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Autism Update

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Truths and Consequences

JANUARY 2013 | Emerald Coast Edition | www.NWFNaturally.com Okaloosa/Walton/Bay County

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ll right, so it’s back to reality; with the holidays behind us, many are now focused on our self-inflicted New Year’s resolutions. And after speaking about what’s behind us, my rear end has definitely made a statement…. “It’s time to shed some pounds.”

contact us PUBLISHER Daralyn Chase Publisher@NWFNaturally.com NWFNaturally.com 850-279-4102, office 888-228-8238, toll free 888-370-0618, fax DIRECTOR OF aDVERTISING Scott Chase Scott@NWFNaturally.com (ext. 702) MANAGING EDITOR Jude Forsyth Editor@NWFNaturally.com (ext. 701) COMMUNITY LIAISONS (Okaloosa/Walton County) Emily Schultz Emily@NWFNaturally.com (ext. 704) (Pace/Milton/Crestview) Maria Perez Maria@NWFNaturally.com (ext. 706) (Bay County) Melisa Caporella Melisa@NWFNaturally.com (ext. 707) Editor Martin Miron LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Judith Johnson NATIONAL AD SALES 239-449-8309 FRANCHISE SALES 239-530-1377 © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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Jude Forsyth, our managing editor, shared that one of her resolutions to reduce stress, was to be 15 minutes early to every one of her appointments or meetings next year. If your commitment this year involves improving your health, weight loss or getting fit, this month’s edition is bulging with local support, classes and programs to help you get off to the right start and reach your goals. Our feature article, “Healthy Lifestyle Tweaks,” offers some less apparent, but simple changes and options for feeling better, like “Ditch the Bra.” I personally jumped on that one, easy enough when you get work from home. Instead of Casual Friday, many of us decided to have Braless Friday.

Whether your challenge is to change your ways or step up your personal growth, you’ll find many great ideas and inspiration in this month’s issue. Starting with our article, “Be Supplement Savvy,” by James Occhiogrosso, to wise words about GMOs, written by Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “Food Sleuth.”

I am most excited to share our Community Spotlight on Jordin Rubin, founder of Garden of Life, and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Maker’s Diet.

He started Beyond Organic, a company that offers grass-fed, green-fed beef and dairy, cultured food products and live raw snacks. After seeking out such products myself, it is nice to find a company that ships them right to my front door. After meeting Jordan and hosting him on the Natural Awakenings local AM talk radio show, I knew I had to make others aware of this new choice for healthier eating.

For the first time in years, I am enjoying dairy again.

Although I have struggled with a weight issue for most of my post-maternal days, I decided long ago that if I can’t lose weight naturally, then I will just stay “fat and happy.” But as I move into my 50s, staying fit, trim and healthy is a different challenge. Exercising more and eating less doesn’t yield the same results. Fortunately, holistic physicians like Dr. Pam Svendsen, featured in our Practitioner Spotlight, provide knowledge about how they can test, analyze and guide me to more balanced hormone levels and necessary nutritional supplements, giving me back that youthful advantage I seemed to have lost.

I hope you are all inspired this month to seek out our many talented and skillful practitioners or try some of the cutting-edge products to help you on whatever journey you have chosen.

Happy New Year and cheers to a better way, a better ,day and a better future!

Pharmaceuticals Built For You. Because you are unique...

WHAT IS COMPOUNDING?

Pharmaceutical compounding allows for your medical provider to offer specialized treatment. At Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy we can formulate your prescriptions to meet your individual needs. A wide variety of commercially available products can be made into a dosage form that suits your specific needs and allows for better absorption by your body. Drugs that have been discontinued can still be formulated. A current example is the discontinuation of midrin, used for headaches. The formulation can currently be made at Emerald Coast Compounding Rx. The need for compounding is endless. Below are a few topics that Emerald Coast Compounding Rx deals with daily.

HORMONE AND THYROID REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Bio-identical hormones can be compounded without the side effect profile that comes along with the use of synthetic hormones.

Bio-identical hormones can be used for treating osteoporosis, menopause, andropause, decreased libido, etc.

In addition to bio-identical hormones, Emerald Coast Compounding Rx also specializes in thyroid replacement therapy. At Emerald Coast Compounding Rx we can manage each patient’s exact dosage amount needed to get thyroid levels accurate.

DERMATOLOGY

Working close with dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other skin care professionals Emerald Coast Compounding Rx can customize medication for all types of skin conditions such as: Psoriasis, Eczema, Skin Cancers, Severe Acne, Rosacea, Alopecia, Warts and Scars.

Melasma is a condition that causes dark spots usually on the face. Treatment consists of a medication prescribed by your dermatologist called Triluma. Triluma can be compounded at Emerald Coast Compounding Rx which helps to alleviate those unwanted dark spots.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain is something that slows down everyday life. Many commercially available pain medications have harsh side effects and the potential for abuse and addiction. Customizing your pain medications will lead to controlled pain management with fewer side effects and less potential for addiction.

Regina Jaquess, Pharm D

USA Water Ski team member and five time World Champion and holds World Records in both slalom and overall

• Anti-Aging • Bio-identical Hormones Replacement Therapy • Dental • Dermatology • Gastroenterology • Infertility

• Men’s & Women’s Health • Pain Management • Pediatric • Podiatry • Sports Medicine • Veterinary

Located on the corner of Hwy 30-A & Hwy 393 Unit C-15 at Gulf Place.

On the second floor, handicap accessible.

850-622-5800

FAX: 850-622-5802 EMAIL: info@eccpharmacy.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Mon - Fri • 9am-5pm

eccpharmacy.com

contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 6 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 10 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

12 globalbriefs 12 ecotip 14 HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 14 TWEAKS 17 spotlight Surprisingly Simple Changes 18 healthykids for Feeling Good

by Kathleen Barnes 19 spotlight 20 wisewords 18 ADDRESSING AUTISM

Families Have Reasons 22 healingways for Hope

by Brita Belli 24 inspiration 26 consciouseating 20 GMO TRUTHS AND 18 30 fitbody CONSEQUENCES Health and Safety are 32 greenliving Question Marks

by Melinda Hemmelgarn 34 naturalpet 36 calendar 22 BE SUPPLEMENT SAVVY 37 classifieds How to Choose Wisely 38 naturaldirectory for Optimal Health 20

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advertising & submissions

how to advertise Pricing is available online on our Advertising page. To advertise with Natural Awakenings call 850-279-4102 or email advertise@NWFNaturally.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: editor@ NWFNaturally.com. Deadline for editorial: the 15th of the month. calendar submissions Submit calendar entries online only at NWFNaturally.com.

The links are on the left side of the web page. Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

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NWFNaturally.com 4

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

by James Occhiogrosso

24 NO DUST ON

THE MIRROR

Reflections on a Life of Conscious Wholeness

by Michael Bernard Beckwith

26 SUSTAINABLE WEIGHT LOSS

Five Secrets for Feeling Like Yourself Again

by Judith Fertig

30 STAND UP AND MOVE!

26

How to Sizzle, not Fizzle

by Debra Melani

32 FRACKING WRECKS

AMERICA’S BEDROCK Clear and Present Dangers

by Sandra Steingraber

34 RAW FOOD DIETS

FOR PETS

Weighing the Pros and Cons

by Sandra Murphy

www.NWFNaturally.com

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THE TORTOISE CLINIC ACUPUNCTURE l HERBAL MEDICINE l BODYWORK

D R EW S M IT H D.O .M .

Women’s Health/Fertility l Back Pain l Neck Pain Headaches l Digestive Complaints Low Energy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Autoimmune Disorders l Stress/Anxiety Customized Dietary Counseling

Largest raw herb pharmacy in the area.

“Proudly serving the Emerald Coast for over 20yrs!”

WAT E R S I D E B U S I N E S S C E N T E R 2441 HIGHWAY 98, SUITE 111 • SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL 32459

Tel. 850-267-5611 l TheTortoiseClinic.com natural awakenings

January 2013

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newsbriefs Estriol Facial Cream Helps to Build Collagen

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ith a decline in hormones, many women report that their skin suddenly gets worse around menopause. Female hormones help with building collagen and nourishing skin. Losing them causes loss in collagen and increased fine lines and wrinkles. However, there is an option available for this of which not many people are aware.

Dr. Nitin Bawa prescribes estriol facial cream, which can be made by compounding pharmacists. It contains the safest of the three human estrogens, and a small amount on the face at nighttime helps to build collagen and nourish skin. Smokers normally get lots of lines and wrinkles because of loss of collagen, and this estriol facial cream works wonders, on even smokers’ skin.

Dr. Nitin Bawa practices in Santa Rosa Beach, Destin and Panama City. He contributes to local newspapers and his articles can be found on the Internet. For more information, call 850-424-7320 or visit DrBawa.com.

Felicia McQuaid Wellness, LLC Therapeutic Practices for Body, Mind & Spirit MASSAGE, REIKI & YOGA

“INTUITIVE” ANGEL CARD READINGS Offices in Fort Walton Beach Outcalls to surrounding areas

850-217-2771

www.feliciamcquaid.net 6

New Store and New Training Program for Run With It

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un With It, “your running and walking specialists,” is moving to a new much larger location at 170 Miracle Strip Parkway SE this month, just a half-block east of their present location. Now, customers will be able to shop locally for great-looking, functional sportswear that will take them from the gym to the streets and the mall. Run With It is also be expanding their selection of shoe width sizes and will carry more children’s shoes and apparel.

Couch to 5K/10K, a new 10-week training program designed for beginner runners, run/walkers, walkers or former runners that want to get back into shape, will conduct training runs at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The kickoff for the training program is January 3 at 8 a.m. (10K), and January 19 at 6:30 p.m. (5K).

The cost is $50 for the 5K and $65 for the 10K. The training program group leader will help participants develop the skills needed to successfully complete the Lucky Leprechaun 5K/10K on March 16, at the Ft. Walton Beach Landing.

For more information, call 850-243-1007 or visit RunWithItFl.com.

Destin Hot Yoga Offers Yin Yoga Classes

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estin Hot Yoga, recently voted the Best Yoga/ Pilates/Fitness Facility in Destin for 2012, is now teaching classes in Yin Yoga. Teachers bring with them a variety of backgrounds, including Bikram yoga, Barkan yoga, hot Vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga, Cruikshank yoga and kripalu yoga.

Yin Yoga is known as an intensive healing class, focusing on deep stretching and repairing connective tissues and muscle fascia. It is recommended for anyone, but especially helpful to those new to yoga or with physical limitations.

Owner Stephanie Penhollow shares that one of the most popular classes is the candlelight yoga class, touted for its intimacy, silence and grounding effects. Destin Hot Yoga also offers private holistic health coaching sessions and group workshops.

Location: 11275 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Ste. 9. For more information or a schedule of classes, call 850-547-6133, visit DestinHotYoga.org or find them on Facebook.

An Expo for Living Economically

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kaloosa Saves will sponsor an Eco-Nomic Living Expo, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 2, at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, to raise awareness of smart money management and savings and to celebrate America Saves Week. The event features exhibits, seminars, workshops and kids’ activities around the theme of Smart Choices—Money, Home, Health & Environment.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Victor Harris will address Winning Ways to Talk About $$. Adults will receive Safe Assured ID free identity kits for children, free tax preparation and document shredding. Kids will enjoy a Piggy Bank Pageant (12 and under); Pigs on Parade, made by local businesses and organizations; an Eco-Bots workshop; and more prizes and giveaways.

Admission is free. Location: 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, FWB. For more information, call 850-689-5850, email ECourtney@co.okaloosa.fl.us or visit EconomicLivingExpo. com. Potential exhibitors may call 689-5850 or 797-4902.

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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Receive Certified Angel The Rock Pile Integrated Therapy from Felicia McQuaid Fitness Center is Open for McQuaid, a certified angel Excellence Felicia therapist and owner of Felicia Mc-

Quaid Wellness, LLC, is offering an extension of the programs offered worldwide by Doreen Virtue. After receiving a spontaneous healing while attending a program with Virtue from the angels, McQuaid was inspired to learn more, and now offers her wisdom of the Angels and intuitive guidance during Angel Card readings. McQuaid is certified under Charles Virtue and Tina Daly.

An angel reading is an intuitive reading consisting of loving messages from our guardian angels, spirit guides and the archangels. They speak about how to improve our life, health and relationships, offering guidance, support and direction to assist us on our path. Benefits include messages from our angels to receive divine guidance; removing blocks or debris and restoring our chakras and aura; and removing unhealthy ties of energy between ourselves and other people or places.

Readings can be individual or done at an Angel Party of six to eight people, which is is a fun way to connect with the Angels with friends and family.

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Location: 184 Brooks. St., Ste. 1, Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-217-2771 or visit FeliciaMcQuaid.net.

Cost is $29/month. Location: 12202 Hutchison Blvd. For more information, call 850-249-7725 or visit Facebook.com/RockPilePCB.

A New Source Opens to Shop for Healthy Oils

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he new Olives store has opened at 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 187, in Destin, with a selection of highquality, certified pure olive oils, as well as flavor-infused oils and many balsamic vinegar varieties.

“These olive oils also have more antioxidants than those you find at the grocery store,” says coowner Dar Zook. “The average olive oil has a concentration of about 100 parts per million antioxidants, and ours start at 158, while our highest has 495!”

Each oil selection includes a wealth of information, such as country of origin, crush date (to guarantee freshness) and polyphenol and free fatty acid levels, as well as oleic acid and peroxide content. Each product gets an in-depth description of its flavor, but shoppers are encouraged to sample the oils before they buy.

Zook and co-owner Gina Seton started the business because they believe in the importance of the quality of what we put into our bodies, and stock only the highest quality ingredients.

Gift baskets are available.

For more information or to place an order, call 850-460-2210 or visit OliveOilExcellence.com.

wner Doug Durham has opened a new mega-facility, the largest integrated fitness center in the Panhandle, in Panama City Beach. The 27,000-squarefoot Rock Pile features all-new machines and equipment, monitors, an intense bodybuilding area, racquetball courts, showers, a sauna, locker rooms and free childcare.

The gym also boasts a variety of weight machines and free weights, a large room for classes such as Zumba, yoga and meditation, a spinning classroom, two racquetball courts, and sauna and steam room in each locker area. There is also a separate free weight room for serious bodybuilders attached to an acre field for cross-training activities. He has plans to add a swimming pool in the future and an obstacle course.

Durham believes in promoting physical health, financial health and social health. His coaching background and high standards have encouraged a team player environment with his staff. In college baseball, he both pitched and played in the outfield. The Rock Pile already has 1,600 members and growing with many coming via referrals from satisfied customers.

New 2013 Programs at Unity of Panama City

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ased on the teachings and practices found in The Art & Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You, by Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons and Rima Bonario, Unity of Panama City presents a class, The Q Effect, from 6 to 9 p.m., January 26 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 27. Practice sessions will be conducted from 9 to 10:30 a.m., February 3, 10 and 17.

Cost is a love offering plus $15 workbook.

Prosperity Plus is a workshop that spans 10 weeks to shift attitudes, gain awareness and practice tools from a spiritual perspective to create a new way of living that is more satisfying. This highly successful program, developed by bestselling author Mary Morrisey, is used by more than 200 spiritual centers, receiving rave reviews and breakthroughs for thousands of individuals. Weekly sessions, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., begin January 15 and continue through March 19. Cost is $50 and includes a book, workbook and CD set.

Location: 1764 Lisenby Ave. For more information, call 850769-7481, email PanamaCityUnity@knology.net or visit UnityOfPanamaCity.org. natural awakenings

January 2013

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newsbriefs Thin & Healthy Total Solution Program Available in FWB

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otal Solution is a healthy and permanent weight-loss solution that includes metabolism retraining, food education and motivation. Riviera Family Fitness, in Fort Walton Beach, brought the program into the gym last October and has recently expanded its offerings to non-gym members.

Program dynamics utilize 55 percent motivation, 30 percent movement and 15 percent food, with proven systems in weight management, fitness and life success, as well as personalized guidance in a motivational atmosphere, resulting in optimum health and a more balanced life.

Donna Lambert, a certified personal trainer and Total Solution coach, says, “The difference between us and other programs is the one-on-one coaching, affordability and the fact that you can go home and start the program with the food that is already in your fridge or pantry.”

Call about a free consultation. Location: 243A Eglin Pkwy FWB. For more information, call 850-362-9199.

Destin Chiropractic Center under New Ownership

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r. Ryan J. Garcia has taken ownership of the Destin Chiropractic Center from Dr. Tom Kratz. Garcia earned his undergraduate degree from the University of West Florida and is a graduate from the Palmer College of Chiropractic. He interned with Fulton and Rabinowitz Chiropractic, in Pensacola, and brings his own chiropractic philosophy to the Destin Chiropractic Center.

Garcia believes that chiropractic treatment is incomplete without physical rehabilitation following the adjustment. His model is to get a patient out of acute pain first, make structural changes and then teach them to go home and do the exercises he prescribes to heal the weakened areas. Once he is confident that the patient is doing the exercises, he recommends regular monthly adjustments.

Location: 4014 Commons Dr. W., Ste. 114, in Destin. For more information, call 850-654-6912 or email DestinChiropracticCenter@gmail.com.

Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Okaloosa County

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n order to divert hazardous waste from local landfills and dispose of discarded items responsibly through recycling and reuse, Okaloosa County accepts a variety of household hazardous wastes. Since 1992, more than 10 million pounds of hazardous materials have been disposed of, recycled or reused, including paint, pesticides, used oil, oil filters, pool chemicals, batteries, gas, solvents, paint products, tar, automotive chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, computer monitors and more.

This service is free of charge to local residents by appointment from 1 to 3 p.m., every Thursday, and from 7 to 11 a.m., every third Saturday.

For more information, call 850-651-7394; for an appointment, call 689-5772 or visit Co.Okaloosa.FL.US/dept_pw_resources_ recycle_haz.html.

Blossom Yoga Experience the difference Yoga Classes Yoga Therapy Migun Massage Bed

(850) 420-6046 BlossomYogaFL.com 315 A Racetrack Road, NE Fort Walton Beach (next to Big 10 Tire) 8

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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HealthSource Chiropractic Opens New Locations

LED Light Weight-Loss Techniques Discussed

ealthSource Chiropractic, formerly Sun Coast Chiropractic, has opened an office at 430 NE Racetrack Rd. Ste, B, in Fort Walton Beach, where Dr. Scott Smith practices with two licensed massage therapists. Dr. Sean Leatherman and Sarah Leatherman have opened another HealthSource Chiropractic location at 431 East Hollywood Boulevard, in May Esther.

HealthSource is a national company with more than 360 convenient locations. With so many visitors and tourists in our area, the doctors can communicate about patients with another location in their hometown and know the level of care they are receiving. The new offices are equipped to offer the latest in technology, including digital X-rays, to enhance patients’ quality of care. “We are not just a neck and back source, we are health source,” says Smith. “We are prepared to provide the best in patient care and physical rehab modalities to meet all of your needs.”

amille Bradstreet Bowler, MA, is a customer service and sales support representative for Above the Line Living, a company based in Louisiana which offers LED Light therapy, nutritional supplements and other holistic options, including seminars and speakers for those on a more natural health path and seeking alternatives to allopathic medicine.

Sponsored by Avalon Light Keepers, LLC, Bowler will share her story of successful weight loss and better health using LED Light therapy, January 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Cayo Grande, in Fort Walton Beach.

The multiple benefits of using light therapy include increasing circulation, moving the lymph system and reducing inflammation, resulting in a reduction in weight and increase in energy.

When individuals use the lights on a daily basis, they experience deeper sleep, more energy and an increase in well-being, because their body returns to a state of homeostasis, or balance.

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For more information, call 850-226-6900 (Smith) or 850-864-5300 (Leatherman).

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Location: 219 Racetrack Rd., in the Gardenia Room. For more information, call 850-424-8261, email Info@avalonlight keepers.com or visit AvalonLightKeepers.com. See ad on page 11.

kudos

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egina and Renee Jaquess bring unsurpassed pharmaceutical compounding services to the South Walton 30A and the Seaside area with their new Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy.

Regina, the pharmacist, is a world-class, record-holding, water ski slalom champion. She brings to the pharmacy the same precision of execution that also makes her a consummate athlete.

This translates into confidence in her products, like compounded pharmaceuticals such as hormone replacement therapy for women and men, thyroid hormone replacement, dermatology compounding, dental compounding, pain management compounding and veterinary compounding services.

Renee, the business end of the pharmacy, and Regina together provide the area with compounded Rx and work closely with the Professional Compounding Centers of America, with plans to expand within the next year. Ask your doctor about compounding services and the benefits of compounded prescriptions.

Location: 7 Town Center Loop, Unit C15, Santa Rosa Beach, 850-622-5800/eccpharmacy.com.

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ver the years, Children in Crisis (CIC) has long acknowledged the artistic skills of students at Liza Jackson Preparatory School.

But two years ago, the overwhelming compassion of fiery, red-haired 6-year-old Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, reLandon Baugh surprised ceives “Give A Birthday” funds totaling everyone. He’d heard about more than $1,000 from Landon Baugh. children in his own city that never had the joy of celebrating their birthday with a party.

Feeling blessed to have family and friends that celebrated his own special day each year; he decided to make a difference. For his seventh birthday, he asked family and friends to donate money to help other kids have a happier birthday instead of buying toys and gifts for him, calling his idea “Give a Birthday,” and 10 more children have followed in his footsteps.

Subsequent parties have raised more than $1,000 for the birthday boys and girls of Children in Crisis. Landon is so enthusiastic and giving that this year, for his eighth birthday, he raised even more money for the children of CIC. For more information, visit ChildrenInCrisisFl.org. natural awakenings

January 2013

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healthbriefs

Flame Retardant May Pose Health Risks O

besity, anxiety and developmental and reproductive problems have all been linked to small quantities of a flame retardant frequently used in furniture and baby products, according to a recent, limited study on rats by researchers at Duke University. Baby rats with mothers that ingested small amounts of the chemical Firemaster 550 gained more weight than those that weren’t exposed, and exposed female offspring displayed more anxiety, reached puberty earlier and exhibited abnormal reproductive cycles.

Study co-author Heather Stapleton, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental chemistry at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, is a leading expert on flame retardants, particularly children’s exposure to the toxic chemicals they can release. She specifically notes that the new research assessed exposure to doses far lower than those of earlier studies. “This raises red flags about a widely used chemical that we know little about,” advises Stapleton. “What we do know is that it’s common in house dust, and people, especially kids, are being exposed to it.”

“Firemaster 550 was put on the market with almost no study,” says Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which funded the new research. She says the preliminary findings strongly suggest the need for more studies.

Functional Training Protects Against Falls

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eniors that integrate strength and balance training into everyday activities experience nearly one-third fewer falls, according to a new study published online

by BMJ (formerly British Medical Journal). A team of researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, designed and tested the Lifestyle Integrated Functional Exercise program to reduce the risk of falls in people over 70. For example, a prescribed activity for improving balance was to stand on one leg while working, and for strength training, squatting to close a drawer. The study found that the average rate of falls per year for those in the program was 1.66, compared with 2.28 in a control group.

Wisdom from Water

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imply drinking a glass of water can prompt better choices at the dinner table, concludes new research by T. Bettina Cornwell, Ph.D., of the University of Oregon, and Anna R. McAlister, Ph.D., of Michigan State University. In separate studies, young adults and children were tested according to their food and beverage choices. When the participants were served a soda, they selected foods that tended to be more salty and calorie-dense. However, when the provided beverage was water, participants ate more raw vegetables.

A GMO-Free Grocery List

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ccording to a recent article published in Green American magazine, 93 percent of Americans believe that genetically modified foods should be labeled. However, only USDA-certified organic products cannot intentionally contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), so identifying GMO foods and products in a typical U.S. grocery store is difficult. The following information can help.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirms that large percentages of the nation’s crops were genetically modified in 2011: 94 percent of conventional soy and soy products; 90 percent of cottonseed, a common ingredient in margarine, salad dressings and oils; and 88 percent of corn, contained in breakfast cereals, corn flour products such as chips and tortillas, high-fructose corn syrup, soups and condiments. More than 90 percent of the U.S. canola crop also is now genetically modified.

The Independent, one of England’s leading newspapers, reported in 1999 that the artificial sweetener aspartame has been made with genetically modified bacteria since 1965.

Aspartame, inconclusively linked with numerous health risks, is present in more than 6,000 products, including diet sodas. Two other ubiquitous artificial sweeteners, Nutrasweet and Equal, also contain aspartame.

The USDA further lists 95 percent of the 2009 U.S. sugar beet crop, used to produce conventional sugar, as genetically modified. NonGMO alternative sweeteners include pure cane sugar and honey from organic farms.

Source: GreenAmerica.org

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Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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Keep Tabs on Radiation Black Pepper Exposure Fights Fat

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he cumulative exposure to ionizing radiation used in medical diagnostic tests from dental and chest X-rays, mammograms, heart health exams and other procedures adds up, often reaching or surpassing the recommended lifetime limit of 100 milliSieverts (mSv) set by the American College of Radiology, according to a recent Harvard Medical School advisory.

Among the tests that emit ionizing radiation are computerized tomography (CT scans), cardiac catheterizations, coronary CT angiograms, cardiac calcium scoring and some types of stress tests. Heart tests that pose no radiation risk include electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Dr. Warren Manning, chief of noninvasive cardiac imaging and testing at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, and a Harvard Medical School professor, advises, “One or two CT scans over a lifetime is appropriate. But if you have a condition that requires repeated monitoring, a test that does not expose you to ionizing radiation may be preferred.” Many radiologists take precautions to minimize clients’ radiation exposure, such as performing cardiac CT scans with one-sixth the conventional radiation dose.

EXPERIENCE NATURAL HEALING!

“Building Strong, Healthy Families”

ADULTS

simple, widely available spice and kitchen staple may help us trim our waistlines. New research published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry gives the nod to black pepper. The study provides evidence of a long-sought explanation for the beneficial, fat-fighting effects of the common seasoning.

Piperine, the pungent-tasting substance that gives black pepper its characteristic taste, helps block the formation of new fat cells.

Frying Pan Faux Pas

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ried foods may please the palate, but cooking them in the wrong medium, such as sunflower oil, can present a health risk. Researchers from the University of the Basque Country, in North Spain, have discovered that organic aldehyde compounds become toxic when heated. These chemicals, previously linked with some types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are generated by the degradation of fatty acids in sunflower and other oils high in polyunsaturated fats, and some remain in food after frying. Oils with higher concentrations of monounsaturated fats, such as olive, peanut or coconut, are less worrisome if frying is the only cooking option.

ANTI-AGING • PAIN RELIEF STRESS REDUCER

Acupuncture and Non-Needle Procedures Pharmaceutical Grade Herbs Also Formulated For Children Acupressure & Reflexology That Patients Can Do At home

KATHERINE SEMMES, MTOM ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN

TREATING:

• Respiratory Issues

Chronic Colds & Ear Infections, Asthma, Allergies

CHILDREN TEENS

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• Digestive Disorders • Stress-related Ailments

EASTERN TRADITIONS

850-554-3464

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ecotip

News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Repair and Reuse

Cut Abuse

Government Steps In to Curb Greenwashing The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued updated green marketing guidelines intended to stop advertisers from making deceptive or unqualified claims about products being environmentally beneficial or eco-friendly, called “greenwashing”. The FTC said that few products deliver the far-reaching environmental benefits that consumers associate with such claims, and they are nearly impossible to substantiate.

The revision is the first since 1998, when phrases like “carbon footprint” and “renewable energy” were relatively new.

Using input from consumers and industry groups, new sections address the use of carbon offsets, “green” certifications and seals, and renewable energy and renewable materials claims. Marketers are warned not to make broad, unqualified assertions that their products are environmentally benign or eco-friendly.

Arthur Weissman, president and CEO of Green Seal Inc., a nonprofit environmental certification organization based in Washington, D.C., says, “We hope that there will be enforcement to help rid the marketplace of the many less-than-credible seals and greenwashing that exist.”

The new guidelines are not rules or regulations, but general principles that describe the types of environmental claims the FTC may find deceptive. They do not address use of the terms “sustainable”, “natural” and “organic”.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

People Power

Modified Bicycles Recycle Electronic Waste Harvard graduate Rachel Field, 22, has invented the Bicyclean device, a contender for an international James Dyson Award recognizing the next generation of design engineers. The Bicyclean helps people in Third World countries separate valuable recyclable materials from the mountains of refrigerators, computers, cell phones and other electronic e-waste dumped in their “backyards” by richer nations. She aims to show that the needlessly harmful process can be made healthier, using simple bicycle technology that can be implemented virtually anywhere.

Her solution is to stand up a bike in the normal position, but with the back wheel removed and replaced with an enclosed, pedal-powered, grinder-andseparation system. Pushing bits of circuit board down an attached chute onto a grinding mill of coarse cement ejects crushed e-waste fragments. Magnets collect the ferrous metals, and a battery-powered electromagnetic current pushes away non-ferrous metals. The device is more sustainable, plus it deposits and emits much less pollution into nearby waterways and air than other methods.

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www.NWFNaturally.com

Mending a Throwaway Culture Countries can learn much from each other, and people that know how to fix things now have another model for benefiting their community by reducing the burden on landfills. Conceived three years ago in Amsterdam as a way to help reduce waste, the Repair Café concept—in which citizens gather one or more days a month to socialize while mending clothes and broken household items like coffeemakers and vacuum cleaners—currently operates in more than 30 locations throughout The Netherlands.

The effort in sustainability has been bolstered by a government grant, support from foundations and small donations that pay for staffing, marketing and even a Repair Café bus.

“In Europe, we throw out so many things,” says Martine Postma, a former journalist who initiated the idea after attending an exhibit on the benefits of repairing and recycling. “It’s a shame, because the things we throw away are usually not that broken.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” says Han van Kasteren, a professor at the Eindhoven University of Technology, who works on waste issues. “The social effect alone is important. When you get people together to do something for the environment, you raise consciousness, and repairing [something] gives a good feeling.”

The forum harbors two other positive aspects: It’s a way for handy retirees and others to ply and mentor skills that may have been dormant and also saves families the cost of buying a new product, a common occurrence as repair shops vanish along with handymen that make house calls.

The Repair Café Foundation provides lists of tools, tips for raising money, marketing materials and helpful insights for interested groups. To date, Postma has received inquiries from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, South Africa and Ukraine.

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Healthy Lifestyle Tweaks Surprisingly Simple Changes for Feeling Good

by Kathleen Barnes

A

ll of us have heard the admonition: “Eat lots of veggies and exercise daily and you’ll live a long, healthy life.”

There’s no question this advice is sound, but what about other helpfully healthy lifestyle adjustments we can make? Experts attest that doing easy things, such as going braless, walking barefoot or using a plug-in model instead of a cordless phone can all support wellness. Results range from stress relief to prevention of cancer, heart disease and other ailments often associated with aging.

“Making some of the simplest changes can have far-reaching positive effects on your health,” contends Frank King, a doctor of chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, president of King Bio Natural Medicine, in Asheville, North Carolina, and author of The Healing Revolution. “When we consider the huge negative effects shadowing the field of prescription drugs, it is just good sense to try things foundational to our health that are natural, inexpensive, effective and free of problematic side effects.”

sophisticated laboratory, with more wisdom than all medical professionals put together,” says King. His favorite technique is to tap into the body’s vast wisdom using applied kinesiology, or muscle testing. “The principal is simple.

When you are telling a truth or when something is good for the body, whether you are conscious of it or not, your body loosens up. When you are telling a lie or the body is rejecting something, your body tightens.”

Many holistic practitioners use applied kinesiology as a diagnostic tool. An easy way to use muscle testing at home is to bend forward, fingers stretching toward the toes. Set a baseline truth by saying out loud, “My name is _______,” and notice the length of the stretch.

Then utter an untruth, like calling yourself by a different name. Most people will find their range of motion is noticeably limited in the event of an untruth or something else that is not helpful.

A practical solution: Apply this technique in making any choice related to personal health.

Muscle Testing

Turn away from using cordless phones and turn off the Wi-Fi. Keep cell phones out of pockets

“The human body is an excellent lie detector. It is the world’s most 14

Control Electronic Pollution

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and purses. Move the TV out of the bedroom. These devices emit enormous amounts of radiation, disturbing our sleep patterns, thickening our blood and causing inflammation and a number of associated diseases, according to Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist and co-author of The Great Cholesterol Myth.

Recent findings of Sinatra’s research team at the University of California-Irvine, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, confirm that physical contact with the Earth naturally thins blood. “Grounding appears to be one of the simplest and yet most profound interventions for helping reduce cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular events,” the researchers concluded.

A recent study of animals by the Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory at Zhejiang University School of Medicine-Hangzhou, in China, shows that exposure to radio and electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) like those found in cell phones can alter some genes. An Indian study by the Bioelectromagnetic Laboratory at Jawaharlal Nehru University-New Delhi suggests that EMF exposure increases the production of free radicals in animal brains, which can lead to inflammation, cancer, heart disease and other serious diseases.

Swiss research published in the journal Somnologie by University of Bern scientists shows a clear connection between radio frequencies (RF) and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) admits a possible link between extensive cell phone use and exposure to RF waves and brain cancer.

Sinatra calls Wi-Fi signals “the new coronary risk factor” and warns, “Be aware that if you are on a computer at home on Wi-Fi, that is toxic to your body.”

A practical solution: Use an ethernet cable to connect computers rather than wireless; switch to an old-fashioned plugin phone with a handset attached; and stay three feet away from cell phones— never wear them. Sinatra says his research shows that men that put a cell phone in a pocket experience a reduction in testosterone within four hours.

Change Footwear In addition to unplugging from potentially harmful devices, Sinatra recommends plugging into Earth’s healing energies. “Our ancestors walked barefoot and slept on the ground.

They were connected to Earth’s electrical energies that kept them balanced and healthy,” explains the co-author of Earthing.

New research from the University of California-Irvine published in the Journal of Environment and Public Health explains how modern lifestyles tend to separate us from the healing electrical energies of the Earth. Because we rarely walk barefoot or sleep on the ground and most people wear rubbersoled shoes that break the currents, few are benefitting from this wealth of easily accessed healing energies that benefit the heart, brain, muscles and nervous and immune systems.

“Practically no one has the slightest notion of an electrical or energetic connection between his or her body and the Earth,” explains Sinatra. “The ground provides a subtle electric signal that governs the intricate mechanisms that help maintain health and make our bodies work, just like plugging a light into a power socket.”

Taken together, the research points to many health benefits gained by staying connected with our home planet, which Sinatra reports in Earthing, including reduced inflammation, relief from chronic pain muscle tension and headaches, lower blood pressure and tempered hormonal swings.

As a practical solution, Sinatra prescribes taking a little “vitamin G” (for grounding) every day: Walk barefoot as much as possible. Sit or lie on the ground with as much skin as possible in contact with living things such as grass, trees, pine needles or earth. During the winter, touch grounded electrical outlets or metal plumbing pipes. Also, wear comfortable, leather-soled shoes without socks indoors and out, because leather is an excellent conductor of Earth’s energies.

Ditch the Bra “Breast cancer is caused by bras,” medical anthropolo-

gist Sydney Ross Singer states unequivocally. He is co-author of Dressed to Kill, with Soma Grismaijer, and director of the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease, in Pahoa, Hawaii.

“Bras are designed to change the shape of a woman’s breasts to a culturally approved image,” remarks Singer. “But bras also create a pressure band between the breast and the lymph nodes, causing inflammation and swelling, and causing lymph to back up, restricting the body’s natural detoxification system.”

“Cancer-causing toxins are delivered to the breast tissue by the bloodstream and are kept there by the bra,” he explains, likening the toxins to bullets. “The bra holds them in place, pointed directly at the breasts.”

Singer’s research, conducted in the early 1990s, showed that women that wore bras 24/7 had a breast cancer risk 125 times that of women that never wore bras. Yet Singer’s findings have been largely dismissed by the medical community, and bra manufacturers still offer few wirefree styles.

A Harvard School of Public Health study, published in the European Journal of Cancer Care in 1991, also discovered that bra-free women had a lower rate of breast cancer. Because the results were not central to the focus of the university’s research at the time, there’s been no follow-up.

A practical solution: Wear a bra as little as possible. If it is sometimes necessary, wear one without wires, and engage in regular breast massage.

This can be enjoyable and is an ideal partner activity.

Hum Often Another Singer assertion is that simply humming “mmmmmmmmm” a couple of minutes a day can stimulate the thyroid and increase the production of thyroid hormones of those with an underactive thyroid. The butterfly-shaped gland wraps around the larynx, or voice box, which Singer contends is

part of nature’s elegant design, meant to be stimulated by sound.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that 10 percent of the U.S. population age 65 and over suffers from hypothyroidism, with the rate in the general population between 1 and 2 percent.

The condition is a special problem for women encountering perimenopause or menopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate wildly.

“The medical community has considered the effect of the thyroid on the voice but not the vibratory effect of vocalization on thyroid function,” says Singer. “It stands to reason that humming, singing or quietly talking is preferred to the overstimulation of shouting or yelling.”

Adopt a Pet “Animals are among our best teachers,” says Dr. Carol Roberts, the author of Good Medicine: A Return to Common Sense, who teaches holistic care at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine.

“Animal companions give us so much more than they ask for and live in a state of unconditional, open-hearted love.”

Roberts notes numerous studies that show the simple presence of a loving animal can lower our blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A CDC heart study, for example, showed subjects that had owned a cat at any time were 40 percent less likely to die of a heart attack.

Japanese researchers from Azabu University, in Kanagawa-ken, found that dog owners experienced a spike in oxytocin—a neurotransmitter that helps us cope with stress—by simply meeting their pet’s gaze. While people widely recognize that walking the dog is great exercise, other loving interactions with our pets support happiness and health, as well.

Exercise Artistic Skills Giving oneself artistic license is also healthy, advises Roberts. “Just bring a little beauty into your life, whether

natural awakenings

January 2013

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it’s choosing which clothing and accessories to wear, arranging a vase of table flowers or dancing to favorite music. Just do something creative every day.”

Energy therapists maintain that exposure to creative activities improves circulation to the brain and thyroid; on a psychological level, it also works to improve self-confidence and self-expression.

A recent study at the University of Colorado published in the journal Palliative & Supportive Care confirmed that individual art therapy is useful in supporting cancer patients during chemotherapy. Fifty-one of the 54 participants said it helped them to relax, talk about their situation or explore and express emotions to their benefit.

Roberts adds, “It’s even better if you join a group engaged in a creative activity. I think people in general do better when we come together to create something beautiful.”

These experts’ prescriptions for such simple lifestyle changes have shown how commonsense adjustments in everyday living can have profound, health-altering results, with only good after effects.

Kathleen Barnes is a natural health advocate, author and publisher. Among her many books is The Super Simple HCG Diet (Square One). Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

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Practitioner Spotlight Beyond Traditional Medicine

by Jude Forsyth “If at 85 years young, you call me to see if it’s a good idea to go skydiving, then I’ve been the kind of doctor we both needed me to be,” exclaims Dr. Pamela Svendsen, founder and medical director of The Wellness Center at Navarre. She offers her patients an individualized program using both traditional and non-traditional medicine.

She is also a diplomate of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Instead of disease-focused treatment, Svendsen offers patient-centered care and anti-aging medicine that is clinically and medically aimed at early detection, prevention, treatment and reversal of age-related decline. “Real prevention is not just disease preven-

tion, but also wellness promotion,” she explains.

“Being at a healthy weight is a cornerstone of wellness,” comments Svendsen. She promotes traditional methods of weight loss with nutritional counseling and the promotion of appropriate exercise. She also understands the need for medically supervised weight-loss programs. She explains, “There are many factors for success and failure when using appetite suppressants; it is very important to be medically supervised.”

Svendsen also has a keen interest in bio-identical hormones. “I see a great deal of women for a variety of problems that can be improved and eliminated with the balance of hormones,” states Svendsen. She believes in following every patient closely, evaluating symptoms and using laboratory tests to determine each patient’s customized dose. Svendsen prescribes only bio-identical hor-

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mones that are identical to the body’s own chemistry. Her goal is to provide a treatment that helps women suffering from the symptoms of menopause to live the best life possible, while at the same time minimizing the side effects often associated with synthetic hormone therapy.

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Addressing Autism Families Have Reasons for Hope

by Brita Belli

P

arents of autistic children are encouraged when they witness improvements after eliminating gluten (wheat) and casein (dairy) from their kids’ diets. Now a parental study supports the correlation—for some kids on the autism spectrum, the gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet appears to be connected with remarkable changes.

Laura Cousino Klein, associate professor of biobehavioral health and human development at the Penn State College of Medicine, helped lead research that surveyed 387 parents or caregivers with affected children. For those diagnosed with combinations of autism and gastrointestinal issues or food sensitivities, the GFCF diet brought marked improvements in their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behaviors— reducing hyperactivity and tantrums; minimizing constipation and seizures; and improving social behaviors.

Klein says scientists are still working to understand the interaction between the brain, gut and behaviors, but recent findings suggest that significant links exist. “One hypothesis is that by eliminating dietary triggers in the presence of food allergies or gastrointestinal distress, you’re reducing inflammation or irritability of the immune system, and that’s affecting the way the brain is functioning,” she says.

Dietary Turnaround One Racine, Wisconsin, mom, Cindy Schultz, a tireless advocate for her autistic son, says, “As an infant, he either had constipation or diarrhea. There was never a happy medium.”

The GFCF diet has improved his health and his ability to communicate.

Shauna Layton, in Clinton, Indiana, says her son experienced similar bowel problems and she also saw a remarkable turnaround in his language abilities and social interactions as they adhered to a GFCF diet and eliminated sugar and yeast. Other parents from her online support group, Together in Autism, report similar success. “Some children have never talked, and now they are saying ‘Mom,’ ‘Dad,’ or ‘I love you,’ for the first time,” Layton says.

A definitive gut-brain link with autism has yet to be identified. Some scientists suggest that kids with autism are more 18

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likely to have leaky gut syndrome (intestinal permeability), which allows peptides from gluten and casein to escape from the digestive tract, cross the intestinal membranes, enter the bloodstream and go to the brain, causing the neurobehavioral symptoms known as ASDs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. While the AAP knows of no scientific proof that a GFCF diet will bring benefits, they note that it’s possible, especially in people suffering from celiac disease.

Parents have also observed that food dyes can exacerbate hyperactivity in children, a connection unconfirmed by the federal government. In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Advisory Committee suggested further testing, while voting against additional food labeling requirements for potentially problematic dyes.

Meanwhile, some parents affirm that eliminating such dyes has helped them better manage their children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 2011 study taking into account 35 years of research found that many ADHD children showed significant improvement after eliminating dyes from their diets; it also registered that greater than 70 percent were positively influenced by various dietary changes. The results were promising enough for researchers to conclude, “A trial elimination diet is appropriate for children that have not responded satisfactorily to conventional treatment.”

The Role of Vitamin D A 2012 study in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that autistic children had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than control subjects. Vitamin D, the study notes, regulates immune function and thus autoimmunity; when the immune system is disrupted and the body attacks itself, it may play a role in the development of autism.

Dr. John Cannell, founder of the nonprofit Vitamin D Council, remarks that fear of sun overexposure has led to the deficiencies. “Vitamin D is not a vitamin,” Cannell clarifies. “It’s a steroid hormone system that begins in the skin. If children aren’t getting any photons of UVB light, they’re not making any vitamin D.”

He notes that the rise in autism rates during the last 25 years tracks with increases in 50-plus SPF sunscreen use, more time spent indoors and a rise in breastfeeding. Because breast milk contains low amounts of vitamin D, since 2003 the AAP has emphasized the importance of parents giving vitamin D supplement drops to breastfed infants.

The same vitamin D study showed that the severity of autism correlated strongly with deficiencies of this vitamin and that the higher the level, the less severe the symptoms. Cannell has witnessed this phenomenon via a clinic hosted by the Vitamin D Council, recommending increases in vitamin D levels for autistic children to “high normal levels” and reducing vitamin A, which blocks the action of vitamin D.

“We have children on 5,000 to 10,000 units of vitamin D a day,” Cannell reports. “We see improvements in terms of sleep, meltdowns, eye contact, cognitive capacity, fine motor skills, language and reading—across the spectrum.”

Brita Belli is the author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates.

www.NWFNaturally.com

Community Spotlight The Passion and Pastures of Jordan Rubin’s Beyond Organic

J

ordan Rubin fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2009 with the founding of Beyond Organic, a vertically integrated organic food and beverage company, farming more than 8,000 organic acres in Missouri and Georgia. The passion Rubin has for organic animal farming started with illness as a teenager, when he was evaluated or treated by more than 69 medical experts, yet remained deathly ill.

Conventional and natural treatments failed to return Rubin to good health. Raised in a family of faith, he read a scripture from Hebrews that inspired him. He explains, “The scripture said that faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence and assurance of things not seen. I decided to put action to my faith.”

Rubin’s first step was to ask his mother to take a picture of him in his current unhealthy state. His mother was reluctant, wanting to wait to take the picture when he was healthier.

Rubin insisted, because he knew that people might not believe his story as he undertook God’s plan to help him recover.

The boy began a way of life eating and drinking as men and women of the Bible did centuries ago. He began to consume only whole foods and beverages, such as cultured dairy products and grass-fed beef that was rich in nutrients and raw beverages. After a 40-day period, Rubin went from sickness to health, and understood that God’s plan for him was to become a messenger. “I call it the maker’s diet. I went from being a mess to a messenger; I promised then to have a hand in raising and growing the world’s healthiest foods,” he says.

In 1988, with his parents’ credit card in hand, Rubin founded Garden of Life, now a leading whole food nutritional supplement company. He traveled five continents and 44 states to learn about the world’s foods and to partner with health food stores and physicians’ offices. The seeds for Beyond Organic were planted then, and later realized with the development of a farm on more than 8,000 acres of pristine land in the Ozarks, and continued among 140 acres of pure, spring-fed mountain property in North Georgia.

Beyond Organic is a vertically integrated company, controlling the entire supply chain for all foods and beverages produced. Rubin also chose manufacturing partners to help create toxic-free skin and body care products and organic chocolate.

“My commitment was to be uncompromising about the quality of the food; having a hand in every aspect of the supply chain, using tips from the ancient biblical past and delivering live, delicious, healthy foods from our farm to your family,” states Rubin.

Rubin continued by developing a mission with three parts: transforming the health of this nation and world, one life at a time; creating superior quality health and wellness solutions; and teaching the principles of biblical

health, abundant living and environmental stewardship.

“Our health and wellness solutions feature leading-edge products and programs designed to help minimize toxins and maximize nutrition, rejuvenating the body from the inside-out,” explains Rubin. “We offer products and programs that go ‘beyond organic’ within the categories of cleansing and detoxification, toxic-free skin and body care, live snacks and beverages, pure mountain spring water and nutrient-dense beef and dairy products.”

Rubin’s vision includes sound environmental practices. “I feel we have lost our connection to the land. I want to help reconnect individuals to the ultimate source of health— food and water from land preserved by nature. We are the stewards of this Earth,” he explains.

Beyond Organic is a direct selling company. Instead of sharing his profits with health food retailers, Rubin decided to share with those that shared his message the most and support the people that have been championing natural health all along. His plan helps those champions get their food and beverages free or to earn income. His program utilizes independent representatives, or mission marketers, to reach potential customers, rather than traditional retail methods. States Rubin, “If you want to spread the message of health to others, Beyond Organic will walk alongside you in your journey to change your diet, change your life and change your world.”

Rubin also engages in charity work. He follows the biblical example of Joseph, who saved his family and a whole people by storing food during good times to distribute to people during a drought. Founded in 2011 by Jordan and Nicki Rubin, the Beyond Organic Foundation is a Biblebased charity that finds its roots in James 1:27 that teaches caring for orphans and widows in distress. He does so by partnering with churches, ministries and missionaries to feed, clothe, shelter and care for people around the world.

Rubin encourages Beyond Organic representatives to give back with his “Give-a-Meal, Get-a-Meal” program that invites participants to donate $10 (or more if they wish) with their order to pay for a meal for someone in need. He encourages this by adding $10 worth of free product credits to the customer’s account.

Rubin shares his philosophy, “We will not measure our success by the amount of food we ship or the amount of dollars people put in their pockets, but by how many lives that are changed.”

For more information about Beyond Organic products and services, or business opportunities in the local area, call 850-450-7837 or visit ToxicFree@MyBeyondOrganic.com. natural awakenings

January 2013

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wisewords

GMO Truths and Consequences Health and Safety are Question Marks

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

T

he food industry tells consumers that genetically engineered foods are safe. On university campuses, agriculture students learn that such genetically modified organisms (GMO) are both safe and necessary to feed the world. The Council for Biotechnology Information, a biotech industry-supported nonprofit, even created a coloring book to teach children about the many benefits of GMO crops, including improved nutrition.

Most GMO crops have been genetically engineered to withstand spraying with herbicides, such as Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready soybeans, or to produce their own pesticides, such as “Bt” corn and cotton. Bill Freese, a science policy analyst at the nonprofit Center for Food Safety, warns us to be leery of simplistic claims that don’t take into account unintended consequences.

For example, he points out that, “GMO crops have nothing to do with feeding the world, because almost all genetically engineered crops are corn and soybeans... used to feed livestock in rich countries, or to feed automobiles.” Approximately 40 percent of corn currently is used to make ethanol.

20

Freese adds, “They don’t increase yields and they don’t increase nutrition.” But GMO crops have led to a staggering increase in herbicide use, putting both farmers and consumers at greater risk for exposure to these toxins and related diseases, according to the Center for Food Safety.

So the question is: Are GMOs the panacea industry wants us to believe, or are they contributing to chronic disease? Here are three claims commonly heard about GMOs, generally made by the biotechnology industry and their funded researchers.

Claim: GMOs are safe.

Fact Check: Little research exists

on the long-term effects of consuming GMO foods. According to Douglas Gurian-Sherman, a senior scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, safety assessments have left us with significant uncertainties about whether GMO food is safe or not.

However, concerns voiced by the Center for Food Safety revolve around potential allergens and toxins from both herbicide and pesticide residues and new genetic material.

New research from the European Union published in Food and Chemical Toxicology adds to growing

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concerns about the risks. Researchers discovered that rats fed GMO corn and drinking water containing Roundup herbicide experienced negative health effects during their two-year lifespan, including mammary tumors and disabled pituitary function in females, and liver and kidney damage in males. These outcomes were attributed to the endocrine-disrupting effects of Roundup, as well as the genetic makeup of the engineered corn.

What makes this study unique and troubling is that it’s the longest such study period to date. Most studies funded and conducted by industry last just 90 days—not long enough to fully document potential harm.

Michael Hansen, Ph.D., a senior scientist at Consumer Reports, states in a memo to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Council on Science and Public Health, “Unlike all other developed countries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require safety testing for GE [genetically engineered] plants.”

Hansen explains, “In addition to the FDA not requiring any pre-market safety testing, there is virtually no independent safety testing of these crops in the United States, due to intellectual property rights. When farmers buy GE seed in the U.S., they invariably must sign a product stewardship agreement that forbids them from giving such seeds to researchers.” Plus, “Researchers must get permission from the biotech companies before they can do research, which means there is a paucity of independent research.”

The good news is that last June, the AMA recommended mandatory pre-market safety testing to better characterize the potential harms of bioengineered foods.

Claim: GMO crops use fewer pesticides, and those used are safer than most others and break down quickly.

Fact Check: Roundup herbicide is increasingly sprayed on a growing number of herbicide-resistant GMO crops, including corn, soy, canola, sugar beets and most recently, alfalfa.

By tracking the U.S. Department of

Agriculture’s pesticide use data, Charles Benbrook, research professor at the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, at Washington State University, discovered that herbicide-resistant crop technology led to a 527-million-pound increase in herbicide use in the United States between 1996 and 2011.

With the growing presence of herbicide-resistant weeds, new GE forms of corn and soybeans have been developed to resist stronger and more dangerous herbicides, such as 2,4-D, one of the two ingredients in Agent Orange, a defoliant used in the Vietnam War. Benbrook projects that these new GMO crops could drive herbicide usage up by about another 50 percent.

According to Warren Porter, Ph.D., a biologist and environmental toxicology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Theo Colborn, Ph.D., president of The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, glyphosate, the active chemical ingredient in Roundup, is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it interferes with hormone systems.

Porter says we can expect higher levels of herbicide residues in GMO food crops. A report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that glyphosate is now commonly found in rain, streams and air during the growing season. “Though glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, we know very little about its long-term effects to the environment,” cautions Paul Capel, a USGS chemist.

A Canadian study showing that the Bt toxins from GMO corn are showing up in umbilical cord blood and the blood of pregnant women is another concern. Mon-

santo claims Bt is harmless and will break down in our digestive tracts. But we have no way of knowing the effect of these toxins on developing fetuses, says Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Ph.D., a senior scientist with the Pesticide Action Network.

Claim: GMO labeling isn’t necessary.

Fact Check: Hansen believes that if there are unex-

pected adverse health effects resulting from consuming GMO foods, a product label would allow people to begin connecting symptoms with foods consumed. Until there is consistent, national GMO food labeling, everyone is just dining in the dark.

Learn more and take action at JustLabelIt.org.

Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “Food Sleuth,” is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host at kopn.org, in Columbia, MO (Food Sleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image.blogspot.com.

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frequently have unhealthy side effects.

Controversy over supplements seems to arise primarily from misinformation. Following are some guidelines and resources to help ensure their wise use and maximum benefit.

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by James Occhiogrosso

According to the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements, nearly half of us regularly use some kind of dietary supplement, including vitamins, minerals and botanical herbs.

W

hile mainstream media have recently targeted supplements with alarming coverage about their value and safety, James J. Gormley, former editor of Better Nutrition and author of User’s Guide to Brain-Boosting Supplements, helps set the record straight. In an open letter on the Cit-

izens for Health website, at Tinyurl. com/LetterRebuttal, he contends the worst part about misleading articles is that they can scare readers away from benefits that safe supplements might offer. He notes that although nothing in life is 100 percent riskfree, supplements are inherently benign, while pharmaceutical drugs

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Natural health practitioners report that their clients tend to mentally group pharmaceuticals and supplements together. However, pharmaceutical drugs are typically synthetic, single-action chemicals that target one body system or organ, causing it to alter its function; they mask symptoms, but do not cure disease. On the other hand, the goal of vitamins, minerals and plant-derived supplements is to provide nutrients to help a troubled body system by supporting health and healing.

Some confusion occurs because many pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers take advantage of people’s desire for a one-bullet solution, which rarely exists in either source. Stephen Lawson, administrative officer of the Linus Pauling Institute, at Oregon State University, maintains that, “Lumping together items like vitamins, minerals and botanicals, each of which can have profoundly different physical profiles and effects on the body, is dangerous and misleading.”

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Everyone can benefit from taking the right supplements to address specific health needs. Numerous studies attest that many diseases, especially in older adults, are caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals. For example, pernicious anemia, common in adults over the age of 60, is due to a long-term deficiency of vitamin B12. The condition often proved fatal until researchers discovered that taking such supplements could effectively treat it.

Another common nutritional deficiency disease among aging adults is osteoporosis, a loss of bone minerals that often leads to fractures. Its

primary cause is chronic deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D levels. The latter is crucial for absorbing calcium—a primary mineral for building bone. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults are likely to spend more time indoors, plus, even when they are exposed to the sun, their skin does not synthesize vitamin D as efficiently as when they were younger.

Serious nutrient deficiencies rarely cause fatal outcomes, but deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals can deter organs from optimal functioning. General medical tests do not always show minor shortfalls, and practice shows that supplementing with the appropriate vitamin or mineral can often both eliminate symptoms and resolve an underlying problem.

Choosing Helpful Supplements Determining which supplements can best meet individual needs requires sound information. First, determine if a perceived condition could be caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, and then identify the best dosage. It is also vital to know how a supplement might interact with any current medications.

Most vitamin and mineral supplements are safe when used properly, but always consider asking an experienced professional for guidance; this is especially true for botanicals, because some manufacturers make unsupported claims based only on their own research.

Generally, nonprofit organizations such as the Linus Pauling Institute (lpi.Oregon State.edu) that do not sell supplement products, present unbiased information.

nutritious foods, in order to achieve a normal balance.

A 2009 report by the U.S. National Poison Data System indicated that the number of serious adverse events that year from the use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids or herbal supplements was extremely low, with no related U.S. deaths.

Many natural healthcare experts, including naturopaths, nutritionists and dieticians, conclude that supplements are useful and in some cases, necessary, especially when treating a

significant nutrient or hormonal deficiency. It’s wise to consult a knowledgeable professional before buying the antioxidant du jour mentioned by a friend from the gym.

James Occhiogrosso, a natural health practitioner and master herbalist, specializes in salivary hormone testing and natural hormone balancing for men and women. Find helpful articles at HealthNaturallyToday.com.

Connect at 239-498-1547 or DrJim@ HealthNaturallyToday.com.

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The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years. ~ Deepak Chopra

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W

e spend a good deal of time gazing at ourselves in a mirror with the physical eye, as well as into the mirror of our mind with an analytical eye, endeavoring to size ourselves up in our own estimation, and also determining how others might evaluate us. Both of these mirrors are clouded with ego-related dust that distorts our vision. Only when we turn our gaze inward with the intuitive eye of awareness can we perceive our innate wholeness, for there is no dust on the mirror of the soul.

Consider this: A consciousness of wholeness reunifies us with our authentic self, so that even during those times when we are unaware of it, our wholeness is intact and utterly dust-free—only our awareness of it is missing. When awareness returns, we live free from ego’s bondage and its ignorance-soaked history and habits. We are reunified with the reality of our being.

Our daily practice is to be ever mindful—on the dot—the moment we lose sight of our true nature.

Everyday experiences grace us with reminders by mentally tapping us on the shoulder and returning us to the qualities we wish to express in our interactions with our self, others and all of life. We are continually given the opportunity to reconnect with the high vision we hold for ourselves

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

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in our mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, professional, relational and communal life structures.

It serves us well to remember that we are here learning to mother our consciousness, just as the universe mothers us throughout our lifetime and beyond.

Intelligence, wisdom, intuition, joy and creativity—these are the qualities we want to mother within ourselves in order to unveil our original face. As we set a conscious intention to evolve, we live as the master artists we are—creating, directing and producing our lives.

The more time we set aside for meditation, contemplation and life visioning, the more we can have 20/20 vision in foresight, rather than hindsight. Through practice, we activate our intuition, clean off egoic dust and enter a more consistently clear-sighted state of mindful being.

Thus we actualize our highest potential and realize our organic, enlightened consciousness.

Michael Bernard Beckwith is the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles, California, author of Life Visioning: A Transformative Process for Activating Your Unique Gifts and Highest Potential (Sounds True, 2011/2013), and originator of the Life Visioning process.

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SUSTAINABLE WEIGHT LOSS

Five Secrets for Feeling Like Yourself Again

by Judith Fertig

Health experts agree that many foods can play multiple roles in weight loss.

S

tarting in the 1970s, natural foods advocate and journalist Kathleen Barnes, of Brevard, North Carolina, avidly practiced vegetarianism, yet through the years she still gained weight. Searching for answers, she shared her findings in an array of books that include 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women (co-authored with Dr. Hyla Cass) and Rx from the Garden: 101 Food Cures You Can Easily Grow.

“When I at last learned which key foods to add to my diet, I lost 100 pounds—and kept them off,” says Barnes.

Burn fat. Foods with thermogenic properties help heat up the body and may help burn fat. “You feel a flush when you eat or drink them,” Barnes notes. Chili peppers, curry powder, horseradish, mustard, garlic, onion, wasabi, ginger, black pepper and radishes are especially good choices in cold weather, when we want to feel warm anyway.

The intense flavors delivered by such foods help us to practice the principle of portion control, Chester Ku-Lea, a health and nutrition consultant in Vancouver, British Columbia, says, “Adding these foods to dishes generates a higher rate of caloric burn, and their powerful flavors prompt people to eat far less than they normally would. Plus, red, cayenne and jalapeño peppers, hot sauces and any other spicy foods are all very low in calories.”

Enhance mood. We don’t want to feel hungry or deprived when trying to lose weight. The protein in turkey, chicken and cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel helps us feel more satisfied and on top of things.

Barnes also suggests eating low-fat

26

cottage cheese, avocado, wheat germ, whole-grain crackers and bananas to help increase serotonin levels and feelings of well-being. “When you crave something sweet or feel like you’re crashing mid-afternoon, that’s the time to eat a small amount of these foods to get you back on track,” she advises.

Julia Ross, author of The Mood Cure and The Diet Cure, agrees. This Mill Valley, California, nutritional psychotherapist recommends complex carbohydrates such as whole grains to keep us on an even keel during weight loss. “This means pushing away the leftover cake and eating sensible carbs to stimulate serotonin,” she says.

Promote digestion. The fiber in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains helps move things along in the digestive system, making our bodies work more efficiently. Barnes favors drinking peppermint and other herbal teas and incorporating sage, dill, oregano and other herbs in savory dishes to aid digestion.

According to a recent University of Illinois study, soluble fiber found in oat bran, fruits, vegetables and nuts not only facilitates digestion, but also supports the immune system. Professor Gregory Freund, who teaches at the university’s medical school in Champaign, explains, “Soluble fiber changes the personality of immune cells—they go from being pro-inflammatory, angry cells to anti-inflammatory, healing cells that help us recover faster from infection.”

Feel full. Hunger pangs can derail anyone’s best efforts to eat better. Barnes learned that

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

liquids, including up to two quarts of water a day, help retain a satisfied feeling.

In cooler months, she makes soups that incorporate leafy green vegetables, onion, garlic, chili peppers and herbs.

An apple a day might keep the doctor away—and help in other ways, as well. “Apples have a high water content and are packed with fiber, two factors that leave you satiated,” says Keren Gilbert, a registered dietitian and founder of Decision Nutrition, in Great Neck, New York. “For a tasty protein-packed snack, top apple slices with natural almond butter.”

Accept treats. Leaving room for a treat, like a piece of fine chocolate, can leave us feeling satisfied rather than stuffed, says Katherine Harvey, a registered dietitian in Kansas City, Missouri.

Indulging in a little sweet treat from time to time reinforces the perception that eating right can be simple and pleasurable, says Barnes. In cold months, she likes to bake apples sweetened with Stevia and cinnamon, or poach pears in fruit juice and spices.

She might break open a pomegranate and slowly munch each ruby-colored seed, or stop at a coffee shop to sip a latte made with low-fat milk.

Barnes’ evolved natural foods strategy has helped her maintain a desirable weight for many years now. “Sustainable weight loss involves sustainable eating,” she says, “finding healthy foods that we can enjoy for the rest of our lives.”

Award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle. blogspot.com.

Five Unusual Weight Loss Tips

by Deborah Daniels

G

reen coffee bean extract: In addition to a sensible diet and exercise plan, green coffee bean extract can help with weight loss. The active ingredient in green coffee bean extract is chlorogenic acid, which works to inhibit the release of glucose in the body. It induces thermogenesis, speeds up metabolism and helps burn fat. Roasting coffee beans removes chlorogenic acid, so green coffee bean extract must be processed while still in a raw state.

Look for a 100 percent pure green coffee bean formulation that contains at least 50 percent chlorogenic acid.

Breathing: Bhastrika is a yogic practice used to increase the “fire” within, which increases the circulation and metabolic rate, resulting in weight loss. To do this, one takes short breathes from the diaphragm, much like a bellows through the nose. Breathe for about 25 seconds per round for three rounds. Increase up to 10 rounds. Blow out a long breath after each round before beginning again.

Cleansing: Doing a quarterly cleanse helps remove debris and toxins from the body, resulting in more efficient functioning of the organs and detoxification systems in the body and colon. This results in weight loss and more energy.

For a good colon cleansing drink, mix together one tablespoon of bentonite clay, one teaspoon of psyllium seed, a half-cup of organic apple juice, a half-cup of organic aloe vera juice and a half-cup of steam-distilled water. Drink daily until colon is cleansed, about two weeks.

LED light therapy: LED light helps to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation to make moving easier. It also works on the lymphatic system by flushing away toxins. It increases the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound that serves as the immediate source of energy for the body’s cells, notably muscle cells. The light also produces nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator, which assists in muscle building by oxygenating and nourishing the tissue.

EFA (essential fatty acids): Contrary to the belief that fat is contraindicated for weight loss, it is instead an essential component. The good fats in fish oil, flax oil, grapeseed oil, primrose oil, avocados, almonds, walnuts and olives are excellent for assisting in weight loss because consuming them helps one to feel satiated and calms the nerves, while benefiting the body’s brain, joints and hormones.

Deborah Daniels is certified as a light energy technician through the board of Advanced Natural Health Sciences.

She is the co-owner of Avalon Light Keepers. For more information, call 850-424-8261 or visit AvalonLightkeepers.com.

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January 2013

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Healthy, Local, Fresh, Seasonal, Glutenfree, Vegetarian, Raw & Farm-to-table Dining Options Our Hawaiian Fusion grill serves fresh Hawaiian classics and unique creations such as the Mahi Taco, and saute salad.

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PANAMA CITY BEACH David’s New Orleans Style Sno-Balls E Back Beach Rd 850-236-1998 Lotus Cafe 707 R. Jackson Blvd 850-234-1651 ZenGardenMarket.com/Lotus.html PENSACOLA FORT WALTON BEACH CafE Organic 113 Truxton Avenue 850-585-3645 CafeOrganicFWB.com 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mon-Fri. Café Organic Focuses on real food that is organic, fresh, and 100% made from scratch; includes full juice and smoothie bar, vegan and gluten free, organic meats and dairy. Classes and personal consultation on healthy cooking and lifestyle are available.

Golden Almond Health Food Store 339 Racetrack Rd NW # 3 (850) 863-5811; GoldenAlmond.com Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. We have natural and organic foods and the largest selection of herbs and supplements in the area. Enjoy our new fresh juice bar (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) while shopping for your health needs with the help of our knowledgeable and personable staff.

East Hill Market 1216 N. 9th Ave 850-469-1432 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon-Sat. End of the Line Cafe 610 E. Wright St 850-429-0336; EOTLCafe.com A unique little place in the Old East Hill area for 10 years, we prepare healthy, creative foods daily and our own vegan cheese. Enjoy our Sunday brunch, Thursday dinner, RSVP for our monthly raw foods dinner, beer and wine, and free WiFi. PENSACOLA BEACH BeachPops 5 Via Deluna Dr 888-935-8827; BeachPops.com 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon-Sun. Wild Roots 5 Via Deluna Dr 888-935-8827 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon-Sun. 850-267-0558 SANTA ROSA BEACH

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Fiddle Around at Fiddly Bits & Tea

I

t doesn’t matter whether you enter from the Miracle Strip Parkway entrance near Brooks Bridge or park and come in the back entrance across from Landing Park, as long as you get in to see what’s being exhibited and eaten at Fiddly Bits & Tea, in downtown Fort Walton Beach.

This delightful gift shop and art gallery also offers some of the best little sandwiches, quiches and pastries in Fort Walton Beach. If you enjoy different flavored tea and jam tarts, tea cakes, tea sandwiches, tea cookies and crumpets , this is the right place for you. The salmon sandwich with fruit and salad is smiling good and just the right amount of food. They also serve wine and beer, with special house vintages.

While there, you will enjoy shopping in the gift shop for unusual and original gifts and the eclectic art of local, national and international artesians. Be sure to find out the next date for their “Meet the Artist Night,” and receive special prices on custom artwork.

Fiddly Bits is a great place to meet with friends or a business associate, as the dining area lends itself to a quiet conversation. The staff can host creative parties for birthdays, motherdaughter teas, bridesmaid luncheons, or a special “High English Tea Party.”

As the Landing Park is right outside the back door, it’s a fun idea to pick up a picnic tea box and enjoy it in the park with your family or friends.

Their personal service and delicious menu is perfect for many fun plans in and out of the café.

Visit Fiddly Bits at 222 Miracle Strip Pkwy in FWB or call 850-226-7375.

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fitbody

STAND UP AND MOVE! How to Sizzle, not Fizzle

by Debra Melani

A

s millions of Americans ponder quitting newly launched fitness resolutions after finding it tough to squeeze in toning workouts or sweat off a few extra pounds, researchers implore: Don’t give up. Just pump out 20 minutes a day of any kind of exercise—take a brisk walk, jog, lift weights—and stop sitting so much. Results can bring a healthier, more youthful feeling of well-being, akin to what explorer Juan Ponce de León sought in the Americas long ago.

In a recently completed study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers followed up with more than 18,000 middle-aged men and women that had been tested an average of 26 years earlier for cardiorespiratory fitness via a treadmill test. They compared those results with the individuals’ current Medicare data at the Cooper Institute Clinic, in Dallas, Texas.

“We found those who were fitter had a much lower rate of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cer-

tain kinds of colon cancer and coronary artery disease,” says co-author Dr. Benjamin Willis.

“Fit people that did become ill did so at a much later age than their non-fit counterparts. They were able to enjoy a healthier life longer.”

Researchers found that for every higher MET fitness level (standard metabolic equivalent, a unit for measuring fitness related to the amount of oxygen used by the body during physical activity), the risk of chronic disease decreased by about 6 percent.

“So those that can raise their fitness levels by three METs have an estimated 18 to 20 percent reduced risk of developing a chronic disease,” Willis explains.

The take-away message is, “Just move,” says study co-author Dr. Laura DeFina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends investing in a weekly total of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise, either of which can be broken down into two or three 10-minute increments a day, DeFina confirms.

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As simple as it sounds, few people are doing it, something New York Times fitness columnist Gretchen Reynolds underscores in her recent book, The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can: Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer. “Most of us sit an average of eight hours a day, whether it’s at a desk or in front of a television,” Reynolds says. “The human body was not meant to be sedentary.” More than three-quarters of Americans are not meeting exercise recommendations, with one-quarter remaining completely sedentary, the CDC reports.

Breaking this cycle does not need to be difficult, Reynolds notes. “You get the benefits from just moving. Start by standing up more and moving around in your office.”

Reynolds, who hops on one foot while brushing her teeth and reads standing up using a music stand, says studies have shown that bad things happen to bodies that sit for long stints, even those that start each day with an hour of exercise, and good things happen to bodies that stand often, even if it’s just for two minutes every half-hour. “For instance, when you stand, the big muscles in your legs and back contract, releasing enzymes that stabilize blood sugar,” Reynolds says, echoing findings of a study of more than 120,000 men and women published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The researchers found that the combination of both sitting more and being less physically active was associated with a significant increase in accelerated death rate, particularly in women, at 94 percent, as well as men, at 48 percent.

As Reynolds’ book title suggests, the majority of health benefits are derived from the first 20 minutes of exercise and begin to flatten out after 30 minutes or so. Dr. Carl Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at the Ochsner Medical Center, in New Orleans, points out that this timeframe supports general health. He and Reynolds agree that to reach specific goals, such as increased running speed or dramatic weight loss, moderate levels won’t do the trick, so do more, if possible.

The most vital message, experts agree, is to do something every day, consistently. Willis observes that, “The effects can quickly reverse if you stop.”

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Current environmental policies must be realigned to safeguard our health, sustain planetary life-support systems and free us from dependence upon fossil fuels.

U

nder the misleading banner of clean and green, the global natural gas rush is on, and nowhere more so than in the United States. We are literally shattering America’s bedrock to bring methane out of the Earth and consuming enormous quantities of precious fresh water to do so, without any clear knowledge of the health or environmental consequences. Due to economies of scale and required infrastructure, fracking is an all-or-nothing proposition, and each state decides its own fate.

The Marcellus Shale forms a 600-mile-long basement foundation for communities spanning New York, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

As the largest natural gas deposit in the country, it has become ground-zero for high-volume, slickwater hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Many more states are equally vulnerable (see GaslandTheMovie.com/map).

In a two-to-200-foot-thick bedrock layer up to a mile below Earth’s surface, the shale and its captured methane, uranium, mercury, arsenic and lead have remained locked in place for millions of years. Above it lie drinking water aquifers.

32

Prior to the 21st century, capturing methane gas bubbles dispersed within such a horizontal formation, instead of a vertical well, was deemed uneconomical and labeled unrecoverable. Now, modern drills can bore down steel piping, some portions encased in cement, and direct pressure-packed explosions of up to 10,000 pounds per square inch of water, sand and chemicals into the rock, fracturing it. Next, hundreds of chemicals are injected to reduce friction (thus the term slickwater) so that the fracking fluid can flow easily. The mixture includes acids, rust and scale inhibitors and pesticides to kill microbes, plus sometimes gelling agents, petroleum distillates, glycol ethers, form­aldehyde and toluene.

The result is that gas flows back up the borehole along with 30 to 60 percent of the injected cocktail of water and chemicals. The rest is left behind. Fracking a gas well once requires 2 to 8 million gallons of fresh water, 10,000 to 40,000 gallons of chemicals and at least 1,000 diesel truck trips. Wells can be fracked multiple times before they run dry.

Between 34,000 and 95,000 wells are envisioned for New York State alone,

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

“The United States and the world could rely 100 percent on green energy sources within 20 years if we dedicated ourselves to that course”. ~ M.Z. Jacobson and M.A. Delucci, “A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030,” Scientific American, 2009 according to Cornell University Engineering Professor, Anthony Ingraffea, with 77,000 likely over the next 50 years.

While New York residents are watching the result of fracking in other states and have elected a temporary moratorium on fracking, Pennsylvania has issued thousands of permits since 2004.

Continued unknowns stir debate.

Meanwhile, scientists across leading institutions are certain of five universal impacts. First, fracking industrializes rural landscapes, clearing and fragmenting vital woodlands and wetlands. Second, fracking brings urban-style air pollution to the rural countryside. Third, accidents happen, necessitating the evacuation of surrounding communities. Fourth, fracking makes huge volumes of Earth’s limited fresh water disappear forever. Fifth, sooner or later, the gas will run out, while the environmental damage remains

Known and Unknown Dangers

Beyond these certainties lie questions.

Drilling proponents may claim that there have been no confirmed cases of drinking water contaminated by fracking. Yet in Pavillion, Wyoming, residents noticed a few years ago that their water was yellow, cloudy and oily, bubbled and smelled like chemicals. Some people felt sick.

A joint investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found petrochemicals— including diesel fuel, benzene, cyclohexane, methane, propane and ethane, plus traces of arsenic and a microbe-inhibiting pesticide—in 20 water wells. The EPA recommended that residents not drink their water. Turning on a fan while showering to avoid possible methane explosions was also suggested.

Fracking enjoys special exemptions from many regulations—the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Superfund Act and National Environmental Policy Act—that

govern other types of industrial activities.

Fracking also gets a pass on federal rightto-know laws, because natural gas operations do not report their air and water emissions under the EPA Toxics Release Inventory. A special amendment to the 2005 Energy Policy Act grants fracking exclusion from the Safe Drinking Water Act, which authorizes the EPA to regulate all injection of toxic chemicals into the ground. Thus, a drilling company doesn’t have to disclose the formulation of its fracking fluids.

Eco-Horrors and Economics

Biologist Theo Colborn and her research team at The Endocrine Disruptor Exchange report that of the 353 chemicals tested as presumed ingredients of fracking fluid, 60 percent can harm the brain and nervous system, 40 percent are endocrine disrupters and one-third are both suspected carcinogens and developmental toxicants.

What should we do with this lethal fluid—a million or more gallons with every wellhead? The trend, say gas industry service providers like Halliburton, is to recycle it, but flowback water gets more poisonous with every reuse.

At some point, this highly concentrated toxic liquid still has to be disposed of via designated underground wells or municipal sewage-treatment plants or else it’s clandestinely dumped.

Then there’s the lure of fracking’s economics. In many cases, a homeowner can receive $5,000 per acre, plus 12 to 20 percent royalties, from leasing land to a gas company.

The Marcellus Shale may be worth a trillion dollars and possibly provide enough natural gas to supply the nation’s consumption for six years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s most recent estimates.

(It’s unknown how much gas is recoverable or how often wells may need to be refracked to stimulate production.)

No study of the cumulative impact of fracking on public health or agriculture, including its full lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, has been conducted; it’s an economic gamble and a bona fide environmental crime.

and preposterous idea that they don’t believe it will really happen. Others, seeking personal gain or believing that it’s inevitable, plan to “ride the tiger,” hoping for greater future oversight.

At a recent community meeting, candidates for mayor and the village board declared their unified opposition to fracking.

Soon afterward, at a packed town meeting on fracking at the village library, someone noted that a nearby community had successfully turned away frack waste trucked in from Pennsylvania that was headed to an old well for disposal. An elderly man declared passionately, “We have to be ready to lie down in front of the trucks.”

Take a stand at Tinyurl.com/FrackMedia, Tinyurl.com/FrackingMap and Tinyurl. com/FrackAction (scroll to petitions).

Note: Find films at GaslandTheMovie. com; and Tinyurl.com/FilmPromisedLand.

Biologist Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D., is the acclaimed author of Living Downstream, now also a documentary film, and Having Faith, on the threat of environmental toxins to infant development. A visiting scholar at New York’s Ithaca College, she often testifies at hearings. She adapted this article from Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis, reprinted courtesy of Da Capo Press.

WUWF is an important source of local news and information about our community—past and present.

From Rick Harper’s reports on our regional economy, to the light Jocelyn Evans frequently sheds on local and national politics, or Enid Sisskin’s Eco Minute, UWF experts are helping to keep our community informed on 88.1 FM—and don’t forget Unearthing Florida! Educating our community is one important reason why I pledge my support.

WUWF 88.1 is My Public Radio and I Make it Possible.

A Community Speaks Out

In New York’s Tompkins County, 40 percent of the land acreage covering the Marcellus Shale is leased to gas drillers.

Local feelings are mixed. Some people just wish the whole practice would go away. Some find fracking such a vile

Dr. Judy Bense

Listener, Member and Contributor natural awakenings

January 2013

33

naturalpet

Raw Food Diets for Pets

Weighing the Pros and Cons

by Sandra Murphy

A

s with their own food, dog Homemade Meals and cat owners are reading To have more control over what the pet food labels more closely family dog or cat eats, many owners these days to evaluate turn to home-cooked ingredients and their “You can spend meals, but know-how sources. American pet is key. “A big risk with food companies may money on vet visits home-prepared diets outsource to foreign is that they are almost manufacturers, someor on better food.” always nutritionally intimes with disastrous adequate for long-term ~ Veterinarian Laurie Coger results. Various brands feeding, even when of dry dog food (kibusing published recipes,” advises Dr. ble) and treats have been recalled Brennen McKenzie, president of the for melamine contamination or other Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine problems—even brands manufacAssociation. “Consult a board-certitured here have been recalled for fied nutritionist for the unique nutrisalmonella contamination. tional needs of the pet, based on age,

To ensure that what we’re serving our dogs contains a proper balance of protein, vitamins and minerals for overall health, the Dog Food Advisor rates dog foods and treats by brand name, explains the ingredients, including byproducts not fit for human consumption, and recommends the best options. Owners can sign up for emails about recalls and other alerts at DogFoodAdvisor.com.

Other reasons to read labels include potential allergic reactions to foods, especially chicken and corn, common ingredients in kibble.

The educational website notes, “Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain of only modest nutritional value to a dog.”

breed, health condition and other factors. Don’t substitute ingredients.”

Cooking for pets can be timeconsuming. Some owners have found dehydrated foods like those from The Honest Kitchen, made in the United States using human food-grade ingredients, both cost-effective and easy to prepare. While the purchase price can be higher than other options, the food rapidly rehydrates to four times its original weight by adding warm water. A meatless variety allows owners to add their choice of raw meat, meaty bones or cooked meat and can be suitable for sensitive dogs, raw feeders and dogs that need a unique protein source.

“Dehydrated foods are also a good way for a squeamish owner to start a raw diet for their dog,” remarks Dr. Laurie Coger, an associate veterinarian at the Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital, in Rensselaer, New York, who also offers consultations through TheHonestKitchen.com. Coger suggests, “First, determine what a dog or cat needs in his diet, then transition gradually from kibble to a cooked or raw diet. Cats may resist change, while dogs can be more flexible.”

Pet food maker Steve’s Real Food is another option as it does not use lamb, pork or venison. Each poses a greater risk of carrying toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can be passed on to pets, especially cats.

“If you decide to incorporate raw foods, find a wholesale meat supplier so you can buy in bulk.

You’ll need a freezer to take full advan-

tage,” suggests Coger. “Feeding raw is not an all-or-nothing proposition, so mix and match. Cook when you have time, feed raw several days a week and use high-quality dehydrated or dry food when traveling.”

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, owner of Hoof Stock Veterinary Service, in Pine Village, Indiana, found that switching to a raw diet solved an itching problem with her mixed-breed dog. She reports that, “Eighty percent of the reasons my clients bring their pets to me are cured by changing to better food.”

Alinovi points out two drawbacks of serving raw food: “You can’t leave it out all day and it can be a challenge to transport home on a hot day.” But she’s found that the benefits are many, “Dog and cat furs shine and shed less; even their behavior improves.” Dog owners also note cleaner teeth, with no tartar buildup, cutting down on trips to the vet.

Not Everyone Agrees

Feeding a raw food diet is not without controversy. The American Veterinary Medical Association voted last summer to advise veterinarians to recommend clients against feeding raw meats and bones to pets. Pet Partners, formerly known as the Delta Society, which registers pets as therapy animals, has instituted a policy that states, “Animals may not be fed a raw protein diet. Animals previously fed

[such] a diet must be off it for at least four weeks before registering them.”

(See PetPartners.org/rawdiet.)

Deciding which foods to feed our pets requires extra research and meal preparation time, as well as money,

but motivated owners like the results they see in their pet’s health.

Missourian Sandra Murphy may be reached at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

Safe Pet Food Prep To handle raw meat and bones safely, follow the same guidelines as when cooking for family members.

When shopping, keep meat, seafood and poultry separate from other foods—double-bag them to keep juices contained.

In the fridge, store meat products in sealable containers on the lowest shelf, so that potential drips won’t touch other foods. Fridge temp should be 40° Fahrenheit or lower.

Use one cutting board for meats and another for produce.

Wash hands before and after handling meat. Sanitize countertops, wooden cutting boards and knives with white distilled vinegar (5 percent), undiluted, heated to 130° F and left on the surface for one minute; then dry with a recycled-paper towel or air dry. It will kill 99 percent of germs. Plastic cutting boards go in the dishwasher.

Deep clean wooden boards by scrubbing with natural coarse salt and lemon juice (the second half of the lemon face works as a scrubber); rinse with hot water and dry upright. Keep wood from drying out by periodically applying beeswax or walnut or almond oil.

Refrigerate or discard any uneaten food, wash dog bowls after every feeding with soap and hot water, and then let air dry or wipe with a recyclable paper towel.

Sponges hoard germs. If used, sanitize them in the microwave at least every other day. Make sure the sponge is wet, not dry. Two minutes will kill 99 percent of most diseasecausing germs. Let it cool before handling.

Primary sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; OrganicAuthority.com

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850-225-3460

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January 2013

35

calendarofevents

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26

All Calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Limited to approximately 50 words. See exact character count on website. Submit from our website at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per regular listing. $50 Save the Date ad.

keep you on your spiritual path and aligned with the earth’s ascension Very uplifting. $55; Teleconference; RSVP Req. Alice@HealingPath.info.

850-585-5496.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 A New Year’s Yoga Cleanse Class and Vision Board Workshop – 11am Yoga; 1:30pm Workshop.

Life changing tools used to release the unwanted and manifest the future you envision. Laura Tyree and Ed Daily will teach, inspire and support transformation. $20 adv/$25 day of. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

Couch to 10K – 8 am. Kick-off meeting for a 10-week training program for beginner runners, run/walkers, walkers or former runners that want to get back into shape, $65. Run With It, FWB. 850-243-1007. RunWithItFl.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 Begin/Renew Your Yoga Practice – 1-3pm. An

immersion,(re)introducing the basic concepts involved in asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath) and dharana (concentration). $25. Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Market St. PCB. YogaElements108.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 Burning Bowl Ceremony – 11am. Release the old

and set new intentions for 2013 love offering Unityof Panama City, 1764 Lisenby Ave. 850-769-748. UnityOfPanamaCity.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 7 Begin/Renew Your Yoga Practice – 9am. 5-wk se-

ries. An immersion, (re)introducing the basic concepts involved in asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath) and dharana (concentration). $70 (all 5)/$15 per class.

Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Market St. PCB. YogaElements108.com. PCB. YogaElements108.com.

Drop in.

Spiritual Growth Circle with Alice McCall – 9:30am-12:30pm. Ongoing bi-monthly work to

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8

Free Healing Meditation with Alice McCall – 6-7pm.

Feel the difference a guided meditation with Alice McCall can make for you in this free event! Be de-stressed, balanced, and revitalized. Free teleconference; RSVP required.

Alice@HealingPath.info. 850-585-5496.

Begin/Renew Your Yoga Practice – 6pm, 5-wk series.

An immersion, (re)introducing the basic concepts involved in asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath) and dharana (concentration). $70 (all 5)/$15 per class. Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Market St. PCB. YogaElements108.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

Weight Loss using LED Lights – 1-3pm. Camille Bowler Bradstreet from Above the Line Living in Louisiana will be sharing her success story for weight loss using LED Lights. Free Gardenia Room Cayo Grande, 219 Racetrack Rd.NW, FWB. Space limited, RSVP 850-424-8261.

New Year, New You Workshop – 1-4pm. Join Tammy Binkley and Amy Likins for an inspiring workshop and yoga practice; set and attain your 2013 health goals with diet, yoga and meditation. With over 25+ yrs combined exp. you’ll get the tools to make your new year the best ever! $45. Balance Health Studio, 3547 E. County Hwy 30A, Seagrove. 850-231-9288. Balance30a.com.

Level II Usui Reiki – 11:30am-6:30pm. Receive the

2nd level of the Attunement process and learn healing techniques for working with self and others, including distance healing and receive information on the symbols of Reiki. Expand your knowledge. 233 Sotir St, FWB. 850-217-2771. FeliciaMcQuaid.net.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19

Prosperity Playshop – 10am-5pm. How to create

wealth and remain true to yourself. Discover connection of life purpose and heart’s desires, practical steps to manifest life purpose and dynamic combo for success.

Enhance career, relationships, $s, self-esteem. $110. Pens Bch. 850-499-2108. Deborah@ExpandYourLight.com.

Reiki I and II Class – 2 day class 1/19-20/13.

Designed to teach what Reiki is, how to use it for selfhealing and healing others, pets, plants, everyday life.

Fee $350. State CE’s for LMT; National CE’s for LMT and RN. Reg 850-217-5419. ReikiInFlorida.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20

850 244 0184

downtown brooks st

ft. walton beach

dragonflyyoga.com

36

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

the

Dragonfly Yoga

Save Date

Couch to 5K – 6:30 pm. Kick-off for a 10-week training program for be ginner runners, run/walkers, walkers or former runners that want to get back into shape, $50.

Run With It, FWB. 850-243-1007. RunWithItFl.com.

The Art and Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You – 1/26, 6-9pm and 1/27, 9 am4pm. Practice sessions will be conducted from 9 to 10:30 a.m., February 3, 10 and 17. Cost donation plus $15 workbook. Unity of Panama City. 850-769-7481.

UnityPanamaCity.org.

UPCOMING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Eco-Nomic Living Expo – 9:30am-2pm. Exhibits, seminars, workshops, kids’ activities around the theme of smart choices—money, home, health and environment. Emerald Coast Convention Center.

850-689-5850. EconomicLivingExpo.com.

savethedate Herbalist Cameron Strouss Teaches Herbal Medicine Making – Have you ever wanted to know how to make herbal preparations for your family and friends? Now is your chance! Classes will be divided into two sections that will be sold as packages: Basic Medicine Making Part I will be February 3rd and Part II, February 17th You will learn how to make: Tinctures, Glycerites, Teas, Decoctions, Hot/cold infusions, Vinegars, Simple Syrups, and Miels.

Topical/Energetic Applications Part III will be March 3rd and Part IV, March 17th You will learn how to make: Oils, Salves, Lotions, Lip Balms, Suppositories, Compresses, Fomentations, Poultices, and Flower Essences Cost is: $160 per section, including materials, handouts, and hand made herbal products, a down-payment of $80 will be required upon registration. Registration cut off will be January 25th. Pace Wellness Center, 4958 U.S. 90 Milton, FL 32571 For more information or to register call (850) 994-5656.

Registration cut off January 25th.

Pace WellnessCenter, 4958 U.S. 90 Milton. Call to Register

850-994-5656.

Dragonfly Yoga STUDIES MyCAA approved school

Yoga Teaching Certificate

850-244-0184

www.dragonflyyoga.com

Launching February 16th 2013 www.NWFNaturally.com

ongoingevents All Calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Limited to approximately 25 words. See exact character count on website.

Submit from our website only at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per entry.

monday

Suncoast

Healthcare

Professionals

wednesday

Yoga for Beginners – 10am. Here’s a class at the right pace for those just starting to enjoy yoga. Simple and fun.

DragonflyYoga.com.

New QiGong Healing Movement Body Classes – 8am.

Gentle way to facilitate healing in the body. Open to all levels. $10. 119 Truxton, FWB. AllOneYogaFWB.com.

Pilates Mat Class – 11am. Bring a mat, lose some fat. $10.

Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, St 6, (across from VinnieR), Navarre. 850-217-6341.

Gentle Flow Yoga with Felicia McQuaid – 10am. Beginner based therapeutic movement combined w/breath awareness. Dragonfly Yoga. 850-217-2771. FeliciaMcquaid.net.

Kids Martial Arts Combat Class – 4:45pm (ages 4-8); 5:45 & 6:45pm (ages 9-13). Mon/Wed/Fri. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Great for fitness, confidence, & camaraderie. Free introductory class. No contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.

Svaroopa® Yoga – 4:30pm. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Rd, NE, FWB. BlossomYogaFL.com. 850-420-6046.

Reiki Share – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Mon. A time to experience Reiki energy in a group setting with other Reiki practitioners.

All Reiki students welcome. Love offering. Mana Lomi Reiki and Massage, FWB. 850-217-5419.

A Course in Miracles – 7-8pm. Unity in FWB, 1797 Hurlburt Rd. FWB. 850-864-1232.

tuesday Personal Nutritional Consultation – 1st & 3rd Tues. monthly. Dr. Kenawy, Ph.D. provides in-depth nutritional evaluations and consultations. $50. 634 W. 23 rd St, Panama City. Call for an appt. 850-763-8871.

OliveLeavesPC.com.

Green Awareness Taskforce – 8:15am. 1st Tues. Monthly meetings. Open to the public. FWB Chamber. 850-5860501. GoGreenOkaloosa.com.

Svaroopa® Yoga – 10am. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Road, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046. BlossomYogaFL.com.

Pilates Mat Class – 6pm. Bring a mat, lose some fat. $10.

Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, St 6, (across from VinnieR), Navarre. 850-217-6341.

Women’s Depression Group – 5pm. Stepping Stones Professional Counseling, Mary Esther. SteppingStonesCounseling.org.

Weekly Walk/Run – 5:30 or 6pm. Choose the time best for you & meet at Landing Park, behind Run With It store. All ages and abilities are welcome at a very relaxed & noncompetitive get together. Free. 142 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB. 850 243-1007. RunWithIt.com.

Community Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. $20. Great way to sleep better, quit smoking, & de-stress. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Ste 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.

PTSD Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. Improves sleep & emotions for military and other victims of trauma. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy suite 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.

Meditation Class – 7pm. Free. All One Yoga, 119 Truxton Ave Bld 2, FWB. Sonny, 850-314-0321.

PTSD Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. Improves sleep & emotions for military and other victims of trauma. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy suite 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.

Yoga for Beginners – 5:30pm. Here’s a class at the right pace for those just starting to enjoy yoga. Simple and fun.

Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

Mood Management with Essential Oils – 6-7pm. 2nd Thurs monthly. dōTERRA’s, Amy Gouker, presents the Mood Matrix. Free. The REACH Institute, 870 Mack Bayou Road, Suite D, SRB. RSVP. Ann Rector, 850-622-227.

Svaroopa® Yoga – 6:30pm. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Road, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046. BlossomYogaFL.com.

saturday

Open Mike at Crestview Library – 6-8pm. 2nd Tues.

Poets and musicians are invited to a free, open-mike poetry reading and music improvisation. Crestview Library, 445 Commerce Dr., 850-682-4432 or visit the library’s Facebook page.

Personal and Planetary Peace – 7pm. Meditation, stress release, energy work, Reiki sharing and certification, networking, healthy food support. Free. Crystal Cottage, 7338 Hwy. 2301, Panama City. Darce Blakely, Reiki Master. 850-763-4504.

Teen and Adult Martial Arts Combat Class – 10:30am12pm. Ages 15 and up. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Defense techniques, fitness, confidence, and camaraderie. Free introductory class. No contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.

Teen and Adult Martial Arts Combat Class – 7pm.

Tues,Thur. Ages 15 and up. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Defense techniques, fitness, confidence, and camaraderie. Free Introductory Class. No Contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HIGHLY MOTIVATED, SELF RELIANT, TEAM PLAYER for publicly traded $3B Green Energy Company. Apply at EnergyBusinessConsultant.com. Go-getter? Call Debby McKinney 850-598-0200.

EDUCATION THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS – Niceville. Teaching peace & the love of learning. Limited openings for preschoolers; private or small group tutoring for older children. Elena Roser 850-678-7011. MontessoriArts@aol.com.

FOR SALE CALLING ALL RE-PURPOSERS – FWB Flea Market has 14,000 square feet of inventory with tons of items for your projects, all at affordable prices. Call 850-301-3729.

HUGE JEWELRY SALE – 15-40 percent off.

Best prices in the area for lightly worn gold & silver jewelry. Every piece is 100 percent guaranteed in writing. Call 850-301-3729.

thursday

Gentle Flow Yoga with Felicia McQuaid – 9am. Beginner based therapeutic movement combined w/breath awareness. Dragonfly Yoga. 850-217-2771. FeliciaMcquaid.net.

Calm Water Tai Chi Class – 9am. Designed for selfdefense, realize the health benefits, stress reduction and strength improvement with gentle movement. New class.

All ages & levels. Free introductory class. No contracts.

Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.

Zumba Class – 5:30pm. Tues,Thur. Ditch the workout, join the party. Gloria Overfield combines Latin & International music with a fun & effective workout system. Free Introductory Class. No Contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-865-0438.

classifieds

sunday

VINTAGE GUITARS –FWB Flea Market has over 50 vintage guitars by all makers. Prices range from $50-$1200. We also repair damaged guitars. Call 850-301-3729.

products LOCAL HONEY AVAILABLE – FWB Flea Market’s bees produced 245 pounds of Wildflower honey this year. Harvested 12 August...it will not last long. Call 850- 301-3729.

SCIATICA? BACK PAIN? POOR POSTURE? – If you suffer with any of these symptoms the Sacro Wedgy® could be a simple solution to a not so simple problem. Relax 20 minutes daily and let gravity do the work of relaxing tight muscles to help correct a problem rather than treat the symptom. Spend $29.95 once to use for years of prevention. This has helped when all else failed.

For info: 800-737-9295 or SacroWedgy.com.

SERVICES BE MORE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BODY! –Find relief from injuries, pain, movement restrictions and postural/structural imbalances with ROLFING. Sharalee Hoelscher, Certified Rolfer™, RCST®, (Lic. #MA34039).

850-450-8508. HealingWithBodywork.com.

WANTED

Free Yoga Event – 4:30pm. $5 donation to Paws.

Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. DragonflYoga. com. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com.

Metamorphosis Book Club – 4:30pm. First Sunday monthly. Free. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St, Se, FWB. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com.

SCRAP GOLD & SILVER – FWB Flea Market pays top dollar for your scrap. Honest buyer; metals will be tested & weighed in your presence. The entire process will be explained to you. Call 850-301-3729.

natural awakenings

January 2013

37

naturaldirectory

CHIROPRACTIC BEAUTY

ACUPUNCTURE BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER April Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com Natural and holistic health care. Offering chiropractic care, acupuncture, lumbar decompression, physical therapies, nutritional education and supplementation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

DR. SHERYL ROE

SALON VEDAT 114-B Benning Dr, Destin 850-837-2690; cell: 813-841-4890 SalonVedat@gmail.com SalonVedat.com Organic Salon Systems has started a revolution of healthier, cleaner, natural, organic, and better performing professional salon products. Beauty without sacrificing health. Coloring and smoothing treatments for silky, healthy hair. No SLS, ammonia, parabens or plastics. See ad page 23.

Acupuncture Physician 850-225-3460 • DrSRoe.com Acupuncture Works! Learn how it can work for you at either office (Mary Esther Blvd. or Navarre Healing Center in Harvest Village). Treating all types of pain, addiction, sleep disorders, stress, fibromyalgia, PTSD. Feel better soon. See ad page 35.

BODYWORKERS FELICIA MCQUAID WELLNESS, LLC Therapeutic Practices for Body, Mind & Spirit Downtown Fort Walton Beach 850-217-2771 • www.FeliciaMcQuaid.net Professional, compassionate, experienced care for your body, mind and spirit; specializing in Massage/Reiki Integrative Sessions. Ninety minutes to perfect balance, peace and health.

EASTERN TRADITIONS Katherine Semmes, Acupuncture Physician 7552 Navarre Parkway, Ste 6. Navarre 850-554-3464 Restore your family’s health using simple techniques to stimulate the body’s own healing capacity; safe and effective for common childhood and parenthood complaints. Acupressure, reflexology, organic herbs also utilized. See ad page 11.

(MA61060) See ad page 6.

NANETTE SAVAGE CERTIFIED ADVANCE ROLFER 850- 621-6101 MA-0028169

Let me help you achieve greater balance and mobility by creating a more lifted and symmetrical alignment.

Appointments made for 75-minute session. See ad page 25.

THE TORTOISE CLINIC Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Waterside Business Center Santa Rosa Beach 850-267-5611 • TheTortoiseClinic.com Serving the Emerald Coast for over 20 years. Currently offering multiple styles of acupuncture, bodywork, hypnotherapy, diet counseling, and the area’s largest raw herb pharmacy.

See ad page 5.

THE REACH INSTITUTE Ann M. Rector, LMT, MMP, BA 850-622-CARE (2273) TheReachInstitute.com NW Florida’s solution for Medical Massage Therapy and Kinesiology.

Dedicated to providing quality care to clients to resolve specific conditions and improving quality of life.

AIR CONDITIONING PEADEN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Panama City - 850-872-1004 Ft Walton Beach - 850-362-6646 Gulf Breeze - 850-396-6126 Peaden.com Licensed, insured residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical contractor. NATE-certified, Comfort Institute Certified, and NADCA technicians, consultants, and customer service professionals with a primary focus to provide quality service and installation combined with the best products in the industry.

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URBAN OASIS Laura Tyree, LMT (MA68035) Downtown Ft Walton Beach 850-244-0184 or 850-642-1015 UrbanOasisHealth.com

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

A unique environment for relaxation and healing of body, self, and soul.

Revel in relaxation and enjoyment.

Find the relief and good health you have always wanted.

www.NWFNaturally.com

BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER April Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com Natural and holistic health care. Offering chiropractic care, acupuncture, lumbar decompression, physical therapies, nutritional education and supplementation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Karen Henard, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com

As a second generation chiropractor, D r. H e n a r d i s c o m m i t t e d to lifetime chiropractic wellness c a r e f o r t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y, improving their health naturally.

Over 16 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries. Most insurance accepted and affordable cash plans.

colonic therapy SKINDEEP CLINIC WELLNESS CENTRE Cindy Butler, Owner/Therapist 4012 Commons Dr W, Ste 120, Destin 850-269-1414 • SkinDeepDestin.com Colonics, ionic footbaths, infrared saunas. Organic non-surgical facelift, weight loss (lose 20 lbs in 40 days), body wraps, massage, teeth whitening, airbrush tan, makeovers.

compounding pharmacy Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy Pharmaceuticals Built For You, Because You Are Unique 7 Town Center Loop Unit C15 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 850-622-5800/eccpharmacy.com

Pharmaceutical Compounding that can formulate your prescriptions to meet your individual needs. Providing compounding for Hormone and Thyroid Replacement Therapy, Dermatology, Pain Management and other areas.

Regina Jaquess, Pharm D. See ad page 3.

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~ Buddha

DENTISTRY DR. DAYTON HART, DMD IAOMT Protocol 225 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2471 • DrDaytonHart.com

Free book for new patients: Mercury Free Dentistry. Ozone, Laser No-Suture Gum Surgery, Test for compatible materials, cavity-causing bacteria. Examine for gum disease bacteria Laser Cavity Diagnoses, Saliva, pH Check, Oral Galvanic Screening, no fluoride. See ad page 21.

energy CONSERVATION DEBBY MCKINNY Energy Gone Greener Marketing Representative 850-598-0200 • Energygonegreener.info

Guaranteed savings on electricity for residential/commercial applications without reducing electrical consumption. Advanced technology backed by largest green energy provider in the world; one of 2012 Forbes Magazine’s best business ideas. Save energy while ensuring a safer environment in your home or business by reducing harmful Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Qualifies for green certification for home or business. See ad page 17.

energy HEALING BACK TO BASIC WELLNESS Susan Giangiulio MEd, CECP, CLP 850-240-2279 • Back-To-Basic-Wellness.com Certified Lifeline Technique™ and an Emotion Code Practitioner applying kinesiology, known as muscle testing, to communicate with the subconscious. One or more sessions release trapped emotions, helping to eliminate personal obstacles and limiting behaviors.

family counseling STEPPING STONES PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, iNC. REGINA BRIGHT, MS, LMHC 850-226-6430 • Counselingyou@aol.com SteppingStonesCounseling.org Stepping Stones Professional Counseling provides individual, group, couples and family therapy for both children and adults experiencing a wide variety of developmental and emotional problems.

FITNESS & TRAINING

HOLISTIC HEALTH

MARTIAL ARTS COMBAT ACADEMY 1605 N. Partin Dr, Niceville 850-797-9430 MartialArtsCombatAcademy.com

Adult and teen modern day self-defense. Kid’s classes tournament base with an emphasis on “Stranger Danger” and “Bully Defense”. Tai chi classes. Free introductory week and no contracts

FOODS & SUPPLIMENTS BODY-B-HEALTHY 2227 Ferdon Blvd, Crestview 850-682-8893 Find Us on Facebook Knowledgeable staff and cutting edge digital health assessments.

Dairy free and gluten free food items, supplements, homeopathic solutions and anti-aging products, plus delicious nutritional smoothies. See ad page 17.

GOLDEN ALMOND HEALTH FOOD STORE

BLUEWATER NATURAL HEALTH Dawn M. Dalili, N.D. 850-897-1177 4400 Hwy. 20E, #207, Niceville BluewaterNaturalHealth.com Look better, feel better, and function at your very best without pharmaceuticals and without spending a fortune on supplements.

Garry Hendricks, ND Golden Almond 850-736-5700 HendrxNutrition@yahoo.com Helping you with all your health care needs. Seeing clients and offering complimentary heath lectures at Golden Almond Health Food Store, FWB. Call for appointment.

NITIN BAWA, MD DrBawa.com Destin 850-424-7320 Panama City 850-534-4170 Santa Rosa Beach 850-534-4170 General medicine with a holistic wellness approach and specialized services in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, weight loss, food allergies, nutritional analysis and antiaging procedures. Most Insurance Accepted. See ad page 16.

339 Racetrack Rd NW # 3 (850) 863-5811 GoldenAlmond.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat. 10-4, closed Sun.

We offer natural and organic foods and the largest selection of herbs and supplements in the area. Enjoy our new fresh juice bar (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) while shopping for your health needs with the help of our knowledgeable and personable staff. See ad page 41.

ORGANO GOLD Dave & Becky Scholtes 850-324-5336 Dscholtes.organogold.com Drink healthier Coffee. 100% Arabica coffee infused with 100% organic Ganaderma Lucidum, a Chinese herb noted for healing properties. See ad page 22.

healing arts HEALING PATH, ALICE MCCALL Transformational Energy Healer and Counselor BS Psychology, MBA, Hypnotherapist 850-585-5496 HealingPath.info Phone sessions to heal serious health issues, unwanted patterns, and more.

Authored Wellness Wisdom on natural health and healing; inspired by her journey with cancer.

HYPNOSIS BRENDA Q. BISCHOFF, CLC, CHT CI Hypnosis, Hypnobliss™, Life Coaching, NLP 850-637-1631, 850-501-3662 Brenda@TransformYourLife.net TransformYourLife.net Time Line Therapy, Certified NGH Hypnosis Instructor. Imagine living the life you have already dreamed of. Take the first step now. Call for a free consultation. See ad page 27.

INTUITIVE ARTS TERESA BROWN 3 W Garden St, Pensacola 850-206-1853 TeresaBrown.net Experienced intuitive medium, public speaker, and author. Find peace, healing and renewal of energy through energetic clearing, past life regression and spiritual counseling. Consultations in person or phone.

natural awakenings

January 2013

39

LIGHT THERAPY LIGHT FOR LIFE

Buddy Bowman, Quantum Light Energy Coach 315-A Racetrack Rd, FWB 850-582-4929 BuddyBowman.com

Come experience the soothing healing light and energy photons to gently reduce stress and bring your body into balance. This promotes the natural healing of the body by itself, the way it was designed to do and nature intended.

Located inside Blossom Yoga, this treatment is painless, convenient, affordable, noninvasive and drug-free. See ad page 16.

REIKI FLORIDA CENTER FOR REIKI TRAINING

Sandra Trimble 850-217-5419 • ReikiInFlorida.com

Reiki Master and Licensed Massage Therapist. Reiki classes and Reiki sessions for relaxation, stress reduction & healing. Over 18 years experience with Reiki. 11 years experience in massage.

Florida & National CEUs provided.

Monthly Reiki shares and classes.

SOURCE INSTITUTE OF MASSAGE THERAPY AND BODYWORK Matthew Wilson 30 Beal Parkway SW, FWB 850-598-3633 Sourceinstitute @gmail.com SourceInstitute.com Join today. No credit check. In house financing available for all students. MYCAA approved. Day and evening part time classes.

sKIN CARE OCEANA NATURALS, LLC Michael J Russ 866-242-3776 PureSunscreen.com MelanSol® is certified chemical free skin care that brings hope and peace of mind to everyone who wants to enjoy a safe relationship with the sun. See ad page 8.

SPA RETREATS ESCAPE AT WINDCREEK

1-855-EZ-ESCAPE (1-855-393-7227) EscapeatWindCreek.com

Escape at Wind Creek boasts over 15,000 square feet of pure ah! Including a world class spa, culinary studio, fitness center, discovery programs and adventure experiences. See ad back page.

RETIREMENT LIVING THE BLAKE AT GULF BREEZE Brooke Hicks 850-934-4306 BlakeLiving.com A retirement, assisted living, and memory care community inspiring wellness in an enriched environment. Also, short-term respite program for caregivers to have their loved one stay as a guest; enjoy the many services and personalized care. See ad page 13.

spiritual center UNITY IN FORT WALTON BEACH 1797 Hurlburt Road, FWB 850-864-1232 • UnityInFWBFL.org

We welcome all interested in seeking an inner awareness of God. We promote love, joy, and peace through our thoughts, words, and deeds. See ad page 29.

schools NWF SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY AND BODYWORKS Matthew Wilson 1031–A West 23rd Street, Panama City NWFschoolofmassage@gmail.com Source Institute of Massage and Bodywork NWFschoolofmassage.com Enroll Join today.

No Now credit check. In house Next Class Begins financing available for all students.

January 23, 2012 MYCAA approved. Day and eve1 Hour Student Massage ning part $35.00 time classes.

30 Beal Pkwy, FWB 850.598.0738 www.SourceInstitute.com

UNITY OF PANAMA CITY

1764 Lisenby Ave., Panama City 850-769-7481 PanamaCityUnity@knology.net

Committed to helping people find the way to their own understanding and experience of God and offering positive, practical resources for an abundant and meaningful life.

Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

SKINDEEP CLINIC WELLNESS CENTRE

Cindy Butler, Owner/Therapist 4012 Commons Dr W, Ste 120, Destin 850-269-1414 • SkinDeepDestin.com

Colonics, ionic footbaths, infrared sauna.

Organic non-surgical facelift, weight loss (lose 20 lbs in 40 days), body wraps, massage, teeth whitening, airbrush tan, makeovers. MM27113. MA49032.

THE WELLNESS CENTER

Thomas Easley, Clinical Herbalist 850-994-5656 PaceWellnessCenter.com Facebook/The-Wellness-Center

Offers supplement/herbal wellness; assessment practices: iridology, tongue/ fingernail/pulse analysis, glandular body typing. Healing therapies: ionic footbath, hot house, chi machine and massage therapy.

WELLNESS CENTER AT NAVARRE Pam Svendsen. MD 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Ste 21 850-936-8343 • NavarreWellness.com

Committed to patient centered care as well as disease focused treatment, we offer family practice, weight loss, anti-aging, skin solutions and events.

See ad page 24.

WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS AVALON LIGHT KEEPERS 850-424-8261

AvalonLightKeepers.com

Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are used to apply concentrated doses of lights and healing sound frequencies to help increase circulation, control pain, reduce stress and increase overall wellness. Ongoing sessions are given at The Golden Almond Health Food Store. Contact us to learn about our free presentations. See ad page 11.

BLUE WILLOW WELLNESS 850-226-9355 • BlueWillowWellnes.com Working with individuals and groups to promote wellbeing through assessment and training to overcome resistance to change. Ask about our Tai Chi classes. See ad page 24.

EMERALD COAST RELAX

.

Let our New Year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. Goran Persson 40

WELLNESS CENTERS

www.NWFNaturally.com

Quantum Wellness Technology INDIGO Quantum Biofeedback Device and Quantumwave Laser Therapy & Sales 850-803-6459 • EmeraldCoastRelax.com

Libbie Hambleton, Certified Biofeedback Technician, providing sessions at a variety of locations.

Devices to assist with stress, pain, relaxation, inflammation, rejuvenation, sleep, wellness.

YOGA STUDIOS BLOSSOM YOGA

315 A racetrack Road, NE, Ft Walton Beach 850-420-6046 • Louise@BlossomYogaFl.com BlossomYogaFL.com Offering classes in Svaroopa® yoga, yoga therapy and meditation. Also offer Migun Thermal massage.

MM123789. See website for yoga schedule. See ad page 8.

DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIES Downtown Ft Walton Beach 850-244-0184 (MM16502) DragonFlyYoga.com Drop in.

A professional yoga studio offering a serene environment for the study and practice of Hatha yoga.

Certified instructors. Owner/Director Laura Tryee, E-RYT 500.

See ad page 36.

markeTplace products for body, mind, spirit

Fort Walton Beach

FLEA MARKET 850-301-3729 • www.fwbFLEAMARKET.com ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES • VINTAGE CLOTHING • JEWELRY • COINS • FURNITURE All Indoor & Air Conditioned 14000 sq ft - 70+ Vendors

125 Eglin Pkwy S.E. • FWB, FL 32548 Open 7 Days/Week: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 11am-5pm

Healing with Stem Cell Hypnotherapy

Dragonfly Yoga

850 244 0184

downtown brooks st

ft. walton beach

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YOGA ELEMENTS, LLC

108 Carillon Market St, Panama City Beach 850-866-2199 hello@YogaElements108.com YogaElements108.com

Yoga offered: mat (earth), Standup Paddleboard & in pool (water) and Aerial (air).

Dawn Brooks, RN, RYT-500, LauraLynn Jansen, MHEd., CPCC, RYT.

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AVAILABLE AT today Order hisNOW Book and start the healing process AMAZON.COM AND Shipping and BOOKSTORES $26.00 handling included NATIONWIDE

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www.GoldenAlmond.com

Shop with a Conscience at Natural Awakenings’ New Webstore As a leader in green and healthy living, it makes perfect sense for us open a webstore that features items that support sustainability and natural health. You’ll love our easy-to-navigate site. Shop by product categories that include beauty and skin care, home and office, books and music, fitness, clothing, cosmetics, kids and pets.

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Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

www.NWFNaturally.com

www.MohrOptimalLiving.MyBeyondOrganic.com 850-450-7837

D idier

became interested in yoga as a teenager, practicing Yoga Asanas in Casablanca, Morocco,where he grew up. In the early eighties, Didier traveled to India and Asia. In 1985, he met Gurumayi Chidvilasananda in Ganeshpuri, India.He spent the next ten years living in Her ashrams (monasteries) in India, France, and the United States. While living in the ashrams, Didier had the opportunity to study Hatha Yoga with several teachers, notably John Friend - the founder of Anusara Yoga. At one time, Didier was an Anusara affiliated teacher. He is presently certified through the Sivananda and Sri Mahesh Schools of Yoga. In 2000, Didier created his own yoga school that he named “Two Suns Rising Yoga”. Rumi, a great Sufi poet saint (12071273) wrote a beautiful poem which alludes to this same theme.

Rejuvenation YOGA Retreat • Includes 2 night stay on Level 15, a four diamond boutique hotel in a hotel • 6 healthy meals • Healthy snacks • Unlimited meditation and yoga classes by Didier • Discovery classes

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