Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition by Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

SPECIAL EDITION

WOMEN’S WELLNESS HOMEOPATHY TO THE RESCUE Family First-Aid Remedies

BODYWORK

THERAPY

Improve Your Workouts and Recovery

ECOCLOTHES Stylish & Sustainable

May 2021 | Columbia Edition | ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2021

Columbia Edition

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

May 2021

Contents

13 THE BENEFITS OF IV HYDRATION THERAPY

and the Myers’ Cocktail

15 THE HIDEOUT IN WECO Your New Favorite Hideaway!

17 SUSTAINABLY STYLISH

Eco-Fashion that’s Kind to the Planet

18 STAY FIT WITH

BODYWORK THERAPY

Enhance Workout Performance and Recovery with Massage

20 DEVAKI LINDSEY BERKSON

on Bioidentical Hormones for Long-Term Health

22 INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do

26 HOMEOPATHY TO THE RESCUE

Create a Family First-Aid Kit

28 NATURAL MAMA

Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

30 BABY BITES

Healthy Homemade Food for Tiny Tummies

32 CURBING CANCER IN CATS

Ways to Keep a Feline Healthy

DEPARTMENTS 7 community news 12 health briefs 14 global briefs 17 green living 18 fit body 20 wise words 25 inspiration 4

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26 healing ways 28 healthy kids 30 conscious eating 36 calendar 36 classifieds 37 natural directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

22 30

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events at ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com or email to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to publication. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 803-309-2101. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

May 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLUMBIA EDITION

letter from publisher

Your Inner Beauty … Make it Shine!

reetings loyal readers and Happy May! This month’s editorial theme is women’s wellness, and I want to ask you a sincere question: Are you well … really? American model Erin Heatherton stated, “Inner beauty radiates CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams from within, and there's nothing more beautiful than when a Kristi Antley woman feels beautiful on the inside.” I like her thinking. SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs At times, we as women tend to put more of our focus WEBSITE Kristina Parella on how we look rather than how we feel. In fact, the cosmetic Billy Briggs industry in the U.S. raked in a whopping $49.2 billion in 2019 from millions of women (and maybe one or two men, lol) CONTACT US seeking to feel better, and in some cases, trying to win accepPO Box # 2812 tance and approval from others—including themselves. Let’s be real, everyone has chased Columbia, SC 29202 Email after “the winning look” at some point. But what about one of the most important aspects ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com of a human being, the inner person that lies inside beyond the peering view of mirrors Annette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 and cameras? I’m talking about the mind, body, soul and spirit. Website ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com Do you make time for yourself? Your health and wellness (including that of the mind) are very important, and fundamental for successful and complete well-being. SUBSCRIPTIONS Leading an active lifestyle; choosing healthier dietary foods, such as fruits, fresh vegetables Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address. and leaner meats; and finding ways to stimulate and rejuvenate the mind are the building blocks for inner beauty that radiates from within. How important is it? NATIONAL TEAM Let’s look at some sobering facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 45.2 CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman percent of women age 20 and older battle hypertension (measured high blood pressure COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne and/or taking anti-hypertensive medication). Moreover, two of the leading causes of death Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo for women are cardiovascular disease and cancer. And sadly, 15.6 percent of women age Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs 18 and over find themselves in poor and debilitating health. Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy Inner beauty is a direct byproduct of inner healing, which comes from wiser living. National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell We all want to look good (I know I do); however, we should never barter away feeling Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan great for just looking good, which might only be superficial and very misleading. Like an iceberg, what one sees above the surface is only a fraction of what actually lies beneath. Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Take time to educate yourself on smarter health and wellness choices—the magazine Naples, FL 34103 that you are enjoying right now is a great place to start your journey toward what HeatherPh: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com ton called “inner beauty that radiates from within.” Trade the couch for a walking trail and the television for a meditation session or very good book. © 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Why not start today? You look amazing … why not feel the same way for yourself Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior and for the benefit of those that love you most? permission be obtained in writing. PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs EDITOR Sara Gurgen DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella Billy Briggs

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Living from the inside out,

Annette Carter Briggs, Publisher

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

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

Columbia Edition

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community news

Book Your Event Now!

Inspired Health: A New Integrative Practice

Large – Small – Mobile at

re you ready? We are here. Inspired Health, located at 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 200, in Columbia, is a new integrative medicine practice in Columbia that focuses on identifying the root cause of health issues while cultivating effective solutions. Since 2013, Dr. Dana Nairn has been board-certified in integrative and holistic medicine, and in 2020, she completed her fellowship with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Nairn joins an elite group of practitioners that are truly dedicated to integrative medicine—a specialty that fuses the knowledge of contemporary medicine with the knowledge of traditional, alternative and complementary medical system solutions. Integrative medicine draws from a rich variety of therapies, including acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, as well as genomic personalized therapies. Are you ready for a holistic approach? Are you ready to be heard? Are you ready to participate in a treatment plan uniquely and specifically designed for you? Dr. Nairn and her team are ready to partner with you on your journey to optimal health. Be the best version of yourself! For more information, call 803-676-1030. See ad, page 9.

Project Wet, Wild and Learning Tree Workshop

n July 28 and 29 (Wednesday and Thursday), from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Project Wild, Project Learning Tree (PLT) and Project Wet are hosting their Wet, Wild and PLT Triple Facilitator Training at the Sewee Center, located at 5821 Highway 17 (North), in Awendaw, S.C. Enhance your environmental education outreach by becoming a conservation education leader as a Project Wet, Wild and Learning Tree triple workshop facilitator. Triple facilitator participants must have already completed a Wet, Wild or PLT educator workshop, must attend the entire twoday event, and must be able to facilitate a workshop by August 2022. COVID-19 safety procedures will be in effect as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. As a note, $100 of the $120 registration fee will be reimbursed after completion of the training. This is made possible by a generous grant from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.

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(803) 748-4144 info@duprecatering.com DupreCatering.com

316 Senate Street Columbia, South Carolina

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May 2021

community news Hervana Wellness Is Now Open to Take Care of Feminine Business

ervana Wellness, a studio that specializes in lymphatic drainage massage, yoni (vaginal) steaming, post-cosmetic procedures, and energy readings, is now open and ready to serve women all across the Midlands. The unique integrative care facility, located at 120 Kaminer Way Parkway, Suite G, in Columbia, offers supreme feminine restoration and wellness with mobile service options. Owner and operator Joshelyn N. James, a certified massage therapist and certified yoni wellness practitioner, has been in the field of restorative healing since 2016 and understands the importance of providing a sacred, comforting and therapeutic space for women to safely recover, not just physically but mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. “Healing is an inside job; it all starts from within,” says James. She is also the former owner of Spativa Naturals Spa and Meditation Boutique. For more information about lymphatic drainage massage and yoni steams, or to book an appointment, call or text to 803-920-3921, or send an email to HervanaWellness@gmail. com. Also visit HervanaWellness.com. See ad, page 11.

Mimosa Yoga and Puppies

n Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to noon, the Good Company Yoga is hosting its Mimosa Yoga and Puppies event at the Lazy Creek TapHouse, located at 306 Saint Peters Church Road, in Chapin. Attendees will experience a refreshing balance of fun, relaxation, and a hint of coordination as they are skillfully guided through breathing practices and postures while enjoying cold, refreshing local mimosas for only $5. Class will be held outdoors in the brewery's grassy area and a local animal rescue will also be on-site, so the session is open to our four-legged friends. A bartender will be available throughout the yoga class. Preregistration is required, and attendees are asked to bring their own mat. For more information, visit Facebook.com/GoodCompanyYoga.

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EEASC Hosts Its Annual Conference in May

he Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting its annual conference from Thursday, June 10, through Saturday, June 12. Thursday and Friday are virtual session days, which will feature an informative session from keynote speaker Dr. David Shelley. Other highlights include an awards presentation and fun and games. Face-to-face regional activities, which will take place on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, include a Saluda Shoals canoe trip and a journey through the 12,000 Year History Park, in Cayce. Those interested are asked to preregister at eeasc.org. There is an additional charge for T-shirts ($20) and field trips ($10). Cost: $25. For more information, including a complete list of times and activity locations, visit eeasc.org/event-3799252.

Tupelo Grove Events Hosts Grand Opening for New Location!

ttention Midlands residents! Flowers by Tupelo Grove Events is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in celebration of its new location at 1004 12th Street, in Cayce. The day’s festivities will include prize drawings, and the grand prize will be a free bridal bouquet (a $200 value). Onsite food purchases will be provided by the Taste of the South food truck.

For more information, call 803-730-5096. See ad, page 10.

EEASC Hosts May Virtual Midlands Meetup

t’s time to meet up … virtually! On Tuesday, May 11, from 8 to 9 a.m., the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting a green networking “meetup” informal Zoom session for environmental educators. Attendees are encouraged to be prepared to share upcoming event information and sustainable program updates. Those interested in participating are asked to preregister. Upon registration, each prospective attendee will receive a confirmation email containing the meeting login credentials. Meetups provide opportunities for environmental educators and communicators from both formal and non-formal education settings to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and share resources and program updates. Cost: Free. To register or for more information, contact Jane Hiller at 803-779-0608 or Jane. Hiller@Sonoco.com, or visit eeasc.org/event-4237696.

May 2021

community news Elevate FootCare Is Serving the Midlands

levate FootCare is led by Geneva Holiday, a board-certified foot care and wound care nurse with more than 11 years of experience. Upon relocating to the mainland, Holiday saw the need for foot care therapy for those at risk of amputation, diabetic, unable to reach their feet, or that have wounds. Elevate FootCare visits should be regularly scheduled between visits to the podiatrist. Holiday and her staff are more than happy to serve clients in the comfort of their homes; however, they are welcome to visit the office, located at 160 Medical Circle, Suite C, in West Columbia (across from Lexington Medical Center). As a note, sessions are available by appointment. For more information, call 803-373-2299 or visit ElevateFootCare.com. See listing, page 38.

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KMB Hosts Recycle Shoe Drive Challenge

eep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) will continue its Shoe Recycling Drive (which started Thursday, April 1) to support local area conservation and sustainability while helping families in need through Wednesday, June 30. The shoes collected through this effort would otherwise find their way to local landfills. KMB has partnered with Funds2Orgs to support micro-enterprise vendors in developing nations, so local families, neighborhoods, businesses and church congregations are encouraged to join the effort by organizing group campaign support. Any style and size of gently worn shoes are accepted. Drop-off locations are available on KMB’s website. Bags will be supplied, which can comfortably hold 25 pairs. For more information, call 803-733-1139, email Info@KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

Rawtopian Bliss: New Chapter … Same Great Food and Service

awtopian Bliss is partnering with other local businesses to host Rawtopian Bliss Grab-n-Go Kiosks. “This is our way of expanding our brand and our reach beyond the borders of Columbia,” says Rawtopian Bliss owner Chef Saa. “Initially, we will have four kiosks in the Columbia area [locations soon to be announced]. Other outlets will follow in Sumter and Orangeburg.” There has been a strong indication of interest in the Lexington area, so if any business or organization is interested in hosting a kiosk, contact Rawtopian Bliss. “Our food truck will also service the Columbia area featuring all of our specialty dishes that cannot be offered in our Cold-Box Grab-n-Go’s. So keep an eye out, as our truck will officially be on the move very soon,” says Saa. “If you are interested in having our food truck visit your area or place of work, please let us know!” For more information, call 803-518-8927 or email RawtopianBliss@yahoo.com. See ad, page 8.

Richland Library Provides Access to Free Gardening Equipment

pring is here! And the Richland Library has added gardening equipment to its Library of Things for free member checkout (must have a valid library card). The list of available items includes gardening tools and tote kits, hedge shears, a pruning saw, an electric leaf mulcher, an electric tiller and more. Members are invited to browse the entire collection, check availability, review the guidelines, and reserve equipment at RichlandLibrary.com/LibraryOfThings. Then, an appointment can be scheduled for item pick up through curbside service at 1431 Assembly Street, in Columbia (the main library branch). For more information, visit RichlandLibrary.com.

May 2021

health briefs

People in the “poorest of the poor” communities in which money is not a high value can feel as happy as people in high-income Scandinavian countries, concludes new research from Canada’s McGill University. For the study published in PLOS One, interviewers studied 678 people living in Bangladesh and the Solomon Islands, both extremely low-income countries. People in remote fishing villages with subsistence-level incomes reported very high levels of “subjective well-being”, which they attributed to spending lots of time with family and being in nature. Villagers that had migrated to urban areas for work were more likely to gauge their well-being by economic and social factors, and reported lower feelings of well-being, leading researchers to speculate that monetization, especially in its early stages, may be detrimental to happiness. “When people are comfortable, safe and free to enjoy life within a strong community, they are happy—regardless of whether or not they are making any money,” says Chris Barrington-Leigh, a professor at McGill’s Bieler School of the Environment.

theodore gouta/Unsplash.com

Don’t Rely on Money for Happiness

As convenient as store-bought baby food is, it can pose hidden dangers for infant brains, say U.S. congressional investigators. A report issued by the House of Representatives on February 4 found “dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals,” including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury, in baby foods made by major companies Hain Foods, Gerber, Beech-Nut and Happy Family Organics. Walmart, Campbell Soup Company and Sprout Organic Foods refused to cooperate with the investigation. On March 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pledged to enact new standards, increase inspections and testing, and support research to lower baby food contaminants. Low levels of exposure to heavy metals can cause serious, irreversible damage to children’s brain development, studies show. Naturally present in the environment, they enter baby foods through soil, water and air; companies attempt to minimize this impact through processing. In one example, Hain Celestial, which makes Earth’s Best Organic, says it no longer uses brown rice, which can harbor arsenic.

m studio/AdobeStock.com

Nix Baby Foods that Harbor Toxic Metals

A natural, non-pharmaceutical remedy for anxiety disorders that affect 40 million Americans is as close as our beds, say University of California at Berkeley researchers. In Nature Human Behaviour, they reported that a sleepless night can trigger up to a 30 percent rise in anxiety levels, but a full night of slumber stabilizes emotions. The type most apt to calm and reset the anxious brain is deep sleep, also known as non-rapid eye movement, slow-wave sleep during which neural oscillations become highly synchronized and heart rate and blood pressure drop. The researchers used brain scans to identify anxiety levels in 48 volunteers after nights of deep or restless sleep. “Without sleep, it’s almost as if the brain is too heavy on the emotional accelerator pedal without enough brake,” says the study’s senior author Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology. A second survey of 280 people online found that the amount and quality of sleep people experienced from one night to the next predicted how anxious they would feel the next day. Even subtle nightly changes in sleep affected anxiety levels.

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vladislav muslakov/Unsplash.com

Sleep Deeply to Reduce Anxiety

health spotlight

THE BENEFITS OF IV HYDRATION THERAPY

and the Myers’ Cocktail by Geneva Holiday

any people are interested in intravenous (IV) hydration therapy, but are curious if there are any risks associated with this practice and what the advantages are when it comes to health. The good news is that there is no risk involved and that there are many benefits to be derived from IV hydration therapy. Let’s take a moment to discuss the value and see who benefits the most from receiving hydration and nutrient supplementation. The greatest impact is improved immune system, greater energy levels, faster absorption of essential nutrients, and healthy weight loss. IV hydration therapy is a safe, fast and effective way to deliver medications, vitamins and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream, thereby providing the body with the nutrition it needs while restoring one's health and well-being. Many persons due to their jobs are left fatigued and burnt out after a long day of work; others may experience a hangover after celebrating with friends. IV hydration therapy will provide quick restoration of a person’s energy levels and easy recov-

ery from a hangover in no time. One of the most amazing things about IV hydration therapy is that it is completely customized to suit your unique needs, and since it provides the correct mix of vitamins, nutrients and electrolytes, you will experience a more fulfilling life having undergone IV hydration therapy. Essentially, it ensures 100 percent absorption and minimal waste, thereby providing your body with the tools it needs to stay in top form while improving your immunity and mental clarity. IV hydration therapy is highly recommended for athletes that require fast recovery and muscle development. With IV hydration therapy, athletes can compete at the highest level, heal faster, hydrate adequately, and maintain muscle and tissues. Plus, IV hydration therapy replenishes lost electrolytes, so athletes are left revitalized.

IV hydration therapy also works well for persons with addiction problems. So, whether the problem lies with alcohol, tobacco, opioids or illicit drugs, IV treatments can help those in the recovery process by restoring cognitive function and clarity, detoxifying the body, restoring metabolic function, and repairing neurotransmitters in their brain. IV hydration therapy also supports weight loss, and has been proven to be an effective tool against unhealthy weight by boosting the body’s ability to break down fat and burn calories. One essential element of IV hydration therapy is the Myers’ Cocktail. This is an infusion of vitamins and nutrients aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with a variety of medical ailments. Created by Dr. John Myers, the Myers’ Cocktail increases the blood concentration of essential vitamins and minerals significantly more than when supplementing orally. Additionally, the Myers’ Cocktail strengthens immunity and fights against frequent colds and flu. It improves memory, fights fibromyalgia (a condition that usually leads to fatigue, memory issues, sleep disorder, and mood change), improves memory, supports bone health, boosts energy levels, helps prevent migraines, and improves mood and the circulatory system. Medical conditions such as acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasms, respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergies and cardiovascular disease tend to respond well to the Myers’ Cocktail. The treatment is administered by inserting a small catheter into a vein, and the infusion is given over a 20- to 30-minute period. If you suffer from medical ailments that need IV drip therapy, or maybe just want to boost your immune system, you may want to consider a visit to the InvoDrip Vitamin Bar, in West Columbia, where customized IV therapy programs are provided. Located at 160 Medical Circle, Suite C, InvoDrip Vitamin Bar offers a variety of IV therapy treatments. You can choose to be treated in InvoDrip’s cozy drip lounge or right in the comfort of your home. InvoDrip’s nurses are board certified, experienced, professional and very courteous. For more information, call 803-830-7212, email Book@InvoDrip.com or visit InvoDrip. com. See ad, page 4. May 2021

global briefs

Ark Park

photo courtesy of recompose.life

Composting Human Remains is a Reality

Frustrated with the limited options for environmentally friendly burial services and the rampant use of embalming in most funeral homes, which turns these sites into major groundwater polluters, environmental activist Katrina Spade founded Recompose (Recompose.life), the country’s first human composting funeral home, in Seattle. Formaldehyde, one of the most common embalming chemicals, is a carcinogen. Inspired by Spade’s idea, Governor Jay Inslee passed a bill legalizing composting as a form of human burial in 2019. Before then, the only legal and eco-friendly burial options were natural burial sites, of which there are only one or two hundred in the country. Both cremations and traditional burials cause environmental damage. Recompose offers an innovative funeral service that turns human remains into healthy soil. It gives Washington state and surrounding residents a chance to make a positive environmental change through their death, as well as their life. The process is said to save a metric ton of CO2 in the burial process, and the facility is accepting clients throughout the Northwest.

Columbia Edition

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The new Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge connects people with nature in the heart of San Antonio across a six-lane highway at Phil Hardberger Park. Private donations and a five-year bond program approved by voters helped fund the $23 million bridge, the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the U.S. Wildlife and vehicle collisions are a big problem across the country, increasing by 50 percent in 15 years, with an estimated 1 to 2 million large animals killed by motorists every year, according to National Geographic sources. In the U.S., 21 threatened and endangered species face extinction partly because of traffic accidents. Wildlife crossings are seen as an effective solution to the problem, with fatality reductions of up to 95 percent, depending on the location. The San Antonio bridge is notable for its size—150 feet wide and 150 feet long—and that it accommodates people, too. Animals in the 330-acre park that benefit from the bridge include ringtails, squirrels, coyotes, lizards, raccoons and deer. They are using it as intended, and it also serves as a habitat for native plants.

photo courtesy of phil hardberger park conservancy

Fitting End

World’s Largest Wildlife Highway Crossing Opens in San Antonio

business spotlight

THE HIDEOUT IN WECO … Your New Favorite Hideaway! by Kristi Antley

est Columbia is bridging the past, present and future with new opportunities, community relationships and business developments. Nestled beside the Saluda and Congaree rivers, the area along State and Meeting streets is undergoing massive growth and reconstruction, catching the attention of both proprietors and prospective homebuyers. The river district area has continued to flourish even during the pandemic with the addition of Savage Craft Ale Works, on Center Street; Holiday’s Barbershop, on Meeting Street; and the pending relocation of D’s Wings from Cayce to the corner of State and Center streets. “I’ve always kept an eye on West Columbia because I love that area and I know that there are a lot of projects going on right now to revitalize the Riverwalk area,” remarks Laurent Prescelti, who has owned Crepes and Croissants, in Columbia, for the past nine years and is now the proud owner of The Hideout in WeCo, a French-style café on State Street. The two-story building that was formerly Café Strudel and then Catitude Cat Café has been upgraded to provide a warm, eclectic atmosphere fit for fine dining or chilling with friends. Vibrant art displays; crawling tree roots and vines; exposed brick; rustic wooden tables; and soft, ambient lighting invite customers to relax. The tree theme is very significant, as the name of the establishment was inspired by a tree from Prescelti’s childhood around which friends would gather. His vision can be seen throughout the restaurant with cozy nooks and lofts for reading, studying, eating and just hanging out with friends. The Hideout in WeCo, which opened in January, offers a huge selection of specialty coffees with thick, creamy toppings; espresso; delicious teas, smoothies and frozen lattes;

overnight oats; juicy fruit; and pastries for breakfast. As for lunch (or brunch), bring your laptop and work while you dine on Mediterranean or margarita avocado toast, tartines, salads, quiche and croissant sandwiches. There are a variety of authentic French croissants available as well as fresh cinnamon buns and French macaroons, along with house-made sauces, fillings, toppings, dressings and dips. For those that want to make more healthy choices, The Hideout’s smoothies have quite an extensive ingredient list, including microgreens, almond and oat milk, fresh herbs, cottage cheese, blueberries, strawberries and chia seeds—and now matcha tea is on the menu. “Buy local” is the vibe for this restaurant, with chocolate made by Evolution Through Chocolate, local craft sodas, microgreens from City Roots, and art pieces created by local artists. Community is very important to Prescelti, and he gives back as much as possible, creating a strong foundation for future networks and relationships. The back patio and second floor of The Hideout in WeCo are in the process of being updated to host private meetings, family gatherings and party requests. Take advantage of the warm weather and bring your pup for outside dining; ordering is also available online with the convenience of curbside pickup or delivery. The Hideout in WeCo is located at 118 State St., in West Columbia. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 803-881-1044 or send an email to WeCoHideout@gmail.com. See ad, page 11. May 2021

Columbia Edition

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green living

Sustainably Stylish

Eco-Fashion that’s Kind to the Planet by Kajsa Nickels

Sustainable Yet Stylish

Just because something is safe for people and the planet doesn’t mean it can’t also be fashionable. Fair Indigo, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a sustainable clothing company that specializes in garments made from organic Peruvian pima cotton. According to president and co-founder Robert Behnke, Peruvian pima cotton is prized for its longevity and durability. “We want to show the world that organic and sustainable does not have to be either too ‘crunchy’ or too trendy. The clothes that people wear every day— the clothes that make them feel comfortable—these are the brands that will have the greatest impact in truly changing the world.”

Fashion doesn’t have to be brand-new in order to be in style. Although secondhand clothing has been regarded negatively in the past by some, it has become more popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Market researchers predict that resale clothing sales will increase 185 percent in the next decade compared to 20 percent for fast fashion. Creative ways we can help reduce clothing waste while staying in style include the following: Clothing exchange parties. Friends and family members can swap clothes and non-sized items such as purses, hats and scarves in fun, socially distanced events. Creative mending. People that have extra time on their hands may like to learn a new skill. Also known as visible mending, creative mending includes freestyle stitching around holes and tears, and both beaded and Japanese shashiko embroidery. Repurpose into something new. If an item of clothing is beyond repair, it doesn’t have to be thrown away. Old T-shirts can be turned into blankets, pillowcases and even coin purses. Men’s dress shirts can be transformed into dresses for young girls or onesies for babies. Kajsa Nickels is a freelance writer in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Contact her at Kajsa.BlueMountain@gmail.com.

image courtesy of FairIndigo.com

he trendy “fast fashion” industry standard that originated in the early 1990s has had far-reaching effects that continue today. With a production turnaround time as short as four months, designer knock-offs made with inexpensive materials line the shelves of shopping centers throughout the world. But cheap textiles come with a hidden price tag. According to the documentary The True Cost, consumers worldwide buy around 80 billion new items of clothing per year, a 400 percent increase from 20 years ago. A report by the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which advocates a regenerative, circular economy, found that more than $500 billion in value is lost globally every year from rarely worn manufactured clothing and the lack of recycling. The greenhouse gas emissions from the production of these textiles total more than 1 billion metric tons per year, more than produced by international flights and maritime shipping combined. Sustainable clothing is important for both the planet and those wearing the clothing, says Jeff Garner, a fashion designer in Franklin, Tennessee, who founded the eco-label Prophetik. “The worst effect is the washing of clothes. The synthetic fabrics and dyes come off in the laundry process and go into our groundwater and oceans, including the microplastics from polyester clothing.” Jay Charlton, founder of the UK’s Viva la Vegan fashion brand, believes eco-friendly fashion does not have to be poorly produced or poorly designed. Nor does it mean choosing between a million different options, says Charlton, who found her passion for vegan-statement apparel after adopting a vegan diet. “One easy choice here is organic cotton over conventional cotton. While not perfect, it is better for the environment. Most organic cotton is produced under better working conditions for the farmers, too,” she says. She also stresses the importance of reading labels to determine where clothes originate. “The next time you go shopping, seek out sustainable vegan fabrics and fair wear policies to do what’s right for the planet, people and our animal friends.”

Clothing from companies like Fair Indigo use more sustainable fabrics and ensure better lives for garment workers.

May 2021

fit body

Stay Fit with Bodywork Therapy Enhance Workout Performance and Recovery with Massage by Marlaina Donato

Tailored Tools “In the context of exercise, someone who trains three to five times per week at a high intensity will likely have a higher level of fitness. However, the demand placed on the soft tissue structures will equally be high, and may require more treatment to offset this. This may vary from once a week to once a month,” says Andy Stanbury, head of soft tissue therapy at Pure Sports Medicine, a London clinic for sports injuries. After working with high performance athletes for 15 years, he always asks, “What do I need to add to improve a patient’s fitness or performance?” For a patient that wants to improve fitness by running, “I would want to optimize their range of movement and stimulate the nervous system in readiness to exercise. I may look to use some myofascial release techniques, active release therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or muscle energy techniques. This would of course take place before the run.” For post-run recovery, Stanbury suggests more relaxing modalities, such as gentle massage, combined with breathwork.

The Fascia Factor Fascia, a network of connective tissue, wraps the body in protective layers from the most superficial muscle to the deepest organs and plays a central role in flexibility. This complex netting can become stuck due to inactivity, injury or surgery. Keeping it supple is vital for everyone. Bodywork like myofascial release that targets trigger points—knots of tension—can 18

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herapeutic massage and other bodywork modalities are well-known stress-busters, but they can also hasten recovery after a workout or injury. A little restorative TLC with a bodywork practitioner before or after exercise can combat post-workout soreness and stiffness, maximizing our fitness investments in and out of the gym. Approaches such as Swedish, deep tissue and sports massages, and myofascial trigger point release therapy can boost both blood and lymphatic circulation, giving soft tissues a vital shot of cellular nutrition. Massage modalities affect biochemical processes and on the deepest level, mitochondria—the cell’s energy-producing engines. Research from 2015 published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that massage immediately following injury due to resistance training encourages tissue regeneration. help to ramp up postoperative and overall injury recovery. “Myofascial release is a technique used to reduce the tension in the fascial membrane. Slowly stretching the fascia will unwind and reduce the pressure on the muscles and nerves, reducing pain and creating range of motion and flexibility,” explains Anthony Hansen, a myofascial release therapist at Therapy on the Gulf, in Naples, Florida. Hansen, who specializes in a “fast release” technique, emphasizes the importance of a gentle approach. “Trigger points are caused by cellular debris encapsulated by the fascia, so it’s much better to stretch it loose than it is to force it. Normally, it takes about three to five sessions, depending on the condition of the patient, for the fascial system to unwind before the patient will feel relief.” Active trigger points refer, or radiate, pain elsewhere in the body while latent

points tend to be more localized and are sore when compressed. “From a whole-body perspective and when we put this in the context of fascial planes, restoration of efficient movement is key, particularly post-surgery and when progressing training load,” says Stanbury. “However, this is not just movement of the body (muscles), but movement of blood, lymph and energy.” A supple, tension-free body helps deter and bounce back from injuries. Regular bodywork, especially Swedish and deep tissue massage, fosters muscle recovery and helps prevent future issues. Self-massage using foam rollers and massage balls or canes can also be very helpful. Bodywork offers full-spectrum perks, points out Stanbury, including “improved tissue mobility and elasticity, more efficient blood circulation and reduced anxiety and stress. This will, in turn, help promote better sleep, which is, of course, where we recover best.” Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and composer/ recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

MODALITIES TO HELP EASE PAIN AND STRAIN Swedish Massage: Gentle, gliding strokes to stimulate circulation, lower blood pressure and reduce muscle tension. Deep Tissue Massage: Specific, focused massage to break up muscle congestion and reduce restrictions. Sports Massage: Offered at many gyms, physical therapy facilities and recreational sports events for recovery and prevention. Muscle Energy Techniques: Stretching and hands-on techniques that enable gentle muscle contraction to improve joint function and lengthen muscles. Myofascial Release: Modalities that specifically target trigger points in the muscles and fascia to release adhesions, increase oxygen and reduce pain and tightness include the following: Active Release Therapy: May be beneficial for chronic pain due to repetitive movements, especially where muscle weakness, numbness or tingling/burning is experienced in the soft tissues. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Also known as the Graston technique, practitioners use an array of hand-held instruments for deep trigger points in the fascia and muscles—beneficial after injuries and conditions such as piriformis, muscle-induced sciatica and back pain. Myofascial Cupping: A technique that employs cups to create suction on the muscle tissue to move lymph and blood through the area of deep trigger points. May 2021

wise words

Devaki Lindsey Berkson on Bioidentical Hormones for Long-Term Health by Linda Sechrist

ormone scholar Dr. Devaki Lindsey Berkson, a nutrition and gut expert as well as a continuing education professor for medical doctors and pharmacists, frequently lectures at conferences to clarify misinformation about hormones, such as the difference between synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and plant-based bio-identical hormone therapy (BHT). This peer-reviewed, published researcher is the bestselling author of Safe Hormones Smart Women and Sexy Brain: How Sizzling Intimacy & Balanced Hormones Prevent Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Depression & Divorce and a breast cancer survivor of 26 years.

Why do you refer to hormones as nature’s physiologic internet system? Hormones send invaluable “email” signals to cells throughout the entire body and brain.

What is the difference between HRT and BHT?

Synthetic hormones are altered by pharmaceutical companies to make them profitable. Bioidentical hormones are like those made by the body and designed by Mother Nature. I advise tracking hormone levels every decade throughout life to determine which levels help an individual feel their best. Unfortunately, doctors are still being taught that hormones are mainly important for reproductive or sexy things, addressing issues like peri- or post-menopause, andropause, erectile dysfunction or disease. 20

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How did the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) affect the use of hormones? Up until 2002, when WHI prematurely stopped one of its hormone study groups which was prescribed a combination of Premarin plus synthetic progesterone, estrogen therapies were the recommended standard of care for menopausal women and the biggest-selling pharmaceuticals in history. Medical journals, research institutions and expert cancer doctors accepted that estrogen was safe and did not increase the risk of breast cancer. Carried out by the U.S. National Institutes of Health from 2002 to 2008, WHI conducted a series of 40 group studies following the health of 161,809 postmenopausal women. Studies covered various aspects of aging women’s health from diet, bone health and nutrients to heart health and the risk of hormone-driven cancers, as well as two randomized trials on hormone therapies. The resulting claims that the HRT combo of Premarin plus synthetic progestin significantly increased the risks of breast cancer, cardiac events, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke alarmed the public and huge numbers of U.S. doctors stopped prescribing hormones.

What has changed? By 2004, re-analysis of the combo study demonstrated opposite findings, and a 19year follow-up WHI analysis revealed that estrogen protects against breast cancer while on it and even 10 years after, while progestins do the opposite. Dr. Leon Sper-

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off, professor at the University of Oregon and the physician who authored Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, twice concluded after reviewing every statistical nuance of the WHI, “There continues to be good reason to believe that there are benefits associated with treatment, including improvement of quality of life beyond the relief of hot flushes, maximal protection against osteoporotic fractures, a reduction in colorectal cancers, maintenance of skin elasticity and the possibility of primary prevention of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s.” Although new science clearly showed that hormones rule body and brain health and are critical for staying healthy, fighting illness long-term rather than short-term and lowering mortality timing by preventing heart attacks and strokes, CEOs of Big Pharma companies that provided the synthetic hormones used in the WHI trials continued to fight hard against BHT formulated by compounding pharmacists. Now these very same CEOs have released a BHT combination of estradiol and progesterone and are writing in peer review studies about how much better and safer it is. Big Pharma intends be the sole source of supply. They plan to do that by eliminating their competition: compounding pharmacies.

What is your experience with compounding pharmacists? The FDA purports that compounding pharmacies are dangerous, unregulated and use items that are too complicated to compound. Not true. Compounding pharmacists are skilled professionals at mixing bioidentical hormones to a doctor’s prescription. I’ve successfully been using compounding pharmacies for more than 30 years. A compounding pharmacist should be part of the health team when natural, bioidentical hormones are prescribed. Their knowledge can provide a wealth of experience for doctor and the patient. Furthermore, they provide an invaluable service at manufacturing a safe product that is unique for a particular patient. Hormones are so critical that even if you’re prescribed HRT, it’s better than losing out for decades on the hormone signals that keep your body younger and less inflamed. To be without healthy hormone signals is an aging and pro-inflammatory process to the body. In other words, get hormones any way you can. While synthetic is better than nothing, bioidentical trumps synthetic. DrLindseyBerkson.com offers a podcast archive, blog, newsletter and membership opportunities that include live, monthly, Zoom conversations. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. You do not find the happy life. You make it. ~Camilla Eyring Kimball

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May 2021

INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do by Ronica O’Hara

nyone walking into a U.S. hospital today will notice something that was inconceivable 50 years ago—one in three practicing physicians is a woman, and among physicians under age 35, it’s three in five. That compares to one in 14 in 1970. For women needing health care, that fact can change everything. “Research says that female physicians provide better care to female patients than male physicians do,” says Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Alice Domar, Ph.D., a pioneer in women’s mind-body medicine. “They are more likely to listen carefully and take complaints seriously.” That’s just one factor in how health care is improving for women. Only three decades ago, women were simply considered “small men” in medical research and rarely included as subjects in clinical studies. Today, after a 1993 federal mandate ensured their inclusion, it’s been well established that women metabolize drugs differently than men, respond to health threats with a more robust immune system and are more likely to experience side effects. These findings have helped spur major changes for women in standards, dosages, medications and procedures—resulting in fewer cancer deaths, better treatment of autoimmune disorders and more nuanced cardiac care strategies. Although much has improved about women’s health, much more remains to be done. About one in three women is diagnosed with cancer in the course of a lifetime, and they have better survival rates than men, of which one in two receives that diagnosis. Between 2001 and 2017, the overall cancer death rate for women declined by 1.4 percent each year as diagnoses and treatments became more refined and targeted. The number one cancer killer for women is lung cancer, although 19 percent diagnosed have never smoked. The next most deadly are cancers of the breast, colon/rectum,

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Cancer

pancreas and ovaries. Breast cancer deaths have dropped by 40 percent since 1989, thanks to greater awareness, early detection and better treatments. “Women learned from the AIDS crisis that making noise gets results,” says Domar. “Look at how far breast cancer research and treatment has come in the past 10 to 20 years, how powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month is, and that everyone recognizes that pink ribbon.” Common symptoms: Bowel changes, lingering sores, fatigue, lumps, unusual discharge, difficulty digesting or swallowing, nagging cough or hoarseness, belly or back pain. New research: An international research team has identified a direct molecular link between meat and dairy diets and the development of antibodies in the blood that increases the chances of developing cancer. Medical advances: Painful, invasive biopsies may become a thing of the past. Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a simple blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer, as well as their location within the body, with a high degree of accuracy, and the City of Hope Cancer Center, in Los Angeles, has developed a urine test that analyzes cell-free fragments of DNA to detect cancer. Preventive strategies: Vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of mortality across all cancers, German researchers found, estimating that if all Germans older than 50 took such supplements, up to 30,000 cancer deaths per year might be avoided. A 10-year study found that people between 55 and 74 that took a low-dose aspirin at least three times each week lowered their risk of all types of cancer by 15 percent and overall mortality by 19 percent.

Heart Disease

One in three American women die from heart disease, more than all cancers combined. “Unfortunately, awareness that heart disease can and does happen to women remains low, and this results in delay of care,” says cardiologist Nicole Harkin of Whole Heart Cardiology, in San Francisco. “Women tend to seek medical care later in the course of their heart attack and with more risk factors, resulting in poorer outcomes, and they are more likely than men to die of their first heart attack.” Women have different symptoms of heart disease than men, are often misdiagnosed and have a 20 percent greater risk of dying within five years of a heart attack. Pregnant women that develop hypertension are two to five times more likely to later develop cardiovascular disease. Common symptoms: Heart pressure, fatigue, breathlessness and pain between the shoulder blades. New research: Eating more than seven servings per day of refined grains like croissants and white bread increased the risk of heart disease by 33 percent and stroke by 47 percent, concluded a study in The British Medical Journal. In a Stanford study, participants that ate plant-based meat for eight weeks had improved markers of heart health, lower LDL levels and lost two pounds compared to those eating meat. Medical advance: To successfully fix a floppy mitral valve that’s hampering blood flow in the heart, doctors can guide a catheter up a patient’s leg vein and staple the troubled parts of the valve with

a tiny clip, a safer and less invasive procedure than open-heart surgery. Preventive strategies: Eating nuts several times a week lowers by 30 to 50 percent the risk of heart attacks, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease, four large cohort studies have shown. Older women with high fitness levels have one quarter the risk of dying from heart disease as women that are out of shape, report Spanish researchers.

Autoimmune Diseases

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has grown by one half in two decades, even as medications and targeted therapies have kept more patients active and out of wheelchairs. “Where it used to be the norm for many physicians to consider women with some autoimmune illnesses to be neurotic, that approach is now being recognized as being abusive and unacceptable. This is a critical step towards recovery,” says chronic fatigue expert Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! About 80 percent of the 23 million Americans that suffer from debilitating autoimmune diseases are women, and those conditions tend to develop during childbearing years. The eighth-leading cause of death among women, these illnesses shorten lifespan by an average of eight years. The 80-plus diseases, including fibromyalgia, lupus, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, are linked to genetics, environmental triggers, some medications, obesity, injuries and stress. Common symptoms: These vary widely, but may include achy muscles, fatigue, recurring low-grade fever, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, abdominal pain and swelling, hair loss, swollen glands and tingling in hands and feet. New research: Eating significantly fewer foods containing the amino acid methionine, found at high levels in meat, fish, dairy and eggs, could slow the onset and progression of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis in high-risk individuals, reports a study in Cell Metabolism. Medical advance: Evidence is mounting that low doses of naltrexone, a substance-abuse treatment drug, can treat conditions like lupus, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis by normalizing the immune system and relieving pain with few side effects. “It costs only about 70 cents a day, is made by compounding pharmacists and is remarkably beneficial for a host of autoimmune conditions,” says Teitelbaum. Preventive strategy: To fight inflammation, take a daily turmeric or curcumin supplement that includes piperine (black pepper) for better absorption. A University of Houston meta-study in Nutrients found that curcumin supplements improved symptoms in 14 osteoarthritis, two ulcerative colitis and eight Type 2 diabetes studies.

Hormonal Imbalances

The past 20 years has seen significant improvements in the studies and treatments of female hormonal issues. “There are now treatment options that allow women to transition into menopause, options for prevention of osteoporosis and momentous changes in fertility,” says Stephanie Seitz, a naturopathic family physician in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the same time, she adds, “I have seen May 2021

environmental toxins rising in my female population. I see young girls coming in with polycystic ovary syndrome, early menarche and painful menstrual cramping; women having trouble getting pregnant for unknown reasons; the rise of fibroids, premature ovarian insufficiency and endometriosis.” Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, regulating processes ranging from hunger to blood pressure to mood and playing a key role in reproduction. They have come under assault from endocrine disrupters, thousands of largely unregulated perand polyfluoroalkyl substances, abbreviated PFAS. These “forever chemicals” are found in everything from plastics to cushions to canned foods, and are in the blood of 98 percent of Americans. Studies have linked them to girls experiencing puberty one year earlier than 40 years ago; to rising cases of infertility, miscarriages and low birth weight; to menopause occurring two to four years earlier; and to obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and breast cancer.

Depression

Common symptoms: Because hormones regulate all of the body’s processes, symptoms of imbalance run the gamut and may include fatigue, weakness, erratic menstrual cycles and weight gain or loss.

New research: Sleeping irregular hours, doing night shifts and working for more than nine hours a day have been shown to put women at higher risk of depression, while eating more dietary fiber in produce, grains and legumes significantly lowers this risk.

New research: Early menstruation increases the likelihood of hot flashes and night sweats decades later at menopause, according to a University of Queensland study. Eating five teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil daily reduced women’s moderate to severe menstrual cramps by 83 percent in two months, Iranian researchers found. Medical advance: A major study of 9,000 postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer showed 94 percent that received hormonal therapy, but not chemotherapy, did not have recurrences. Preventive strategies: To avoid toxic chemicals, buy organics; replace plastic kitchen containers with glass; replace Teflon pans with ceramic or cast-iron; use chemical-free cosmetics and shampoos; nix air fresheners and chemical cleaners; and check out food and care products at the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). To help detox the body, consider working with a naturopathic doctor to develop a program that may include cleansing foods, herbs, saunas, elimination diets and chelators such as activated charcoal and algae.

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Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression, with one in four having a major episode at some point in life, yet fewer than half seek treatment. “Many women are too busy caring for others and feel guilty about their depression, fearing it could get in the way of their caregiving goals,” says New York psychoanalyst Claudia Luiz. “Many have the fantasy that if they open that door and allow themselves to focus on their feelings, they won’t be able to keep going.” Depression occurs most frequently in women ages 25 to 44, and one in five teenage girls reports having had a major depressive episode, a number that has exploded due to social media use. Psychotherapy is effective for 62 percent of adults with depression, antidepressants work for 54 percent and combining the two is helpful for 72 percent. Common symptoms: Sadness, anxiety, flat feeling, loss of motivation or feelings of pleasure, change of eating or sleeping patterns, low energy, difficulty concentrating or headaches.

Medical advances: For the estimated one in four people with depression that doesn’t respond to medication or therapy, emerging approaches offer fresh hope. Low doses of the anesthetic drug ketamine lifted the depression of 70 percent of hard-to-treat subjects by targeting specific serotonin receptors, Swedish researchers report. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the prefrontal cortex, lifts symptoms for 50 to 60 percent of subjects, studies show. Preventive strategies: Eating at least two servings a week of wild-caught, oily fish or a daily 1,000-to-2,000-milligram fish oil supplement with a 60-to-40 EPA to DHA ratio has been shown to be effective for symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and postpartum depression. Taking a brisk daily walk in nature with a friend or dog lowers four factors linked to depression: a “nature deficit”, physical inactivity, low vitamin-D levels and isolation. Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

inspiration

Three Steps for Facing Difficult Emotions by Shauna Shapiro

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Welcoming our emotions. The second step is to learn to welcome difficult emotions. Emotions have a limited time span, typically lasting for only 30 to 90 seconds. They arise, do their dance and pass away, like waves in the ocean. When we remember that this painful feeling will not last forever, it becomes more manageable. Through practice, we can learn to welcome all our emotions with an attitude of kindness and curiosity. This involves becoming interested in the emotion and the felt experience in the body. For example, we may feel sadness as a tightening in the throat or fear as a contraction in the belly. All emotions have their signature in the body.

ll of us can feel the impact of these uncertain and challenging times on our hearts and in our nervous systems. While there are parts of the situation that we cannot control, that does not mean we are powerless. When we’re up against change, uncertainty and stress, resilience is the key to navigate life and emerge with more happiness and satisfaction. We can cultivate resilience through the practices of mindfulness and compassion. Here are three key steps to finding greater clarity, calm and well-being. Naming our emotions. The first step is to bring mindfulness to whatever we are feeling and simply name it. Research shows that acknowledging and naming our emotions allows the body to physiologically calm down. It is helpful to remember that our emotions are here for a reason, metaphorically serving as a smoke alarm to let us know about an impending fire. Ignoring or repressing our emotions can lead to bigger problems, but mindfulness teaches us a different way to manage difficult emotions— acknowledge them and name what we feel—“name it to tame it”. When we name an emotion, it puts the brakes on our reactivity, down-regulates the nervous system and allows us to see clearly.

Compassion for ourselves and others. The final step to managing difficult emotions is to cultivate compassion. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves as we would a dear friend that is suffering. The willingness to face the pain in ourselves and in life takes great courage. As we practice self-compassion, we learn not only to grow from our own struggles and sorrows, but to connect with the sufferings and sorrows of others. We realize that we are not alone in our fear and overwhelm, and become aware of the many others right now that are also afraid. As we recognize our common humanity, our isolation begins to lessen and we understand that we are all in this together. Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and compassion whose most recent book is Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire the Brain for Calm Clarity and Joy. For more information, visit DrShaunaShapiro.com. May 2021

Arnica montana

Create a Family First-Aid Kit by Marlaina Donato

homeo—meaning similar, and pathos— meaning suffering. Basically, it means that a substance has the power to cure the same symptoms it can create,” says Kate Birch, a certified classical homeopath at the HippHealth Center for Holistic Healing, in Minneapolis. “Moreover, the more a substance is diluted through homeopathic preparation, the more potent it can be for healing when given upon homeopathic indications.” For most health conditions, including chronic complaints, homeopaths recommend tailoring remedies to an individual’s constitution, but first-aid applications are relatively universal and simple. Homeopathic first-aid can be administered for muscle strains, splinters, minor burns and even the common cold. Available in health food stores and pharmacies, homeopathic remedies come in various potencies in the form of pellets, tinctures and topical agents.

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Aconitum napellus

he 200-year-old health system of homeopathy is based on natural sources and is unique in its “like cures like” philosophy that uses extremely diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural defenses. “The word homeopathy is derived from two words:

Soft Tissue Trauma, Burns and Bites

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Gentle Go-To Medicine Whether treating a child’s skinned knee or an athlete with a mild to moderate injury, regular potencies offer benefits without a high risk of unpleasant or dangerous contraindications. “In general, homeopathic remedies are safe for people of all ages because if taken as directed, there are no side effects or drug interactions. This is due to the fact that remedies have been made through a process that renders the substances harmless,” says certified classical homeopath Myra Nissen, in Davis and Walnut Creek, California.

Classical homeopathic treatment is based on a person’s unique physical, emotional and mental nature, and requires deeper study to find the most appropriate remedies, but first-aid applications are most often universally straightforward. “A homeopathic first-aid kit at home is useful for cuts, burns, bumps and bruises, insect bites, poison oak/ivy and minor illnesses,” says Nissen. Gentle, but beneficial Arnica montana is perhaps the best-known application, used for acute injury and post-surgery. In a 2016 review of studies in the American Journal of Therapeutics, a team of international researchers found Arnica to be more effective than a placebo for swelling, bruising and post-surgery pain, and suggested it could be an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Calendula is a heavy hitter for wound care, skin ailments, minor burns including sunburn, diaper rash and post-tooth extraction. It offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is available for topical and internal use.

Nissen highlights Rhus toxicdendron Ruta graveolens and Rhus toxicdendron for soft tissue injury and tendonitis and suggests Symphytum for serious damage to cartilage and ligaments. For puncture wounds or injuries involving nerves, Hypericum perforatum is helpful. She emphasizes the importance of using remedies immediately and properly to maximize the potential for rapid healing and pain reduction.

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Homeopathy to the Rescue

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healing ways

Fighting the Flu

Homeopathic First-Aid Kit Suggestions from Myra Nissen Aconitum napellus: Known as Aconite, it is useful immediately after an injury when there is a shock or fright, such as a fall or a car accident. Also helpful to fight off a cold after being exposed to a chill. Tetiana/AdobeStock.com

Birch says that bee stings and allergic responses respond well to Apis mellifica and fevers and headaches to Belladonna. Using Cantharis or Urtica urens for firstand second-degree burns can help to prevent blisters and minimize pain, while Silicea is a good choice for splinters. In general, for all acute cases and injuries, remedies are often taken every hour and tapered down to every four hours upon signs of improvement or lessening of intensity. If results are not seen within two days, it is Hypericum perforatum best to discontinue the remedy.

Arnica montana: Helpful for cuts and bruises. Hypericum perforatum: Helpful for puncture wounds and injuries involving nerves such as catching a finger in the car door or hitting it with a hammer.

When taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, specially combined homeopathic formulas or single remedies can help to lessen severity and duration of certain viruses. Bryonia alba is useful for moderate fever, Gelsemium for general flu-like symptoms, Nux vomica for severe chills and nausea, and Arsenicum album for respiratory and stomach flus. Homeopathic remedies, like all medications, should be properly stored and kept away from children and pets. Also, not all products labeled as homeopathic may be pure. Some products add homeopathic remedies to other ingredients that are not safe; for example, Arnica gel may have alcohol, preservatives and stabilizers, and be harmful if swallowed. While homeopathy offers many benefits, Birch clarifies that it is not designed to be a quick fix and is best approached from a broader view or “a philosophy that shapes your day-to-day life. When you understand these things, once you have the right remedy, it produces instantaneous results.”

Ledum palustre: Helpful for puncture wounds and most insect bites.

Sometimes you don’t realize what is missing in your life until it arrives. ~Araceli M. Ream

Rhus toxicodendron: Helpful for itchy rashes, such as poison oak or ivy where there are blisters. A curious symptom that indicates Rhus tox is the right choice is when the itch is relieved by bathing or washing with very hot water. Ruta graveolens: Helpful for sprains, strains, tendonitis and joint injuries. Symphytum officinalis: Made from comfrey, also known as “bone knit”, it helps recovery from a broken bone or damaged cartilage and connective tissue.

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Marlaina Donato is a body-mindspirit author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Apis mellifica: Helpful for insect bites which are red, hot and swollen, like a bee sting.

Nux vomica: Go-to remedy for indigestion or overindulgence, including hangovers. It's also useful in the event of food poisoning. Phosphorus: Useful for nosebleeds, especially after blowing the nose.

May 2021

healthy kids

Natural Mama Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

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by Julie Peterson

uring her first pregnancy, Sarah Wallace, a former registered nurse in Atlanta, was chronically anemic. “I was so tired I would fall asleep while I was eating dinner,” she says. That pregnancy resulted in a baby with a low birth weight. Fortunately, Wallace learned more about nutrition and wellness. Her now 4-year-old has caught up to the growth charts and is thriving, and her next pregnancy went smoothly. No matter how pregnancy is counted—280 days, 40 weeks or three trimesters— mama and baby share blood, nutrition and air for the duration. “Taking a holistic path before and during pregnancy is about embracing the nature of our bodies and committing to maintaining all aspects of wellness during this journey,” says Nancy Peplinsky, founder of the Holistic Moms Network, based in Caldwell, New Jersey.

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Nutrition for Two The right foods nourish the growing baby, the placenta and the mother’s increasing blood volume, maintaining the mother’s body during the complex mission. Whole foods rather than processed are best. The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start, by integrative obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) Jennifer Lang and dietitian Dana Angelo White, makes it easier to select the proper nutrients along the way and provides ways to deal with nausea and cravings. Choose organic foods when possible to reduce exposures to pesticides. If organic isn’t an option for every food, The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, from the Environmental Working Group (ewg. org), can be downloaded and taken to the market. Either avoid foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list or go organic for those items. A high-quality prenatal vitamin fills nutrition gaps. Wallace saw a difference between her first and second pregnancy by switching brands. “The first time, I took generic prenatal vitamins. With the second pregnancy, I found whole-

Body Love Kristen Burgess, in Fife Lake, Michigan, creator of the website NaturalBirthAnd BabyCare.com, teaches classes for moms-to-be. “[Exercise] helps your blood volume increase, brings plenty of oxygen to your baby, increases your stamina and endurance for labor (which is an athletic event), and perhaps best of all, keeps you feeling great,” she writes in her blog. Options such as stretching, walking and prenatal yoga can be soothing for mom and baby. Burgess also advocates prenatal belly dancing to raise the heart rate “while bonding with your baby and relishing your beautiful pregnant form.” Peplinsky notes, “A holistic approach to pregnancy also embraces integrative therapies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic, which may assist in reducing stress, minimizing physical discomfort and joint pain, while improving overall life quality for mom and baby.”

Support Along the Way

A healthy pregnancy includes assistance. In the U.S., most women choose an OB-GYN, with just over 9 percent of 2017 births incorporating a midwife to support the mother before, during and sometimes after birth. A midwife is medically trained and, depending on state law, may offer gynecological examinations, birth control counseling and prescriptions. On her own or as an assistant to a doctor, she coaches the mother during labor and assists with the delivery, which may be in a home, birthing center or hospital. The American College of Nurse-Midwives, in Silver Spring, Maryland, offers a midwife locator. Another option is engaging a doula that focuses on emotional support for mom, her partner and the family during pregnancy and birth. During labor, she may offer massage, encouragement and breathing coaching. While doulas only provide non-medical care, they can offer evidence-based resources to inform decision-making. There is a database to find one at DoulaMatch.net. There are also books and apps to provide week-to-week details on pregnancy. Genevieve Howland, a childbirth educator in Destin, Florida, and author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, offers a weekly article at MamaNatural.com about what’s going on with the developing baby and mother. “Being a holistic mom is about connecting the mind, body and spirit, and approaching wellness with all three in mind,” adds Peplinsky. “The more we listen to our instincts and our needs, the more our health improves during childbearing and afterwards.”

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food supplements. I never got that exhaustion, and my second baby was a healthy weight,” she says. “Research has shown that healthy nutrition during pregnancy improves outcomes for mom and baby, while unhealthy food choices can lead to premature childbirth, high-risk pregnancies and poor developmental outcomes in children,” says Peplinsky. In addition to clean food, it’s important to reevaluate body care products and household cleaners for toxicity. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has linked personal care and cleaning product ingredients to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive disorders, neurotoxicity and cancer.

Pregnancy Apps Tracking exercise, nutrition, baby bump images, the joys of the journey and the baby’s development are available options in a variety of apps. There are even apps for dads. Ovia has many features that expand based on the data entered. It answers questions about food safety and medications, and even has a community feature to connect with other moms. Hello Belly offers practical tips and a good dose of silliness with pregnancy jokes and memes. There are also yoga videos. Glow Nurture can be customized, has community spaces, symptom trackers, reminders for appointments and a boatload of articles. Expectful Pregnancy gives reminders to focus on joy by taking a moment to breathe or meditate. With guided sessions for pregnancy, moms-to-be can put regular meditation practices in place. Sprout Pregnancy has a pregnancy timeline, weight tracker and journal. The 3-D images showing development of the baby are really cool, as well. Who’s Your Daddy gives Dad a to-do list, weekly updates, a development timeline, suggestions for taking care of Mom and helps him pick baby names.

Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com. May 2021

conscious eating

Baby Bites Healthy Homemade Food for Tiny Tummies

or the first year of a baby’s life, breast milk and formula are the main sources of nutrition, but as early as 4 to 6 months, a little one may be suited to try solid foods. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when a baby consistently holds their head up, has started to sit upright, has doubled their birth weight to a minimum of 13 pounds and exhibits an interest in food, they are ready. Anjali Shah, a board-certified health coach and author of The Super Easy Baby Food Cookbook, is a proponent of homemade purées and soft finger foods. “A store-bought sweet potato pouch can cost $2.50, whereas one sweet potato is under a dollar, and you can get multiple meals out of it,” says Shah. “So, budget-wise, it’s a lot cheaper. It’s also healthier because you can control what’s in your baby food.” The process is easy. “If you have a spoon and a fork, that’s a pretty good start, and if you have a blender, that’s really all you need,” says Amy Palanjian, author of Busy Little Hands: Food Play! and blogger at YummyToddlerFood.com. A very basic technique, which both she and Shah employ, involves boiling or steaming vegetables and fruits, puréeing them with a fork or blender to the desired smoothness and freezing one-ounce portions in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be popped out, kept in labeled freezer bags and thawed to serve. They recommend a progression from thin, smooth purées to chunkier blends, and from very mild, single foods to progressively more adventuresome and complex flavors and textures. “Start with a really mild fruit like avocado or a really mild vegetable like carrots, green beans or sweet potato,” Shah advises. “Introduce one food every two or three days to make sure your baby is not allergic and that it suits their digestive system.” In addition to purées, parents can offer their babies small-cut, softened versions of foods that they can hold in their hands and gnaw, a technique called baby-led weaning. “Your baby will pick it up with their fists, stick it in their mouth and drool all over it and gum it up. It teaches them to chew very early on,” Shah explains. “Kids need healthy fats for proper brain development,” Palanjian says, suggesting a splash of olive oil in a broccoli purée or a dab of peanut butter in oatmeal. She also favors healthy proteins like a purée made with hard-boiled egg yolk slathered on a piece of toast or a well-blended bit of salmon. 30

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“At 7 or 8 months, you can add lentils, beans and grains, and around 9 or 10 months you can start introducing mild spices—cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, turmeric, cumin, coriander. For example, if you’re going to make a lentil soup for yourself, you could add a few fresh, aromatic herbs like rosemary, oregano or thyme, and then for your baby, you can mash up that same lentil soup and serve it to them. The key is to avoid the hot spices like black pepper, cayenne or chili powder,” Shah says, noting that salt should be avoided in the first year because a baby’s kidneys cannot handle it. Added sugar is also a big no-no in her book. “The best way to feel like you’re feeding your baby safe food is to serve a variety of foods over the course of a week,” Palanjian says. “But most of all, learn to enjoy this phase of your baby’s life. It can be a fun milestone. Let them explore. Trust them if they turn their face, close their mouth or push the spoon away. There’s no reason you need to force another bite. Let them show you and be in charge of what goes into their mouth. That can be a great way to set the foundation for intuitive eating. We want them as adults to be able to say when they’re hungry and when they’re full, and we often have the tendency to try to override that in our kids. So, if you let that develop as it very clearly does and is present from birth, that can be a great thing to do with little ones.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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by Sandra Yeyati

Easy DIY Baby Food Recipes Baby Blueberry Smoothie viktor/AdobeStock.com

1 cup frozen wild blueberries 1 pear, cored ½ banana, peeled 1 cup baby spinach ¼ to ½ cup water

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Put all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer until soft. Once soft, purée in a blender, adding additional water if needed for a thinner purée. Transfer to ice cube trays and freeze for up to four months.

Baby Superfood Purée 16 oz fresh or frozen broccoli 16 oz fresh or frozen cauliflower 4 cups baby spinach ¼ to ½ cup water Put all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer until soft. Once soft, purée in a blender, adding additional water if needed for a thinner purée. Transfer to ice cube trays and freeze for up to four months.

anaumenko/AdobeStock.com

Recipes courtesy of Anjali Shah. For more information, visit PickyEaterBlog.com.

May 2021

natural pet

CURBING CANCER in Cats Ways to Keep a Feline Healthy by Julie Peterson

he absence of one back leg isn’t slowing down 13-yearold Cougar the cat. In fact, she is doing better than before, as that limb once had a painful tumor. Alyssa Baker Herbst, co-founder of the Autumn Farm Sanctuary, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, was told that, even with chemotherapy, Cougar might only live three more months. Herbst sought out a veterinary oncologist at University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for another opinion. Amputation was recommended and done in December 2020. Cancer isn’t uncommon in cats; the Animal Cancer Foundation, in Port Washington, New York, states that one in five cats will be diagnosed at some point. This equates to approximately 6 million cats being newly diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the Comparative Oncology Program of the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Diagnosis and Staging Cats instinctively hide pain, so it’s up to pet parents to detect unusual behaviors or symptoms. Karen Shaw Becker, a holistic veterinarian in Chicago who writes Mercola Healthy Pets, recommends that unusual bumps, sores that won’t heal, weight loss, offensive smell, low energy and difficulty eating indicate the need for evaluation by a veterinarian to rule out cancer. If cancer is diagnosed, a referral to a veterinary oncologist is likely. Pet owners can also search for one at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (ahvma.org). Blood work, biopsies or aspirates, imaging and a thorough exam may be needed to determine the extent of the cancer and any possible complications. These tests help ensure treatment is appropriate, tolerable and humane.

Treatment Options Treatments vary based on the type, site and stage of cancer, the age and wellness of the cat and what is available and accessible to the owner. Traditional remedies may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. While not without side effects, cats tolerate these methods relatively well. Holistic therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, supple32

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ments and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine may also be used. “Herbal therapies can be used with traditional cancer treatment to relieve side effects and to improve outcomes,” says veterinary oncologist Amanda Beck, at the University Veterinary Hospital, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Clinical trials are another option. The Veterinary Cancer Society, in Columbia, Missouri, provides information on current research trials that “may involve novel diagnostic methods or therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures, hypo- or hyperthermia, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy, among others.” While these trials may offer hope, each has very specific qualifications for participation and they may not be free. Herbst did her own research after seeing the 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi and learning about cancer patients using turkey tail mushrooms. “We found that dogs taking those mushrooms were living four times as long as dogs that got chemo,” she says. “We wondered if we could use that for Cougar.” Their veterinarian ensured they wouldn’t be harmful and determined an appropriate dosage. Unfortunately, some feline cancers are extremely aggressive. It started in Doris Gassen’s cat, Meadow, with a few small bumps

under the skin that quickly grew and multiplied. “About six days after they first appeared, they were open and draining,” says Gassen, in Madison, Wisconsin. The diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma was made and palliative care was implemented. Meadow crossed the rainbow bridge within a few weeks.

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Preventive Measures

well. “Clinically, Cougar is doing fantastic. She just can’t jump as high as she used to,” says Herbst. “She’s back to bullying the other three cats and hanging out with the dog. She’s feisty.” Julie Peterson writes about health, wellness and environmental issues. Find her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Keeping cats at a healthy weight, giving them plenty of exercise opportunities and keeping them indoors more or entirely can all help reduce the risk of cancer. The feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to cancer, are usually contracted from feral cats outdoors. Genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients such as corn, soy, alfalfa and cottonseed in pet foods are also culprits, because they can contain high concentrations of glyphosates. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, to be a probable human carcinogen, and research indicates that it does cause cancer in animals. “Many experts who have studied animal dietary patterns in the wild agree that a whole-food diet composed of mostly meats, organs and bones, supplemented to a much lesser extent with vegetables, is the way to go for both cats and dogs,” says Ty Bollinger, the San Antonio-based author of The Truth About Cancer. Keeping cats healthy throughout life with routine wellness care helps strengthen them against any illness or injury. And while quality of life for pets may be paramount, Cougar seems to be going for quantity, as

May 2021

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calendarofevents To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted by May 12 (for June 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 803-3766293 to schedule an appointment. Jubilee Resumes Sunday Services–11am. Practicing safe distancing and wearing masks. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

Backyard Saturdays–10am-noon. Through play, families can experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Each program will celebrate nature awareness day through fun activities, cool biofacts to investigate, and an explorative hike. Ages 0-7. Cost: $5 parking. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info/to join the Backyard Buddies mailing list: 803-772-1228, RKennerly@ icrc.net, icrc.net. Pickin’ and Piggin’–11am-2:30pm. A world-class barbecue cook-off and music celebration. Enjoy great live music provided by Randy Lucas Trio! Beer available for purchase. Cost: $15 13 and up; $5 children under 12. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info/advanced tickets: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

SATURDAYS MAY 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

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

SATURDAY, MAY 15

Richland Recycles Day–8am-3pm. Richland County residents. Acceptable items include electronics (limit eight devices/car), scrap metal, paint (limit 8 gallons per car), tires (limit eight per car), household hazardous waste (chemicals, cleaners, pesticides) and more. SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr, Gate A, Columbia. Info: 803-576-2440. Touch for Health Intro–10am-2:30pm. Learn accurate muscle testing and self-care tools (or via Zoom). Four participants. Cost: $150. Springhill AtONEment Center, 2317 Chapin Rd, Chapin. Info/ preregistration: Call Joy Lee Connor, LMT, at 803447-6499 or email JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

SATURDAY, MAY 22

3-on-3 Men’s Basketball Tournament–8-10am. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $60 team; up to four players. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/ register: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

Columbia Edition

Jubilee’s Party in the Parking Lot–2-6pm. Enjoy an afternoon of drumming, poetry and live music from several local bands, including Jubilee!'s house band, CC and the Recalcitrants. Bring your own chair. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Very's Restaurant next to Jubilee! This event is free, but donations for performers and Jubilee! are always appreciated. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

planahead FRIDAYS JUNE 11 – JULY 9

Addressing Your Terrain Class–5:30pm. You will learn about an integrative approach to address the dysfunctions in your body that both promote tumor growth and tumor spread. Five-week class. Cost: $200. There is also a free introductory class being offered on 2nd Tuesdays. Registration is required. Grace Medical Group, 3025 Farrow Rd, Columbia. Info: Call Kim (Tuesday-Thursday) at 803-933-0288, ext 7.

ongoing events

wednesday Debtors Anonymous–6-7pm. Every Wednesday. In building and online. Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. Find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the 12-step principles. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

friday

A Talk on A Course in Miracles–6:30pm. Every 2nd Friday. In building and online. Facilitator Gina Gibson continues a series of monthly talks. Q&A to follow. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

saturday

Virtual Zumba–8am. Every Saturday. Join licensed Zumba instructor Shaunita Grase via Zoom. Cost: $5. Info/register: ShaunitaGrase.Zumba.com. Health on Digital Radio–1pm. Every Saturday. Health, Hope and Healing digital radio broadcast. WDRB media on iHeart Radio or TuneIn app. Info/cost: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

sunday A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:30-6pm. Every Sunday. Study group via Zoom/phone. We read together and discuss questions, insights and experiences. Donations are accepted. Info: Call Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or email JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

tuesday

Jubilee’s Book Club–6:30pm. Every Tuesday. Reading Martha Beck’s The Way of Integrity. We will meet both online and in-person. We will be social distancing and using masks. Bring your own refreshments and a copy of the book. Donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. Healthy at Home Facebook Live–7pm. Every Tuesday. Please join Ms Tracy for her Healthy at Home segment live on Facebook. Info: Contact Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

CLASSIFIEDS GROWTH OPPORTUNITY Find a New Beginning with Arbonne–8:30pm. Every Sunday in May. Zoom and discover Arbonne. Start the year earning extra money while making a difference in your life and the life of others. Info: Call Sasha Davis at 803-665-4352.

SPACE AVAILABLE Massage therapists looking for a like-minded practitioner to share space in a quiet setting on 12th Street in West Columbia. The room is $300/month and is 10×12 with a shared waiting room and two bathrooms. Serious inquiries only. Please call Debra at 803-318-1664.

naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com.

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

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

Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 31.

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

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

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

CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC

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

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

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

Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-theart full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 9.

FLEX CHIROPRACTIC

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

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

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 21.

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.

Connect with us naturally!

HEALTH FOOD STORE MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS

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

Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 12.

HEALTH & WELLNESS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

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

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 21.

ARBONNE

Certified B Corporation Sasha Davis 803-665-4352 SashaDavis.Arbonne.com

Healthy Living to Improve Mind. Body. Skin. We utilize a holistic approach to beauty, health and well-being. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without gluten. We use plant-based ingredients grounded in science and clinical research with high standards for safety. Nutrition, skin care, makeup and personal care products. Call Sasha today for more information. See ad, page 33.

INVODRIP VITAMIN BAR

160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia Book@INVODrip.com 803-830-7212

At INVODrip, we care about your overall wellness. Our goal is to increase your energy levels, help meet your weight-loss goals, and ensure you’re well hydrated— not just with water, but also by incorporating the vitamins, minerals and electrolytes your body craves. The absorption rate of our vitamins and minerals surpasses any oral supplements you may have taken. Give us a call today to book your drip now. See ad, page 4.

May 2021

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 33.

HOLISTIC FOOT CARE ELEVATE FOOTCARE

Geneva Holiday, MSN, WCC, RN-Bc 160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia ElevateFootCare.com 803-373-2299

Elevate FootCare recognizes the importance of caring for your feet. All services are provided by a board-certified and registered foot care and wound care nurse who cares about the health of your feet. “My goal is to help those with diabetes, thick toe nails, poor circulation, or anyone who is unable to complete the basic maintenance of their feet. We come to your home or you can visit us in West Columbia,” says Geneva Holiday.

SWEET FEET FOOT CARE

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

Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Gel manicures available. Call today to learn more about our services. See ad, page 28.

LOCAL RETREAT JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Healing Minster at Springhill AtONEment Center 803-447-6499

Retreat to the trees! Come and experience 100 beautiful acres near Chapin, South Carolina. Joy Lee Connor invites you to bathe in the forest and “ground” in the peaceful fields of Earth. Breathe in love, heal your mind, and nurture your spirit. We are often overwhelmed by body pains and emotions. Experience mind and body transformation while being loved, forgiven

Columbia Edition

and released. Your energy field will be restored and balanced, allowing you to feel lighter and burdenfree. Joy offers instruction in reiki, Touch for Health, meditation, yoga, meridian movement, and selfcare—both online and in person. Private or small groups are available. Call Joy today!

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 5.

INSPIRED HEALTH

Dana Nairn, MD, FIAHM 3700 Forest Dr, Ste 200, Columbia 803-676-1030

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 bestversion of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 9.

PROHEALTH CENTER

500 Plaza Cir, Ste J, Clinton, SC 864-681-0555 MyProHealthCenter.com

Our integrative approach offers traditional and holistic health and wellness services. We don’t believe in just treating symptoms, but rather getting to the root of the problem. Our practitioners customize patient care through functional medicine specifically tailored to each individual. At our clinic, you are not just a patient number … you become part of our ProHealth Center family. We serve all of South Carolina. See ad, page 39.

SPIRITUAL ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM

Contact Dee 803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers.com

Eckankar has suspended ALL group events worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this information as changes occur on our websites listed above and in this Natural Awakenings of Columbia listing.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS Justin Williams 803-467-8322 Justin.Williams2@gmail.com

Justin is an intuitive counselor and energy worker. He power cycles, overhauls and unblocks energy fields from afar to remove negativity from your life while jumpstarting your career, relationships, money and general blessings. Justin also provides distance house cleansings to produce a peaceful home and comfortable environment tailormade for abundance and success

SUSTAINABLE WEDDINGS FLOWERS BY TUPELO GROVE EVENTS

Denyse Croft Nodden 1004 12th St, Cayce 803-730-5096 • TupeloGroveEvents.com

We offer completely local sustainable wedding design options, including: locally grown seasonal flowers, foraged greenery and reusable non-perishables. No plastic is used. Clean up is composted afterward, not trashed. Call today.

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 21.

PALMETTO THERMAL IMAGING

Mobile Thermography Unit Heather Terry, Certified Thermographer 864-681-0555 • 803-924-0813

Thermography is a noninvasive, radiation-FREE and pain-FREE thermal scan of the body. This exclusive technology uses a clinical imaging procedure to create a map of the body’s infrared patterns. It is a valuable tool for alerting your healthcare provider to changes that could indicate early stages of disease. Heather Terry travels to multiple locations in South Carolina. Call today to schedule your session. See ad, page 39.

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 3 and back page.

eco tip

Eco-Cosmetics

Choosing Sustainable Beauty Products Beauty is a $49 billion industry in the U.S. That’s a lot of plastic lipstick cases and shampoo tubes buried in landfills and breaking down into microplastics that leach poisonous chemicals into the world’s oceans and our drinking water. As consumers, we can vote with our wallets, sending a clear message to makeup and skincare brands: We want the planet to be beautiful, too. Sustainability to-do list: n Instead of using disposable cleansing wipes, make a reusable, washable alternative using a cut-up T-shirt or ultra-soft baby washcloths. Online DIY recipes for the liquid solution include water, witch hazel, essential oils and mild soaps. n Opt for products that eliminate water as the main ingredient, such as shampoo and conditioners that come in paper-wrapped bars, lowering shipping costs, eliminating the need for plastic bottles and conserving water. n Say no to single-use sheet masks wrapped in plastic or made of petroleum-based materials. Easier, eco-friendly swaps abound, such as cucumber slices for puffy eyes. n Go with glass packaging instead of plastic. Glass is recycled more easily and doesn’t release harmful toxic chemicals. n Choose brands that use the least amount of packaging materials as possible, eschewing plastic in favor of biodegradable, paper-wrapped, cartoned or package-less products. n Look for brands that use less packing material and planet-forward shippers. n Support, applaud and purchase refillable products. n In certain areas of the country, #1 and #2 plastic containers commonly used in the beauty industry are not accepted at local recycling centers. TerraCycle.com offers a mail-in solution with free shipping labels for packages weighing more than 15 pounds. Among the recyclable items accepted through this program are lip balm tubes, soap dispensers, shampoo and conditioner caps, hair spray triggers, lipstick cases, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, foundation packaging and lip liner pencils. Eco-friendly beauty brands: n By Humankind (ByHumankind.com) is reducing use of single-use plastics. n LOLI (LoliBeauty.com) is a zero-waste brand that uses food-grade glass yogurt jars that can be repurposed in the kitchen. n Cadence (KeepYourCadence.com) offers refillable containers as an alternative to wasteful, travel-size products. n Lush (LushUSA.com) champions package-less products. n Beauty Counter (BeautyCounter.com) has pledged to eliminate unit cartons; decrease its use of virgin plastic; use recycled, recyclable, reused or compostable packaging; and create refillable products. May 2021

Columbia Edition

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Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition

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