characteristics, much as with grapes. Harvested beans are fermented to create the chocolate taste and then dried. Afterwards, chocolate makers add brand-specific ingredients to the cacao solids. “The percentage number on a bar’s wrapper represents the weight that actually comes from the cacao bean content,” says Robert L. Wolke, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and author of What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained. “The higher the number, the lower the percentage of sugar and the less sweet, more bitter and complex the flavor.” This is significant because dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants which can help reduce cell damage, according to the Integrative Medicine Department at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Alex Whitmore, founder of Taza NOLAHealthyLiving.com

Chocolate, in Somerville, Massachusetts, recently had one of its bars lab tested for antioxidant levels, called ORAC, or oxygen radical absorption capacity; the higher the value, the more antioxidants. Taza Chocolate’s 80% Dark Bar had a 65 percent higher ORAC than Himalayan goji berries, famed for being a superfood. “This is very high for a chocolate bar,” notes Whitmore. Cocoa also serves as a superfood for cardiovascular and metabolic health, report two recent studies from separate teams of Harvard School of Public Health researchers. A 2012 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that consuming dark, unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate can improve blood pressure, vascular dilation and cholesterol levels, plus reduce metabolic precursors like diabetes that can lead to heart disease. In 2011, Eric Ding, Ph.D., a Harvard School of Public Health epidemiologist and nutrition scientist, reviewed shortterm trials of subjects ingesting 400 to 500 mg per day of flavonoid-rich cocoa, which he equates to 33 bars of milk chocolate or eight bars of dark chocolate. While Ding feels this is an unreasonable amount to eat because of the extra calories from sugar and fat, he states, “Supplements with concentrated cocoa flavonoids may perhaps be helpful for garnering the benefits discovered. The key is getting the benefits for heart disease while avoiding the calories, and for that, chocolate bars are not likely the best solution.” A n o t h e r o b s e r va t i o n a l s t u dy published in Nutrition shows that eating dark chocolate might help keep the pounds off for teenagers. Researchers

with the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence program at the University of Zaragoza, in Spain, knew that chocolate consumption in adults already had been linked to lower body mass index. They found that chocolate consumption was also associated with lower total and midsection fat in European adolescents, reports Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo.com, a natural health research database. “The quality and cocoa content they used in their research is probably much higher than in America,” says Ji. “From my perspective, it appears that even when researchers don’t control for type, the results across the board are rather startling. Even American subjects, presumably eating common milk chocolate bars, see benefits.” So, this Valentine’s Day—and every day—we can happily relish that oneounce piece of artisan dark chocolate melting slowly in our mouth and know we’re doing it for pleasure and for health. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Chocolate Artistry Small-batch, artisan chocolate makers strive to make delicious chocolate in the purest, most ethical and sustainable ways possible. They often travel to meet the growers to source the best cacao beans (organic preferred), use fair trade principles and take a personal interest in making fine chocolate without filler ingredients. Here is a partial list of conscientious members of Craft Chocolate Makers of America: Amano Artisan Chocolate, AmanoChocolate.com Askinosie Chocolate, Askinosie.com DeVries Chocolate, DeVriesChocolate.com Patric Chocolate, Patric-Chocolate.com Taza Chocolate, TazaChocolate.com

Chocolate Cookery Vegan Chocolate Pie

Serve this with fresh raspberries and enjoy a little romance. Yields 8 servings Chocolate Wafer Crust 6½ oz dairy-free chocolate wafer cookies, crushed into fine crumbs 1 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 oz vegan buttery stick (such as Earth Balance), melted and slightly cooled Chocolate Filling 13 oz dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli) 1 /3 cup strong brewed coffee 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 lb silken tofu, drained 1 Tbsp honey 1 (9-in) prepared chocolate wafer crust Preheat the oven to 350° F. For the crust, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar and melted vegan buttery stick. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom, up the sides and just over the lip of a 9-inch metal pie pan. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the crust is set and appears dry, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 hour.

For the filling, melt the chocolate chips with the coffee and vanilla in a medium metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring often with a spatula. Combine the tofu, melted chocolate mixture and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the filling becomes firm.

Vegan Hot Chocolate

A comforting way to enjoy the benefits of chocolate on a cold day. Yields 4 servings 2½ cups plain rice milk 3 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch cayenne pepper Bring the rice milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy. Serve immediately. Source: Recipes courtesy of Judith Fertig

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February 2014

primary reason for Zombeads existence is to raise awareness of Carnival waste. Many tons of beads are thrown during Mardi Gras, and a large number “nobody bothers to pick up,” said Erik Paskewich, Zombeads’ Social Entrepreneur. “We want to shift the dialogue from quantity to quality,” he said. “Also, we want to reduce our reliance on the petrochemical industry… and bring jobs back in Louisiana from overseas.” The company is working with krewes to introduce less toxic beads into the market. Some of the items for sale that can be customized include a key chain made from shutters; ceramic doubloons; small handbags and totes made from recycled, misprinted rice bags; a new recycled Voodoo doll; neck boxes for walking krewes and the Bead and Bra drink holder.

The Green Gras is Growing by Colleen Morgan

ardi Gras throws are treasures – memories of happy moments with friends and family. To some they are tokens of achievement or merely decorations. They are everywhere at Carnival time and remnants of them remain throughout the year on fences, in the trees, on the ground. Unfortunately, they are not biodegradable and tons end up in landfills. They are largely made of plastic (petroleum) and contain other hazardous chemicals, according to a recent report by the Ecology Center in Michigan. There is, however, a movement to green up Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which has gained great momentum over the past few years. Nonprofit organizations and forprofit companies are popping up with options to improve the safety and environmental footprint of parade throws.

Recycled Throws

The Arc of Greater New Orleans, an organization that serves intellectually disabled citizens, has been accepting donations of beads since before Hurricane 30

New Orleans

Katrina, reselling them to support the organization’s mission. In 2013 Arc kept 130,000 pounds of beads and other throws out of landfills, according to the Recycling Coordinator, Margie Perez, who estimated the total will reach at least 150,000 pounds this season. At the same time, Arc employed 40 clients, who sorted and prepared the beads for resale. More on Arc can be found at ArcGNO.org. St. Michael’s Special School and Save an Angel, a cancer clinic and shelter for dogs, also accept donated beads to raise funds. For more information on these programs, logon to Save-An-Angel.org, or call St. Michael’s at 504-522-8194.

Sustainably Made

Leading the charge to replace the usual plastic beads, imported from China, with locally made throws made of sustainable materials is Zombeads, a forprofit company founded in 2013 by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a 14 year old environmental justice nonprofit based in New Orleans. In addition to the goal of reducing air pollution in the region, a NOLAHealthyLiving.com

“We are trying to get the word out and let people know that there are alternatives to petrochemical-based beads,” Paskewich said. To see pictures and offerings, logon to Zombeads.biz. Katrina Brees, founder of the Bearded Oysters dance troup, sells sustainably made items for throws through her company, I Heart Louisiana. She also connects krewes with local artists and manufacturers, costume makers and float-builders and creates designs of her own, which can be viewed at IHeartLouisiana.com. Brees focuses on necklaces – the new, sustainable beads– that can be thrown from a float but will be cherished, worn to parties, and kept in a jewelry box. “My background is in fashion design,” she said. “Don’t want things that look

like garbage... Some of our pieces are selling in gift shops for $20 apiece, and we’re selling them for $2 and $3. These are real jewelry items, not just party trinkets.” Sustainable cups may also be on the horizon. A truly biodegradable, recyclable and compostable cup – the EarthKare Kup – made from root resins, bamboo and limestone was in line to become a green throw in 2014, but funding became an issue. The innovative cup, which features a unique, attached lid, can be used for hot or cold drinks, and will most likely be seen somewhere during Carnival season 2015. Check it out at EarthKare.com.

for them until February, for example. And the markup on these purchases helps pay for permits and floats and other expenses. So Brees’ firm is working on developing financing packages for the 2015 Carnival season.

A Krewe’s View

“This is very much on our radar,” said Muses Captain Staci Rosenberg. “We are very conscious of the [issue], and we are trying to keep the amount of plastic down while still producing throws people want.” Muses krewe members toss items people can use: shoelaces, toothbrushes, reusable bags, luggage tags, and jewelry

that can be worn year round. Muses has considered beads of nuts, seeds and popcorn, but throwing food is a problem, and they have looked into paper beads made in South Africa by empowered women, but they are too expensive. “We have to be price sensitive...And the crowds are bigger every year, and they clamor for stuff,” she said. “We have to walk that line. We are aware, though, and we are trying to minimize our footprint.” Holly and Kirk Groh, the founders of Verdi Gras, are happy that the movement is growing, but also understand that the krewes cannot change their ways instantaneously. They are most concerned about making sure the public is aware of the carbon footprint of and toxins in the throws, primarily lead, and the potential hazards associated with them. As parents of four children, the Grohs want parents to be mindful of the dangers, and they want the laws to change to protect children – since Carnival throws are not classified as toys, they do not undergo the same scrutiny. Colleen Morgan is a freelance writer and environmental editor of Natural Awakenings – S.E. Louisiana. She may be reached at colleen.nolahealthy living@gmail.com

The Financial Challenge

The greening of Carnival will not happen overnight, Brees admitted, because krewes finance their parades through beads – specifically, purchasing beads and marking them up for the krewe members in order to raise funds. “When we first started and wanted them to forego beads for the benefit of ecology, it wasn’t as simple as we originally thought,” she said. “…We still want the krewes to be able to finance the parades, so we’ve been working to provide throws to individual krewes.” She explained that most of the big parades get a hefty credit package from the manufacturers in China – they order their beads in July and don’t have to pay

CATHERINE WILBERT, N.D. Naturopathic Doctor Nationally Recognized Wellness Expert Founder, The Nutrition Company

natural awakenings

February 2014

fitbody

CYCLES OF SPIN Returning to its Heart-Healthy Origins by Janet Osen

ike many newly minted sports, “Spin” has at its center a near-mythical figure: its creator, Jonathan Goldstein—better known as Johnny G—by most accounts a unique eccentric with an unheralded passion for cycling. In 1987, while training for the

renowned The Race Across America bike event, a mega-marathon 3,100mile race from Los Angeles to New York, Goldstein was struck by a car and nearly killed. It produced an epiphany: Building an indoor bike simulating the outdoor experience would create a novel workout

that would incorporate cardio training and emphasize a mind-body connection. With the formation of Mad Dogg Athletics in 1994, the Spinning craze began rolling. Rolling Stone magazine named it the newest hot exercise and by 1996 there were 1,000-plus Spinning centers in 30 countries.

True to Form

Conceived as a form of cardio biofeedback, the activity keyed on training the heart muscle aerobically using a heart monitor. The original goal was to provide an “aerobic base” by working at 65 to 80 percent of one’s maximum heart rate,

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making the heart a more effective pump and increasing oxygen levels throughout the body. The Spin program follows the principle that participants will train aerobically for six to 12 weeks prior to a “Race Day”—a special ride performed at a steady anaerobic threshold generally at 85 to 95 percent of maximum heart rate. Anaerobic threshold, or AT, is the point at which the body accumulates lactic acid in the muscles faster that it can be removed. “Aerobic base building creates a strong foundation for increasing one’s lactate threshold,” explains Lorey Pro, a master Spin instructor and assistant director of fitness and wellness at Louisiana State University. “Riders can increase their tolerance for anaerobic exercise.” “The metabolism’s foundation is strengthened by aerobic base building. Without it, the body will fall apart if the athlete moves right into anaerobic threshold training,” explains Shannon Derby, a master Spin instructor and certified group fitness and personal trainer at Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center, in Boulder, Colorado. In contrast to indoor cycling, Spin requires that exertion rates be correlated to levels based on maximum heart rates, and revolutions per minute (RPMs) or pedal strokes be kept at pre-specified levels. According to Pro, Spin should combine mind and body training by using a variety of heart rate zones to improve health, fitness and performance. Instructors take participants through a series of rides known as Energy Zones, each serving a specific purpose like endurance, strength or recovery. Terri Arends, a master Spin instructor and group fitness director at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Texas, attests that without such rides, the aerobic foundation crumbles. She likes to put riders through “kicking Spin rides and moments of Zen that allow riders to let go and find their inner athlete.”

Latest Spins on Original Spin Hydrorider: Lightweight aluminum, rust-proof bike affords aqua cycling in the pool. RealRyder: Bike innovation tilts and moves with participants’ body weight to more accurately simulate outdoor cycling. High Tech: Onboard computers track resistance levels, cadence and heart rates designed for precision rides. Bands Classes: Resistance bands attach to a sliding track on the ceiling to tone abs, arms and chest. Fusion: Classes combine Spin with other workouts like yoga. “Interval rides tend to get picked most,” observes Derby. “There are many different kinds and they are fairly easy to teach and well liked, even though that isn’t what the official Spinning program recommends.” Del Lugo, a Spin instructor and fitness professional in Suffern, New York, who works at the nearby Torne Valley Sports Complex and Lifeplex Health Club, says he rarely sees classic Spin done anymore. In Lugo’s world, Spin should be simply a “fun, safe experience with the instructor endeavoring to instill enthusiasm and encouragement.”

Moving Forward

One key indicator of whether a fitness activity is a trend and not a fad is the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual Fitness Trends survey. In 2012, Spin made ACSM’s top 20 list

of fitness trends, citing it as “one of the most popular group exercise programs in the commercial sector.” Yet it fell off of ACSM’s list last year. Reviving the original training program may prove helpful in preventing potential Spin burnout. Workouts were originally designed to culminate each week in a meditative, low-impact recovery ride to allow for rest and recovery, which is pivotal to any successful fitness program. The key to Spin’s continuity may be in moving cycling back to its origins—reeducating participants about how best to use Spinning to maximize desired results for body, mind and spirit. Janet Osen is a freelance writer in Rockland County, NY. She is a certified Spin instructor currently working toward her 200-hour yoga teacher certification.

Lost in Translation

In today’s typical Spin class, no one wears a heart monitor. While some gyms and boutique facilities offer endurance or strength rides, most conduct only interval rides featuring top 40 music selections and a loose interpretation of the prescribed movements, positions and cadence rates. natural awakenings

February 2014

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More Springtime Flowering Trees (second installment in a 2 part series)

any of our flowering trees come from the Far East. Although these are not native trees, they offer some wonderful benefits to our Southeast Louisiana landscapes. Popular nonfruiting trees include: Taiwan Cherry, Japanese Magnolias, Chinese Redbud and Forest Pansy Redbud, Chinese Fringe and the Orchid Tree. Among flowering fruit trees, citrus of course, is the sensuous scent around Valentines Day in New Orleans. Plan to plant citrus around Valentine’s Day to avoid a potential hard freeze nipping it back. Pomegranate trees should be planted more often in New Orleans. The bulbous orange flowers in the late spring and summer create a landscape statement.The fruit is great in smoothies and vinegars. Mayhaw trees are becoming more prevalent in New Orleans with lovely clusters of white flowers that produce a fruit that ripens in May for delicious jellies. Southern Crab Apple makes a great show, although rarely produces fruit here, but this year may be lucky due to the freeze in January. Information provided by Parkway Partners is located at 1137 Baronne St, New Orleans. The 2nd Saturday Program on February 8 will include Russell Harris to help with fruit tree selection and care. Contact nhoward@parkwaypartnersnola.org for a locally grown tree or longleaf pine mulch.

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What are the most common hidden barriers to love?

LOVE MAGNET Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way by Debra Melani

fter years of experiencing love going sour, Katherine Woodward Thomas set a goal: She would marry her soul mate within a year. Her quest inspired a surprising awakening that spurred her to look deep inside for the key that would unblock love. Thomas realized the transformation that enabled her success involved clear steps that could help anyone. Today, the licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert has guided thousands toward successful relationships via her national bestseller, Calling in “The One”: 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life, and subsequent books and seminars.

What catalyzed your Calling in “The One” professional journey? I was 41, a card-carrying member of one of America’s largestgrowing groups—the never-marrieds. I had bought into the cultural belief that a woman my age had little chance of finding a great husband. I felt anxious and resigned, trying to come to terms with it, but sad inside. Fortunately, at the time, I was part of a small group supportive of each other’s intentions. So I set the outrageous intention that I would be engaged by my next birthday. I also recognized my longstanding pattern of attracting unavailable men who were engaged, married or alcoholics. A woman in the group said, “Katherine, I will hold that intention with you if you permit me to hold you accountable to be the woman you would need to be in order to fulfill it.” Her wake-up call turned my focus from running out to find love to going within to discover the barriers I had against it. Thus I began what became the Calling in “The One” process.

How does it differ from other approaches to finding love? Many approaches focus on the external reasons love is elusive, such as all the good men are taken, men don’t like powerful women or just not having met the right person. This approach focuses more on the internal reasons—going within to discover and release one’s own conscious and unconscious barriers. For most of us, a gap exists between how much we think we want love and how much we are actually open and ready to receive it. Until we bridge that gap, we will covertly keep love at bay, and won’t even realize we are doing it.

One hidden barrier is resentment. We only resent people to the extent that we’ve given our power away to them. Uncover your role in what happened. Even if it was 97 percent their fault and 3 percent yours, zero in on that 3 percent, because you’ll only be able to trust yourself to love again once you’ve taken that responsibility. If you still feel resentful, you have not yet evolved beyond the person you were before. Another centers on old agreements—the spoken and unspoken, agreements we make, usually in an emotional time—such as “I’m never going to let myself get hurt again” or “I’ll never love anyone the way I love you.” Such agreements live in our lives as intentions. They may no longer be conscious, yet still set our course. Another has to do with toxic relational dynamics. To find the best partnership, you need to be your best self. Maintaining a toxic dynamic drains personal power, making it hard to move forward in life. It’s vital to evolve out of this debilitating dynamic so you are in the center of your power everywhere in life. The fourth area, and probably the most important, revolves around the core beliefs you hold about both yourself and others. You might have a reasonably clear sense of yourself around money, career and friendship, but your core love identity might cause you to believe yourself unworthy of a quality partner. Identifying and challenging these beliefs is critical in learning how to break free from them, helping to raise your value in your own eyes and thus in others.

You believe the best way to find a needle in a haystack is to become magnetic and allow that needle to find you. How does one become magnetic to love? Being centered in the truth of your own value and the real possibilities you hold for true love is wildly attractive. Love yearns to embrace us, but can’t come to us if it can’t come through us. When we shift into this place of possibility, we can become profoundly magnetic to love. Learn more at CallingInTheOne.net, ConsciousUncoupling.com or KatherineWoodwardThomas.com. Explore the qualities possible in an enlightened mate at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com. Freelance journalist Debra Melani is from Lyons, CO. Connect at DebraMelani.com.

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Cardiac Care for Pets How to Keep Little Hearts Humming by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

ymptoms that suggest a dog or cat’s heart is not pumping effectively include coughing and fatigue from light exercise. Before the signs are evident, it is far better to check for heart disease during regular twice-yearly visits to the veterinarian. Using a stethoscope, a skilled doctor can pick up telltale heart murmurs during the examination. A fairly common problem with cats, heart disease tends to occur as cardiomyopathy, an issue with the heart muscle. In most dogs, where cardiomyopathy is rare, it usually involves damaged heart valves, resulting in “leaks” that allow blood to flow in both directions. Upon an initial diagnosis of heart disease, one of two mistakes in treatment routinely occur: Either a doctor prescribes strong cardiac medications to “prevent” heart failure from happening (even though no medication has been shown to prevent heart failure), or he takes a wait-and-see approach, only intervening when the disease progresses to irreversible heart failure. The better approach is to do further testing and evaluation at the first sign NOLAHealthyLiving.com

of a murmur, including chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a cardiac ultrasound to classify the stage of the disease and determine if conventional medications can help. Follow-up visits every six months allow the doctor to identify the point at which heart disease has progressed toward impending heart failure. In general, pets with either a diseased or failing heart can benefit from supplements. Individual regimens vary, based on the nature of the patient’s case.

Omega-3

Fish oil contains beneficial docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) unsaturated

omega-3 fatty acids. The principle metabolites derived from the metabolism of EPA and DHA tend to be antiinflammatory. Contrariwise, omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in warm-weather vegetable oils, produce pro-inflammatory mediators. Because omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete with each other to be converted to active metabolites (pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory) in the body, decreasing the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and/ or increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels, available through fish oil, is generally considered beneficial. The differing numbers identifying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids simply refer to where the carbon-carbon double bonds are positioned in the molecules. Supplementing with fish oil may also reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death by decreasing inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart.

Coenzyme Q-10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant synthesized in most tissues in the body. The highest concentrations are in the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. In the diet, CoQ10 is found in foods such as organ meats, poultry, fish, meat, nuts, soybean oil, fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products. The Professional’s Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines explains that CoQ10 is used in electron transport in mitochondria—small organelles inside cells that convert carbohydrates and fats into energy.

It reports that studies in people with hypertension showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure through CoQ10 supplementation. Benefits of such therapy studied in people with a heart that has failed in its pumping ability showed increased improved heart function and proper dilation of the blood vessels for improved circulation. It is proving to be one of the best nutrients to help an ailing heart.

Hawthorn

The herb hawthorn is highly regarded for its suitability in the treatment of heart disease due to its flavonoid and other antioxidant content. It provides several beneficial effects for the heart—helping to maintain a normal heart rhythm with decreased risk of arrhythmias; bolstering the force of heart muscle contraction; increasing coronary blood flow; and decreasing the organ’s energy demands. It acts like angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as the medicine Enalapril, used to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the workload of a failing heart. While other therapies can be used to help pet heart patients, these three are a sound starting point. In some cases, they may be suitable instead of medications that can cause side effects to the kidney and liver, or at least allow for smaller doses. Natural remedies provide a gentler alternative. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

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New Orleans

o’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian huna, a secret to facilitating forgiveness within; or simply, the art of forgiveness. Four healing phrases are employed in a harmonic mantra to help “make things right” or “correct the errors”. It works to cleanse hurt feelings and relieve suffering from being in an unforgiving or unforgiven state. According to the Babylon online dictionary, Ho’oponopono is used to release problems and blocks that cause imbalance, unease and stress in the self; bring peace and balance through physical, mental and spiritual cleansing that involves repentance and transmutation; and create balance, freedom, love, peace and wisdom within individuals, social entities, the world and the universe. Ho’oponopono Forgiveness Mantra I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you. These four forgiveness phrases, both individually and collectively, help heal us and our relationships with others, especially loved ones. Each one melts hearts and heals souls. Going deeper, we can voice this mantra in communing with the divine and see the effect both within and without. NOLAHealthyLiving.com

I am sorry for participating in this erroneous memory data. Please forgive me for not seeing the perfection in this moment, and playing back a universal memory I have received within me that is riddled with wrongs and errors. Thank you for cleansing me, others, the world and the universe. I love you. Loving the sweet divine is the greatest power or energy there is in all space. I am now loving everyone involved and affected. I know that my perceptions of them are within me, where this error first occurred and where it can be eradicated. Like planting a seed in soil that grows into nothing of our making, the divine does the work as we allow it to work through us. As we come to consistently use the Ho’oponopono mantra, we may elect to select a special word as a substitute for the whole mantra to use as a touchstone, so that when we say or think this word, we are immediately clear and clean of all the pain associated with any erroneous memory data presented. Our heart is healed and family or friends will return to relationships with a lighter heart. We do not need to understand how it works, only that it does. Source: Adapted from VividLife.me

ongoingevents Note: All Calendar events must be received via email or online by February 10 for the March 2014 issue. $15/Event Calendar or Ongoing Calendar listing. $30/ PlanAhead Events, $69 MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free community wide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries online at NOLAHealthyLiving. com or email to calendar@NOLAHealthyLiving.com. No phone calls please.

sunday Kundalini Yoga – 5-6am. Taught by Elizabeth Eckman. Clear the obstacles that limit life and awaken to fullest potential. Morning meditation follows from 6-8:30am. Free. Divine Yoga Center, 1223 Baronne St, NOLA Contact: info@yoganola.com. New Orleans Chapter AMORC Rosicrucian’s – 11am. Meetings held on Sundays and Wednesday evenings as listed in event calendar. 2801 Loyola Ave. Suite 4, Kenner Location. Call 504-472-5635 for times and more information. Restorative Yoga in Mandeville – 6-7:30pm. Experience deep relaxation by candlelight with long held poses supported with props. Breathing techniques to relieve stress and guided meditation. All levels. Yoga Alliance certified teacher. $12/class. Must reserve space, limit 7. Fleur de Lis Yoga, 201 Carroll St, Old Mandeville. Info/reg: 917-756-9087 or Christina@FleurdeLisYoga.org. Do You Have Too Much Stuff? Free phone consultations with holistic professional organizer, Stasia Cymes. Co-create a decluttering plan of action & start the new year with new space in your home. Call 504-920-1800 for appt.

monday TRX Workout – 10-11am. (also Wed 10-11am). This all core, all the time fitness class incorporates the TRX, Pilates and other functional training to work the body as a whole to prevent injuries when doing the fun stuff. All fitness levels appropriate. First class only $10. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, NOLA. Info: 985-640-2648. Mindfulness Meditation – noon-1pm. A guided meditation in the style of Thick Nhat Hanh led by Patricia Stout, a student the peaceful Zen master and his monastics. Donations appreciated. Women’s Healing Center, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. Info: 985-892-8111. Basic/Beginners Aikido Classes – 6:15-7:15pm. Practice a martial art of peace for every body whose benefits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community, and fun! First class is free. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes suggested. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St., Suite 103 (near Canal and Carrolton intersection) in Mid-City. More info: 504-208-4861, info@nolaaikido.com. Yoga Diva/Harahan – 6:30-7:30pm. (Also Wed 6-7pm) Relax the body, focus the mind, deepen self-awareness. Learn to navigate through postures and flow by gaging flexibility, strength, concentration, breath and range of motion. All levels. Props/mats provided. Certified instructor. $60/ month-4classes. 5700 Citrus Blvd, Upstairs in Curves. Call Karen before coming: 504-220-5325.

Hatha Yoga in Mandeville – 6:45-7:45am & 6:307:45pm. (also Wed) Improve strength, balance and flexibility. Strong emphasis on correct alignment & release of mental and physical tensions. All levels. Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. $12/class. Must reg/limit 7. Fleur de Lis Yoga, 201 Carroll St, Old Mandeville. Info/reg: 917-756-9087 or Christina@FleurdeLisYoga.org. Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism – 7-8:15pm. Learn how to activate your greatest potential, increase your compassion and achieve absolute happiness. Free. SGI-USA Buddhist Center, 1331 Prytania St, NOLA. Info: 504-310-2011. Do You Have Too Much Stuff? Free phone consultations with holistic professional organizer, Stasia Cymes. Co-create a decluttering plan of action & start the new year with new space in your home. Call 504-920-1800 for appt.

tuesday Pro-FIT Training Group Exercise – 5am. (also 6am, 12pm & 6pm) Not a typical boot camp class. Reach max potential through encouragement, nutritional tips, progress tracking, and a full body, cardiovascular, fat blasting workout. Bring a mat and towel. 3708 4th Street, Ste 102, Harvey. Sign up with Renata at info@pro-fit-life.com.

Crescent City Farmers Market/Uptown – 9am1pm. Open air market with fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked breads and pies, bedding plants, dairy products, freshly cut flowers. Located in the parking lot of Uptown Square. Adaptive Yoga – 10am-11am. Designed for those with limited mobility. Gentle joint mobilization practices, poses adapted using props. Peaceful environment with mats/chairs/props provided. RYT 500 teacher. $5/60 min class. Yoga School, 603 Tyler St, Covington. For info contact Erin: 985-705-4110 or MorYoga@ymail.com Care for Caregivers Women’s Group – 1011:30am. (2nd & 4th Tues). Facilitated support group for caregivers of dependent parents, spouses or special needs children. Help prevent burn-out, educational, self-care focus for empowerment and relaxation. Donation optional. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. Ann Galloway: 985-773-2307 or info@womenscenterforhealing.org. Lessons in Meditation – 11am-noon. Beginning 1/7. Join Ellen LaRocca, CPSM, in a weekly meditation including lessons in mindfulness, mantra, visualization, chant, and labyrinth. $8 suggested donation. .Body Works & Wellness Center, 200 Mariners Plaza, Mandeville. More info: 985-373-6089. Northshore Hatha Yoga – 5-6:30pm. Balancing combination of gentle and challenging yoga poses to rejuvenate and relax the body. Beginners to advanced students. Peaceful environment with mats/props provided. $10/90 minute class or $48/6 classes. RYT 500 teacher. Yoga School, 603 S. Tyler St., Covington. Info: 985-705-4110 or MorYoga@ymail.com.

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February 2014

Community Yoga Class – 7:30-8:45pm. Taught by graduates of Transform NOLA’s 200-hour yoga teacher training. Vinyasa flow appropriate for all levels. Suggested donation: $5-$15. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St., NOLA. Contact: 985-640-2648. N.O. Insight Meditation Group – 7:30-9pm. This is a peer led group that meets for practice, study and discussion. No experience necessary. Location: 2134 Magazine St, 3d fl, NOLA. Info: call Larry at 504-343-8378.

wednesday German Coast Farmers Market/West Bank – 2:30-6pm. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie & fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausage, kettle corn, cracklins, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts 4th Wed. Located at 12715 Highway 90, St. Charles Plaza Shopping Center, Site of the old K-mart building, Luling, LA

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SERVICES AA – DRINKING IS YOUR BUSINESS. STOPPING IS OURS. C a l l A l c o h o l i c s Anonymous. 504-838-3399. AA-NewOrleans.org. VEGETARIAN MEETUP GROUP meets at least once a month for a veggie meal. See calendar of events at http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-515/ members/7165804/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES St Tammany Humane Society – Help foster pets, many tasks for fundraising, help with animal socializing, many more. Call for wish list. Contact 985-892-7387, X 106. The Humane Society of Louisiana needs volunteers. To find out how you can help contact Jeff Dorson at 901-268-4432 or StopCruelty11@gmail.com.

New Orleans

Northshore Yoga – 5:30pm. Gentle, challenging and relaxing classes focusing on breath and movement. Appropriate for beginners and seasoned students. Pleasant, stress-free environment. Mats/props provided. $10/90 minute class or $48/6 classes. 500 E-RYT /CYT teacher. Yoga School, 603 S. Tyler St, Covington. Info/Mary Ann: 985-630-7242 or miaboss@me.com. Basic/Beginners Aikido Classes – 6:15-7:15pm. Practice a martial art of peace for every body whose benefits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community, and fun! First class is free. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes suggested. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St., Suite 103 (near Canal and Carrolton intersection) in Mid-City. More info: 504-208-4861, info@nolaaikido.com. Hatha Yoga in Mandeville – 6:45-7:45am. & 6:307:45pm. (also Mon) Improve strength, balance and flexibility. Strong emphasis on correct alignment & release of mental and physical tensions. All levels. Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. $12/class. Must reg/limit 7. Fleur de Lis Yoga, 201 Carroll St, Old Mandeville. Info/reg: 917-756-9087 or Christina@FleurdeLisYoga.org. Get All Wrapped Up – 6:30pm. Every 3rd Wed. Chance to try a wrap treatment that firms and tightens skin and decreases cellulite in as little as 45 minutes. $25 per section. Elite Skin Suite (inside Premier Fitness Ladies Lounge). Ask for Lessie. More Info: 504-452-6964.

Vinyasa/Hatha Style Yoga/Mandeville – 8-9:15am (Intermediate) & 9:30-10:45 (Beginning) class with Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. Must register/limit to 7. $12/class. Fleur de Lis Yoga, 201 Carroll St, Mandeville. Info/reg: Christina@FleurdeLisYoga. org or call 917-756-9087.

thursday

Gretna Farmers Market – 8:30am-12:30pm. Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, dairy, native fruit wines and garden plants. Located in the old train depot, 300 Huey P. Long Ave, between 3rd and 4th streets, Gretna. Info: 504-362-8661.

Crescent City Farmers Market/Mid-City – 3-7pm. Farmers Market at 3700 Orleans Ave, American Can Co. building, New Orleans, rain or shine. Northshore Yoga – 6:15-7:45pm. Explore the benefits of yoga and unwind with a blend of yoga postures, breath and relaxation. All levels welcome. Mats and props provided. $10/90 minute class or $48/6 classes. RYT 200 & 500 teachers. Yoga School, 603 S. Tyler St, Covington. Contact Erin: 985-705-4110 or Shirley: 985-264-9252. Guided Meditation – 6-7:30pm. Participants will learn to relax their whole being, calm the mind and feel their spirit becoming free within. Led by Dr. Jess Tregle. Uptown Holistic Center, 723 Hillary St, New Orleans. Info: 504-352-6418.

friday Aikido of New Orleans – 7-8:15pm. The martial art of power and movement. Free introductory class for adults. 2134 Magazine St, 3d fl, NOLA. Info: dojo@ aikidoneworleans.org or 504-561-0123. Meditative Yoga – 7-8:15pm. This candlelit class consists of a relaxed series of poses straight from India that train the body and mind to reach a flexible, strengthened state. Appropriate for yogis of all skill levels. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St., NOLA 70118. Contact: 985-640-2648.

saturday Vietnamese Farmers Market – 6-9am. Over 20 vendors set up shop on blankets spread with produce, beyond the courtyards are shops selling Vietnamese baked goods and imported groceries. 14401 Alcee Fortier Blvd, New Orleans East.

NOLAHealthyLiving.com

Crescent City Farmers Market/Downtown – 8amnoon. Open-air market with great selection of fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked breads and freshly made pies, bedding plants, dairy products, fresh flowers. Cooking demos by some of the city’s most acclaimed chefs. Located at 700 Magazine, corner of Girod, New Orleans. German Coast Farmers Market/East Bank – 8am-noon. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie meats, fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausages, kettle corn, cracklins, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts 2nd Sat. Ormond Plantation, 13786 River Rd., Destrehan. For info call 985-359-0190. Covington Farmers Market – 8am-noon. (also 10am-2pm Wed) Offering fresh produce, fresh baked breads, prepared foods and plants. Located at Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St, Covington. Camellia City Farmers Market – 8am.-noon. Featuring baked goods, herbs, vegetables, honey, jams, poultry, crafts, flowers, eggs, plants, soap, trees. 155 Robert St. (City Parking Lot), Olde Towne, Slidell. Info: 985-640-8291.

Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market – 8:30am12:30pm. Open year round, rain or shine. Free parking. Featuring fresh produce, seafood, bakery items, dairy, plants, prepared foods & hand-crafted items. Plus live music & kids activities. 484 Sala Ave, corner of 4th St., Westwego. Contact 504341-3424, x 209. Mandeville Trailhead Community Market – 9am1pm. Fifty-plus vendors weekly: Gourmet foods, art, produce and plants. Tai Chi at 9:30am. Parking lot of the Mandeville Trailhead on the St. Tammany Trace off LA59. For vendor/entertainment info: Donna Beakley 985-845-4515. Sitting Meditation Group –10-11am. Come practice zazen (sitting meditation) as well as walking meditation. Instruction and discussion also available. 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103 (near Canal and Carrolton intersection) in Mid-City. More info: contact Brian by email at xernaut2@gmail.com or call 504-644-7351. Sankofa Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. Weekly market in the Ninth Ward offering fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and plants from local farmers and fishermen. New location at 3819 St. Claude Ave. Info: 504-872-9214 or info@sankofanola.org. Hollygrove Market & Farm – 10am-7pm MonFri & 10-5pm Sat/Sun. CSA-style market selling each week assorted fresh local and organic fruit and vegetables. $25 boxes of selected seasonal produce available. 8301 Olive St, NOLA (across from Carrollton Boosters).

calendarofevents Note: All Calendar events must be received via email or online by February 10 for the March 2014 issue. $15/Event Calendar or Ongoing Calendar listing. $30/ PlanAhead Events, $69 MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free community wide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries online at NOLAHealthyLiving. com or email to calendar@NOLAHealthyLiving.com. No phone calls please.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic − 9:15 & 10:45am. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Neuromuscular Therapy 2/1; Swedish 2/8 & 22. $30/by appointment only. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972. Paint Drop-Off/Uptown – 10am-2pm. Drop off old latex paint to Arabella Station Whole Foods Market. The Green Project’s tent is at the corner of Magazine & Joseph St in good weather and inside near the massage table in bad weather. First Degree Reiki Class – 11am-7pm. (2-day – 2/1 & 2) w/Reiki Master Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin. Reiki promotes and accelerates healing of the body, mind and spirit. Learn to do Reiki for yourself and others. No experience needed. Private classes and retreats on request. Pre-registration required. $250. Info/registration: 504-376-8518 or text 504-388-2356. Freret Market – Noon-5pm. 90 vendors with food, art, music, flea market, children’s play area and pet adoption. 4400 block of Freret St, NOLA. Info: 504-638-2589.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Yoga for Stress Relief and Self Awareness – 6:308pm. (2/3-2/24) Four week series will introduce a gentle and inwardly focused yoga practice to reduce stress and tension. Learn to relax deeply and listen to the body as a wise teacher. Prior yoga experience not required. Space limited/must register. $50. Info/ reg: amy@neworleansyogatherapy.com. Second Degree Reiki Class – Inquire for further dates/time with Reiki Master Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin. Oku Den (The Deeper Knowledge) is available for Reiki Students with 6 months experience in Usui Shiki Ryoho. For private classes and residential retreat information call 504-376-8518 or 504-388-2356 text.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Heart Healthy Tai Chi-Chi Gong Class – 9:3010:20am. Reduce stress, relieve pain, gain flexibility and balance. Tamashii Tai Chi Center, 8132 Willow St. Uptown. Reserve space by 2/3. Call 504-866-2241 for more information. Ladies Night Out: Damsels in Defense Class – 6-8pm. Learn basics of self defense (30 min demo) from Sensei Brian Levy and tips on using personal safety products from Damsel in Defense. A social networking event for professional women, includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. $10. Comfortable clothes. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville #103. Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. (also 2/11). Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation & increasing flexibility. $30/by appointment only. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. (also 2/7, 12, 14 & 19). Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep tissue is muscle specific and really works out the kinks. $30/by appointment. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972 Esoteric Study: The Universal Laws – 6:30pm. Esoteric Study “The Universal Laws” based on Alice Bailey’s work. Led by Cindy Daigle. Journey Into Wellness Center, 3939 Houma Blvd, Bldg 3, Ste 15, Metairie. Call Cindy Daigle for details: 504-931-6494.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Food and Film Series – 6pm. February feature: “Forks Over Knives,” which examines the profound claim that most degenerative diseases can be controlled, even reversed by a whole-foods, plant based diet. Complimentary organic popcorn. Interactive discussion follows, led by Dr. Catherine Wilbert, N.D. The Nutrition Company, 4350 Hwy 22, Mandeville. Info: 985-727-3482. Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. (also 2/18 & 25). Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep tissue is muscle specific and really works out the kinks. $30/by appointment. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972 Heart Healthy Tai Chi Class – 7-7:50pm. Reduce stress, relieve pain, gain flexibility and balance, improve self-esteem. Offering an intro program of 3 classes for $59. Tamashii Tai Chi Center, 8132 Willow St. Uptown. Reserve space by 2/3. Call 504-866-2241 for more information.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Cloth Diapers 101– 9am. Learn about modern cloth diapers, how to care for them, hands on demos. $20 for up to two family members and receive a $20 coupon off a purchase of $100. ZukaBaby, 2122 Magazine St, NOLA. Reg: 504-596-6540 or email erin@ZukaBaby.com. Rainwater Harvesting/Fruit Trees – 9am-noon. At 10am Demetria Christos of EcoUrban will conduct workshop on successful rainwater collection and Russell Harris will give guidance on fruit tree selection and care. Parkway Partners, 1137 Baronne St, NOLA. For sale: veg and herb starts, spring bedding plants, fruit trees, long leaf pine straw mulch. OCH Art Market – 10am-3pm. Local artists, food and music. 2nd Sat each month with different monthly themes. 1618 Oretha C. Haley Blvd, Central City, NOLA. Info: 985-250-0278. First Degree Reiki Class – 11am-7pm. (2-day – 2/8 & 9) w/Reiki Master Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin. Reiki promotes and accelerates healing of the body, mind and spirit. Learn to do Reiki for yourself and others. No experience needed. Private classes and retreats on request. Pre-registration required. $250. Info/registration: 504-376-8518 or text 504-388-2356.

natural awakenings

Conscious Connected Breathing Workshop w/ Jack Fontana – 1-3:30pm – Experience the transformative power of the breath. Learn how to relieve stress, fear, and anxiety naturally with Conscious Connected Breathing. No yoga experience necessary. $54. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, Pre-register: 504-899-0047.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

WeeHands Baby Sign Language Class – 9-9:45am. (series on Tues. in Feb) Certified WeeHands instructor will teach family members American Sign Language signs, songs and language development strategies. Geared to ages 6 mos to 3 yrs. $100/4 sessions, includes course book. ZukaBaby, 2122 Magazine St. Reg required – call 504-596-6540. Usui Reiki 1st Degree Training – 9am-4pm. Reiki Master Sue McCann will offer training in this dynamic healing modality to help oneself and others get back into balance. No experience needed. Reg. required with $50 deposit. Space limited. Insights of New Orleans, 2412 Athania Parkway, Metairie. Call 504-832-4096. Intro to Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy – 2-4pm. Free workshop with Amy Archinal, RYT, PRYT. Experience first-hand some elements of a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy session and witness a demo of assisted postures and dialog. Advance reg. required, space limited. Register with amy@neworleansyogatherapy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Registration Children’s Karate Classes 6-11yrs – 4:15pm. – Build self confidence and discipline. Tamashii Karate &Tai Chi Center, 8132 Willow St. Uptown. Reserve space by 2/9. For more info call: 504-866-2241. 2020 Mom Project – 6pm. A monthly meeting for new moms to discuss challenges and feelings about caring for an infant. Licensed counselors will be available who specialize in maternal mental wellness. Children welcome. Second Mondays at ZukaBaby, 2122 Magazine St, NOLA. More info: Kimberly@ZukaBaby.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 12:30pm. Dr. Debbi Hannan presents: The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program at Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr. Free. Reservations required: 504-454-2000. Holistic Education Monthly Meeting/Metairie − 6:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by Holistic Center. Bob Thomson, D.C. talks on “God Heals, the Doctor Collects the Fee.” Discussion follows. Free/open to public. Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Rd. Info: 504-812-1332.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

La Leche League/Jefferson – 11am-noon. LLL of Jefferson meets 2nd Wed each month. Open to all women interested in breastfeeding. Learn more, ask questions and benefit from a community of breastfeeding mothers. Free. Healthy snacks to share welcome. Destination Maternity meeting room, Causeway & 17th St, Metairie. Info: 504-952-3951 or Chaplain.K@hotmail.com

February 2014

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Toddler Foods: Beyond Avocado – 6pm. At 10-12 months toddlers are ready to move beyond basic puree. Class covers toddler nutritional needs & what finger foods to introduce. Includes food samples, handouts and recipes. With Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Erin Reho Pelias $20/class. ZukaBaby, 2122 Magazine St, NOLA. Reg: 504-596-6540 or Erin@ZukaBaby.com. Neuromuscular Therapy Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. (also 2/20 & 27). Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage focused on a specific problem area. $30/ by appointment only. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972. Esoteric Study: The Universal Laws – 6:30pm. Esoteric Study “The Universal Laws” based on Alice Bailey’s work. Led by Cindy Daigle. The Women’s Center, Abita Springs. Call Cindy Daigle for details: 504-931-6494.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Reiki Level I and II Classes – (2-day 2/15 & 16) Learn Usui Tibetan Reiki from an experienced and highly trained master. Limited enrollment.Metairie location. For info contact Tianne 504-909-3723. Valentine’s NIA Dance Jam for Women – 1011:30am. Exhilarating dance routines with 4 NIA teachers. Bring out passion for life and love of body. All levels. $15 advance/$20 at door. Reserve space. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs, LA 70420. Reg: info@northshorenia.com or Jeanne Andrus 334-294-1583.

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Paint Drop-Off – 10am-2pm. Drop off old latex paint to The Green Project at Hollygrove Market and Farm, 8301 Olive St, NOLA. First Degree Reiki Class – 11am-7pm. (2-day – 2/15 & 16) w/Reiki Master Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin. Reiki promotes and accelerates healing of the body, mind and spirit. Learn to do Reiki for yourself and others. No experience needed. Private classes and retreats on request. Pre-registration required. $250. Info/registration: 504-376-8518 or text 504-388-2356. Metaphysical Fair – noon-6pm. Psychics, mediums, tarot readers, astrology readings, healers, aura photography, Bio Mat, jewelry and more. Admission free, services $20/20minutes. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, (Bucktown) Metairie. Info: 504-708-8353. Sat, Feb 15, 10:00 - 11:30. Yogi Mela 2014 – (3 days 2/15 – 2/17) Hosted by Mukhanday Kundalini Yoga Center. Yogi Amandeep Singh brings extraordinarily uplifting yoga and meditation to reach the heights and depths of one’s consciousness. Learn to reach the most brilliant meditative states. Live streamed direct from Espanola, NM. $159. Info/Reg: 504-616-1874.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Usui Reiki 2nd Degree Training – 9am-4pm. Reiki Master Sue McCann will offer training in this dynamic healing modality to help oneself and others get back into balance. No experience needed. Reg. required with $50 deposit. Space limited. Insights of New Orleans, 2412 Athania Parkway, Metairie. Call 504-832-4096. Qigong for Women’s Health and Longevity – 2-5pm. Workshop featuring practice of a series of warm-ups and a basic Qigong routine for balance and energy. Virginia Davis, RN, LMT and Suzanne Harper, LMT, MHealthEd. $60/financial assistance available. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. sharper53@charter.net or 985-892-9322. Open Your Heart, Darlin – 2:30-5:00pm. Led by Andra. From the inside out, backbends hold the key to opening the heart. Explore these joy-inducing postures in a step-by-step manner. Appropriate for all levels. $25 early reg/$30. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St., Pre-register: 504-899-0047.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Registration Children’s Karate Classes 6-11yrs – 4:15pm. – Build self confidence and discipline. Tamashii Karate &Tai Chi Center, 8132 Willow St. Uptown. Reserve space by 2/16. For more info call: 504-866-2241.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm. Dr. Debbi Hannan presents: The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program at Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr. Free. Reservations required: 504-454-2000.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 42

New Orleans

Cloth Diapers 101– 6:30pm. Learn about modern cloth diapers, how to care for them, hands on demos. $20 for up to 2 family members and receive a $20 coupon off a purchase of $100. ZukaBaby, 2122 Magazine St, NOLA. Reg: 504-596-6540 or Erin@ZukaBaby.com

NOLAHealthyLiving.com

Esoteric Study: The Universal Laws – 6:30pm. Esoteric Study “The Universal Laws” based on Alice Bailey’s work led by Cindy Daigle. Journey Into Wellness Center, 3939 Houma Blvd, Bldg 3, Ste 15, Metairie. Call Cindy Daigle for details: 504-931-6494.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. (also 2/28). Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation & increasing flexibility. $30/by appointment only. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info: 504-293-0972.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Reiki Level I and II Classes/Spanish – (2-day 2/22 & 23) Learn Usui Tibetan Reiki from an experienced and highly trained master. Taught in Spanish. Limited enrollment.Metairie location. For info contact Tianne 504-909-3723. Heart Healthy Tai Chi-Chi Gong Class – 9:3010:20am. Reduce stress, relieve pain, gain flexibility and balance. Tamashii Tai Chi Center, 8132 Willow St. Uptown. Reserve space by 2/21. For more info call: 504-866-2241. First Degree Reiki Class – 11am-7pm. (2-day – 2/22 & 23) w/Reiki Master Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin. Reiki promotes and accelerates healing of the body, mind and spirit. Learn to do Reiki for yourself and others. No experience needed. Private classes and retreats on request. Pre-registration required. $250. Info/registration: 504-376-8518 or text 504-388-2356.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Esoteric Study: The Universal Laws – 6:30pm. Esoteric Study “The Universal Laws” based on Alice Bailey’s work led by Cindy Daigle. The Women’s Center, Abita Springs. Call Cindy Daigle for details: 504-931-6494.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Advanced and Masters Level Reiki - Learn Usui Tibetan Reiki from an experienced and highly trained master. Limited enrollment.Metairie location. For info contact Tianne 504-909-3723.

planahead MONDAY, MARCH 10

Mindful Approaches to Managing Anxiety – 6:30-8pm. (3/10 to 3/31) Facilitated by Myra Hildalgo, LCSW and Amy Archinal, RYT, PRYT. This informative and interactive four week group provides support and introduces both cognitive and body-based approaches to ease anxiety. Space liminted/must register. Sliding scale. Info/Reg: amy@neworleansyogatherapy.com.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Advertising@NOLAHealthyLiving.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS

Erin Kenning, MSOM, Dipl.OM, LAc, LA Lic.# ACA.200039, NAET specialist 9531 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge 504-715-2317 NolaFamilyWellness.com

Experience a Pain-free body, a Peaceful mind, and a Greater overall vitality. Take the first step to a life of ultimate wellness. Visit us on the web or call for more information. See ad on page 34.

BODYWORK

CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTER

Dr. Debbi Hannan 101 Clearview Pkwy. at Airline, Metairie 504-454-2000 HannanWellness.com Experience the difference! We offer total wellness care: Chiropractic, detoxification, nutrition, endermologie, DRX-9000 nonsurgical spinal decompression, cold laser, EB-Cellular Cleanser, Far Infra Red Sauna and the Ideal Protein Diet plan. See ad page 21.

AVIVA MASSAGE & WELL-BEING

Linda L. Strickland, BA, CHt, RM, LMT 601 Lafitte St., Mandeville 985-727-9665

Discover the difference & feel the peace through massage/bodywork, select spa services & energy work. Integrative, intuitive, customized approach. Aromatherapy at all sessions. LA 1479/E2445. See ad on page 24.

UPPER CERVICAL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

128 W. Harrison Ave., New Orleans 504-488-1800 UCFamilyChiropractic.com

Rebuild, repair and renew your body today! Family wellness consultant, Dr. Joshua Rilette, helps alleviate aches and pains through specific chiropractic care and offers weight loss plans, cold laser therapy, nutrition, body cleansing, detoxification and orthopedics. See ad on page 27.

BODY MIND LLC KELLY KIVIKO, ACA

LA Lic.# ACA.200012 530 E. Rutland St., Covington 985-869-3299

Acupuncture Works! It is a safe, drug-free approach to managing many common health concerns. Specializing in herbal medicine, pain, stress, women’s health, and more.

Corey Schoff, LMT #7384 CH 504-232-3322 BodyMindLLC.com

Intuitive Healer, Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Breathwork and Intuitive Counselor – assisting you with increasing your self-awareness, breaking limiting patterns and releasing “stuck” energy in a caring, effective way to bring new life to your world.

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY ANDREA SCHEELE, LCSW, LMFT

“You too can move away from the past and towards

ANIMAL HOLISTIC MEDICINE JANICE E. POSEY, DVM

315 Lee Ln., Ste. 104, Covington 985-898-3623/504-466-9129

Offering a holistic, integrative approach to healing your beloved pet through acupuncture, herbal medicine/nutritional supplements, and food therapy. We treat the patient, not the symptoms. See ad on page 36.

BEAUTY & SKINCARE ELITE SKIN SUITE

1909 Airline Dr. (Inside Premier Fitness) Metairie, LA 70001 504.452.6964 EliteSkinSuite.com

Holistic approach to skincare using certified organic products. Customized sessions that will address and correct your skin conditions and concerns in a relaxed atmosphere. Holistic approach to skincare using certified organic products. See ad on page 29.

Attachment Psychotherapy ELLEN ROCCA, LMT#0107 a lifeLA of vitality, wholeness and fulfilling relationships.” 200 Mariner’s Plaza, Suite 209 Mandeville, Louisiana, Individual,70448 Couples 985-373-6089 & Family Therapy

We offer therapeutic massage

Attachment Psychotherapy / EMDR (integrating many modalities of

massage), aromatherapy, Andrea Scheele, LCSW, LMFTmeditation 1303 Amelia Street classes, wellness lectures, and a New Orleans, LA 70115 resource(504) for 899-2686 Macrobiotics and Ayurvedics. You’ll receive the highest quality care and service – soothing your mind, body and soul. See ad on page 18.

1303 Amelia St., New Orleans 504-899-2686

Relational Well-Being: in individuals and couples. Trauma Resolution (EMDR): loss, childhood neglect and abuse & other traumatic events. Alleviate Anxiety and Depression. Emotional Support for a Healthy Lifestyle: weight loss. See ad on page 23.

DAY SPA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1515 Poydras St, Ste 1010, NOLA 70112 (504) 799-4260 info@neworleanschamber.org www.NewOrleansChamber.org The New Orleans Chamber supports local business development and growth through educational seminars and networking opportunities and more. In 2011 a Green Committee was formed to foster sustainable business development in the Greater New Orleans area. Check the website for the Chamber’s next networking event.

natural awakenings

THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA 4030 Canal St., New Orleans 504-482-NOLA (6652) Nola.WoodhouseSpas.com

From beginning to end, our dedicated spa teams ensure your journey enhances your well-being and enlivens your spirit. Over 70 massage, facial, body and nail treatment options. Special packages and group events also available. See ad page 23.

February 2014

DENTIST CYPRESS DENTAL, INC. 3138 McIlhenny Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-248-8400

Offering services including cosmetic dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation, minimally invasive dentistry, mercury safe environment, non-titanium implants, laser dentistry and treatment for complex conditions; obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, head, neck and facial pain and TMJ dysfunction. See ad on page 2.

MIKE ROBICHAUX, DDS

1101 Robert Blvd., Ste. A, Slidell 985-641-8058 MikeRobichauxDDS.com

Offering a holistic and patientcentered approach to dentistry, because we believe the health of the mouth and overall health cannot be separated. We help those we serve make decisions that are in their best interests, based on their values and goals, by providing state of the art information within a trusting relationship. See ad on page 32.

ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY

HERBAL & AROMATHERAPY GREEN OAKS APOTHECARY 2259 Carey St. Slidell, La 985-285-9215 Find us on Facebook

Handmade in Olde Towne Slidell, we offer aromatherapy and herbal remedies for the body and home that are made from organic/organically raised earth origin ingredients: absolutely NO petro-chemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, or any other junk! See ad page 37.

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTERS AFFORDABLE HEALING ARTS 2372 St. Claude Ave. 2nd Floor Upper, Ste. 220 985-467-0900 AffordableHealingArts.com

AHA! is a Community of Healing Arts Practitioners in a Healing Arts Center for the Professional Practice of Alternative, Complementary, Integrative, and Indigenous healing arts by independent practitioners in a shared space environment. See our website, contact a practitioner, make your appointment today! See ad on page 2.

MARYLOU SMITH

PSYCH-K & Mediation 504-723-2899 info@marylousmith.com

A results oriented approach to growth & healing that is designed to restore balance & harmony to body, mind and emotions. Marylou also guides couples in conflict to peace through the gentle process of sacred mediation. See ad on page 16.

FLOWER ESSENCES ELIZABETH OHMER PELLEGRIN, R.M.T.

Australian Bush Practitioner & Teacher 504-388-2356 nolareiki@gmail.com NolaReiki.com

Practitioner and teacher of Australian Bush Flower Essences. Many custom blended essences available, including: Detox, Calm & Clear, Stress Relief, Confidence, Cognis, Woman, Travel Ease, Adolescence, Yoga. National LMT/CEU classes available. See ad on page 14.

New Orleans

WOMEN’S CENTER FOR HEALING & TRANSFORMATION 71667 Leveson St,. Abita Springs 985-892-8111 WomensCenterForHealing.org

Non-profit center with events, classes, support groups and on-site professional appointments for women, by women. Massage, health and fitness coaching, holistic and body-based psychotherapy, spiritual consultations, and more. Large room rental for women’s workshops. See ad on page 27.

HOLISTIC/ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR ENLIGHTENED TRANSFORMATION Cindy B. Daigle 504-931-6494 North shore and New Orleans area cindy@outlookdesign.com CindyDaigle.org

Cindy utilizes powerful energetic healing methods to shift and balance the auric field, chakras and the cells of our body. Health, Joy, and Balance within, attracts the same externally. See ad on pages 9 and 37.

NOLAHealthyLiving.com

DR. JESS TREGLE

Natural Healing Specialist 504-352-6418 ReconnectingLife.com

Dr. Jess specializes in a type of natural healing that makes you feel more relaxed, very peaceful, and much lighter! Release anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, pain, and all other negative feelings! Gain your inner-freedom back!

INNER DESIGN

Donna Accardo 504-234-1388 dmaccardo@gmail.com

Donna Accardo is a facilitator using energetic field tools and selfawareness practices to clear obstacles to your heart’s intention. Live your life with more authenticity, peace, and joy. Build the life you have been wanting. See ad page 9.

STEP’S HOLISTIC INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES L.E. “Step” Stepteaux, Jr., C.Ht. 504-236-4687 Stepinfo@mailaka.net

Connecting People With People and Information Around The World. I enjoy helping people to reach their goals, from around the country to around the world via the Telephone & the Internet.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IRENE SEBASTIAN, M.D., Ph.D

401 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 203, Metairie 504-838-9804 IreneSebastianMD.com Experience the difference that Homeopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine can bring to your health. The safe alternative— Less need for prescription drugs— Stimulation of your innate healing force. See ad on page 20.

INTEGRETATED PAIN AND NEUROSCIENCE 504-300-9020 PainIsAPuzzle.com

Eric Royster, MD and Aaron Friedman, MD offer the most comprehensive treatment experience for patients suffering from chronic pain, from acupuncture to more invasive techniques offered exclusively at IPN. New Orleans, Chalmette, and Westbank locations. See ad on page 22.

DR. KATHLEEN POSEY, M.D. 377 Hwy 21, Ste. 101, Madisonville 985-845-4111 KathleenPoseyMD.com

Our mission is to improve health and reverse chronic disease through hormonal and energetic balancing and nutrition. A practice of preventive medicine and wellness with a holistic approach to women’s gynecological and overall health. We offer a healthy medically supervised weight loss program. See ad on page 3.

PMA MEDICAL TREATMENT AND WELLNESS CENTER OF LOUISIANA Kenner and Metairie Locations 504-441-5555 PMAWellness.US

Multidisciplinary, Integrative approach to healthcare, including primary care, weight loss management, food intolerance testing, allergy testing, hormone balancing (in-house laboratory) and a vast array of aesthetic services. See ad page 15.

LIFE COACH APRIL STOLF MNLP, RYT 504-982-9642 april@aprilstolf.com gestalt-institute.com AprilStolf.com

Life, Yoga, Fashion. A unique combination of services from an NLP Master Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, and Fashion Expert to support you in becoming your best Self. Overcome obstacles, regain enthusiasm, build confidence, improve overall health, and discover your personal style. See ad on page 34.

MARTIAL ARTS TAI CHI-QI GONG

Shifu King Lam 8132 Willow St., Uptown 504-866-2241 KingLam1199@gmail.com

Asian Arts to improve health, fitness, personal safety, rejuvenate energy. Achieve a better mind, body and spirit. Serving New Orleans community for 35 years. KingLamtaichi-karate.com. See ad on page 14 and calendar for classes.

MASSAGE SCHOOLS BLUE CLIFF COLLEGE Clearview Mall, Metairie 504-293-0972

Train for an exciting, new career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Earn an Associates degree upon completion of advanced massage training. Inquire about financial aid. See calendar for information about our $30-student massage clinic. Visit our retail shop for massage supplies: Biotone & Therapro Cremes & Oils, aromatherapy products, books & more. Monthly specials! See ad on page 7.

NATURAL BABY & CHILD ZUKABABY

2122 Magazine St., NOLA 504-596-6540 ZukaBaby.com

ZukaBaby specializes in cloth diapers, breastfeeding supplies, baby carriers, natural toys and locally made baby items. Hosting monthly community events: La Leche League, Babywearers Meetup, nutrition classes and Wee Hands baby sign language. See ad on page 26.

NATURAL FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS THE NUTRITION COMPANY 4350 Hwy 22, Ste H, Mandeville 985-727-3482 VitalityJuice.com

“Where Healthy Tastes Good.” Featuring organic juices, wheatgrass, all natural, sugar free smoothies, full service organic coffee bar. Also freshly prepared organic salads, soups, chilis, free range burgers and grilled sandwiches, wraps, paninis, vegetarian & vegan specialities. Delicious Swerve baked goods! Dine-in/take-out. Catering available. Open Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, closed Sun. See ad on page 31.

NUTRIVERUS POWDER

Jeanie Leclere 504-888-4464/504-319-3665

Nourish your body with all natural, food-sourced vitamins, minerals, glyconutrients and antioxidants. Simply mix with food or beverage without affect taste. Enjoy the benefits of energy boosting with immune system-supporting nutrition

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NATURAL PHARMACY CASSO’S WELLNESS STORE & GYM

3308 Cleary Ave., Metairie 504-888-3077 TheWellnessStore.com

Pharmaceutical quality nutritional products, vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural hormones. Natural hormone balancing consultations. Counseling on pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals by a registered pharmacist and clinical nutritionist. Alkaline water available as well as sessions with Photon Genius. See ad on page 47.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR DR. CATHERINE WILBERT, ND Phone: 985-727-3482 CatherineWilbert.com

Nationally recognized weight loss & wellness expert, author of the book, Mending Your Metabolism. Stop treating symptoms and start getting well! Diabetes, blood sugar control, weight management, women’s health, detox, performance nutrition and more. Ask about out 12-week “Set on Success” Weight Loss to Wellness Program. End dieting forever!

KARIN NIELSEN, ND 225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com

Offering non-invasive health assessments, Total Thermography, Lymphatic Therapy and many detox therapies. We have a high success rate using Homeopathic and Functional Medicine for men, women and children. Specializing in Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue. See ad on page 17.

NUTRITIONIST DANIELLE PACIERA, LDN, RD, CCN 5002 Prytania St., New Orleans 504-889-8771 Danielle@365Vitality.com

Cutting edge holistic nutrition services. Specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, therapeutic uses of foods, supplementation, vegetarian nutrition, women’s health, sports performance, eating disorders, depression, addiction, and more. See ad on page 28.

February 2014

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS CAKE FACE SOAPING Kelsey Foreman CakeFaceSoaping.com

All natural, vegan soaps, skin care, and other thoughtful gifts made by hand and packaged in cute and quirky designed packaging, printed on tree-less paper. Born and bred in Louisiana, based in New Orleans. See ad on page 17.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER CLEAR THE CLUTTER Stasia Cymes 504-920-1800 stasiacymes@gmail.com ClearTheClutterToday.com

Guiding you through the process of decluttering, downsizing & getting your home organized. This Grade A business on Angie’s List offers 3 hour sessions & free consultations. Removal of recycling & donations included! See ad on page 9.

REIKI ELIZABETH OHMER PELLEGRIN, R.M.T.

Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner 504-388-2356 NOLAReiki@gmail.com NOLAReiki.com

Offering 23 years experience in Reiki – Usui Shiki Ryoho, upholding the highest standards in Reiki classes and Reiki sessions. Reiki can be a personal tool for healing and growth, a way to give energy to family and friends, or a gentle complementary therapy in holistic medicine. See ad on page 14 and calendar for classes.

TIANNE D. LASTRA

Usui, Karuna & Rainbow Reiki Master 3939 Houma Blvd., Bld. 3, Ste. 15 Metairie 504-909-3723 AmazingReiki.com

Certified & experienced Master Teacher offering sessions & classes to the Greater N.O. Area. Healing Touch, Pranic Healing, Crystal Healing, Reiki Drumming and Animal Reiki practitioner. Visit our website for full information. See ad on page 11.

RETREAT CENTER DOLORES WATSON

621 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans 504-905-4090 evolved812@aol.com FloweringLotusMeditation.org

Elegant, donation based retreat center in quaint, quiet Magnolia, MS just 1 1/2 hours from New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Jackson. Ongoing retreats in meditation and yoga. Ongoing meditation group in New Orleans. Vegetarian. Available for rental. Capacity for 40 people. See ad on page 34 and ongoing calendar.

SOLAR SOUTH COAST SOLAR

2605 Ridgelake Dr., Metairie 504-529-SUN9 SouthCoastSolar.com

Since 2007, South Coast Solar has helped more than 500 clients start saving money with solar energy using best-in-class products and installation practices. 100% locally owned and operated. See ad on page 10.

THERMOGRAPHY THE WELLNESS CENTRE OF BR Dr. Karin Nielsen, ND, CCT 1528 Delplaza Dr., Ste B Baton Rouge, LA 70815 225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com

Offering full body Thermography, detects abnormalities in the earliest stages, to find underlying causes of disease as it looks at the entire body’s BEHAVIOR after being stressed. Consultations/ follow up care are offered as well. See ad on page 17.

WELLNESS CENTER INSIGHTS OF NEW ORLEANS

Sue McCann, LPC-S, LMFT, LAC, RYT 504-832-4096 InsightsofNO.com

Insights of New Orleans, your easily accessible wellness center collaborating with each client to rejuvenate, restore, and inspire with offerings of compassionate holistic healing modalities. Metairie location.Visit our website for list of modalities. See ad on page 3.

YOGA DIVINE YOGA

1228 Baronne St. Kundalini@YogaNOLA.com YogaNOLA.com

Kundalini Yoga is considered to be the most comprehensive of yogas, combining meditation, physical practice and breathing exercises. All levels of experience are welcome to all classes. See ad on page 23 and calendar for events/classes.

WILD LOTUS YOGA

4842 Perrier St, Uptown 2372 St Claude Ave, Downtown 504-899-0047 WildLotusYoga.com

Voted Best Yoga Studio 11 years. Intro Offer: 30 Days Of Yoga For $33 (first time local residents), Intro To Yoga Courses + Over 60 classes a week including Prenatal, Kids, Tweens & Teen classes. See ad page 3.

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING TRANSFORM NOLA

Mia Oramous, RYT 500/ACE PT 8422 Oak St, New Orleans 985-640-2648 TransformNOLA.com

Yoga, Nia and TRX workout classes offered all week; private sessions also available. 200-hr yoga teacher training starts March 2014. Sign up on our email list and receive “7 Yoga Poses for Strength” ebook FREE! See ad on page 11.

YOGA SCHOOL, L.L.C.

603 S. Tyler St., Covington 985-893-8834 YogaSchoolCovingtonLA

Offering Yoga Alliance registered teacher training with certification at the 200 hour and 500 hour levels. Also a state licensed Yoga Therapy training program. Visit website for more information. See ad on page 8.

YOGA THERAPY AMY ARCHINAL, RYT, PRYT Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy 504-899-6167 NewOrleansYogaTherapy.com

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy combines meditation, assisted yoga postures, breathwork and client-centered dialogue to promote self-awareness. Discover the wisdom of your body.

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This information is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute the advice and/or services of a physician or other health care professional. It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any of our technologies or products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction and supervision of your health care practitioner.

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Hello Everyone, Please go to www.thewarningsecondcoming.com. It’s crucial to read the messages from August 1, 2013 forward and use these messages to prepare your spiritual life. Have no fear because this is God reaching out to us in these times with Love. Please say the Crusade Prayers attached to these messages. Litany Prayer (6) Gift of Graces “O dearest Jesus, my beloved Saviour, Fill me with Your Love. Fill me with Your Strength. Fill me with Your Wisdom. Fill me with Your Perseverance. Fill me with Your Humility. Fill me with Your Courage. Fill me with Your Passion. Amen. “ Please Pray Prayer 24 for seven consecutive days and you will be given the gift of total absolution and the power of the Holy Spirit. Crusade of Prayer (24) Plenary Indulgence for Absolution “O my Jesus, You are the Light of the Earth. You are the Flame that touches all souls. Your Mercy and Love knows no bounds. We are not worthy of the Sacrifice You made by Your death on the Cross, yet we know that Your Love for us is greater than the love we hold for You. Grant us, O Lord, the Gift of Humility, so that we are deserving of Your New Kingdom. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we can march forth and lead Your army to proclaim the Truth of Your Holy Word and prepare our brothers and sisters for the glory of Your Second Coming on earth. We honor You. We Praise You. We offer ourselves, our sorrows, our sufferings as a gift to You to save souls. We love You, Jesus. Have Mercy on all Your children, wherever they may be. Amen.” Crusade Prayer (94) To Cure the Mind, Body and Soul “O dear Jesus, I lay myself before You, weary, sick, in pain and with a longing to hear Your Voice. Let me be touched by Your Divine Presence, so that I will be flooded by Your Divine Light, through my mind, body and soul. I trust in Your Mercy. I surrender my pain and suffering completely before You and I ask that You give me the Grace to trust in You, so that You can cure me of this pain and darkness, so that I can become whole again and, so that I can follow the Path of Truth and allow You to lead me to life in the New Paradise. Amen.” Crusade of Prayer (101) Miracle Prayer to Feel the Presence of Jesus “O Dear Almighty Father, Creator of all that is and will be, help all of us who can recognize the Presence of Your beloved Son in the Church today, to become very strong. Help me to overcome my fear, my loneliness and the rejection I suffer from my loved ones, as I follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Please protect my loved ones from falling into the trap of believing in lies, which have been devised by Satan to destroy, divide and cause havoc amongst all God’s children. Please help all those who follow the abomination in Your Church to be saved from the eternal fires of Hell. Amen.” www.thewarningsecondcoming.com Love Y’all, Mike

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Jerry Michael Casso, P.D., C.N. Nutritional & Pharmaceutical Consultant 3308 Cleary Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 Phone: 504-888-3077 • Fax: 504-888-0782

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February 2014

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