Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 0323

The Value of Veggies

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Mirrors and Scales …

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If there’s one thing that controls what we do, where we go, who we see, how we see ourselves and how we see the world we live in, it’s what we eat. Let’s face it, the scale and the mirror can be a person’s best friends or worst enemies.

The fact is that the word “F-A-T” is the new four-letter word. I remember the cartoon Fat Albert, which I watched many times in my earlier years (showing my age a bit). The main cartoon character, Albert, was always joyous, fun-loving and happy about life as he and his friends explored the world around them together. In fact, his buddies always referred to him as “Fat” Albert … not just Albert, due to his size. To go one step further, the cartoon’s opening line was “Hey, hey, hey … it’s Fat Albert!” Well … it was a very funny cartoon for millions of kids of that day (including me); however, as I have grown older and wiser, I’ve seen and continue to see in the lives of so many, the devastating consequences of that word “fat,” which really translates better to obesity.

It’s true—we are what we eat. It was true for Albert, and the same holds true for all of us today blessed with the wonderful opportunity to make wiser diet and lifestyle choices for better health. World-class chef and award-winning cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson once stated: “We struggle with eating healthily, obesity and access to good nutrition for everyone. But we have a great opportunity to get on the right side of this battle by beginning to think differently about the way that we eat and the way that we approach food.”

Well said! We do have the chance to get on the “right side” of the subject of nutrition. It starts with changing how we think, which determines how we live and the daily choices, good or bad, that we make. How important are the decisions that we make when it comes to food? Well … it’s no laughing matter.

According to statistics, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are the leading causes of death in the U.S., causing 678,000 deaths each year, with more than 67.5 percent of American adults overweight or obese. In the last 30 years, obesity rates have doubled in adults, tripled in children and quadrupled in adolescents.

More and more, the typical American diet is too high in calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar—and does not have enough fruits, vegetables, whole foods, minerals and nutrients—which can lead to an increased risk of diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and cancer. Let’s crunch the numbers. It is estimated that better nutrition could reduce the cost of these diseases by a whopping $71 billion every year.

It’s a lot to “chew” on, huh? This month’s editorial theme is Food and Nutrition. Albert had close friends, but unfortunately, one of them was not his obesity. A fictional cartoon character can live on forever unaging and never feeling the effects of poor choices—not so for us in the real world. We’ve got to do the right things to get the right results. Let’s do it … and then maybe the scale and the mirror can become lifelong friends.

In health,

Annette Carter Briggs, Publisher

Couples Date Night Cooking Class

time for date night cooking! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting a Couples Date Night Cooking Class on Friday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Open to couples age 18 and up, the honored guests attending this romantic and unique dating experience will have the opportunity to enjoy their creative culinary creations. The cooking sessions will be led and facilitated by Flavored Fork.

Cost: $100 per couple. For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net/event/couples-date-night-cooking-class.

The 2023 Great American Cleanup

It’s time for the Great American Cleanup! Throughout the months of March, April and May, Keep America Beautiful (KAB), in partnership with Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), is hosting the national Great American Cleanup (GAC) program across the Midlands. GAC, 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, GAC 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.

It’sICRC Hosts Indoor Garage Sale

On Saturday, March 11, from 7 to 11 a.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting an indoor garage sale at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Residents throughout the Midlands are encouraged to clean out the garage, attic, kids’ rooms and closets, and bring those hidden treasures 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. This event is open to all ages.

Cost: Free to enter. For more information or for vendor details, call 803-7721228 (ICRC main office) or 803-7723336 (Seven Oaks Park). Also visit icrc. net/event/indoor-yard-sale-12.

Saluda Shoals Foundation Hosts Shuckin' on the Shoals Benefit

Time to shuck ‘em! On Saturday, March 11, from 3 to 6 p.m., the Saluda Shoals Foundation will host its annual Shuckin’ on the Shoals fundraiser event. Hosted at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 5605 Bush River Road, in Columbia, event highlights include delicious oysters, craft beer, tasty chili, barbecue, wine, live music, and raffles and drawings for great prizes! Advance ticket purchase only. Tickets should be purchased by Wednesday, March 1.

The Saluda Shoals Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves to support and protect Saluda Shoals Park through financial support, fostering partnerships, supportive programs, and creating community awareness of the park’s exceptional outdoor recreational activities, environmental education, and cultural opportunities.

Cost: $75, foundation members; $90, nonmembers; $25, ages 7-12; free for children 6 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 803-213-2035 or visit icrc.net/ event/shuckin-shoals-oyster-roast.

Lower Saluda Craft Beerfest

OnFriday, March 31, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Lower Saluda Craft Beerfest at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 5605 Bush River Road, in Columbia. Presented in partnership with KW Beverage, the tasty event will feature more than 25 unique craft beers and live music. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take home a commemorative tasting glass. Local food trucks will have food available for purchase as well.

Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Ages: 21 and up. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/lower-saluda-craft-beerfest. See ad, page 23.

Light the Fight 5K Glow Run/Walk

Ready to lace ‘em up for a great cause? On Saturday, March 4, Lighthouse for Life is hosting its funfilled, family-friendly Light the Fight 5K Glow Run/Walk at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 6071 St. Andrews Road, in Columbia. Walkers, runners and strollers are all welcome and are encouraged to participate. Run/walk activities will commence around 7 p.m.

Packets can be picked up on Friday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fellowship Bible Church, located at 6108 Bush River Road, in Columbia. Event proceeds will go to support the important work of Lighthouse for Life—a Columbia-based nonprofit that fights to eradicate sex trafficking across the nation. The organization’s mission is to educate the community concerning this grave issue and to empower the survivors.

For more information, including cost and run/walk times, email 5KRace@ LightHouseForLife.org or visit LightTheFight.ItsYourRace.com.

Green Step Schools Gathering

Tuesday, March 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting its Green Step Schools Gathering at St. John’s Catholic School, in North Charleston. Current and prospective teachers and project mentors are invited to come and learn how the Green Step Schools program helps to integrate simple, student-led conservation projects into the classroom. Attendees will experience how students learn, implement and teach others about environmental issues— all while having fun, improving their local environment and potentially earning a Green Step award. Participants will receive a neat door prize to help jumpstart a school Green Step project.

The S.C. Green Step Schools program encourages and empowers S.C. educators and students to plan, establish and sustain projects that enhance the environment. The program provides support for student-led conservation projects, such as school gardens, wildlife habitat, composting, recycling, upcycling, rain barrels and more. The S.C. Green Step program is supported, in part, by an environmental education and stewardship grant from Dominion Energy.

Location: St. John’s Catholic School, 3921 St. John's Ave., North Charleston. For more information, email Green Step Schools Program Coordinator Jane Hiller at JaneHiller@gmail. com. Also visit eeasc.org/event-5165848.

OnEEASC Seeks Green Award Candidates

TheEnvironmental Education Association of South Carolina’s (EEASC) awards committee is seeking individuals, groups or organizations that have made significant contributions toward educating South Carolinians on the importance of environmental concerns. Nominations for the following categories are now being accepted: Environmental Educator of the Year, Green Business of the Year, Nonprofit Organization of the Year, Outstanding Youth of the Year, and Legislator of the Year. Award nomination applications are available at eeasc.org/annual_award_nominations and should be submitted by Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day). Winners will also have the opportunity to attend the EEASC conference scheduled from Wednesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 24, at the Penn Center, located at 16 Penn Center Circle E, Saint Helena Island, South Carolina.

For more information, visit eeasc.org/annual_award_nominations.

KMB Hosts Spotless Service Saturday in March

Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), in partnership with students from Richland and Lexington county schools, will kick off KMB’s Great American Cleanup effort in the Midlands by hosting a Spotless Service Saturday project near the Gamecocks stadium. This year's event will feature a cleanup competition between Lexington and Richland counties. Other campaign highlights include food and prizes. Preregistration is required. All necessary supplies will be provided.

The Great American Cleanup is a nationwide initiative by Keep America Beautiful. It is the nation’s largest community-improvement program, which creates positive change and lasting impact in local communities.

For more information, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

OnThe Cottontown Art Crawl

Get ready for the Art Crawl! On Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Cottontown Neighborhood Association is hosting its Cottontown Art Crawl in the beautiful Cottontown neighborhood in downtown Columbia. Free to enter, attendees will start their artistic journey at 2222 Sumter Street. More than 140 incredibly talented artists will feature their works of art to the public. Other event highlights include food trucks, featured local restaurants, live music and much more.

For more information, call 803-609-7598 or visit Cottontown.us/ArtCrawl.

ICRC Hosts Touch-aTruck at Saluda Shoals Park

OnSaturday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission is hosting its popular Toucha-Truck event at Saluda Shoals Park East, located at 6071 St. Andrews Road, in Columbia. Kids will have a blast, as they get the opportunity to touch, climb and explore vehicles of all shapes and sizes—from fire trucks and bulldozers to dump trucks and ambulances. Food truck vendors will be on-site for food purchases.

Cost: Free admission ($5 parking fee). For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/touch-truck-1.

Take the KMB Lake Murray 350 Litter Challenge!

This past fall, Dominion Energy lowered Lake Murray water levels to curb aquatic vegetation growth. The Lake Murray water level is expected to return to its normal 358 feet by this spring, depending on rainfall and river flows. Since the water levels are lower, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is taking the opportunity to host its Lake Murray 350 Litter Challenge to remove trash and look for treasures normally underwater. KMB is challenging Midlands area residents to scour the shoreline and help pick up litter through Wednesday, March 15. The group that collects the most trash will win Adopt-A-Waterway gifts, including T-shirts, water bottles and reusable bags. Participants are asked to send photos with a bag count to aaw@kmbsc.org

For more information, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

Lexington County Hosts Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

The Lexington County Recycling Division is hosting a hazardous waste disposal and collection event on Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Chapin Collection and Recycling Center, located at 103 Distant Lane. For Lexington County residents only, the list of acceptable items includes acids, brake fluid, degreasers, glue and solvents, paint (up to 8 gallons), pesticides, old fire extinguishers and much more. As a note, electronics will not be accepted.

For more information (including a complete list of acceptable items and guidelines), call 803-785-3325 or visit Lex-co.sc.gov.

Gut Microbiome May Influence Obesity

Walnuts to Relieve Exam Stress

Stressed college students might benefit by adding walnuts to their diet before their next exam. A randomized clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients sought to investigate the effects of academic stress and daily walnut consumption on mental health, general well-being and gut microbiota in a group of 80 college students.

Walnuts are full of nutrients that support brain and gut health, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, melatonin (sleep-inducing hormone), polyphenols, folate and vitamin E.

A new study may shed light on why some people gain more weight than others regardless of diet and activity levels. Led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and published in the journal Microbiome, the study found that being overweight may also be related to the makeup of a person’s gut microbiome. The researchers studied 85 overweight adults and found that 40 percent of the participants had more Bacteroides in their gut microbiome, which are more effective at extracting nutrients from food, possibly causing leftover food to be stored as fat. Before they began their study, the researchers had hypothesized that a long digestive travel time would allow people to extract more energy from their food, but they found instead that people with shorter digestive travel times were actually the ones that extracted the most nutrition. Those with Bacteroides had shorter intestinal transit times and higher body weight.

Human-Grade Dog Foods Lead to Less Poop

Although human-grade foods for pets are commercially available, little research has been done on their health impacts. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science compared the fecal output of 12 dogs that ate one of three types of dog food: fresh, human-grade or extruded (kibble). The researchers found that the dogs that were fed fresh and human-grade food excreted about half as much as those that were fed classic, processed dog food. The human-grade foods were also found to be extremely digestible, and the dogs that ate them had to eat less food to maintain the same weight. There were many differences in fecal microbiota among the three diets, and the scientists stated that this was likely because of differences in ingredient source, nutrient concentrations and processing methods.

The University of South Australia researchers concluded that daily consumption of one half cup of walnuts improved self-reported mood and mental health status, metabolic biomarkers and sleep quality. The data also suggested that walnuts might counteract the negative effects of academic stress on the gut microbiota in women. The scientists noted that more research was needed with respect to males, as far fewer men participated in this study. They also cautioned that the placebo effect could have influenced results, as this was not a blind study.

Supplements That Help the Heart

A new study conducted by researchers at Brown University has identified certain supplements that may be beneficial for heart health. The meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reviewed more than 884 studies on 27 types of micronutrient supplements among 883,627 participants and found strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acid, folic acid and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are micronutrients that reduce cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 fatty acid was found to decrease mortality from cardiovascular disease; folic acid lowered stroke risk; and CoQ10 decreased all-cause mortality. Omega-6 fatty acid, L-arginine, L-citrulline, melatonin, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, catechin, flavanol, curcumin, genistein and quercetin also showed evidence of reducing cardiovascular risk.

by Kristi Antley

Twoven with coffee consumption. “Coffee culture” indicates that the way coffee is brewed is not just a matter of taste and aroma, but also a matter of health, aesthetics and cultural appeal. It is the realization that coffee is a social beverage, even more so than alcohol, with an endless list of variations and signature twists—it is no longer just for breakfast. Simply put, the way one drinks (or takes) their coffee reveals personal preference and style, shaping the entire café experience.

Whether you like coffee or not, The Hideout in WeCo café, on State Street, has something for you. It is an eclectic meeting place for professionals, an inviting space for people that work remotely, and a community haven for local residents. Indoor and outdoor seating, local artwork, cozy book nooks, an event room, and winding vines and towering tree limbs provide a relaxed environment in which customers can rest, network or socialize as they indulge in their favorite beverage, sandwich or treat. It is an understatement to say that

you will have plenty to look at and browse while waiting for your order to be prepared.

Beyond the coffee bean, The Hideout in WeCo offers homemade creations made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The menu is endless: paninis, croissants, exquisite tartines, brownie waffles, super salads, overnight oats, perfect pastries, avocado toast or bagels with a variety of toppings, smoothies, shakes and much more! The chefs and baristas at The Hideout cater to each customer’s individual needs with nut-free and vegan options, several milk substitutes, and gluten-free choices. The coffee menu is constantly growing and evolving, as the baristas buck the norm with unexpected twists on old classics as well as new, elaborate, edgy, iced and frozen concoctions.

What a great way to begin or end a stroll on the Riverwalk with Fido—dogs are welcome and accommodated with “pup cups” and water to soothe their thirst. Take a few minutes to enjoy the mural painted on the outside of the building as well as breathe in the fresh air and sunshine. Brainstorm with colleagues, celebrate with friends, schedule a coffee date, or relax with a book while you sip and nip in the ambient atmosphere. We all want to be a part of something, engage with others, and feel connected. Who knows? You may even make a new friend!

If you are looking for something to do on a Saturday or Sunday morning or midmorning on a weekday, head down to The Hideout in WeCo and soak up the warmth, energy and the aromas. Explore the menu; customize your order just how you like it; and their friendly, professional and experienced staff will prepare it with care. You’ll find as many people huddled around a table talking about their social lives as you will those camped out with a laptop to finish work or complete their reading onsite. Drinking coffee is no longer just a part of a daily routine, it is considered a mark of friendship or mutual respect—a hospitality that’s been passed from generation to generation.

The Hideout in WeCo is located at 118 State St., in W. Columbia. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 803-881-1044 or visit HideoutInWeCo.com. See ad, page 3.

Nations Agree to Protect Biodiversity

First Honeybee Vaccine Approved

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 100 U.S. crops depend on pollination by honeybees and other insects. Safeguarding commercial honeybee colonies is critical to food production as there has been an alarming population decline in wild species due to habitat loss, pesticide use and the climate crisis.

Recently, the USDA granted a two-year conditional license for a vaccine that protects honeybees from American foulbrood disease (AFB), a widespread, destructive ailment. The non-GMO inoculation will initially be available to commercial beekeepers and can be used in organic agriculture.

Scientists have warned for years that as forests and grasslands are disappearing at unprecedented rates and oceans are pressured by pollution, humans are pushing Earth beyond tenable limits. In December 2022, nearly 200 countries agreed on a Global Biodiversity Framework at the United Nations 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The historic agreement represents hope for real progress to halt the loss of biodiversity. Among its numerous provisions, the framework commits nations to protect 30 percent of the world’s lands, inland waters, coastal areas and oceans by 2030; increase financing for nature restoration and protection; halt human-induced extinction; and protect the rights of indigenous people. The protections will emphasize areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services. Throughout the talks there was division over the strength of the measures and how to finance them. In a statement released by the Wildlife Conservation Society, vice president of international policy Susan Lieberman said, “The [framework] is a compromise, and although it has several very good and hard-fought elements, it could have gone further to truly transform our destructive relationship with nature.” During negotiations, some countries called for a new fund to be set up to help preserve biodiversity, but this recommendation was not included in the final pact.

Prior to this booster, the only treatment method for AFB required beekeepers to burn the infected hives and equipment. According to vaccine manufacturer Dalan Animal Health, their vaccination is incorporated into the royal jelly, which worker bees feed to the queen. Once ingested, fragments of the treatment are deposited in the queen’s ovaries, providing developing larvae AFB immunity as they hatch.

Wooden Wind Turbines

Wind turbines provide one of the cleanest sources of energy; the power they produce is free, helping us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Several European companies are working to improve wind turbines by further reducing their carbon footprint. Stora Enso, one of the largest private forest owners in the world, has partnered with Voodin Blade Technology of Germany to make sustainable wooden, wind turbine blades. They are currently producing 66-foot blades and plan to make 262-foot blades in the future. These sustainable, laminated veneer, lumber blades have a high load-bearing capacity, are lighter and reduce the use of fossil fuels in manufacturing. Because they are relatively lightweight, the blades can be transported without heavy-duty equipment, further reducing their carbon impact. Stora Enso is also partnering with Swedish wood technology company Modvion in an effort to make wood the material of choice for wind turbine towers.

I dwell in possibility.

– Emily Dickinson

Loving Our Kidneys

EDIBLE ALLIES, INTEGRATIVE TREATMENTS AND LIFESTYLE TIPS

by Marlaina Donato

of these 37 million Americans do not feel ill or notice symptoms until they are in advanced stages of the disease, which is why people with diabetes and high blood pressure should be tested regularly and take steps to protect their kidneys. Managing CKD requires a multilevel approach, including lifestyle and diet changes, use of prescribed medications, avoidance of kidney-harming toxins like alcohol and cigarettes, and close supervision by a doctor that specializes in kidney disease (nephrologist) to ensure that other prescribed medications and over-thecounter or herbal treatments are safe.

Our kidneys are prodigious multitaskers. Through the production of urine, they filter toxins, excrete waste and balance bodily fluids. They also produce certain hormones that regulate blood pressure and aid in other vital functions. While the kidneys don ’ t usually fail all at once, their effectiveness can deteriorate slowly over years, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is most often the result of uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure.

Simple blood and urine tests help physicians evaluate kidney function and diagnose CKD, which is divided into five

stages. The first three stages are mild or moderate, and can respond well to lifestyle modifications and alternative interventions, while the more severe, later stages become increasingly more complex to treat and may require dialysis to mechanically perform the kidneys’ functions. In endstage CKD, many patients are relegated to dialysis treatments several times a month to prevent the accumulation of deadly toxins, while many wait and hope for a life-saving transplant.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in seven adults are diagnosed annually. Most

Integrative and holistic approaches may be of help for those in earlier stages of kidney disease or for those striving to prevent it. “I have been really blessed to be connected with a global team of people who, like myself and everyone I work with, understand that kidney disease is treatable, and the recovery of kidney function is actually possible,” says Fiona Chin, an Australia-based naturopath and co-founder of KidneyCoach.com. Chin adds that she and her colleagues have witnessed significant patient improvement from tailored diet and lifestyle regimens during and after diagnosis, especially when root causes are addressed.

Danijela/AdobeStock.com

The Kidney-Friendly Kitchen

Promising research published last year in Frontiers of Pharmacology shows that combining Western treatments and Traditional Chinese Medicine can have a positive impact on even late-stage renal failure. Isaac Eliaz, M.D., an integrative medical doctor and founder of Amitabha Medical Clinic, in Santa Rosa, California, says, “Preventing and reducing chronic inflammation is a critical aspect of minimizing CKD risk. An anti-inflammatory diet, moderate exercise program and attention to stress reduction all work to decrease the pro-inflammatory milieu.” He also highlights the importance of protecting and boosting beneficial gut bacteria, which can be addressed with supplements or prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks, onions and jicama.

Piling whole, plant-plentiful goodness onto our plates and embracing an alkaline diet are key measures in the prevention of CKD by lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Mayo Clinic offers renal-supportive recipes with fruits, vegetables and grains like quinoa. It also recommends avoiding many packaged and processed foods that have phosphorus added to prolong shelf life and enhance taste, such as convenience foods, sodas and sports drinks, flavor-enhanced meats and processed cheeses.

Jarrod Cooper, ND, founder of Advanced Functional Medicine, underscores the importance of nixing pro-inflammatory foods such as sugars, refined carbohydrates, excessive red meat, trans and saturated fats, caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol negatively impacts liver function, and over time

reduces blood flow to the kidneys, leading to CKD, he says. That extra glass of wine can also crank up blood pressure, a surefire path to renal compromise.

Kidney-loving fruits, according to Cleveland Urology Associates, include pineapple, cranberries, red grapes and apples, all of which pack an anti-inflammatory punch.

Sodium: Friend or Foe?

Chin notes that although salt is essential for nerve and muscle function, a balancing of fluids in the blood and healthy blood pressure, not all salt is beneficial. “Salt is a healthy thing to have in your diet in moderation and in the right form,” she asserts. “Table salt is manufactured salt that is stripped of its natural minerals. During salt processing, the balance of sodium to other valuable minerals is lost. Most salt companies also add anti-caking agents that contain aluminum.” Chin recommends good-quality Himalayan salt or sea salt that also contains traces of other natural minerals.

Various types of seaweeds, like dulce, nori and kombu, are natural sources of sodium that are safe for people that do not have kidney disease. They offer significant benefits for inflammation reduction, blood sugar balance and heart health, including lower blood pressure. Sea vegetables have also been shown to help reduce the risk of kidney stones by inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at Wildflower Lady.com.

BLACKENED SALMON TACOS

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS

4 salmon filets, 4 oz each

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

8 small corn tortillas

CILANTRO LIME CAULIFLOWER RICE

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 head cauliflower, chopped (or 6 cups)

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves

¼ tsp pepper

¼ tsp salt

3 Tbsp fresh lime juice

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Rinse the cauliflower and pat dry. Chop into florets, then pulse in a food processor or blender. Alternatively, the cauliflower can be

left whole and grated with a box grater. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Increase heat to medium high and add cauliflower. Sauté about 5 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and toss with salt, pepper, lime juice and cilantro.

Excerpted from Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Plan and Cookbook. Copyright © 2019 Noelle Citarella. Used with permission from Rockridge Press, Emeryville, CA. All rights reserved.

THE BLACKENING RUB:

1½ tsp paprika

1½ tsp cumin

1½ tsp dark brown sugar

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp black pepper

THE SLAW:

2 cups broccoli slaw

2 cups shredded purple cabbage

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp mayonnaise

2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

2 small jalapeños, seeds removed and chopped

1 Tbsp lime juice

In a small bowl, combine and mix the paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder and

black pepper. Sprinkle over the flesh side of the fish, reserving about 1 teaspoon for the slaw.

Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and coat the pan evenly. Place the salmon in the preheated pan, flesh side down, and allow it to sizzle for 4 minutes to allow it to brown. Flip it to the skin side and cover the pan for the last 4 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Meanwhile, combine the slaw ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Heat the corn tortillas. Fill each with about 2 ounces of salmon and about ¼ cup of slaw.

Excerpted from Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plan and Cookbook. Copyright © 2019 Noelle Citarella. Used with permission from Rockridge Press, Emeryville, CA. All rights reserved.

daarnautova/AdobeStock.com

daarnautova/AdobeStock.com

WORK HARDER AND SMARTER

BENEFITS OF HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING

by Kirby Baldwin

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts may sound like a trendy buzzword reserved only for experienced athletes, but this versatile, short-form exercise is safe and effective for just about everybody, including beginners, as long as it is done properly. According to Bogdan Goia, fitness expert and founder of Far Hills Fitness, in New Jersey, “HIIT training can benefit almost any age demographic, from teenagers to clients in their 70s and 80s.”

“In a recent study, even menopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis successfully completed 13 months of high-impact HIIT with a very high adherence rate, with no injuries and high satisfaction ratings,” shares Debra Atkinson, a medical exercise specialist, certified strength and conditioning coach, and founder of Flipping 50 (FlippingFifty.com)

Basic Principles of HIIT

A HIIT workout consists of a series of short bursts of intense activity interspersed with periods of rest or low-intensity movement called “active recovery”. A session is deemed to be high intensity when it is at or near peak effort, which translates to an eight or nine out of 10 on the exercise intensity scale, or 80 to 95 percent of an individual’s maximum heart rate. Such exertion is characterized by heavy sweating and an inability to say more than a few words without gasping for breath.

While HIIT workouts provide many of the same benefits as traditional, “steady state” exercise training, where the required amount of effort remains relatively consistent, HIIT sessions are typically shorter in duration, ranging anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. HIIT is the perfect solution for busy people that are short on time or those hesitant to commit to longer exercise routines.

The exercise format is easily adaptable to most types of physical activities, such as running, weightlifting, swimming or biking, as long as a high level of intensity can be maintained. Adding to the

convenience factor, HIIT does not require a gym membership or access to specialized equipment.

Benefits of a HIIT Workout Regimen

HIIT workouts have been the subject of numerous studies and have been shown to help with fat loss, improved metabolism and muscle gain. One study found that participants burned 25 to 30 percent more calories during a HIIT workout than in other forms of exercise. Because HIIT boosts metabolism, calorie burn has also been shown to last beyond the workout.

Researchers have discovered other health benefits, from reducing blood sugar levels, resting heart rate and blood pressure, to balancing hormones, slowing the rate of cellular aging and even increasing longevity.

The practice also reduces the wear and tear that chronic cardio can inflict on the body. While federal guidelines currently recommend 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise, only 75 minutes per week are recommended when the exercise is vigorous.

How to Get Started

For those looking to improve aerobic fitness, intervals typically involve a one-to-one or one-to-two work-to-rest ratio. For example, in a oneto-one cardio workout, the person would exercise strenuously for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds.

If the goal is to gain strength, longer rest intervals are needed, with at least a one-to-five work-to-rest ratio. A person might exercise for 30 seconds, followed by 150 seconds of rest, for example, allowing their targeted muscles to recover and heart rate to drop before the next exertion.

HIIT should not be performed daily or when energy levels are low, to avoid injury and give the body enough time between workouts to rest and repair. Atkinson cautions, “Injury rates increase considerably doing more than 50 minutes per week of HIIT, due to the additional stress and need for recovery between. The good news is, there’s no need to do more. Short sessions actually get the best results.”

According to Goia, “I believe the key is to have a fitness professional select the exercise, monitor form and function, adjust workto-rest ratios and monitor heart rate variability. HIIT workouts give my clients a 60-minute workout in 30 minutes and, if done correctly, will greatly increase the vitality, longevity and strength of any client.”

Jump Right In

For a flexible, efficient path to fitness, HIIT checks all the boxes. By starting small and slowly working up to a high level of intensity, a whole host of fitness gains and health benefits are possible without sacrificing time.

Kirby Baldwin is an editor and writer for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

The Cellular Magic of Compassion

by Marlaina Donato

magic is ephemeral. Oxytocin, the “love chemical” that bonds humans to each other, floods the bloodstream for only four minutes after a positive interaction, which means the more doors we hold for each other and the more we offer small soul-gifts to others, the more we train our brains to be happier and our bodies to be less sensitive to chronic pain patterns.

Of course, giving must be counterbalanced with a healthy ratio of receiving. Expressing compassion to ourselves is equally as important and effective. Including the self is paramount in purposeful generosity. Allowing ourselves the full range of human emotions without judgement, giving our bodies that much-needed extra hour of sleep, buying fresh flowers for our office and crediting ourselves for daily accomplishments are all easy ways to turn on endorphins.

Dropping off a homemade treat on a neighbor’s porch or going out of our way for a stranger can make the recipient’s day, but the giver also gets a boost.

Thanks to a scientifically proven cascade of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, performing regular acts of kindness forges new neural pathways in the brain, amping up our cognitive ability while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The “helper’s high” is as real as the runner’s high and, according to sources cited by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, neurotransmitters stimulated by compassion have a stronger influence on health and longevity than exercise and other positive lifestyle factors.

Studies show that practicing kindness for just seven days increases happiness, but the

The more joyful we can be in our own skins, the more likely we are to beam that joy out into the world. Being both giver and receiver to ourselves blesses us with an understanding of why expressing benevolence is vital to the planet. “The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be,” said the Dalai Lama, exemplifying how giving in itself is the greatest reward.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Veggies for the Win

FIVE REASONS TO CHOOSE A PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE

by Kiki Powers, MS, CNC

Many of us have come across the term “plant-based eating”. Perhaps the regimen was recommended to us by a medical or nutritional professional. We may have read about it in a magazine or seen a documentary on the subject. Scientists around the globe have studied this lifestyle choice, and persuasive evidence is mounting that eating a preponderance of foods from plant sources has health merits.

The concept is attributed to T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the Jacob Gould Schurman professor emeritus of nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University. Based on his extensive research, he has advocated a low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet since the 1980s, and his commentary appears in Forks Over Knives, an influential 2011 documentary on the subject that is still worth viewing.

Americans love their cheeseburgers and french fries, and breaking a habit that we thoroughly enjoy might be challenging at first. But we need not completely ban such delights from our menu, so long as our plates are brimming with vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, beans, healthy oils, nuts and seeds most of the time. Gradually transitioning to a whole food, plant-based, low-fat diet is the winning formula for positive change and long-term compliance.

Here are five compelling reasons to make this promising dietary shift.

Cost-Effective Disease Prevention

As so many Americans struggle with chronic health issues, includ-

ing obesity, diabetes and heart disease, physicians are hard-pressed to find the right combination of treatments to help their patients lead healthier lives. At the same time, healthcare costs continue to skyrocket. In 2020, health spending rose to $4.1 trillion, or $12,530 per capita, according to the American Medical Association.

In a 2013 article published in The Permanente Journal, California physicians surveyed leading research and case studies and found that plant-based diets offer patients a low-risk, cost-effective intervention to regulate weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They also asserted that such eating regimens could reduce the number of medications patients would have to take for chronic disease, and that physicians should recommend such diets to all of their patients, especially those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity.

Besides saving money on drugs and medical procedures, a plantbased menu has never been easier or more affordable. According to recent data conducted by the UK nonprofit Veganuary, plantbased meals eaten at home cost 40 percent less than meat- or fishbased meals and take one-third less time to prepare.

“The most powerful tool I discovered while in practice for both preventing and treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis was the implementation of a plant-based nutritional plan to a patient’s life,” says Ted Crawford, a board-certified family physician featured in two inspiring documentaries about the life-changing benefits of a plant-based diet: Eating You Alive and PlantWise.

Flavor, Freshness and Flavonoids

The latest food trend is a “burger” made entirely of plants. The race is on to see which one looks and tastes closest to a juicy, all-beef patty. Whether it’s mushrooms posing as “steak” or wheat-based seitan kneaded into “chicken”, recipes catering to carnivores have their audience. For some, these tasty alternatives may offer a path toward becoming a vegetarian or vegan.

Oven-roasted on a sheet pan, splashed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkled with fresh herbs and spices, served with a creamy dip, slow-cooked in a crockpot, baked into a pie, frothed into a sweet smoothie or freshly pulled from the vine, consider the fact that whole, plant-based foods taste delicious on their own and deserve the spotlight.

They are good and good for us, packed with nutrition while low in fat and calories. The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables—as varied as the rainbow—are evidence of the many healthful attributes they offer. Ditching animal fats, white flour and sugar in favor of fresh, whole plant foods found at a local farmers market ensures a rich intake of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytonutrients, fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids, protein, fiber and more— the building blocks of a robust, disease-fighting body.

Those that believe a plant-based diet is too limiting might be surprised to learn that there is a wealth of meat-free culinary possibilities. Garth Davis, M.D., author of Proteinaholic: How Our Obsession With Meat Is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It, notes, “Just 12 plants and five animals compose about 75 percent of the world’s food, and yet there are approximately 300,000 known edible plant species, only about 150 of which are used commonly around the world.”

There are so many plant-derived flavors and recipes yet to explore. Try a new plant-based recipe weekly. Let the kids select their favorite fruits and veggies to prepare. Enjoy reimagining old favorites like lasagna, enchiladas, chili and tacos. Simply swap out the meat in favor of beans, tofu, tempeh or faux meat products, which have become quite sophisticated in recent years.

PLANT-BASED RESOURCES

Documentary Films championing plant-based diets

n PlantPure Nation

n Forks Over Knives

n Eating You Alive

n What the Health

Websites offering tips, recipes and advice for plant-prominent menus

n HappyHerbivore.com

n ForksOverKnives.com

n NoraCooks.com

n CleanFoodDirtyGirl.com

Cookbooks that make whole, plant-based foods shine

n Oh She Glows Every Day, by Angela Lindon

n The Happy Herbivore Cookbook, by Lindsay S. Nixon

n The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell

n The China Study Cookbook, by LeAnne Campbell

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

While acute inflammation is a protective bodily response to heal infections and repair tissues, metabolic inflammation—or metaflammation—refers to chronic, systemic inflammation. According to a 2020 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, metabolic inflammation is associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease.

Numerous studies have explored the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of foods. According to a 2021 article in Harvard Health Publishing, the following foods cause inflammation: refined carbohydrates like white bread; fried foods like french fries; sodas and other sugary drinks; red meat; processed meat, including hot dogs, sausage and cold cuts; and margarine, shortening and lard. Conversely, the best anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes; olive oil; leafy, green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards; nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans; and fruit such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Environmental Sustainability

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, total greenhouse gas emissions from global livestock represents 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Cattle raised for both beef and milk are the animal species respon-

sible for the most emissions, which include methane and represent about 65 percent of the livestock sector’s emissions. Industrially produced meat is also a leading contributor of global deforestation and habitat loss as large swaths of the Amazon and other land masses are cleared for cattle ranching and to produce animal feed.

According to a new model developed by California scientists and published in the journal PLOS Climate, a global phase-out of animal agriculture and a shift to plant-based diets over the next 15 years would have the same effect as a 68 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the end of 2100, thereby boosting humanity’s chances of avoiding the projected devastation of climate change. Such benefits would result from a decline in the methane and nitrous oxide emissions associated with industrialized meat production, coupled with a recovery of natural ecosystems as fewer forests and land masses are cleared for animal feed production.

Improved Mental and Emotional Health

Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, an integrative registered dietician and manager of clinical nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine (CCCFM), notes, “Certain foods and nutrients help your brain to make chemicals that can impact your mood, attention and focus, while other foods can zap your energy.” The CCCFM recommends a diet that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. While lean proteins may include white-fleshed fish and white-meat poultry, healthy, plant-based, lean proteins are also found in beans, peas, lentils and tofu.

Diet can support emotional well-being and perhaps even help ward off depression and anxiety. A 2017 clinical trial explored how a plant-based diet, daily exercise and mindfulness techniques would affect 500 adult men and women diagnosed with moderate to severe depression and anxiety. After 12 weeks, participants reported improvements in depression and anxiety, according to the study abstract published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

Eating a plant-based diet makes sense on many levels. Make the switch.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

Eco-Friendly Water Heating

nual hot water costs in half. Homes that generate their own power with solar panels may eliminate the annual cost altogether.

Another option is a heat pump water heater that uses 70 percent less energy than standard water heaters and is currently eligible for a $300 federal tax credit. According to Energy Saver, a U.S. Department of Energy consumer resource (Energy.gov), heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.

After installing a new unit, be sure to recycle the old water heater. Ask the retailer of the new appliance if they participate in a take-back program, or coordinate with the installer to arrange for proper recycling.

When it comes time to replace the water heater, homeowners have an opportunity to save money and significantly lower their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient appliances. In the U.S., most homes are equipped with water heaters that require a large storage tank. The water has to be heated continually, leading to $400 to $600 water heating bills every year.

A tankless model requires less space, lasts longer and costs less to operate. Because it does not hold water, cold water flows into the unit and is heated only when needed. This can save energy because the unit does not need to heat gallons of water that aren’t being used.

One drawback is that tankless devices may require a gas line and may be a challenge for older homes because of the necessary permits and electrical upgrades. Whether it has a tank or not, choose an Energy Star-certified model, which is deemed to be more efficient and often comes with a rebate or tax credit. Visit EnergyStar.gov for more information.

Some people may opt for a solar water heating system, which can cut an-

If the water heater doesn’t need replacement yet, consider that for every 10-degree decrease in the temperature setting on a conventional tank there is a corresponding 3 to 5 percent energy savings. Lower temperatures also reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in the tank and pipes.

Keep in mind that the easiest way to lower a household’s water heating is simply to use less hot water. Look for ways to decrease the family’s use of hot water by taking baths or shorter showers, washing laundry with cold water and running the dishwater on the energy-efficient setting.

SWEET LULLABY BETTER SLEEP FOR CHILDREN

by Marlaina Donato and Kirby Baldwin

Sleep is essential for both survival and the ability to thrive, yet as children’s schedules get busier and they spend more time in front of screens, their average sleep time often decreases. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids between the ages of 6 and 12 get nine to 12 hours of sleep per night for optimal health, they’re regularly getting less, and about 15 to 25 percent of youngsters and adolescents have trouble falling and staying asleep.

In a recent study published in The Lancet , researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that children that get less than nine hours of sleep per night have notable differences in areas of the brain that influence memory, intelligence and well-being compared to those that sleep more than nine hours. According to researchers, such insufficiencies in early adolescence can lead to long-lasting neurocognitive consequences.

Why Kids Aren’t Sleeping

Anna Esparham, M.D., FAAP, an integrative medical expert with the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends that parents look for clues as to why their children can’t sleep, including stress, increased screen time and less physical activity. However, there may be other underlying issues.

A lesser-known culprit that may contribute to a child’s compromised sleep is impaired mouth syndrome (IMS), a term coined by dentist Felix Liao, a certified airway-centered mouth doctor and past-president of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. “Most people, including many dentists, don’t realize the influence that the mouth has on the body,” he says. “The mouth is the portal to the inside. With impaired mouth syndrome, the child can still chew, smile and talk, but the body ’ s health can be compromised.”

While birth trauma, concussion and viruses can precipitate mouth breathing, and chronic allergies often exacerbate matters, immature swallowing can set off a cascade of problems. The mouth is a critical infrastructure for proper breathing, circulation, digestion, energy and sleep. IMS occurs when jaw development is insufficient, thereby giving rise to numerous difficulties, such as a narrower airway, which can cause

hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen. Liao notes that poor sleep quality can also lead to learning and behavioral problems.

“Breastfeeding stimulates bone growth and jaw development through the tongue’s instinctive action and ideally enables a child to have a mature swallow by age 2,” says Amy Dayries-Ling, DMD, FAIHM, a national spokesperson for the American Dental Association. In her book Solve Your Sleep: Get to the Core of Your Snore for Better Health, Dayries-Ling connects the dots between the vital role of the tongue during breastfeeding, balanced stimulation from the vagus nerve and beneficial spaces between milk teeth for a well-developed dental arch.

Correcting Structural Problems

From a holistic perspective, improperly working muscles of the tongue, throat and face or a compromised jawbone can foster a predisposition to a number of seemingly unrelated conditions, including dental problems, teeth grinding, asthma, bedwetting, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, poor growth, swollen tonsils and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Dayries-Ling recommends that parents seek out a myofunctional therapist that can help retrain muscles and free up the airway. Building an integrative team is vital, including a dentist trained to address structural issues.

As a certified, airway-centered mouth doctor, New Jersey-based holistic dentist Nemie Sirilan understands the link between sleep deprivation and airway obstructions. She uses 3D scans and thorough examinations to identify craniofacial abnormalities and customize treatments that correct structural anomalies.

“When I examine young patients, I want to see how baby teeth are forming, whether they have a tongue-tie and how their upper and lower jaws are positioned, to see if they have some kind of bad bite. These are all telltale signs of airway obstruction,” Sirilan explains, adding that another common indicator of breathing difficulties is the wearing down of tooth enamel that results from persistent teeth grinding.

Sirilan recommends that parents consult an airway-centered mouth doctor as soon as possible before other complications arise, noting that these problems are often easily corrected with customized corrective appliances, as well as collaborative consultations with other practitioners, including functional doctors, nutritionists, chiropractors and physical therapists to treat the whole person.

Life seems to be a much brighter place after a good night’s sleep, and kids are our future. Digging deeper for their optimum, longterm well-being is a vital investment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Kirby Baldwin is an editor and writer for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

FINDING HOPE IN ACTION

SAVING EARTH AND WATER WITH SMALL STEPS

by Marlaina Donato

In her book One Makes the Difference: Inspiring Actions That Change Our World, environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill asserts, “Everything we do and say does change the world. Even our inactions have impact.” Spring-boarding from Hill’s keen observation, the efforts each of us make can add up to much more than we ever imagine.

This year, the International Day of Forests and World Water Day are celebrated during the spring equinox (March 21 and 22), when nature kicks into high gear for annual renewal. For those dedicated to Earth awareness, this is a wonderful opportunity to commune with like-minded activists and learn about our impacts on vanishing resources.

Progress as Incentive

It is easy to be hopelessly discouraged when we look at the statistics of vanishing rain forests, polluted waterways and an astonishing output of “forever chemicals”, but focusing instead on the headway we’ve made worldwide can be a shot in the arm. The ozone layer, according to reliable accounts, is in recovery, thanks to reduced production of chlorofluorocarbons. Plastic policies in cities across the U.S., Europe and Australia are reducing waste, especially plastic shopping bags, plates, straws and cutlery. To fight the demise of vital coral reefs due to ocean acidification caused by the plastic pandemic, scientists are seeding reefs with coral offspring to promote restoration. The United Nations biodiversity conference held last year initiated an agreement among world leaders to restore 30 percent of natural resources by 2030 through concentrated efforts across the globe.

Fostering Forests

Major culprits of deforestation are food production (soy, corn and livestock), illegal logging and excessive paper manufacturing, which uses hazardous chemicals that compromise the air and human health. But there is much we can each do to counterbalance this devastation. Besides going paperless whenever we can at home and work, opting for paper alternatives like bamboo, hemp and sugarcane can reduce energy production and pollution. “The three

Rs—recycle, reuse and reduce—are still very important,” says Todd Larsen, executive co-director at Green America. “Look for paper products made with post-consumer recycled fiber, and consumers can encourage companies they support to use recycled paper as much as possible.”

The people behind TreeSisters.org, a registered charity in the UK spearheading social change and tropical reforestation, explain, “Tropical forests are more than ‘the lungs’ of our world. They are the beating heart of the hydrological cycle. As weather stabilizers, rain creators and cleansers, they are intimately tied to our health and our food.”

Supporting reputable organizations for land and water extends beyond funds. Volunteer work, initiating a fundraiser and spreading the word about their efforts on social media or over a coffee break are love in action. Choosing to buy from organic farmers with Earth-positive practices like crop rotation, cover cropping and composting is an investment in the future. Brady Smith, the public affairs officer for the Coconino National Forest, in Arizona, emphasizes, “If people can practice ‘leaving no trace’ ethics, that would go a long, long way in helping preserve our forests.”

Walking Our Talk for Water

It is a frightening prospect that the world’s oceans will have more plastic than marine life in just 30 years. The impact of overfishing adds to the grim reality, but we can choose sustainable, wild-caught seafood that requires minimal fresh water (and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than the beef industry).

According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, one in three people suffer from the consequences of contaminated water. Supporting clean water projects sponsored by charities like Water.org can help provide safe drinking water for families in impoverished countries. Donating $200 can help a family receive a water credit loan to connect to a water supply inside the home. A borrower’s payback rate in a country like the Philippines is an inspiring 99 percent.

Full Circle

Even surfing the net can have environmental implications. Instead of conducting web searches on Google, consider Ecosia. They use the profit they make from people’s searches to plant trees where they are needed most. What we do matters.

Canadian activist Maude Barlow’s inspiring words at the World Future Council last year remind us, “We can’t know what the outcome is going to be, but we have to have faith that others are doing very important work and that, collectively, that’s going to make a difference.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

TERRY WAHLS

O N MANAGING AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE WITH LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS

by Noelle Citarella, MS, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

Terry Wahls, M.D., is a certified practitioner at the Institute for Functional Medicine, as well as clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, where she conducts clinical trials testing the effect of therapeutic diet and lifestyle to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, as well as an accompanying cookbook, The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life.

When Wahls was diagnosed with MS and later relegated to a tilt-recline wheelchair in the early 2000s, she decided to fight back. Drawing upon her medical background, she identified certain nutrients that were critical for brain health and started taking supplements. The disease’s progression slowed as a result, spurring her to dig deeper. Since then, through rigorous scientific study and numerous clinical trials, Wahls has developed

groundbreaking dietary and lifestyle recommendations that alleviate autoimmune disease symptoms. No longer bound to a wheelchair, she bikes to work every day and stands as a living testament to the power of tenacity and strenuous scientific inquiry.

What are the key components of the Wahls Protocol?

The protocol is a lifestyle that supports the steadily improving health of everyone, not just MS patients. It focuses on eating more vegetables and fruits, and ensuring sufficient protein. It reduces or eliminates added sugars, ultra-processed foods, dairy and gluten-containing grains. While the diet may get more complex, a great place for anyone to start is including more non-starchy vegetables, less processed food and more meals cooked at home. The protocol also includes lifestyle interventions, such as time in nature, meditation, mindfulness and physical activity. Even for patients who are wheelchair-bound, going from chair to bed, exercise will improve their quality of life. It is a way of approaching living that creates a more healthy, nurturing environment.

What excites you most about your current MS study?

Seeing what happens with brain volume and quality of life. We hypothesize that lifestyle changes will get the rate of brain vol-

ume loss to match that of healthy aging. MS patients have brains that are shrinking three times faster than in healthy aging. This increases the risk for anxiety, depression and early cognitive decline. Our study will be the largest and longest dietary intervention study done in the setting of relapsing-remitting MS. We are recruiting people ages 18 to 70 diagnosed with MS. During the participants’ three visits, they will complete surveys, conduct functional tests, provide blood and saliva samples, and get an MRI. The participants will be divided into three groups. One will follow a modified paleo diet; the second an olive oil ketogenic, time-restricted diet; and the third will be the control group. We are optimistic that the first two groups will get to healthy aging, and the control arm will likely improve, as well.

What is metabolic flexibility, and how do you improve it?

Fasting improves metabolic flexibility—the ability to switch between protein, fat and glucose for fuel. Fasting for two days increases stem cells. While periodic fasting is beneficial for metabolism and regenerative processes, it is hard to sustain because of our strong biologic drive to eat and dislike for being hungry. An easier dietary pattern to sustain long term is time-restricted eating in a window of six to eight hours. Our current clinical trial incorporates this eating pattern.

Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew when you were getting started?

How important managing stress is. When I was diagnosed with MS, I could tell that stress made my symptoms worse. I feel I would have done much better had I maintained my meditation. I am fond of hormetic stress, that “sweet spot” where stress could be beneficial. Without stress, our bones and muscles disappear. Without the stress of having to learn, our brain disappears. We just need an equal measure of relaxation and recovery.

What is your takeaway on lifestyle modifications and multiple sclerosis?

You can reverse symptoms of MS and restore function. You can have a great and meaningful life at your level of function. It is important to find joy, gratitude and purpose in life as it’s unfolding now, and doing so will help with the energy and commitment needed to do the work that can change the direction of your healing journey.

To learn more about Wahls’ studies, visit wahls.lab.uiowa.edu. To participate, visit wahls.lab.uiowa.edu/join-study or contact the study team at MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu.

Noelle Citarella is a registered dietitian specializing in neurological nutrition and autoimmune disease in the Buffalo, N.Y., area.

Thriving With Multiple Sclerosis

H OW TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND PROMOTE NEUROREGENERATION

by Noelle Citarella, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

For people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the concept of “thriving” is becoming increasingly attainable thanks to advances in lifestyle-related research. While MS is not yet curable, life choices that reduce inflammation and promote neuroregeneration can slow or reverse disease progression. This is great news for nearly 1 million Americans living with MS, as estimated by a 2019 National Multiple Sclerosis Association study.

Tony Ferro, the founder of Change MS, credits diet modifications for improving his own symptoms of numbness, tingling, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, brain fog and depression. “It was hard work, but the more I learned and understood, the more I applied and the better I felt,” he says. Recognizing the transformative power of behavioral and attitudinal choices, his nonprofit helps people with MS adopt a wellness mindset and learn strategies to achieve their fullest potential.

According to a 2018 review article published in Current Nutrition Reports, a number of recent studies provide strong

preliminary evidence that diet can influence the rise and progression of MS and its symptoms. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to be certain, but the emerging research suggests that the right foods not only provide essential nutrients for cellular function and repair, but also offer anti-inflammatory effects that slow MS activity, protect the nervous system from further damage and allow for nervous-system repair.

A study spearheaded by Terry Wahls, M.D., at the University of Iowa, found a significant improvement in fatigue, quality of life and mental health in MS patients following a modified paleo diet that was rich in certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes that have been found to support energy production and nerve repair.

Eating to Reduce Inflammation

Vegetables should make up the bulk of each meal, followed by a smaller portion of fruits. Eat many different-colored varietals to benefit from a full gamut of bioactive compounds. Consume sulfur-rich foods

like broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and leafy greens daily.

Quality protein is essential, including omega-3-rich fish, like salmon, twice weekly. Saturated fats found in butter, cheese and red meat are associated with inflammation and should be limited. Use olive oil, which contains more than 30 neuroprotective antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote immune tolerance.

An elimination diet may identify food triggers that exacerbate MS symptoms.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Most people need 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Consume fermented foods, such as pickled vegetables and kefir, as well as prebiotic ingredients like onions, garlic, oats, bananas, apples, cocoa and flax seeds. The microbial fermentation of prebiotic fiber and phytonutrients produces beneficial byproducts including vitamin K, biotin, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and short-chain fatty acids, which

help promote gut integrity, mood, immune balance and overall health.

Fasting Regularly

Studies have found that fasting for 12 to 16 hours increases cell repair and positively impacts hormone balance, metabolism and weight. Start with an overnight fast of 12 hours and slowly extend the fasting period one hour at a time to lengthen the body repair window.

Improving Sleep

The body does most of its restorative work while we sleep. Adequate, quality slumber is crucial for healthy immune function, balanced hormones and tissue repair. Ensure that the bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. To keep circadian cycles on track, get a daily dose of sunlight. Consider taking melatonin, L-theanine, lemon balm, holy basil, reishi mushrooms or other natural supplements recommended by a healthcare provider, as needed.

Remaining Active

For people with MS, regular physical activity can improve their quality of life. According to Dr. Lacey Bromley, a physical therapist who specializes in neurological rehabilitation, “Study after study examining the influence of exercise and physical rehabilitation on persons with MS continue to provide positive outcomes. With the correct rehabilitation program, there is ample opportunity for the central nervous system to recover lost function by enhancing previous motor programs or developing new neural pathways.”

Staying Hydrated

Fluids are essential for important bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation and toxin excretion. They also help prevent constipation.

Bladder dysfunction, a common MS symptom, leads many patients to restrict fluid intake. This is inadvisable because even mild dehydration can promote fatigue, cause urinary tract infections and impair cognitive function and exercise performance. A better approach is to de-

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

crease caffeine and alcohol consumption while slowly increasing fluid intake to build up a tolerance for additional fluids.

A Life Worth Living

By focusing more attention on the delights that can be added rather than what is taken away, people with MS can move forward on a much brighter path.

“We want to support our cells, brain and body with the nutrients we need to thrive, not just survive,” Ferro says. “Make small, obtainable goals, stay consistent and keep a journal to track your food, symptoms and journey along the way.”

Noelle Citarella is a registered dietitian specializing in neurological nutrition and autoimmune disease in the Buffalo, N.Y., area.

Natural Remedies for Pets

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Natural remedies and healing therapies are not just for humans, they also help pets overcome illness and maintain optimal health. Used properly, plants, herbs, essential oils and other natural, non-toxic substances can complement and often replace drugs and other chemical agents. Here are seven healthful solutions.

Coconut oil is a source of medium-chain triglycerides, which benefit cognitive function. It is also rich in lauric acid, a powerful antimicrobial agent for yeast infections, allergies and skin conditions (when used topically). Feed dogs and cats one-quarter teaspoon of 100 percent organic, cold-pressed, human-grade coconut oil for every 10 pounds of the pet’s body weight twice daily.

Manuka honey is an all-natural, effective remedy. Clinical trials have shown that it can eradicate hundreds of strains of bacteria, including certain antibiotic-resistant varieties. A Unique Manuka Factor rating of 10 or higher is recommended for medicinal use. Manuka honey can be used to manage resistant ear and skin infections, as well as large, superficial wounds that cannot be closed surgically. Given orally, manuka honey is effective at addressing H. pylori, the bacteria that contributes to gastrointestinal irritation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and excessive E. coli blooms in animals with dysbiosis.

Aloe vera has multiple applications. To reduce a dog’s discomfort from skin irritations, cuts or wounds, clean the affected area and apply the raw, inner gel of the plant to provide a soothing effect. For constipation, a small amount of whole leaf aloe vera juice, a natural laxative, can be added to a dog’s food. Inner leaf aloe juice, which doesn’t contain the skin, helps heal gastric ulcers, colitis and leaky gut.

Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to help calm nervous or anxious animals. For a dog with noise phobia, place a few drops on their collar or bedding before a stressor occurs, if possible, or diffuse the oil around the house for a calming effect. Lavender oil can also be beneficial for treating hot spots. Add a few drops to manuka honey or coconut oil and apply after disinfecting the wound twice daily.

Oregano oil contains potent antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. It can be used to calm itchy skin, soothe irritated gums and assist in balancing a dog’s gut flora. It is also a beneficial herb for dogs with kennel cough or

recurrent infections. Oregano oil should always be diluted before using it in or on pets.

Ginger is a widely used, non-toxic, non-irritating remedy for soothing tummy troubles. It can be given orally or used in oil form by adding a few drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and massaging the mixture into the skin on the pet’s belly. Alternatively, add small amounts of freshly grated ginger or the dry herb to a tasty meatball or other yummy treat. Use no more than one-sixteenth teaspoon for kitties, one-eighth teaspoon for small dogs under 10 pounds, one-quarter teaspoon for medium-sized dogs, one-half teaspoon for large dogs and three-quarter to one teaspoon for giant breeds. Give the ginger one to three times a day, as needed.

Chamomile is an effective calming agent that has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties and is beneficial in soothing the central nervous system. Use a cool chamomile tea bag against a wound, irritation or bug bite on the dog’s or cat’s skin to provide a soothing effect. Something else to consider is a soothing chamomile after-bath rinse. Add five chamomile tea bags to two quarts of very hot water and steep until the water is cool for up to three hours to allow the maximum amount of polyphenols to release into the water. Remove the tea bags and pour the rinse over a freshly bathed pet from the neck down. Massage into the skin and do not rinse.

Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their pets. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

Empower Natural Health By Mouth

“The Mouth Is To Humans What Roots Are To Plants”

An AMD’s Mission: To help you turn back illness and turn on wellness naturally through our evidence-based impaired Mouth diagnosis and Holistic Mouth solutions

Your Pain, Fatigue & Chronic Illness May Be Rooted in:

1.Crowded Teeth & Deficient Jaws

2.Pinched Airway

3.Clicking/Popping Jaw Joints

4.Teeth Grinding

5.Tongue-Tie & Abnormal Swallowing

6.Weak Chin, Double Chin

7.Sunken Mid-Face, Flat Cheekbones

8.Teeth Pulled & Spaces Closed For Braces.

Impaired Mouth Symptoms Short List:

1. Aches & Pains in Head, Jaws, Neck Shoulders & Back

2. Fatique, Brain Fog, Lack of Motivation

3. Post-Nasal Drip & Frequent Colds & Flu

4. Teeth Grinding & Jaw Joint Troubles

5. Snoring, Sleep Apnea, CPAP Intolerance

6. Anxiety, Depression, Irritability/Hostility

7. “Empty Tank” From Adrenal Fatique, PMS/ED

8. Food Cravings; Caffeine, Sugar, Chocolate, Energy Drinks

“Get your airway back, get your sleep back, get your life back” – Angela, patient “Impaired Mouth Diagnosis should have been the first course in dental school.”

Dr. J. Yelle, Monument, CO

Join free Webinar to learn more.

Dr. Felix Liao, DDS

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

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

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

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.”

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!”

“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.

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.

Colds

Flu

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

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.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

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 March 12 (for April 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.

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, MARCH 3–5

ICRC Children’s Theatre–Fri, 7pm; Sat, 3 and 7pm; and Sun, 3pm. Junie B Jones the Musical. Junie’s friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie B makes friends with Herb, the new kid. In Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard, and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting. Cost: $10. Irmo High School Center for the Performing Arts, 6671 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803345-6181, icrc.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Touch-a-Truck –11am-1pm. A fun-filled event where kids can touch, climb and explore fire trucks and bulldozers to dump trucks and ambulances! Food truck vendors will have food for purchase. Cost: $5 parking. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.

Backyard Saturday—Nature Engineers–11am-1pm. Join us for a special Backyard Saturday during Touch-a-Truck and learn about nature engineers. Through play, families can experience nature. There will be fun activities, games, stories and cool biofacts. Ages 0-7. Cost: $5 parking. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/join mailing list, 803-772-1228.

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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Couples Date Night Cooking Class–6-8pm. A romantic and unique couples date night cooking class experience with Flavored Fork, and enjoy eating what you make. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $100/couple. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

ICRC Indoor Yard Sale–7-11am. Great bargains and treasures. Admission is free to buyers. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/vendor info: 803-772-3336.

Art Crawl–10am-4pm. Our sponsored artist is Lisa Bone Designs, and we will feature the children’s activity by Environmental Educators of SC. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

Shuckin’ on the Shoals–3-6pm. Event features: delicious oysters, chili and BBQ, craft beer and wine, live music, raffles and prize drawings. Cost: $75/foundation member; $90/non-member; $25/ ages 7-12; 6 and under free. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase only. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-7721228, icrc.net.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Sip and Plant Workshop–6-8:30pm. We will help you build a beautiful planter that has all the texture and color you desire. Class includes 14-inch deco planter, 3-5 annual plants (depending on size), and the soil/fertilizer and soil cover needed. Only 12 seats available. Cost: $45. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

St. Patty’s Paint Class—Summerdoodles–The Hideout in WeCo, 118 State St, W Columbia. Info/ cost/times: 803-881-1044, HideoutInWeco.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Brunch with Columbia Kings and Things–The Hideout in WeCo, 118 State St, W Columbia. Info/ cost/times: 803-881-1044, HideoutInWeco.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Spring Market and Community Fair–8:30am2pm. This is the perfect time to shop for Easter gifts, spring décor, Mother's Day gifts, end-of-theyear teacher gifts, wedding season gifts, and more. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Composing Compost Class–6:30-8pm. Composting with special guest BioJoe, from Green Energy Biofuel and ReSoil, and Randall Isherwood. Learn to compost and the different elements that make it great for your yard and beds. Cost: $30. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

Lower Saluda Craft BeerFest–6-9pm. Taste more than 25 unique craft beers, enjoy live music, and take home a commemorative tasting glass. Food trucks will have food available for purchase. Live music. Ages 21 and up. Cost: $30 in advance; $35 day of event. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

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.

It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.

– Rainer Maria Rilke

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 17.

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-theart full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 8.

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 17.

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 10.

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 19.

Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.

– Alan D. Wolfelt

COMING IN THE APRIL ISSUE

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

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 consultation. See ad, page 5.

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EXPECT WELLNESS

Dr. Rachel Hall

130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com

ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com

Find us on Facebook for great health tips. Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 3.

INSPIRED HEALTH

Dana Nairn, MD, FAIHM

1931 Bull St, Ste C, Columbia 839-200-7822

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!

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

BODYWORX

TRAINING AND RECOVERY

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 full-sized 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. Connect

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, page 16.

PEACEFUL PAUSE HEALING

Malai Roper

Reiki Practitioner, RYT-200

803-814-4001

PeacefulPauseHealing.com

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety through gentle hand movements. Using the guidance of your unique needs, treatments include a blend of reiki, sound healing, gemstone heat therapy, and chakra balancing to recharge your energy field and repair any energy blocks.

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 11.

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 10.

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.