Columbia Edition 0816

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

SALT SPAS

The Benefits of Salt Therapy

GARDEN CURE

Heals Body and Spirit

RAISING HAPPY Confident Kids

JUST WALK

Daily for Well-Being

August 2016 | Columbia Edition | MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

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natural awakenings

August 2016

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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue, readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 SALT AIR IN THE CITY

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Salt Rooms Soothe Allergies and Skin Conditions

by Avery Mack

18 JUST WALK

22 Minutes a Day Boosts Well-Being

by Randy Kambic

20 THE GARDEN CURE

Natural Sanctuaries Heal Body and Spirit

by Sandra Murphy

22 GROWING UP advertising & submissions

EMPOWERED

Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings please contact us at 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

by Judith Fertig

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

by April Thompson

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.

by April Thompson

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 803-233-3693. For franchising opportunities, call 239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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28 A GOOD FOOD FIGHT

18

Keeping Food Out of the Trash Bin

30 YAY FOR PLAY

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Ways to Spark a Child’s Creativity

32 HANDLE WILD THINGS WITH CARE

How to Safely Help Hurt Animals

by Sandra Murphy

41 EARTH GUARDIANS

30

Kids Say No to Global Warming

by April Thompson

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7 communitynews 1 2 healthbriefs 14 globalbriefs

16 healingways

12 18 fitbody 20 greenliving 26 ecotip 28 consciouseating 30 healthykids 26 32 naturalpet 36 calendar 38 classifieds 39 directory

natural awakenings

August 2016

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letterfrompublisher Two Slamming Doors and a Mouse …

R contact us Owner/Publisher Annette Carter Briggs Writer Odell Williams Senior Editor Sara Gurgen Design & Production Kristina Parella Billy Briggs Stephen Gray-Blancett Advertising Sales Annette Carter Briggs Sustainability/ Development Consultant Aloysius Anderson To contact Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition: PO Box # 2812 Columbia, SC 29202 Phone: 803-233-3693 Cell: 803-309-2101 Fax: 877-412-4905 Email: ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

eflecting on the nebulous term creativity, late American psychologist and author Rollo May, in the The Courage to Create, stated: “Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. Creativity requires passion and commitment. It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life.” The power of creativity is fully alive and can be seen all around us today.

Whether gazing upon an architectural wonder, appreciating an artistic masterpiece or getting lost in a captivating and suspense-filled movie that leaves popcorn flying in the air like confetti at the climax of every intense scene, creative minds are on display.

In a revealing study conducted by George Land, it was observed that we, as humans, are naturally creative and as we grow up we learn to be uncreative. Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. It is often characterized by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns and to generate solutions. It involves two critical puzzle pieces: thinking without mental borders (envisioning) and bringing the resulting thoughts (ideas) to life by birthing them into reality. And there can be no better example of this theory than Walter Elias “Walt” Disney.

Disney was born in the city of Chicago in 1901 and developed an interest in drawing at a very early age. As a boy, Disney took art classes and got a job as a commercial illustrator at the age of 18. On his way to creative genius, fame and global success, Disney’s unfolding life story was highlighted by numerous life-changing twists and turns.

However, there are two defining moments of his life that I feel threw a wet, cold bucket of dream-killing reality onto his creative vision, threatening to bring his plans to a screeching halt. In 1919, Disney was fired from one of his first animation jobs at the Kansas City Star newspaper because his editor felt he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Unfortunately, failure later visited Disney again. He acquired Laugh-O-Gram, an animation studio that sadly landed in bankruptcy. Wow … two slamming doors of life!

Sadly, for many of us, our creative dreams die an excruciating death due to the dream snatchers we encounter along the way. Some intentionally draw the knife to kill our creativity, while others, rather unknowingly, offer well-intentioned advice and observations that, quite frankly, can send creativity to the morgue. John C. Maxwell, in his book Thinking for a Change, said this about creative ideas: “Ideas are fragile things when they first see the light of day. If you try to implement them too early or introduce them while there are more naysayers than supporters, they won’t survive.” True … is it not? We have to strengthen our creative dreams from within and hold on for dear life until the vision becomes a reality.

Disney did. Following these obvious failures, he decided to set his sights on a more profitable area: Hollywood. He and his brother moved to California and began the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, eventually creating Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, Disney World and winning 22 Academy Awards; a reminder to us all that creative success can be found on the other side of slamming doors. The same was true for Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, and Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft. And the same is true for you! Now, go color your world with your creative power!

In Living Color,

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Annette Briggs, Publisher

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communitynews

A Knead for Nurturing and Devine Chiropractic

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Training on Kure Beach

Join Forces

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inda Thunberg-Dobson, a master transpersonal hypnotist with Transpersonal Power LLC, will conduct courses toward hypnosis certification from September 28 to October 2, and master’s hypnotherapy certification from October 4 to 8, in a private oceanfront house in Kure Beach, North Carolina. The clinical and regression hypnosis training, plus a half-day bonus session on launching and marketing a practice, will offer certifications and memberships with the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapy (NATH) and International Hypnosis Federation (IHF).

“Transpersonal hypnotherapy is different than other hypnosis; it’s more versatile, whether the client is oriented to a mainstream or metaphysical viewpoint, and each session is client-based and personalized to incorporate body, mind and spirit,” says Thunberg-Dobson, who is also a natural intuitive and 20-year student of spirituality and metaphysics. Of her small classes that top out at 10 students, she says, “They are personal, informative and interactive.”

After teaching in Charlotte and Lake Norman for five years, she recently relocated her practice within the state to Wilmington, North Carolina. Thunberg-Dobson is also an addictions hypnotherapist, life coach, Life between Lives hypnotist, Delores Cannon-certified quantum healing hypnotist, Delphi-certified medium and ordained minister, in addition to being a NATH-certified trainer and IHF-recognized instructor.

Register by Aug. 30 for $100 savings and to work ahead on assignments. For more information, including cost and registration, call 855-772-0459, email Linda@TranspersonalPower.com or visit TranspersonalPower.com. See ad, page 9.

EdVenture Hosts Countdown to Kindergarten

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dVenture Children’s Museum is inviting all rising kindergarteners and their families as special guests to its 13th annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration. Taking place on Friday, August 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., the fun-filled celebration gives rising kindergarteners a chance to practice school skills before the bell rings, such as getting on and off a school bus, holding lunch trays, tasting nutritious snacks by visiting a mock classroom and enjoying hands-on learning activities at the museum.

The event will give Midlands area families a great opportunity to connect with representatives from school districts, state agencies and community groups to learn more about educational, health and community resources available.

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Knead for Nurturing Massage Therapy has joined forces with Devine Chiropractic to create a wonderful partnership, through which their combined clientele will have even more ways to experience the specialized quality care that both have to offer.

Opening doors to a beautiful new location, both owners—Jenny Sepulveda, of a Knead for Nurturing, and Dr. Christy Rody, of Devine Chiropractic—are excited about the opportunity to serve the Midlands community together by helping individuals find optimal health and wellness for a better quality of life.

To celebrate the occasion, A Knead for Nurturing is offering $40 off any massage throughout the entire month of August to clients that mention this news brief when coming in for treatment. As a note, the business phone number for A Knead for Nurturing will remain the same: 803-851-4563. Both Sepulveda and Rody strongly emphasize the importance of providing quality health care administered with a loving and caring touch. Schedule your appointment today!

Location: Devine Chiropractic, 2908 Devine St., Columbia. For more information, call 803-851-4563 (A Knead for Nurturing) or 803-497-3860 (Devine Chiropractic). See ad, page 8.

Cost: Members, free; children and adults, $11.50; seniors (age 62 and up), $10.50; military and educators (with ID), $10.50; groups (15 members and up w/RSVP), $8.50; and children 2 and under, free. Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia. For more information, call 803-779-3100 or visit EdVenture.org. natural awakenings

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communitynews Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop

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n August 13 and 14 (Saturday and Sunday), HoldMeTightAsheville—a groundbreaking and remarkably successful program for creating stronger, more secure relationships—will host, in partnership with the Downtown Church, its widely popular Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop at the University of South Carolina’s Psychology Services Center, located at 2221 Devine Street, in downtown Columbia.

The organization’s philosophy is that everyone needs love to thrive, but until recently many have not understood how love works. This workshop offers a roadmap for your most important relationships. Participants will have an opportunity to work one-on-one with their partner (speaking in the group is not necessary) to identify and stop painful patterns of communication. Couples will learn to build trust and security and move together into a lifetime of deepening love.

Cost: $695. Times: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Elli Schmeltekopf at 828-776-6200 or ElliSchmelt@gmail.com, or visit HoldMeTightAsheville.com.

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Breath of Salt Spa Featured on WLTX Channel 19

O Cancer Crackdown

Opens New Online Web Store

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ancer Crackdown has been hard at work redesigning a new online store to better serve the needs of its customers and cancer fighters. The new online store is live at FightingTogether.org. Cancer Crackdown’s mission, as a 501c3 nonprofit, is to partner with, support and help navigate cancer fighters to a more natural approach to health and healing. The heart of its mission lies in helping those choosing natural therapies to fight cancer with little or no resources available.

The organization partners closely with a team of cancer mentors to ensure that the best care and treatment options are made available to its partnering cancer fighters. All proceeds generated from the newly redesigned online store directly support the efforts of Cancer Crackdown to support and provide assistance to its more than 60 cancer fighters in The Fighting Together Program. The FightingTogether.org online store offers powerful products at affordable prices. Donations are tax deductible and can be made at CancerCrackdown.org/Donate. Other donor sites include Amazon Smiles (Smile.Amazon.com/ch/46-1110328) and Ebay GiveWorks (Ebay.to/1CklNaK). As a note, readers of Natural Awakenings magazine can use a special promo code (NACola) to receive 10 percent off any order. Cancer Crackdown: 501(c)(3) 46-1110328.

n Monday, June 13, Ashley Izbicki, a news anchor from WLTX Channel 19, visited Breath of Salt Spa and filmed a news segment on allergies and ways to keep them under control. The segment featured Breath of Salt and the various beneficial aspects of Himalayan salt therapy as it relates to allergy relief. WLTX also conducted an interview with salt spa client Steve Abrahamsen, who recounted his salt therapy success story for the treatment of allergies. Although it originally aired on WLTX Channel 19’s morning news on Friday, June 17, it can still be viewed on the WLTX website. A segment from The Dr. OZ Show was also highlighted during the segment to reinforce the validity of the use of Himalayan salt as a respiratory aid.

Since the airing of this segment, many new people have discovered Breath of Salt and the benefits of Himalayan salt as an ancient remedy and beneficial aid for respiratory health and allergies, as well as the de-stressing atmosphere of the salt room.

To view the segment, visit wltx.com/news/local/himalayan-salt-spa-helps-with-allergy-relief-in-the-midlands-1/189624221. For more information about Breath of Salt Spa, located at 1410 Colonial Life Blvd. W., Ste. 250, Columbia, call 803-7727258 or 803-397-7753 (after 6 p.m.). See ad, page 17.

Wellness Matters Is Now Accepting New Clients

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ellness Matters, specializing in homeopathy for individuals and their four-legged friends, is pleased to announce that it is now accepting new clients. Owner Brenda M. Tobin-Flood holds degrees in both veterinary homeopathy and canine nutrition. Tobin-Flood attended the British Institute of Homeopathy, one of the oldest homeopathic institutions in the U.S. There she received a full scholarship to attend its veterinary homeopathy program, finishing with a 98 percent grade average.

Tobin-Flood is currently completing a master’s level practitioner program. She has been using homeopathy since the year 2000 and is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise with the Midlands community. Homeopathy is one of the safest and gentlest ways to stimulate natural healing in both acute and chronic cases. In addition to being a homeopath, Tobin-Flood also has extensive knowledge of human-grade essential oils, herbs and reiki for healing modalities.

For more information, call 803-712-4522 or email WellnessMatters4U@yahoo. com. See ad, page 5.

For more information, call Cancer Crackdown CEO Tara Mann at 864787-0255, or visit CancerCrackdown. org or Facebook.com/CancerCrackdown. To learn about Mann’s personal inspiring story, visit CancerCrackdown.org/Taras-Story. natural awakenings

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communitynews Southeastern Institute Features Programs at Open House

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n Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southeastern Institute of Columbia (SEI) will host its fourth annual Open House and Community Appreciation event for prospective students seeking a new path to a better and brighter future. The general public and community partners will be able to learn more about many of the great programs offered at SEI.

Whether just starting out or looking to advance their career, Southeastern Institute can help potential students achieve their goals. Students have the option of taking one class at a time, for one month at a time, to allow them to better manage personal schedules for parenting, work and study.

Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, practical training and access to industry-experienced instructors.

In addition, SEI provides quality career education with program offerings in professional clinical massage therapy, medical assisting, electronic medical billing and coding specialist, and pharmacy technology. The core focus of the educational foundation is to provide students with the specialized skills and knowledge needed for today’s workforce by offering courses that apply to skill performance and career management development geared for today’s workplace.

Location: Southeastern Institute of Columbia, 1420 Colonial Life Blvd. W., Columbia. For more information, visit seiOpenHouse.com. See ad, page 11.

Summer Celebration of Water Event

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oin the city of Columbia, Richland County and Lexington County for the seventh annual Summer Celebration of Water on Saturday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The water-themed festival provides the public with free access to kayaking, boating and paddle boarding on the Columbia Canal as well as kid-friendly water slides and splash activities while learning at hands-on exhibits ways that everyone can care for our waterways so that they remain beautiful, swimmable and fishable. Community volunteers are still needed to help with various event activities. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch.

Cost: Free. Location: Riverfront Park, 1704 Gist St., Columbia. For more information, contact Jennifer Satterthwaite at 803-545-0184 or JDSatterthwaite@ ColumbiaSC.net.

Fort Jackson Hosts Its Come See Your Army Tour Event

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n Thursday, August 4, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fort Jackson will open its gates to the local community in an effort to promote basic combat training awareness.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a scheduled graduation and observe soldiers training. Other activities include hands-on activities at the weapons simulator, army barrack tours and lunch in a military dining facility.

Attendees can also take part in briefings on the status of command and training operations.

Fort Jackson is the largest and most active initial entry training center in the U.S. Army, training 34 percent of all soldiers and 69 percent of the women entering the Army each year.

-Nutrition Counseling and Supplements -Ionic Footbath Detox -Custom Orthotics -Orthopedic Pillows, Lumbar Supports, etc.

Cost: Free. Location: Fort Jackson, 6271 Boyden Arbor Rd., Fort Jackson. For more information, call 803-751-1474 or email FJ.pao.Community@gmail.com.

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kudos

City Breaks Ground on First LEED-Certified Building

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t’s official! City of Columbia officials recently broke ground on the construction of a water distribution and wastewater management facility that will be the first government building in Columbia to pursue LEED certification. Leaders across the globe have made LEED the most widely used green-building rating system in the world. LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings.

The city is pursuing its LEED Silver certification with the facility, which will incorporate six rain gardens to capture and filter storm water to reduce runoff.

The building will have a green roof to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. The proposed landscape design is also intended to lower irrigation by as much as half of the standard usage.

Other green-building strategies for the project include low-flow fixtures that are designed to reduce indoor water use by 30 percent, along with bicycle storage and changing rooms with showers that will encourage employees to use alternative modes of transportation like cycling. Plans also call for the use of LED lighting and sensors on light fixtures to cut down on energy usage by more than 30 percent in all facilities.

“This facility will represent the epitome of true sustainability. We’re excited to see this happen here in the city of Columbia,” says Mayor Steve Benjamin.

The 2016 Take Action Today Award Winners

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ach year, the Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling recognizes S.C. schools and educators for their outstanding waste-reduction and recycling efforts through the Take Action Today Awards Program.

As proudly reported by Keep the Midlands Beautiful, this year’s award recipients are …

• Brooke Scott (Deerfield Elementary) - Elementary Recycling Teacher of the Year • Melany Nussbaumer (N. Myrtle Beach Middle School) – Middle School Recycling Teacher of the Year • Ocean Bay Middle School (led by Cindy Lilly) – S.C. DHEC’s Outstanding Composting School of the Year CE&G has introduced a new appliance recycling program • Seaside Elementary School (led by for residential electric customers, offering $50 cash back 8/1 Darcy Jones) – S.C. DHEC’s Recycling and free pickup for up to two refrigerators or freezers still in SEI-Columbia School of the Year good working condition. In addition, the company requests 540-1230-NA-Reach-PCMT-Colum-4x3OHbrst that the units measure between 10 andNatural 30 cubic feet. Only Kudos to all of you from the staff of Awakenings SCE&G residential electric customers are eligible Natural Awakenings!

4.75 x 3.25 for the appliance recycling program.

PK For more information, visit KeepThe7/8 MidlandsBeautiful.org.

For more information, call 877-510-7234 or visit sceg.com/recycle.

SCE&G Now Offering Recycling Incentives

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NEW FUTURE REACH FOR YOUR

SOUTHEASTERN INSTITUTE OFFERS HANDS ON TRAINING IN

PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL MASSAGE THERAPY

888.212.7728

SoutheasternInstitute.edu

Columbia Main Campus: 1420 Colonial Life Blvd. W. For information on graduation rates, student debt levels, and other disclosures, visit www.SoutheasternInstitute.edu/ConsumerInfo

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healthbriefs

Delayed Kindergarten Reduces Attention Deficit

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elaying kindergarten enrollment for one year shows significant mental health benefits for children, according to a Stanford University study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Reviewing results from a mental health survey completed by more than 35,000 Danish parents, the researchers saw that youngsters held back from kindergarten for as little as one year showed a 73 percent reduction in inattentiveness and hyperactivity for an average child at age 11, compared to children enrolled the year earlier.

Measuring inattentiveness and hyperactivity reflect a child’s ability to self-regulate. The generally accepted theory is that young people that are able to stay focused, sit still and pay attention longer tend to do much better in school.

“This is some of the most convincing evidence we’ve seen to support what U.S. parents and policymakers have already been doing—choosing to delay entry into kindergarten,” says Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Thomas S. Dee. In addition to improved mental health, children with later kindergarten enrollment dates also exhibited superior emotional and social skills.

The number of U.S. children entering kindergarten at age 6 instead of 5 has progressively increased to about 20 percent, according to the study. Many parents are opting to delay kindergarten enrollment for a year to give their children a leg up in physical and emotional maturity and social skills.

9.3.16 Crooked Creek PArk

Crooked

5K

/WALK

RUN

for Meals-on-Wheels Register Online @ www.icrc.net More Information Call: 803-345-6181 Email: kbowers@icrc.net

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Breastfed Babies Have Fewer Colds and Ear Infections

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study from the University of Texas has found that increased breastfeeding decreases ear infections among nursing children. The researchers followed 367 babies between 1 and 12 months old from 2008 through 2014.

The scientists analyzed family history traits of smoking, ear infections, breastfeeding and formula feeding. Nose and throat mucosal samples were taken throughout the study period to identify infections, and parents informed the researchers whenever the baby experienced an infection.

The study was led by Dr. Tasnee Chonmaitree, a pediatrics professor from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. “We clearly showed that frequent upper respiratory infections, carriage of bacteria in the nose and lack of breastfeeding are major risk factors for ear infections,” he states. “Prolonged breastfeeding was associated with significant reductions in both colds and ear infections, a common complication of colds.”

Aromatherapy Soothes Allergies

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Legumes Facilitate Weight Loss

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review of 21 clinical trials has found that just one daily serving of legumes can facilitate an average drop of three-quarters of a pound over a six-week period. Published in the journal Obesity, the research analyzed results from studies that tested a total of 940 men and women eating about three-quarters of a cup of beans, lentils, chickpeas and other legumes each day. The subjects reported feeling nearly one-third fuller on average after eating about 5.6 ounces of these foods with their meals, compared with a control group’s diet. These beneficial legumes may also reduce body fat percentages.

According to senior study author and physician John Sievenpiper, Ph.D., of St. Michael’s Hospital’s Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center and the University of Toronto, “Ninety percent of weight-loss diets fail, resulting in weight regain, which may be due in part to hunger and food cravings. Knowing which foods make people feel fuller longer may help them lose weight and keep it off.”

esearch from Korea’s Chung-Ang University has found that inhaling aromatherapy infusions comprising a combination of sandalwood, frankincense and ravensara for five minutes twice daily significantly reduces symptoms of allergies after seven days. The researchers tested 54 men and women, half of which were tested using a placebo of almond oil.

Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) results were both significantly lower in the aromatherapy group. TNSS scores decreased by more than half and RQLQ scores decreased by more than 60 percent. Scores for fatigue and sleep quality also improved in the aromatherapy group.

“These findings indicate that inhalation of certain aromatherapy oils help relieve perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms, improve rhinitis-specific quality of life and reduce fatigue in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis,” Chung-Ang University’s Seo Yeon Choi and Kyungsook Park explain in their paper.

Young Adult Insomnia Linked to Chronic Pain

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esearch from the University of Groningen, in The Netherlands, has found that young adults between 19 and 22 years old that don’t sleep well may have more chronic pain later in life. The researchers followed 1,750 people for three years.

About 50 percent of the participants that had sleep problems at the beginning of the study still had them at the end of the study. Roughly 38 percent of those reported chronic pain after three years. This compares to 14 percent of those that didn’t have sleep problems at the start of the research, but reported chronic pain at its conclusion.

Overall, the study found that sleep problems were associated with more musculoskeletal pains, headaches and abdominal pain. The relationship occurred in both men and women, but was stronger among women.

Knowledge is power, but character, respect. ~Bruce Lee natural awakenings

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

Show Stopper

Circuses Cease Exotic Animal Acts The Ringling Brothers Circus made good on a promise to retire their last contingent of performing elephants to the Center for Elephant Conservation, in Polk City, Florida, with the last such show streamed worldwide in May. While Ringling will retain the services of tigers, lions, leopards, horses, camels, dogs and kangaroos, the Mexican Congress has voted to prohibit exotic animals under big tops across their country. That means no more tigers jumping through hoops, elephants used as props or monkeys dressed in tiny outfits. The bill requires circuses to report the wildlife they own, which would then be made available to interested zoos.

Source: The New York Times

Green Serenity

Sikkim Now a Wholly Organic State Sikkim, the northeastern Indian state located between Bhutan and Nepal, has rid its agricultural land of pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified crops and other artificial inputs on around 75,000 hectares, or about 300 square miles, of agricultural land, making it its country’s first organic state. Instead, farmers use natural alternatives such as green manure and compost.

Twelve years ago, the Pawan Chamling-led government decided to make Sikkim an organic farming state through a declaration in the legislative assembly.

After the entry of chemical inputs for farmland was restricted and their sale banned, farmers had no option but to go organic.

Source: TheHindu.com

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Good Reads

Fiction Readers Have More Empathy The love of books may begin at any age, but for most, it starts in childhood. Now, scientists are studying the effects of reading on the brain with MRIs, polls, surveys and experiments. The results indicate that readers of fiction are more empathetic toward others. By engaging with a story, they are temporarily placing themselves in a character’s shoes, thus fostering empathy in real life, and literary reading amplifies this effect.

According to a Stanford University study, reading a challenging book also helps us become smarter, as well as more empathetic. By attempting to tackle harder books, we create new connections in our minds that we might not have done otherwise. Neuroscientist Bob Dougherty remarks, “The right patterns of ink on a page can create vivid mental imagery and instill powerful emotions.”

David Comer Kidd, author of another related study, observes, “Like opening a window to let fresh air into our home, literature opens up our minds to the myriad ideas that we wouldn’t be able to experience on our own. We can pause to analyze the experiences depicted as if they were our own, expanding our experience of the world.”

empowermentspotlight

SLEEP:

Back-to-SChooL

Time to Get Your Schedule Back!

by Dr. Michele Reid

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t’s that time again! Many parents and their children have greatly enjoyed the summer season, but now it’s time to make a smooth transition from late mornings and late nights to “riseand-shine” time to regain a better quality of sleep. Sunday-food-prep days are back again like the “oldies,” and rocking your kids’ healthy bento lunch box. The bottom line is that we’ve got to get back to our schedules once again. As Mark Twain put it: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

With the introduction of a new school season, many of my clients always seem to wish for a few more hours in the day. Why is it that some people seem to get everything done effortlessly while others feel that time constantly eludes them? The key to managing one’s time well isn’t working more hours. It is about prioritizing the important things and learning to use

one’s time more efficiently and effectively. The secret is working smarter, not harder.

We shouldn’t label ourselves or beat ourselves up with regret.

We need to realize that time management is an area of life that most of us can strengthen and improve. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make it stronger. To help get started, here are some ideas to aid parents and their children transition more smoothly into a healthy lifestyle for the upcoming school year:

WEEKLY PLANNING: • Allocate time for planning and organizing.

• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list.

• Under-schedule your time: Leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When estimating how long a task will take, add on a third of that time.

• Limit computer and TV time, so kids will find more active things to do.

• Try going to sleep one hour earlier every night and waking up earlier until the new routine is established. Begin a week or two before going back to school, not the night before school starts.

• According to The National Sleep Foundation, the amount of sleep children should get changes at different ages. Kids between the ages of 3 and 5 should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night; ages 6 to 13 need 9 to 11 hours; and teens 14 and older should get 8 to 10 hours.

• To help you and the kids fall asleep easier, take a hot bath to cool the body down, which often induces sleep, along with dimming the bedroom lights an hour or two before bedtime.

NUTRITION: • Columbia health-conscious chef Judy Etheredge, of Celebrity Fit Foods, urges individuals to eat the “color of the rainbow” and to start the day off with a balanced, health-promoting breakfast. Include whole grains, fruits and veggies. Kids tend to want unhealthy foods (often white in color); however, the more colorful the food options on their plates, more often the better the nutritional value.

• Choose nutritious snacks that fuel and provide energy.

• Make a Sunday egg frittata filled with veggies to last the whole first half of the week. This is a great way to make sure breakfast is prepared and ready in a split second!

For help creating and implementing an effective back-to-school, lifestyle-lift program (and for the egg frittata recipe), call Dr. Michele Reid, with Get Well With Michele, at 803-200-1158.

See ad, page 33.

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August 2016

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healingways

SALT AIR IN THE CITY Salt Rooms Soothe Allergies and Skin Conditions

by Avery Mack

A

ccording to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 50 million Americans are affected by seasonal or year-round nasal allergies.

Additionally, 56 million suffer from eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs may help, but aren’t a cure. Salt therapy can be a gentler, all-natural solution for easing associated symptoms.

While eating too much salt is bad for the body, breathing it is a healthy activity. The Greek word for salt is halos, and halotherapy provides a welcome alternative to conventional pills, sprays and injections.

In the mid-1800s, after salt mine workers in Poland were found to have a low rate of respiratory illness, the Wieliczka Salt Mine Health Spa was established on the site of a mine to treat clinic patients for asthma and aller-

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gies. That pioneering facility is still in operation.

“In the beginning, I think salt therapy was seen as a time-consuming novelty. Now, holistically minded people are more supportive,” says Clay Juracsik, owner of the St. Louis Salt Room, in Maplewood, Missouri. The room’s walls are covered in salt, with blocks of backlit Himalayan pink salt at floor level. Clients wear disposable booties to walk through inches-deep, loose, mineral-rich Dead Sea salt to reclining chairs. The lights dim, soft music plays and salt, rich in negative ions, infuses the air for a 45-minute session.

“We have a second, smaller room where the walls and floor are not salted, so a child and parent can move around or play without disturbing others. Our youngest client was 2 weeks old,” says Juracsik.

With the help of specially designed machines and software, microscopic salt particles one to five microns in size are circulated through the air to be deeply inhaled. As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, salt helps reduce swelling of throat tissues and nasal passages, making breathing easier for individuals suffering from such respiratory ailments as allergies, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

“True halotherapy is based on using 99 percent pure sodium chloride in the halogenerator,” says Leo Tonkin, co-founder of the Salt Therapy Association, in Boca Raton, Florida. “Dead Sea, Himalayan or other salts can be used as décor.”

“My husband, Gary, had three sinus surgeries before he discovered a salt room during a trip to London and had a eureka moment,” relates Ellen Patrick, owner of four Breathe Easy salt rooms in New York City and nearby Westchester County.

“A client’s 4-year-old son tells Mom when he needs a treatment to ‘make his nose work better,’” reports Lisa Cobb, owner of Luxury on Lovers, in Dallas, Texas. “He uses a salt bed similar in style to a tanning bed and large enough for his mother to be with him for a 20-minute treatment. Pilots and flight attendants like salt rooms to counteract the recirculated air on planes. Athletes use them to increase lung capacity. A treatment works like a visit to the ocean.”

A recent pilot study conducted at The Salt Room, in Orlando, Florida, and published in the International Journal of Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, concluded, “Halotherapy is associated with improvement in symptoms

of sinus disease in cystic fibrosis and should be explored as an adjunct treatment.”

Salt’s anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties may also reduce skin swelling and itchiness, and even acne, without drying the skin. Increased lung capacity aids blood circulation, which also helps improve skin health. Salt room operators note that frequent treatments are needed during early stages of therapy or during acute outbreaks of conditions, but can be reduced to a maintenance level over time.

Juracsik remarks, “The best success I’ve seen is with respiratory ailments like bronchitis and pneumonia. We don’t need a new, fancy pill for every illness. Salt is historically proven to be a natural and effective way to improve respiratory health.”

Options go beyond basic treatments. “Meditating in the salt room allows double relaxation,” comments Patrick.

“Salty yoga is one of my favorite therapies because clients can exercise and breathe easier at the same time. Another option comprises a sound bath, during which crystal bowl music creates a vibration similar to piano notes to quiet and focus the mind during a salt session.”

Salt treatments can be experienced regularly, seasonally or as needed. For those free of respiratory issues, a salt room visit provides a refreshing way to relax, sit, chill and breathe. Patrick views it as a form of stress management to increase well-being.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

To experience the therapeutic benefits of a Himalayan salt room in the Midlands area, visit Breath of Salt Spa, located at 1410 Colonial Life Blvd. W., Ste. 250, in Columbia.

For more information, contact owner Brenda Streett at 803-772-7258 or visit BreathOfSaltSpa.com. For a list of U.S. salt rooms, see Tinyurl.com/SaltSpaLocations.

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August 2016

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fitbody

JUST WALK 22 Minutes a Day Boosts Well-Being

by Randy Kambic

E

ven mainstream media have picked up on the many physical and mental benefits of walking, including weight loss, reduced stress, increased energy and better sleep, and that’s only the beginning. These additional compelling effects may well catalyze us to consistently step out for a daily walk, understanding that cumulative steps count, too. For more inspiration, check out this month’s race walking at the Summer Olympics.

Walking helps heart health and diabetes. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Walking program launched last fall, the risk of heart disease and diabetes can be significantly reduced via an average of 22 minutes a day of brisk walking. “Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and even depression,” says Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Can you imagine if there was a pill that could simultaneously have all those benefits? Everyone would be clamoring for it.”

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Walking reduces anxiety and clears thinking. The results of a national survey of nearly 3,000 women between the ages of 42 and 52 published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that those that walked as part of a regular physical activity showed fewer signs of depression compared with inactive women. The more physical activity a woman logged, the less likely she was to exhibit such symptoms, suggesting that moderate-to-intense levels of exercise may help protect against mental illness. The survey further revealed that 85 percent believe walking helps reduce any present anxiety and feelings of depression, while two-thirds reported that walking stimulates their thinking.

Walking facilitates doctor-patient communication. Columbus, Ohio-based Walk with a Doc (WalkWithADoc.org) helps organize free walking events each month via 230 chapters nationwide.

They’re led by physicians and other healthcare authorities. “It’s a casual forum in which to communicate and also learn about the health benefits of walking,” says Executive Director Rachael Habash,

The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow. ~Henry David Thoreau who’s aiming for 350 chapters by year’s end. When doctors emphasize the benefits of exercise, patients tend to listen.

Walking boosts life performance.

“Until the late 1960s, 90 percent of America’s children that lived up to a mile away walked to school. Today, that figure is 30 percent,” says Sheila Franklin, of the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, in The Walking Revolution documentary (scroll to the video at EveryBodyWalk.org). Experts warn that less walking by youngsters can create sedentary habits and lead to shortened life spans.

Daily walks to school boost cognitive performance in students, according to Mary Pat King, the National Parent Teacher Association director of programs

and projects. Dr. Richard Jackson, a pediatrician, professor and chair of Environmental Health Sciences at the School of Public Health at University of California, Los Angeles,. and former environmental health director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, reports that walking improves children’s learning ability, concentration, moods and creativity.

Even lifelong walkers are moved to walk more by using a pedometer to track their steps and distance traveled, says Dr. Lauren Elson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation instructor at Harvard Medical School, who is also the medical editor of the recent Harvard Special Health Report Walking for Health (Health.Harvard.edu/walk). A meta-review of 26 studies found that using the device raised physical activity levels by nearly 27 percent, adding about 2,500 steps per day. Most stores that sell exercise equipment offer inexpensive pedometers, while smartphone users can download an app such as Moves, Breeze or Pedometer++. Apple’s iOS includes the free app Health.

Walking leads to meaningful exchanges. Social connections and honest conversations between two people can be aided by walking outside instead of sitting inside. Clay Cockrell, a licensed clinical social worker in New York City, began walking with clients 12 years ago. He notes that casual venues like parks have been especially helpful for men. “They sometimes have a more difficult time making eye contact in sessions. Outside, they are looking where they are going, looking at nature, other people—the pressure is less. My own health has improved, as well,” he says.

He shares ideas with the public and other therapists at WalkAndTalk.com to maximize the benefits. He sees moving the body forward along a path as a metaphor for moving forward in life.

Adds Habash, “We believe that engaging in health should be simple and fun, like putting one foot in front of the other at every opportunity.”

Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

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YOGA IS THE POETRY OF MOVEMENTS

The Garden Cure Natural Sanctuaries Heal Body and Spirit

by Sandra Murphy

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir Renew

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Since ancient times, gardens have been employed as a place of healing for body and spirit. Japanese healthcare providers prescribe shinrin-yoku, meaning, “walking in forests to promote health” or “forest bathing”. Its intent is to use sight, sound and smell to connect with nature through stress-reducing, meditative walks.

Based on a program created by the Morikami Japanese Gardens, in Delray Beach, Florida, Washington state’s Bloedel Reserve, on Bainbridge Island, conducts Strolls for Well-Being. Participants sign up for a free, 10-week session of 12 self-guided walks and three group meetings. A companion workbook is provided to encourage journaling on themes such as forgiveness, gratitude and joy.

“Public gardens are a safe place where people can focus and do the work,” says Erin Jennings, with Bloedel.

“We see people that wish to reflect and refuel or simply be more aware and intentional in life.” With 150 acres of natural woodlands and landscaped areas, ranging from a moss garden to a bird marsh, participants can take as much time as they need.

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Refresh

Bees are an integral part of any flowering garden, and Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary, in Floyd, Virginia, sustainably hosts 30 hives on six acres adjacent to a field planted with buckwheat, mustard, sunflowers and clover for its biodynamic beekeeping. An orchard on the property dovetails with an organic farm next door. Tours, talks, plant sales, food and music enhance the hospitality.

Hope Hill Lavender Farm, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, adds lavender to soap, sugar scrubs, lotion and essential oil. “It takes 11 pounds of hand-picked fresh blossoms to make one ounce of essential oil,” says Troy Jochems, co-owner with his wife, Wendy. A member of the mint family, lavender adds distinctive flavor and fragrance to both sweet and savory dishes (find recipes at HopeHillLavenderFarm.com).

Visit the farm on summer weekends through mid-August and plan to partake of the annual lavender festival next June.

In Glen Allen, Virginia, visitors enjoy a cool serving of lavender lemonade or honey ice cream at Lavender Fields Herb Farm after a stroll through

Photo courtesy of The Boiron Medicinal Garden at the Rodale Institute

SEPT

greenliving

Nature is my medicine. ~Sara Moss-Wolfe the garden. Greenhouse tours and fall classes on growing herbs, vegetables and lavender include how to make an herbal wreath.

Restore

Tea Wellness classes and tastings of fair trade heirloom varieties are a big draw at Light of Day Organics, in Traverse City, Michigan. They’re taught by founder and horticulturist Angela Macke, a registered nurse. It’s the only dual-certified organic and Demeter Biodynamic commercial grower of tea plants in North America.

The Boiron Medicinal Garden at the Rodale Institute, in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, emphasizes the importance of plants in homeopathy. Maggie Saska, plant production specialist with the research farm, explains, “Walking tours with educational signage in the garden let visitors know which species to look for when planting their own organic healing garden. Plants from a store may not be organically grown or of the correct species,” although a nursery may afford more options.

Christophe Merville, D.Pharm., Boiron USA director of education and pharmacy development, attests that many familiar plants can offer benefits beyond beauty, such as reducing stress, promoting healing or easing congestion. He cautions, “People think plants

are naturally safe, but they can be dangerous. St. John’s wort extract, for example, can relieve mild depression, but interacts with prescription medicines. It also reacts to light, so users may experience rashes from sun exposure.

“Lemon balm can be made into an antioxidant tea. It can be grown in a garden, on a balcony or indoors, and combines well with chamomile or lavender.

We like it for helping to relieve anxiety or to improve mental performance.”

Merville suggests steeping German chamomile tea for relaxing sleep. He says breathing in the steam helps a stuffy nose. When used as a compress, it can relieve pain and itch from rashes. “Don’t drink too much or make it too concentrated,” he warns, because of its blood-thinning properties. Saska and Merville recommend that enthusiasts take classes, work with an herbalist and find a good reference book.

Merville prefers Rodale’s 21st Century Herbal for beginners.

Vicki Nowicki, founder of Liberty Gardens, in Downers Grove, Illinois, observes, “The world is seeing the first generations that don’t have a relationship with the land or know how to grow their own food.” Its seed-lending library, classes and tours, along with other healing gardens throughout the country, aim to get everyone back to basics including going outside.

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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natural awakenings

August 2016

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GROWING UP EMPOWERED Helping Kids Step into Their Best Selves

by Judith Fertig

T

he plugged-in, stressed-out world that challenges adults can be even more difficult for teens in the throes of hormones, peer pressure and a selfie culture. Parents can help their children thrive and become empowered individuals by nurturing desirable character traits such as resourcefulness, resilience, perseverance, self-reliance, independence, empathy and social competence.

Child psychologist Michele Borba, Ed.D., of Palm Springs, California, is a former classroom teacher and the mother of three grown children who dispenses advice at MicheleBorba.com/blog.

Her main parenting focus is character education, as reflected in her latest book, Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. “Tune in to what your kids love,” advises Borba. “Then find learning experiences that help them develop traits they need to be happy, productive adults.”

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This positive parenting approach— accentuating youthful desires and strengths, instead of deficiencies and weaknesses—helps young people develop a secure footing in life. “Kids are driven by their hearts,” observes Borba.

“A positive parent doesn’t do the cookie-cutter approach, as in, ‘That’s what worked for other kids in the neighborhood,’ nor even reference what the parent did as a teen.” Teens also impose upon themselves, thinking that being trendy, beautiful, rich and famous are valuable life goals. “The positive parent looks at each child as an individual, listens to what really makes them light up, and then supports that.”

Dreaming Big

Landmark Worldwide, active in 125 cities globally, is committed to the idea that people everywhere have the possibility of achieving success, fulfillment

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

and greatness. Corporate leaders praise its programs for helping participants relate, communicate and perform well.

Josselyne Herman-Saccio, a Landmark program leader in New York City, remarks, “Every one of us has a dream, yet too many of us choose our path with fear, disguised as practicality. Our kids might get the message that, ‘You don’t do your dream as your career.’”

That thought can leave anyone feeling like something is missing.

After putting off her own career as a singer and ultimately deciding to go for it, Herman-Saccio recorded That’s What Love Can Do with her group Boy Krazy. The song rose to the top of the pop charts in 1993.

That empowering experience helped her decide to help others—including her own three children—fulfill their dreams. Today, Herman-Saccio leads the Landmark Forum for adults, and the company also offers a version of the course for 13-to-17-year-olds, an interactive, three-day program in cities across the U.S. It helps teens first understand their existing patterns of thoughts and behaviors and then move forward to create new possibilities and face new challenges and discover a new level of power, freedom, self-expression and peace of mind. For a teen to register, a parent or legal guardian must register for or have completed the organization’s adult forum and provide permission.

Teens planning for life after high school get help identifying their career passion at schools such as Upland Hills School, in Oxford, Michigan.

Its emphasis on experiential learning culminates in a senior project the teen produces, whether it’s writing a novel, building a storage shed or volunteering at the local senior citizen center. Each must someway contribute to the community. Beginning with the student’s dream, they must work their way through obstacles, setbacks and all the steps required to bring a dream to reality.

Emotional Literacy/Healthy Risk-Taking

Sometimes parents need to address a teen’s longing for friends and social connections. For youths that especially need to nurture their social skills, such

as high-functioning kids with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, film school might be an answer. At the Joey Travolta Film School and summer camp, in Lafayette, California, kids work together to make a movie; they start with a script, create sets, operate the camera, act and direct.

At the Hunter School, in Romney, New Hampshire, kids dealing with attention challenges can nurture mindbody awareness, energetic mindfulness and sensory integration. It all helps them get to know themselves and relate better to others.

Outdoor skills can help teens develop healthy risk-taking behaviors, as well as teach resilience, perseverance and self-reliance. SheJumps (SheJumps. org), in Salt Lake City, offers young women 6 to 18 years old an opportunity to master outdoor living skills, boost confidence and encourage leadership via collaborating with strong female role models. Fun activities include mountain biking, skiing and trailblazing.

Leadership

Over time, experiential learning can help youths develop leadership skills.

Lander, Wyoming’s National Outdoor Leadership School, a gap-year program for high school graduates taking a year off before college, offers courses lasting two weeks, several months or even a full year. Activities include sea kayaking, Alaskan mountain and glacier climbing and wilderness medicine.

Teens already on track and wanting to develop additional leadership skills can tap into motivational speaker and self-help author Tony Robbins’ annual Unleash the Power Within youth leadership program event. Groups of youths

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14 to 17 years old collectively participate to create individual breakthroughs, move beyond fears and limiting beliefs, accomplish goals and realize true desires. Application requirements include a good academic record, at least 20 hours of community service and a guidance counselor’s recommendation.

Robbins maintains, “Grow and give is what life is all about.”

Service to Others

While we are postponing, life speeds by.

-Lucious Annaeus Seneca.

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A way for youngsters 5 to 19 years old to become empowered is by joining a 4-H group in urban, suburban or rural areas.

If we envision a farm kid raising a calf to show at the state fair, that’s still one facet of today’s 4-H, but far from the entire scope. Founded in 1902, 4-H is a global nonprofit dedicated to learning by doing; specialties now range from computer science and graphic design to leadership, healthy living and the performing arts.

Positive mentoring by adults and developing community spirit ground 4-H clubs, camps and programs.

Research by Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development and America’s land-grant colleges and universities shows that people with a 4-H background are more likely to give back to their communities than others (see Tinyurl. com/YouthDevelopmentStudy).

For Grammy-winner Jennifer Nettles, of Nashville, 4-H meant learning to perform at an early age, even flying to Chicago to do it. “I don’t know that I would be where I am today without 4-H,” she says. “Mentors there help you. They helped me with the skills of performing and learning about being

on stage; they also taught me the importance of giving back.”

Sustainable Sustenance

Growing food for themselves and others can be a great adventure for teens, while fostering resourcefulness, perseverance and ecological awareness. Seventeen-year-old Katie Stagliano launched Katie’s Krops, in Summerville, South Carolina, several years ago based on her desire to fight hunger by growing food for people that need it. Today, the enterprise offers grants for youth in any area to start and maintain a local garden, provided they give away the produce to the hungry. The initiative has grown to more than 50 gardens around the U.S.

Both Mobile Urban Growers, in Mobile, Alabama, and Closer to Earth, in Oklahoma City, empower youth through exercising organic gardening skills, environmental and food justice advocacy and personal mentorship.

Empowering experiences for teens don’t have to cost a lot or involve travel.

“Dream big, but start small. Look around your own backyard, in your community,” says Borba. “Teens can learn to pay it forward in all kinds of ways. They can get together with their peers and take on a doable project to help others. They may even need to start by learning to self-regulate and manage stress by getting away from their phones and instead being outside getting exercise.”

Casual family activities can provide opportunities for conversations about what teens want in life or what they’re worried about, and that opens the door for adults to step up to help mentor and empower their children.

“Boys are more likely to talk while they’re doing something, like shooting baskets with you in the driveway,” observes Borba. “Girls are more likely to talk if it’s one-on-one.”

Positive parents actively listen and then clarify what they heard from their teens, says Herman-Saccio. This information helps point the way forward, to more interactive dialogue, brainstorming, problem-solving, helpful experiences and eventually, youth empowerment.

EMPOWERMENT STARTS EARLY Positive parenting skills go hand-inhand with children learning how to be their best. Kids can get an early start at programs like these.

SCHOOLS Waldorf Schools Learning by doing and in-depth, selfpaced study are hallmarks of Waldorf schools across the country.

Circle of Seasons Charter School, a Waldorf-methods public school, in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, offers a head start on empowerment for K–4 students (CircleOfSeasons.org).

Semillas para una Nueva Humanidad, a Waldorf-Methods School near Rincon, Puerto Rico, encourages independent learning for K–12 students.

(SNHPuertoRico.org/en/about-us).

The Natural Learning School, in Memphis, Tennessee, guides toddlers through elementary school kids with whole-child education, including arts and green learning (NLSMemphis.com).

PROGRAMS Women Empowerment, in Vail, Colorado, specializes in programs for women and girls. A Chrysalis Circle helps girls explore the woman blossoming within them during a weeklong day camp adventure that includes rock climbing, kayaking and other activities. The Heart 2 Heart Mother/Daughter Retreat helps moms and their girls rediscover or strengthen their connection (see Tinyurl.com/WomenEmpowerPrograms).

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS. natural awakenings

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ecotip Vegan Leather

Walk the Talk with Cruelty-Free Shoes With a wealth of luxury faux alternatives available in today’s market, shoe lovers can obtain the quality footwear they desire without incurring the usual environmental and human health costs.

Vegan leather is an animal-friendly alternative to real leather, derived from synthetic materials.

No cow, sheep, goat or any other animal is killed in order to make vegan leather shoes, and for most people, that’s a good enough reason to choose it over the “real” thing. Provided that we pick the right maker, it also boasts the added advantage of being far more eco-friendly and sustainable than conventional leather.

Elizabeth Olsen, founder of the luxury vegan shoe brand Olsenhaus, says, “The only difference is the materials—one uses a dead animal’s skin preserved in toxic chemicals; the other is made from a mixture of natural and manmade materials that are better for animals and the environment.”

Twenty times more energy is used to create a leather hide than what is required for synthesized material. Conventional leather tanning involves treating animal skins with large quantities of toxic chemicals, including mineral salts, lead, cyanide and formaldehyde. This process wreaks havoc on our environment and the people that work in or live near tanneries, where chemical exposure can cause sickness or even be lethal.

Olsen cautions that just because a shoe is vegan doesn’t mean it’s been made in an eco-friendly way. She uses natural and manmade materials such as linen, cotton, cork, wood, imitation leathers and recycled faux suede in her vegan shoe line. To assess the quality of vegan leather shoes, she advises, “Shoppers can feel the material and look at the grain to see if it’s faux; with faux, the grain will show a repeating pattern. Also, look for labels noting materials either inside or on the bottom of shoes.”

Olsen notes that an online search for vegan fashion will yield everything from adult couture to baby clothes. Several websites and blogs report on the latest vegan products. She especially likes GirlieGirlArmy.com for vegan lifestyle and fashion.

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natural awakenings

August 2016

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consciouseating

A GOOD FOOD FIGHT Keeping Food Out of the Trash Bin

by April Thompson

A

s much as 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. is wasted, even as one in six Americans goes hungry.

Instead of feeding people better, we are feeding the city dump. Of all types of trash, food consumes the most space in our municipal landfills, followed by plastic and paper. Rotting food then releases harmful methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

While food waste is a big problem, social entrepreneurs see a big opportunity. Around the country, they are working to reduce, recover and rethink discarded food valued at more than $160 billion a year. In the process, they are not only cutting food costs, but also creating jobs and fighting climate change.

University of Maryland College Park alumna Cam Pascual co-founded the nonprofit Food Recovery Network (FRN) after watching hundreds of pounds of food hit the trash in her campus dining hall every night. Pascual and her colleagues mobilized a volunteer network to shuttle leftovers from the university to soup kitchens, donating 200 meals a night to feed the hungry.

In the last five years, FRN has recovered more than 1 million pounds of food from 184 campuses in 42 states, proving that ingenuity and philanthropy can together fight the food waste travesty. “There are two major barriers to recovering leftover food; one is awareness, like helping businesses to understand the laws that protect them from liability,” says Pascual, the organization’s current director of innovation and operations. “The other is the labor involved. Universities are the perfect ecosystem for food recovery because college students have flexible schedules and are community service-minded, offering a ready supply of volunteers.”

The latest FRN initiative is a certification program to

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verify that farms and restaurants are engaging in food recovery that includes creating a toolkit to help restaurants safely recover leftover meals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture recently set a goal of slashing food waste in half by 2030, with several supporting bills approaching the floor in Congress. The EPA food recovery hierarchy calls for reducing food waste first and foremost, with recovering food to feed people or animals as a fallback and utilizing landfills only as a last resort.

“It’s one thing to set goals, but to realize those reductions in food waste, we have to change our behavior,” says Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland: How America Throws Away Nearly Half of Its Food (and What We Can Do About It). Farms and households are the two largest generators of food waste, according to Bloom, whose blog at WastedFood.com offers dozens of beneficial tips for keeping food out of the trash bin.

Fighting food waste starts before we go to the grocery.

Bloom recommends consumers organize cupboards to know what’s already in stock, plan meals and stick to the shopping list.

Post-purchase, easy tips include serving smaller portions, freezing leftovers and sharing surplus with friends and neighbors.

Bloom’s website fans contribute more ideas like mixing veggie scraps into pet food or making them into soup stock. Using a smaller refrigerator keeps shoppers from bulking up while saving energy costs. The battle against wasted food needs to start at home, where small steps add up to big change.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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A FOOD FIGHT WORTH WINNING

Diverting Unsold Food from Full Landfills to Hungry Tummies

Bloom speaks to college students around the Jonathan U.S. explaining how fighting food waste requires changing

beliefs and behaviors about food. “Recognize that taste should trump appearance, and don’t be so concerned with superficialities,” is a leading message. He cites replicable countermeasures like Hungry Harvest and Imperfect Produce,both predicated upon giving “ugly produce” a second chance. Based in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco’s Bay Area, respectively, these businesses offer low-cost home delivery of surplus produce, much of which is rejected for not meeting grocery stores’ high cosmetic standards.

Here are more examples of the community pioneers working to divert food from overstuffed landfills to people.

Daily Table (DailyTable.org) purchases excess food from growers, manufacturers and supermarkets to provide healthy food at fast-food prices for populations in need. The Dorchester, Massachusetts, retail grocery store offers fresh produce and grocery items, plus ready-to-cook and grab-n-go prepared meals.

Fruitcycle (TheFruitcycle.com) makes healthy dried snacks from produce that would otherwise be tossed. The Washington, D.C.-area business also provides jobs for formerly incarcerated, homeless or otherwise disadvantaged women.

Food Cowboy (FoodCowboy.com) reroutes food rejected by distributors. Truck drivers use a mobile app to communicate availability of such produce and find a charity or compost site to accept it.

Re-Nuble (Re-Nuble.com) transforms food waste into affordable, organic fertilizer for hydroponic growing, thus contributing a solution to hunger.

BluApple (TheBluApple.com) makes a plastic, fruit-shaped device that can triple the shelf life of refrigerated food. It absorbs ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that accelerates spoilage.

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natural awakenings

August 2016

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healthykids

YAY FOR

PLAY

Ways to Spark a Child’s Creativity

by April Thompson

W

hether it’s playing dress-up, making forts from sofa cushions or drawing pictures, creative moments can define and distinguish a happy childhood. Yet it’s not all just fun and games, according to experts. Childhood creativity, nurtured both in the classroom and at home, is crucial for developing qualities such as sound decision-making, flexible thinking and mental resiliency.

Analyzing more than 150 studies across the fields of psychology, neuroscience, education and business management, the Center for Childhood Creativity, in Sausalito, California, found many important life skills are affiliated with a creative upbringing.

The resulting white paper, Inspiring a Generation to Create, underscores that rather than simply being an innate trait, creativity can be taught.

“Creativity should be an integral part of every child’s education. The

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MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

research shows that we can avoid the drop in original thinking that happens as students move into early adolescence,” reports Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind.

Creativity isn’t only child’s play; parents also could do well to infuse their own lives with its discoveries and delights. “Through creativity, parents can reawaken a sense of wonder and joy, and nurture characteristics like patience,” says Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way for Parents: Raising Creative Children.

Engaging Parents

Cameron wrote the book in part to guide her own daughter, actress and film director Domenica Cameron-Scorsese, in her creative journey through motherhood. While many such works focus on art projects for kids, Cameron’s book emphasizes activities that put creative fuel in the parental tank. For example, she recommends parents take up the ritual of “morning pages”; writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts the first thing each morning.

Jean Van’t Hul, author of The Artful Parent, started a daily sketchbook practice for herself and to set an example for her kids. “I like that the kids see me creating regularly and they’ve joined in a couple times. I also want to get over my self-limited belief that I’m not a good artist,” remarks Van’t Hul, who blogs at ArtfulParent.com.

Engaging Kids

A family ritual, like a bedtime story or relationship with a pet, can be re-imagined to inspire household members to co-create together. “Instead of always reading to my kids, we take turns making up stories by ‘giving’ each other three things, like an airplane, a shovel and a pair of pants, which we have to use in a story,” says Nicole Corey Rada, a working mother of two in Richmond, Virginia. “Sometimes, we pretend our

Every child and parent is creative. Exercising our creativity is an act of faith. ~ Julia Cameron pets are having conversations, and use different voices and accents to express what they might be saying, given their circumstance at the time. This is a family favorite; we laugh constantly.”

Mark Runco, Ph.D., a University of Georgia professor of gifted and creative education, founder of the Creativity Research Journal and advisor to the Center for Childhood Creativity, notes the importance of balancing unstructured and structured activities, creating space for both individual expression and creative collaboration.

To foster the former, Van’t Hul encourages “strewing”, which she refers to as “the art of casually yet strategically leaving invitations for learning and creativity out for kids to discover on their own.” Invitations to play could be a basket of non-toxic blocks, a recycled-paper sketchpad opened to a blank page or some nature finds from a walk in the woods.

As an example of the latter, Cameron suggests that parents lead kids on a weekly creative expedition, allowing the kids to choose a new place to aimlessly explore such as a park, bookstore, pet shop or museum.

According to the author, that sense of shared adventure, fostered in a safe space, naturally nurtures the creative process, both for now and the future.

“If you make art the center, insisting that kids be creative, they may feel a sense of pressure,” advises Cameron.

“If you make inspiration the center, it spills over into art.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

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The best outcome for injured animals is rescue, rehabilitation and return to the wild.

naturalpet

HANDLE WILD THINGS WITH CARE How to Safely Help Hurt Animals

by Sandra Murphy

W

hen encountering a bird or animal that appears to be abandoned, take only minimal steps to help. “People mean well but a lot of rescues we see, didn’t need help,” says Lacy Campbell, wildlife care center operations manager for the Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon.

Make sure the animal is away from traffic or predators, and then call a local wildlife rehabilitator before taking further action, especially if the animal is injured.

Vulnerable Little Ones

Baby squirrels can fall out of the nest.

“Leave him at the base of the tree,” says Jennifer Keats Curtis, author of the children’s book Squirrel Rescue. “Mom will rebuild the nest before coming to get her baby. If it’s cold, put it in a box with a towel. Once squirrels have been treated as a pet, they can’t be released.”

Tiny, not-yet-feathered nestlings should be returned home; it’s a myth that human scent poses a problem.

If the nest is out of reach or can’t be located, make one with a box and soft cloth. Put it in the tree, so the parents can resume feeding. Leave the area so as not to frighten them.

“After young robins, scrub jays,

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crows and owls leave the nest, they typically spend up to a week on the ground before they can fly,” says Campbell. “At night, the parents will escort the fully feathered fledglings to safety beneath a bush.”

In parks, ducks and geese may nest away from the water. Mama will lead her babies to the pond, even across busy streets. If it’s safe, stop the car to halt traffic, act as their crossing guard, and then resume driving.

A box turtle operates on innate GPS. “It lives in an area the size of a football field,” explains Curtis. “It will go onward, no matter how many times people try to redirect it. If injured by a car or lawn mower, the shell can be mended by a rehab center.”

Bunnies eat at dusk and dawn.

In-between, the nest may look abandoned. “Wild baby rabbits are difficult to keep alive if injured,” says Curtis. “At sundown, see if mom returns; if not, they need a wildlife rehab expert.”

A lone, young raccoon is either old enough to climb a tree by itself or the mother will carry it. If we feed a raccoon, it will become a beggar.

Opossums are dramatic actors. When cornered, they hiss and fall over and play dead in a coma-like state for up to

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

four hours. Check back later. If a mother possum has been killed by a car, call a rehab official to check her pouch for potential babies.

“If you find a young deer fawn or moose calf, leave it. The mother comes back several times each day to nurse,” advises Amanda Nicholson, director of outreach for the Wildlife Center of Virginia, in Waynesboro. “Its coloring helps it remain undetected by predators.”

Other Unexpected Encounters “Don’t feed wild animals or leave out food or accessible comestible trash.

Bobcats, wolves, bears and coyotes will avoid people unless food is involved,” cautions Jennifer Place, program associate for Born Free USA, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. “Wild animals protect their space, food and young, so stay on marked trails when hiking and never turn your back on them.”

For unexpected meetings, stay calm. “Make sure there’s an escape

Wildlife Transport Tips If a wild animal is injured, wear heavy gloves in its vicinity to avoid being bitten or scratched. Completely cover the animal with a blanket so it stays relatively calm, and place it in a carrier for transport to a rehabilitation facility. A warm hot water bottle can help ward off shock.

Do not give the animal water, milk or food. Time is of the essence to ward off dangers of stress. Wild animals can carry disease without appearing to be ill. Fleas, ticks and mites are likely, so keep injured wildlife away from pets and children.

route for the animal,” says Place. “With foxes or coyotes, throw sticks or small rocks, but don’t hit the animal. Make yourself look large and yell.” With snakes, sidestep away slowly for more than six feet before walking in the other direction. Bears require a different response. “Speak in a low voice so the bear realizes you are not prey. Never climb a tree,” says Place. “Bears know the terrain, can run faster than a horse and can climb trees, too. Sidestep away, remaining carefully upright, calm and unthreatening. If the bear moves toward you, keep talking until he moves away. Running kicks in its prey drive.”

Yellowstone Park regulations require visitors to stay 25 yards away from most wildlife and 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Selfie photos with animals can result in injury or death for humans and animals through carelessness; safety depends on good judgement, respect and common sense.

Friends of wildlife know beforehand how to contact local rehabilitators if there’s an emergency, observe before taking action, and protect pets. “Always leash dogs when going into the yard at night and keep cats indoors,” says Place.

“Peaceful co-existence allows for the safety of both people and animals, domestic and wild.”

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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August 2016

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The Hidden Deficiency Having the proper amount of iodine in our system at all times is critical to overall health, yet the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that iodine deficiency is increasing drastically in light of an increasingly anemic national diet of unpronounceable additives and secret, unlabeled ingredients. This deficit now affects nearly three-quarters of the population.

Causes of Iodine Deficiency

Radiation

Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation

Low-Sodium Diets

Overuse of zero-nutrient salt substitutes in foods leads to iodine depletion

Iodized Table Salt

Iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to air

Bromine

A toxic chemical found in baked goods overrides iodine's ability to aid thyroid

Iodine-Depleted Soil Poor farming techniques have led to declined levels of iodine in soil

A Growing Epidemic Symptoms range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and skin and hair problems. This lack of essential iodine can also cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers; and in children, intellectual disability, deafness, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University and the French National Academy of Medicine.

What to Do The easy solution is taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage to rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the whole body.

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August 2016

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NOTE: All calendar events must be received by Aug 12 (for Sept 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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

MONDAY, AUGUST 22

Vaccine Information Workshop–6:30pm. Confused about vaccines? There is a lot of debate and controversy on this topic and we want to create an environment to empower parents and provide people with info and resources to make the best decision for their families. Columbia Family Chiropractic, 224 O’Neil Ct, Ste 21, Columbia. Info: 803-788-8831.

Hands for Peace Trauma Relief Clinic–6-7:30pm.

For all licensed healthcare professionals, energy healers and community supporters interested in volunteering at Columbia Resilience: Hands for Peace. Meeting will be held at St. Mark United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Parking lot and entrance is behind the church. Email contact information to Pam Lorentz at chiMassage@bellsouth.net. Info: 803-749-1576.

AUGUST 5, 10, 18 & 26 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: 803-530-3270, RosewoodMarket.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 Dances of Universal Peace–7-9pm–w/Marguerite Frongillo. The dances lift our spirits and open us to awareness of the divine in each other. Free; donations accepted. Near Midtown Mall in Forest Acres, Columbia. Info/directions: Call Frongillo at 803-743-0731 or email Mff426@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Back-to-School Movie Night–8:45pm. Crooked Creek Park will host its annual Back-to-School Movie night featuring the recent Disney hit Zootopia. Free admission. Complimentary movie snacks (popcorn, snow cones, candy, sodas, water) will be available. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info: 803-345-6181, icrc.net.

SUNDAYS AUGUST 7, 14, 21 & 28 Raw Talk Wellness Event–8:30pm. An innovative approach to wellness online and by phone. Info/ RSVP: Call Carla DeRosa, wellness coach and food medicine educator, at 770-413-9046 or visit RawTalkCoach.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Lourie Center Presents the Beach Ball–6:3010:30pm. A summer dance featuring live music with the Heart ‘n Soul Band. Shag, swing and rock to the classic hits of the 1950s and ‘60s. Open to the adult public. BYOB and snacks. Soft drinks available for purchase. Cost: $15 advance/$20 at door. Lourie Center, 1650 Park Cir, Columbia. Info/ tickets: 803-779-1971.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15 Stress, Hormone Health Seminar–Presented by Dr. Rachel Hall. Cost: Free. Due to limited capacity, call immediately to preregister and reserve a space.

Only those preregistered will be allowed to attend.

Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia.

Info/registration: 803-796-1702, DrRachelHall.com.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 Stress, Hormone Health Seminar–Presented by Dr. Rachel Hall. Cost: Free. Due to limited capacity, call immediately to preregister and reserve a space.

Only those preregistered will be allowed to attend.

Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia.

Info/registration: 803-796-1702, DrRachelHall.com.

MONDAY, AUGUST 29 Stress, Hormone Health Seminar–Presented by Dr. Rachel Hall. Cost: Free. Due to limited capacity, call immediately to preregister and reserve a space.

Only those preregistered will be allowed to attend.

Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia.

Info/registration: 803-796-1702, DrRachelHall.com.

planahead FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Dances of Universal Peace–7-9pm–w/Marguerite Frongillo. The dances lift our spirits and open us to awareness of the divine in each other. Free; donations accepted. Near Midtown Mall in Forest Acres, Columbia. Info/directions: Call Frongillo at 803-743-0731 or email Mff426@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 2 Transpersonal Hypnosis Certification Course– 9am-5pm. Achieve your hypnosis certifications and memberships in two organizations with one course!

Lectures and experientials at a serene beach. Kure Beach, NC. Register/info: TranspersonalPower.com.

Questions: 855-772-0459 or Linda@TranspersonalPower.com.

TUESDAY-SATURDAY OCTOBER 4-8 Master Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Certification Course–8am-5pm. Achieve your Master (MHt) Hypnotherapy certification. Newly certified hypnotists and experienced CHts welcome! Lift your business to a new level! One-on-one regression practices included at a serene beach location. Kure Beach, NC. Register/info: TranspersonalPower.com.

Questions: 855-772-0459 or Linda@TranspersonalPower.com.

MidlandsHealthyLiving.com

Live, Love, Latch, by La Leche League of the Midlands (LLL), from 9:30am12:30pm. This event is to celebrate and support nursing mothers in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month. The highlight of the event will be when all registered participants nurse their babies at the same time and the number of babies nursing during this 1-minute timeframe are counted toward the Big Latch On’s Guinness World Record. Registered participants get a free T-shirt, a goody bag with product samples, and coupons and information from local and international businesses. There will be vendors, refreshments, fire department car seat installers, a raffle, an online silent auction run the week beforehand, and more! Free admission. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia.

La Leche League (LLL) of the Midlands is an all-volunteer, nonprofit, peer breastfeeding support group, offering four monthly meetings around town as well as one-onone support from leaders.

For more information about the event and to register, contact Sarah Martin at 317-710-6632 or SarahSchulzeMartin@gmail. com, or visit Facebook.com/ events/190048838062360/?ti=icl.

LLL of the Midlands monthly meeting locations include the following: • The NE Columbia location meets each month on the first Tuesday from 10-11:30am at Sandhills Community Church on Hard Scrabble Road.

• The Irmo location meets each month on the third Tuesday at 10am at Union United Methodist Church on Woodrow Street.

• The Lexington location meets each month on the second Thursday at 10am at Zion Lutheran Church on Corley Mill Road.

• The downtown Columbia location meets each month on the third Tuesday at 6pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church (2701 Heyward St, Rm 5).

For more information about LLL of the Midlands and meeting locations, contact Sarah Martin at 317-710-6632 or SarahSchulzeMartin@gmail.com.

ongoingevents sunday Eckankar Spiritual Discussions and Community HU–10am. Free. Every 2nd Sunday. An esoteric approach to God realization without dogma or judgment. 7 Oaks 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.

Raw Talk Wellness Event–8:30pm. Every Sunday.

An innovative approach to wellness online and by phone. Info/RSVP: Call Carla DeRosa, wellness coach and food medicine educator, at 770-413-9046 or visit RawTalkCoach.com.

monday Infant Massage Classes–4-week series on Mondays. Parents and caregivers learn how to build confidence, develop a nurturing touch, and a massage routine for their babies. Cost: $75, person; $100, couple. The Balance Institute, 1905 Sunset Blvd, Ste C, W Columbia. Info/times: Call Liana Marconyak at 803-386-7261 or visit tbiHealth.net.

Poetry Night at Good Life Café–7-9pm. Every 3rd Monday. Magnify Magnolias Poetry & Live Music Night/Open Mic. Good Life Café, 1614 Main St, Columbia. Info: 803-726-2310.

wednesday

Prenatal Massage Consultations–10am-4pm.

Every Monday in August. Free. Learn the benefits of massage during your pregnancy and how it will help prepare your body for delivery. A Knead for Nurturing, 2908 Devine St, Columbia. Info/to schedule an appointment: 803-851-4563.

Stress, Hormone Health Seminar–Presented by Dr. Rachel Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays. Cost: Free. Due to limited capacity, call immediately to preregister and reserve a space. Only those preregistered will be allowed to attend. Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info/registration: 803-796-1702, DrRachelHall.com.

tuesday doTERRA Essential Oil Class–7pm. Every 2nd Tuesday. Wellness in the workplace. Free. Chiropractic Care Center, 7245 St Andrews Rd, Columbia.

Info: Call Patty Kranendonk at 803-730-9083.

Prenatal Yoga–5:30-6:45pm–w/Channing, RYT200. Open to all students. Prepare the mind and body for labor and more. Cost: 1st class free, $10-$14/class packages. Expecting Well, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info: 803-661-8452, ExpectingWell.com.

Sustainable Midlands Celebrates a Successful 2016 Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival

S

ustainable Midlands and its event partners are celebrating another successful Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival this year! Wrapping up the seventh annual event, the fun-filled celebration of local food, farmers, music, community and, of course, tomatoes proved once again that the Tasty Tomato is here to stay. The Sustainable Midlands’ staff and board personally thank all the volunteers, vendors, musicians and sponsors that helped to make this event a success; with a very special thank you going to everyone across the Midlands that came out to enjoy the celebration.

The organization is looking forward to even greater success and impact in the future as the signature summer event grows. Sustainable Midlands especially wishes to thank the S.C. State Fair, the S.C. Department of Agriculture, FIG Columbia, and the City of Columbia for their support of the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival! It would not have been possible without their critical collective support and assistance.

In addition, the event hosted numerous tomato-themed contests and competitions.

Congratulations to all of the respective winners. Here they are!

Biergarten at Gardener’s Outpost–5:30-7:30pm.

Every 1st Wednesday. Live entertainment and refreshments. Browse Biergarten’s unique garden gifts. Gardener’s Outpost, 709 Woodrow St, Columbia. Info: 803-252-0041, GardenersOutpost.com.

Stress, Hormone Health Seminar–Presented by Dr. Rachel Hall. 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Cost: Free. Due to limited capacity, call immediately to preregister and reserve a space. Only those preregistered will be allowed to attend. Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info/registration: 803-796-1702, DrRachelHall.com.

thursday First Thursdays on Main–7-9pm. Live music with Palmetto Latin Orchestra. Good Life Café, 1614 Main St, Columbia. Info: 803-726-2310.

friday Rosewood Sidewalk Farmers’ Market–4-7pm.

Every Friday. Meet your SC growers. Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803530-3270, RosewoodMarket.com.

THE WINNERS OF THE HOMEGROWN TOMATO CONTEST: Best ‘Mater Grown by a Child Category: Maddy Rich Izzy Rich Cameron Caulk Best Small Other and Best Small Red Category: Connelly-Anne Ragley Best Big Yellow Category: Ashley Rich Best Big Red Category: Douglas Fabel Best Purple and Most Unusual: Carr Farms THE WINNERS OF THE SHOW US YOUR ‘MATERS PHOTO CONTEST: On the Vine: Jessica Loveland “Your Turn for a Bite” Field Eating Good On the Plate: Candice Boerman “In Color” Tomatoes Unleashed: Rebecca Creel “Biscuit Picks a Winner” For more information, call Genevieve Taylor at 803-873-0442 or visit TastyTomatoFestival.com.

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August 2016

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS

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 30 words. Please include billing contact information. Deadline is the 12th of the month prior.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WANTED

Rejuvenation Studio – Add a Rejuvenation Studio to your existing beauty, fitness or health/wellness business. Bring in new customers, gain revenue from several sources, and your customers will love it. For more information, call 864-569-8631.

Compassionate, Kind Caregivers – If you have these attributes, we want you to join our team!

Must drive, read, write, pass drug and alcohol testing, pass background check and have a reliable vehicle. No phone calls please. Online application: EpicInHomeCare.com.

Wellness Coaches Needed – Earn $200-$1,500 monthly TLC Dextox. Job benefits, 100% natural products presentation # 857-957-1985. Info: Call Jennifer at 803-458-2220 or visit TotalLifeChanges. com/GetFitWithGin. (Proverbs 16:3)

Massage Therapist – Breath of Salt Spa is in search of a massage therapist with a variety of disciplines.

Call for an appointment interview at 803-772-7258.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY LMTCPT Is Hiring Contract Personal Trainers – Hiring for the am hours. Compensation, $14 per hour. Need current national certification, CPR certification and liability insurance. Email resume, along with availability, to Info@lmtcpt.com.

The Balance Institute Is Looking for PT/FT Practitioners – We’re looking for self-starters, team members, contributors to client health and able to do community service. Email resume to Info@ tbiHealth.net.

ROOM FOR PROFESSIONAL Room for Rent at About Your Health – Perfect for massage therapists, reflexologists or energy workers. $10 an hour. Call About Your Health at 803-798-8687 for more information.

SERVICES Integrative Health Clinic – Experience multiple modalities at your church or community organization. Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576.

SPACE AVAILABLE Wellness Center Office Space to share in West Columbia; separate offices, shared reception area; $500 a month, includes all utilities. Info: Call Debey Hancock at803-624-5189 or email Wellnesss360@ usa.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Columbia Resilience has been awarded the 2016 Richland County disbursement grant to create the Hands for Peace Women’s Trauma Clinic.

Any experienced alternative health practitioners interested in volunteering (training available for volunteers on Trauma Clinic protocols) one day a week, please contact community health chair Pamila Lorentz at the Center for Health Integration at 803-749-1576.

Connect with us naturally!

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Columbia Edition

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Send printed resume to Breath of Salt, 1410 Colonial Life Blvd W, Columbia, SC 29210. Email resume to BreathOfSalt@att.net.

Yoga and Meditation Teacher – Breath of Salt Spa is searching for a certified yoga instructor to teach yoga and meditation in the salt room. Call for appointment interview at 803-772-7258. Send printed resume to Breath of Salt, 1410 Colonial Life Blvd W, Columbia, SC 29210. Email resume to BreathOfSalt@att.net.

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.

ACCOUNTING CHRISTINA A. BOSWELL, CPA, LLC Quick Books Pro Advisor CBoswell@CABCPASC.com 803-233-9303 • CABCPASC.com

Christina A. Boswell has more than 25 years accounting and bookkeeping experience.

Boswell is a member of the SCACPA (SC Association of CPAs) and the AICPA (American Institute for CPAs). Her customized services include general ledger review and adjustments, bank reconciliations, light payroll services, quarterly/ annual payroll tax filings (including preparation of W-2s and 1099s), monthly tax filings and more.

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

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

FAMILY PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC

DENTISTRY ART OF DENTISTRY

Dr. Jim Minico, DC 203 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin 803-932-9399 • DrMinico.com PatientServices.fpc@gmail.com

Dr. Gregory J. Wych, DDS 7505 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo 803-781-1600 • IrmoCosmeticDentistry.com

It is our mission to provide the community with the highestquality chiropractic care possible.

Exceeding your expectations in a caring, modern and positive environment. Restoring the body’s natural healing process.

A holistic approach to health utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition, weight management and homeopathy. See ad, page 10.

COLLABORATIVE LAW

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LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT

109 N Main St, Blythewood 803-786-1758 • Shannon.skblaw@gmail.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 25.

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. See ad, page 23.

AROMATHERAPY

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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 19 and back page.

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. Special pricing every third week of the month. See ad, page 7.

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.

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

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Dr. Dover provides comprehensive, and compassionate dental care. BPAand Bis-GMA-free composites, B PA - f r e e o c c l u s a l g u a r d s , natural periodontal therapy, fluoride-alternatives for tooth remineralization, and mercury-filling removal following IAOMT standards using supplemental oxygen, special filters and amalgam separators to keep toxic metals out of our waterways.

See ad, page 5.

Dr. Joe Palmer; Dr. Daniel Knause 134 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 864-438-0903 • PalmerDMD.com

Biological Dentistry using the highest standards of biocompatible dentistry as defined by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. One-visit crowns, laser-assisted periodontal therapy and ozone therapy; fluoride-free office. See ad, page 42.

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC

CHI ENERGY BALANCE

Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 6136 Old Bush River Rd, Columbia 803-749-1576 CenterForHealthIntegration.com

Dr. Joanna Silver Dover, DMD 5101 Forest Dr, Ste A, Columbia 803-782-8786 • ForestDriveDental.com

PALMER DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

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

Dr. Wych and his staff are committed to giving each patient the quality care and attention each desire and deserve. He believes that in dentistry, discovering the cause of the problem is the key to resolving it and to preventing its recurrence. Something he has done successfully for his patients for more than 28 years. Call today to schedule your appointment.

See ad, page 3.

Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

Feeling scattered, disconnected, achy or fatigued?

The CHI Energy Balance’s essential touch therapies help to restore, renew and revitalize the well-being experience. Services include CranioSacral Therapy, lymphatic drainage, directional healing, sound/vibrational therapies and integrative massage.

CHI also offers acupressure for emotions and Young Living therapeutic essential oils. See ad, page 17.

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.

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naturaldirectory FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Drs. Lieberman, Weirs & Herbert 843-572-1600 • coem.com

Preventative and Personalized Health Care w/more than 75 years of combined medical practice.

Board-Certified Environmental, Functional and Integrative Medicine. We get to the root cause of your illness. Allergy Testing. Autoimmune Diseases. Women’s Health.

See ads, pages 2 and 43.

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.

HEALTH/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING KATHY COOPER

Certified Holistic Health Coach 803-546-4464 • KathyJCooper.com KathyCooper02@gmail.com

Kathy Cooper is passionate about helping women live a healthy, balanced life. Each health coaching program is personalized to help improve your mind, body and spirit. Kathy offers individual and group health coaching programs, as well as health and nutrition workshops and cooking classes.

HOMEOPATHY WELLNESS MATTERS

INTEGRATED HEALING PHOENIX RISING

Katz Delauney-Leija, MSW, EFT-CC, TAEE Psych-K, Health & Wellness Intuitive 803-530-6199 • Katz-PhoenixRising.com

Are you unhappy in your relationships, current job or career choice? Are you frustrated with not feeling well or being in pain? Katz can guide you to greater health and a better life by combining her traditional and intuitive skills to help you. Call Katz Delauney-Leija today to schedule an appointment.

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. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies.

See ad, page 24.

MASSAGE THERAPY A KNEAD FOR NURTURING Jenny Sepulveda 2908 Devine St, Columbia 803-851-4563

Jenny Sepulveda is a licensed massage therapist with more than 14 years’ experience. She also has a degree in occupational studies from The Swedish Institute of Manhattan. Sepulveda is certified in prenatal, craniosacral, reflexology, and hot and cold stones treatment. She is dedicated to providing stress and pain relief through massage for people of all walks of life. Come and experience the relaxation massage therapy has to offer you. See ad, page 8.

Brenda M. Tobin-Flood, DVetHom, Cert CN 803-712-4522 WellnessMatters4U@yahoo.com

Brenda M. Tobin-Flood holds her degrees in veterinary homeopathy and canine nutrition from the British Institute of Homeopathy.

Brenda uses her extensive knowledge of human-grade essential oils, herbs and reiki for healing modalities, treating all types of animals, including farm and exotic. Phone consultations, home visits, barn visits, K-Kal requirements for canines, and nutritional consultations are also available. See ad, page 5.

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NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS L’ECUYER’S GOURMET

Renee L’Ecuyer 803-240-6428 • LEcuyersGourmet.com

L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet is an allnatural, ecofriendly, organic and chemical-free product company.

The company specializes in spices that are non-aerated, with no sulfates, fillers, MSG or GMOs. It also carries butters and oils that are organic, non-greasy, nut-free and vegan, along with a full line of chemical- and phosphatefree home care products. See all of L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet’s products at the Irmo Farmers’ Market, located at 7507 Eastview Dr, in Irmo, every 1st and 3rd Saturday. See ad, page 16.

ORGANIC MOLD AND PEST REMOVAL HOME RENEWAL INVESTORS LLC DJ Brown • 803-509-1980 djaredbrown@gmail.com HomeRenewalInvestors.com

Home Renewal uses the newest technology to kill indoor mold, odors and pests in about a day.

Results are guaranteed! Our oneof-a-kind process breaks down oxygen molecules and helps remedy 200 health issues. This nonchemical service saves as much as 99% less than the usual costs associated with wall demolition treatment methods.

It is utilized by hospitals, government agencies, schools, medical facilities, historic buildings, museums and hundreds of residents. Contact the indoor air quality experts of Home Renewal for at FREE evaluation. See ad, page 4.

OSTEOPATHY CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Dr. Bettina Herbert 843-572-1600 • coem.com

Dr. Bettina Herbert, M.D., has 25 years of osteopathic experience and is board certified in Physical Medicine. Treatment uses gentle manipulation primarily using cranial osteopathy to relieve pain, improve performance and promote healing. See ads, pages 2 and 43.

SOUL CONTRACT READING

Creativity is

allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams

THE SOURCE WITHIN YOU

Julie Bradshaw 803-800-9211 • Juleseck@aol.com TheSourceWithinYou.com

Before you came into this lifetime, you agreed to meet certain people and experience particular life lessons in order to further your soul’s growth and development.

Contact Julie for a Soul Contract Reading to discover what contracts (agreements) you made and how they are impacting your life today.

SPIRITUAL HAVE YOU HAD A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE? Contact Steve 803-318-1887 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-Spiritual-Seekers

Eckankar hosts free, informal, non-dogmatic spiritual discussions.

All are welcome. Topics include dreams, coincidences, past lives, God’s creative life force, and more. Call ahead. Times and dates may vary.

inspiration

EARTH GUARDIANS Kids Say No to Global Warming

by April Thompson

THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

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

About Your Health Inc.’s main focus is health education and health-enhancing services.

Including 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. 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! We are proud to say that our knowledge allows us to encourage choices that will positively impact the heath and future of our community and environment.

See ads, page 19 and back page.

WATER/HYDRATION INCREDIBLE WATER

Eddie and Nilah Gann 803-404-1378 • KangenDemo.com

Every functional process that takes place within the human body is dependent upon water in some way. With this foundational element correct, all other body processes function properly.

Incredible Water represents a Japanese company that has been changing lives for over 40 years. Individuals interested in alkaline, antioxidant and cellular hydration are encouraged to call. See ad, page 31.

A

t age 6, climate change activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez gave his first speech to a packed crowd in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. Raised in the Aztec tradition, he was taught that as indigenous people, they are descendants of the land and inherit a duty to protect it.

“I felt such sadness that my generation inherited this crisis to clean up.

That night, I saw that those emotions could be channeled into action and my voice could make a difference,” says Martinez, founder and youth director of the nonprofit Earth Guardians.

Ten years later, his impassioned message has sparked a global movement. More than 2,000 “youth crews” from Bhutan to Brazil are fighting climate change and improving their communities in other ways.

These activists aren’t yet old enough to vote, but are still making their voices heard by global policymakers. On their behalf, Martinez delivered a plea to representatives from 192 countries at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on climate change last year, asking for stronger measures to protect both the planet and its people. He particularly pointed to the ever-increasing “climate refugees” that have lost their homes to rising oceans and other havoc caused

by Earth’s warming trend.

Although Martinez serves on

President Obama’s youth council, he and 20 other young plaintiffs filed a landmark lawsuit earlier this year against the federal government for failing to protect its citizens from climate change. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order requiring America’s president to establish a national plan to decrease atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide to “safe” levels by 2100.

At home, Martinez is working with Boulder County community and environmental organizations to locally eliminate pesticides from parks, charge for plastic bags at retail, regulate coal ash emissions and ban fracking.

EarthGuardians.org offers many ways anyone can plug into the movement, whether taking individual actions to lighten our carbon footprint, creating school gardens or signing its Silence into Action pledge, inspired

by Martinez’s younger brother Itzcuauhtli’s 45-day silence strike for climate action.

“The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Whatever makes you come alive, use that passion to make a difference,” says Martinez, whose performances as a pianist and hip-hop artist inform and enliven music festivals worldwide. “Together, we can create a legacy we can be proud to pass on to the next generation.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

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