Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 0120

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

GUT CHECK

Feeding the Immune System

NATURAL HEALING FOR HANDS Getting a Grip on Pain

The Art of Aging Well

Strategies That Work

January 2020 | Columbia Edition | MidlandsHealthyLiving.com January 2020

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ASHWAGANDHA:

Here Comes Holiday Health Recovery!

by Emily Crawford, CNHP, RN

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ho doesn't love the holidays? Most do for many reasons; however, they can be very stressful. Between traffic, traveling, shopping, increased spending, and probably the biggest culprit of all, bad eating habits, one’s body, mind and spirit are collectively crying out for a break and some relief as the new year arrives.

Countless individuals want to get back in the gym and lose some weight, or go on a detox cleanse or fast to purge. Trying to get back into health can be overwhelming and many times can put more stress on the body.

What if there were products available that could help manage stress and also assist with weight loss? Well, there are! There is a whole category of herbs called adaptogens that do this very thing. These herbs help to balance the levels of cortisol (the hormone responsible for stress) in the body.

When one is under stress, sadly, cortisol levels can become high and unbalanced, often peaking at night rather than in the morning. This causes sleepless nights and diminished energy levels during the day—resulting in fatigue. Cortisol also plays a significant role in weight loss due to its correlation with insulin, blood sugar levels, and hormones.

Balancing cortisol levels is so very important in the fight against stress and weight gain.

A favorite herb to many is ashwagandha. It is an adaptogen herb with many health benefits. It not only helps to balance cortisol levels but also aids in balancing blood sugar levels and reversing insulin resistance. According to research studies, ashwagandha can decrease cortisol levels by as much as 28%.

Low-functioning thyroid conditions may cause many individuals to struggle to lose weight. Ashwagandha can be of benefit in many of these cases, as it has the ability to stimulate the thyroid, which activates thyroid hormones. By doing this, stress levels are often greatly reduced and weightloss efforts are much more successful and effective.

The new year is here. And for many, it brings with it a renewed sense of hope, determination and expectancy. It’s time to get back on track and on the road to better health and wellness … naturally!

Two Garner’s Natural Life locations serving the Midlands: 4840 Forest Dr., Ste. 15-A, Columbia, and 5166 Sunset Blvd., Ste. C, Lexington. For more information, call Garner’s at 803-454-7700 or visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ad, back page.

Note: Alternative adaptogen herbs recommended to balance cortisol levels and help with stress are Rhodiola and holy basil. In addition, Stress Decompress is a natural product with a wonderful blend of adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms to help decrease stress levels.

January 2020

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Contents 13 WHOLE TRUTH HEALTH AND NUTRITION:

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Whole Healing from Within

15 2020 VISION:

Seeing Your Health Clearly in the New Year

18 GUT CHECK

Feeding the Immune System

20 LIVING LONG & WELL Age-Defying Habits and the Fountain of Youth

24 GREEN THERAPY

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Ecopsychology and the Nature Cure

26 RAISING

ENVIRONMENTALISTS

Teachers Prep Kids for the Future

28 NATURAL HEALING FOR HANDS

Getting a Grip on Pain

30 WHEN WORKOUTS DON’T WORK

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Why Less Is Sometimes More

32 WHEN OLDER PETS GET QUIRKY

Dealing With Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

DEPARTMENTS 8 community news 14 health briefs 16 global briefs 18 conscious

eating 24 green living 26 healthy kids 28 healing ways 4

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30 fit body 32 natural pet 34 wise words 38 calendar 39 inspiration 39 classifieds 41 natural

directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events at MidlandsHealthyLiving.com or email to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to publication.

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLUMBIA EDITION

letter from publisher

Facing the Forks of Life …

PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs EDITOR Sara Gurgen DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella

Billy Briggs

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appy New Year! Another page in the book of life has turned, revealing a fresh blank sheet on which to write your story. Quick question: How do you feel about the CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams Kristi Antley incoming year? Are you optimistic? Let’s approach the topic SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs from a different, somewhat abstract, angle. Bear with me … I’m getting somewhere!

WEBSITE Kristina Parella

How many times have you driven your car or truck, pedaled your bike, or jogged in Billy Briggs an unfamiliar place and came upon a fork in the road? I’m sure the answer to this question is “more than once” for most of us. Let’s be truthful … a fork in the road in an unfamiliar CONTACT US place can give rise to confusion, anxiety, and even fear at times. Why is this?

PO Box # 2812

Here’s my answer: I think the main reason is the fear of the unknown fueled by a Columbia, SC 29202 lack of knowledge (information), poor preparation, and an overactive mind gripped by Email negative thoughts. Think about it, a fork in the road is nothing more than a pivotal point ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com of decision, marked by two possible outcomes. Now, if you’ve driven or jogged the area Annette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 before and are very familiar with the surroundings, then navigating a fork in the road is a piece of cake. However, if you are approaching uncharted territory, everything changes.

In such cases, planning and preparation are the keys to confident decision-making when SUBSCRIPTIONS the time arrives—and it will my friend. You find this to be true especially on long road Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address. trips. One should strategically think the entire journey through from beginning to end before embarking on a trip to an unfamiliar location. Critical questions must be asked and NATIONAL TEAM answered: “What do I need to take with me? Which route should I take and do I have a

CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman map? Do I have enough fuel for the trip? Who’s going with me? Is my spare tire in good COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne condition?” And so on.

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth

January 2020 is your proverbial “fork in the road” for the year ahead, in which you

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist will inevitably sojourn into uncharted and unfamiliar places and circumstances that will NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett represent pivotal points of decision. Knowing this to be true, are you ready? Have you

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope prepared, assessed and answered the critical “pre-trip” questions that will, ultimately, FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert determine your actions, or reactions, when facing the crossroads of life, where decisions FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs have real consequences? The same goes for your health and wellness. Are you “listening” WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy to your body? It requires the same approach. I want you to be wise, confident, informed NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave and, most of all, prepared for what lies ahead. Leave fear behind, and pack faith, focus and optimism for the journey.

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Ready for the journey, Annette Briggs, Publisher

© 2020 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. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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community news ICRC Children's Theatre Hosts Frozen Jr. Production

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he Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission’s (ICRC) Children's Theatre will host its Disney’s Frozen Jr. theater production Friday, January 10, through Sunday, January 12, at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, located at 7300 College Street, in Irmo.

Open to children of all ages, the storyline depicts a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. The presentation expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Cost: $8. Times: Vary; see website for details. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 803-772-1228 (ICRC main office) or visit icrc.net. See ad, page 34.

ICRC Hosts Senior Matinee Movie Series

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n Thursday, January 23, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its senior matinee movie Hope Springs Eternal at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. This popular film is part of an ICRC matinee series taking place monthly every fourth Thursday.

As a note, seating is limited to the first 75 registrants.

Cost: Free. For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net. See ad, page 34.

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ICRC Hosts Daddy-Daughter Date Night

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t’s a date for dads and daughters on Thursday, February 6, and Thursday, February 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. Dads and grandfathers all across the Midlands are invited to bring their little princesses out to enjoy a special date night together hosted by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) at Crooked Creek Park (February 6) and Seven Oaks Park (February 13). The evenings’ festivities will include a candlelight dinner, followed by a night of fun and dancing. Attendees will receive a memory photo and a goody bag. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Must register by Monday, February 3.

Feb. 6 - Cost: Ages 3 to adult, $55 per couple; $20, additional tickets. Location: Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy., Chapin. For more information, call 803-3456181 or visit icrc.net. See ad, page 34.

Feb. 13 - Cost: Ages 3 to adult, $55 per couple; $20, additional tickets. Location: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net. See ad, page 34.

Harmony and Hues Session 2: Sacral with Yogi Malai and Canvases with Candace

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n Friday, January 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Yoga with Malai and Canvases with Candace are teaming up to present a special yoga and painting experience, titled Harmony and Hues Session 2: Sacral with Yogi Malai and Canvases with Candace.

Hosted at The Well, located at 3000 Rosewood Drive, in Columbia, participants will enjoy a wonderful evening of relaxation and "soul" therapy combining yoga and painting. All instruction, supplies and refreshments will be provided. In addition, no previous experience is required.

Cost: $30. For more information or to register, call 803-807-2173 or visit HarmonyAndHues2.Eventbrite.com. See ad, this page.

RMHC of Columbia Hosts Its Red Shoe Run

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n Saturday, January 18, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Columbia will host its 14th annual Red Shoe Run at Hand Middle School, 2600 Wheat Street, located in the beautiful Shandon neighborhood of Columbia. The 10K will start at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:15 a.m.

Both courses are USA Track & Field certified. All proceeds raised will help support the work and mission of the Ronald McDonald House, which is to provide a comfortable “home away from home� where families of seriously ill or injured children can rest, enjoy home-cooked meals, access laundry and shower facilities, and, most importantly, receive network support from families dealing with similar circumstances. Those registering prior to the day of the event will receive an early-bird discount.

Cost: See website for details. To register or for more information, call 803-254-3181, or visit rmhcOfColumbia.org/redshoerun or Facebook/ rmhccolumbiasc.

Gut health is the key to overall health. ~Kris Carr

January 2020

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community news Grinding of the Greens Tree Drop-Off and Mulch Giveaway

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et’s keep on grinding the greens! The Grinding of the Greens Christmas tree drop-off, sponsored by Keep the Midlands Beautiful, will continue through Thursday, January 9, at various process and mulch sites located across the Midlands. Participants must still honor the following guidelines: remove all lights, tinsel and ornaments from the tree; remove the tree from the stand; drop off trees only— no wreaths, garlands or other greenery; and remove any string, wire or ties on the tree.

The free mulch produced will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday, January 11 (starting at 8:30 a.m.), at two site locations: S.C. State Farmers’ Market, located at 3483 Charleston Highway, in West Columbia, and Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia.

For more information, including a complete list of drop-off site locations, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

PalmettoPride Hosts Cleanup Blitz

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almettoPride will host Cleanup Blitz on Monday, January 20, from 9 to 11 a.m., at 811 Peachtree Rock Road, in Lexington. Join PalmettoPride and other local community organizations as they team up for a cleanup project spanning more than 9 miles (starting on Peachtree Rock Road and ending at Highway 321, in Swansea). Cleanup check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided following the cleanup. Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. Local law enforcement will provide officers for public safety and traffic control.

For more information or to register as a volunteer, email Info@PalmettoPride.org. Also visit PalmettoPride.org.

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EEASC Hosts January Midlands Meetup

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t’s time to meet up! On Tuesday, January 14, from 8 to 9 a.m., the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting a green networking “meetup” informal session for environmental educators at the Sonoco Recycling facility, located at 1132 Idlewilde Boulevard, in Columbia. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared to share upcoming event information (to include flyers) and sustainable program updates with the gathered group in this intentionally informal setting.

Meetups provide opportunities for environmental educators and communicators from both formal and non-formal education settings to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, share resources and program updates, and cross-pollinate their program ideas with colleagues. Those that desire to send any information to be disseminated on the day of the event in advance may do so by emailing items to Jane.

Hiller@Sonoco.com. Attendees are asked to bring their own coffee.

Cost: Free. To register or for more information, contact Jane Hiller at 803-779-0608 or Jane.Hiller@Sonoco.com, or visit eeasc.org/ event-3661867.

MLK Day of Service 2020

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onday, January 20, is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Observed nationally each year the third Monday in January, people of all ages and backgrounds come together in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the “dream” he envisioned—an America represented by every race and gender working together in unity to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and strengthen communities to bring the nation closer together. King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. The federal holiday in his honor is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor King’s legacy through service. Individuals, companies and organizations alike are challenged to explore ways to participate. Find a way to get involved by finding partnership opportunities with local organizations and businesses around the Midlands that intend to participate.

For more information, visit eeInSC.org or NationalService.gov/serve-your-community/mlkday-service.

kudos Champion of the Environment Grant Winners Announced

Champion of the Environment candidates are honored and awarded for pursuing actions that promote environmental stewardship in the state’s youth and educate communities about the environment. Here is the list of Midlands area schools that received this year’s coveted grant award: Blythewood High School—Bengal Biodiesel; Dent Middle School—Improving Air Quality; Polo Road Elementary School—Dirty Details; and Windsor Elementary School—Flexible Watering System.

Kudos to all of the winners!

Local Schools Receive Richland County Conservation Grants

ar e Y w e N Happy e at n o y r e v e fro m s g n i n e k a Aw l a r u t a N

Recently, five local schools were awarded conservation education minigrants from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. The winning schools (along with their respective submitted projects) are Longleaf Middle School: We Could BEE Heroes ($1,000); Camp Discovery and Bookman Road Elementary School: Up a Creek to Go Programs ($500); Dent Middle School: Birdify Dent ($500); Windsor Elementary School: Composting 2.0 ($250); and Brockman Elementary School: Edible Outdoor Classrooms ($250).

Kudos to all of the schools represented for the sustainable hard work!

January 2020

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community news Yoga Mama Offers Classes for Pregnant and New Moms

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n Thursday, January 16, prenatal and postnatal yoga classes will begin for expectant women and new mothers, continuing through Thursday, April 2. Prenatal and postnatal yoga offer many benefits to women, such as improved strength, enhanced endurance, breathing techniques that promote relaxation, and providing a community for expecting and new moms. No previous yoga experience is required. The classes will be led by Kyla Saphir, of the Rooted Community, located at 141 South Shandon Street, in Columbia (in the beautiful Rosewood area). Postnatal yoga sessions will be held on Thursday mornings, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (babies are welcome).

Prenatal yoga sessions will be held on Thursday evenings, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Cost: $15 drop-in, $72 for six sessions, or $120 for 12-week series.

For more information, email Kyla Saphir at KylaJSaphir@gmail. com or visit YogaMamaColumbia.com. To sign up for classes, visit RootedInWellBeing.org/classes.

Three Weeks of Profound Workshops at Cabo Breath Fest

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n celebration of Natural Awakenings’ commitment to promoting higher consciousness during the last 25 years, the Cabo Breath Fest will offer many life-changing workshops plus other activities from February 1 to 21, in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Some of the 20-plus international experts offering workshops include event founder Dan Brule, author, breathwork pioneer and the creator of Breath Therapy; Stig Avall Severinsen, champion free diver and author of the bestselling book Breatheology – The Art of Conscious Breathing; Dr. Jim Morningstar, author and founder of the School of Integrative Psychology; and Lena Kristina Tuulse, breathwork pioneer and author of Passion for Life who introduced conscious breathing to much of Europe.

As this historic event is a co-creation of the trainers and guests, attendees are also invited to make presentations during some of the 100 available sessions. There will also be yoga on the beach, drumming circles, concerts, social gatherings, great food, dances, art and other enriching activities.

Tickets: $100 for any or all workshops. For more information, tickets and cheap accommodations, call 800-568-7957 or visit CaboBreathFest.com or Facebook.com/cabobreathfest. See ad, page 16.

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Beer Yoga at Craft & Draft

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n Sunday, January 12, from noon to 1 p.m., Good Company Yoga is hosting its special and unique Beer Yoga class at the Craft & Draft beer market and taproom, located at 2706 Devine Street, in Columbia. Beer yoga is a nontraditional approach to yoga. Instructor Rachelle Moody, RYT-200, will guide participants through a fun and playful vinyasa flow in a non-intimidating environment, free of judgement, ego and expectations. This is a class for all levels. In addition, each attendee will receive a FREE beer.

Owned by two University of South Carolina graduates, Craft & Draft is a craft beer store and bar located in the heart of Columbia. They pour local and regional brews from 12 taps, rotating the lineup daily with more than 300 beers in stock. The popular venue will open to the public immediately following the class.

Cost: $10. For more information, visit Facebook.com/goodcompanyyoga or CraftAndDraftBeer.com.

USC Office of Sustainability Hosts Annual Winter Sale

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ime to give it up! On Saturday, January 11, from 7 a.m. to noon, the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Office of Sustainability will host its sixth annual Give it Up for Good Winter Sale in the Learning Center for Sustainable Futures on the USC campus.

Countless affordable sale items will be available, including furniture, books, bedding, clothes and more. All proceeds will go to benefit the Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/events/2482503395148294.

Conservation Education MiniGrants Available!

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ttention sustainability champions! The application deadline for conservation education minigrants to support environmental projects at Richland County schools is Monday, February 3.

Participating schools can receive up to $1,000 in grant funding.

For more information, call the Richland County Conservation Division at 803-576-2080.

health spotlight

Whole Truth Health and Nutrition: Whole Healing from Within

by Kristi Antley

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t’s done: The delicious holiday dishes at the family gathering have been sampled; the signature alcoholic drinks at the office parties have been consumed; and who could forget the thick, sugar-laden coffee and treats indulged during shopping trips?

Exercise? It is virtually impossible to fit into a schedule filled with activities of the season, but no regrets, ‘tis the season for fellowship and food!

Now January is finally here and life is starting to get back to “normal.” Unfortunately, many of us will notice that our clothes fit a little tighter, energy levels are lower, and we seem unsatisfied with balanced meal portions. Listen to your body; attention must be given to your health now to ensure a successful year full of vitality and prosperity. No more excuses! Jumpstart your health goals with a whole food detox!

Contrary to popular belief, the standard American diet (SAD) will not heal, rejuvenate or nourish your body. When your digestive system is out of balance, inflammation and disease can attack, leading to lethargy, bloating, indigestion and unhealthy cravings. An individualized, well-designed nutritional detox with whole foods will give the digestive system and entire body a chance to rest and heal itself naturally. Just as there is no “one diet fits all” or magic pill, it takes patience, research and diligence to reap the rewards of clean eating.

Nutrition and health coach Julie Estes, owner of Whole Truth Health

and Nutrition, has done the work for you and is ready to introduce you to the most beneficial, efficient method of nutritional detoxing: Esprit de Corp (Spirit of the Team) 10-Day Whole Food Group Detox. With so many different options available today, Julie’s natural approach will save you time and money in your journey to better health. Our bodies are not machines; we need different things at different stages of life. There are many different variations of whole food treatments with very specific modifications that can be tailored to fill in nutritional gaps and deficiencies. A good nutritional detox (or reboot) with tried-and-true whole foods will lead to a more efficient metabolism (for weight loss); increased energy; optimized digestion, which leads to better health; increased mental clarity and focus; less cravings and food addictions; and as a bonus, clearer skin.

Many people need the encouragement, help and guidance of community in order to make the changes stick. It’s more fun and produces better results in the long run than trying to go it alone, as we share experiences and become more aware of our bodies. Build a healthy relationship with food and gain confidence in your body’s ability to heal by joining the Esprit de Corp (Spirit of the Team) 10Day Whole Food Group Detox, facilitated by Whole Truth Health and Nutrition. The initial meeting is Tuesday, January 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CoCreate, located at 714 South Lake Drive, in Lexington. Spaces are limited. Advanced registration is required.

For more information or to sign up, call nutrition and health coach Julie Estes at 803-746-4588 or visit WholeTruthHealth.org. See ad, page 25.

Julie Estes

January 2020

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Evgeny Karandaev/Shutterstock.com

onair/Shutterstock.com

Munch More Nuts to Stave Off Weight Gain Chomping on more nuts daily keeps the pounds at bay, according to research published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Using records from three long-term longitudinal studies spanning 20 years and including nearly 300,000 health professionals, the report from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing nut intake by a half serving a day—about 12 almonds or seven walnut halves—was linked to lower instances of weight gain and obesity. Swapping out a serving of meats, refined grains or desserts for half a serving of nuts was associated with staving off weight gain of between 0.9 and 1.5 pounds in any four-year period.

A consistently higher nut intake of at least half a serving a day was associated with a 23 percent lower risk of putting on 11 or more pounds and becoming obese in the same timeframe. No such links were found for eating more peanut butter. The researchers suggest the high fiber content of nuts can make a person feel full longer, and that that the fiber also binds well to fats in the gut, affecting a greater discharge of calories.

Live Near Green Spaces to Stave Off Metabolic Syndrome Middle-aged and older adults that live in greener neighborhoods have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, reports research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in the journal Environmental Pollution. The study followed more than 6,000 British adults in a cohort initially between ages 45 and 69 for 14 years, and correlated health records and interviews with satellite images of greenery. They found that exposure to green spaces seemed to help prevent metabolic syndrome and its individual components such as large waist circumference, high levels of blood fats and hypertension. The results “could be related to better opportunities provided by green spaces to perform physical activity, as well as a decrease in exposure to air pollution,” notes Carmen de Keijzer, first author of the study. Women fared even better than men, perhaps because women may spend more time in green spaces.

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Eat Garlic and Onion for Breast Health Women eating more onions and garlic reduced their risk of breast cancer by 59 percent compared to those that ate less of these, according to a study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Puerto Rico surveyed 660 women in Puerto Rico to measure their intake of onions and garlic, as well as sofrito, a local dish also cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and black pepper. Women that ate the onion- and garlic-rich sofrito sauce more than once a day slashed their risk of breast cancer by 67 percent compared to those that didn’t eat it. Both garlic and onions contain compounds with anticarcinogenic properties, and earlier studies have found a link between higher onion and garlic intake and fewer cancers of the lung, prostate and stomach. Puerto Rican women eat more onions and garlic than women in Europe and the U.S., mainly due to the popularity of those two ingredients in sofrito, and also have markedly lower breast cancer rates.

Drink Pomegranate Juice to Protect Fetal Brain Growth About one in 10 babies in utero struggles with a dangerous condition known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), in which the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the placenta is restricted, hampering development of the growing fetus. Now, a simple solution—of mom drinking an eight-ounce glass of pomegranate juice a day—offers hope of a way to reduce infant deaths and lower the need for infant surgery.

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, studied 77 mothers with IUGR at St. Louis’ Barnes-Jewish Hospital that received either one cup a day of pomegranate juice or a placebo. Evaluating 55 of the babies’ development with MRIs after birth, researchers found that the babies with pomegranate-drinking moms had evidence of both better brain connectivity and development of white matter—tissue through which messages pass in the central nervous system. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of polyphenols, a class of foods also found in nuts, berries, vegetables and teas that’s known to cross the blood-brain barrier and have neuroprotective effects.

Deviatov Aleksei/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

inspiration spotlight

2020 VISION:

Seeing Your Health Clearly in the New Year

by Rachel E. Hall, M.D.

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id you let your healthy habits slide during the holidays? Or maybe you are feeling so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired that you’re ready to commit to breaking the cycles that impact your health and how you feel day in, day out. The beginning of the year is a great time to correct your long-term vision if it has become fuzzy. So, if you’re ready for a new prescription, read on.

When making a plan for new habits, smaller, short-term goals are helpful, but what will keep habits for the long haul Rachel E. Hall, M.D. is a larger, long-term “Big Why.” When you clearly see WHY you are doing something, it makes the day-in-day-out practice, choices and resisting of temptations easier. Think about how your life is being affected by your health concerns. Think beyond physical to emotional, relationships, career, hobbies, etc. What would life be like in three to five years if you don’t resolve these issues? What if you did?

For me, a single woman with no kids, I don’t have someone I could move in with in a few decades, and I for sure don’t want to be in a nursing home, so I keep the fact that I need to be physically and mentally sound throughout life in my mind’s eye at all times. I realize each small decision made now impacts 40 years from now.

My Big Why is an imaginary carrot on a stick, always in my internal visual field, keeping me moving in the right direction. When faced with a decision or a temptation, I think, “Is this moving me toward or away from my goal?” I don’t just hone in on what

I eat; although that is a big portion of my system to get to my goal, that’s like only looking at one section of a picture. Staying laser focused on your desire helps with each step along the journey. If you want to climb to the top of Machu Picchu, but you keep taking steps backward, it’s going to take a lot longer to get there, and if you get tired, you may never make it. Remember how the Tortoise wins, with slow and steady forward progress.

2020 is a great, symbolic year to put your bad health habits in the rearview mirror, focus on your Big Why, and make a lifestyle change that will serve you with dividends for decades to come. Big change needs big aspirations, either for something positive or to avoid something negative.

Breaking the old habits is a lot like a recovery process. Addicts often remind themselves multiple times a day WHY they are not going to drink, use or return to their addictive behavior. The same mindset keeps you on the path to health.

Zeroing in on your Big Why this way will serve you when the next event or holiday season comes around, because, of course, they always do. Just like the alcoholic doesn’t get to drink on New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to lose sight of your Big Why when you are celebrating. A lot of our celebrations center around lifestyle-derailing foods and activities, but just like the recovering alcoholic on New Year’s Eve or at his or her daughter’s wedding, you can still celebrate whatever is being marked while keeping your vision on your Big Why. If your Why is big enough, it even overpowers the enablers and doubters that try and pressure you into losing your commitment to yourself and your health, which is, after all, your greatest asset.

So, let’s raise a mental (eye)glass to a healthy 2020, and many years to come!

For more information, call Expect Wellness, located at 130 Suber Rd., Ste. D, Columbia, at 803-796-1702. Also visit DrRachelHall. com. See ad, page 4.

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global briefs

Time’s Up

According to researchers, each airline passenger produces about three pounds of trash per flight, from disposable headphones and plastic cutlery to food scraps and toilet waste. To increase mindfulness about the trash, British design firm PriestmanGoode has refashioned the economy meal tray, replacing plastic with renewable materials such as coffee grounds, banana leaves and coconut wood. Associate Strategy Director Jo Rowan says, “Onboard waste is a big issue. Knowing that you have 4 billion passengers per year, it all adds up very quickly.” The redesigned items are featured in an exhibit, “Get Onboard: Reduce.Reuse.

Rethink.” at the Design Museum, in London.

The biggest environmental issue with air travel is carbon emissions, which are growing at a faster rate than previously projected. But as air travel becomes increasingly accessible and more people fly, airlines have been making public pledges to curb their environmental footprint, including the plastic forks and leftovers their passengers leave behind.

Rethinking Rice

Farmers Respond to Climate Change

Growing up in Gambia, Nfamara Badjie’s parents taught him it’s much healthier to eat food they grew rather than food bought in a store. Badjie, a well-known drummer who moved to the U.S. in 2005, bought a plot of marshy land in Ulster Park, New York, two hours north of New York City, and is learning how to adapt the rice-growing practices of his West African ethnic group, the Jola, to East Coast climates. Agronomists hope the innovative operation, Ever-Growing Family Farm, can provide a blueprint for other area farmers to introduce new crops due to the threat of climate change. Erika Styger, an agronomist from nearby Cornell University, says, “We can reinvent agriculture even today, and if we have that mindset, there is a lot that can be done. We shouldn’t get stuck in how we have done things, and we need to adapt to climate change.”

You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind. ~Joyce Meyer 16

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Air Meals May Get an Eco-Makeover

The International Energy Agency predicts that renewable energy will surpass coal as the world’s leading source of electricity by 2030. Its 810-page annual World Energy Outlook also notes that even though offshore wind farms, solar installations and battery-powered cars keep getting cheaper, they aren’t progressing fast enough to slash global greenhouse gas emissions and bring global warming under control because the world’s appetite for energy keeps surging.

Bright spots include large, offshore European turbines that can harvest the stronger and steadier winds over the ocean; electric car factories in China; and new building codes and fuel economy standards.

Africa currently poses about 40 percent of the world’s potential for solar energy, but has less than 1 percent of the world’s solar panels.

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Trays Up

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Renewable Energy Should Speed Progress

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conscious eating

The level of germ-fighting activity your immune system is able to maintain after a sugary meal decreases for a number of hours. ~Heather Tynan

GUT CHECK Feeding the Immune System

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by Julie Peterson

educing stress, sleeping enough, exercising and getting sunlight are all known strategies for improving the body’s ability to protect itself from harm. However, the most important factor in building a rock-star immune system is nutrition.

Here is a guide to the care and feeding of the inner fortifications that fight off disease, supporting long-term wellness.

Ground Zero: The Gut

About 70 percent of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract—home to a microbiome that contains trillions of bacteria.

It works as a complex ecosystem in which the good bacteria prevent the bad bacteria from taking hold and causing illness or disease.

Eating plants promotes the robust growth of that good bacteria.

“The GI microbiome evolved closely with our immune systems and under the influence of the plants our ancestors ingested,” says Holly Poole-Kavana, who practices herbal medicine in Washington, D.C. Yet about 90 percent of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The consequent weakening of the microbiome is a double-edged sword, because the processed foods Americans commonly consume promote the growth of harmful microbes. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicates that added sugars, saturated fats and sodium eaten by most Americans are far above recommended amounts. This tipping of the scales causes weight gain, toxin buildup and immune system dysfunction.

What Not to Eat

Plants and grains on grocery shelves today are typically processed into bread, cereal, pasta, desserts and snacks, abundant in added sugars, salt, detrimental fats and chemical additives. These altered foods slam the gut’s immune protection and increase the risk of chronic disease.

A Czech Republic study on food additives found that gut microbes 18

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that fought inflammation were harmed by additives. According to the research, “Permanent exposure of human gut microbiota to even low levels of additives may modify the composition and function of gut microbiota, and thus influence the host’s immune system.”

And of course, be wary of sugars. Anything that turns into sugar in the system—think carbs like refined bread products and pasta, not just sweets—is an immune-depressing culprit, says Heather Tynan, a naturopathic doctor at Evergreen Naturopathic, in San Diego. “The level of germ-fighting activity your immune system is able to maintain after a sugary meal decreases for a number of hours.” Saturated fats also alter immune cells, disrupting their functions and triggering inflammation.

Getting away from processed food cravings can be a challenge, because the foods provide a temporary energy boost. Dorothy Calimeris, of Oakland, California, a certified health coach and author of three anti-inflammatory cookbooks, suggests that cravings mean the body needs something, but it may be rest or water. “By focusing on eating higher-quality nutrients, we can limit and eventually eliminate the cravings.”

Eat the Rainbow

Fruits and vegetables get their colors from phytochemicals, which provide the human microbiome with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that keep the gut healthy and help the immune system combat cellular damage. National guidelines suggest Americans eat 10 servings of plants a day, ideally two each from the green, red, white, purple/blue and orange/yellow categories. But data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys show that eight out of 10 people in the U.S. don’t get enough of any color category.

“A good strategy is to add one new vegetable a week to your grocery cart,” suggests Canadian nutritionist Lisa Richards, founder of TheCandidaDiet.com. “Blending fruits and vegetables into shakes or smoothies is also an effective way to eat the rainbow for those who are busy.”

Whatever goes into the grocery cart should be certified organic, the only sure way to avoid ubiquitous genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food chain, which animal studies have linked to immune system damage.

Herbs are also helpful to boost the body’s inherent ability to protect itself. Poole-Kavana points to medicinal herbs like astragalus and reishi mushroom, which support immunity and balance gut bacteria; antimicrobial herbs like garlic, thyme and oregano; and elderberry, an anti-inflammatory fruit that boosts the body’s ability to identify and eliminate viruses and bacteria.

“The single greatest thing anyone can do for their health is to eat whole foods, including organic vegetables, fruits, high-quality proteins, whole grains and healthy fats,” says Calimeris.

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and can be reached at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

photo by Jennifer Davick

IMMUNE-BOOSTING RECIPES lightly toast the spices, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil.

Add the carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnip and garlic, and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup in the pot until smooth.

Add the lentils, corn, salt, pepper and parsley, and cook for an additional minute to heat the lentils and corn.

Stir in the coconut milk and cilantro, heat through, and serve.

Total cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Creamy Turmeric Cauliflower Soup Turmeric is the darling of the anti-inflammatory spices. For best absorption, it should be combined with pepper. This soup gets its creamy texture from coconut milk, but other nondairy milk can be used instead.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Yields: 4 servings 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil 1 leek, white part only, thinly sliced 3 cups cauliflower florets 1 garlic clove, peeled 1¼-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 1½ tsp turmeric ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp ground cumin 3 cups vegetable broth 1 cup full-fat coconut milk ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat.

Add the leek, and sauté until it just begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the cauliflower, garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper and cumin, and sauté to

Excerpted from the book The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Heal the Immune System, by Dorothy Calimeris and Lulu Cook.

Lentil Stew

Most stews take hours to cook, but this restorative dish, perfect for dinner or lunch, cooks up in a hurry. The plant-based recipe takes advantage of canned lentils and is loaded with nutritious, anti-inflammatory power foods.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 8 Brussels sprouts, halved 1 large turnip, peeled, quartered and sliced 1 garlic clove, sliced 6 cups vegetable broth 1 (15-oz) can lentils, drained and rinsed 1 cup frozen corn 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Total cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Serve hot.

Another tip: This soup is as versatile as it is simple. Feel free to use any kinds of beans or vegetables you have—it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables at the end of the week. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for a week, or in the freezer for longer.

Nutritional information per serving (4 portions): calories: 240; total fat: 4g; total carbohydrates: 42g; sugar: 11g; fiber: 12g; protein: 10g; sodium: 870mg Excerpted from the book The Anti-Inflammatory Diet One-Pot Cookbook: 100 Easy All-in-One Meals, by Dorothy Calimeris and Ana Reisdorf.

Also visit DorothyEats.com.

In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat.

Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

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We know caloric restriction extends life.

But no one wants to do it, because it’s no fun.

first environment—the womb—can spawn diseases later in life if pregnant women are exposed to air pollutants, pesticides and the toxic stress of poverty.

Learning From the “Blue Zones”

In their search for secrets to longevity, investigators often look for lifestyle clues provided by long-lived populations. Those residing in what National Geographic Fellow and bestselling author Dan Buettner calls “Blue Zones”, for example, are more likely to celebrate their 100th birthday and escape chronic maladies such as heart disease and cancer—the two biggest killers in the U.S.

Buettner has identified the “Power 9” lifestyle habits commonly practiced by

LIVING LONG & WELL Age-Defying Habits and the Fountain of Youth

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

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t age 29, Betty Holston Smith, of Rockville, Maryland, weighed more than 200 pounds, smoked cigarettes and ate processed junk food.

Now, almost 79 years young, she is a vegan ultra-marathon runner and an inspiration to anyone wanting to age well.

Smith’s story underscores the findings of researchers that have long pursued the keys to a long and healthy life. Some of these factors—heredity, for instance—are beyond our control. However, the most critical ingredient seems to be our daily habits.

Although we’ve all likely heard or read about someone that lived into their 90s, ate bacon, drank whiskey and smoked a pack a day, these individuals are outliers: In truth, longevity is determined by 20

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a combination of genes, environment, lifestyle choices and luck.

For example, some individuals may be born with genes that confer longevity, but be unlucky due to where they live. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that life expectancy varies by zip code.

That’s because where we live influences how we live, predicting access to healthful food, clean air and water, safe neighborhoods and stress-relieving green spaces such as parks and gardens. Genes are important, but our social and physical environments play a greater role in predicting our “healthspan” —the essence of a long and healthy life.

According to researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, in New York City, even our

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centenarians living in the five designated Blue Zones—Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and the Seventh Day Adventist community in Loma Linda, California.

Regardless of genetics, the following behaviors can help anyone slow the aging process and improve quality of life: n Eat a plant-based diet. n Stop eating when 80 percent full. n Practice stress reduction techniques. n Find a sense of purpose. n Engage in physical activity throughout the day. n Consume moderate amounts of alcohol with food and friends.

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~Lori Taylor

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n Join a faith community, regardless of denomination. n Belong to a social network that engages in healthy behaviors. n Share love and time with children, parents and partners.

Survival of the Fittest

Tom LaFontaine, Ph.D., a clinical exercise physiologist based in Columbia, Missouri, says, “Mounting evidence shows that engaging in regular aerobic and strength exercise offers robust defenses against life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and several cancers.” One important marker of long-term health, particularly among women, notes LaFontaine, is bone mineral density (BMD). After menopause, BMD decreases in women and can lead to osteopenia—low BMD—and osteoporosis—pathological loss of BMD. “Women with osteoporosis are particularly at risk for fractures, especially of the hip, which can lead to a reduced lifespan.”

LaFontaine recommends weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging and high-intensity weight training to significantly improve BMD; and he’s proven that it works. “In 2012, we

Studies in centenarians have suggested that people who live long and in good health have a regular lifestyle. They spend time in community, eat meals and go to bed at regular times, in sync with circadian rhythms. ~Eve Van Cauter started a program called Older Women on Weights (OWOW), in which 40 post-menopausal women with an average age in the low 60s train with heavy

LEARN MORE, LIVE LONGER Blue Zones: BlueZones.com Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk, President’s Cancer Panel Report: Tinyurl.com/CancerRiskReport Life expectancy by zip code: Tinyurl.com/ZipCodeLongevity Plant-based diets explained: Tinyurl.com/PlantDietExplained Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015 Hara Hachi Bu: Tinyurl.com/HaraHachiBuDiet Food Sleuth Radio segments: Lori Taylor: keto diets and intermittent fasting: Tinyurl.com/LoriTaylorInterview Dorothy Sears: intermittent fasting and circadian rhythm: Tinyurl.com/DorothySearsInterview Eve Van Cauter: importance of sleep: Tinyurl.com/EveVanCauterInterview Tips to cope with loneliness: Tinyurl.com/TheEffectsOfLoneliness Vitamin N: 500 Ways to Enrich Your Family’s Health & Happiness, by Richard Louv Improve sleep quality by reducing exposure to blue light at night: JustGetFlux.com January 2020

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weights. Some even participate in weightlifting competitions.”

“We have observed women in this group move from osteopenia to normal BMD and from osteoporosis to osteopenia based on pre- and post-bone density DXA scans,” he says. What’s more, the women in LaFontaine’s program have formed new friendships, benefitting from a strong network of social support.

Finding Inspiration

Smith, the septuagenarian marathoner, was inspired to make a change nearly 50 years ago when her 3-year-old daughter teased, “You can’t catch me!” during an innocent game of tag. She knew she had to make a change.

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She tried diet pills, fad diets and other quick fixes, but realized they were worthless. However, each evening Smith tuned in to Gabe Mirkin, a physician who hosted a national radio program about health and fitness.

Following his advice, Smith began eating a diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and says today she doesn’t want to put anything in her body that interferes with her lifestyle. She outlines the steps to her transformation in the book, Lifestyle

by Nature: One Woman’s Break from the Unhealthy Herd to Roam Forever Healthy in Nature’s Lifestyle Change Herd. The first step—finding internal strength—is the most important, she says. “Most people

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have something in their lives they can point to for strength.”

In addition to running 60 to 100 miles each week, Smith practices tai chi, meditates and enjoys camaraderie with her running mates. She also has an upbeat attitude, believing in the importance of passion, perseverance and “taking negative experiences and making them positive.” According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network, this spirit of optimism is protective against heart disease and other causes of death.

Eating Well, but Not Too Much

Food is a major contributor to both qual-

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Most people have something in their lives they can point to for strength. ~Betty Holston Smith ity of life and life extension. Global and national recommendations to eat more fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids, while decreasing added sugars and sodium, all help reduce our risk for life-shortening diseases. The plant-based Mediterranean diet consistently rises to the top for its health-fortifying benefits.

However, in contrast to our Western culture’s practice of eating until belt-busting full, Blue Zone Okinawans practice hara hachi bu—eating until one is no longer hungry, but stopping before feeling full.

“We know caloric restriction extends life,” says Lori Taylor, clinical dietitian and Core Faculty of Integrative and Functional Nutrition at Saybrook University, in Pasadena. “But no one wants to do it, because it’s no fun.” Instead, Taylor recommends intermittent fasting, eating only during a set window of 10 or 12 hours each day to reduce caloric intake.

Similarly, Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, has researched the impacts of both intermittent fasting and circadian rhythm on how our bodies handle calories.

She recommends a “prolonged nightly fast” of 12 to 13 hours, as well as reducing caloric intake after 6 to 8 p.m. to

help maintain a healthy weight and stave off such diseases as Type 2 diabetes and obesity-related cancers. Most significantly, she found that a 13-hour nightly fast reduced breast cancer recurrence by 36 percent among 2,300 breast cancer survivors in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living study.

Both improving diet quality and restricting calories appear to help slow the rate of aging at the genetic level, in part by preserving the length of our telomeres— the structures at the end of chromosomes that protect our DNA. The Mediterranean diet, with its abundance of protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, help prevent age-associated telomere shortening.

The Sleep Connection

Michael Grandner, Ph.D., director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, says Americans tend to see sleep as unproductive time, but it’s a “biological requirement for life.”

In fact, it is one of the three pillars of health, along with good nutrition and

exercise, says Eve Van Cauter, Ph.D., former director of the Sleep, Metabolism and Health Center at the University of Chicago. “Studies in centenarians have suggested that people who live long and in good health have a regular lifestyle. They spend time in community, eat meals and go to bed at regular times, in sync with circadian rhythms.”

No matter how long we live, we want to make the most of our time on Earth.

Beyond diet and exercise, finding our personal passion, reducing stress and spending time in nature and with those we love can add years to our lives.

Despite our virtual social networks, real human connection is vital for physical and mental health. According to a report in the journal Heart, loneliness is as dangerous as smoking for heart disease and stroke risk. So volunteer, join a club, sign up for a community garden plot, yoga or dance class, or host regular potlucks or game nights—these just might be among the best prescriptions for staying young.

Melinda Hemmelgarn, the “Food Sleuth,” is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio show host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.

About Your Health Services and products to help you create a health-full life.

Balance for Life

Most people struggle to improve their health and wellness. Through our knowledge and natural healing therapies that detoxify, rejuvenate & rebuild, you can live the healthy, balanced life you want.

Are you ready to begin?

Services start at $25 About Your Health, Inc.

803-798-8687

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste. J, Columbia, SC 29210

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After my time outdoors, I feel grounded, renewed, energized and much more clearheaded than before I started. ~Laura Durenberger

GREEN THERAPY Ecopsychology and the Nature Cure

by Ronica A. O’Hara

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or clients of family therapist Christian Dymond, the path to wellness begins on his 10 acres of woods and meadows in Milton, Vermont, walking alongside him, sitting by a babbling brook, watching squirrels gather nuts or the sun slowly set, breathing in the piney air. “There is a sense of safety that comes from being in the forest,” Dymond says. “Safety is necessary in order for the client to open up and share themselves with another human being.” Children, too, readily respond: “Getting a child outside into nature can bring life back into their eyes. Every day I see this happen.”

The sweeping Santa Barbara beach is the office of clinical psychologist Maria Nazarian, Ph.D., as she accompanies clients on hour-long barefoot walks that might include a mindfulness exercise, goal-setting and meditation—all while watching waves foam, pelicans glide and sun-sparkles on the water. “When we feel connected to the world around us, we experience more joy and belonging, less depression and less anxiety, all of which increase our thinking, creativity, well-being and generosity,” she says.

Their practices, known as ecother-

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apy, green therapy or nature-based therapy, are an outgrowth of a ballooning branch of psychology known as ecopsychology, which investigates the critical links between nature experiences and human well-being. In examining such matters as our neurological responses to nature, how climate change and weather disasters lead to anxiety and depression, how nature deprivation affects children, and why nature can produce transcendent awe, the field is reshaping the way that therapists and doctors help both adults and children heal.

Ecopsychology is a relatively new discipline. Little more than two decades ago, historian Theodore Roszak pointed out in Psychology Today that in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, one of the most-diagnosed categories involved sex: “In mapping sexual dysfunction, therapists have been absolutely inspired… [but] the volume contains only one listing remotely connected to nature: seasonal affective disorder.”

Now, as the planet’s dire plight becomes a source of mounting concern, that professional neglect is rapidly changing.

The field of ecopsychology has produced

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green living

more than 100 There is a sense of safety authoritative studies that comes from being in linking nature to the forest. Safety is necessary not only physical, but mental health. in order for the client to open Researchers have up and share themselves with found that spendanother human being. ing time in nature settings helps lower ~Christian Dymond stress, anxiety and depression, boosts positive mood, improves resilience and immune response, increases life expectancy, decreases anger, reduces blood pressure, eases computer fatigue and enhances energy, concentration and cognitive functioning.

Recently, Danish researchers found that children raised in the least-green neighborhoods were 55 percent more likely to develop a serious mental illness than children that grew up in the greenest neighborhoods, regardless of social standing, affluence or parental mental illness. A British study of nearly 20,000 people published in Scientific Reports concluded that spending at least two hours a week in nature, whether in brief breaks or long stretches, is an optimal amount of time to feel a sense of better health and well-being.

Putting these findings in motion, doctors, therapists, naturopaths, nurse practitioners and other health providers are increasingly suggesting and prescribing time in nature, especially for children. As of July 2018, there were 71 provider-based nature-prescription pro-

grams in 32 states, potentially involving hundreds of thousands of patients, according to a survey by the Institute at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Ecopsychology research programs are opening at medical centers and universities, and ecotherapy classes are being added to academic degree programs for therapists. Major health insurers are financing pilot programs to measure timein-nature outcomes, and electronic health records are starting to include nature prescriptions, as well as pharmaceuticals.

Happily, it’s a therapy that can be self-prescribed. After Laura Durenberger, who blogs at ReduceReuseRenewBlog.com, gave birth to her son, she found symptoms of her generalized anxiety disorder at an all-time high, and ultimately linked it to rarely leaving her house. When she goes too long without being outside, she says, “My anxiety spikes. I am irritable. My energy is low. I don’t feel motivated or creative.”

Now, even during the fierce Minneapolis winters, she is dedicated to spending half an hour a day in nature: “After my time outdoors, I feel grounded, renewed, energized and much more clearheaded than before I started.”

As ecotherapist Dymond puts it: “Nature is always there for people to heal themselves in.”

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Contact her at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

How to Practice Personal Ecopsychology n Spend two hours or more each week outdoors in natural settings, in either short or long blocks of time. n Take a free online course to gain an in-depth understanding of ecopsychology at Tinyurl.com/IntroEcopsychology. n Read books like Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life, by Richard Louv, or The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, by Florence Williams. n Bring plants, flowers, seashells, pebbles and other reminders of nature into work and home settings. n Garden outdoors or keep a kitchen herb garden indoors. n Join a local birdwatching group. n Use nature scenes as wall art and screensavers. n Visit WalkWithADoc.org to join in a one-hour group walk with a local doctor. n Find more ideas at RunWildMyChild.com/incorporating-nature-into-daily-life.

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photos by Aaron Baker

healthy kids

RAISING ENVIRONMENTALISTS Teachers Prep Kids for the Future

by Yvette C. Hammett

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ducators have switched from preaching to kids about environmental degradation to using handson lessons to get K-12 students not only interested in the world’s environmental priorities, but also actively participating in solutions, maybe even seeking out related careers.

“You hope students can translate passion into intellectual curiosity on these subjects and develop the expertise so they can go beyond being an activist to being an advocate,” says Kenneth Walz, Ph.D., who works on the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Walz, who teaches chemistry, engineering and renewable energy at Madison Area Technical College, also serves as its director of the Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education.

While K-12 environmental education still has no specific niche in curriculum, according to a case study of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, numerous groups and educators are working to ensure the next generation is prepared for the environmental challenges it will certainly face.

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Today’s educators believe hands-on learning will prepare Generation Z and those that follow to look for solutions and even seek active roles to implement them. Aaron Baker, a Sussex, New Jersey, advanced placement environmental science instructor and a two-time winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Presidential Innovation Award, says the key to getting through to the next generation is showing them a problem that’s close to home that they can touch and feel, and then relating it to a global issue.

“A major part of my philosophy for environmental education is to try to engage students in environmental issues in our own community,” Baker says. “We collaborate with the Wallkill River Watershed Management Group to restore riparian areas and increase biological diversity.”

The high school students have planted more than 750 trees in the last three years along the creek that runs right below their school. “This type of hands-on work not only has a direct relationship to their lives here in Sussex County, but is also relevant to similar issues on a global scale.”

The 30-year-old National Environ-

mental Education Foundation (NEEF) no longer sends speakers to schools. Instead, it encourages teachers to get the students outside working with partners like the National Park Service or the U.S. Forest Service to learn about real world problems near their homes, says Robert Sendrey, program director of environmental education.

Motivation and inspiration are key, he says. “We were created to help make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant and more connected to the average American’s life.”

Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of climate change and the challenges ahead, NEEF promotes a healthy lifestyle and emphasizes the need for clean air and water. “We emphasize the well-being of people, which is directly related to the health of the environment,” Sendrey says.

Success starts with a change in attitude and awareness, and ultimately needs to culminate with action, he says. For example, NEEF teamed up with zoos and aquariums for the Skip the Straw campaign, educating the public about the environmental harm

A major part of my philosophy for environmental education is to try to engage students in environmental issues in our own community. ~Aaron Baker

“I think they appreciate the issue,” Walz says of the students.

“Middle schoolers bring the passion. That sort of raw, emotional angst is something we left behind in our teenage years. Adults have been way too complacent for way too long.”

Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

We emphasize the well-being of people, which is directly related to the health of the environment. ~Robert Sendrey caused by single-use plastics. The University of Wisconsin K-12 education program focuses on environmental impacts of the energy sector—especially on air and water quality.

“If you are burning coal to produce electricity, it creates all kinds of atmospheric pollution—acid rain and soot that causes respiratory illness,” says Walz. “If we weren’t burning fossil fuels, urban smog wouldn’t even be a thing.” The energy curriculum for students includes content on biofuels and electric transportation.

“For them, it is more thinking about the types of transportation they use, whether they are driving, riding a bike or taking a bus.”

They don’t get to choose what kind of fuel the bus runs on, but they can be educated to be good future consumers, he notes.

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healing ways

NATURAL HEALING FOR HANDS Getting a Grip on Pain

OHishiapply/Shutterstock.com

by Marlaina Donato

M

ost of us take our hands for granted until buttoning a shirt or opening a jar becomes a daunting task. Getting a grip on that pain and loss of function with holistic solutions can be a game-changer. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as repetitive motion syndromes like carpal tunnel, are commonly linked to hand and wrist pain, and effective treatment relies on identifying the underlying cause.

“Systemic inflammation will be an issue in any case, but the root condition needs to be addressed,” says Kiva Rose Hardin, a New Mexico-based herbalist and co-editor of Plant Healer Magazine. Carpal tunnel, for instance, is not always a repetitive injury syndrome; it can sometimes be triggered by endocrine imbalances such as hypothyroidism, she says.

Susan Blum, M.D., author of Healing Arthritis: Your 3-Step Guide to Conquering Arthritis Naturally, agrees on both the role of inflammation and the importance of looking beyond the diagnosis itself.

“Inflammation is a process in the body, an end result, and we have to go upstream, so to speak, to find triggers including stress, gut health, toxins and infections.”

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We have to go upstream, so to speak, to find triggers including stress, gut health, toxins and infections. ~Susan Blum

By finding the trigger, relief is within reach with non-surgical solutions and natural approaches such as physical therapy, specialized yoga, acupuncture, essential oils and inflammation-taming foods and herbs.

Gut Check

Factors like leaky gut syndrome, stress and inadequate nutrition can all kick inflammation into overdrive. The right dietary adjustments can go a long way toward putting on the brakes. “Inflammation from compromised gut health can contribute to both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis,” Blum notes. “Abdominal fat releases inflammatory molecules into the joints, so metabolic syndrome should [also] be looked at as a factor in osteoarthritis.”

The simplest place to begin is to pay attention to food quality, she says. “Choose whole foods high in nutrients and fiber; eliminate all processed food; read labels to

sumroeng chinnapan/Shutterstock.com

Systemic inflammation will be an issue in any case, but the root condition needs to be addressed. ~Kiva Rose Hardin spot hidden sugars and food dyes.”

Blum, the founder of the Blum Center for Health, in Rye Brook, New York, initially guides her patients on an elimination diet to find dietary triggers like soy, corn, gluten, dairy, sugar and eggs. She also recommends a diet that is 70 percent plant-based and includes cold-pressed, solvent-free oils such as high-quality olive oil.

Blum cautions against nightshade vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and white potatoes that can trigger osteoarthritis pain.

Exercise and Prevention

STRATEGIES FROM THE EXPERTS

Food tips from Susan Blum, M.D.

Improper posture can set off a domino effect from neck to fingertips, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome and other troublesome conditions. Prevention can go a long way. “Stretching and strengthening are the best ways to prevent injury or pain,” says physiotherapist Kelly Picciurro, of Spring Forward Physical Therapy, in New York City.

Picciurro emphasizes exercise for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. “It’s vital that these patients maintain a certain level of mobility, and [physical therapy] can improve that.”

Those with repetitive strain injuries also respond well to gentle yoga postures like tree pose, upward hands and upward fingers.

In general, yoga helps upper body muscles support and align the hands, wrists and elbows.

Replace refined sugar with maple sugar, coconut sugar or honey, all of which offer nutrients and minerals. Avoid overly processed agave nectar.

Snuffing Out Pain

Ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory that can be added to food.

Acupuncture, especially with a focus on postural muscles of the neck and back, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Hot and cold treatments can bring relief for arthritis flare-ups. Circulation and resulting improved cell nutrition can be achieved by employing heat via showers, baths and heating pads.

For acute pain, cold from an ice bag or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel for 20-minute intervals reduces swelling by reducing circulation and dulling pain signals.

Pain-reducing herbs such as cat’s claw, aloe vera, green tea, ginger, borage oil and chili pepper can all help fight systemic inflammation. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is also a heavy hitter. Blum recommends at least 1,000 milligrams daily of curcumin that is formulated with pepper or a phospholipid for optimal absorption. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that the combination of curcumin and black pepper can repress inflammation signals in the intestines.

Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, Roman and German chamomile, lavender and balsam fir are also effective in reducing pain, and have anti-inflammatory properties. A few drops can be added to Epsom salts for a bath or diluted and rubbed onto the area three times daily.

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

If meats are consumed, choose organic and grass-fed.

Choose whole grains.

Herbal suggestions from Kiva Rose Hardin For topical pain-relieving applications, look for a fat/oil-based preparation with mint or cayenne for faster action.

Powdered herbs in mass-produced capsules can lose medicinal efficacy quickly. Alcohol or glycerine-based tinctures are good choices that can be convenient when traveling.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum), sustainably sourced, is especially useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; the rhizome of this plant seems to work on the synovial fluid of the joints.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidim) is an important part of any autoimmune formula. A decoction or extract is beneficial for arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus.

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) reduces stress and anxiety while moderating inflammation; it is especially effective in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and endocrine disruption.

Hawthorn (Crataegus) reduces systemic inflammation and has a moderating effect on most forms of arthritis and joint pain; it also strengthens the collagen matrix of the body and supports overall joint health.

Computer posture reminders from Kelly Picciurro

Elbows should rest at about a 90-degree angle and comfortably at the side. Wrists should lie in a neutral position; not be too extended or flexed.

The keyboard and mouse should be close to the body to avoid excessive reaching of the hands.

January 2020

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oscarhdez/Shutterstock.com

fit body

When Workouts Don’t Work

Why Less Is Sometimes More

by Marlaina Donato

E

xercise is a proven component in losing weight and preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but not all exercise regimens yield the same results for everyone, especially when

The key is to not overtrain and to do just enough to adequately stimulate the system.

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~Beth Shaw

daily stress is a factor.

While workouts are often intended to reduce the body’s physiological response to mental and emotional stress, exercise itself can serve as a physical stressor that exacer-

bates the problem. This delicate balance revolves around the stress hormone cortisol.

While cortisol is needed to kickstart metabolism and burn fat, too much of it can increase the body’s fat stores.

Stephanie Mansour, host of Step It Up With Steph, a weekly TV fitness program in Chicago, sees this correlation in her private practice for women. “Aggressive workouts definitely perpetuate stress, and aren’t always necessary for weight loss. If one of my clients is stressed-out, sleepdeprived, overworked and doing intense workouts but not seeing weight-loss results, that’s a signal that cortisol is potentially too high and needs to be addressed.”

Fat-burning, high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—bursts of exercise with minimal periods of rest in between— raises levels of cortisol. These tend to decrease after a workout, but can remain on overdrive if HIIT is not balanced with low-intensity movement. Add jampacked schedules to the mix, and the side effects of chronically elevated cortisol result not only in longer recovery time, but insomnia, fatigue, low immunity and failure to lose weight, especially around the midsection—a phenomenon that has earned cortisol the nickname “the belly fat hormone”.

Balancing HIIT with yoga, Pilates, elliptical training, swimming or walking can help to reset the nervous system and bring the rest of the body back up to speed.

Cortisol-Conscious Workouts

Mansour works with a naturopath that analyzes her clients’ cortisol and other hormone levels. “One of the first things we focus on is helping the body move into the parasympathetic nervous system and out of the fight-or-flight stress response. One way we do this is by shifting into more relaxed workouts—gentle yoga, beginners’ Pilates class, light cardio or light strength training.”

Fitness expert Beth Shaw chose a zealous approach in her own exercise regimen until high cortisol levels unraveled her health.

The founder of YogaFit, a yoga teacher training program headquartered in Toronto, she emphasizes moderation. “The key is to not overtrain and to do just enough to adequately stimulate the system.” She recommends 30-to 45-minute cardio sessions and no longer than 45 minutes for weights. “Endorphin release from these two types of exercises should offset any release in cortisol.”

When we exercise may be as important to achieving weight loss and enhancing overall energy as the type of workout we choose, a factor based on circadian rhythm—the body’s biological clock. There are some schools of thought that cortisol is higher in the morning, and therefore this is the best time to exercise, says Mansour, while others believe we should target the mid-afternoon slump. “I advise my clients to pick a time that simply feels good to them.”

Mixing It Up

Hopping on a bike, going for a brisk walk or catching the waves on a surfboard can provide a great low-intensity, steady-state (LISS)

Aggressive workouts definitely perpetuate stress, and aren’t always necessary for weight loss. ~Stephanie Mansour cardiovascular workout, which aims for a low level of exertion for a long, continuous period.

Repetitive motion for 30 to 45 minutes not only helps to balance cortisol levels, but according to a 2014 Australian study published in the Journal of Obesity, it evens out fat distribution in overweight individuals. LISS also nudges the body to use fat as fuel, rather than taking valuable glycogen from the muscles.

Yoga and Pilates classes, though distinctly different, offer valuable benefits. “If cortisol backlash is an issue, you definitely want to work with someone who knows the anatomy and physiology of breathing,” says Tori Brown, owner of The Pilates Room & Antigravity Studio, in Ithaca, New York. “By learning proper breathing techniques, practitioners are able to downregulate the nervous system into a more parasympathetic state, which leads to better focus, lower heart rate, better digestion, more optimal cortisol levels and improved sleep patterns. All of this leads to more focused workouts that build muscle while creating less stress on the nervous system.”

Mansour suggests simple walking for stress-busting alternative cardio. “Brisk walking three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes is great to help reduce stress.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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More Low-Stress Workout Tips Beth Shaw: I recommend high-intensity training first thing in the morning on an

empty stomach three times a week, and adopting a yoga practice a few days a week that includes restorative yoga in the evenings to reduce cortisol.

Stephanie Mansour: Try high-intensity workouts for a few weeks. Take inventory of how you feel each day. Look at your progress over a few weeks to find a healthy balance. If it’s not working, change it up.

Tori Brown: If Pilates is your go-to exercise for strength training, opt for private train-

ing three times a week (minimum). If you are combining Pilates with other modes of exercise and really just need the cortisol downplay and core work, choose mat classes two times a week. Pilates private instruction will completely change the way you do all other forms of exercise. It is very different than all other exercise and very complementary.

January 2020

31

Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.com

natural pet

WHEN OLDER PETS GET QUIRKY Dealing With Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

by Julie Peterson

A

Keep your dog’s mind

s dogs and gather information cats get older, active by providing games that will help our afthey may and opportunities for play. fected pets,” says Denslow down or have nis W. Thomas, DVM, Daily walks provide not other physical issues. a holistic veterinarian only exercise, but also Some experience cogin Spokane, Washmental stimulation. nitive decline which ington, and author of resembles Alzheimer’s Whole-Pet Healing: A ~Lisa Lunghofer disease in humans. It Heart-to-Heart Guide presents differently to Connecting with in every pet and can include numerous and Caring for Your Animal Companion. symptoms that begin gradually, some With no test available for CDS, pets times just seeming like quirky behavior are diagnosed by excluding medical and instead of a disease. behavioral problems that can resemble

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome having the ailment.

(CDS) can affect dogs or cats, and there is currently no known cause or prevention.

Signs to Watch For Progress has been made on Alzheimer’s Issues that could point to CDS include: research in humans, with neurologists disn Confusion or disorientation: standing covering that plaque buildup in the brain in a corner, difficulty walking through does not cause the disease: That is the doorways, walking in circles or trouble immune system’s response to the disease. following familiar routes Necropsies on dogs with CDS have shown n Decreased activity: sleeping excessively, similar plaque buildup in the brain. seeming withdrawn, lack of grooming, loss

“Unfortunately, little research has of interest in toys, people or food been done regarding this condition, so n Restlessness, anxiety or compulsiveness: we can only hope to use human studies to

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waking often at night, whining or yowling, new fears, pacing or constantly licking n Attention seeking: wanting to be near humans and showing high distress when left alone n Incontinence: soiling the house after previously being house-trained n Irritability or aggression: growling/ hissing or biting without cause

These troubles could also be indicative of a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection or an injury, so it’s essential to have the pet examined.

With time, CDS patients may lose hearing or sight in addition to experiencing a progression of symptoms. “Make sure your home is predictable and safe,” says Lunghofer. Use gates to close off stairs or move furniture or other items that could be hazardous.

Prevention on the Horizon

Because inflammation caused by an inappropriate diet is the underlying problem of most chronic diseases in pets, Thomas believes that prevention for CDS is possible.

“Feeding a non-inflammatory, species-spe-

cific, balanced diet that is fresh and not heat-processed is critical,” he says.

In addition, he advises his patients get probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega-3s and antioxidant nutrients. Vaccinations, when necessary, should not contain heavy metal preservatives. “The goal is to keep the gut and immune systems healthy, avoid toxins that affect the nervous system and minimize environmental stress.”

Julie Peterson writes from her home in rural Wisconsin. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Caring for the Patient

While CDS will continue to alter brain and nerve function, there is some hope for pet lovers faced with the diagnosis in the early stages. Thomas recommends a natural approach that includes diet modification, filtered water, vitamin and herbal supplements, and eliminating stress. Diffusing calming essential oils can be helpful for dogs (and humans), but is not recommended for cats.

Kathryn Sarpong, DVM, a veterinarian at Metro Paws Animal Hospital, in Dallas, also recommends dietary changes to her patients. “Recent studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides may be helpful, and they are in some senior pet foods. Supplementation of melatonin may help with sleep-wake cycles.”

Anxiety often becomes part of the animal’s new normal, but pet parents can help cats and dogs with this by keeping them as active as possible, introducing new toys and interacting. “Keep your dog’s mind active by providing games and opportunities for play.

Daily walks provide not only exercise, but also mental stimulation,” says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, in Washington, D.C.

Pets with anxiety or pain may benefit from cannabidiol (CBD) products. Clarissa Valdes, a homemaker in Homestead, Florida, has a 15-year-old cat with CDS. Minini would wander around in the house, looking lost.

Then, the all-night howling sessions began.

“We started to worry that she was in pain,” says Valdes. However, a veterinarian diagnosed CDS. “The vet suggested medication, but I wanted to go in a natural direction,” says Valdes, who started Minini on CBD oil. The cat finally slept through the night. A month in, Minini is doing better overall.

January 2020

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wise words

Bill Moyers on Covering Climate Now

by Julie Marshall

photo by Dale Robbins

B

ill Moyers, an American icon of broadcast journalism, continues to inspire generations through his political commentary, documentaries and award-winning books, including the landmark 1988 PBS series Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth. Beginning his career at 16 as a cub reporter in Marshall, Texas, he went on to earn more than 30 television Emmys, as well as prestigious career awards in film and television.

Moyers announced his retirement in 2017 at the age of 83. However, this past spring, the journalist spoke at a Columbia Journalism Review conference, calling upon the nation’s reporters and news outlets to join the Covering Climate Now project in

order to push a cohesive message of science and truth—that it’s not too late for our planet and all of its inhabitants, but first we all need to grasp what’s at stake.

When did you first hear of global warming?

Early in 1965. I was a special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson, and famous oceanographer Roger Revelle was a member of the White House science advisory committee. The scientific community had largely believed that we didn’t have to worry about carbon dioxide because the oceans would quickly absorb any excess.

Revelle blew that consensus apart with his discovery that it was instead rising into the

atmosphere—which meant slowly, then more swiftly turning up the temperature of the planet, as if the Earth was now a vast furnace; warming oceans, melting Antarctica, rising seas.

What was your response?

A twinge of disbelief, a little shock. But this was no wild alarmist sitting at that table. Well, LBJ took science seriously. As president, he gave the green light for the first official report on the potential threat to humanity from rising CO2 levels. Go online to “Restoring the Quality of Our Environment—1965,” and read Appendix Y4—Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide. He told us to distribute the report widely. One year later, his energy and attention and our resources were diverted to the war in Vietnam.

What prompted your sense of urgency now in taking the media specifically to task for its general lack of coverage of the climate crisis?

Reality. The hottest temperatures on record, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Hurricanes of extraordinary force and frequency.

Floods, tornados, wildfires. Mass migration as a result of crop failures. A president who calls climate disruption a hoax. A cabinet and Congress protecting the profits of the fossil fuel industry. David Attenborough told the UN Climate Summit, in Poland, that we’re talking about “the collapse of our civilizations and the extinction of much of the natural world.” But our corporate media was more obsessed with the new “royal” baby born in Britain.

What is the nature of the Covering Climate Now project?

Covering Climate Now is a big cooperative effort to tell the true story of what is happening and what we can do to change it—the story of fighting back against extinction, of coming to our senses. Our aim is to help beleaguered journalists and news organizations to abandon old habits, adopt best practices and overcome the usual ob34

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12/11/2018 4:50:08 PM

stacles—such as how to convince their own management to invest in better climate coverage and how to pay for it.

How crucial will the role of media be in influencing meaningful action on the most critical issue of our time?

The longer I go about living, I see it’s the relationship that is most meaningful. ~William Shatner

Who else will sound the trumpet and be heard? We can take our readers, viewers and listeners to the ends of Earth, where oil palm growers and commodities companies are stripping away forests vital to carbon storage—and connect the dots. We can take them to the American Midwest, where this past spring’s crops brought despair and bankruptcy as farmers and their families were overwhelmed by floods—and connect the dots. And we can take them to Washington, D.C., and a government that scorns reality as fake news, denies the truths of nature and embraces a theocratic theology that welcomes catastrophe as a sign of the returning Messiah—and connect the dots.

What accounts for your own sense of urgency?

Photographs of my five grandchildren above my desk. Facts taped to the wall, like this one: The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—an essentially conservative body—gives us 12 years to make the massive changes to drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions 45 percent below 2010 levels. And something Roger Revelle said many years ago that is lodged in my head: “Earth’s our home. Let’s not burn it up.”

Julie Marshall is a Colorado-based journalist and author. Connect at FlyingBurros@gmail.com.

January 2020

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Copper in new device stops cold and flu

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared,

by Doug Cornell no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and they touched the surface,” he said. copper stops colds cause misery.

People have even used copper on if used within 3 In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely hours after the first of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. sign. Even up to New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is 2 days, if they researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely still get the cold it is milder than usual and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve and they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do.

Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.”

Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA16.

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Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

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calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by January 10 (for February issue) and adhere to our guidelines.

To submit listings, email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Costs $20 for 35 words each month.

ALWAYS CALL AHEAD BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS TO AVOID LATE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

FRIDAYS JANUARY 3 & 24

Discount Days at Rosewood–8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price; mention this listing. Deli sale items not included. Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803-765-1083, RosewoodMarket.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Your 2020 Vision–10am-1pm. Instead of focusing on resolutions this new year, begin your year with a clear vision for abundance with this “playshop” led by Gina Gibson. Using a guided meditation to see what is calling our soul to do this year. Cost: Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

Essential Oils for Weight Loss–7pm. Making roller bottles to aid in losing weight—deal with appetite and metabolism, belly buster, detox and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—for $5 each. Roly Poly, 5076 Sunset Blvd, Lexington. Info/register: Call Christine M. Steen at 803-422-7068.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

A Talk on A Course in Miracles–6:30pm. Facilitator Gina Gibson continues a series of monthly talks.

Q&A to follow. Free and open to the public; donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm.

Minister Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Suggested donation of $20 or more, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/ register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

Ignite Your 2020–10am-3pm. Learn how to pour gas on your dreams and goals and leave with tools for results. Topics: money mindset, self-care, goal setting and manifestation. Tickets: $147 at IgniteYour2020.eventbrite.com. Take $30 off with code NAWAKE. CoCreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Lexington.

Info: Call Candace Thompson at 718-924-1752.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

The Blended Mama’s Market–1-4pm. Shop at our monthly market featuring live painting demonstrations, handmade jewelry, boutique clothing, beauty care, home decor, and more! All ages. Door prizes!

Cost: Free entry. CoCreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Lexington. Info: PersonallyPolishedbyTeresa@gmail.com.

Canvases with Candace–1-4pm. Live painting at Blended Mama's Market. Door prizes every hour.

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Free entry. CoCreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Lexington.

Info: Call Candace Thompson at 718-924-1752.

TUESDAYS JANUARY 14 & 28

Harmonious Hormone Seminar–6:15pm. Presented by Rachel E Hall, MD. Learn how hormone imbalance, women or men, can affect your sleep, sex drive and performance, fat burning, energy levels, muscle tone, aches and pains, and just generally feeling older than you are. Cost: Free. Please RSVP; seating is limited. Bring a guest. Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info: 803-796-1702.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Postnatal Yoga–8:30-9:30am. 12-week series.

Regain strength and energy; reconnect to your core, back and pelvic floor; work on flexibility; and connect with other moms. Cost: $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 sessions, or $120 for 12-week series. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia.

Info: Email KylaJSaphir@gmail.com or visit YogaMamaColumbia.com.

Prenatal Yoga–6-7:15pm. 12-week series. Preparing moms’ bodies and breath for labor. Connect to their changing bodies and their babies; uses poses to alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy. Cost: $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 sessions, or $120 for 12-week series. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info: Email: KylaJSaphir@gmail.com or visit YogaMamaColumbia.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Meditative Mandalas: Doodling for Peace–10am12:30pm. Beth DeHart leads a workshop exploring patterns and colors to create masterful mandalas from scratch. We’ll be developing skills to calm the mind, increase focus, and meaningfully create beauty. Cost: Free, but donations are accepted.

Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia.

Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Whole Truth Health and Nutrition–Learn how, then actually do, a 10-day whole food nutritional detox! In Esprit de Corps (spirit of the team) semi-private coaching, you'll go step-by-step through a body detox for renewed health. Cost: $75 per person (includes workbook and two onsite sessions). Preregistration is required. Whole Truth Health and Nutrition, located inside Cocreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Ste 100, Lexington. Info/register: 803746-4588, WholeTruthHealth.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Harmony and Hues–6:30-8:30pm. Session 1.

Yoga with Malai and Canvases with Candace. Wine served. Yoga mats and paint supplies provided. This is session one of a seven-part chakra series. Cost: $30. The Well Collective, 3000 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 718-924-1752, HarmonyAndHues. eventbrite.com.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 & 26

Reiki Level 1 Training “Healer, Heal Thyself"– 10am-3:30pm. Deepen your healing journey with Joy Lee Connor, a reiki master since 1993. Reiki is a form of healing that anyone can learn and receive from our divine source. Preregistration is required.

Cost: $325. 540 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/ preregistration: Call Connor at 803-447-6499.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Daily Health Habits–7pm. Making roller bottles to aid in digestive health, immune boosting, balance, calming and more for $5 each. Roly Poly, 5076 Sunset Blvd, Lexington. Info/register: Call Christine M. Steen at 803-422-7068.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Midlands Women in Business Book Club–78:30pm. Reviewing the book #ImpressYourself.

Discussion led by author Candace Thompson. Join us for a night of conversation and bonding. Free to attend. CoCreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Lexington. Info: Call Candace Thompson at 718-924-1752.

planahead SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Touch for Health Introduction–10am-3pm. Learn accurate muscle testing from Touch for Health Kinesiology with instructor Joy Lee Connor. This class contains a wealth of knowledge for your self-care or family care. Cost: $150 (instruction booklet included). 540 St Andrews Rd, Columbia.

Info/preregistration: Call Connor at 803-447-6499.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1-21

Cabo Breath Fest–The Cabo Breath Fest will offer many life-changing and self-empowering workshops, plus other activities from San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Tickets: $100 for any or all workshops. Info/tickets/accommodations: CaboBreathFest.com or on Facebook.

THURSDAYS FEBRUARY 6 & 13

Daddy/Daughter Date Night–6-9pm. Young ladies and dads/grandfathers enjoy a special date together.

Candlelight dinner and dancing. Memory photo and a goody bag. Space is limited. Purchase tickets in advance. Tickets on sale Jan 2. Ages 3 to adult.

Cost: $55 couple.

Feb 6, Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info: 803-345-6181. icrc.net.

Feb 13, Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

inspiration

CLASSIFIEDS

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To place a classified listing, email content of listing to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or mail with payment to Natural Awakenings, P.O. Box 2812, Columbia, SC 29202. $20 for 35 words each month.

Additional .50 per word over 35 words.

Please include billing contact information.

Deadline is the 12th of the month prior.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

TIDYING UP THAT BUCKET LIST Deciding What We Really Want

M

by Carl Greer

any people have a bucket list of things they want to make sure they experience in this life.

Tidying up that bucket list when it no longer reflects a person’s values and deepest desires makes sense.

When reviewing our bucket list, we might feel inadequate or embarrassed because we haven’t accomplished what we thought we would. It’s okay if a goal is no longer as exciting as it once was. Guilt, frustration or embarrassment about what’s been lingering on a bucket list for years might be signs that it’s time to dream different dreams.

What’s on a bucket list might have been based on a need to prove ourselves to others.

If we no longer feel the need to impress people or win their approval, we can move on to new goals. Maybe our family has always talked about traveling to the land of our ancestors as an important thing to do someday, but we don’t feel the same way. We might prefer to travel someplace where we can swim with dolphins or meet people from a completely different culture than our own. Releasing the weight of having a bucket list heavy with other people’s expectations can help us feel much lighter.

Maybe those bucket list items still spark some excitement, but it’s time to change the

form of the experience. A goal to write a novel might turn into a goal to write our life story and turn it into a book. A goal to marry again might become a promise to ourselves to enjoy life with a new romantic partner, regardless of whether that leads to marriage someday.

As we go down our bucket list reviewing each item, we can acknowledge which goals still inspire us and which make us feel dispirited. Tidying up a bucket list written in the past can be a good exercise in becoming more conscious of what we want to experience and why—and what dreams we are ready to release—because we have new aspirations now. If we’re spending our time doing what gives us a sense of vitality, happiness and well-being and there is something we haven’t done that generates a feeling of joy and anticipation, it should go at the top of our bucket list—and we should find a way today to start making it happen.

Carl Greer, Ph.D., Psy.D., is a practicing clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst and shamanic practitioner. He teaches at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and is on staff at the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, in Chicago. Learn more at CarlGreer.com.

Love living a healthy lifestyle? Garner's Natural Life is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Garner's team. Please apply online at GarnersLexington.com.

SPACE AVAILABLE Event/Workshop Space at Jubilee! Circle – 2,200 sq ft available for one-time events, study groups, classes or weekly meetings. Long-term rentals available for hosting ongoing events or classes. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/ tour space, contact Rev Candace Chellew-Hodge at 803-569-6385.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Columbia Resilience 501c3 provides three community work projects to support sustainability in the Midlands. The Community Orchard, First Time Bank of Columbia, and the Integrated Health Clinic.

Participate in evolving your neighborhood into the beautiful place you want to live in. Go to our website at ColumbiaResilience.org and our Facebook page to join one of the projects. Alternative therapy practitioners interested in volunteering for the Integrated Health Clinic fundraiser should contact Pam Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

Goodbye Junk.

Hello Relief.

Trusted Junk Removal Since 1989 1-800-468-5865 | 1800gotjunk.com

January 2020

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ongoingevents sunday

monday

Eckankar. The Sound of Soul Event and Discussion–10am. Free. Every 2nd Sunday. Eckankar reveals how every event in life is an opportunity for spiritual growth. 7 Oaks Park Rec Center, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: Call Steve Fischer at 803-318-1887, or visit Eck-SC.org or Meetup.com/ columbia-spiritual-seekers.

Columbia Resilience Integrated Health–3:307:30pm. Every 4th Monday. Energy-balance modalities offered through trained practitioners for chronic stress and post-trauma relief. Suggested donation: $10/session. By appointment only; must preregister. St Mark United Methodist Church, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Info/appointment: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm.

Every 2nd Sunday. Spiritual Director Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice.

Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises.

Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

Grandmothers Speak–1-2:15pm. Every 2nd Sunday. Based on the book Our Love Is Our Power, by Sharon McEarlane, and the international organization at NetOfLight.org. Free. Chi Energy Balance, 3610 Landmark Dr, Columbia. Info/register: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

Yoga at Rosewood–2pm. Every Sunday. Provided

by Rooted in Wellbeing. Bring your own mat. Free.

Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia.

Info: 803-765-1083, RosewoodMarket.com.

A Course in Miracles (ACIM)–3pm. Every Sunday.

Join with others to study the workbook lessons and text of ACIM. Free and open to the public; donations are accepted. Miracle House, 4610 Oxford Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:30-6pm.

Every Sunday. We meet to share love, peace and “atone-ment.” We read together and discuss questions, insights and experiences at the home of Joy Lee Connor, near Chapin. Donations are accepted. Call for directions or to schedule introductory sessions with Connor. Info: 803-447-6499.

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tuesday Whole Truth Health and Nutrition Sessions– 6:30-8:30pm. Tuesdays. Training sessions on Body Detoxification and Elimination Diet. Learn how to do a whole-body detox successfully. Cost: $75 per person for two sessions. Preregistration is required.

Cocreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Ste 100, Lexington. Info/ register: 803-746-4588, WholeTruthHealth.org.

wednesday Debtors Anonymous–6-7pm. Every Wednesday.

Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. Compulsive debting is a spiritual problem with a spiritual solution, and we find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the 12 step principles. Cost: Free. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

thursday Introduction to Meditation–Every Thursday (am and pm available). Learn the benefits of meditation.

Cost: $25; preregistration is required. Carolina Healing Arts Institute, 540 St Andrews Rd, Ste 116, Columbia. Info/times: Call Chopra-certified instructor Joy Lee Connor, LMT, at 803-447-6499.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

Yoga Gives Back–6-7pm. Every Thursday. Studies show that yoga is effective in relieving anxiety, reducing stress and increasing energy. The first class is free. To attend regularly, participants are asked to give a $5 donation, volunteer at least one hour of time at a determined scheduled event, or give two to five canned goods to a specified food drive.

Mats and blankets are provided. North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-414-2885.

friday Jubilee! Circle Coffee House and Open Mic–7pm.

Every 1st Friday. Featuring a headliner and open mic at 8pm. Bring your instrument, songs, poems, spoken word pieces, and other talent to the mic. A cash bar will be open for beer and wine. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

saturday Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm.

Every 2nd Saturday. Minister Candace ChellewHodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Saturdays–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.

Mindful Flow Yoga with Malai–10:30-11:30am.

Every Saturday. Bring a heightened awareness to combining breath and movement in this flowing, alignment-based class. All-levels class with a variety of music. Cost: $10. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info: 803-807-2713, YogaWithMalai.com.

Slow Flow Yoga with Malai–Noon-1pm. Every Saturday. Beginner-friendly vinyasa. Slow flows, calming sounds, and good vibes. Cost: $19. All levels welcome. Studio Fire, 3000 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803-807-2713, YogaWithMalai.com.

naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com

Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques.

He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China.

Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 6. .

AROMATHERAPY

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 3 and back page.

CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC

Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com

Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com

Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-theart full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 11.

CRANIOSACRAL

CHIROPRACTIC FLEX CHIROPRACTIC

CHI ENERGY BALANCE

With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic i n d u s t r y, o u r t e a m i s knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good old-fashioned knowhow, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!

The innate wisdom and healing potential is within you to heal patterns of chronic stress and past trauma. Chi Energy Balance provides experienced guides to support you on your personal journey of health and freedom from pain and anxiety. Services include spiritual aromatherapy, CranioSacral Therapy, integrated massage, sound/vibrational frequencies, reiki and directional healing. Call today!

Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 3610 Landmark Dr Forest Acres • 803-749-1576 ChiEnergyBalance.com

Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com

COLLABORATIVE LAW LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT

109 N Main St, Blythewood 803-786-1758 • ShannonBurnettlaw.com Shannon.skblaw@gmail.com

Shannon Burnett helps families through legal issues that normally tend to tear families apart. She works in a collaborative fashion with other trained professionals to minimize the damage done to your family; it is her goal for your family to achieve a successful outcome and healthy resolution.

COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY

Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com

All disease begins in the colon.

Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 26.

DENTISTRY FOREST DRIVE DENTAL CARE

Dr. Joanna Silver Dover, DMD 3731 Forest Dr, Columbia 803-782-8786 • ForestDriveDental.com

Dr. Dover provides comprehensive, and compassionate dental care. BPA- and Bis-GMA-free composites, BPA-free occlusal guards, natural periodontal therapy, fluoride-alternatives for tooth remineralization, and mercuryfilling removal following IAOMT standards using supplemental oxygen, special filters and amalgam separators to keep toxic metals out of our waterways.

See ad, page 7.

DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS CHRISTINE M. STEEN Restoring Life Oils LLC doTERRA Essential Oils Gold Wellness Advocate 803-422-7068

Christine M. Steen, doTERRA Gold Wellness Advocate, has embarked on a mission to help those seeking to live happier and healthier lives by using essential oils. Steen’s passion is to educate those that want to learn more about doTERRA oils and the quality and standard they represent. Call Steen today to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

The Earth does not belong to us: We belong to the Earth. ~Marlee Matlin January 2020

41

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.

HEALTH FOOD STORE MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS

Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 35.

HEALTH & FITNESS THE FITNESS FACTOR LLC Certified Holistic Health Coach Jermika Kennedy 803-804-8027

Are you a woman age 30 to 65 suffering from Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and tired of the painful menstrual cycles? Getting into shape may help. Ready to get fit?

Contact Jermika (registered nurse, certified personal trainer for women, and certified holistic health coach). Her services include mobile personal training sessions and personal health coaching sessions with recipes and discussion topics. Call today!

HEALTH & WELLNESS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 23.

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ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com

Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 8.

HOLISTIC FOOT CARE SWEET FEET FOOT CARE

Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com

Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Call today to learn more about our services.

HOLISTIC HEALING CHAPIN HOLISTIC HERITAGE Apothecary and Wellness Center 211 E Boundary St, Chapin

803-941-7083 • ChapinHolisticHeritage.com Our center focuses on holistic health and spiritual awareness. We provide a wide array of services, including chiropractic care offered by Dr. Aleisha Taylor, Reiki sessions hosted by certified practitioners, herbalist consultations with Ashley Adams, tinctures, herbal medicines available for purchase and much more. Come see all of the different services the center has to offer for all of your health and wellness needs. See ad, page 33.

JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229)

Reiki Master Touch for Health Instructor and Consultant 540 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia 803-447-6499

Touch for Health (TFH) is a holistic approach to balancing the body’s muscles, energy system and your attitude using muscle testing and touch reflexes. A TFH balance treatment can help you recover from or prevent an injury and support any personal or health and wellness goals. Sessions with Joy are uplifting, life-shifting, transformative experiences for body, mind and spirit. If you are feeling STUCK in any way, call for the next available appointment or class session.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS

Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips.

Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. Inhouse diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 4.

INTUITIVE EDUCATION HEARTDANCE

Intuitive Training Carolyn Gregory 505-450-5671 VoicesOfTheHeart.org

an appointment.

Carolyn offers spiritual guidance and intuitive training. Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field.

I will meet you there. – Rumi.

Call Carolyn today to schedule

ROLFING ANNE MARIE COCKRELL

Certified Advanced Rolfer 1911 Barnwell St, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-6661 • RolfingColumbia.com

Feel better with structural integration, also known as Rolfing.

This holistic form of bodywork addresses the connective tissue in the body known as fascia. It improves posture and relieves pain naturally, allowing for freer movement and improved physical performance.

Anne Marie has been practicing bodywork professionally since 1991. Her services include Rolfing and CranioSacral Therapy. She works with people of all ages, and her office is wheelchair accessible. She is also a leader of Columbia Conscious Dance Tribe. See ad, page 40.

SPIRITUAL HAVE YOU HAD A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE?

Contact Steve 803-318-1887 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-Spiritual-Seekers

Eckankar, the path of spiritual freedom, hosts free, spiritual discussions. All are welcome.

Topics include how the sound HU can give you a greater awareness of God’s love. We also offer spiritual wisdom on problem solving, the study of past lives, dreams and more. Call ahead. Times and dates may vary.

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 23.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 3 and back page.

YOGA MALAI PRESSLEY YOGA INSTRUCTOR Downtown Columbia 803-807-2173 YogaWithMalai.com

With an infectious passion for yoga, Malai provides thoughtful yoga classes in Northeast Columbia. Malai is certified RYT 200 through the Yoga Alliance. Malai’s classes focus on letting go through the breath, yoga postures, and meditation. Join Malai in uplifting the mind, body and spirit. Visit her website for more information about classes and private lessons.

YOGA MAMA COLUMBIA

Kyla Saphir Pre- and Postnatal Yoga Instructor 312-532-8885 YogaMamaColumbia.com

Kyla is passionate about teaching women in her prenatal and postnatal yoga classes since she experienced the benefits when she was pregnant with her daughter. She is the founder of Yoga Mama Columbia, which supports expectant women and new moms through yoga around the Columbia area. The classes focus on using breathwork to relax, strengthening the body for labor and healing afterward, and building a community of new moms. Visit her website for more information on classes and upcoming workshops.

eco tip

Cloth Vs Disposable Diapers The Bottom Line on Eco-Friendly Baby Care

Taking care of newborn babies in an eco-friendly way can have a significant impact on both our environment and the little ones’ health. Treehugger.com reports that disposable diapers, made from a blend of plastic and wood pulp and often encased in additional plastic, remain for an estimated 200 to 500 years.

A baby uses between 5,000 and 8,000 diapers before being potty-trained, generating 18 billion diapers annually in the U.S. alone.

Further, a recent study by the French agency in charge of food, environ-

mental and occupational health and safety says disposable diapers have been linked to allergic skin reactions and difficulties with potty-training because kids can’t detect as easily when they’re wet.

It’s also cheaper to go cloth instead of the disposable route. Consumer

Reports estimates parents spend $1,500 to $2,000 for disposable diapers before their child no longer needs them. GreenBabyGuide.com attests that the most affordable cloth option—prefolds plus covers—can cost as little as $243 over 2.5 years, which includes washing and drying expenses.

Tips for washing cloth diapers at AllAboutClothDiapers.com include using a

prerinse/wash that “agitates, spins and drains” (and to do a longer wash cycle if they aren’t getting clean), using the longest available hot wash cycle and an appropriate amount of water for the load size because “too much water, they are just ‘going for a swim’; too little water and they won’t be able to move, and therefore won’t get clean.”

The Beginner’s Guide section of ClothDiaperTales.com provides advice on

choosing from different types of new cloth diapers and covers, which are better for overnight use, what to do about leaks and how many diapers new parents might need to get started. It includes a chart comparing the pros and cons, average cost and some of the most popular, current brands, covering pre-fold, fitted cloth, snap-in/all-in-two/pop-in, pocket and all-in-one cloth diapers.

The nonprofit Real Diapers Association (RealDiapers.org) organizes local

advocates and activists for cloth diapers via a member-supported resource center that plans campaigns, trains organizers, distributes educational information and supports local groups. Local Real Diaper Circles involve users with knowledge and tips to make cloth diapering more accessible and

laymanzoom/Shutterstock.com

THERMOGRAPHY

acceptable to parents.

Connect with us naturally!

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MidlandsHealthyLiving.com