THE UPSIDE

THE UPSIDE OF LOCKDOWNS Air Gets Cleaner Around the Globe

by Kimberly B. Whittle

Around the world, the COVID-19 outbreak. Their research shows that NO 2 pandemic has changed the way pollution over Chinese cities decreased millions of people live their dayby an average of 40 percent during the to-day lives, but despite their dire conselockdown compared to the same period quences, government-mandated lockdowns in 2019. have had an unintended positive conseAcross the United Kingdom, the quence: cleaner air. reduction in traffic and industry similarly

In China, as major cities shuttered impacted the climate. Within the first six factories and reduced transportation earlier weeks of lockdowns, in London, Birmingthis year, experts found that carbon emisham, Bristol and Cardiff, NO 2 and fine parsions dropped by about 100 million tons ticulate pollutant levels dropped by a third over a two-week period. Scientists at the to half, with large declines recorded in other Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronocities. These are the two air pollutants that my, in Brussels, are using satellite measurehave the biggest health impacts on people, ments of air quality to estimate the changes says James Lee, professor of atmospheric in nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 )—a pollutant chemistry at the University of York and emitted into the air when fossil fuels are research fellow at the National Centre for burned—over the major epicenters of the Atmospheric Science.

The U.S. has been part of these trends, as well. In Los Angeles, known for its smog, the air quality index improved by about 20 percent during March. According to Yifang Zhu, a professor at the University of California (UC) Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, during March, the region recorded the longest stretch of “good” air quality that it has experienced for 25 years.

NASA has observed significant air quality improvements in other parts of the U.S., as well. Satellite data for March showed that the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions had the lowest monthly atmospheric levels of NO 2 that month since 2005. Data on NO 2 from the Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument over the Northeast in March indicated that levels of the pollutant in March of this year were about 30 percent lower on average across the region of the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston than the mean of the previous five years.

Another immediate benefit of the reduction in pollutants is their effect on the pandemic itself. Public health experts agree people that have higher long-term exposure to fine particulate pollution have a 15 percent greater likelihood of dying from COVID-19. They attribute this to the lung damage caused over time by air pollution, combined with the fact that the virus targets the lungs and increases the risk of pneumonia.

Experts warn, however, that the cleaner air is likely to be temporary if we return to pre-COVID-19 levels of travel and industry. Although we have seen a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels—another important contributor to global warming—have continued to rise. “The crisis has slowed emissions, but not enough to show up perceptibly [in CO 2 levels everywhere]. What will matter much more is the trajectory we take

Jan. 1-20, 2020

Feb. 10-25, 2020

Stevens, J. NASA Earth Observatory (2020, January/February) Airborne Nitrogen Dioxide Plummets Over China

March 2015-19 Avg.

March 2020

Schindler, T. L. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio (2015-2020, March)

coming out of this situation,” geochemist Ralph Keeling, who directs the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s CO 2 monitoring program at UC San Diego, told The Washington Post. But it’s possible that if people start expecting and demanding the cleaner air we have been enjoying during the pandemic, the coronavirus shutdowns could lead us to embrace new ways of living and working.

Scientists worldwide have emphasized that most of the air quality improvement is due to a reduction in traffic. Ed Avol, a professor of clinical preventive medicine at the University of Southern California, told Forbes that telecommuting is here to stay. “Telecommuting from home for those who can, even just for a couple of days a week, can have a marked reduction in terms of emissions.”

Kimberly B. Whittle is the founder and CEO of KnoWEwell.com, a community and marketplace platform committed to rigorous, evidenced-based research that empowers healthier living. To learn more, visit KnoWEwell.com or see ad on page 35.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received by August 10 (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

At the Table Online, Zoom and Facebook Live

Classes–Sharon is offering Zoom cooking classes for all ages (kids’ class teaches cooking fundamentals and healthy food choices), Zoom plant-based cooking classes, and family and group online Zoom cooking parties. Info/cost: Call Sharon at 803-238- 5876 or visit AtTheTablellc.com. Canvases With Candace Virtual Art School–We are providing art “at-home” kits. Our kits include online instruction with live teaching and interaction. Enrolling students daily hoping to connect to the home-school population and collaborate with their learning styles and structures. Join on Facebook at Facebook.com/canvaseswithcandace, or contact Candace at 718-924-1752 or CanvasesWithCandace@gmail.com. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376- 6293 to schedule an appointment. Rooted Community Yoga Classes–Sundays, 10am–All Levels Flow with Lindsay; Mondays, 6pm–All Levels Flow with Anne; Tuesdays, 6pm–Yoga Sculpt with Aria; Wednesdays, 9:30am–Pilates with Jessica; Thursdays, 9am–All Levels Flow with Pam; Fridays, 10:30am–All Levels Flow with Anne; Saturdays, 9am–Dynamic All Levels Flow in the Park with Aria. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info/cost: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

AUGUST 1-20 ICRC Fall Athletic Registration–Register for fall sports through Aug 20. Cheer, boys and girls lacrosse, cross country, flag and tackle football, golf, soccer, adult softball and volleyball academy. Tackle football must register at Crooked Creek Park, call 803-345-6181 or Seven Oaks Park, call 803-772-3336 for details. Register online at icrc.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki II Class–10am-6pm. Learn how to scan your body for blockages in the energy field and alleviate it. Cost: Introductory price of $250, manual included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Call Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811 or visit ReikiByJoy.com. Melvin Park Summer Movie Series–6:30- 10:30pm. Family movie night. Arts, crafts and food truck. Movie starts at 8:45pm. Frozen II. Free. All ages. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.

SUNDAYS AUGUST 9, 16, 23 & 30 & SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 6 & 13 Introduction to A Course in Miracles–1:30-3pm. 6 weeks via Zoom. Our current world climate of sickness and conflict must be forgiven and healed. Please become the savior of your world. Download a free app of ACIM Original Edition and join the At-ONE-ment. Suggested donation: $55. All welcome. Info: Call Joy Lee Connor, facilitator, at 803-447-6499.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Intuitive Development Level 1 Class–10am-6pm. Learn about your brain, higher self, unconscious mind, telepathy and more. Cost: $99, e-book included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Call Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811.

ongoing events

sunday

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Every 2nd Sunday. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Spiritual Director Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. Guided Meditation–2pm. Aug 2, Meet Your Guides; Aug 9, Meet Your Spirit Animal Guides; Aug 16, Get Your Life Back on Track; Aug 23, Work with Your Inner Child. Cost: $10. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Call Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811. Learning to Flourish and Empower–8:30pm. Every Sunday. Zoom and discover Arbonne. Be the best you can be. Earn extra money while helping others. Info: Call Sasha Davis at 803-665-4352. monday

Restoration Health and Wellness for Functional

Fitness–8am. Every Monday. Virtual class with John Harris. Train your muscles for performing the daily tasks of living. Raise your heart rate and work on strength, balance/coordination, power, range of motion and mobility. Sign up on Mindbody at The Rooted Community. Info/cost/details: 803-730-3976. tuesday

Healthy at Home Facebook Live–7pm. Every Tuesday. Please join Ms Tracy for her Healthy at Home segment live on Facebook. Info: Call Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or email OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

wednesday

Debtors Anonymous–6-7pm. Every Wednesday. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. Find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the 12-step principles. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. thursday

Restoration Health and Wellness for Functional

Fitness–6pm. Every Thursday. Virtual class with John Harris. Train your muscles for performing the daily tasks of living. Raise your heart rate and work on strength, balance/coordination, power, range of motion and mobility. Sign up on Mindbody at The Rooted Community. Info/cost/details: 803-730-3976. friday

A Talk on A Course in Miracles–6:30pm. Every 2nd Friday. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Facilitator Gina Gibson continues a series of monthly talks. Q&A to follow. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. saturday

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Every 2nd Saturday. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Minister Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

Columbia Resilience Integrated Health Com

munity Clinic–10am-2pm. Every 1st Saturday. CranioSacral Therapy, energy-based modalities, self-care techniques, and a simple meal are offered by trauma-trained practitioners for the relief of chronic stress and post-trauma care. Suggested donation: $15/session. First-come, first-served. Only six participants permitted in clinic at any one time according to COVID-19 guidelines. Call for waiting times. St Mark United Methodist Church, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Info/appointment: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576. Health on Digital Radio–1pm. Every Saturday. Health, Hope and Healing digital radio broadcast. WDRB media on iHeart Radio or TuneIn app. Info/cost: Call Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or email OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

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

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 24.

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 3 and back page. CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 8. FLEX CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic i n d u s t r y, o u r t e a m i s knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good oldfashioned know-how, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!

COLLABORATIVE LAW LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT 109 N Main St, Blythewood 803-786-1758 • ShannonBurnettlaw.com Shannon.skblaw@gmail.com Shannon Burnett helps families through legal issues that normally tend to tear families apart. She works in a collaborative fashion with other trained professionals to minimize the damage done to your family; it is her goal for your family to achieve a successful outcome and healthy resolution. COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com All disease begins in the colon. Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 8.

CRANIOSACRAL CHI ENERGY BALANCE Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 1544 Highway 6, Gaston 803-749-1576 ChiEnergyBalance.com Pamila is a former hospice and home-health nurse who now provides CranioSacral Therapy (CST), energy balancing, and sound vibrational healing techniques at her clinic in Gaston and in in-home settings. CST and sound healing are "light touch" therapies that are offered while the client is fully dressed and resting on a massage table or chair. CST has a profound positive effect in facilitating relief of conditions related to chronic stress, physical and emotional trauma, and neuromuscular and nervous system impairment. Group sessions for sound and vibrational healing are limited to three participants due to COVID-19 guidelines. Individual home sessions are offered with restrictions. Remote energy healing sessions are scheduled according to the client’s need. Schedule appointments online at ChiEnergyBalance.com or text to 803-749-1576.

DISTANCE HEALING JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Touch for Health Instructor and Consultant Reiki Master, A Course In Miracles Teacher Chopra Instructor, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda 803-447-6499 • JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net Joy is committed to being the "Light of the World" during this time of need, offering miracles (shifts in perception). When we see differently, our mind, emotions and even our body can shift, change and HEAL. While Joy has practiced as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Columbia area for many years, she has also worked with friends and clients around the globe doing healing work. By phone, FaceTime, email, Joy offers healing sessions and consultations from 20 minutes to two hours.

Connect with us naturally!

No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.

~Christopher Morley

naturaldirectory

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.

HEALTH FOOD STORE

MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 32.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 23.

ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plantbased lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 10.

HOLISTIC FOOT CARE

SWEET FEET FOOT CARE Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Gel manicures available. Call today to learn more about our services. See ad, page 19.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

~Frank Lloyd Wright 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 5. SPIRITUAL

ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM Contact Dee 803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers.com Eckankar has suspended ALL group events worldwide through May 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this information as changes occur on our websites listed above and in this Natural Awakenings of Columbia listing. See ad, page 15.

THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 23. VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 3 and back page.

Connect with us naturally!