Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 0223

Whole Health Hub for CONSCIOUS LIVING

The Zen of Love

Tips to Detox YOUR HOME

Heart-Healthy Eats

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

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

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit Calendar Events at ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings. com or email to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

NATIONAL 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 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.

PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs

EDITOR Sara Gurgen

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella

Billy Briggs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams

Kristi Antley

SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs

WEBSITE Kristina Parella

Billy Briggs

CONTACT US

PO Box # 2812 Columbia, SC 29202 Email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com

Annette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 Website ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Layout Designer Gabrielle W-Perillo

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 154

Far Hills, NJ 07934

Ph: 239.206.2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

11 Ounces of Power to Love and Lift

What weighs 11 ounces, is only slightly larger than the average fist, but has the power to change everything? The answer, my dear friends, lies hidden within you and me— the heart. Pumping, on average, around 100,000 times each day, this amazing physiological wonder pushes about 5 quarts of blood through the human body’s blood vessels every minute—that's a whopping 2,000 gallons every day, spanning more than 60,000 miles, according to research from the Cleveland Clinic.

I find these fun heart facts truly amazing; however, most of us well know that although it weighs a mere 11 ounces and can fit in the palm of the hand, the life-changing power and potential it inherently possesses can break any scale.

The late Helen Keller—a truly inspirational woman who became blind and deaf as an infant—said it best: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.”

Friends, this is so true, but I would like to take Keller’s thoughtful reflections a little further. Though blind, Keller could “see” the “best and most beautiful things” because her 11-ounce heart was beating, as it were, to the “life-lifting,” inspirational rhythm and power of love. However, in this day and age, as I look at what’s happening around the world, read the headlines and gaze into the eyes of so many people, my heart is heavy. Many individuals are blinded by selfishness, filled with intolerance and controlled by destructive emotions that fuel behavior to do the unspeakable.

So, how do we fix this? Well, it’s quite simple. February is love month, and our world needs more of it. Open wide the windows of greater possibilities that can maximize your 11 ounces of power and allow the light of love to lift you to the “most beautiful things,” which are hope, acceptance, unity, peace, unselfishness and compassion. If we do this together, everything will change, and the world will become a much better place.

Annette Carter Briggs, Publisher

Kingfisher Strength: A Cut Above the Rest

Located at 1011 Rauch-Metz Road, in Irmo, Kingfisher Strength is Lake Murray’s premier authentic training experience that is focused and concentrated on strength training and transformation. Kingfisher offers its members a variety of options and programs, including small group lessons, personal training sessions, and classes designed for women. The health benefits of focused and concentrated resistance training include reduced fat, improved bone and cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and enhanced brain health. Where can this amazing health and wellness transformation take place? At Kingfisher Strength.

Kingfisher offers fundamental strength-development training, which blends foundational compound exercises, such as squats, bench presses, pull ups, shoulder presses and others, with balance training and accessory work to introduce and improve top-end strength. This class is recommended for beginners and intermediate-level candidates. Mobility programming classes (recommended for all levels) incorporate calisthenics, gymnastics and flexibility methods to increase balance, joint function and fitness. Participants explore movement patterns and functional range of motion in a low-intensity environment, resulting in decreased soreness, lower injury risk, and greater joint mobility.

In Kingfisher’s Elevate course (also recommended for all levels), participants train for muscular endurance. Whether it’s a metabolic conditioning workout through circuit training or tempo resistance lift work, the Elevate class introduces new cardiovascular stimuli to the body.

Kingfisher Strength also hosts Saturday morning youth programs designed to help kids build a strong foundation for any sport in life. The center is outfitted with Eleiko weights, considered among the best lifting products on the market. In fact, Kingfisher is the only fitness space in the Lake Murray area with specialty bars for youth and competitive lifters.

For more information, call 803-260-8514, direct message @KingfisherStrength on Instagram.com, or visit KingfisherStrength.com. See ad, page 3.

ICRC Hosts DaddyDaughter Date Night at Crooked Creek

It’s a date for dads and daughters on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Dads and grandfathers all across the Midlands are invited to bring their little princesses out to enjoy a special date night together hosted by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) at Crooked Creek Park, located at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, in Chapin. The evenings’ festivities will include a candlelight dinner, followed by a night of fun and dancing. Attendees will receive a memory photo and a goody bag. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Cost: Ages 3 to adult, $28 per person. For more information, call 803-345-6181 or visit icrc. net/event/daddy-daughter-date-night-4.

The GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant

TheScotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening are excited to announce the launch of the 2023 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant. The grant will award $500 in funding to more than 160 programs to start or continue work to improve their youth gardens or greenspaces. Nonprofit organizations; school districts; universities; government entities; or tax-exempt organizations, such as religious organizations and tribal governments (located within the United States and U.S. territories serving at least 15 youth) are eligible to apply. Applications are due by Friday, February 10.

Applicants must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or qualify as tax-exempt. If an organization has not achieved 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt status, it may apply for a GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant by partnering with a fiscal sponsor that has achieved such status. Previous winners of the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant must wait two years after receiving an award to apply again. Winners will be announced and contacted by email by Friday, March 17. A list of winners will also be posted on KidsGardening.org on that date. Awards will be distributed in April.

For more information, visit KidsGardening.org/grant-opportunities.

KMB Hosts Adopt-AHighway Campaign

On Saturday, February 11, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is hosting an Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) campaign in the Midlands area. Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate. The AAH program is sponsored by the S.C. Department of Transportation and coordinated by KMB for roads in Richland and Lexington counties. KMB also coordinates the Adopt-AStreet program for the city of Columbia. Through these important sustainable partnering programs, caring citizens can take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the Midlands, which cultivates great benefits, such as tourism advancement, scenic beautification, improved quality of life, and raised educational and environmental awareness.

For more information and details about this Adopt-A-Highway campaign, including the location, call 803-733-1139, email Lauren@ KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

Francis Marion National Forest Cleanup

Want to make a real difference? Join other volunteers assisting PalmettoPride for the 16th annual Francis Marion National Forest Cleanup, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 4. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, longsleeve shirts and sturdy shoes. Gloves, bags and vests will be provided. Masks and social distancing will be required. Weather-appropriate outerwear is recommended. All volunteers should meet at the U.S. Forest Service Office, located at 2967 Steed Creek Road, in Huger, South Carolina.

For more information or to volunteer, call 803-758-6034 or email MHFeeley@PalmettoPride.org. Also visit PalmettoPride.org.

Columbia Water and RCSM Host Blue Thumb Conference

OnFriday, February 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater Management (RCSM) are hosting their 2023 Blue Thumb Landscaper Conference at the Busby Street Community Center, located at 1735 Busby Street, in Columbia. Conference topics will include outdoor integrated pest management, stormwater best management practices for landscapers, aquatic life preservation and much more. Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits for pesticide and herbicide applicator licenses.

For more information, visit Eventbrite.com/e/bluethumb2023-tickets-477268532027.

Garden Asana— Grass Roots Yoga at Gardener’s Outpost

On Thursday, February 23, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., Gardener’s Outpost is hosting its Garden Asana—Grass Roots Yoga class at its newest location: 1211 Franklin Street, in Columbia. Just like the original Shandon Rosewood location, the new larger location focuses on Gardener’s Outpost’s core items and services, such as growing organic food and nourishing the environment with only healthy ingredients. However, the Franklin Street location also features an outside garden center that offers a large selection of trees and shrubs, a growing greenhouse, and spacious areas for guests to experience and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Cost: $15. For more information, call 803-851-1905 or visit GardenersOutpost.com/events. See ad, page 33.

ICRC Hosts Drive-In Movie Night at Saluda Shoals Park

On Saturday, February 25, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting a drive-in movie night at Saluda Shoals Park featuring Top Gun: Maverick. The movie will begin around 6:30 p.m., and there will be local area food trucks on-site to serve guests.

Cost: $15 (per car). Location: The Fields at Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/drive-movie-night-saluda-shoalspark-top-gun-maverick.

ICRC Hosts Sweetheart Dance at Seven Oaks

On Friday, February 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Sweetheart Dance at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Parents, guardians and their children are invited out for a fun evening that includes dinner, dancing, a memory photo, and goody bag. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Cost: Ages 3 to adult, $28 per person. For more information, call 803772-3336 or visit icrc.net/event/sweetheart-dance.

EEASC Hosts February Midlands

Meetup

It’s time to meet up! On Saturday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting a green networking “meetup” informal session for environmental educators at Kalmia Gardens, located at 1624 West Carolina Avenue, in Hartsville. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared to share upcoming event information (to include flyers) and sustainable program updates with the gathered group in this intentionally informal setting.

The day’s activities will begin with a guided tour of beautiful Kalmia Gardens and conclude with a networking session. As a note, closed toe shoes are required to navigate stairs, hills and woodland trails. Attendees are asked to bring a bag lunch.

Cost: Free. For more information or to register, visit eeasc.org/ event-5119996.

ICRC Hosts Indoor Garage Sale

On Saturday, February 11, from 7 to 11 a.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) will host a garage sale at Crooked Creek Park, located at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, in Chapin. Residents throughout the Midlands are encouraged to clean out the garage, attic, kids’ rooms and closets, and bring those hidden treasures to Crooked Creek to sell. Make sure to drop by and check out all of the great bargains. Anyone interested in participating as a vendor should call or stop by the park for participation details.

Cost: Free to enter. For more information or for vendor details, call 803-772-1228 (ICRC main office) or 803-345-6181 (Crooked Creek Park). Also visit icrc.net/event/indoor-yard-sale-13.

EEASC Hosts Annual Conference in June

TheEnvironmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting its annual conference for formal and non-formal educators from Wednesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 24. The conference’s theme is InclusivitEE: Environmental Education for Everyone. Conference highlights generally include informative sessions, hands-on workshops, team activities, field trips, exhibitors, networking opportunities and more.

EEASC is also seeking conference sponsors. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $5,000. Sponsors will receive a complimentary vendor exhibit table at the conference networking session scheduled on Friday afternoon, June 23. In addition, sponsor logos will be featured throughout the conference. Additional sponsorship event perks can be found at eeasc.org/sponsor. EEASC is a nonprofit association with a leadership role in environmental and natural resource conservation education in South Carolina.

For more information, including cost, email Admin@eeasc.org or visit eeasc.org.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but building the new.

-Socrates

The 2023 Great American Cleanup

It’stime for the Great American Cleanup! Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is celebrating the Great American Cleanup’s 25th year this year. Throughout the months of March, April and May, KAB, in partnership with Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), is hosting the national Great American Cleanup program across the Midlands. The Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community-improvement program, takes place every year from March 1 through May 31, and involves more than 3 million volunteers and participants comprising more than 20,000 communities across the nation.

The cleanup program is designed and tailored to the unique needs of local neighborhoods and communities throughout the state and nation. Activities will include beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning waterways, holding recycling collections, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events. KMB will loan out gloves, vests, bags and grabbers for the cleanup efforts.

Important Note: As the country continues to deal with the pandemic, it is as important as ever to help end litter across our great nation. This means that we should all make sure that waste (including personal protective equipment) is properly disposed of or recycled when feasible. Regarding litter collection, Great American Cleanup event organizers have been provided clear guidance to ensure that volunteer health is the highest priority. All cleanups should adhere to guidelines and safeguards as outlined by federal, state and local public health officials.

For more information, call 803-733-1139, email Lauren@KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful. org, or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org or kab.org.

Accelerate Healing with Energy.

Using light energy through distance healing, your healing process can move forward more smoothly.

“My knee was warm for about 3 full hours after I left. It seemed to heal further after I slept the first couple of nights. While my knee was not healed 100%, it was significantly better and I was able to go on my Montana ski trip the next week.

P.S. Another month after my ski trip my knee has continued to improve.”

Robert, Gainesville, GA

Practicing by donation for nearly 10 years. Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit https://www.distancehealer.me

W rite it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year .

-ralph Waldo emerson

Zinc for Colds and Flu

A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms.

In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).

Herbal Toothpaste Deemed Safe and Effective

Toothpaste containing certain plant-derived extracts was found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis, according to a study published in Dentistry Journal The authors noted that people should still get regular, in-depth cleanings and treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and that antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis were given an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which time they brushed twice daily. The experimental toothpaste contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients.

The herbs used in the study showed positive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial actions. Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.

Put On a Happy Face

According to a new study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Human Behaviour, positioning our facial muscles into a smile can actually cause us to feel happier. Researchers collected data from 3,878 participants across 19 countries, using three techniques:

n Mimicking facial expressions of actors seen in photos

n Moving the corners of their mouths to their cheeks using only their facial muscles

n Using the “pen-in-mouth” technique, which moves facial muscles in a simulated smile shape

The study found a noticeable increase in feelings of happiness from people that mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginseng

by Gena Sara Akright, Certified Holistic Doula

Ithink we can all agree that prime-time television advertisements can be super misleading, especially when it comes to discovering the newest vitamins! “Buy this new physician-approved synthetic vitamin to have complete protection from cold and flu season!”—not exactly! Yet many eventually end up falling for such empty promises at some point. I always encourage folks that desire the most recent holistic research to check in with their local health food stores. There, one can find employees educated and knowledgeable enough to recommend the right product options based upon one’s individual health and wellness needs.

At Garner’s Natural Life, we have discovered through modern innovative holistic medicine research that some herbal remedies are far more capable and effective than originally thought. For example, ginseng! The first health benefit that comes to mind is energy, right? Herbalists have used ginseng as an energy booster for hundreds of years. That said, recent research has revealed that the various types of ginseng are capable of more than just putting some pep in your step! In particular, Korean red ginseng is an adaptogen (meaning a natural substance known to aid the body’s response to cortisol). It can help one’s body to achieve homeostasis. Chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, non-restorative sleep, and high cholesterol are all symptoms and indicators that suggest the potential use of an adaptogen, such as ginseng. In addition to helping to mitigate stress, Korean red ginseng has several other health benefits, such as viral defense (including the stubborn influenza type A), libido and stamina support, anti-inflammatory protection, neurotransmitter support, help with cardiovascular health, diabetic control, and aid with seasonal allergies.

Personally, I don't know of anyone that wouldn’t benefit from a gentle adrenal rehabilitation! The long list includes coffee drinkers, high-powered professionals, parents and caretakers, and meno-

pausal women. The concept of consuming a natural gift from Earth that can help balance hormones, prevent illness, and induce energy and happiness seems hard to imagine.

There are many factors to consider regarding the use of ginseng, such as whether it is soil or hydroponically grown and what form it is in—powder, extract, tincture, pill or chewable. I like to recommend a reputable brand that manufactures Korean red ginseng in a very specific way. Terry Naturally, by EuroPharma, offers an ultra-clean ginseng product that is produced for maximum absorbency. Unfortunately, it is very common for people to develop intestinal plaque, which can lead to myriad uncomfortable digestive issues. It is also beneficial to detox regularly to improve nutrient absorption.

Fortunately, cutting-edge scientists today are finding ways to process plants into medicines that promote maximum absorption. Terry Naturally begins with hydroponically grown Korean red ginseng—unexposed to pesticides. Ginseng whole root extraction makes use of the entire ginseng root. Terry Naturally's extraction method worked extremely well in clinical studies, producing noble ginsenosides seven times stronger than usual. The outcomes provided a substantial amount of positive data. Clinical participants reported the following: 72 percent stamina increase, 67 percent overall energy increase, 48 percent cognitive performance improvement, and 46 percent sleep improvement. Terry Naturally produces ginseng in either capsule or chewable form. Try one today!

Garner’s Natural Life has two Midlands locations: 4840 Forest Dr., in Columbia (in Trenholm Plaza, next to Starbucks), and 5166 Sunset Blvd., Ste. C, in Lexington. For more information, call 803-454-7700 (Columbia) or 803-973-3001 (Lexington). Also visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ad, page 2 and back page.

One Step Closer to Fusion Power

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This is a major scientific breakthrough decades and billions of dollars in the making, paving the way for us to be able to produce clean fusion energy. Fusion power is considered a game-changer because it would allow us to produce electricity with no carbon footprint or radioactive waste, using fewer resources than it takes to harness solar and wind power.

On December 5, 2022, the LLNL team conducted the first controlled fusion experiment in history to reach what is known as “scientific energy breakeven”, meaning that it produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it. Merely a theory until now, fusion combines two light nuclei to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. To achieve this milestone, LLNL built a series of powerful laser systems housed in a facility the size of a sports stadium. The lasers create temperatures and pressures comparable to cores of stars and giant planets.

There are still enormous challenges to be tackled in the decades ahead. The first is to develop machinery capable of affordably turning the reaction into electricity without destroying the machinery in the process. The hope is to address these challenges in time to have a positive impact on climate change.

Reforestation Is More Than Planting Trees

The United Nations designated 2021 to 2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. To that end, the European Union and 26 nations, along with donor support, recently pledged $16 billion to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests. A significant portion of the monies will be spent on reforestation.

Many reforestation projects focus on the number of trees planted, with less attention to how well they survive, how diverse the resulting forests are or how much carbon they store. A study of data from 176 reforestation sites found that on average only 44 percent of newly planted trees last more than five years, with some sites reporting a sapling survival rate of less than 20 percent. Several studies have explored ways to improve survival rates. Promising measures include planting near mature trees, fencing out cattle, improving soil conditions, planting native species first to pave the way for other tree species and involving local people to support reforestation efforts.

Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic

The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity.

Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes).

Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.

KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings Join Families

KnoWEwell, P.B.C., the Regenerative Whole Health benefits and services company, acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation in December, 2022. “This is a transformational moment for both companies. Readers and consumers looking for trusted knowledge and education related to whole health, sustainable green living and community connections, locally and globally, will surely benefit from this collaboration,” says Kimberly Whittle, CEO of both companies.

Whittle is quick to celebrate the visionary behind Natural Awakenings , which has had an almost 30-year run across American cities, saying, “I am thankful for the tremendous leadership, vision and spirit that Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman instilled in this great publication—which I have been reading, enjoying and benefitting from for many years—and I look forward to continuing her legacy as part of the KnoWEwell family.”

Natural Awakenings is—and will continue to be—a franchise with scores of publishers in different markets. “As a franchisee, each publisher manages their own magazine, collaborating with local businesses and producing hyperlocal news reporting and feature stories about people and events in their hometowns. Because they’re right there, they are wellequipped to connect readers with the best

local resources. Publishers also are able to offer their readers national articles that are produced by a team of professional journalists. It’s the best of both worlds,” says Whittle.

KnoWEwell operates the Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a digital ecosystem, community and marketplace that centralizes global health and well-being knowledge, resources and connections. With a mission to transform health care, it is connecting the dots between regenerative organic agriculture, lifestyle choices, social issues and environmental solutions to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address the root causes of chronic disease and achieve “WELLthier Living”.

KnoWEwell’s acquisition will have minimal impact on local magazine operations. “Moving forward, we’re looking for ways that the two companies can complement each other and also support our publishers at each location in their quest to offer the best content,” Whittle says. “We’re growing a movement as we share knowledge, celebrate healing success stories, provide access to evidence-based resources and create meaningful connections while helping today’s consumers, whole-health providers, mission-aligned nonprofits, businesses and advertisers thrive. Together, we’re addressing global, local and personal issues—the nexus for consumer consciousness, healing and hope.”

PUBLISHING CORPORATION

The right food choices don’t just prevent heart disease and help shrink artery plaque, they also nourish and heal the heart. For a healthy ticker, enjoy these five food groups every day.

Fabulous Fiber

Fiber is the roughage in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, and it is loaded with age-busting nutrients. Eating fiber suppresses appetite, promotes weight loss, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation and feeds a healthy gut microbiome.

The challenge is to get more fiber every day. Too often, people consume fiber from processed grains and flour, and the sugar load that comes with grain fiber has many adverse impacts on heart health. The best option is to enjoy daily fiber from the following sources: three cups of colorful vegetables; two pieces of fruit, such as one cup of berries and one apple; two handfuls of nuts and seeds; and one-half to one cup of beans.

Smart Fat

Clinical studies show that enjoying fats

Nourish the Heart

FOODS THAT PROMOTE CARDIAC HEALING

by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS

from seafood, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts decreases the risk of a heart attack and stroke without causing weight gain. Healthy fats improve cholesterol levels, assist with blood sugar control, are critical for the brain, improve hormone balance and reduce inflammation.

Fats enhance the texture of food, adding that smooth, creamy mouth feel to a meal that makes eating a pleasure. Enjoy healthy fats from avocados, seeds and dark chocolate daily.

Clean (Not Mean) Protein

Raising animals in large-scale conventional operations with cruel living conditions is not just mean, it also produces less nutritious meat that can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Choose clean protein instead, which does not contain added hormones, pesticides and other toxins. Good sources of protein are organic dairy products and eggs, wild seafood and animal protein that has been grass-fed or organically fed while living on open pasture. Beans are also a great protein-packed choice that improves blood sugar and cholesterol profiles. They are the most powerful anti-aging food ever tested.

Beneficial Beverages

Start with at least four cups of water per day. It doesn’t matter whether it’s flat or sparkling, so long as it’s pure. Pure water can be purchased or made at home or at work with a reverse osmosis filter system.

Except for people that are caffeine sensitive, one to two servings of caffeinated beverages can be enjoyed daily. In mod-

eration, those tea and coffee pigments are good for us.

Don’t forget a fiber- and protein-rich smoothie to stay satisfied and revved up all morning. A balanced and delicious recipe includes one serving of protein powder, frozen organic cherries or blueberries, almond milk and chia seeds.

Take advantage of the option to enjoy wine with dinner—just be sure to limit wine intake to no more than two servings daily. Avoid any beverage with added sugar or commercial sweeteners. Don’t be fooled into drinking juice; without the fiber, fruit juice is much closer to drinking soda than to eating fruit.

Powerful Probiotics

Not only do probiotics help gut function—a healthy gut microbiome decreases inflammation and supports weight control. The latest research reveals that the microbes in the gut have a dramatic impact on the risk for heart disease, as well. Because healthy microbes feed on fiber, eating fiber is good for the gut microbiome, too.

The right gut microbes offer numerous benefits. They lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist with weight loss, decrease inflammation and decrease production of trimethylamine N-oxide (also known as TMAO), a marker for heart disease. Support the gut microbiome by eating probiotic food sources daily, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled veggies and miso.

Dr. Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Learn more at DrMasley.com.

FRITTATA WITH SPINACH, MUSHROOMS AND CHEESE

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

½ pound fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems removed, chopped

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ medium sweet onion, finely chopped

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

½ tsp sea salt

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning

2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

8 large cage-free, organically fed eggs

2 Tbsp organic, whole fat milk (or sour cream)

½ cup organic Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated

¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Place spinach in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and allow to steam on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain; squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

Heat a sauté pan to medium heat; add olive oil, then onion; stir occasionally. After 1 minute, add mushrooms and continue heating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms have softened. Add garlic and Italian herbs and heat 1 minute, then remove from heat.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Stir in the Comté or Gruyère cheese, steamed spinach and sautéed onions with mushrooms.

Grease a pie dish with extra virgin olive oil, then pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it has the texture of custard—trembling and barely

½ tsp fines herbes (or Italian herb seasonning), dried

3 small zucchini, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2½ cups)

2 small yellow squash, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)

2 Tbsp white wine

3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2½ cups)

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp fresh rosemary, diced

1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

⅛ tsp paprika or cayenne powder (or to taste)

set. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes of baking, but don’t over-bake, or it will get tough. Check it 5 minutes before it’s supposed to be done.

This recipe and photo were excerpted from The Mediterranean Method. ©2019 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Harmony Books. All rights reserved.

Can be served hot or cold and usually tastes better when served the next day. Steam eggplant on the stove top for 6 minutes or microwave in a glass container for 4 minutes. Cook until tender.

RATATOUILLE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 medium eggplant (remove ends and any damaged skin), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium sweet onion, diced

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp oregano, dried

1 lb firm tofu, cubed, or 15 oz cooked cannellini beans (optional)

Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, and/ or thyme)

This fragrant side dish from southern France is packed with nutrients. It goes well with chicken or fish, and especially a soufflé. To convert this from a side dish to a complete meal, add 1 pound of cubed tofu or 15 ounces of cooked cannellini beans.

Heat a pan on medium heat and add olive oil; add the onion, salt, black pepper, oregano and fines herbes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent. Add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and wine; stir. Cover and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 10 minutes, until squash softens and the flavors blend. For a touch of heat, add paprika or cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.

CIOPPINO (ITALIAN SEAFOOD STEW)

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

¼ tsp sea salt

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil)

¼ tsp ground black pepper

3 large carrots, chopped

1 medium fennel bulb, chopped into ½-inch pieces (or 3 celery stalks)

1 cup red wine

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce

2 cups low sodium vegetable or fish broth

1 pound mussels and/or clams in the shell, scrubbed clean

1 pound fresh whitefish, cut into 1-inch pieces (tilapia, cod, snapper, catfish)

½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 large sea scallops

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Heat a large stew pot over medium-high heat. Add oil, onions, salt, mushrooms, herbs and black pepper; stir for 2 minutes. Add carrots and fennel; cook another 2 minutes. Add wine to deglaze for 30 seconds while stirring. Add bell pepper, tomato sauce and broth; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, unless the seafood is super fresh, soak fish, shrimp and scallops in orange juice or milk for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain when ready to add them to the pot.

Bring another pan with a steamer tray to a boil; add the mussels and/or clams; cook until they open, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the liquid for later use.

Increase the temperature under the large stew pot to medium-high and add the fish, shrimp and scallops. Heat 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and fish is cooked. Add the drained mussels and clams plus 1 cup of the reserved clam/mussel liquid; simmer another minute.

Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with parsley. This stew is fabulous accompanied with a tossed green salad on the side or as a second course. Be sure to set the table with additional large bowls for discarded shells.

Recipe excerpted from The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up by Steven Masley, M.D. Copyright © 2021 by Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Deciphering Egg Carton Labels

There are many egg choices in the grocery store with different labels— cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, organic. Here is what these terms mean.

CAGE-FREE

Cage-free eggs are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as eggs laid by hens that are able to roam vertically and horizontally in indoor spaces while having access to fresh food and water. Although this method of egg production is considered to be more humane than the longtime standard of battery cages, some cage-free farms may restrict outdoor grazing, and their hens’ nutrition may not be as good as that of hens allowed outside.

FREE-RANGE

Free-range hens follow the same rules as cage-free, with the added requirement of having access to the outdoors during their laying cycle. How much time the hens are permitted to spend outside is open to interpretation, although some animal welfare groups define it as at least six hours per day of outdoor access with at least two square feet of outdoor space per bird.

PASTURE-RAISED

This term isn’t defined by the USDA, but if eggs come with a third-party animal welfare certification seal, more robust standards of care have been applied. Certified Humane and American Humane Certified both expect pasture-raised, egg-laying hens to have at least 108 square feet of pasture with live vegetation, and for those fields to be rotated so that fresh vegetation is always available. Having access to the outdoors year-round means they must also have access to a barn for protection from predators. Pasture-raised (and organic eggs described below) often have darker, yellower yolks and contain less cholesterol, which may be due to the continuous access to live vegetation and because they have more omega-3 fatty acids.

ORGANIC

Organic egg-laying hens must be provided with 100 percent organic feed without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. They must also be able to graze outside for at least 120 days per year and are given antibiotics only in the event of an infection.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Local or locally produced eggs must originate less than 400 miles from the processing facility or within the state the eggs originated from and were processed in.

Vegetarian fed ensures that no animal byproducts were used to feed the hens. Grass fed is not defined by the USDA. No hormones is a misleading term, as the USDA has banned the use of hormones, and all eggs are hormone-free.

Web Buttons Inc/AdobeStock.com

A New Chapter— Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope

by Brooke Goode

In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.

By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest fran-

chise publishing network in the health and wellness industry.

As the magazine’s 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, Natural Awakenings was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, “The why that has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission statement that inspired me to create Natural Awakenings: to inspire and empower people

to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”

The world’s delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. “The critical issues we now address in Natural Awakenings like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency,” Bruckman said. “The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on grander scale.”

Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder and CEO of KnoWEwell. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match.com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.

A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.”

Combining her entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings, KnoWEwell’s mission is to transform health care by inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic

diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.

Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings, creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.

A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help

Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.

While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”

Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat

Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.

Hope for People and Planet

Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, “Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes.” Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.

Rodale Institute, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crises. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”

Research by Rodale Institute has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale Institute researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”

Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This

health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.

Looking Forward

The World Economic Forum reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper “The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism.

The good news is that the local Natural Awakenings print magazines, together with KnoWEwell's Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a global digital ecosystem, are forging the paradigm shift. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. “We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all—our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”

Virinaflora/shutterstock.com Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor.

RHYTHMS OF THE HEART IMPROVING MOOD WITH VAGUS NERVE TONING

by Kirby Baldwin

While most people consider the brain to be the power center of the body, the heart is stronger in several ways. In research pioneered by the HeartMath Institute in the 1990s, the heart has been found to be 40 to 60 times stronger than the brain electrically and about 100 times stronger magnetically.

HeartMath studies heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the naturally occurring beat-to-beat changes in heart rate and rhythms, and is a key marker of overall health, resiliency and longevity. HeartMath discovered people could train themselves to improve their HRV and, as a result, their ability to regulate emotions by using breath as a type of biofeedback.

Central to this work is the vagus nerve, a main component of the parasympathetic nervous system that carries signals at an unconscious level between the brain, heart and digestive system. Due to its many functions, particularly controlling mood, researchers have targeted the vagus nerve in treating depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

According to a 2018 study, “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders,” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Treatments that target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production. Both are important mechanisms of resiliency. The stimulation of vagal afferent fibers in the gut influences monoaminergic brain systems in the brain stem that play crucial roles in major psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Since the vagal tone is correlated with capacity to regulate stress responses and can be influenced by breathing, its increase through meditation and yoga likely contribute to resilience and the mitigation of mood and anxiety symptoms.”

Vagal tone tells us how well the vagus nerve is functioning, and it is measured indirectly by HRV. A toned vagus nerve can help regulate the nervous system and improve digestion, heart health

and breathing rate. It can also counter the body’ s “fight” response and help us relax and bounce back from daily stresses by boosting the “rest-and-digest” response, which also boosts HRV.

Because the vagus nerve is integral to the gut-brain connection, Michael Ruscio, DNM, DC, writes that lifestyle practices that are good for the gut and brain, like diet, exercise and deep breathing, can improve vagal tone. The Cleveland Clinic states that the vagus nerve can be naturally strengthened through meditation, massage, music therapy and cold-water immersion.

Other non-invasive methods of stimulating the vagus nerve include lightly tapping the chest while holding the breath, as well as light-to-moderate massage in areas near the vagus nerve. Because the nerve connects to the throat, gargling with salt water and laughing have also been proposed as potential interventions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, and there are ongoing studies to expand its use for other health conditions and disorders. This is an invasive solution, as the device is surgically implanted under the skin on the chest.

Bruce Cryer, co-founder and former CEO of HeartMath, says, “We could all use a helping hand to get into our happy place” in these uncertain times. The 40-year wellness leader recently turned to Sensate, a new personal device designed to help people improve HRV and derive calming benefits without the need for extensive training in meditation or breathing techniques.

Developed by Stefan Chmelik, a physician, Sensate is a palmsized device that is simply placed on a person’s chest as it emits stress-relieving sound waves directly to the nervous system using bone conduction. Similar to the comfort a person experiences when a purring cat lies on their chest, Sensate causes the chest to resonate sound, which signals the vagus nerve to relax. When used over time, the device can train (or retrain) the vagus nerve to default to this calming state.

In a 2022 study, adults with and without anxiety and depression disorders used Sensate for an average of three and a half months, five to six days per week. After the test period, more than 70 percent of the participants reported low, mild or normal stress levels. More than 65 percent of the participants with anxiety disorder and over half of those with a depressive disorder reported an improvement in their condition.

Chmelik says, “Stress is a ‘global catastrophe’, and with a chronically stressed public, there is no will or ability to address all the other issues facing us. My goal in developing Sensate was to enable people to self-regulate more efficiently. I want to create a tipping point to create a more conscious world. As more people become aware of their breath and its connection to stress, and take advantage of the powerful tools of meditation, breath and other tools like Sensate, hopefully that tipping point is reached.”

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

BABY STEPS TO LIVING GREENER

TIPS FOR LOWERING TOXINS IN THE HOME

by Tom O'Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN

Millions of Americans are spending more time in their homes as employers embrace work-at-home arrangements following the pandemic. Many families have redesigned living spaces to accommodate one or more offices, and as they streamline their abodes, it is important to also take care of any potential hazards.

Some dangers around the house are easy to spot, like toys left in a hallway where people might trip or exposed electrical wires that could cause a fire. Other hazards are not as obvious but equally dangerous. Daily exposure to invisible household toxins, for example, can cause serious health consequences.

Almost beyond comprehension, the average person is exposed to 700,000 to 2 million toxins each day, and some of these

are “forever chemicals” that never leave the body or take decades to be expelled. This huge toxic burden can accumulate in the body, strain the immune system and compromise overall health. “The research is very clear—huge, huge, strong correlations between toxin load and most of your autoimmune diseases,” remarks Joseph Pizzorn, ND, author or co-author of six textbooks for doctors and seven consumer books, including, most recently, The Toxin Solution

The good news is that many of these threats can be corrected with a little insight, planning and budgeting. Changes to our everyday choices can go a long way toward keeping our bodies and homes healthy and safe, while also creating a greener and healthier environment.

The Air We Breathe

The air inside our homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, containing pollutants such as mold, smoke, out-gassing chemicals, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses. There are many portable HEPA and carbon air filter options available at different price points that will help remove contaminants. According to a 1989 Clean Air Study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, common houseplants can remove organic pollutants from indoor air and, when combined with activated carbon air filters, are more effective. Examples of such plants are the Boston fern, spider plant, variegated snake plant, peace lily, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena and many other inexpensive varietals.

Between the Sheets

Flame-retardant chemicals in our sheets, mattresses, mattress pads and even pajamas out-gas minute amounts that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Because we spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, it is important to ensure that the sleeping environment is as healthy as possible. Consider switching to organic cotton options for all bedroom items. Pressboard furniture is soaked with formaldehyde; replace it with solid wood pieces to reduce exposure to off-gassing. Turn off Wi-Fi at night to reduce exposure to EMF radiation. These changes can be made gradually, as the budget allows; think of them as an investment that will pay off with improved sleep and wellness

In the Kitchen

For many of us, turning on the faucet for a glass of water can produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as the “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (ewg.org/tapwater) provides a searchable database of contaminants found in drinking water by zip code. Investing in a water filtration system is a great way to avoid these chemicals. They, too, are available at different price points. Whether it’s a countertop unit, a

filter mounted on the faucet, an under-sink device or a whole-house system, the best solutions include charcoal granulation, a two-micron filter and reverse osmosis.

Smart swaps in cookware and bakeware are also a must. Begin by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, glass or cast-iron options. If replacing them all at once isn’t economically viable, start with the most damaged and scratched pans and continue as finances allow.

Food storage can be another source of toxins. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastics can leach into our food. Move away from plastic storage containers to glass, and swap plastic wrap for a non-toxic alternative like beeswax wrap or reusable bowl covers.

In the Bathroom

Clean the shower head and install a chlorine shower filter. Gradually begin to replace soap and shampoo with non-toxic products that contain all-natural ingredients; specifically look for ones that are paraben-free, gluten-free and organic.

For other personal products such as perfume, move away from synthetic fragrances, which can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and replace them with all-natural alternatives such as essential oils. Toothpaste should be gluten- and fluoride-free. Newer options contain hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral—which can be an alternative to fluoride and help remineralize teeth. Replacing makeup all at once can be costly, so begin with lipstick and lip balms and look for gluten-free alternatives.

Baby Steps

While it may feel overwhelming to embark upon a green living journey, positive change doesn’t happen all at once. Pick one area and make baby steps. Even small, incremental actions can have a powerful cumulative impact on the mind, body and planet.

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is the founder of theDr.com, author of The Autoimmune Fix and chief health officer for KnoWEwell, the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

1. Make an appointment for the Heart Sound Recorder at About Your Health (discover the nutrition your heart may need to function better)

2. Feel the good feels (watch a funny movie or tv show, spend time with loved ones, do something you love to do)

3. Reduce pro-inflammatory foods (sugar, starchy foods, vegetable oils, processed foods)

op by About Your Health in February and enter drawing for a FREE Heart Sound Recorder Appointment

Heart-Healthy Kids

SETTING A COURSE FOR CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS

by Ana-Maria Temple, M.D.

When a middle-aged, thin adult comes to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, the doctors will ask about family health history; alcohol, drug and cigarette use; current medications; and cholesterol levels. But because the person is thin, they may not question their diet. In reality, the food choices we’ve made since childhood may determine our likelihood of developing heart disease as adults. Heart-healthy diets for kids can establish a healthful baseline and set them on a path to lifelong wellness and longevity.

Studies have demonstrated that the development of coronary atherosclerosis begins in childhood. These

findings have been replicated in studies of children of different ethnic backgrounds across the globe. Characterized by the deposition of fatty material (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, atherosclerosis contributes to heart disease and heart attacks.

The immediate reaction may be to blame genetics for heart disease in young children and assume it is outside of our control, but this assumption would be wrong. Genetics are only a blueprint. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress level and our exposure to environmental toxins determine how our house is built. “Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger,” wrote Judith Stern, professor of nutrition and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center

demonstrated the effects of genetic malleability in a study involving agouti mice that have genetically mutated to produce obese offspring that develop heart disease, diabetes and cancers. The scientists fed two groups of these unhealthy mice different diets. One group ate standard mouse food. The other consumed standard mouse food plus vitamin supplements, including choline, folic acid, B12 and betaine.

The agouti mice mothers that were given a vitamin-supplemented diet produced offspring that were healthy, without evidence of heart disease or other problems, while the mice that ate a regular diet without nutritional supplementation continued to produce terribly unhealthy mice. What humans can surmise from this study is that parents have the power to alter their children’s gene expression and subsequent heart disease risk.

To raise healthy adults, a child’s nutrition is where to start. As Mark Hyman, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine, says, “Chronic disease is a food-borne illness,” and one of the biggest dietary culprits is sugar. It leads to the development of plaque in the arteries and wreaks havoc on the health of Americans. In the 1980s, the low-fat craze prompted food companies to remove fat from foods and replace it with sugar to preserve taste. A whopping 240 sugar alternatives followed, including corn syrup, rice syrup and dextrose.

The liver can process only 24 grams of added sugar per day. Any extra sugar gets turned into fat, which contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In the U.S., adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, according to the American Heart Association. That’s more than three times the amount the liver can handle.

Parents can begin to shield their children from this dangerous ingredient by steering them away from sugary drinks. We all know that sodas are full of sugar, but even organic juice boxes, sports drinks, flavored waters and coconut waters contain loads of the stuff. Choose water or coconut water without added sugar, and wean kids off of juice by gradually diluting it. Also consider fruit-infused waters or bubbly, carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Start reading food labels and encourage kids to become sugar detectives. It is not about categorizing food as evil or bad. It’s about learning together which foods and drinks help their little hearts become stronger and more resilient. When they grow up to be heart-healthy, middle-aged adults, they will be thankful.

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is an integrative pediatrician and wellness educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at DrAnaMaria.com.

Love in the Present Moment MINDFULNESS

FOR COUPLES

by Marlaina Donato

Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heart-unions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy.

Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.

Conscious Hearts

“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, in-house relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.

Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us dis-identify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution. She emphasizes that couples often go into fight-or-flight mode because they feel

threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.

Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”

Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, rec-

ommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk, cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”

A Deeper Dive

Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking questions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to

MINDFUL TIPS FOR DEEPER SEXUAL INTIMACY

FROM DEBBIE LAMBERT

Couples get too familiar with each other over time, and the wonder and curiosity leave the bedroom. To deepen the sexual experience, couples can:

n Shift from knowing to curiosity. Ask yourself, “What does my partner need in this moment?” Be in tune with subtle movements and embrace them in the moment, versus thinking this is what my partner likes.

n They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Eye-gazing in bed is a deeply spiritual activity that allows us to connect beyond our normal experiences with each other. n Smile, laugh and embrace the moment with some lightness. When we smile and laugh, we are out of our heads and into our hearts. This is where we want to spend more time in general.

FROM MACI DAYE

While most couples think they must do more to experience novelty, the best sex results from simply being there and tuning into bodily sensations. Knowing this relieves couples that are exhausted and pressured by the demands of modern life, which have been exceptional lately. They may avoid sex because they fear they must “go all the way”. However, if we are fully present, we can have magical, erotic experiences that are brief and don’t necessarily involve the genitals.

ask, “What scares you today? What is the most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”

Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance—flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the Heart

by Kirby Baldwin

Bruce Cryer has been called a Renaissance man because of a varied, four-decade career as a singer, actor, dancer, publisher, author, marketing executive, teacher and coach. In New York City, he played The Boy for 800 performances in the world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks. He co-authored the book, From Chaos to Coherence: The Power to Change Performance, was lead writer of the Harvard Business Review article titled “Pull the Plug on Stress” and taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Cryer was part of the original leadership team and former CEO of the HeartMath Institute, which has scientifically studied heart-brain communications and deepened our understanding of how the workings of the heart can influence human perceptions, emotions, intuition and health. For three decades, he has dedicated himself to developing and teaching stress reduction and resilience techniques that tap into the power and intelligence of the heart.

As one of the leaders of HeartMath, what did you hope to achieve?

Part of what motivated me to join the original HeartMath team was the notion that the heart is much more than a pump. The values we associate with the heart— courage, wisdom, love, compassion—were being viewed as completely separate from the physical heart. Before founding HeartMath, Doc Childre discovered that anything he did in life that succeeded—a job, a diet, an exercise program, a relationship—

worked better if he “put his heart into it”. Childre also realized that every major religion, culture and civilization revered the heart throughout history. However, the Western scientific method had reduced the human body to individual components and viewed the heart as a “fantastical machine”. This perspective was inadequate to explain the profound feelings of love, care and even grief we experience in the heart.

How has HeartMath evolved through the years?

The core message of HeartMath has always been this: Human beings have a remarkably well-integrated system with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The heart’s intelligence helps to coordinate all these aspects. The phrase “follow your heart” has actual scientific meaning.

HeartMath’s work has been validated through more than 400 peer-reviewed studies. When we started in the early 1990s, we were a research, education and training organization. Our discoveries using heart-rate variability proved to a mainstream, scientific audience that individuals can regulate their hearts, minds and emotions to produce profound changes in health, well-being, brain function and performance.

How can HeartMath positively impact people’s lives?

HeartMath is a beautiful and simple system that allows people to adapt to life’s relentless change and uncertainty and find balance. The brain directly benefits from the heart’s balancing capacity, which then facilitates expression, communication, listening, reaction times, coordination and emotional strength.

Having survived two life-threatening conditions and then rediscovering many sources of creative expression in myself, I’ve learned that our capacity to keep growing and learning is one of the greatest gifts of being human. Research is now confirming that the more we stay active, interested and curious in life, the more we continue to create a flexible, youthful brain. A childlike spirit of delight and

wonder is something we can tap into our entire lives.

How do you practice HeartMath in your own life?

I use heart-focused breathing many times each day. The idea is to inhale for about five seconds and then exhale for about five seconds while keeping your focus in the area of the heart. This 10-second cycle is the optimal pace allowing our systems to find balance and coherence. Sometimes I sit and radiate love to someone I care about or a situation in trouble. Heartfocused breathing has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I do this not only to maximize my own health physically, mentally and emotionally, but also to connect with humanity as one family, one heart.

Why do you encourage people to develop heartfocused coherence?

The heart is a key center of intelligence for our human system. The practice of breathing and focusing our attention on the heart is the first step to bring the heart and brain into coherent alignment. As we breathe in qualities we value—kindness, compassion, love—and then exhale worries, tension, anxiety or fear, a surprising power is unleashed. More than 30 years ago, I dedicated my life to this path of the heart. It’s an incredible journey.

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats

HUMAN-GRADE MEALS FOR OUR FURRY BEST FRIENDS

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

As guardians of our beloved pets, choosing the best food for them can be a daunting task, with so many options online and in grocery stores, as well as conflicting advice about what is healthiest. For thousands of years, pets were fed human food scraps, and in the last 50 years, as dogs were elevated from being pets to valued members of the family, handing them treats directly from the dinner table became a common practice.

Nevertheless, commercial pet food has become an enormous industry in a relatively short period of time—it has only been around for just over 150 years, according to the Pet Food Institute. Globally, the pet food market was valued at almost $95 billion in 2021 and is expected to continue growing, according to Grand View Research. North America dominated the market, accounting for a 49.9 percent share of worldwide revenue that year.

The immense popularity of commercial pet food can be attributed to numerous reasons. Socioeconomic factors make buying processed pet food affordable; nutritional science makes it look sophisticated; veterinarians endorse it and marketing agencies persuade guardians that it is the best option. Many pet guardians may be concerned that table scraps are not as healthy for their pet as kibble. As a result, most dogs and cats consume commercial

Tips for Homemade Pet Food Success

n If it is in the budget, choose grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, which have a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and are anti-inflammatory.

n The diet should include calcium, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients based on species and individual needs. Consult a veterinarian for guidance.

n Although dogs do not require carbohydrates in their diet, they can digest them. Dogs use dietary carbohydrates to maintain and replace glycogen levels.

n Introducing vegetable fiber—kale, collard greens and fruit such as apples—to a dog’s digestive system helps prevent gas pain.

n Obtain ingredients from organic sources whenever possible, because they contain no pesticides or chemicals that could harm a pet’s health.

n Avoid processed foods and artificial ingredients.

n Look for pet foods without preservatives, byproducts, fillers or food dyes.

diets, many of which include byproducts from the human food industry.

Kelly Swanson, a University of Illinois professor and the author of a 2018 nutrition study published in the Journal of Animal Science, told Science Daily, “A lot of companies test for complete and balanced nutrition but don’t go beyond that.” She further noted that her study evaluated certain diets by looking at additional factors: “Would dogs like them? Were they digestible? Would they increase activity?”

Leveling Up a Pet’s Diet

Because they are unprocessed and unrefined, pet diets made of whole foods contain more intact nutrients and provide more fiber for digestive health, which can help with constipation, diarrhea or both. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science, some types of fresh, “human-grade” food may be simpler for pets to digest than dry, commercial kibble.

A recent study examined the gut microbiome of pet and stray dogs from South Africa, India and Loas and compared their gut microbiomes to those of dogs that lived 1,000 years ago. The researchers found that the varied diet of the stray dogs of Loas had the most robust microbiome and that it was comparable to the diet consumed by ancient dogs. Like in humans, a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion and

to fight inflammation.

While there are some foods that pets should avoid, such as alcohol, dairy, chocolate and grapes, many types of meat and vegetables that humans eat can be served to their pets. Because whole-food ingredients like chicken, pork, lamb, beef and chicken eggs are readily available at local grocery stores, it’s easy to get started. The key is ensuring that a pet gets a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. There are plenty of homemade pet food recipes available online that consider this balance. The needs of a pet will vary based on species, age, weight and overall health, so consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to keep the pet’s health on track.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (aafco.org/consumers) offers a wealth of information and guidance regarding commercial pet foods and ingredients. While they do not have a whole foods classification, they do provide information about natural and organic pet foods.

Feeding pets whole food is a great way to help them stay healthy and happy. Make their food at home using fresh ingredients, or look for commercial brands that incorporate whole foods in their products. A pet’s best health starts in the bowl.

Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Dr. Felix Liao gained international acclaim for having identified “Impaired Mouth Syndrome” as the overlooked source of many medical, mood and dental issues, and developing a “Holistic Mouth” intervention framework for correcting the root causes of many conditions that are otherwise very difficult to permanently resolve.

your patients’ total health. Join free Webinar to learn more. 

Dr. Felix Liao, DDS

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

By Doug Cornell Colds

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

Flu

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds

Styes

Warts

Ringworm

Other microbial threats

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds. ADVERTORIAL

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA35.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

calendar of events

To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted by February 12 (for March issue). Costs $20 for 35 words each month. Call ahead before attending events to avoid any cancellations or changes.

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.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 & 3

Daddy-Daughter Date Night–6-9pm. A candlelight dinner followed by dancing, a memory photo and a goody bag. Purchase tickets in advance. Ages 3 and up. Advanced reservations only. Cost: $28 per person. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info/tickets: 803-345-6181, icrc.net.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3–5

ICRC Children’s Theatre–Fri, 7:30pm; Sat, 3 and 7pm; and Sun, 3pm. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Grace finds herself battling not just with the US Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends. Cost: $10. Irmo High School Center for the Performing Arts, 6671 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-3456181, icrc.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Francis Marion National Forest Cleanup–9amnoon. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and sturdy shoes. Gloves, bags and vests will be provided. Masks and social distancing will be required. Weather-appropriate outerwear is recommended. Volunteers should meet at the US Forest Service Office, located at 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC. Info: 803-758-603, MHFeeley@ PalmettoPride.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Sweetheart Dance –6-9pm. Parents, guardians and children can enjoy a fun evening that includes dinner, dancing, a memory photo and goody bag. Advanced reservations only. Ages 3 and up. Cost: $28 per person. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Crooked Creek Indoor Yard Sale–7-11am. Clean out your garage, attic, kids’ rooms and closets and participate as a vendor or drop by for some great bargains/treasures. Interested vendors call for details. Free admission. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info/registration: 803-345-6181, icrc.net.

Adopt-A-Highway–Noon-1pm. Keep the Midlands Beautiful is hosting. Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate. Through these important sustainable partnering programs, caring citizens can take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the midlands. Info: 803-733-1139, KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Valentine's Kokedama Workshop –6:30-8pm. Come make your valentine a beautiful kokedama with a lovely valentine-themed plant hand wrapped by you or make one together. Cost: $25. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Drive-in Movie Night–6:30-8:45pm. Top Gun: Maverick. Food trucks will have food for purchase beginning at 5pm. The Fields at Saluda Shoals Park, Park East, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Cost: $15 per car. Info/tickets: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

What Does "Organic Gardening" Really Mean?–6:30-8pm. Organic gardening is not just all expensive fertilizers and “boujee” soils. Learn how to transform your yard into an organic oasis where you, your family and pollinators alike can live harmoniously with nature. Cost: $30. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Touch for Health Certification–1-6pm. Introduction to 60-hour training. CEUs for massage therapists, nurses and physical trainers. Learn muscle testing, simple stress reduction and pain-relief techniques. Bolster holistic home care or start a new career. Cost: 5 hours for $150 (or 60 hours for $1,500). Info: Contact Joy Lee Connor at 803-4476499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

OPPORTUNITY

Conference Presentation Opportunity–Richland County Stormwater and Columbia Water are looking for people willing to help them by presenting at the 2023 Blue Thumb Landscapers Conference (BTLC) on February 10. The BTLC is a one-day conference that will be held at the Busby Community Center that will provide attendees with continuing education credits for pesticide and herbicide applicators licensing. Current presentation topics include floating wetlands, pollinators, invasive species, snakes and fungi. Contact Leslie Wilson at 803-576-2491 or Wilson.Leslie@RichlandCountysc.gov.

ongoing events

sunday

Eckankar–10-11am. Second Sundays. The Path of Spiritual Freedom is an active, creative, spiritual practice. Join us and share your insights as we explore various spiritual topics. Seven Oaks, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/cost: Call Dee at 803749-2459 or visit ECK-SC.org.

Soundy School–10:30am. Every Sunday. Celebration through sound vibration, meditation and chanting. Singing bowls, bells, gong, hang drum, shruti box and other instruments. Masks required. Free. Held next to Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Email Tricia Phaup at Tricia@ kinmail.org.

Unity of Columbia–11am. Every Sunday. A vibrant, spiritual meditation community. Free. Unity of Columbia, 1801 Legrand Rd. Info: UnityColumbia@ gmail.com, UnityColumbia.org.

A Course in Miracles–Original Edition (ACIMOE)–4:30-6pm. Every Sunday. Study group via Zoom/phone. ACIM-OE is unedited and available as a free phone app. Donations are accepted. Watch introduction on YouTube with Rev. Joy Lee Connor, LMT. Info: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

Virtual Healthy Living Support Group–7pm. Every first Sunday. Virtual support group via Zoom. Uplift, support and encourage one another while making necessary changes for better health and wellness. Donations accepted. Info/register: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com.

tuesday

A Course in Miracles–7pm. Every Tuesday. An informal discussion group led by Lee McEachern. The meeting is open to everyone in person or online. Free. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/Zoom link: RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

wednesday

Ask the Gardener “Happy Hour”–4-6pm. First and third Wednesdays. Bring your plants, pictures and questions! Have one-on-one conversations regarding the science behind your specific needs and issues. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

thursday

Garden Asana –8:15-9:15am. First and fourth Thursdays. Hosted by Mitchell Hughes, of Grass Roots Yoga. Cost: $15. RSVP by paying online via Venmo-MitchellCHughes. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.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 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.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 31.

AESTHETICS

EXPECT CLARITY AESTHETICS

Angie Jewell

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste G, Columbia 803-348-8962

Our carefully crafted and customized holistic care plans include Environ skin care products, which utilize science to deliver real skin benefits, paired with treatment room modalities, such as PBM, LFS, RF, microcurrent, facial/ear reflexology, facial sculpting massage, and gua sha, to help our clients reach their skin goals. Consistent and positive results include luminous, smooth, taut skin with even skin pigmentation. It’s time to expect clarity!

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 2 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.

CHIROPRACTIC

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 31.

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 36.

COUNSELING

HOLISTIC CBT LLC

Mark Stoll, LPC, NCC 2537 Gervais St, Columbia Mark@MarkStollTherapy.com MarkStollTherapy.com

The pain of intrusive worry, fear and rumination can be overwhelming. Mark Stoll has been helping people with severe anxiety and depression for more than two decades by effectively integrating evidencebased therapies of mindfulness training, CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy. You will learn effective strategies to free yourself from the prison of your mind so you can begin enjoying life again.

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 & 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 25.

ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229

OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com

OriginalOriginshw.com

Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 27.

Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction. -Germany Kent

COMING IN THE MARCH ISSUE food & nutrition

HOLISTIC WELLNESS NATURAL BEING HOLISTIC WELLNESS SPA & CENTER

1911 Barnwell St, Ste C, Columbia 803-708-8612 • nbhwsc.com

We are a very unique health and wellness center designed to help you discover a more natural and healthier way of living. Are you in need of a total detox? Do you want to rid your body of toxins or need to lose inches and burn 300 calories in 30 minutes? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then come embark on a healthy journey with us! Our extensive list of professional services includes foot detoxing, infrared sauna body wrapping, vaginal/yoni steaming, and vaginal rejuvenation. Owner and operator Sherino L. Maple is now offering complimentary consultations. Call today to book a See ad, page 5.

PEACEFUL PAUSE HEALING

PeacefulPauseHealing.com

Helping people on their personal wellness journeys! At Peaceful Pause, we specialize in relaxation and stress and anxiety reduction, so that you can be the best version of yourself in every possible way. Peaceful Pause offers in-person reiki treatments, sound healing experiences, and private

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS

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

INSPIRED HEALTH

Dana Nairn, MD, FAIHM

1931 Bull St, Ste C, Columbia

Are you ready to take charge of your health? Dr. Dana Nairn is a fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and board certified in integrative holistic medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Nairn is excited and looking forward to partnering with you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 15.

LOCAL RETREAT

JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229)

Healing Minster at Springhill AtONEment Center

803-447-6499

Joy has more than 30 years of experience in energy and bodywork. She teaches Reiki, Touch for Health, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda and A Course in Miracles. Joy welcomes and sees clients who are ready to shed guilt and limitations in favor of forgiveness and freedom. One hundred acres of trees surround this pristine location for healing at Springhill AtONEment Center. Nature walks and fireside gatherings available. Contact Joy at 803-447-6499.

MASSAGE

AND RECOVERY

BODYWORX TRAINING

Traci Brock, LMT-SC #12586

806 12th St, West Columbia 352-362-7534

BodyWorxTrainingAndRecovery.com

Traci Brock has more than 20 years in the health and fitness industry. She is a sports and medical massage practitioner, a certified personal trainer, a corrective exercise specialist, and a fitness instructor. At BodyWorx, she is not focused on just one area of a healthy lifestyle, but on all critical areas of fitness, recovery and nutrition. “My mission is to educate my clients and the community in becoming better versions of themselves by using exercise, nutrition and recovery as a health and wellness tool,” says Traci. Let Traci help you on your journey to optimal health and wellness. Call, text or email to make an appointment. “Solutions for moving better and feeling healthier.”

NATURAL SOAPS

RAW ESSENCE NATURAL SOAPS & BATH CO LLC

9003 Two Notch Rd, Ste 12, Columbia 803-834-6576

Info@RawEssenceSoaps.com

RawEssenceSoaps.com

Raw Essence Natural Soaps & Bath Company LLC is a handcrafted line of soap and body care products homemade in Columbia that uses all-natural ingredients to make unique products for your lifestyle and home. Raw Essence makes products that are 100 percent handmade, and free of harmful chemicals and preservatives. We strive to use the highest quality, eco-friendly ingredients possible to create unique luxury soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters, candles, and other spa and natural skin care items that will nourish your body and delight your senses.

PHILANTHROPY

SISTERS EMPOWERING EACH OTHER

Pamela Johnson, President

P.O. Box 212404, Columbia

803-521-3036 • seeo2018@gmail.com

Sisters Empowering Each Other (SEEO) is a nonprofit organization founded by Pamela Johnson. Our mission is to fundraise monies in order to provide new fullsized personal hygiene packages to women who are homeless and/or abused. The women and children included may reside in shelters or transitional homes. SEEO motto: Being a Servant for the Lord. Ways to donate: Cash app –$seeo20180; PayPal–seeo2018@gmail.com; or mail check to address above. Contact Johnson to volunteer.

PREGNANCY/LACTATION

GRACEFUL BEGINNINGS BIRTH

Lindsay Millwood, CD

404-314-0363 • GracefulBeginningsBirth.com

As your doula, my goal is to provide you and your partner with the support, care, understanding and information you need throughout the birthing process. Beginning with natural birth education and assistance with birth plans through in-person prenatal appointments and birthing support, we will work together to achieve your birth goals. Postpartum services include lactation care as well as a functional assessment for ties and oral tethers. Birth photography is also available.

REIKI & WELLNESS

MARTA NATURALS REIKI AND WELLNESS

Martha Kirby, Reiki Master and Spiritual Life Coach

Columbia Area

803-864-6259 • MartaNaturals.com

Everything is energy, as are our thoughts. We give them life, bad or good. Everything you need is within you to change and transform those negative thoughts. Let me help you unlock those secrets to become the best version of you. We offer mobile and virtual sessions. Call today to schedule your session or free consultation. See ad, this page

SPIRITUAL

UNITY OF COLUMBIA

1801 Legrand Rd

803-736-5766 • UnityColumbia.org

Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. Come join us for a Sunday worship celebration and meet some positive, uplifting people that live life abundantly. See ad, page 8..

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. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 25.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia 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 2 and back page.