20 minute read
SMILING CAN MAKE US HAPPIER
inspiration Smiling Can Make Us Happier
by Julie Peterson
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Asmile makes the brain happy. As it turns out, it doesn’t matter if we smile at first because we’re genuinely happy or if we simply fake a smile. The brain doesn’t know the difference. When we are happy, we naturally smile. But research has shown that the act of smiling can also induce happiness. It happens because the muscles required to lift the mouth into the shape of a smile are connected to nerves that send signals to the brain. rido/AdobeStock.com Once the brain gets the message that a smile is happening, it releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin throughout the body. These feel-good chemicals make us feel less stressed, less pain and happier, which can effortlessly transform a fake smile into a genuine one.
Platitudes through the ages have urged us to “Turn that frown upside down” and “Put on a happy face.” In 1872, Charles Darwin hypothesized that facial feedback could alter emotions and, ever since, the topic of smiling and mood has been a subject of discussion and research. Whether or not forced smiles can have a strong enough impact on our state of mind to effectively boost overall mental health is still being debated, with some research indicating that “false” smiles can lower mood if used continuously to avoid expressing certain feelings; however, there are several more positive aspects of smiling to take into consideration.
Smiling is contagious. Seeing other people smile stimulates our mirror neurons, which discharge; they discharge similarly whether we’re doing an action or observing someone else do it. So, being around smiling people, seeing them smile, affects our brains as if we were doing the smiling.
Smiling also provides the health benefits of reduced anxiety and lowers both blood pressure and heart rate. Over the long haul, these attributes add up to improved cardiovascular health and a measurable reduction in risk for stroke.
Get more smile time by working these muscles at every opportunity. Fake it if you must until it comes naturally, watch funny shows, spend time with cheery people and when things are looking down, grin and bear it. You might just feel better right away, and better long-term health is certainly something to smile about.
Julie Peterson is a Random Acts of Kindness activist (RAKtivist.com) and an advisor for Kindness Bank, a nonprofit invested in improving community health and well-being.
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Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376-6293 to schedule an appointment. FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
Paddle and Pint–6-8:30pm. Paddle the Lower Saluda River and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After an hour on the water, sample delicious craft beers from Columbia Craft at the River Overlook. (Trip dependent on weather.) Take home a Saluda Shoals Park glass. Light refreshments served. Ages 21 and up. Cost: $47. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
Jubilee! Circle’s First Friday Open Mic and
Coffee House–7pm. Singer and songwriter Josh McGill opens up the night. Open mic at 8pm. Open mic participants are welcome to bring their own microphone for sanitary purposes. Cost: Suggested $10 donation covers food and beverages. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
Backyard Saturdays–Science of Nature Day–10am-noon. Families experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Fun activities, crafts, stories and cool biofacts. Ages 7 and under. Cost: $5 parking. Leo’s Landing Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, RKennerly@ icrc.net. Summer Family Movie Nights–8-10:30pm. Dumbo. Food trucks from 6:30-8:30pm. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. Presented by Aun and McKay, PA, and Peggy Aun, of Coldwell Banker Realty. All ages. Cost: $2. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113, icrc.net. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 & 8
Reiki Level 1–Sat,11am-3pm; Sun, noon-3pm. In-person class with Joy Lee Connor, LMT, reiki master. Cost: $325. Springhill AtONEment Center, 2317 Chapin Rd, Chapin. Info/preregistration: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@ BellSouth.net. SATURDAYS AUGUST 7, 14, 21 & 28
Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Satur-
days–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
Plant-Based Cooking Class Series–4:30pm. Class and tasting feast is designed to help you succeed in prevention and reversal of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, low energy, digestive issues, and more. Cost: $5. Columbia Adventist Academy Gym, 241 Riverchase Way, Lexington. Info: Contact Sandra Sturkie at Info@ColumbiaFirst.org. THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
Perseids Back-to-school Meteor Shower–9-10pm. The comet Swift-Tuttle will pay tribute to the Greek hero Perseus with 60-100 meteors per hour. Explore the role of asteroids, comets and meteors in making up this cosmic display. All ages. Cost: $2. East end of Saluda Shoals Park, below Leo’s Landing, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
3 v 3 Adult Basketball Tournament–8-10am. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $60 per team. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336, icrc.net. Reiki I Class–10am-4:30pm. Learn how to scan your body for blockages in the energy field and alleviate it. Cost: $150; manual is included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811 or ReikiByJoy.com. FRIDAY, AUGUST 20
Sunset on the Shoals–6-8:30pm. Enjoy a paddle tour on the Saluda River, followed by a wine tasting at the River Overlook. (Trip dependent on weather.) Take home a complimentary wine glass. Ages 21 and up. Cost: $47. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21
ICRC Indoor Yard Sale–7-11am. Great bargains and treasures. Doors open to vendors at 6:30am. Setup must be done Friday between 4-7pm. Admission is free to buyers. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info/vendor cost info: 803-345-618, icrc.net.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
BBQ for a Cause–Purchase a ticket for a smoked Boston butt before Aug 14 to support volunteer driver programs Senior Rides of Lexington and Feonix Volunteer Force, which provide rides for seniors and those in need in Richland and Lexington counties. Cost: $40. Turner Memorial AME Church, 1122 Monticello St, W Columbia. Info: Contact Melanie Dalton at 803-361-3645 or Melanie@ FeonixMobilityRising.org. SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
Lake Murray Bridal Show–1-5pm. Our intimate show of wedding professionals will help make your dream wedding a reality. Meet wedding pros, win door prizes, enjoy a selfie station, and more. Cost: $7. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/vendor: 803-772-3336; purchase tickets: LakeMurrayBridalShow.com.
savethedate
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Plant-Based Cooking Class Series–4:30pm. Class and tasting feast. You will learn new recipes, taste the goodness, and be inspired. Drawing for free Vitamix. Free. Columbia Adventist Academy Gym, 241 Riverchase Way, Lexington. Info: Contact Sandra Sturkie at Info@ColumbiaFirst.org; register: HealthyDiscoveries.org. ongoing events
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: Contact Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.
monday
Trance Healing Group–7pm. Every Monday. Session via Zoom. We will go into a meditative state and link with my guides, and they will perform the energy work. Cost: $15. Pay at ReikiByJoy.com. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811.
tuesday
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.
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.
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 6.
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, pages 3,10 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 industry, our team is 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 29.
DOULA SPECIALTY
TWIN WATERS HEALING
Carla Franklin, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist 803-200-2284 TwinWatersHealing.net Placenta encapsulation is the practice of consuming the placenta usually after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground and placed into pills. Traditionally, this is taken by the birth person and has proven to impart numerous health benefits. Some of those benefits include increasing milk production and help with postpartum depression. Our professional staff is certified and we practice safe COVID-19 protocols to ensure your safety and ours. To schedule your encapsulation, give us a call today!
Connect with us naturally!
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.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
HAYLIS HERBS LLC
Master Herbalist HaylisHerbs.com Online Herbal Consultations for the Symptoms of Endometriosis Living with endometriosis can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. I put together herbal combinations specific to your individual needs to help combat and potentially eliminate the symptoms of endometriosis. Please visit HaylisHerbs.com for more information and to schedule a free 15-minute pre-consultation.
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 8.
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. ~Henry Ward Beecher
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 19.
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 12. free. 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!
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 29.
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 8.
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 and released. Your energy field will be restored and balanced, allowing you to feel lighter and burdenINTEGRATIVE & 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 best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 33.
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 7. SPIRITUAL
ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-spiritual-seekers Eckankar is the path of spiritual freedom. It is an active, creative practice to help you unlock a deeper level of spirituality. The ECK teachings can help you find answers and give you the tools to prove spiritual truths to yourself while experiencing life as a spiritual adventure. Join us at 10 a.m. every second Sunday at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Call Dee at 803-749-2459.
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 nonperishables. No plastic is used. Clean up is composted afterward, not trashed. See ad, page 12.
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 19. 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 7. 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, pages 3, 10 and back page.
Bug Battle
How to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay
It’s no fun fending off uninvited airborne guests at the family cookout, but bloodthirsty bugs are an inevitable part of summer. Mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance; they can carry infectious diseases like West Nile and Zika viruses, so it’s important to know the best ways to keep them at bay. Sprays containing the chemical DEET—developed by the U.S. Army after World War II and made commaridav/AdobeStock.com mercially available in 1957—have long been the go-to option for mosquito repellent. DEET sprays came under scrutiny after isolated reports of seizures; these were subsequently dismissed as involving “off label” applications such as ingesting DEET (it’s best not to drink bug juice). DEET can occasionally cause a rash or skin irritation; however, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both deemed DEET sprays as generally safe and effective for both adults and kids as young as two months. DEET also breaks down quickly in the environment, posing minimal danger to wildlife.
For outdoor lovers seeking a more natural bug repellent, one formula performs as well as DEET at stopping mosquitoes and even better at repelling ticks: products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus extract, which contains the naturally occurring compound para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a byproduct of the leaves of Corymbia citriodora tree. In a study published in the Journal of Insect Science in 2015, researchers from New Mexico State University found that it deterred mosquitoes for up to six hours, unlike largely ineffective candles, bracelets and ultrasonic devices.
The PMD compound differs from lemon-eucalyptus essential oil, so look specifically for repellents containing PMD, found at most outdoors sports stores and major retailers. Lemon-eucalyptus essential oil itself is also sometimes touted as a natural mosquito deterrent, but like other essential oils like clove or citronella, the limited protection it offers is short-lived, as their volatile compounds evaporate quickly. While DIY insect repellents made from essential oils smell wonderful and are easy to make, they can also irritate the skin at higher concentrations and in some cases, such as clove oil, be toxic to pets. Products containing essential oils are also not registered by the EPA, and therefore not tested for efficacy.
Products containing Picaridin, a chemical modeled on black pepper, also have proven to be as effective as DEET. Picaridin-based products are better at deterring mosquitoes from landing than DEET, and are less oily and strong-smelling.
The percentage of DEET or Picaridin in a product determines how long it protects, with higher concentrations providing longer protection with fewer reapplications. Those benefits taper off at 30 percent DEET and 20 percent Picaridin. Covering up with long sleeves and spraying clothes, not just skin, with insect repellent will help keep skeeters at arm’s length and also help keep off ticks.
