Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 0822

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

Ways to Raise a Well-Rounded Kid

HEALTHY

PLANET

EcoFriendly

Packaging Trends

Essential Oils

that Lower Anxiety

Shellfish

Grown Sustainably

August 2022 | Columbia Edition | ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com August 2022

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Contents 18

18 SUSTAINABLE SHELLFISH

Superfood of the Sea

21 RAISING A

WELL-ROUNDED CHILD

Practical Ways to Build Lasting Life Skills

24 SOOTHING SCENTS

Top Eight Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief

26 THE GREENING OF

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PACKAGING

Cleaning and Personal Care Products Go Eco

28 PREVENTING DOG DEMENTIA

Five Strategies to Preserve Cognitive Health

30 TAKE A SILENT HIKE

Tips for Walking Mindfully in Nature

31 CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

32 MARK MINCOLLA

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on the Healing Power of Our Superconsciousness

33 MINDFUL KUDOS Best Ways to Praise Kids and Boost Self-Confidence

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 12 kudos 14 health briefs 16 global briefs 17 eco tip 18 conscious

eating 4

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24 healing ways 26 green living 28 natural pet 30 fit body 32 wise words 33 healthy kids 36 calendar 37 natural

directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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August 2022

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLUMBIA EDITION

letter from publisher Two Slamming Doors and a Mouse …

Reflecting on the nebulous term creativity, late American psychologist and author Rollo May, in The Courage to Create, PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs stated: “Creativity is the process of bringing something new EDITOR Sara Gurgen into being. Creativity requires passion and commitment.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and

Billy Briggs points to new life.” The power of creativity is fully alive and CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams Kristi Antley can be seen all around us today. Whether gazing upon an SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs architectural wonder, appreciating an artistic masterpiece or getting lost in a captivating and suspense-filled movie that leaves popcorn flying in the WEBSITE Kristina Parella air like confetti at the climax of every intense scene, creative minds are on display.

Billy Briggs In a revealing study conducted by George Land, it was observed that we, as humans, are naturally creative and as we grow up we learn to be uncreative. Creativity is the act of turning CONTACT US new and imaginative ideas into reality. It is often characterized by the ability to perceive the PO Box # 2812 world in new ways, to find hidden patterns and to generate solutions. It involves two critiColumbia, SC 29202 cal puzzle pieces: thinking without mental borders (envisioning) and bringing the resulting Email thoughts (ideas) to life by birthing them into reality. And there can be no better example of this ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com theory than Walter Elias “Walt” Disney.

Annette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 Website Disney was born in the city of Chicago in 1901 and developed an interest in drawing at a ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com very early age. As a boy, Disney took art classes and got a job as a commercial illustrator at the age of 18. On his way to creative genius, fame and global success, Disney’s unfolding life story SUBSCRIPTIONS was highlighted by numerous life-changing twists and turns.

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

However, there are two defining moments of his life that I feel threw a wet, cold bucket of dream-killing reality onto his creative vision, threatening to bring his plans to a screeching NATIONAL TEAM halt. In 1919, Disney was fired from one of his first animation jobs at the Kansas City Star CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman newspaper because his editor felt he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” UnfortuCOO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne nately, failure later visited Disney again. He acquired Laugh-O-Gram, an animation studio that Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo sadly landed in bankruptcy. Wow … two slamming doors of life!

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Sadly, for many of us, our creative dreams die an excruciating death due to the dream Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs snatchers we encounter along the way. Some intentionally draw the knife to kill our creativity, Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy while others, rather unknowingly, offer well-intentioned advice and observations that, quite National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan frankly, can send creativity to the morgue. John C. Maxwell, in his book Thinking for a Change, said this about creative ideas: “Ideas are fragile things when they first see the light of day. If Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation you try to implement them too early or introduce them while there are more naysayers than 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 supporters, they won’t survive.” True … is it not? We have to strengthen our creative dreams Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 from within and hold on for dear life until the vision becomes a reality.

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Disney did. Following these obvious failures, he decided to set his sights on a more profitable area: Hollywood. He and his brother moved to California and began the Disney Brothers © 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Cartoon Studio, eventually creating Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, Disney World and winning Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior 22 Academy Awards; a reminder to us all that creative success can be found on the other side permission be obtained in writing. of slamming doors. The same was true for Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, and Bill Gates, Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed co-founder of Microsoft. And the same is true for you! Now, go color your world with your locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like creative power! 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.

In Living Color,

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.

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community news

Pam Johnson: An Insurance Agent Like No Other

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y name is Janie and I’m 86 years old. Pam Johnson has been my insurance agent for several years, covering both myself and my husband. Because we both had underlying health conditions, we were uncertain that we would be able to obtain life insurance of any kind. Pam was able to research and find policies that would adequately cover both of us.

My husband’s health conditions were very serious. And, in 2020, he unfortunately passed away as a result of his declining health. Fortunately, because of the life insurance coverage that Pam was able to obtain for us, I was able to give him a proper burial. My husband worked many years building caskets, and he could determine their quality based on appearance alone. I feel that he received a burial that he would be extremely proud of.

Thanks to Pam Johnson’s determination to find the best coverage available at affordable pricing, most of my children and their spouses have life and health insurance. Her periodic house calls really takes me back to the golden days when insurance agents focused on personal touch and customer satisfaction. Even during the height of COVID, Pam made sure to make calls to check on our well-being.

Pam Johnson is the absolute best at what she does. She has become a part of our family, and we truly appreciate all of the hard work that she puts into providing us with the best coverage available. With an agent like Pam Johnson, there should be no reason for one to go without insurance coverage!

For more information, call Pam Johnson at 803-521-3036. Also visit ProtectingFamiliesForLife.com. See ad, this page.

Heat Mapping Volunteers Needed

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he city of Columbia is looking for volunteers to help map the urban heat islands in Columbia and Richland County on Saturday, August 6 (rain date August 7). Volunteers will use specifically designed sensors mounted on their own cars to drive preplanned routes three times on the appointed day—morning, afternoon and evening. These sensors will record the temperature, humidity and precise geolocation second by second.

For more information, call 803-545-2722 or visit cpac.columbiasc. gov/urban-heat-island-mapping-initiative.

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community news

ICRC Hosts Backyard Saturday – Owl Day

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n Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Backyard Saturday – Owl Day at Saluda Shoals Park, located at 5605 Bush River Road, in Columbia. Taking place at Saluda Shoal’s Leo’s Landing Playground, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about owls and the world that they inhabit. Participants will also engage in fun learning activities, games and storytelling.

Cost: $5 (parking fee). For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/backyard-saturday-owl-day.

ICRC Hosts Drive-In Movie Night at Saluda Shoals Park

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n Saturday, August 27, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting a drive-in movie night at Saluda Shoals Park featuring Universal Picture’s Sing 2. The movie will begin around 8 p.m. with local area food trucks on-site from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to serve guests.

Cost: $15 (per car). Location: The Fields at Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/drive-movie-night-saluda-shoalspark-sing-2.

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KMB Sponsors Fireflies Baseball Game

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et’s play ball! Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is sponsoring the Columbia Fireflies game on Saturday, August 27, as they host the visiting Salem Red Sox. Kicking off at 6:05 p.m., KMB and the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina encourage organization members and supporters to attend with family and friends. The night’s theme is Marvel movies, and attendees will receive a free Fireflies hat.

Cost: $10. Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia. To purchase tickets, visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org. For more information, call 803-733-1139, email Traude Sander at TSander@ kmbsc.org or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.

ICRC Hosts Indoor Garage Sale

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n Saturday, August 27, from 7 to 11 a.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting an indoor garage sale at Crooked Creek Park, located at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, in Chapin. Residents throughout the Midlands are encouraged to clean out the garage, attic, kids’ rooms and closets, and bring those hidden treasures to sell. Come and check out all of the great bargains. Anyone interested in participating as a vendor, should call or stop by the park for participation details. This event is open to all ages.

Cost: Free to enter. For more information or for vendor details, call 803-345-6181. Also visit icrc.net/event/indoor-yard-sale-13.

Chapin Summer Movie Night – Disney's Encanto

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s a part of its Summer Movie Series for Midlands area families to enjoy, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is presenting Disney’s movie Encanto on Saturday, August 6, at Melvin Park, located at 370 Eptings Camp Road, in Chapin.

Free to the public and for all ages, the movie will begin at 8:45 p.m. Local area food trucks will be on-site to serve guests from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs. ICRC’s event sponsors and presenting partners include: Seacoast Church, Chapin United Methodist Church, Healthy Lawns LLC, Midland Air Service Experts, and Zesto of Chapin.

For more information, call 803-345-8113 or visit icrc.net/event/chapin-summer-movie-night-disneys-encanto.

KMB Hosts Midlands Litter Campaign

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rom Friday, August 19, through Sunday, August 21, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), along with several hundred volunteers, will be removing litter from roads throughout Lexington and Richland counties and on streets in the city of Columbia. If while driving throughout the Midlands, you happen to see signs indicating that litter pickup is in progress or see volunteers in safety vests, please slow down. Keep the Midlands Beautiful administers the Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-AStreet and Adopt-A-Waterway programs and provides supplies for more than 260 volunteer groups. Through these important sustainable partnering programs, caring citizens can take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the Midlands, which cultivates great benefits, such as tourism advancement, scenic beautification, improved quality of life, and raised educational and environmental awareness.

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

Columbia Operates Misting Stations to Beat Summer Heat

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he city of Columbia is operating misting stations in several of the city’s parks to help Midlands area residents stay cool on days when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or higher. The stations will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Granby Park, 100 Catawba Street; MLK Park, 2300 Greene Street; Owens Field Park, 1351 Jim Hamilton Boulevard; Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel Street; Rosewood Park, 901 South Holly Street; and Southeast Park, 951 Hazlewood Road.

For more information, call the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

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community news

St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Is Now Enrolling

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t. Martin de Porres Catholic School is a private Christ-centered institution that emphasizes high academics and social standards in a caring environment.

The school is grounded in the Catholic identity, which provides students of diverse faiths a rigorous curriculum, which allows for academic success. Now enrolling students from pre-K through fifth grade, the innovative school provides its students with an environment that focuses on quality academic challenges, which results in academic excellence. St. Martin de Porres Catholic School focuses on preparing future leaders with the tools to be successful as they venture forth in a very changing world and environment—offering small class sizes, individualized instruction, rigorous curriculum, standard-based instruction, scholarships and a faith-based environment. The school has been a fixture in the Waverly Community for 85 years—providing a quality education to young children. St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, “Where Every Child Is a Shining Star!”

Location: St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, 2225 Hampton St., Columbia. For more information, call 803-254-5477 or visit SaintMartinDePorres.org. See ad, page 5.

Lexington County Hosts Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

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n Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lexington County Solid Waste Management is hosting a hazardous waste disposal and recycling event at ECOFLO, located at 1741 Calks Ferry Road, in Lexington. For Lexington County residents only, the list of acceptable items includes acids, brake fluid, degreasers, glue and solvents, paint (up to 8 gallons), pesticides, insecticides, electronics (up to five devices) and much more.

For more information (including a complete list of acceptable items and guidelines), call 803-785-3325, ext. 6, or visit Lex-co.sc.gov.

EEASC Hosts Midlands August Meetup

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t’s time to meet up! On Tuesday, August 9, from 9 to 11 a.m., the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting a green networking “meetup” informal session for environmental educators at Camp Discovery, located at 208 Claude Bundrick Road, in Blythewood. Meetups usually begin with a facilitated round-robin session where participants share updates and announcements. Attendees should come prepared to announce any program dates, opportunities for partnership, or information requests (max two minutes per person).

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 RSVP or for more information, visit eeasc.org/event-4896456.

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KMB Hosts Lakeside Litter Sweep

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eep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is hosting its Lakeside Litter Sweep event on Saturday, September 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., around areas of Lake Murray. KMB is seeking helpful volunteers to assist in cleaning up areas around the islands, shorelines, boat ramps and other strategic places around the lake. Those interested in participating are required to register by Saturday, September 10. Volunteers can use their own boats to travel to islands and shorelines after picking up supplies. AquaFun Boat Rentals and Tours (along with other event rental partners) will shuttle volunteers to various islands around the lake. For participants interested in staying on land, they may clean the shorelines, boat ramps and nearby roads surrounding the lake. Safety is priority, so KMB has secured the Coast Guard Auxiliary to be on hand to provide assistance if necessary.

Courtesy of PalmettoPride, Lexington County and other event partners, volunteers will receive a safety and orientation briefing, cleanup supplies, an event T-shirt, a sandwich lunch, a “thank you” gift, and an opportunity to win prizes from local area businesses. The Lakeside Litter Sweep is part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ annual Beach Sweep River Sweep, which works to keep South Carolina’s waterways clean and raise awareness of the impact that litter has on our rivers, lakes, beaches and oceans as an interconnected system.

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

Champions of the Environment Application Period Opens

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he Champions of the Environment application period will open Monday, August 1, and close on Friday, September 30. As part of the application process, a free webinar for Clemson Extension's 2022 School Gardening Summer Series will be available to view and experience.

Those interested are asked to register for the webinar at scdhec.gov. For those interested in starting a pollinator garden or enhancing a school's existing garden, the webinar will provide information on how to apply for grants that support these projects. Champions of the Environment is sponsored by Dominion Energy, Sylvamo, and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Each school year, environmental projects are awarded grants of up to $2,500.

For more information, call Champions of the Environment Coordinator Amanda Ley at 803-898-4183.

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kudos

Kids Ride Clean Announces Winners of Electric School Buses

Isaac Brewer, a student enrolled in the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) Clean Energy Program and attending Dutch Fork Elementary Academy of Environmental Sciences, submitted a winning essay to the Kids Ride Clean essay contest, sponsored by Austin Meyer. In honor of Brewer’s winner, Meyer (through the Ava Lane Meyer Foundation) awarded a new electric bus and charger to Brewer’s school district: Lexington-Richland School District Five.

Also noteworthy, Brewer was interned remotely at the South Carolina Energy Office through his school’s Clean Energy Program during this year’s spring semester. Lexington-Richland School District Five’s new electric bus will be utilized at The Center as well as at Dutch Fork Elementary Academy of Environmental Sciences. Brewer was also recognized at the Environmental Education Association’s Conference by receiving the Outstanding Youth Award.

Kudos to Isaac Brewer!

Note: Richland County School District One, Richland School District Two and the Greenville School Districts were also winners! Kudos!

Richland School District Two Gifts EV and Charger to R2i2

Richland School District Two purchased an unassembled electric vehicle (EV) for its Institute of Innovation (R2i2) class to build.

The district also purchased a solar-powered EV charger. The EV is now complete and road ready. While assembling the vehicle, students learned more about electric vehicles in general; particularly, how the EV car differs from an internal combustion engine vehicle. Installed in the spring, the EV charger can be used to charge a vehicle or as an emergency generator. Richland School District Two’s Institute of Innovation (R2i2) is educating the next generation about clean energy in their Next Energy Engineering program, which teaches students more about solar, wind, geothermal and more.

2022 KMB Shoe Drive Surpasses Donation Goal

Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) surpassed its annual shoe drive donation goal by collecting nearly 6,600 pairs of shoes at 25 collection sites—a new record! KMB’s objective for this fundraiser is two-fold: keep shoes out of local landfills while helping those in need in developing countries. In addition, KMB successfully raised more than $2,600 to be allocated toward KMB programs.

Kudos to KMB and its organizational partners!

Kudos to Richland School District Two!

Columbia Mayor Appointed Vice Chair of National Committee Just recently, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann was appointed to serve as vice chairman of the United States Conference of Mayors’ Energy Committee.

The committee focuses on bringing energy efficiency to America's cities and energy independence to the United States as a whole. "I'm looking forward to the work we have ahead as we prepare our cities for the future," says Rickenmann.

Kudos to Mayor Daniel Rickenmann!

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community spotlight

INSPIRED HEALTH

The Holistic and Integrative Approach

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by Kristi Antley

any patients with health issues have become overwhelmed and disillusioned by the sheer volume of information, treatments, therapies, pharmaceuticals and diets that are available today. Integrative medicine practitioners empower individuals to take responsibility for their own health and focus on the person as a “whole” instead of only recognizing and treating symptoms. The entire spectrum of mainstream medicine as well as complementary medicine and alternative treatments are explored to find the best approach to health issues. Becoming aware of how environment, nutrition, exercise, psychological and genetic factors impact your health can make a huge difference in long-term vitality.

Visiting a conventional physician’s office can often be frustrating due to the nature and constraints of the system. Other than dealing with the symptoms of an acute or chronic health condition, a large amount of time is taken from your day waiting before the doctor appears.

The time spent one-on-one with an integrative doctor is typically three-to-five times more than with conventional doctors. At Inspired Health, you will not only be heard, but each part of your well-being will be taken into consideration: mind, body, spirit and lifestyle. Inspired Health strives to provide a calm, pleasant and quiet environment with lower patient volume, which allows for more thorough patient/physician interaction. You will be given ample time to voice your concerns and goals and ask any questions you may have. Only in partnership can appropriate evaluation and treatment plans be developed based on your needs, wishes and circumstances. One size simply does not fit all.

A fundamental part of integrative medicine is the search for the root cause, so it can be fully addressed. Common symptoms such as depression, for example, can have multiple causes. Are your mood issues due to nutritional deficiencies, genetic challenges in processing proteins or lack of antioxidants? Are you sad because your immune system is handicapped by mold toxins or Lyme disease? What if your depression is due to a hormonal imbalance? Identifying, accepting and treating the root cause of the malaise is more effective long term than consuming a medication to control the symptoms.

Uncovering the true root cause of a health issue can be a challenge and may require ex-

tensive testing. The professionals at Inspired Health have the ability to test for food sensitivities; do detailed saliva and hormone testing; test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; do stool testing; and test for mold toxicity or tick-borne diseases. The various tests are ordered from different companies based on the quality and reliability that each test provides. For example, one lab may have a great protocol for food sensitivities but do a poor job with stool testing.

As you may know, genetics are the key to unlocking how an individual’s body functions at the molecular level. How proficiently does your body metabolize folic acid? Could your immune system have tendencies to overreact and possibly lead to an autoimmune disorder? Are you trying to lose weight using a specific diet? What if you have genes that increase weight gain exponentially if you eat certain types of foods?

Is there a history of dementia in your family? Eighty percent of chronic medical issues can be prevented; for example, it is much easier to prevent memory decline than to reverse it. Dr. Nairn offers effective, cutting edge genomic evaluations to help optimize physical, cognitive and mental health.

Knowledge is power. And one of Inspired Health’s main objectives is to give its clients the resources and tools required to optimize their health and decrease the risk of disease.

This is done through one-on-one interaction or through group visits and interactive talks.

Stress reduction, quality sleep, optimal nutrition, appropriate daily exercise, positive social interaction, and changes to daily routine and environment are gradual lifestyle modifications that promote health and wellness. YOU are at the center of your health, and you are included in the decision-making process at Inspired Health every step of the way.

Inspired Health is located at 1931 Bull St., in Columbia. For more information, call 839200-7822, email Info@InspiredHealthSC. com or visit InspiredHealthSC.com. See ad, page 9.

August 2022

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Eat Green and Orange Produce to Lower Dementia Risk

Simone Impe /Unsplash.com

Green veggies and orange fruits can help stave off dementia, according to new findings from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging. Researchers gave 7,283 people physical exams and blood tests, and then monitored them for dementia symptoms for 16 years. Those with higher levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin in their blood had significantly less incidence of dementia compared to those with lower levels of these antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, peas and broccoli. Beta-cryptoxanthin is found in orange fruits like papaya, oranges and persimmons.

Optimize Gut Health in Kids with ADHD or Autism Symptoms The key role that the microbiome plays in children’s health has been documented in a new study that links gut health to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and the National University of Natural Medicine tested 135 children with ADHD that took no medication. For eight weeks, half of the children took a placebo and half took vitamin and mineral supplements at doses between the recommended daily allowance and what is considered the upper tolerable limit. The ones taking the micronutrients were three times more likely to show symptomatic improvement on blinded clinician ratings, compared to those in the placebo group (54 percent versus 18 percent).

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health briefs

Take a Social Media Break to Improve Mental Health

SERIOUS SOMEONE ABOUT MEETING

Join now at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

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GET

With 82 percent of Americans using apps like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, scrolling through social media has become an unconscious automatic behavior for many. But that distraction comes with a price, indicates a new study by the UK’s University of Bath. Half of the 154 participants ages 18 to 72 stopped using virtually all social media for one week, reducing their average usage time from eight hours to 21 minutes for that period. After the seven days, they showed significant improvements in their well-being, depression and anxiety scores compared to those in a control group that did not take such a break.

“Scrolling social media is so ubiquitous that many of us do it almost without thinking, from the moment we wake up to when we close our eyes at night,” says lead researcher Jeff Lambert. “But if you are spending hours each week scrolling and you feel it is negatively impacting you, it could be worth cutting down on your usage to see if it helps.”

wellness spotlight

Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic

Pain Has Met Its Match!

by Odell Williams

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owdy Rudolph Chiropractic LLC is a leading chiropractic care center in Columbia.

With more than a decade of therapeutic experience, the Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic team has successfully taken care of the chiropractic needs of countless individuals that call the Midlands home—helping them to find relief from debilitating pain while recovering life’s vitality and vigor.

“We've successfully treated many patients that suffer from chronic pain, and we also help individuals that have sustained personal injuries, including those that are auto accident related,” states owner Gerald Rudolph, DC. “Regardless of the source of your pain, you can trust us to help you find relief.”

Rudolph and his associates focus on finding the root cause of each problem—not just treating the pain. His team utilizes digital X-rays to help in diagnosis; 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 the arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body hydromassage table that provides rejuvenation and relaxation for mind, body and spirit.

There are numerous causes of spinal, skeletal and muscle pain and degeneration—one of them being spinal muscular atrophy. The month of August is recognized as national Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness month. Impacting many individuals, SMA is a debilitating disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal

cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat or breathe. In fact, it is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. Essentially, the muscles waste away.

Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic can help individuals suffering from SMA—particularly atrophy of the multifidus muscle due to a herniated disc, which can lead to low back pain.

States Rudolph: “In my practice, I treat a lot of people who have herniated discs that impinge or press on their spinal nerves. These nerves innervate superficial spinal muscles that help move our bodies and deep spinal muscles that help stabilize and protect the spine.”

The multifidus muscle functions to stabilize and protect the spine. This muscle also aids in extension of the spine. Sometimes the discs between the vertebrae, which act like spinal shock pads, herniate either through trauma or prolonged poor posture.

This herniation can sometimes press on the spinal nerves causing pain and cutting off innervation to the multifidus muscle. The muscle then ceases to function properly.

MRIs of some people suffering with herniated discs show fatty infiltrations in the multifidus muscle—much like the marbling of a good steak. This marbling of the multifidus muscle is the result of atrophy of the muscle due to decreased function or use of the muscle. This decrease in proper function will often lead to pain. By decompression of the herniated disc, pressure is released off of the spinal nerves, thus relieving pain while encouraging innervation and restoration of the multifidus muscle. Moreover, specific core exercises can help restore proper function of the multifidus muscle and reverse atrophy, thus reducing pain.

With a proven track record of excellent service and quality professional care, Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic stands ready and able to help those suffering from debilitating pain and diminished lifestyle to find treatment solutions that are effective.

Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic is located at 1444 Barnwell St., in Columbia. For more information or to schedule an evaluation and treatment of a herniated disc, call 803376-6293. Also visit DowdyRudolphChiro. com. See ad, page 10.

August 2022

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Abandoned Farmland Regeneration Can Mitigate Climate Change

To better track the location and movement of marine fish in U.S. waters, The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is using a new interactive website, the Distribution Mapping and Analysis Portal. It demonstrates that the ranges of many marine species are shifting, expanding and contracting in response to changing ocean conditions. Intended to improve data sharing and collaboration, it will facilitate judgements about fishery management and increase knowledge about species distribution.

The portal displays data from NOAA Fisheries bottom trawl surveys for five regions (Northeast, Southeast, Gulf of Mexico, West Coast and Alaska) and includes a map viewer and graphing capabilities for more than 800 marine fish and invertebrate species. Understanding where species are distributed and the factors that drive patterns are important for species conservation and management.

Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA administrator, says, “Changes in fish stocks can have significant economic and cultural impacts for communities and businesses across the U.S. The visualization capabilities of this new tool boost our ability to turn the data NOAA collects into robust decision-making resources for the entire fishery management community, helping build a climate-ready nation.”

A new study, “Rural Land Abandonment Is Too Ephemeral to Provide Major Benefits for Biodiversity and Climate,” from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs published in the journal Science Advances analyzed the phenomenon of farmers worldwide moving to urban centers due to finances, conflicts or climate change. This rural outmigration is leaving hundreds of millions of acres of cropland abandoned, affording an opportunity for ecological restoration and carbon sequestration that could lead to a positive impact on the climate crisis if the land is allowed to regenerate. The report states, “Unless policymakers take steps to reduce recultivation or provide incentives for regeneration, abandonment will remain a missed opportunity to reduce biodiversity loss and climate change.”

David Wilcove, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and public affairs at the High Meadows Environmental Institute, one of the co-authors of the study, says, “As people move from rural areas into cities, there is a chance for wildlife and the climate to gain ground, literally, as abandoned farms and pastures revert back to forests and grasslands.” However, he also notes, “Our work shows that this is not happening, because the abandoned lands are being rapidly recultivated.”

New Underwater Maps Track Fish

Native Voices

United Nations to Better Represent Indigenous Peoples

courtesy of UN.org

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) called on governments, courts and UN agencies to implement mechanisms to support and protect Indigenous peoples’ lands and lives in its 21st session, as well as more opportunities to participate in the General Assembly process.

Although Indigenous voices are currently heard, their role is constricted because only UNPFII members can make recommendations to other bodies like the Economic and Social Council or UNESCO. Indigenous nations, communities and non-governmental organizations cannot vote or speak to UN bodies, including the General Assembly, without an invitation.

At the forum, Indigenous representatives and leaders discussed how dangerous mining practices driving the green energy transition are threatening Indigenous peoples around the world, how harmful conservation practices are impacting traditional territories and the need for urgent attention on violence against Indigenous land defenders and women. Geoffrey Roth, a Standing Rock Sioux descendent and UNPFII member, says, “A basic first step for enhanced participation would be the United Nations recognizing that tribes have a right to be here and have a right to be able to attend.” With enhanced participation, they can engage equally with member states to ensure rights are protected and concerns are heard.

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Finding Nemo

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Fallow Fields

global briefs

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eco tip

Planet-Friendly Picnicking STRATEGIES FOR A PLASTIC-FREE OUTING

Summer is the ideal time to break bread with loved ones, toss a Frisbee and celebrate the great outdoors, but too many of us believe that picnics require single-use plastics. In the name of convenience and easy cleanup, we bring plastic plates and cutlery, a stack of disposable cups and even a plastic tablecloth. When our fun in the sun is over, an avalanche of non-biodegradable offenders ends up in landfills to pollute our environment and waterways.

It’s time to level up our picnicking game by going plastic-free. With a little planning, simple swap-outs are easy and less costly in the long run.

Here are a few tips.

Serve Homemade and Bulk Foods: Instead of processed goodies like chips and candy that come in plastic packaging, guests will love Mom’s gluten-free brownies and mixed nuts from the bulk aisle. Bring a chef’s knife and portable cutting board to slice fresh vegetables and a watermelon from the farmers market rather than precutting and stowing them in Ziploc bags.

Employ Reusable Containers and Bags: The same eco-friendly carriers we use at home can be taken to picnics, including cloth shopping bags, stainless steel food containers, beeswax wraps, Mason jars, reseal-

able silicone pouches and cloth or knit drawstring bags for bulk items. Everything comes home and gets thrown into the washer for easy cleanup.

Get Ice Cubes from Home: Stopping for a plastic bag of ice from a convenience store seems synonymous with a picnic, but it’s time to break that bad habit. Put ice cubes from the freezer into a stainless steel food storage container and drop it in an insulated bag or cooler to keep items cold and provide clean ice for drinks.

Bring Reusable Plates and Utensils: While plates, cups and cutlery from our kitchens can perform double duty at picnics, more lightweight options made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo and stainless steel abound. Assign each person one reusable cup and a set of utensils for the gathering.

Offer Plastic-Free Drinks: Single-use, plastic water bottles are out.

Bring big jugs of water and homemade lemonade or iced tea. Stainless steel straws complete the plastic-free replacement.

Unfold Real Tablecloths: Add charm with a couple of genuine tablecloths to drape over a picnic table and spread on the ground, with matching cloth napkins to boot. Then pop them in the laundry before the next outing.

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conscious eating

VEGAN SHELLFISH ALTERNATIVES

T

he perfect food may not be underfoot, but rather, underwater. It’s delicious, fast-growing, nutritionally dense, sustainably produced, locally available from coast to coast and comes in nature’s own sturdy packaging. “Shellfish is the most sustainable protein on the planet. There are no antibiotics, no pesticides, no fertilizer and no feed needed to raise shellfish,” says Bob Rheault, executive director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, which represents 1,500 shellfish farmers from Maine to Florida.

Shellfish is a nutritional powerhouse, providing proteins, essential amino acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and carotenoids. The drastically shorter life cycle of shellfish compared to other farmed seafood also means shellfish producers can generate more food more quickly.

Shellfish also offer many ecological benefits; they filter the water, remove excess nutrients and create habitat for juvenile fish, Rheault says. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, according to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, an organization that restores reefs in conjunction with a shell recycling network of restaurants and public drop sites across the mid-Atlantic region.

Ray Hilborn, a biologist and professor at the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, in Seattle, has compared the relative environmental costs of different food sources, including grains, poultry and imitation, plant-based meats. He has found that farmed shellfish, specifically mollusks like oysters, clams and mussels, provide the lowest impact protein of them all.

“Shellfish has a very low carbon footprint and enormous yield per area,” he says. “Mussel farms, for example, are pretty much just ropes hung from rafts, with no changes to the ecosystem or loss of biodiversity, as compared to agriculture.”

Bivalve shellfish like clams and oysters are mainly sourced from farms because wild stocks are largely depleted due to overharvesting, habitat loss and other contributing factors. “Somewhere around 90 percent of mussels and oysters on the market are farmed,” Rheault says. “If you see perfect-looking oysters at the raw bar, you know they are farmed. Out of the wild, they can look gnarly.”

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Seaweed: Kelp, dulse and other edible algae can also add a touch of that salty, sea-kissed flavor of shellfish, as well as important trace minerals and antioxidants, to dishes like chowders and stews without adding empty calories.

Heart of palm: The tender chewy texture of hearts of palm, flavored well, can serve as a surprising proxy for shellfish and seafood, particularly for rich dishes like fried calamari, lobster rolls or crab salad.

For those seeking a plantbased diet for ethical or other reasons, it’s worth noting that a subset of vegans believe that consuming oysters and mussels does not contradict their commitment to a compassionate diet, given that bivalves lack a central nervous system. This somewhat controversial offshoot of veganism even has its own name—ostroveganism, from the Latin word ostrea, meaning oyster.

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by April Thompson

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SUPERFOOD OF THE SEA

King oyster mushrooms: This mushroom is a misnomer perhaps, as its meaty stem, sliced in one-inch sections and sautéed or broiled, looks and tastes more like a scallop than an oyster. In general, mushrooms have a similar mouthfeel to shellfish: The chitin found in the shells of crustaceans are also a key compound in fungi. They can be added to many dishes as a satisfying substitute for seafood and other animal proteins. However, shellfish and mushroom allergies can overlap as a result of chitin sensitivities, so allergy sufferers should proceed with caution.

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Sustainable Shellfish

Vegans or people with shellfish allergies can still enjoy the rich umami flavor of an oyster or clam with a little creativity.

Here are a few suggested alternatives.

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Restorative aquaculture, which produces seafood using scientific principles that enhance coastal environments, may be one of the best opportunities to restore ecosystems while feeding the Earth’s growing population, according to a report from The Nature Conservancy. However, Hilborn points to “the impact of food, not just how it’s grown, but how it got to you.” Processed shellfish has a bigger carbon footprint, so it’s ecologically desirable to look for fresh, local options whenever possible.

Local production has a culinary benefit, too. “Every waterway has its own unique ‘merroir’, or flavor, that comes from the local environment. The differing levels of salinity and minerality, among other things, can lead to a very different flavor,” adds Rheault. While there is only one dominant species of oyster on the East Coast, there are three varieties found on the West Coast and dozens more around the world, each with different flavor profiles, according to Rheault; oysters also have differing flavors throughout the year. “Fall oysters have a rich, full flavor; they can be skinny in the spring. I like them in winter best of all.”

Perry Raso, owner of the Matunuck Oyster Bar and Farm, in Wakefield, Rhode Island, and a leader in the growing

shellfish farming industry, grew up digging littleneck clams as a youngster. He earned a graduate degree in aquaculture before launching and growing a multifaceted business, including a restaurant, a seven-acre oyster farm and an organic vegetable farm. He raises and sells more than 1 million mature oysters a year and also supplies 5 million seed oysters to other aqua farmers.

Voted one of the top 20 seafood restaurants in the country by Time Out, Matunuck Oyster Bar serves several shellfish delicacies, including a classic oyster stew made with rosemary broth, scallop ceviche, quinoa crab salad and oysters on the half shell with a cucumber passionfruit gazpacho. The menu also features “vegan scallops” made from seared king oyster mushrooms.

Rheault’s favorite way to eat an oyster, though, is simply with two drops of lime.

“The lime knocks out your salt receptors and allows you to really taste the other flavors,” he says. “Grilling is another great way to introduce people to oysters. You don’t even need to shuck them; the grilling firms up the meat.”

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

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YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped fine Salt and pepper ¼ cup water 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 bay leaves 1 tsp dried oregano ⅛ to ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 1, 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes, drained with juice reserved, chopped coarse

1, 8-oz bottle clam juice 1½ lb skinless halibut fillet, ¾-to 1-inch-thick, cut into 6 pieces 1 lb littleneck clams, scrubbed 1¼ cups dry white wine 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Extra-virgin olive oil

Any firm-fleshed, ¾-to 1-inch-thick whitefish (such as cod or sea bass) can be substituted for halibut. Discard clams or mussels with unpleasant odors, cracked shells, or shells that won’t close. If littlenecks are not available, substitute Manila or mahogany clams, or use 2 pounds of mussels. If using only mussels, cook them all at once with the butter and wine for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with sourdough or rustic bread.

Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until onions begin to brown, 7 to 9 minutes. Add water and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, bay leaves, oregano and pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and reserved juice and clam juice, and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Submerge halibut in broth, cover and gently simmer until fish is cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove pot from heat and, using slotted spoon, transfer halibut to a plate, cover with aluminum foil and set aside.

Bring clams, wine and butter to boil in a covered 12-inch skillet over high heat. Steam until clams just open, 5 to 8 minutes, transferring them to pot with tomato broth as they open.

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Source: America’s Test Kitchen

BASIL GRILLED OYSTERS Oysters, freshly shucked BASIL VINAIGRETTE: 2 cups basil 1 small shallot 1 clove of garlic Dash of red pepper flakes ⅔ cup of olive oil 4 Tbsp champagne or red wine vinegar

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This seafood soup, popularized by Italian immigrants in San Francisco, offers up an appealing assortment of fish and shellfish in a tomato-based broth.

Stir parsley into broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Divide halibut among serving bowls. Ladle broth over halibut, making sure each portion contains both clams and mussels. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

In a blender, combine and process the basil vinaigrette ingredients. Top freshly shucked oysters with a dash of the vinaigrette and place on the grill for 5 minutes at medium-high heat. Before removing them from the grill, sprinkle on some grated pecorino Romano cheese.

Source: Deja Knight McMillan

SAUTÉED MUSSELS 4 cups mussels ½ oz extra-virgin olive oil 1 oz chopped yellow onion 1 oz chopped fresh garlic 1 oz white wine 1 oz Pernod (licorice liqueur) Juice of one freshly squeezed, whole lemon 1 oz chopped, fresh basil

photo courtesy of Matt Schwabb Beal's Lobster Pier

photo courtesy of AmericasTestKitchen

CIOPPINO

Once all clams have been transferred to a pot, add mussels to skillet, cover, and cook over high heat until mussels have opened, 2 to 4 minutes, transferring them to pot with tomato broth as they open. Pour cooking liquid from skillet into pot, being careful not to pour any grit from skillet into pot. Return broth to simmer.

Heat the oil in sauté pan. Add mussels and dome with a second sauté pan. Once all mussels have opened, add the onions and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent. Add white wine and bring to a quick boil. Add the Pernod and cook until the alcohol has burned off. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and basil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and enjoy.

Source: Matt Schwab, Beal’s Lobster Pier

RAISING A WELL-ROUNDED CHILD PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD LASTING LIFE SKILLS

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by Marlaina Donato

C

hildhood is a time of magical discovery and a training ground for adult life. Yet today’s world introduces unprecedented problems that can challenge a child’s bedrock: escalating violence including mass shootings, bullying, social media pressure, environmental crises and cultural conflict, not to mention the COVID-19 lockdowns.

For kids to develop the solid foundation they will need in these trying times, a powerful approach is a full-spectrum one that rounds out their experiences and skills, while instilling confidence and resilience. It includes a broad-based education, artistic and cultural exploration, experiences of

diverse cultures, training in mind-body tools, healthy eating habits and connecting with nature. These facets enable children to cope, adapt and thrive in a changing world. It gives them the necessary building blocks for the rest of their lives, which has an invaluable return for all of us now and for future generations.

The Parental Toolbox

Boston-based Casey O’Brien Martin, an expressive arts therapist and author of Skills for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and Coping Techniques, defines a well-rounded child as “one who is balanced in the many different

areas of their life: socially with friends and by having their own interests and hobbies; physically by being active and eating nourishing foods; emotionally by accepting and acknowledging their feelings and using coping skills to deal with uncomfortable or stressful situations.”

Encouraging kids to try new things— and allowing them to experience failure—affects how they respond to life.

“Well-rounded children are flexible in their thinking toward changes in schedule or environment, have been exposed to boundaries and as they mature, can apply their different experiences to their understanding of safety, social skills, fundamental August 2022

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learning and communication,” says April Christopherson, an occupational therapist and owner of Exploration Kids Therapy, in Gunnison, Colorado.

Kids keenly observe and try on adult behavior, and in this practice lies tremendous potential. “One of the very best things parents, caregivers and educators can do is to model healthy coping skills. Just telling kids what to do is not enough. We need to walk the talk, too,” Martin says. Attaining family balance is key to avoid overscheduling and feeling overwhelmed, especially if prompting kids to follow their bliss.

Integrating mindfulness techniques like meditation, yoga and sensory engagement into a household’s everyday routines can help to fortify emotional stability when kids experience rough waters.

“When kids learn to focus on their breathing, it helps to bring their attention to the present moment. By practicing mindfulness daily, these practices become second nature, and kids are able to tap into them whenever they need to. By teaching children these tools at a young age, we are planting seeds that they will be able to grow and cultivate throughout their lives,” says Maura Bradley, founder of Bee You Yoga and Mindfulness, in Manasquan, New Jersey. The author of Mindfulness For Kids In 10 Minutes A Day emphasizes that mindfulness can be a formal or informal practice, can involve the entire family and does not require a lot of time. It can be as simple as taking a moment each morning to connect with each other, notice the weather or play an “eye spy” game on the way to school.

Christopherson concurs: “I suggest a child practice meditation, breathwork and

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mindfulness, first together with a parent or caregiver to get familiar with the practices, and then practice the techniques during non-stressful times.”

The Colors of Learning

Focusing on grades with a one-size-fits-all educational model poses many problems, and changing times demand a broader, more vibrant paradigm. COVID-19 lockdowns brought radical changes to the classroom, and more than ever, parents are opting for a more holistic approach with various methods of homeschooling or whole-child curriculums like those offered at Waldorf, Sudbury and Montessori schools. Alternative learning presents the world as a laboratory, goes beyond math, reading and science, and endorses character-building immersion in community, compassion and culture.

“Montessori learning stresses the beauty of nature,” says Ruth Tencati, a Montessori teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Geography, music, art and practical life skills are taught. Ideally, each child is given lessons that balance learning in all areas and at the right time for each child’s level of skill and curiosity.” Students are given peace education, “where they are encouraged to think of others, as well as themselves, and to see themselves as part of a community of learners,” she says. Tencati views technology as an ally when it is used to deepen students’ understanding of lessons, but believes it should never be used as a pacifier.

Familiarity with the arts is key to a well-rounded view of life, but the number of school-based arts programs has been declining since 1980 due to a heavy focus on standardized testing. To assess the

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impact of art on children, Rice University researchers ran a randomized controlled trial in 2019 with 10,548 students enrolled in 42 schools in the Houston area. They found that students that participated in the arts at elementary and middle school levels improved their writing skills, increased their compassion for others and were less likely to misbehave in class.

In lieu of school-based art programs, kids can learn from virtual tours designed specifically for them by the Louvre, the Van Gogh Museum and other outstanding art museums. For a fun dive into history, the British Museum, Boston Children’s Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History bring the past to life with online “field trips” just for kids.

When kids learn about other cultures, religions, languages and belief systems, it increases their capacity for empathy and the ability to see different perspectives, a trait often found in successful adults. To introduce kids to an expanded worldview, families can enjoy a weekly ethnic meal, go to local heritage festivals and celebrate the holidays of different countries.

Food for Life

Giving a child lifelong tools includes instilling a healthy respect for good health.

Positive eating habits have been shown to boost academic performance and lessen the potential for speech and language acquisition delays. Research on laboratory animals by the University of Georgia in 2021 published in Translational Psychiatry showed that sugar consumption in adolescence diminished learning capacity even into adulthood, possibly due to imbalances in gut bacteria.

“Hundreds of studies identify nutrition as one of the most critical factors in the development of robust brains,” says Lorie Eber, a holistic nutritionist in Orange County, California. “Consumption of whole foods such as eggs (choline), oily fish (omega-3 fatty acids), vegetables (folate and antioxidants), beans (zinc) and Greek yogurt (gut health) are vital for the healthy development of children’s brains in the first years of life.”

Nutrition has a measurable impact on psychological health, she says. “Diets high in refined sugars and saturated fats increase the risk of kids developing hyperactivity and ADHD. Children who skip breakfast

have difficulty concentrating and low moods, which detract from learning.”

Eber encourages children’s participation in meal planning and food preparation, as well as weekly excursions to farmers markets, to experience the colors and tastes of local produce. “All of these things will lay the foundation for your children to develop a healthy relationship with food. That is a rare gift in today’s food-centric society.”

Natural Instincts

Connecting to nature is not only good for growing bodies, but also for self-image. A 2018 systematic review of 35 studies published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows time spent outdoors positively impacts young people’s mental health.

Research conducted by the Institute of Education at University College London drives it home even further: Primary school children that connected with nature in brief Wildlife Trust programs felt better about themselves and experienced more positive relationships with their teachers and classmates. Adding to Mother Nature’s feel-good benefits, exercise during childhood and adolescence, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lowers the risk of depression, improves academic performance and reduces the risk for chronic diseases later in life.

In the end, parenting is about doing our best for our children while being human. “Being a parent is hard. One of my mantras for myself is ‘grace, gratitude and grit,’” muses Martin. “Giving grace to myself by forgiving myself for my parenting mistakes, being grateful for my family and having grit to keep persevering and working hard to build a good life for my family.”

Each parent’s formula might be different, but the basics never get old. “Let a child experience life! Give them opportunities to get into nature, play with non-toy items, interact with animals and support their curiosity,” advises Christopherson. “Be safe, but let your kids be kids.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and visionary composer.

Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

TAKEAWAYS FROM CHILDHOOD EXPERTS

SOME SOUND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD-RAISING

n Expose kids to different cultures and countries to broaden their horizons and instill compassion and tolerance.

n Encourage unstructured playtime, spontaneity and social

interaction, while allowing kids to also value solitude and the enjoyment of their own company.

n Foster creativity with such strategies as simple arts and

crafts, keeping a nature journal, taking up a performing art, taking virtual museum tours or learning about the history of an art form.

n Schedule time in nature for fresh air and plenty of physical activity.

n Don’t overthink parenting. Like children, parents learn as they go, and it’s a collaboration.

n Cheer effort more than ability. Instill their striving for per-

sonal excellence without adding any expectation or pressure.

n Practice self-care and be an example of what living a healthy, joyful life looks like.

n Provide a predictable, low-stress routine; encourage participation in household chores and enforce boundaries.

n Teach children a sense of gratitude. n Provide kids with tools to manage everyday emotions with

simple mindfulness practices, calm breathing and engaging the senses.

n Encourage children to express themselves and communicate their feelings and needs.

n Teach kids that good health is wealth.

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healing ways

Soothing Scents TOP EIGHT ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANXIETY RELIEF

by Karolyn Gazella and Natacha Montpellier

E

2. CLARY SAGE The earthy, floral scent of clary sage (Salvia sclarea) may also help with anxiety. A 2013 study featuring women undergoing a stressful medical exam found that inhaling clary sage essential oil not only led to a subjective relaxation response, but also lowered blood pressure. Researchers noted a decreasing trend in salivary cortisol concentrations, a measure of stress; however, it was not significantly different compared to a placebo. Nevertheless, the reduced pressure suggests that clary sage may have stress-lowering capabilities.

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Lavender (Lavandula) oil has long been used topically and aromatically as a calming agent. Research has shown the benefit of inhaling lavender oil in a variety of anxiety-provoking medical scenarios, including cosmetic surgery, preoperative anxiety and postpartum anxiety. While most essential oils should not be taken orally, standardized lavender essential oil found in dietary supplement form has been shown to be safe and effective in easing anxiety when inhaled and taken orally.

5. LEMON BALM Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) has been proven to have anxiolytic, mood-enhancing and cognitive-improving effects in a variety of human clinical trials. As a dietary supplement and inhaled as an essential oil, lemon balm may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

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4. LAVENDER

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The citrus essential oil bergamot (Citrus bergamia), taken either alone or with other oils, has been shown to help ease symptoms of anxiety and stress. A 2017 pilot study found that bergamot oil diffused into the air helped reduce anxiety and improve mental health and overall well-being in patients in the waiting room of a mental health treatment facility.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree and has a woody aroma. A 2011 study found that anxiety levels of women were decreased in the first stage of labor when a combination of frankincense and other calming oils were used topically.

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1. BERGAMOT

3. FRANKINCENSE

6. NEROLI Neroli oil comes from the Citrus aurantium plant and has been found to help with symptoms of stress and anxiety.

In a 2014 randomized controlled trial involving menopausal women, inhalation of neroli essential oil both helped

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ssential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from aromatic plants that are used in aromatherapy for a variety of conditions. These fragrant oils have been incorporated into wellness practices for thousands of years, and decades of research confirm their benefits, especially their effects on mental health and well-being.

Breathing in essential oils, whether applied topically or inhaled when diffused in the air, has been shown to improve mood and mental wellness by triggering the release of calming neurochemicals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nerve centers of the brain. In particular, eight unique essential oils for anxiety have been explored in scientific literature.

with menopausal symptoms and stress, but also lowered blood pressure, improved sexual desire and helped to balance cortisol and estrogen levels.

7. ROSE As with most other essential oils, rose (Rosa) water has been used since ancient times to enhance health and healing, including mental health. A 2016 study involving hemodialysis patients found that inhaling rose water helped noticeably improve symptoms of anxiety. A 2019 randomized, controlled trial found that inhalation of both rose and neroli essential oils helped improve the psychological, physical and social symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

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8. YLANG YLANG Often used in the fragrance industry, ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) has a slightly sweet and floral aroma. Research shows that inhaling the essential oil of ylang ylang may help reduce blood pressure and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Some of the methods for using essential oils include: n Added to bath water (six to 12 drops) n Spread through the air via a room diffuser (three to four drops) n Inhaled directly from a cotton pad or tissue (one to two drops) or from a bottle itself n As a massage fragrance by adding one to two drops per two tablespoons of massage oil or lotion n As a spray by adding 10 to 15 drops to a two-ounce spray bottle of distilled water n As a steam fragrance when adding one to two drops to a bowl of boiling water and inhaling with a towel placed over the head and bowl To learn more about using essential oils for anxiety, consider consulting with an integrative practitioner for further guidance, or visit Fullscript.com.

Karolyn A. Gazella is the founder of the Natural Medicine Journal and the host of the Natural Medicine Journal podcast. Natacha Montpellier, ND, is a registered naturopathic doctor with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario whose clinical practice focuses on women’s hormonal and reproductive health. They are both associated with Fullscript, an online platform helping integrative practitioners provide personalized patient care and supplement information.

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green living

and older that shop for household items say brands should consider the environment when creating packaging. Many respondents said they wanted products that had easy-to-recycle packaging and were refillable to reduce waste.

“There’s a clear preference for lightweight packaging, plastic-free packaging, refillable and reusable products,” says Danielle Jezienicki, director of sustainability for San Francisco-based Grove Collaborative, an online retailer of eco-products. “It makes sense, because 90 percent of the weight of most cleaning and personal care products you buy consists of water and packaging.

The formulated ingredients are a small fraction. It saves money. There’s growing awareness of this.”

The Greening of Packaging CLEANING AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS GO ECO

by Sheryl DeVore

H

ealth-conscious consumers have been purchasing home cleaning and personal care products with nontoxic ingredients for years. Now they’re demanding these products come in environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and plastic use. “It’s green movement 2.0,” says Tim Murphy, CEO of BranchBasics.com, a Minneapolis company that sells nontoxic cleaners. “First there was the green movement 1.0 to eliminate the toxins from the conventional products like bleach. Now green 2.0 is about the removal of plastic and waste reduction.”

Today, consumers can find refillable, 26

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concentrated cleaning products; eco-laundry sheets; reusable cleansing face pads; eco-toothbrushes made of bamboo; zero-waste toothpaste bits; plastic-free, refillable deodorant; and refillable lipstick.

These and a host of other innovative products designed to be healthy and eco-friendly are available online via manufacturers’ websites or Amazon.com, and can also be purchased at certain big-box stores like Target.

Consumer Demand A December 2020 Mintel Trends survey showed nearly all of the internet users 18

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“It’s really expensive to be shipping water all over the country,” Murphy says. “It’s just extra bulk and extra weight, and the carbon footprint is much higher. If you take that water out, it’s lighter and smaller, so it’s better for the environment.” His company, BranchBasics.com, sells a concentrate that can be used as a laundry detergent, hand wash or bathroom cleaner by mixing it with water in a glass bottle at home. The concentrate comes in a recyclable plastic bottle and is shipped in cardboard, without plastic wrap or foam.

In the past few years, Grove Collaborative, which sells nontoxic personal care and home cleaning items, has changed its packaging to be even more environmentally friendly, according to Jezienicki. “The company has vowed to sell products with zero percent plastic packaging by 2025,” she says.

To that end, it has created a brand of hair, body, facial and hand care products that come in a concentrated bar with no plastic packaging. Its concentrated household cleaners, which can be used on floors, glass, tiles, tubs and other surfaces in the home, come in glass bottles, and consumers can use a glass spray bottle with a silicone sleeve to dilute the product with water.

Plastic-Free “In 2020, we avoided shipping more than 1.1 million pounds of plastic with our concentrated cleaners alone,” Jezienicki

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Shipping Water

millefloreimages/AdobeStock Denira/AdobeStock Iryna Mylinska/AdobeStock almoderna/AdobeStock tenkende/AdobeStock

WHAT’S NEW IN ECO-MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING

“There’s a clear preference for lightweight packaging, plastic-free packaging, refillable and reusable products.”

REFILLABLE LIPSTICK: One billion lipsticks are discarded worldwide annually. Now consumers can purchase refillable lipstick containers made with biodegradable bamboo and recyclable aluminum, among other eco-friendly materials. Refillable containers are meant for the same shade, so users will need a different case for each color.

Danielle Jezienicki

TOOTHPASTE BITS AND TABLETS: Americans throw away more than 400 million empty toothpaste tubes annually. Now consumers can purchase bits and tablets of formulated toothpaste that go right in the mouth—simply bite down and start brushing with an eco-toothbrush made of bamboo. There’s also mouthwash and whitening bits, all packaged in glass bottles with compostable applicators.

says. Grove sells products from other companies such as Seventh Generation if they are plastic-free, and has recently placed some of its products on the shelves at Target.

Consumer Denise Monson Haberkorn, of Skokie, Illinois, welcomes these changes and says her friends call her the “plastics police”. She began ordering Tru Earth laundry detergent strips to replace the large plastic bottles of liquid detergent she was using, and she loves them so much, she’s been giving them away for friends to try. “The detergent strips are about three times the thickness of a Band-Aid. You put the strip in where you used to put in your regular detergent, and they dissolve,” Haberkorn explains, adding, “There’s no plastic to get rid of. Some people don’t think they can make a difference with their choices, but I think I can.”

Sheryl DeVore is an award-winning author of six books on science, health and nature. Connect at SherylDevoreWriter@gmail.com.

DEODORANT: Deodorant tubes are not easy to recycle because they’re often made of several types of plastic. Now consumers can buy a reusable deodorant case made of stainless steel or other eco-friendly materials and purchase refills, as needed. Companies are also making paperboard push-up deodorant containers that easily biodegrade, as well as organic deodorant cream refills.

REUSABLE WIPES: Reusable wipes are becoming more common than disposable types.

For babies, they’re often made of muslin and terrycloth, and can be tossed in the laundry. Reusable makeup wipes made of microfiber are also available.

DOGGY POOP BAG: Even Fido is going green when it comes to packaging. Instead of using plastic bags to pick up dog waste while on a walk, consumers can purchase biodegradable poop bags made of corn, vegetable oils and other compostable materials.

August 2022

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Elemental Pet Vets, and Mark Rishniw, of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, found that older dogs with CCD tend to show higher levels of periodontal disease, and that the more severe the gum disease is, the more significant their cognitive decline. Based on these results, at-home and veterinary dental care may be very beneficial to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction and should be added to these CCD prevention steps.

Preventing Dog Dementia FIVE STRATEGIES TO PRESERVE COGNITIVE HEALTH

by Karen Shaw Becker

A

mong the many traits that dogs and humans share is the potential with aging for progressive cognitive decline, which canines can experience as early as 7 years of age. Clinical signs of cognitive decline appear in 50 percent of dogs over 11 and by the time they are 15, 68 percent display at least one sign.

The five classic and easily observable indicators of cognitive decline in dogs are decreased attention to surroundings, disinterest and apathy; decreased purposeful activity; increased sleep during a 24-hour period; intermittent anxiety expressed through apprehension, panting, moaning or shivering; and loss of formerly acquired knowledge, including house training.

Other symptoms include failure to re28

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spond to commands, difficulty hearing, inability to recognize familiar people and difficulty navigating their environment. Physical manifestations may show up as excessive licking, lack of grooming, fecal and urinary incontinence and loss of appetite.

Gum Disease Linked to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction A connection has been established between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease in humans, and a recent study has revealed a similar association between gum disease and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). By comparing dogs with CCD and a control group of healthy dogs, New York integrative veterinarian Curtis Dewey, of

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

1. Incorporate regular exercise, socialization and mental stimulation. While they can’t exert themselves with the same intensity as younger dogs, senior canines derive tremendous benefits from walks—especially unhurried “sniffaris”—and other age-appropriate physical activity and strengthening exercises. Short periods of play time with people and other pets in controlled situations can also help. Food puzzles and treat-release toys provide fun, mental stimulation, while brief training sessions refresh their memory or teach new skills.

2. Take them to twice-yearly wellness visits. Keep abreast of metabolic changes to catch disease early. Many Alzheimer’s patients have insulin resistance and persistent hyperglycemia, so keeping a dog’s A1c levels low and steady is important.

3. Optimize their nutrition. The best fuel for canine cognitive health is a combination of healthy fats—especially omega-3 fatty acids like sustainably sourced krill oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil—and a variety of antioxidant-rich whole foods suitable for a carnivore, including high-quality protein. Eliminate refined carbohydrates like sugar, grains, potatoes and legumes, as well as extruded diets (kibble) that contain toxic byproducts of the manufacturing process that are linked to neurodegenerative disease.

4. Improve memory with nutraceuticals.

Because studies show that MCT in coconut oil can improve cognitive function in older dogs, add a quarter-teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight to food daily. Other supplements to consider are S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), jellyfish extracts, glutathione, resveratrol (Japanese knotweed), lion’s mane mushroom, vinpocetine, phosphatidylserine, curcumin, ubi-

FS-Stock/AdobeStock.com

natural pet

Older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction tend to show higher levels of periodontal disease, and the more severe the gum disease is, the more significant their cognitive decline. quinol, digestive enzymes and probiotics.

5. Reduce doggie stress. Senior dogs, especially those with dementia, often become disoriented. To help them remain stable and reduce anxiety, stick to a consistent daily routine, feeding and walking them on a set schedule. To control arthritis and degenerative joint disease, keep dogs active and at a healthy weight. Consider acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, stretching and hydrotherapy (exercising in water). If a dog is experiencing incontinence because of age (and not caused by an underlying condition that should be addressed), provide them with more frequent potty trips outside or reintroduce them to a crate if they were crate-trained initially. Acupuncture may also help.

If a dog has problems hearing or seeing, use odor cues like pet-friendly essential oils or pheromone products to help them find their way around. Also consider purchasing or building ramps if they’re having trouble getting into the car or up on the bed or a favorite chair. If they’re slipping or unsure on bare floors, add runners, yoga mats or area rugs.

For sleep problems, try increasing their daytime activity level. Let the dog sleep in the bedroom to ease any anxiety that may be contributing to nighttime restlessness. Melatonin supplementation may help. Guide the precious pet with clear cues and easy-to-follow instructions, and when talking to them, use a quiet, calm and loving voice.

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Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com.

August 2022

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fit body

Take a Silent Hike TIPS FOR WALKING MINDFULLY IN NATURE

by Sheila Julson

S

ilent hikes offer an opportunity to be immersed in nature and quiet the internal chatter that too often consumes our daily routine. Wesley Trimble, communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society, has observed a growing interest in ecotherapies such as silent hikes that meld solitude and mindfulness with outdoor recreation. “Just getting out into nature, no matter where you are, is a great way to enjoy its beauty and focus on the experience,” he says.

When heading out on a silent hike or walk, in a group or alone, in a park or around the neighborhood, Trimble recommends taking long, deep, deliberate breaths. This allows the body to relax and focus on moving through space while being aware of sensory experiences.

Acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton takes a quiet hike every day. The author of One Square Inch of Silence has traveled the globe for four decades in search of quiet, natural spaces in which to record ecological soundscapes such as crashing ocean waves or the snowy crickets of Washington State.

“Opening up in a naturally quiet place in nature or the wilderness lets you become physically healthier, mentally clearer and more in touch with what you really want,” he says.

Hempton suggests that a silent hike begin with listening, which for mammals is a primary way to gather information: “Any event creates a sound, and that sound carries information about that event.” When heading into a natural area, he recommends listening for the furthest sounds and focusing on the faintest ones. “Then listen 30

Columbia Edition

to the whole place and notice what you feel. There’s nothing you need to say, but everything you need to hear.”

According to Hempton, it takes less time to enjoy the benefits of a silent hike than people might imagine. “Even five minutes can produce huge relief,” he says. “Don’t make it a stressful thing. Recognize how much time you have, give it that and notice how you feel.”

Advice for silent wilderness experiences can be found at the website of Quiet Parks International (QuietParks.org), a nonprofit that Hempton co-founded which is dedicated to preserving quiet in the wilderness.

Exercises to Quiet the Mind on a Silent Hike Author and nature educator Joseph Bharat Cornell affirms that silent hikes help instill a sense of vibrant calmness. He created an outdoor learning strategy named Flow Learning, which is highly recommended by the U.S. National Park Service. It incorporates playful experiences into wellness walks to lessen internal dialogue and sharpen intuitive perception.

His book, Sharing Nature: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages, includes activities like the Silent Sharing Walk. “Teams of three people walk along and don’t say anything, but look and enjoy together,” he explains. “When you see something intriguing, gently tap the others on the shoulder, point and look together, and then quietly move on.”

The Trail of Beauty exercise encourages hikers to consider quotations like George Washington Carver’s “If you love it

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enough, anything will talk with you.” Participants explore trails to find something captivating that relates to the noteworthy words. Cornell advises to not use quotes that are too philosophical, because that can lead to internal dialogue that takes focus away from nature.

Group hikers can use the Nature In Me exercise to develop points of awareness.

After finding a captivating spot outdoors, participants sit down and rest their hands palms-down on their thighs, allowing awareness to flow from one observation to the next. Lightly press a finger on the leg for each noticeable observation—a passing cloud, chirping birds or the splash of a river otter. Cornell advises against slipping into passivity, because then the mind tends to wander.

The Sound Map activity encourages hikers to take paper and pencil on a silent hike. “Close your eyes and cup your hands around both ears and listen for a sound,” Cornell explains. "Mark an X at the center of your paper to represent where you are.

Then make a simple symbol to represent your sound and its location. This encourages people to listen and focus.” Trimble cautions that silent hikes can increase the chances of an animal encounter, so it’s important to remain aware of surroundings at all times. Silent hikes can also help wildlife. “One of the components of ‘leave no trace’ is the respect of wildlife,” he says.

“Many studies show the impact of noise pollution on different types of ecosystems.

Silent hikes let us enjoy nature without disturbing wildlife.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.

inspiration

Change Your Words Change Your Life

by Christy Whitman

Madhuri Mohite/Pexels.com

you. Ask yourself, “What do I want to experience in this area of my life, and how would I like this situation or relationship to look and feel?” Then make a commitment to speak always in favor of what you desire, never in contradiction to it.

T

he words we speak are never neutral, because language doesn’t simply describe reality. It creates it. With every word we utter, we’re either speaking into existence a reality we desire or actively creating a reality we dread. We cannot speak about being broke and attract prosperity. We can’t complain about feeling abandoned and attract great love. We can’t criticize everything that’s wrong with a situation and simultaneously invent its improvement. We can only focus on one reality at a time—what we want or the absence of it—and the words we speak moment-by-moment are an indication of which way we’re leaning.

WORDS SUMMON CREATIVE ENERGY When we say, “It shouldn’t be like this,” “Life is hard” or “Why can’t I get what I want?” we set into motion a powerful stream of unwanted energy. If you’ve ever watched one person’s negativity amplify the negativity in others, you understand this firsthand. Fortunately, the reverse is also true. We all have the ability to choose our thoughts, our perceptions—and our words—on purpose. When we change the way we speak about our life, we reclaim the power to change its trajectory. Here’s how to go about it: Use Unwanted Experiences to Clarify Your Desire Every unwanted experience presents you with a fundamental choice: You can complain about all that appears to be going wrong, or you can focus on what you now desire. In any uncomfortable circumstance, resist the temptation to complain, and focus instead on the clarity that’s been born within

Break Your Desire into Its Essential Form Behind every desire—big or small—is a longing to experience a certain feeling. If life has shown you that you want a better job, a bigger house or a fitter body, try to identify the emotional payoff you believe you’ll receive once this goal is realized. Do you believe you’ll experience a feeling of pride or satisfaction, or one of serenity or freedom?

Use as many words as you can conjure to describe the energy you’re reaching for.

Invite the Essence of Your Desire into Your Life As you connect with the energetic essence of your desire in each important area of your life, allow yourself to identify the thoughts, the attitudes—and the words—that would align you with this energy. In other words, if you had already attained everything you’re now striving for, what types of conversations would you be having with yourself and with others? Have these conversations now. When you shift your language, you shift everything.

Celebrity coach Christy Whitman is The New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All and Taming Your Alpha Bitch. She is founder and CEO of the Quantum Success Coaching Academy and creator of WatchYourWords.com, a free, 30-day, language training program.

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wise words

Mark Mincolla on the

by Sandra Yeyati

F

or 40 years, nutritional therapist and quantum energy healer Mark Mincolla, Ph.D., has integrated ancient Chinese energy healing techniques with emerging nutritional science in what he calls Electromagnetic Muscle Testing, an approach that zeros in on each individual’s unique dietary needs. He has authored seven books, including The Wu Way, The Tao of Ch’i and Whole Health. In his most recent work, The Way of Miracles: Accessing Your Superconsciousness—and an accompanying documentary film of the same title—he shares his experiences, documented research and exercises to cultivate our natural ability to heal and create miracles.

How do you define consciousness?

Consciousness is the essence of presence.

What we think is empty space in the universe is actually filled with consciousness.

While we understand the presence of our physical stuff and our ego, we have a harder time understanding our reductionistic self, the stuff that is reduced to the essence of energy. That’s what the soulful being of our consciousness is.

How do you define superconsciousness, and how does it help us experience healing and create miracles?

It’s a trance state we can attain if we go deep within ourselves through meditation into the delta frequencies, and then visualize that we’re blending that higher realm of consciousness into the universe like a raindrop entering the ocean. By doing this, you arrive at the place where miracles exist.

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Healing Power of Our Superconsciousness

Columbia Edition

There’s nothing to create. It’s like being in a field of fruit. The abundance is there, you just have to go where the abundance is.

How can we develop and tap into our superconsciousness?

My book has exercises at the end of each chapter. One of my favorites is looking into the pupils of your eyes in the mirror for 10 minutes straight, uninterrupted. In doing that, you will feel the essence of your presence. That is your superconsciousness.

Do we cause our own illnesses?

I think we play a role in that process.

Many people are cultivating ease and healing themselves. A lot of people are unconsciously cultivating “dis-ease”. Your choices are to be consciously proactive, which is healing, or unconsciously reactive, which is disease-producing. There are two possibilities related to the energy of consciousness: flow or resistance. When we’re in resistance, we can spend so much time in negative, reactive situations. The more negatively reactive we are, the less flow and the more resistance we encounter and produce. The more consciousness that we proactively cultivate through deeper, more intentional meditation, the higher the consciousness we internalize and manifest.

It boils down to what you’re doing. Are you spending your time producing illness or producing wellness?

and really elevated and engaged. It was time to take inventory and to confront myself about my quality of life. During that horrible process, that trauma, I made an unconditional commitment to write this book, make this film and do whatever I had to do to get my messages out there, which is the reason I was put on this planet. From there, I tapped into natural medicines and foods to help me recover. I’ve helped 60,000 people over the last 40 years, so I can help myself, you know? And I did.

What should more people realize about themselves?

How did you cure yourself from Lyme disease?

That they have far greater power and far greater access to remarkable outcomes than they are aware of. You’re born in this culture, automatically surrendering to the establishment. You surrender to the medical and pharmaceutical establishments. As a little kid, you get a sore throat, and your mom takes you to the doctor for antibiotics.

There’s a lot of doctoring and not enough healing in the world. As I say in the film, compassion is the key. My patients come to me and they’re really heartbroken, sick and broken down, diseased. They’ve been so bottled up—so much depression, so much pain, so much suffering. The doctor makes it worse—doesn’t help anything. So I feel like we’re working at a very different, compassionate level for the patient to be whole, soulful, spiritual, emotionally tapped in. We strive to be concerned, to be loved and to both diagnose and treat at a high frequency.

It started the night I had a bad fall and was paralyzed on the bathroom floor for 14 hours. My spirit became really challenged

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

healthy kids

Mindful Kudos

BEST WAYS TO PRAISE KIDS AND BOOST SELF-CONFIDENCE

by Ronica O’Hara

polkadot/AdobeStock.com

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iving ample kudos to our kids is an everyday part of parenting. To motivate youngsters to excel in school and activities, we pat them on the back repeatedly in ways that were unimaginable a century ago, when even kissing babies was frowned upon by many. In one survey, 85 percent of American parents said that praising their children’s ability or intelligence when they perform well helps kids feel smarter.

But praise turns out to be a double-edged sword, as recent decades of psychological and educational research have made clear.

Yes, praise can build character, motivation and resilience, just as parents hope. But when done unskillfully, say psychologists, it can have the opposite effect and actually lower children’s confidence, dampen their motivation and stifle intellectual growth.

Some of the research-based advice that has emerged includes:

Praise Effort, Not Intelligence Numerous studies have found that when children are repeatedly given accolades for their intellect or talent, they can come to believe those traits are innate and fixed, which then makes them more fearful of failing or even encountering challenges.

On the other hand, when kids are taught that success depends on continued effort and hard work, they are more likely to seek out challenges, apply themselves to tough tasks and be resilient in the face of failure.

Suggested parental statements include: “I like the way you tried a lot of different strategies on that math problem until you finally got it.” “That was a hard English assignment, but you stuck with it until you got it done.” “Mistakes are so interesting.

Let’s see what we can learn from it.”

Don’t Go Over the Top Paradoxically, getting praised too lavishly can shake children and make them less likely to take risks. “Research has shown that extreme praise—using words like “incredible” or “best ever”—can create an excessive expectation that the child can feel incapable of meeting. They tend to become less tolerant of their mistakes, and tolerance of mistakes is a critical element in ultimate success,” says clinical psychologist John F. Tholen, Ph.D., in Seal Beach, California, author of Focused Positivity. Excessive praise can also nudge overconfident children toward narcissism, especially if it involves comparison with other children.

Focus on Character and Agency When children are praised for positive aspects of their character such as being kind, resourceful or helpful, they are more likely to be generous and openhearted with others. Researchers have also found that when parents focus on and support a child’s self-determined reasons for engaging in a task, it increases the child’s sense of agency and capacity to act effectively, which helps them to move through the world with greater ease and self-confidence. Some suggested parental statements are: “You made that decision very carefully and wisely.” “You were very kind in how you made the new girl feel welcome.” “It’s great to see how determined you are to do something exciting for your science fair project.”

Be Specific Research shows that when praise is general or sweeping, like, “Good job!”, kids tend

to doubt its sincerity, whereas praise that gives more information is felt by them to be meaningful. “Focusing on increasing the specificity of the praise allows children to learn more quickly which behaviors you like and want to see more frequently,” says pediatric psychologist Alyssa Fritz, Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences, in St. Petersburg, Florida. “A good rule of thumb is to provide three instances of specific positive attention for every one command or correction.” Suggested parental statements are: “You kept practicing pumping your legs on the swing, and now you can do it!” “Thank you so much for cleaning up the garage. I really appreciate how hard you worked.” “That was a tough skill to learn on the ball field, but you kept at it until you could do it.”

Be Sincere If children detect insincerity in a parent’s praise, they may assume they are being manipulated or misunderstood. Older kids in particular have a keen ear for offhand words of meaningless praise. “Be enthusiastic, while remaining genuine. Praise those things that truly make your heart warm, or make your day easier, or make you proud of your child’s progress,” says Carole Swiecicki, Ph.D., a psychologist and owner of Harbor Maple Counseling and Psychological Services, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. “Even small statements, when said from the heart, have a positive impact on children.”

Health and wellness writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

August 2022

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Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts

S

By Doug Cornell

cientists have discovered a with a tip to fit in the bottom of the natural way to kill germs fast. nostril, where viruses collect.

Now thousands of people When he felt a tickle in his nose are using it against viruses and bacteria like a cold about to start, he rubbed that cause illness. the copper gently in his nose for 60 Colds and seconds. many other “It illnesses start worked!” he when viruses exclaimed. get in your “The cold nose and never multiply. If happened. you don’t stop I used to them early, get 2-3 bad they spread colds every and cause year. Now New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds. misery.

I use my Hundreds of studies confirm copper device whenever I feel a sign I am about kills viruses and bacteria almost to get sick.” instantly just by touch.

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Users say: Egyptians used copper to purify water “It works! I love it!” and heal wounds. They didn’t know “I can’t believe how good my nose about viruses and bacteria, but now we feels.” do.

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“The antimicrobial activity of copper “One of the best presents ever.” is well established.” National Institutes “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!” of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high “Cold sores gone!” conductance disrupts the electrical “It saved me last holidays. The kids balance in a microbe cell and destroys it all got sick, but not me.” in seconds.

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, The EPA recommended hospitals use no more headache, no more copper for touch surfaces like faucets congestion.” and doorknobs. This cut the spread of “Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

After his first success with it, he The strong scientific evidence asked relatives and friends to try it. gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea.

They all said it worked, so he patented He made a smooth copper probe CopperZap® and put it on the market.

ADVERTORIAL

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Columbia Edition

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

Soon hundreds of people had tried it.

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

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

Customers report using copper against: Colds Flu Virus variants Sinus trouble Cold sores Fever blisters Canker sores Strep Night stuffiness Morning congestion Skin infections Infected sores Infected wounds Styes Ringworm Other microbial threats

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

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

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

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA29.

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

Buy once, use forever.

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

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calendar of events To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted by August 12 (for September issue). Costs $20 for 35 words each month.

Call ahead before attending events to avoid any cancellations or changes.

Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376-6293 to schedule an appointment.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Backyard Saturday – Owl Day–10am-noon.

Through play, families can experience nature.

Cool biofacts to investigate and an explorative hike through the park. Ages 0-7. Cost: $5/parking. Leo’s Landing Playground at Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/join mailing list: 803-772-1228, RKennerly@icrc.net.

Natural Childbirth Class–10am-2pm. With Lindsay Millwood, of Graceful Beginnings Birth and More. Irmo. Info/cost/exact location: 404-314-0363, GracefulBeginningsBirth.com.

Summer Family Movie Night–7-10:30pm. Encanto. Enjoy food trucks from 7-9:30pm. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. All ages. Free admission.

Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 6&7

Spiritual Fusions Psychic & Holistic Extravaganza–10am-6pm. Crystals, jewelry, henna art, reiki, tarot, aura photos, free lectures and more. Cost: $9.

Columbia Metro Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia. Info: SpiritualFusions.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Expecting? Coffee with the Doula–10-11am.

Thinking about doula services? Let’s have a latte and chat about your upcoming birth. With Lindsay Millwood, of Graceful Beginnings Birth and More.

Loveland Coffee, 7475 Carlisle St, Irmo. Info/ RSVP: Call Millwood at 404-314-0363.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

A Course in Miracles – Introduction–1-2:30pm.

Zoom or in person. With facilitator Joy Lee Connor, LMT. Enjoy the life-changing effects of miracles.

Book orientation and discussion. “Teach only Love for that is what you are.” Cost: Donations are accepted. Info: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

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. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/vendor info: 803-345-6181.

Drive-In Movie Night–6:30-10:30pm. Sing 2.

Vendors and food truck from 6:30-8pm. Leo’s Landing Playground open until 8pm. Movie begins at 8pm. Cost: $15 per vehicle. Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803772-1228, icrc.net.

career opportunity RECYCLING MARKETING DEVELOPER:

Grow South Carolina’s green economy by advancing business recycling and supporting more than 300-plus recycling companies across the state.

Provides market and technical assistance to recycling businesses, industry and affiliated organizations, and assists with the promotion of the recycling industry and emerging markets for recyclable materials in South Carolina. For job duties and more, contact Recycling Market Development at SC Dept of Commerce, 1201 Main St, Columbia at 803-237-8447.

ongoing events

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

Soundy School–10:30am. Every Sunday. Celebration through sound vibration, meditation and chanting. Singing bowls, bells, gong, hang drum, shruti box and other instruments. Masks required.

Free. Held next to Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Email Tricia Phaup at Tricia@ kinmail.org.

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

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

monday Meditation Mondays–6-7pm. Every Monday. Meet your guides; past-life progressive; get your life back on track; 10-point relaxation; and how to work with energy. Cost: $25. Registration is required.

Reiki by Joy, Sage Studios, 1117 B Ave, Ste E, W Columbia. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-603-5259 or ReikiByJoy.com.

wednesday A Course in Miracles–7:30pm. Every Wednesday.

Curious about A Course in Miracles and how its principles can help you find a better way to live? An informal discussion group led by Lee McEachern.

The meeting is open to everyone in person or online.

Free. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/Zoom link: RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

saturday COVID-19: Self-Defense Beyond the Vaccine, Part 1–11am. Every Saturday. Virtual class via Zoom. Cost: $20. Info: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

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ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

natural directory

COUNSELING

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

CHIROPRACTIC

THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC

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 22.

AESTHETICS EXPECT CLARITY AESTHETICS

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

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

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

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

Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 2 and back page.

BODY SCULPTING BODIED BEAUTY LOUNGE

3201 Broad River Rd, Columbia 803-479-3351 • BodiedBeautyLounge.com

A premier body-sculpting lounge with luxe services to build a baddie body naturally with no downtime. The expert staff members at Bodied Beauty Lounge are very knowledgeable and friendly—specializing in the areas of nonsurgical/non-invasive body sculpting, certified laser lipo, ultrasonic cavitation, radio frequency skin tightening, non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, wood therapy, yoni steaming and much more. We are here and ready to help you achieve your body goals in less time and at affordable pricing. Come #GetBodied today!

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

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

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

Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 10.

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 10.

Connect with us naturally!

THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE Charlie Ebert, MCPC 1824 Bull St, Columbia 803-250-5107 TheCollectiveConscience.biz

Are you struggling with priorities, relationships, anxiety or major life changes? Feeling stuck?

Charlie Ebert, a master certified professional coach, understands the frustration of feeling like there’s more out there for you, but not knowing from where. He’ll partner with you to help you discover the wellness education tools and resources that you need to feel happy, healthy and more than capable of managing life’s pressures. Call today for a free 30-minute discovery session. See ad, page 7.

HOLISTIC CBT LLC

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

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

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

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

ENDOMETRIOSIS HAYLI’S 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.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

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

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 29.

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 8.

YONI STUDIO & WELLNESS SPA LLC 2638 -216 Two Notch Rd, Ste 3, Columbia 803-904-0537 • YoniStudioSpa@yahoo.com YoniStudioSpa.com Facebook.com/YoniStudioSpa

Yoni Studio & Wellness Spa is a holistic health and wellness spa located in Columbia that specializes in noninvasive treatments and procedures.

We offer a safe and relaxing environment while providing quality care services, such as yoni (vaginal) steam, noninvasive body sculpting, teeth whitening, weight management and much more. Visit our website to book a session.

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS

Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips.

Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms.

Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 3.

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Columbia Edition

INSPIRED HEALTH

Dana Nairn, MD, FAIHM 1931 Bull St, Ste C, Columbia 839-200-7822

Are you ready to take charge of your health? Dr. Dana Nairn is a fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and board certified in integrative holistic medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Nairn is excited and looking forward to partnering with you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 9.

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 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!

MASSAGE BODYWORX TRAINING AND RECOVERY

Traci Brock, LMT-SC #12586 806 12th St, West Columbia 352-362-7534 BodyWorxTrainingAndRecovery.com

Traci Brock has more than 20 years in the health and fitness industry. She is a sports and medical massage practitioner, a certified personal trainer, a corrective exercise specialist, and a fitness instructor. At BodyWorx, she is not focused on just one area of a healthy lifestyle, but on all critical areas of fitness, recovery and nutrition. “My mission is to educate my clients and the community in becoming better versions of themselves by using exercise, nutrition and recovery as a health and wellness tool,” says Traci. Let Traci help you on your journey to optimal health and wellness. Call, text or email to make an appointment. “Solutions for moving better and feeling healthier.” See ad, page 4.

NATURAL SOAPS RAW ESSENCE NATURAL SOAPS & BATH CO LLC 9003 Two Notch Rd, Ste 12, Columbia 803-834-6576 Info@RawEssenceSoaps.com RawEssenceSoaps.com

Raw Essence Natural Soaps & Bath Company LLC is a handcrafted line of soap and body care products homemade in Columbia that uses all-natural ingredients to make unique

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

products for your lifestyle and home. Raw Essence makes products that are 100 percent handmade, and free of harmful chemicals and preservatives.

We strive to use the highest quality, eco-friendly ingredients possible to create unique luxury soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters, candles, and other spa and natural skin care items that will nourish your body and delight your senses.

ORGANIC FARM ASYA’S ORGANIC FARM Sumter, SC 803-463-2968 SCFOrganicFarms.com

Asya’s Organic Farm is owned by young entrepreneur Asya Harris. Harris began working on her parents’ farm at the age of 6. This driven young business woman currently markets herbal teas, supplements and essential oils. Her product lineup also includes gemstones, natural minerals and healing crystals. Products can be purchased online from Etsy @SCFOrganicFarms and on her business Instagram account @Asya_Organic_ Farm. See ad, page 25.

PHILANTHROPY SISTERS EMPOWERING EACH OTHER

Pamela Johnson, President P.O. Box 212404, Columbia 803-521-3036 • seeo2018@gmail.com

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

PREGNANCY/LACTATION GRACEFUL BEGINNINGS BIRTH

Lindsay Millwood, CD 404-314-0363 • GracefulBeginningsBirth. com

As your doula, my goal is to provide you and your partner with the support, care, understanding and information you need throughout the birthing process. Beginning with natural birth education and assistance with birth plans through in-person prenatal appointments and birthing support, we will work together to achieve your birth goals.

Postpartum services include lactation care as well as a functional assessment for ties and oral tethers. Birth photography is also available. See ad, page 4.

Connect with us naturally!

REIKI & WELLNESS MARTA NATURALS REIKI AND WELLNESS

Martha Kirby, Reiki Master and Spiritual Life Coach Columbia Area 803-864-6259 • MartaNaturals.com

Everything is energy, as are our thoughts. We give them life, bad or good. Everything you need is within you to change and transform those negative thoughts.

Let me help you unlock those secrets to become the best version of you. We offer mobile and virtual sessions. Call today to schedule your session or free consultation. See ad, page 17.

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 29.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 2 and back page.

SPIRITUAL 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 tailor-made for abundance and success.

UNITY OF COLUMBIA

1801 Legrand Rd 803-736-5766 • UnityColumbia.org

Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer.

Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. Come join us for a Sunday worship celebration and meet some positive, uplifting people that live life abundantly. See ad, page 36.

Goodbye Junk.

Hello Relief.

Trusted Junk Removal Since 1989 1-800-468-5865 | 1800gotjunk.com

August 2022

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