Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 1022

15 GARNER’S FALL HEALTH FAIR RETURNS

17 HOME GARDENING

Food for Us … Foundation for Earth

18 FALL BEETS

Versatile Leaf-to-Root Eats

21 SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARIES

Supporting Human and Planetary Health at Home

25 REDUCING RADIATION RISKS

Ways to Lessen Electromagnetic Exposure

26 GREEN SCHOOLYARDS

Concrete Jungles Become Natural Playgrounds

28 NADINE CLOPTON

on Advancing Regenerative Organic Agriculture to Health Care

30 CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

Why Less is More in Tooth Repair

32 THE JOY OF MOVEMENT

Dancing Boosts our Health and Happiness

33 A HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOR PETS

Nine Ways to Keep a Dog or Cat Safe

DEPARTMENTS

7 news briefs

13 health briefs

14 global briefs

16 eco tip

18 conscious eating

25 green living

26 healthy kids

28 wise words

30 healing ways

32 fit body

33 natural pet

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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letter from publisher

Securing Hope This Holiday Season …

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Happy

October readers! Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it much cooler weather—isn’t that great news!? Football season is here, tailgating is back, and temperatures are starting to fall, like the leaves that are soon to follow … I absolutely love it. The month of October is widely considered to be the springboard and harbinger of two of the most significant holidays that we hold dear, cherish and recognize in America: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, for all of the goblin hunters and candy lovers reading my personal reflective thoughts shared in ink right now, I am not forgetting about Halloween. It is also widely celebrated and anticipated by millions—including me. Happy Halloween! That said, Thanksgiving and Christmas are resonating in my heart because the month of October is also recognized nationally as Emotional Wellness Month and Financial Planning Month. Let me connect a few dots for you. Yes, temperatures are starting to fall, but the cost of goods, fuel, services and a myriad of other crucial cost-of-living categories continue to rise and squeeze our household budgets. This is a very stubborn economic turnaround, indeed.

Countless families and businesses are facing economic strain and uncertainty as they (we) prepare their Thanksgiving dinner lists and organize their Christmas purchase plans— coupons and all! Friends, all of this can take a significant emotional toll on the mind, body, soul, spirit and calculator. And, it has … maybe even for you. So, is there any better reason to discuss emotional well-being and financial planning as holiday season looms just over the horizon?

Life’s twists and turns will always tempt us to head for the exit ramps of hopelessness and despair. This is even more so during the holiday season, as financial hardships, troubled rela tionships and painful reoccurring memories often steal away the holiday spirit. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of people indicated that their stress and anxiety increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain and, sadly, even substance misuse and abuse. And cash-strapped budgets, which often drive one to tough and painful choices when it comes to gift purchases, exasperate things even more.

Even so, there is ALWAYS hope! Secure hope deep within your heart and make a focused effort to keep it safe by staying positive. I know that I said it before, but it still holds true: The most important battle to win is the one that rages right between the ears on the hallowed grounds of one’s mind. Win this fight … then you can win them all. Find ways to culti vate positive thoughts and gratitude. Read (definitely uplifting and encouraging material), meditate, exercise and even find new friends to make new memories with. As far as finances go, develop a budget, research and make every dollar spent a “smart” one. Cultivate a fertile environment for good things to grow.

As the late American billionaire businessman Richard DeVos wisely stated, “A positive atmosphere nurtures a positive attitude, which is required to take positive action!”

Securing hope, Annette Carter Briggs, Publisher

Kingfisher Strength: Authentic Training Transformation

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

“Training with weights gives men and women the opportu nity to be their absolute best—both mentally and physically,” says Kingfisher owner, Irmo native and current Chapin resident Ste phen Jerdan. “Our programs provide beginners with the chance to experience the benefits of strength training in a friendly, encour aging environment while also offering seasoned weightlifters the ideal location to continue their fitness journey.”

This fall, Kingfisher will offer Saturday morning youth programs designed to help kids build a strong foundation for any sport in life. Youth programs will be led by staff members certi fied in youth conditioning and lifting. The center is outfitted with Eleiko weights, considered among the best lifting products on the market. In fact, Kingfisher is the only fitness space in the Lake Murray area with specialty bars for youth and competitive lifters.

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

Rosewood Art & Music Festival Hosts Annual Event

On Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Rosewood Art & Music Festival is hosting its annual festival event at 901 South Holly Street, in Columbia. Founded by Forrest Whitlark and Arik Bjorn in 2010, the popular festival for all ages will feature live entertainment on multiple stages, including visual arts, poetry and music, in celebration of Southern arts and culture. Other event highlights include drawings, paintings and sculptures.

For more information, visit RosewoodFestival.com.

Columbia Water and RCSM Host Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale

For a limited time, Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater Management (RCSM) are hosting a rain barrel and compost bin sale. Discounted classic black 50-gallon Ivy rain barrels are available for $75 and 65-gallon backyard com post bins are available for $65. Those interested are encouraged to pre-purchase items online. The order deadline is Sunday, October 30. Orders will be available for pick up at 3000 Harden Street, in Columbia, on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. As a note, items cannot be held for a later pickup; howev er, someone else can pick up a pre-purchased item on one’s behalf. One’s name, purchase receipt and order number are required.

Harvesting rainwater can be extremely beneficial for many reasons. It protects rivers and streams from runoff pollution, is ideal for growing healthy and lush plants, supple ments existing water supply, and it is a free and available resource that's easy to harvest and use.

For more information, call 803-545-2722 or visit ColumbiaSC.net.

ICRC Hosts Halloween at Saluda Shoals Park East

On Saturday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commis sion (ICRC) is hosting a wonderful time of Hal loween fun and exploration along its trick-or-treat trail at Saluda Shoals Park East, in Columbia. The trail will be located at Leo's Landing Playground. Tickets are limited, so advance purchases are strongly recommended. This event is for kids ages 12 and under.

Cost: $5, advance tickets; $7, day of event. Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/ halloween-saluda-shoals-park.

Chapin Summer Movie Night—Disney's Hocus Pocus

It’s outdoor movie night! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is present ing the classic Disney Halloween movie Hocus Pocus on Saturday, October 8, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at Saluda Shoals Park East, located at 6071 Saint Andrews Road, in Columbia. Free to the public and for all ages, local area food trucks will be on-site to serve guests from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with the movie starting at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs.

Cost: $15 per car. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/out door-movie-night-featuring-hocus-pocus.

ICRC Hosts Halloween Zumbathon for Meals on Wheels

On

Saturday, October 29, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) will host its Zumbathon charity event at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Dance, fitness and fun lovers are welcome to come join some of Columbia's hottest Zumba instructors as they lead the groovy group in shape-sculpting dance for a great charitable cause. This event is open to all ages, and glow costumes are encouraged. Pro ceeds will benefit ICRC's Meals on Wheels program and help feed seniors in our community.

Cost: $10. For more information or to register, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net/event/ black-light-halloween-zumbathon.

SCNPS Hosts Native Plant Sale in October

The Midlands Chapter of the South Carolina

Native Plant Society (SCNPS) is excited to host its first native plant sale in partnership with the Historic Columbia Foundation. Historic Columbia is actively working to replant many of its gardens with native species. They are graciously sharing space with SCNPS in support of the sale at the Rob ert Mills House, located at 1616 Blanding Street, in Columbia. Shoppers will have the option to choose from a wide selection of native species. The sale is open to the general public on Friday, October 14, from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. SCNPS is seeking volunteers for the sale, so feel free to contact them if interested. As a note, volun teers and SCNPS members will have the opportunity to shop first.

For more information, to see a list of native plants available for sale, or to volunteer, email mnpsPresident@gmail.com or visit scnps.org/midlands.

ICRC Hosts Halloween at the Park

On Friday, October 21, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the Irmo Chap in Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Halloween at the Park event at Crooked Creek Park, located at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, in Chapin. Kids will have the opportuni ty to trick or treat on ICRC’s outdoor trick-or-treat park trail from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Following the trick-or-treat activities, participants will enjoy an outdoor movie featuring Despicable Me. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the movie, and food trucks will be on-site for meal purchases from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a great, safe and fun event for the whole family.

For more information, including cost, call 803-345-6181 or visit icrc.net/ event/halloween-park-2.

Are You Ready for Fall Open Enrollment? What You Need to Know!

There are two important open-enrollment windows coming up for most Americans to obtain medical in surance. They are the Medicare Annual Election Period and the Marketplace Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15 and runs through December 7. This period is for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage and make any necessary changes to fit their indi vidual needs for the following year. Individuals should: 1. Review changes in their current coverage, including copays, drug costs, and provider and pharmacy networks; 2. Evaluate their healthcare needs: If there are new conditions or new medications, another type of plan may be more suitable; 3. Make a change, or stay where you are. All changes must be submitted by December 7 to ensure that new coverage options start on January 1 of the following year.

Marketplace Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment occurs between Novem ber 1 and January 15. Individuals and families may sign up for ACA-compliant individual or family health insurance during this time period. Fortunately for many families, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides additional subsidies to help families pay for health insurance premiums. Many families may be eligible for $0 cost or low premiums for health insurance. Information must be processed and submitted by December 15 in order to begin coverage on January 1.

For more information, contact Lily Fasbender at 803-272-4124 or visit HealthInsuranceOfSC.com. See ad, page 5.

Soul Dimension Hosts Joy of Breathing Online Class

Soul Dimension is hosting a free 30-minute Joy of Breathing online class on Wednes days. Session participants will experience the powerful benefits of the Joy of Breathing transformational breathwork, featuring the pranayama technique—an ancient breath tech nique that originates from yogic practices in India. The technique works to quickly and effectively allow one to access a deeper, more conscious connection with the body, mind, heart and spirit.

The sessions are led by yoga instructor, breathwork facilitator and Ayurvedic prac titioner Sylvie Horvath. The benefits of transformational breathwork include an increase in inner joy, mind and body relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction, improved mental clarity and sleep quality, and much more.

“I have been guiding spiritual seekers for over 30 years with the self-transformative teachings of yoga, pranayama, transformational breathwork and meditation,” says Hor vath. “It is my pleasure and honor to guide you toward self-empowerment, transforma tion and awakened consciousness. I will help you connect to your deepest self and inner guide, from the physical to the soul dimension.”

Class attendees are asked to join online 10 minutes prior to start time, silence cell phones, wear comfortable clothing, refrain from eating one and a half to two hours prior to the session, and have a yoga mat and blanket for a comfortable experience. For more information, including times, or to register, visit SoulDimension.org.

EEASC Hosts Meet-Up Field Study at Walther Farms

On Tuesday, Oc tober 11, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Envi ronmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) is hosting a field study at Walther Farms, located at 1045 Oak Ridge Club Road, in Windsor, S.C. The field study activities will provide both formal and informal environmental educators a unique opportunity to learn about sustain able agriculture, irrigation and cover crops while visiting sweet potato and spinach fields. Participants are asked to dress for outdoor field conditions (jeans and boots are recommended).

Walther Farms is a third-generation family-owned business headquartered in Three Rivers, Michigan. Beginning in the 1940s, their company expanded from a few vegetable acres of backyard hobby farming, to what has now become more than 18,000 acres of commercial and seed potatoes grown throughout the United States for the potato chip and fresh produce markets. This workshop is hosted by EEASC in partner ship with Walther Farms and the Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District.

For more information or to register, visit eeasc.org/event-4745152.

Springhill AtONEment Center: Chop, Crackle, Pop

Since the age of fire began, family and friends have gathered together around fire to tell stories, keep warm, dance and celebrate the divine source. It continues to this day. And, if you long for fire, to share stories and observe rituals, you may want to contact Joy Lee Connor and Tim Macy in the Chapin area. Throughout fall and winter, Connor and Macy will host sacred bonfires—practicing grounding and forgiveness while blessing our planet and community. “We can mourn and dance and set powerful intentions,” says Connor. “You can join a group or schedule a time for your own group.”

A mini healing festival is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, through Sat urday, November 12. Details are coming soon. As a note, participants must make pre-arrangements with Connor. The Springhill AtONEment Center and Heart felt Healing Ministries through Connor are dedicated to God’s purpose of healing, forgiveness and the ONE God Source. Macy also has firewood for sale for one’s personal enjoyment at home. To order firewood, call 803-767-3700.

For more information or to preregister, contact Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@bellsouth.net.

PalmettoPride Kicks Off Annual Litter-Free Games Program

High School student clubs are in vited to adopt a football game as a Litter-Free Game. PalmettoPride has curated a list of suggested activities to engage with fellow students, players and visitors in the stands—all to spread a valuable litter-prevention message. Win or lose, the home team is always left to pick up the pieces after sporting events. Litter-Free Games provide students an opportunity to learn valuable environmental lessons, leadership skills, and the importance of community service while rooting for their home team.

“Student engagement with hands-on learning is a winning way to teach valuable litter-prevention lessons,” says Esther Wagner, education and awareness program manager for PalmettoPride. “One student organization can be the catalyst for changing a commu nity.”

PalmettoPride provides all the necessary cleanup and promotional materials for Lit ter-Free Games, including customizable banners. Additionally, the leading organization will receive a $250 donation from PalmettoPride for coordinating the event.

For more information, contact PalmettoPride Education and Awareness Program Manag er Esther Wagner at EWagner@PalmettoPride.org or visit PalmettoPride.org/education/ school-programs/litter-free-games.

Lexington and Richland Counties Host Recycling Event

On Saturday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to noon, the counties of Lexington and Richland are hosting a recycle dropoff event at Irmo high School, located at 6671 Saint Andrews Road, in Columbia. The list of acceptable items includes cook ing oil, paper for shredding (limit five boxes), tires (limit eight), household electronics (limit eight devices), scrap metal and more. As a note, household hazardous waste, paints and commercial business materials will not be accepted. Keep the Midlands Beautiful will sponsor and staff the paper-shred ding station. Due to a regulatory change, this will be the last county-sponsored recycling drop-off event at this location.

For more information (including a complete list of acceptable items and guidelines), contact Laura Anne Hunt at 803-785-3325, ext. 6, or LHunt@Lex-co.com. Also visit Lex-co.sc.gov.

Cordyceps Sinensis Enhances Performance in Distance Runners

A Himalayan fungus that has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps sinensis, attracted glob al attention in 1993 when Chinese athletes broke world records in track and field. To study its effects, Brazilian researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which they gave 30 amateur marathoners two grams of the fungus each day for 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, those in the Cordyceps group had signifi cantly lower heart rates at eight weeks and improved aerobic perfor mance at 12 weeks.

Probiotic May Increase Skin Moisture

Dry skin can afflict people at any age, particularly those living in dry climates, and it is commonplace in older people due to the natural loss of oil glands. Japanese re searchers have found a possible solution: a probiotic orig inally fermented from a Southeast Asian rice-and-fish dish that boosts skin moisture within weeks. In a double-blind study, they tested 80 middle-aged adults with a supple ment of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotics for 12 weeks. They found the supplement significantly increased skin water content and reduced transepidermal water loss in the face, particularly for seniors and those with the driest skin.

photo by NutraIngredients.com

Save the Sequoias

The U.S. Forest Service is speeding efforts to protect giant sequoias from wildfires; almost 20 percent of the ancient trees have been de stroyed by wildfire in the last two years. They will thin the forest in and around sequoia groves by removing brush and smaller trees from 13,000 acres of national forest to protect 12 giant sequoia groves this summer and conduct prescribed burns using the agency’s emergency authority under the National Environmental Policy Act. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore says, “Without urgent action, wildfires could eliminate countless more iconic giant sequoi as.”

Giant sequoias can live for more than 3,000 years and are found only on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The trees are adapted to fire with thick, spongy bark, and the heat releases seeds from their cones, allowing young trees to take root in areas cleared by fire. A policy to put out wild fires as quickly as possible has created unnaturally dense forests and allowed brush and dead wood to accumulate. Climate change has led to hotter temperatures, severe drought, a year-round fire season and the proliferation of bark beetles that have killed the drought-weakened trees. Bigger, hotter fires are more likely to reach giant sequoias’ crowns, killing them.

Monarch Butterfly Now Officially Endangered

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species numbers 147,517 species, including 41,459 that are threatened with extinction. The latest update adds the migratory monarch butterfly, a subspecies of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). In the past decade, the native population has shrunk by between 22 percent and 72 percent during winter migrations from Mexico and California to summer breeding grounds throughout the U.S. and Canada due to logging and deforestation for agriculture and urban development. Pesticides and herbicides kill butterflies and milkweed, the host plant that the larvae of the monarch butterfly feed on. Drought related to climate change limits the growth of milkweed and increases the frequency of catastrophic wildfires, and temperature extremes trigger earlier migrations before milkweed is available, while severe weather has killed millions of butterflies.

Possible remedies are planting native milkweed, reducing pesticide and protecting the overwintering sites. IUCN Director General Dr. Bruno Oberle says, “To preserve the rich diversity of nature, we need effective, fairly governed, protected and conserved areas alongside decisive action to tackle climate change and restore ecosystems. In turn, conserving biodiversity supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water and sustainable jobs.”

Garner’s Fall Health Fair Returns

by Odell Williams

Since2010, Garner’s Natural Life has hosted its annual Fall Health Fair. This extremely popular and much-antic ipated one-day health event has become a rave amongst customers. It’s an amazing day where Garner’s offers additional savings to customers, passes out hun dreds of free samples, and raffles off great prizes. After taking a two-year pause, they are very excited to announce that their Fall Health Fair will take place on Saturday, October 15, at Garner’s Columbia location, nestled in the heart of the beauti ful Forest Drive area.

In previous years, the Fall Health Fair has usually attracted more than 500 people throughout the day. Whether you’re new to Garner’s or a frequent visitor, do make a point of dropping in to experience one of Garner’s most celebrated signature events. Regulars love to stock up on their favorite products that they know and love. In addition, Garner’s well-trained professional staff and various product vendors will be on hand to provide helpful and insightful information on a wide

variety of featured products, such as usage, best practices, health and wellness bene fits, and care instructions.

It has been said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which implies that it’s more important and effective to try to prevent illness and disease than attempt to heal from and

Most are aware that preven tive health care and maintenance can be costly. And this is one of the important reasons that Garner’s Natural Life loves hosting this annual event. It serves as a great opportunity for new and existing customers living in the local community and beyond to get quality products at very low prices. “We’ve been sad that we haven’t been able to host the event over the past two years, but very excited to have the event back at our Trenholm Plaza location,” says store manager Nick Beers. “The pandemic has had different challenges for retailers. We’re still experiencing a lot of supply chain shortages, but we’re working with all of our partners to try and get as many samples of products we carry as possible.”

The last few years have been tough and uncertain for many in numerous ways—driv

ing up anxiety and concern. Understanding this, Garner’s Natural Life, management and staff alike, felt the time was just right to bring back a well-received event to honor, reward and give back to its current and future customers.

Adds Beers, “Come join us on Saturday, October 15, at our Trenholm Plaza location and enjoy 25 percent off the whole store from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 15 percent off from 1 to 8 p.m. These great discounts can be com bined with many of the items already on sale for even greater savings. We will have a raffle you can enter for a chance to win several gift baskets and gift cards to the store. We’ll see you here!”

Make sure to mark your calendars and save the date! Celebrate health, happiness, connection and community at Garner’s Natu ral Life’s Fall Health Fair!

Garner’s Natural Life is located at 4840 Forest Dr., Columbia (in Trenholm Plaza, next to Starbucks). For more information, call 803-454-7700. Also visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ads, pages 2, 13 and back page.

eco tip

The Helpful Nature of Houseplants

Nestled among books on a shelf, soaking up sunlight by a kitchen window or filling the bare corner of a living room, nothing adds beauty and interest to a home quite like a living plant. Bringing nature indoors also has numerous human health advantages.

Benefits of Houseplants

They oxygenate the air. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, while plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. This makes them ideal air fresheners. At sundown, when photosynthesis stops, most plants go back to absorbing oxygen and releasing CO2, except for orchids, succulents and bromeliads, making them wonderful bedside companions.

They eliminate toxins. Studies have shown that plants filter indoor air, removing volatile organic compounds like benzene, xylene, toluene, trichlo roethylene, ammonia and formalde hyde, which are commonly found in furniture adhesives, paints, carpets, chemical cleaners and craft supplies.

They humidify the indoor environment. Through a process called transpiration, moisture travels from plant roots to small pores on the

underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released into the air. In arid climates and during winter, this creates a favorable indoor atmo sphere that decreases dry skin, colds, sore throats, dry coughs and even the transmission of the flu virus.

They enhance our mood. Research shows indoor plants boost our mental health. One study found that viewing plants while recovering from surgery led to physiological improvements by lowering blood pressure and reducing the perception of pain, anxiety and fatigue. Also, the act of taking care of plants has been shown to be emo tionally helpful.

They help with productivity. Plac ing a philodendron by the computer might be a good idea, as a number of studies have shown that being close to nature improves concentration, memory and productivity.

Pet-Friendly Varietals

Some plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, but here are a few that are per fectly safe for our furry best friends: rattlesnake plant, spider plant, parlor palm, ponytail palm, African violet, bird’s nest fern, Venus flytrap, Boston

fern, polka dot plant, orchid, staghorn fern, bromeliad, date palm and herbs.

Maintenance Tips

Watering: Over- or under-watering are the most common houseplant kill ers, but there are easy fixes. One is a relatively inexpensive moisture meter that helps monitor hydration levels in a planter. Or simply stick a finger into the soil and add water only when it is dry one inch below the surface.

Low-light choices: Many plants thrive indoors with partial, indirect sunlight, and some are low-light tol erant, including lucky bamboo, spider plant, pothos, snake plant, staghorn fern, English ivy, peace lily, maiden hair fern, philodendron, anthurium, corn plant and dragon tree.

HOME GARDENING

Food for Us … Foundation for Earth

by Heidi Lux

For millennia, humans grew their own food. With the emergence of supermarkets, home kitchen gardens started losing their importance in the food supply. This trend was disrupted only twice. During food shortages due to World War I and II, the gov ernment sponsored Victory Gardens to reduce the pressure on public food supply. And, just as gardening was the answer to problematic food crises in the past, it is bound to play an even bigger role in relieving the challenges of our present time and future.

Healthy nutrition is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent chronic diseases. In fact, the most nutritious produce is that which is organically homegrown. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country where vegetables can be grown all year long and seasonal produce can be harvested at its peak nutritional value and flavor.

Then there is financial health. Food prices have risen astronomically, and with droughts and floods (some caused by climate change) on the rise, the cost of goods may not improve for the foreseeable future. A kitchen garden provides not only free produce, it also reduces trips to the grocery store, which saves gas and prolongs the lifespan of one’s vehicle. Modern, well-managed kitchen gardens can produce an extensive variety of vegetables year-round, making delicious and nutritious meal choices when combined with pantry staples. Research has shown that healthy garden soil and the human body’s microbiome share many of the same microorganisms. Consequently, working in good soil is very beneficial for the immune system. Another well-known fact is that gardening has a calming effect on the nervous system. It has

gained extensive use and application in treat ing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Modern life and its ever-increasing de mands can stress individuals to their absolute limits. Not only do adults find it nearly im possible to escape stress, but also children are under ever-increasing pressure. Many kids suffer from screen time overload. Backyard kitchen gardens are safe, healthy places for family to spend time together and cultivate memories while teaching kids to be self-re liant through the development of critical life skills within a positive environment.

Greenhouse gas emissions, which can be driven by climate change, are great threats to our future. Organic gardens can help to minimize the effects. Homes and dwellings throughout the Midlands generate copious amounts of organic matter in the form of brush, leaves, pine straw, grass clippings and kitchen refuse. Each of these items can be composted and turned into enriched “black gold,” the nutritional foundation for a healthy garden. These simple action steps can help support environmental stewardship while im proving soil fertility. Natural gardening and composting also help to reduce the amount of trash that, sadly, ends up in landfills.

Humanity is far out on a limb, in danger of plunging into ecological disaster. The journey back to safety cannot be undertaken without the help of Mother Nature. Prevailing schools of thought are largely rooted in the understanding that we must work together and take decisive steps to improve our natural world to better the human condition. The dramatic increase in disasters in recent years is nature’s response to our mode of conduct and behavior.

To protect and preserve our planet’s fu ture, our actions and lifestyles must be guided by this principle: Understand and copy nature. When we, as humans, grow organic gardens, there is no telling what important nutritional and life- and planet-preserving discoveries await. Just as much of the field of information technology and advancement can trace its roots to one man’s garage, new nature-inspired, planet-saving technology may come from a backyard kitchen garden.

Heidi Lux is a sustainability and gardening teacher and consultant. She is originally from Germany, where she obtained Master of Science degrees in international sustain able agriculture and nature conservation. For more information on Lux, visit NewEarthGardener.com. See ad, page 29.

FALL BEETS

Versatile Leaf-toRoot Eats

by April Thompson

Versatile, nutritious, colorful and flavorful, beets are quite the package deal. This easy-to-grow, multi-season vegetable is packed with nutrition and plays well with other ingredients. Beets can be enjoyed raw, roasted, boiled or pickled. They can be blended into quick dips, thin-sliced for healthy chips or incorporated into desserts for a mild, sweet flavor and bold color.

“Beets have been a staple ingredient on our vegetarian menus for generations. They are an easy way to add natural sweetness and gorgeous color to so many dishes, both savory and sweet,” says Danica Wilcox, owner of the Moosewood Restaurant, in Ithaca, New York, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. The quintessential vegetarian eatery’s go-to beet dishes include hummus, burgers and borscht.

“Beets boast so many health benefits. Being rich in folate, man ganese and copper, they are good for heart, brain and bone health. They are also a good source of fiber, which will feed the good bacteria in your gut, leading to improved gut health,” says Can dace Bell, a Phoenix-based holistic nutritionist and food blogger at The Wheatless Kitchen. “Beets have a unique earthy flavor that goes perfectly with bright citrus. Roasting them brings out their sweet and savory flavors, and they pair well with arugula, crunchy walnuts and tangy goat cheese in a salad.”

Lisa Keys, of Kennett Square, Pennsyl vania, author of the food blog Good Grief Cook, grows beets and uses them in a num ber of ways. “Beets get their color from nat ural plant pigments called betalains, which contain antioxidants and anti-inflamma tory properties that help control illnesses like diabetes and heart disease,” she says. Her blog offers a recipe for a hearty, roasted beet sandwich, which pairs the root veggie with feta and a smashed avocado, dill, lime and yogurt spread.

Versatility is one of the beet’s star quali ties. The root vegetable can be quick-pick led with other garden vegetables, pureed into soup, roasted for a side dish, shredded raw into salads, juiced into a smoothie or even concentrated into a powder—a favorite of registered dietitian nutritionist Mascha Davis, in Los Angeles. “Beet pow der can be added to so many recipes for a fast and easy superfood boost,” she says. Her go-to applications for beet powder include a beet and rose latte, a beet-col ored “pink yogurt” topped with berries and cacao nibs, and overnight oats swirled with beet powder.

If the benefits of the beetroot didn’t already run deep enough, its stems and leaves are not only edible, but also packed with vitamins A, B and K, as well as copper, manganese, iron and calcium. The greens make a great side dish to accompa ny a beetroot main dish or can be incorpo rated into a beet soup, salad, sandwich or smoothie for a zero-waste meal turbo charged with nutrients.

Like spinach, chard and other vegetables in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), beets are rich in oxalates which can con tribute to kidney stones. For most healthy people, though, oxalates aren’t harmful, if enjoyed in moderation.

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

BEET, GREENS AND GOAT CHEESE LINGUINE

2 medium, fresh organic or local beets with leaves

¼ cup unsweetened jasmine green tea (or water), hot or cold

1½ Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Juice and zest of ½ lemon (1½ Tbsp juice)

2 large garlic cloves

¾ tsp sea salt

10 oz dry, whole-grain linguine

2 oz soft, artisanal goat cheese or soft cashew cheese, crumbled ¼ cup fresh, small basil leaves

Preheat the oven (or toaster oven) to 350° F. Wash, dry and remove the leaves from the beets; thinly slice the leaves and chill until ready to use. Wrap the beets in recycled aluminum foil and roast in the oven until cooked through and tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scrape off the beet skin using the dull side of a paring knife, then chop the beets.

In a blender, add the chopped beets, tea, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic and salt. Blend until velvety smooth, at least 2 minutes. Set aside. (Tip: Be careful. This purée will stain anything that it may be splattered onto.)

Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Add salt to the water, if desired. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions. (Alternatively, try my lid-cooking technique to save energy: After stirring the linguine into the boiling water, cover with a lid and turn off or remove from heat. Let cook without heat per the same timing suggested on the pasta package.)

While the pasta is cooking, pour the beet purée into a large sauté pan and bring just to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the beet greens and cook while stirring until the greens are wilted, about 5 minutes.

Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the beet sauce and gently toss with tongs to combine. Add desired amount of reserved cooking liquid (if any) and gently toss to combine.

Transfer to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with the goat cheese and basil. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired, and serve.

Recipe by The Chef’s Garden.

Versatile, nutritious, colorful and flavorful, beets are quite the package deal.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Demuth-Bibb

KALE AND BEET SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

BEET CHIPS WITH SEA SALT AND SMOKED PAPRIKA

1 Tbsp sea salt

¼ tsp smoked paprika

4 medium beets, rinsed and trimmed

2 Tbsp olive oil

Aluminum foil

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line two, 18-by13-by-1-inch baking pans with aluminum foil. Combine sea salt and paprika. Cut the beets into very thin slices using a sharp knife or mandoline. Divide beets between each of the prepared pans. Drizzle each with oil then shake in the pan. Sprinkle with salt mixture and toss again. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes or until chips are crispy.

Recipe by Reynolds Wrap

FOR THE SALAD:

1 bunch kale

3-4 medium beets

⅓ cup roasted walnuts, chopped ½ cup goat cheese

Pinch of salt

1-2 pinches of microgreens

FOR THE BEETS:

FOR THE DRESSING:

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp fine sea salt

½ tsp freshly crushed black pepper, finely ground

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Add beets to a full pot of water and bring to a boil, cooking them until they are fork tender. Remove beets from stove and drain into a colander. Run cold water over them to cool slightly. Remove the skins with a paring knife and/or fingers. Slice into quarters.

FOR THE DRESSING:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic, mustard, salt and pepper. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.

FOR THE SALAD:

Combine kale, beets, walnuts and 2 Tbsp dressing in a bowl and mix. Add a pinch or two of microgreens. Add the goat cheese by breaking it into small pieces. Add a pinch of salt and serve.

Note: Store any extra dressing in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Use within 7 days.

Recipe by The Chef’s Garden

BEET HUMMUS

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

2 roasted beets, small 1 15-oz can chickpeas

1 large lemon, zested

½ large lemon,  juiced

1 pinch salt and black pepper

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp tahini

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Peel and dice beets into cubes and roast in the oven at 350 ° F for 20 to 25 minutes. Once the beets are cooled, place them in blender or food processor and blend until only small bits remain. Add remaining ingredients except for olive oil and blend until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil as the hummus is mixing. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, lemon juice or olive oil, as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. This dish will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe by The Chef’s Garden

Photo courtesy of Renolds Wrap

Photo courtesy of Michelle Demuth-Bibb

Photo courtesy of Michelle Demuth-Bibb

SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARIES

SUPPORTING HUMAN AND PLANETARY HEALTH AT HOME

by Sandra Yeyati

Nothing underscored the im portance of a comfortable and versatile sanctuary quite like the pandemic. Stuck at home isolating, many families reconfigured their living arrangements to accommodate expanding uses for work, schooling, cooking, enter tainment and more. Today, that spirit of renewal lingers, prompting steady and robust activity in the construction and interior design industries.

A house is literally our shelter from the storm, made more critical as we increasing ly encounter extreme and unprecedented weather events due to climate change. When we upgrade, remodel, build or buy new cocoons for our families, the time is ripe to incorporate elements that preserve and pro mote the health of humans and the planet.

Inspiring Goals

Lindsay Baker, CEO of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), is part of a growing community of industry pro

fessionals trying to figure out how to design, build and operate structures in more environmentally sustainable, socially impactful and healthy ways. “We ask what would it look like if a building were to give back more to the world than it took,” she explains. “We’re a resource-consumptive industry with a large carbon footprint. Forty percent of global carbon emissions

are caused by the energy required to con struct and operate buildings. We also use lots of materials that pose negative impacts on people’s health—products known to contain carcinogens or cause respiratory problems—and people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, so everything we’ re exposed to indoors has a huge impact on our health.”

The ILFI Living Building Challenge sets bold aspirational goals, and buildings around the world have proven that it is possible to hit these benchmarks. “The energy imperative is that the building produces more energy than it consumes, and that happens by generating renewable energy like solar power onsite and using very little energy,” Baker asserts. “For wa ter, we ask that everyone return the water that goes through the building cleaner than it entered, which means people need to treat water onsite and use a lot less of it. You can do that with composting toilets, as well as grey water systems and rainwater recapture strategies.”

Photo courtesy of International Living Future Institute

Photo courtesy of Pulte Homes at Babcock Ranch

Baker is proud of ILFI’s ambitious goals. “If you decide to do a renovation to save 5 or 10 percent of your water or energy consumption, it will feel good to get there, but what we’ve found is that when you set a really exciting target for yourself, the whole process is more fun and you get further with similar amounts of effort and money, because you’re thinking about systems differently, questioning assumptions about what a home might be capable of doing and employing a different level of creativity. At the end of the day, it can lead to a much more beautiful, more efficient building.”

Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is job number one for Jennifer Languell, founder and president of Trifecta Construction Solutions, in Bab cock Ranch, Florida. “An inexpensive but impactful upgrade is adding insulation. If you ’re in an existing house, add insulation on top of what you already have. If you’re new construction, beef it up. You also want to address unwanted points of air infiltra tion using gaskets, weather stripping and caulking around exterior doors and win dows. Over time, these items can shrink or get damaged, and may need to be replaced to seal the house and minimize air drafts,” she says. “You want to improve efficiency first, which costs much less than transition ing to renewable energy. And when you do transition, you only have to buy smaller quantities of photovoltaic panels to offset your power generation.”

According to Languell, windows are

visit from the plumber to fix any leaks. Minimizing or eliminating turf grass and planting drought-tolerant, native vegeta tion outside will also significantly cut water use, Languell suggests.

“Grey water and rainwater collection systems are gaining momentum, and these systems for home use have come leaps and bounds from where they were 10 years ago,” she says. “They can take water from your laundry or shower, treat it, and use it to flush toilets, for example—a huge benefit for the West Coast and a huge water sav ings, because you’re using your water twice before you dispose of it.”

Eco-Responsible Materials

climate-specific and can be modified by adding or subtracting panes, coatings and treatments. “In Montana, I want the heat from the sun coming into my house, but in Florida, I don’t,” she says. “Natural light is great, but there’s a balance between your glass-to-wall ratio. In Florida, you would never have a skylight, but up north you’d consider it. And at this point, everyone should be transitioning to LED lighting, which will save money and energy.”

With regard to building materials and products, the annual ILFI Red List calls out chemicals with negative human health impacts that shouldn’t be used in buildings, such as bisphenol A, chlorofluorocarbons, formaldehyde, flame retardants, phthalates, toxic heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Its Declare label is like a nutrition sticker that details what is in a building product, whether it is free of Red List chemicals and what its carbon foot print is.

Water Preservation

As waterways dry up and areas around the world become more drought-prone, water conservation becomes an increas ingly important imperative. The simplest modifications are low-flow shower heads, toilets and faucets, which cost the same as traditional-flow fixtures, as well as a

“Consumers should demand transparen cy; they should know what is in the prod ucts put in their homes,” Baker says. “One of the rules of thumb I like to apply is to ask, ‘How far is this material removed from nature?’ Wood is one of the better materials from an ecological and health standpoint. Fake wood flooring that is meant to look

like wood but in fact isn’t—not so much. A lot of what we’re supporting is about getting back to the basics, removing chemicals and using brick, wood and clay.”

According to Languell, the more durable and local a material is, the better for the environment. “I’d never say no to a metal or concrete roof that lasts 50 years versus shingles with a 15-year cycle. Although bamboo is rapidly renewable, most of it comes from China, so the greenhouse gases associated with the transportation makes it less environmentally friendly. Local materials are ideal. The closer the better. Get granite from Georgia, instead of Italy.”

When it comes to human health, home décor and cleaning products are equally as important as the construction materials, Languell advises. “Many times we’ll build a healthy and efficient home and then people put all sorts of fabrics and chemicals in there that are off-gassing because they’re not thinking about the health of the indoor environment.”

Sustainable and Healthy Furnishings

“There’s good, better and best quality furni ture,” says Robin Wilson, a New York City eco-designer and founder of Robin Wilson Home. “Good might use inexpensive wood or heavy-duty cardboards that look great, but if you sit on the arm of the sofa, it caves in. Better might have a less expensive wood, but it’s solid frame construction.

The best is a very good wood and solid frame construction made for heirloom quality. There are costs associated with each level, and I recommend spending the most budget you have on a quality prod uct, because that sofa, if it’s made well and it’s styled in a classic design, can be recov ered over and over again; therefore, you’ re being eco-friendly to the world because it’s not going into a landfill.”

Her favorite materials for furnishings are sustainably forested or reclaimed wood, long-lasting metals like steel and alumi num, fast-growing bamboo and recycled or reclaimed plastics. She’s also a propo nent of vintage pieces. “With all furniture, if it can be salvaged, salvage it. Healthwise,

make sure the materials are hyper-washed to protect you from allergens. Old glazes or paints might have lead in them, so take vintage furniture to a professional that uses the right safety equipment or go to You Tube University and make sure that you protect yourself with gear to rework the piece in a garage or outdoor space. Always choose nontoxic paints and stains with low to no VOCs.”

Biophilic Design

Baker is particularly excited about interior design innovations that reconnect us to nature, known as biophilic design. “Nat ural light is important, but also, lighting manufacturers are figuring out how to pro duce lighting that feels like you’re sitting outside in a forest while a cloud passes by or under a tree with dappled light. Mohawk and Interface offer low-carbon, healthy carpets that mimic natural forms like a rocky beach,” she says. “Fractals are often mentioned in biophilic design because they’re fascinating geometric compositions in nature like fly wings and bark that have an inherent intelligence to them, and we’ve come to understand that these natural elements are not just interesting, they also have measurable positive impact on our psyche and mental health.”

Durability

“I rate durability over everything else. If you build it once and it doesn’t get de stroyed by a natural disaster, you’re going

Susan

to generate less waste and use fewer resources,” Languell says. “Durability might mean fireproofing in California, windproofing in Florida and floodproofing in Louisiana. It also means future proofing your home, especially if you’re building new. Anticipate technologies that are coming. Even if you can’t afford photovoltaic panels now, for a couple of bucks, you can run electric conduit from your panel up to your roof so if ever you decide to buy them, it’s not a major overhaul of your house. Dual-pipe your house and have the pipes ready to tie in rainwater or grey water, even if it’s not financially viable right now. Wire your house for a 220-volt plug in your garage so everyone that has an electric vehicle can charge it overnight.”

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

THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIERS AND WEBSITES

n LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMEN TAL DESIGN (LEED) (usgbc.org) is the most wide ly used green building rating system in the world.

n SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL (SustainableFurnishings.org) champions wood from sustainable forests and elimination of toxins in furniture; links to eco-responsible vendors.

n ENERGY STAR (EnergyStar.gov) certifies products and offers guidance for efficient home solutions by U.S. regions and climates.

n THE ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA (AsthmaAndAllergyFriendly.com) certifies asthma- and allergy-friendly options for insulation, air filters, flooring and paint.

n HOMEFREE (HomeFree.HealthyBuilding.net) showcases less toxic options for flooring, paint, drywall, countertops, cabinetry, doors, insulation, sealants and more.

n WATERSENSE (epa.gov/watersense) offers guid ance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water conservation and water-saving products.

n UNDERWRITERS LABORATORY (ul.com) cer tifies safe and environmentally sound solutions in renewable energy, building materials, consumer electronics and home goods.

n INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE (Living-Future.org) accredits industry pros and certifies buildings that positively impact human and natural health.

Reducing Radiation Risks

WAYS TO LESSEN ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE

by Carrie Jackson

teracted, disease,” says Mieke Jacobs, an EMF consultant and founder of Healthy House Chicago

Jacobs, who does private house inspec tions in the Midwest, says that the rise of smart appliances and lighting in recent years has increased certain types of EMFs. “Dirty electricity consists of high-fre quency voltage transients riding along the 60-Hertz electricity provided by the utility company. Many people are surprised to learn how prevalent it is in seemingly safer sources such as solar panels, compact fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and energy-efficient appliances,” she says.

mon symptoms can include tinnitus, skin rashes, dizziness, sharp stabbing pains, leg cramps, high blood pressure, nausea and hyperactivity, especially in children,” says Menkes. Less common symptoms include heart arrhythmias, unexplained nightmares and nosebleeds, as well as ADHD and food allergies in kids, adds Jacobs.

Reduce Exposure at Home

Tangible steps can be taken to lessen the risk. “The number one mistake people make is sleeping with their cell phones near the head of the bed. Leave it turned off in another room and get a battery-op erated alarm clock,” says Menkes. “Turn off Wi-Fi at night, since EMF radiation affects melatonin production. If possible, hardwire your laptops, tablets, cell phones and other devices to eliminate Wi-Fi com pletely in the house. If you must use a cell phone, keep it in airplane mode as much as possible and don’t store it in a pocket or otherwise close to the body.”

We are tied to our devices, con tinually connected via phones, tablets and computers, but this convenience comes at a cost. Many people are surprised to learn that our devices are constantly emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RF). According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, there is strong evidence of a correlation between these exposures and neurological, cardiac and pulmonary disease, as well as reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, cancer and other health conditions.

Constant Exposure

Our exposure to EMFs has dramatically in creased over the past few years, especially in homes containing cordless phones, wireless routers and smart meters. Every electrical device emits an EMF, whether or not it’s turned on. This constant radiation can cause damage to cells, and even comes from ap pliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines and baby monitors. The closer a device is to a person, the more potent the charge. “EMFs cause VGCC’s [voltage-gated calcium channels] to swing open and allow excess calcium into the cell. This causes elevated oxidative stress, inflammation and ultimately, if not coun

Concerning Effects

As a certified electromagnetic radiation specialist and founder of EMF Healthy, in Sedona, Arizona, Liz Menkes focuses on the radio frequency EMFs found in wire less devices and systems, alternating cur rent (AC) electric and magnetic sources in wiring and appliances, and dirty electricity, all commonly found in homes. “EMFs have been linked to many symptoms and health conditions, and there is evidence of cancer risk from all four types,” she says. “AC magnetic fields were classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2001 due to evidence of increased risk for childhood leukemia. Radio frequency was classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2011 due to evidence of increased risk for brain tumors. Plus, there are links to many other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Symptoms from EMF exposure can manifest in many ways. “Early warning signs include difficulty sleeping, difficulty con centrating, fatigue, headaches, irritability and anxiety. It is estimated about 30 percent of the population is moderately sensitive to EMFs, but have not connected the dots, since these are common symptoms that can be caused by many things. Other com

More in-depth interventions include electrical rewiring, as well as radio-fre quency shielding that blocks EMFs with copper or another absorbent material. “Replacing dimmer switches helps, but not all electricians are aware of EMFs and have different priorities when upgrading a home,” says Jacobs.

The federal government has no restric tions on overall EMF exposure. “The wire less industry and the government agencies that are supposed to regulate this industry want you to believe that the science is settled and wireless exposures are safe. Unfortunately, this message is not reality. EMF damage can manifest in myriad ways that include many conditions and that are occurring in ever-increasing amounts,” says Lloyd Burrell, author of EMF Practical Guide and France-based founder of ElectricalSense.com.

The Building Biology Institute of fers classes and resources to help create environments free of EMF hazards. “Any measure to reduce your exposure is worth taking, and will contribute to a healthier and more peaceful home environment,” says Menkes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Green Schoolyards

CONCRETE JUNGLES BECOME NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS

by Sheila Julson

Skipping rope, playing hopscotch or shooting hoops have traditional ly been enjoyed on asphalt-paved schoolyards enclosed by chain-link fencing. But over the last few decades, city leaders, school districts and other stakeholders have been transforming such areas into verdant play-learn spaces, designed for and by stu dents and the community, which also offer green space for surrounding neighbor hoods to enjoy during non-school hours.

While there is no official definition of a green schoolyard, these projects often share such elements as shade trees and native plantings. Asphalt urban heat islands are being replaced with permeable pavers, rain gardens and vegeta tive ditches called bioswales to help

retain rainwater.

Incorporating climate-appropriate materials and arboriculture that provides ornamental shading using trees and shrubs is important, says Alejandra Chiesa, California state director of Green School yards America, a nine-year-old nonprofit. Even poured rubber surfacing or artificial turf can become too hot and contribute to unhealthy environments for children if not shaded, she says. Planting shade trees and selecting cooler materials such as wood, mulch or engineered wood fiber is critical, especially in hotter climates.

Green schoolyards can offer hands-on learning spaces where children help with planting, mulching and soil health.

“Playground equipment made from recycled materials can still get very hot and should be kept under the shade of trees,” she cautions. Green school yards can in

Sukjai

Photo/AdobeStock.com

corporate logs, stumps and play equipment made from real wood which provide great play value and stay cooler.

Brenda Kessler, the green schoolyards program coordinator for the Children & Nature Network (C&NN), works with teams made up of city and school dis trict leaders, along with local partners, to implement schoolyard makeovers. The organization is in the process of publishing district design guidelines that detail differ ent features. “We’re not prescriptive, but it can include elements like outdoor class rooms, stormwater retention infrastructure, pollinator gardens, edible gardens, shade structures and boulders,” Kessler says.

The Trust for Public Land, which works to create parks and preserve public lands, began transforming schoolyards 25 years ago in response to the shortage of space available for new parks. “Every schoolyard we do across the country looks different. We’re responding to the local require ments,” says Danielle Denk, the Trust’s Community Schoolyards initiative director. The organization has partnered with New York City’s Department of Education for its Schoolyard to Playground Initiative. The program has remade more than 260 schoolyards in all five boroughs, opening up the grounds to extended after-school and weekend hours. Parks that may include such new features as shaded seating and exercise tracks are now within a 10-minute walk for 4 million New Yorkers.

In urban areas, large-caliper trees provide shade and bring down the overall temperature of the school, creating a more comfortable indoor learning envi ronment. Trees also improve air quality and noise pollution in schools located in industrial neighborhoods. Dearborn, Michigan, is one such industrial city that seeks to reduce air and noise pollution through green schoolyards.

Priya Cook, director of the C&NN green schoolyards program, says its projects support local teams in systems change and initiative. Removing asphalt and replacing it with permeable pavers, bioswales and rain gardens also mitigates flooding. In Milwau kee, C&NN supported scaling work of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to install rainwater retention features on school playgrounds.

Rural communities, which may al ready have good soil and tree canopies, are also candidates for green schoolyards.

“We found in rural communities that the schools serve an important civic role. Some of these areas do not have a physical park or gathering place for social events. Green schoolyards provide [a] venue for the social infrastructure that is crucial in rural Amer ica,” Denk says.

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Green schoolyards can offer hands-on learning spaces where children help with planting, mulching and soil health. Wildlife habitats, native gardens and natural eco systems offer opportunities to learn about migrating birds and insects. Raised bed vegetable gardens provide nutrition and gardening education.

Cook says academic benefits go be

yond learning about nature: “One feature that comes up a lot is creating space for outdoor learning in general. Many subjects can be taught outside, whether or not they’re physically focused on that natural environment.”

Green schoolyards are going internation al. C&NN is spearheading a multi-organi zational effort to create a Global Lesson on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project; the plan will be drafted at a meeting this November in Salzburg, Austria. “We’re all coming together to advance green schoolyards worldwide,” Kessler says.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regu lar contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Nadine Clopton on Advancing

Regenerative Organic Agriculture to Health Care

by Kirby Baldwin

During the last century, the rise of chemical-based agriculture has severely changed the way food is produced, and we have failed to recognize its unintended consequences. Research has revealed that if we continue on this path, our soil will give out and we will be unable to feed our children and grandchildren within the next 60 years. Thankfully, there is still time and positive transformation is possible through regenerative organic agriculture, which has its roots in Indigenous, traditional, ecological knowledge.

For more than 70 years, the Rodale Institute has been on the leading edge of the movement to promote a better, natural and more responsible way of modern farming by conducting research into the cultivation of healthy, living soils. Today, Nadine Clopton is advancing its related efforts through regenerative health care.

Clopton has been an NGO youth representative to the United Nations for more than six years, was the first young person to serve as a director on the board, and is now serving as an elected vice president of the Global NGO Executive Committee. In her role as program manager with Rodale Institute, Clopton combines her loves of health, advocacy and the ecosystem. Learning about

food as medicine was transformative in her own health journey with chronic illnesses, and she hopes that others are also able to experience the transformative sense of well-being and connection that comes through such a lifestyle practice.

What does the regenerative health care movement mean for both human health and agriculture?

Regenerative health care carries potent “medicine” for a lot of the things that are ailing us in this country: the epidemic of chronic illnesses, the climate crisis, global food insecurity and ecological health. We believe that healing our soil is a prerequisite for healing ourselves. Regenerative health care draws the link between agriculture and health care because we need those two systems to talk with one another, and the answers are right beneath our feet.

How do we better connect our farming, food and healthcare systems?

The best thing we can do is take those three things out of a silo

and look at them as part of a complex, interconnected web. In Rodale Institute’s “farm to hospital” model with St. Luke’s Hospital, we have a working farm at the hospital and much of the produce grown there ends up on the patient’s plates, in the cafeteria or in a CSA [community-supported agriculture] share that the hospital employees can take home. At Rodale Institute, we’re hoping to build that bridge between agriculture and health care, and invite doctors and farmers to be part of the cycle of health care: thinking about the health of our soil and the health and the nutrient density of what’s on our plates.

What is next in your plans for the future of regenerative health care?

The heart and soul of what I’m working on right now centers around connecting health care and agriculture with Rodale Institute’s first-ever Regenerative Healthcare Conference. We’re inviting doctors, nurses, RDs [registered dietician], nutritionists and others with interests in health and well-being to the farm for four days to get their hands in the soil and learn about how soil health is directly correlated to human health and how food is medicine.

We’re working closely with Dr. Scott Stoll’s team at The Plantrician Project and bringing together some incredible luminaries like Dr. Uma Naidoo, Dr. Maya Shetreat, Dr. Rupa Marya, Dr. Michelle Perro, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and others. To our knowledge, this is the first-ever medical conference to be taking place on a living, breathing, working farm. We’re passionate about the idea of getting doctors out of their practices and letting them get their hands in the soil. There’s no better way to learn about the real fundamental difference between conventional and regenerative organic agriculture than by picking up a scoop of soil in our conventional model and picking up a scoop of soil in our regenerative organic model.

Healing our planet begins with healing ourselves and how we relate to the planet and to one another, so through these tangible, in-person experiences, we can get even closer to that ultimate goal of a healed system.

What are some tips for consumers and practitioners to help this movement?

Get to know a farmer! Go get your hands in the soil, talk to your local farmers and start to rebuild that web of connection and relationship. Look around you and see how the Earth responds when we’re operating in a way that’s regenerative and allows natural systems to thrive. And for practitioners, get curious! Start breaking out of the siloed worldview of health and medicine and learn about the potent medicines that are all around us in our food and our soil.

Kirby Baldwin writes for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Conservative Dentistry

WHY LESS IS MORE IN TOOTH REPAIR

by Linda Sechrist

Whetherdentistry is described as being conservative, biological or biomimetic, the description that pre cedes such health care is extremely important. That 10- or 12-letter term signifies a specific type of dentistry that’s the best option for both our teeth and the rest of our bodies, as Ann Lee found out when the pieces to her dental puzzle fell together in just the right order.

Lee, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist who owns the Health for Life Clinic, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, had been experiencing problems with her sinuses for years. She had been alerted to a potential problem with one of her teeth via a pre ventive tool known as medical infrared thermograph screening. But it wasn’t until after she read an interview with dentist Blanche Grube in a naturopathic magazine about conservative dentistry that she made the connection. She bought Grube’s book, Chew on This But Don’t Swallow: A Must-Read Before Your Next Dental Visit, and read it from cover to cover. Grube drew upon 46 years of clin ical observation, continuing education conferences and thousands of hours of study to analyze how the whole body functions and what part teeth play in overall health.

Says Lee, “I had a capped tooth with metal underneath. Once I got it removed, all the things connected to it resolved. My sinus issues, post-nasal drippage, coughing, and even my trigeminal neuralgia that I had for 10 years resolved.” Trigeminal neuralgia affects the nerves running from the face to the brain, causing elec trical shock sensations to the jaw and face that can be triggered by stress or certain movements.

Today, when Lee suspects a correlation between the physical problems a patient has with the amount of metal in their mouth such as fillings, crowns and permanent retainers, she relates their physical problems to metal oxidation and inflammation that can manifest in numerous ways, and suggests that the patient read Gru be’s book and consider any of the non-metal options now available.

Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, owner of Wrigleyville Dental, in Chica go, interprets biological dentistry as dealing with the whole person. “Both biological and conservative dentistry deal with biocompatible materials, making sure that each is right for the individual. Deter mining the compatibility of dental materials is important for those who have existing allergies, because their immune systems have already been compromised, and having to deal with new allergies

CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

A dentistry branch whose goal is to conserve the teeth in the mouth, using operative practices, as well as endodontics. It also involves various types of direct and indirect restorations of the individual teeth.

to dental materials may only worsen their condition,” she says.

Conservative dentistry involves remov ing a minimum of healthy tooth structure during the restorative process. By conserv ing natural enamel and dentin, many of the complications caused by excessive tooth shaving and drilling are avoided. “Students who went to dental school 15 years ago weren’t taught biological, biomimetic or conservative dentistry, and they didn’t have the superior materials that we have today,”

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

Dental practices that utilize mercu ry-free and mercury-safe dentistry, the impact of dental conditions, devices and treatments on oral and systemic health, including the biocompatibility of dental materials and techniques.

says Teplitsky. “Unless they took con tinuing education units that taught these things, they didn’t learn that traditional approaches require unnecessary removal of tooth structure and fail to replicate the properties of natural teeth, leading to ma jor complications including root canals, fractures and extractions. They also didn’t learn that what is going in the mouth with the teeth and gums relates to the overall condition of a person’s health.”

According to studies reported in

BIOMIMETIC DENTISTRY

A type of tooth-conserving dentistry, treats weak, fractured and decayed teeth in a way that keeps them strong and seals them from bacterial invasion; eliminates cutting teeth down for crowns and destructive root canal treatment.

Science Direct, which offers the latest peer-reviewed research papers, teeth naturally have the optimal properties and structure to withstand the many challeng es of the oral environment. Conservative dentistry, with its innovative materials, efficiently preserves this natural tooth structure, particularly when combined with early detection.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer.

The Joy of Movement

DANCING BOOSTS OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

by Marlaina Donato

Whether it’s salsa, hip-hop, belly dance or ballet, finding our groove has proven to ease depression, support the cardiovascular system and improve overall joint func tion. By all accounts, dancing gives us a step toward better health, but equally as noteworthy is its potential to bring more fun into our lives. Contrary to popular opinion, dancing is not just for kids, and special ability is not necessary. “You are never too old, and there is no such thing as two left feet, but we can also argue: When you have great instructors teaching you, you can learn anything as a beginner,” says Monique Maldonado, marketing director of the Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance and Performance, in Chicago.

Brainy Benefits

Stepping into a dance studio can help us enrich our lives while sharpening cog nitive function. After participating in an eight-month dance program during which they memorized intricate steps of the merengue, salsa and samba, Span ish-speaking, middle-aged and older adults had significant improvement in working memory scores, reported Uni versity of Illinois Chicago researchers in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. “Just like working out and puzzles, dancing works out brain paths and keeps them active and healthy,” says Maldonado.

Tango lovers will be pleased to know that the passionate dance style has been shown in a 2017 study published in Com plementary Therapies in Medicine to lower anxiety and stress levels more effectively than mindfulness meditation.

Individual Moves

Mike Hallworth teaches cruise ship passengers, mostly in their 60s and 70s, how to navigate the dance floor. “We teach all the main dance genres, including ballroom and Latin American, salsa and mambo, along with modern jive,” says the Southport, England-based, lifelong dancer who teaches with his wife, Jan. “For those not as agile as they would like to be, I would suggest starting with ballroom, social foxtrot and waltz, then progress to Latin American, cha-cha and rumba.”

At age 75, he partially attributes his basal metabolic rate of 60—common in men 15 years his junior—to his love of dancing, which “can burn up to 385 calories per hour with salsa or 400 calories per hour with swing,” he notes.

Joan Price, a contemporary line dance instructor in Sebastopol, California, also attests to the longevity-promoting perks of moving joyfully. “At 78, line dancing keeps me physically fit, mentally alert and happy to be alive. The older we get, the more we need social activity, physical movement and mental stimulation. You get all three at once with line dancing.”

For those looking for a little more heat, Latin dance can accommodate any fitness level. “If you are looking for a fun, new hobby, any style is a fit, but if you are more interested in advancing your salsa skill level, trying mambo and cha-cha can be a nice challenge,” says Maldonado. “Sensual bachata is for those who want a little more spice and advanced body movement.”

Hallworth often sees people approaching dance with uncertainty and apprehension, and he encourages an open mind: “Danc ing isn’t for everyone, but if you give it a chance, you will be well rewarded. Most people learning to dance are a friendly bunch and will help newcomers.”

For Maldonado, it is also about shared experience, which she feels is one of the most beautiful aspects of Latin dance: “It’s a great, diverse group of people who can change your outlook on life. Being a part of any dance community can truly be life-changing.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

The form has long outgrown its coun try-western music roots and now offers something for everyone, including Latin, swing, contemporary pop and Broadway. “Since you dance on your own in a row, line dancing is ideal for singles and for partners of non-dancers. It’s also wonder ful for people who want a social activity that doesn’t involve dating or partner ing,” says Price. She says that there are thousands of different line dances, ranging from super-simple to extraordinarily com plex. “As a beginner, be sure and choose a class that is beginning level,” she says. “Beginning level teaches basic steps, patterns and terminology—and the joy of dance!”

FVjom/AdobeStock.com

A HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOR PETS

Nine Ways to Keep a Dog or Cat Safe

by Karen Shaw Becker

Halloween is celebrated on Octo ber 31, and as always on this fun holiday for humans, it’s important to take precautions to ensure furry family members wake up healthy, happy and safe on November 1. Here are some potential hazards to avoid.

CHOCOLATE: All chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, and the darker it is, the more toxic. It contains a caffeine-like stimu lant that when ingested by a pet, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, racing pulse and seizures. Make sure all family members and guests, including children, understand the importance of keeping chocolate away from the dog or cat.

SUGAR-FREE GOODIES CONTAINING XYLITOL: This is a popular sugar sub stitute added to an increasing number of consumer products, including sugar-free candy, gum, mints and baked goods. A small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid and dangerous blood sugar drop in dogs, as well as acute liver failure.

Xylitol’s effect on cats is unknown, but keep it far away from the kitties, as well.

RAISINS AND TRAIL MIX: Instead of candy, some well-meaning

people hand out tiny boxes of raisins or small bags of trail mix containing raisins and/or chocolate candy such as M&Ms. Unfortunately, raisins are toxic to dogs and cats, and can cause kidney failure even in very small amounts. Chocolate-covered raisins pose a double-barrelled risk.

CANDY WRAPPERS: Halloween candy isn’t the only health threat for dogs and cats. Empty candy wrappers smell like what was in them, enticing a pet. The ingestion of foil and cellophane wrap pers can cause a life-threatening bowel obstruction. It’s very important to stress to children, in particular, the need to keep all candy wrappers out of the reach of pets.

CANDLES AND GLOW STICKS: Candles, including the small ones inside Jack-o’-lanterns, are fire hazards. Make sure they are well beyond a pet’s reach, so that a kitty doesn’t wander across a table or shelf decorated with lit candles or a dog doesn’t get too frisky with a carved pump kin with a candle inside. Glow sticks and jewelry have become very popular, and pets (especially cats) have been known to chew on them. The substance that creates the glow is phenol, which can leak out and burn a pet’s fur and tongue. Choking on small pieces is another hazard.

SCARY HUMAN COSTUMES: Some pets can become very fearful or aggressive

at the sight of certain Halloween costumes, including those that may resemble a dog or cat. In such instances, take precautions to keep both a pet and trick-or-treaters safe.

ELABORATE PET COSTUMES: Even if a pet isn’t costume-averse (many dogs and most cats are), make sure whatever is put on her is lightweight to avoid overheating, doesn’t confine or restrain their movement in any way and is free of any adornments they might be tempted to chew off and swallow. If they are frightened or annoyed by the puppy princess gown or the Grumpy Cat mask, be a pal and don’t force the issue. Let them enjoy the holiday, too.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS AND OTHER VISITORS: If lots of costumed kids or adults show up at the house on Hallow een, be aware that a constantly ringing doorbell, knocks and strangers at the door and a general mood of excitement can create an overstimulating environment for a pet. Some pets become anxious, fearful and aggressive when their normally quiet, predictable evening is anything but. If a pet tends to find commotion at the front door or visitors stressful, it’s best to secure them in a quiet, safe spot before the action starts.

OPEN DOORS: Animal shelters and rescue organizations typically experience an increase in lost pets in the days following Halloween. Opening and closing the front door for trick-ortreaters, coupled with the event’s high level of excitement, can create an opportunity for a frightened or adventurous pet to run off. Make sure a pet’s ID tag and/or microchip database information, if applicable, are up to date and take precautions to prevent them from slipping out the door and into the night.

Common sense and a little preparation will ensure a fourlegged family member is none the worse for wear the next morning.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make know ledgeable decisions to extend the life and improve well-being of their animals.

Nature’s Virus Killer

Copper can stop a virus before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

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

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

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

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

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

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

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

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

Customers report using copper against:

Colds Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds

Styes

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 NATA31.

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

Buy once, use forever.

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

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

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— with an Armor of Clear, Calm Energy ...

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OJAYA is the first and only method that I can actually feel the effects when I meditate. — Zoe Gordon, Hoover, Alabama

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OJAYA makes you strong from the inside — so you can get out there and do something great. Closely guarded for generations, these classic secrets of the OJAYA “Armor” technique are now revealed to you on our exquisitely beautiful videos — produced with love in the Earthborn Rainforest. Learn OJAYA on our site — start now free.

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 October 12 (for November 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, OCTOBER 1

Backyard Saturday—Saluda Rudy Day–10amnoon. 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.

Fall Fido Festival–10am-4pm. A day to remember with pet-friendly vendors, food trucks, music, games, activities, giveaways and more. Test your pet's stamina with our luring and agility course or enjoy relaxing yoga-with-your-dog sessions hosted throughout the day. All ages. Free. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info: 803345-6181, icrc.net.

Observe the Moon Night–7:30-8:30pm. We’ll discuss moon science and exploration, observe deep space objects, and discuss how Earth moon has in fluenced our culture throughout human history. Cost: $2. Leo’s Landing Playground at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/join mailing list: 803-772-1228, RKennerly@icrc.net.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

Pumpkin Planter Workshop–6:30pm. Cost: $40. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

Breastfeeding Support Group –10am-noon. Breastfeeding? Looking for peer support, ideas and community? Join other like-minded moms, gain the lactation support needed, and grow together. With Lindsay Millwood, of Graceful Beginnings Birth and More. Free. Ballentine Library, 1200 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo. Info: 404-314-0363, GracefulBe ginningsBirth.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

Halloween Movie Night–5-8:30pm. Disney’s Ho cus Pocus. Bring a blanket or chairs. Food trucks from 5:30-7pm. All ages. Cost: $15 per car. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

Intro to A Course in Miracles–6:30-8pm. Dona tions accepted and appreciated. Info/location/regis ter: Contact Rev. Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

Health Is Wealth Lunch and Learn–12:30pm. Donations accepted. Info/location/register: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

Live Music –6-9pm. Free to enter. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info: 803851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Spooky Terrarium Workshop–6:30pm. Cost: $35. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Halloween at the Park–6-9pm. Bring your little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating on our outdoor trick-or-treat trail. Outdoor movie Despicable Me at 7:30pm. Bring a blanket or chairs. Food trucks 6-8pm. All ages. Cost: $5, in advance; $7, day of. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info/registration: 803-345-1681, icrc.net.

Live Music–6-9pm. The Sam & Illia Band. Free to enter. Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St, Colum bia. Info: 803-851-1905, GardenersOutpost.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

Howl-O-Ween at the Bark–10-11:30am. Dress your pet in a costume or their cutest collar for some trick-or-treating fun along the trail. All pets must be on a leash, and they should bring an owner to keep them safe. All ages. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info/registration: 803-3451681, icrc.net.

Natural Childbirth Class–10am-2pm. With Lind say Millwood, of Graceful Beginnings Birth and More. Irmo. Info/cost/exact location/register: 404314-0363, GracefulBeginningsBirth.com.

Halloween at Saluda Shoals Park–11am-2pm. Halloween fun on the trick-or-treat trail. Tickets are limited; purchase in advance online. Ages 12 and under. Cost: $5 per child in advance; $7 per child day of. Leo’s Landing Playground at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 & 26

Reiki I –9am-2pm. Investment in self-healing. Cost: $375. Info/location/register: Contact Rev. Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@ BellSouth.net.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Health Is Wealth Lunch and Learn–12:30pm. Donations accepted. Info/location/register: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-30

Murder on the 518—Children’s Theatre–Fri, 7pm; Sat, 3 & 7pm; Sun, 3pm. Family-friendly murder mystery. Ages 12 and under. Cost: $10. Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

ongoing events sunday

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

Soundy School–10:30am. Every Sunday. Cele bration 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 Co lumbia, 1801 Legrand Rd. Info: UnityColumbia@ gmail.com, UnityColumbia.org.

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

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

tuesday

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

thursday

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

classified

HELP WANTED

Garners Natural Life is hiring, Both Columbia & Lexington locations.To apply email resume to garnersnick@gmail.com.

natural directory

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

ACUPUNCTURE

THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

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

• SCAcupuncture.com

Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 39.

AESTHETICS

EXPECT CLARITY AESTHETICS

Angie Jewell

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

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

AROMATHERAPY

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

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

• GarnersNaturalLife.com

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

CHIROPRACTIC

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS

CENTER INC

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

• DrShellyJones.com

Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team. See ad, page 4.

CHIROPRACTIC

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC

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

Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 27.

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 11.

COUNSELING

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 24.

Connect with us naturally!

COUNSELING

HOLISTIC CBT LLC

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

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

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

JUST WANNA MELT LLC

Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063

Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

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

Our main focus is health ed ucation and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Ox ygen 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 11.

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 9.

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 7.

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 26.

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 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 29

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 18.

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 8

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 tailormade for abundance and success.

SPIRITUAL

UNITY OF COLUMBIA

1801 Legrand Rd 803-736-5766

• UnityColumbia.org

Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. Come join us for a Sunday worship celebration and meet some positive, uplifting people that live life abundantly. See ad, page 12.

THERMOGRAPHY

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687

• AboutYourHealthSC.com

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 11.

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, 13 and back page.