Natural Awakenings Phoenix & Northern Arizona, February 2020 Edition

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G R F

HEALTHY

PLANET

Healing Joints From Within The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

SKILLS THAT MAKE LOVE LAST

Winter Fare 'Tis the Season to Be Feasting

Keeping Kids Heart-Healthy How to Boost Cardiovascular Well-Being

Sacred Vessels

The Lifeblood of Heart Health

February 2020 | Phoenix & Northern Arizona Edition | NaturalAZ.com

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MEDSONIX Acoustic Technology is an FDA registered low frequency sound stimulation device that provides immediate and quantifiable improvement in inflammation, circulation, nervous system function, cellular health, and pain. It has three U.S. patents for the treatment of: (1) Circulatory disorders; (2) Inflammatory musculoskeletal tissue disorders; and (3) Blood disorders.

MAGNESPHERE Full Body Magnetic Resonance Therapy. This FDA registered therapy device immerses the body for one hour in gentle precise magnetic fields that are specific for the identified injured tissue(s) resulting in a rebalancing of the tissue frequencies which allow them to heal.

Other therapies available: PEMF • LED Light Therapy • Photon Lymphatic Drainage OUR THERAPIES HAVE HAD PROVEN SUCCESS FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING: Allergies • Alzheimer’s • Ankle Sprains • Anxiety • Arthritis Autism • Auto Immune Disease • Back Pain • Bone Fractures • Bursitis • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Chronic Infections • Chronic Fatigue Depression • Edema • Headaches • Heavy Metal Exposure • Herniated Disc • High Blood Pressure • Hip Problems • Inflammation • Joint Pain Low Energy • Lupus • Lyme Disease • Lymphatic Toxicity • Migraines • Morten’s Neuroma • Multiple Sclerosis • Neck Pain • Nerve Damage Neurological Disorders • Neuropathy • Osteoarthritis • Parasites • Parkinson’s Disease • Poor Detoxification • Post-Concussion Syndrome Post-Surgical Healing • Prostate Problems • PTSD • Shoulder Problems • Skin conditions and Sensitivities • Sleep Problems • Stress • Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury • Urinary Problems • Weakened Immune System • Whiplash • Wound Healing

VISIT NATPAINTREAT.COM TO SEE VIDEOS AND LEARN MORE

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Contents 18 SACRED VESSELS

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The Lifeblood of Heart Health

22 THE HEART OF IT 24 GOOD HEARTS

START YOUNG

Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular Health

26 VITAL STEPS

The Path to Vascular Fitness

28 DISRUPTING

34

DISPOSABLES The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

30 LINDA CARROLL

on Skills That Make Love Last

31 CHOOSING LOVE

How to Cope With Fearful Times

32 HEALING JOINTS

FROM WITHIN

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

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34 A FEAST FOR

ALL SEASONS

Embracing the Rainbow Year Round

36 FINICKY EATERS How to Get Them to Eat Their Veggies…and Like Em!

38 PAIN RELIEF FOR PETS Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 12 eco tip 14 health briefs 16 global briefs 24 healthy kids 26 fit body 28 green living

30 31 32 34 38 40 41 44

wise words inspiration healing ways conscious eating natural pet farmers' markets calendar business directory February 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Dog Knees

PHOENIX & NORTHERN ARIZONA EDITION PUBLISHER Tracy Patterson, BSc, MES DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca COPY EDITOR Sara Gurgen WEBSITE Kyle Hass Rachael Oppy

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings – Phoenix 17470 N Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tracy@NaturalAZ.com NaturalAZ.com

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he articles for humans (page 32) and pets (page 38) couldn’t help but remind me of the very trying, and expensive, process of having cruciate operations done on our rottweilers many years ago. The cruciate ligaments connect the thigh bone to the shin bone, stabilizing the knee joint. A tear or ruptured cruciate ligament is extremely painful and can be immobilizing.

Well, we had not one operation on each dog, but three operations on one dog and two on the other! Looking back, one can make many judgement calls as to why this even happened in the first place, but as with everything, I’m sure there were a number of factors involved—conformation of the legs, diet (this was back before we knew the downside to dog food), and the amount of exercise when growing (too much, that is).

Whatever the cause(s), we were faced with dogs in pain and decisions to make.

I’m not sure if alternative treatments were even available at that time for dogs, or if it was just that we lived in an area where the veterinarians weren’t up to speed on these treatments. Either way, surgery was the only option available, as the “do-nothing” option was not a decision we were willing to consider.

Luckily, these cruciate injuries were staggered, so we only had to look after one dog at a time. And believe me, looking after two big dogs (Shiloh was 100 pounds and Jesse was 70 pounds) required some muscle. They weren’t supposed to move around much, and needed to be helped in and out of the vehicle, and up and down stairs. The “little cone heads” were perfect patients, but their size was a challenge!

How I wish I’d known about prolotherapy (and I’ll leave you to read the articles to find out more about this treatment)—I can’t say for sure if it would have been a viable alternative, but it sure would have been nice to at least have had it as an option in the decision-making process. The good news is that we know about it now, and should our three-legged Katie require intervention at some point, I will definitely be looking into this treatment. And maybe some regenerative medicine for my husband or myself should we ever need it.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please contact us to find a location near you.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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DEADLINE REMINDER! Please note that all deadlines (advertising, editorial, calendar events) are the 10th of the month prior to the edition being published.

For example, February 10 is the deadline for all March edition submissions.

February 2020

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he American Center for Natural Medicine, in Scottsdale, is hosting an Inflammation and Body Fat seminar on Wednesday, February 26, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. If you’re sick of just putting Band-Aids on big problems and are looking for a completely different approach to medicine, then come and learn how functional medicine gets to the root of the problem to transform bodies and lives! This fun, informative and useful seminar will focus on hormones, inflammation and stubborn weight.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the American Center for Natural Medicine’s clinic, meet its team, and learn more about how the team utilizes a truly holistic approach to effectively and naturally address inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and chronic pain. Signs of inflammation include aching joints; stubborn weight, especially belly fat; feeling unwell or fatigued; having trouble concentrating and thinking quickly; skin issues, like rashes; stomach pain; and more.

Most people do not realize that signs of inflammation are merely an indicator of a bigger health issue, which may include gut health issues, exposure to toxic chemicals over a long period of time, food sensitivities, sleep trouble, weight gain, autoimmune conditions, and more.

Location: 15170 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. 6B, Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-779-7755, email VitalHealth@NaturalMedicine.Center or visit www.Natural-Medicine.Center/events.

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear? ~Confucius

Location: 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. For more information on this event and other Arizona State Parks events, visit AZStateParks.com.

LibertyWildlife.org

Inflammation and Body Fat Seminar in Scottsdale

f you want to learn more about the stars and planets, or if you have any little ones curious about the cosmos, then head to Lost Dutchman State Park, in Apache Junction, for a star party on Saturdays February 1, February 29 and March 28, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Every year, the Superstition Mountain Astronomical League holds a public viewing to give people the opportunity to see the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies and other astronomical phenomena using sophisticated telescopes. Star parties are popular draws for people who want to take advantage of the chance to learn from knowledgeable and experienced local astronomers. Who knows what will be in the sky?

Admission is free with park entrance fee. People are asked to park at the Cholla parking lot and follow the solar-lit trail to the Saguaro day use area.

Two Events at Liberty Wildlife

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oin Liberty Wildlife and the City of Phoenix Park Rangers on Saturday, February 1, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., for the next of their free walks that occur on the first Saturday of the month until April 6 along the Peace Trail at the Rio Salado, in Phoenix.

Learn about the history of this urban wildlife zone as well as its future with the Rio Reimagined project in the works, and see native wildlife and plants species. Expect to walk about 2 miles for about 90 minutes (it all depends on what is seen). Bring a refillable water bottle, sturdy shoes and a pair of binoculars if you have them. Participants are asked to meet at Liberty Wildlife at 8:30 a.m. Times are subject to change as temperature rises and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Join Liberty Wildlife again on Saturday, February 15, from noon to 6 p.m., for another Sippin’ the Spirit of the Southwest event benefiting Liberty Wildlife. This time attendees will be enjoying the tastes and sounds of a good old country-and-western cookout (vegetarian options will be available as well). There will be a variety of spirits from the Southwest, games, raffles, live music and more.

Location: 2600 E. Elwood St., Phoenix. For more information, including upcoming ticket information for Sippin’ the Spirit of the Southwest, visit LibertyWildlife.org.

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123rf.com/ Manuel Pltz (Follow)

Star Party at Lost Dutchman State Park

news briefs

S

Reg Madison Photography

123rf.com/ Manuel Pltz (Follow)

Art From the Heart, For a Cause

The Fifth Annual PHX Vegan Food Festival

LibertyWildlife.org

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n Saturday, February 29, from noon to 10 p.m., the PHX Vegan Food Festival, presented by Davisson Entertainment, returns to Margaret T. Hance Park, in downtown Phoenix, for its fifth anniversary season. Brand new for this year’s festival, the event is expanding from a strictly daytime event to an all-day and nighttime one.

The festival will showcase more than 100 of the state’s most beloved vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors, as well as some out of town favorites. Restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and food and beverage artisans will be selling their delicious creations.

In addition, product and service vendors will be showcasing and selling their vegan-friendly offerings, including household products, health and wellness items, and clothing and accessories.

Other festival highlights include live music; vegan-friendly wine, beer and cocktails; live art demonstrations and performing arts presentations; chef and expert demos; a yoga Zen Zone; and a kids’ activity area. Into the evening, the festival site will transform into a more adult-oriented, after-dark event with energetic music, lawn games, electric light shows, LED (light-emitting diode) and glow performers, and UV (ultraviolet) black light-activated chalk art and face paint.

usan Korsnick, Pennsylvania artist, writer and coach, is selling prints of her most recent work, Family, with 100% of the profit going to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, in Australia. The hospital provides for the “rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas and release back to their home range if possible.” Korsnick shares: “As bushfires rage across Australia, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the devastation and unfathomable loss of life. Courageous men and women are on-site doing what they can. Those of us far from the tragedy feel it deeply and long to help in any way we can.”

In describing her work, she notes that the image represents all of us holding the koalas with love in our hearts. The wavy symbol in the lower background is the Australian Aboriginal symbol for fire, smoke, water and blood. The larger symbol in the upper right is their symbol for family. To Korsnick, the definition of family extends beyond bloodline to include all beings the world over.

Ten-inch by 14-inch prints are available for $35. For more information, or to make a purchase, email SusanKorsnick@gmail.com or visit SusanKorsnick.com.

Enrich the Lives of Shelter Pets

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he Arizona Humane Society, in Phoenix, will host a public volunteer family-friendly event to help homeless animals on Saturday, February 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be several ways people can get involved and help the furry shelter residents, including crafting cat toys and making dog treats.

Location: Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix.

Space is limited; RSVP is required. To RSVP, visit AZHumane.org/eventcalendar/ public-volunteer-event-february. For questions, contact Ashliegh Goebel at AGoebel@ AZHumane.org.

Cost: Advance purchase general admission, $29; VIP admission, $69; free for children 12 and under (ticket prices will increase at the gate). Location: 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PhxVeganFest.com.

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eco tip

Eco-Laundry Tips

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By laundering clothes using simple ingredients and wise eco-practices, consumers can both save money and lower their carbon footprint.

Natural cleaning ingredients cited by TheEcoGuide.org include white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, borax and castile soap, all of which “can be bought in bulk with minimal packaging and have known cleaning properties that make them safe, effective and carbon-friendly alternatives.” Coarse salt is also suggested due to its moldfighting power.

Look for biodegradable laundry detergents made with plant oils and other natural ingredients that are free of phosphates, bleach and surfactants such as petroleum-based nonylphenol ethoxylates.

Consider coldwater washing. About 90 percent of the energy a washing machine uses goes toward heating water. By washing four out of five loads in cold water, a household could cut its carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year, according to Energy Star data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because the cold setting may still heat the water to as much as 80° F, see if the washer has a preferable “tap cold” option. Also, the temperature recommendations on clothing labels represent “the highest spectrum clothes can handle,” Melissa Hockstad, president and chief executive of the American Cleaning Institute, recently told The New York Times, so the hottest water won’t necessarily clean clothes better.

During rinsing, natural disinfectants that can be added include a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil; two teaspoons of tea tree oil; white vinegar (one-half cup per load); or one teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract.

Always assemble a full load of laundry each time.

Line drying outdoors or on a drying rack indoors also conserves energy and is gentler on fabrics. Further, learn how to make homemade, felted wool dryer balls at DIYNatural. com; tossing four to six of them in each dryer load saves time, energy and money plus reduces static cling. And consider running the dryer early in the morning or overnight: this shifts energy consumption to off-peak hours, which lowers the demand on power plants and could help reduce national reliance on fossil fuels.

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Use Pumpkin Seed Oil to Dodge Hypertension Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop hypertension than men their age, but taking pumpkin seed oil daily may head off that condition, report researchers from Marymount University, in Arlington, Virginia. In a blind study of 23 participants, women taking three grams of pumpkin seed oil for six weeks had significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, as well as better blood flow in their arteries. The oil “might be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in this population,” write the authors.

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Use Probiotics to Reduce Bone Loss and Newborn Infections Bone loss leading to increased fracture risk occurs in half of postmenopausal women, but new research from Sweden offers a deterrent: a combination of three Lactobacillus probiotic strains. A total of 249 healthy, early postmenopausal women over the age of 50 that took the probiotics for a year suffered no significant bone loss in the lumbar spine compared to a placebo group, report researchers at Gothenburg University. They had slight reductions in bone loss at the neck and no changes at the hip or upper femur.

In a British Medical Journal-published study on probiotics that spanned 10 years and involved nearly 1,000 at-risk babies, researchers from the UK’s Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that newborns with gut infections were twice as likely to recover when given probiotics as part of their treatment in intensive care units, with sepsis rates reduced from 22.6 percent to 11.5 percent. The strains used were L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum subspecies infantis. The babies were suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis, a rare infection and inflammation of the intestines which can affect low-birthweight babies.

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Qigong, a traditional Chinese massage technique and movement practice, may offer hope for the one in 68 American children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Researchers at Portugal’s Oporto University reviewed 10 high-quality studies, all of which involved massage for children as young as 2, including two which also employed slow qigong movements and breathwork for older children. Previous studies have found that the qigong type of gentle massage practiced for 15 minutes daily by parents on autistic children helps the children tolerate touch, feel reassured by it and bond more deeply with parents that also feel less stress.

The meta-study affirmed, “Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioral and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, as well as healthy physical behavior.”

Get Nutritional and Antifungal Benefits from Celery Researchers from Cameroon’s University of Buea studied the properties of nine local vegetables and found that celery, Apium graveolens, had some of the highest levels of antifungal properties, as well as high levels of nutritional lipids, protein, vitamin C, copper, zinc and phosphorous.

Also scoring high in nutritional and antifungal value were the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, African or bush mango, sometimes used in the U.S. in weight-loss products.

baibaz/Shutterstock.com

Practice Qigong Massage to Improve Autism Symptoms in Children

Stacy Barnett/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

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Try Mind-Body Options to Reduce Opioid-Treated Pain People suffering from acute pain often turn to addictive opioid treatments, but research from the University of Utah School of Social Work published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that certain mind-body therapies significantly reduce pain and the use of opioids.

Reviewing 60 randomized, controlled, published clinical trials with more than 6,400 participants, researchers found that meditation/ mindfulness, therapeutic suggestion and cognitive behavioral therapy all significantly reduced pain severity along with opioid use and misuse. Hypnosis also helped lower pain. Mind-body therapies proved effective at reducing short-term, acute pain from medical procedures, as well as chronic pain. Lead author and Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland pointed out that 82,000 Americans are projected to die from opioid overdoses in the next five years and noted, “If all of us—doctors, nurses, social workers, policymakers, insurance companies and patients—use this evidence as we make decisions, we can help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic.”

Certification Classes, Workshops & Seminars ... which will you choose, one or ALL?

FREE Intro Herbal seminars: February 16 & 22 3-day Intensive Cert Class: January 31-Feb 1 & 2 5-week Cert class, Sat morns: March/April Plant, Spirit Medicine: February 1st Advanced Formulation, once-a-year: May 2 and 3 For all the details, (480) 694-9931 to RSVP Check out our new website &F online store:

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Hours: TUES-FRI 11a- 5p; SAT 10a- 3p, Closed Sunday & Monday Online store: www.Store.SWHerb.com

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Consider Vitamins to Reduce Eczema Severity Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, affects one in five people over the course of a lifetime, causing itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin, especially on the arms, hands and feet. Genetics, immune system dysfunction and environmental exposure, including to chemicals, are some causes, and treatment usually involves moisturizers and corticosteroid creams. Research from China’s Chongqing Medical University reviewed clinical research on treating eczema with vitamins and found 10 studies totaling 456 patients. Their study concluded that supplementing with vitamin D3 significantly reduced symptoms for patients with moderate to severe eczema, and that a vitamin B12 cream was also effective in soothing symptoms, as was vitamin E supplementation. A combination of 600 IU of vitamin E and 1,600 IU of D3 scored highest in a study included by the researchers, lowering symptoms overall by 64 percent in 60 days.

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Seal Deal

UNESCO Adopts Resolution on Earth Charter

The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held last November, adopted a resolution that reaffirms the importance of the Earth Charter (EarthCharter. org) as an ethical framework for sustainable development.

The Charter’s four pillars— respect and care for the community of life; ecology integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, non-violence and peace—have guided and underpinned UNESCO’s sustainable development work. Taking into account the current world situation and environmental crises, delegates felt it was time to act and that the Earth Charter provides the needed principles and values. Although it has no binding force, like previous UNESCO resolutions, its ethical foundation may surface in future battles in international courts.

Thump Thump

Fishermen Protect Endangered Sea Mammals

In 1969, there were only 100 South American fur seals and sea lions along the coastline of Lima, the capitol of Peru, but that has increased to more than 8,000 today, thanks to local fishermen that have realized over the intervening years that a balanced ecosystem benefits all. Once hunted almost to the point of no return for their pelts and because they ate so many fish, the sea mammals have slowly rebounded since Peru established its first marine protection area there in 1979, the Paracas Marine Reserve. Today, the Fishermen’s Union has defined these areas, in which each local fishing collective is dependent economically, and has assigned responsibility to that group for protecting those marine resources. Impetus for species protection is also being driven by the rise of tourism and artisanal fisheries.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which maintains a “Red List” database of species and the degree to which they are threatened with extinction, has also been involved. It also compiles a “Green List” to recognize global best practices for areabased conservation, a program working with marine reserves along the Pacific coast.

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Clear Thinking

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global briefs

Trees Exhibit ‘Heartbeat’

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Soot Cities

Alaska Battles Air Pollution

Alaska, which has some of the most pristine environments in the U.S., also has some of the worst air quality in its cities. According to the American Lung Association 2019 State of the Air report (Tinyurl.com/StateOfTheAirPDF), Fairbanks ranked third and a section of Anchorage ranked 21st in cities with high levels of short-term particle pollution between 2015-2017, the latest years that figures are available. Although the numbers are poor, they still represent an improvement from the last air quality report. “Particle pollution is made of soot, or tiny particles that come from coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires and woodburning devices. These particles are so small that they can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, and can even be lethal,” warns Marge Stoneking, executive director at the American Lung Association in Alaska.

MarcelClemens/Shutterstock.com

Scientists have discovered that some trees raise and lower their branches several times in the course of the night, indicating a cycle of water and sugar transportation, but they didn’t know why. Plants need water to photosynthesize glucose, the basic building block from which their more complex molecules are formed.

For trees, this entails drawing water from the roots to the leaves. Dr. András Zlinszky, at Aarhus University, Denmark, used a laser scanning technique to measure the exact location of branches and leaves of 22 tree and shrub species, and published his observations of substantial unexpected movement cycles. He says, “We detected a previously unknown periodic movement of up to 0.4 inches in cycles of two to six hours. The movement has to be connected to variations in water pressure within the plants, and this effectively means that the tree is pumping. Water transport is not just a steady-state flow, as we previously assumed.” Some might call that pumping action a heartbeat.

Valentina Razumovar/Shutterstock.com

Alex Yuzhakov/Shutterstock.com

Climate Check

New Label Verifies Carbon Neutral Products

Green Horizons

A Billion Trees in Eight Years

Marrying forestry to technology, the startup Flash Forest, in Toronto, is using aerial drones to plant trees 10 times faster than human planters with a goal of 1 billion trees by 2028.

Since testing prototype devices last year, it has already planted several thousand trees across Ontario using pregerminated seed pods containing a mixture of species. The drones are capable of planting trees at just 50 cents per pod, or a quarter of the cost of typical planting methods.

Funded partly by a Kickstarter campaign, the group will start planting trees in April, with at least 150,000 in the ground by the end of this year. At full capacity, one drone operator will be able to plant 100,000 seed pods per day.

Flash Forest spokesperson Angelique Ahlstrom says, “Our goals are to have a significant and measurable impact on mitigating climate change in the next decade, while combatting deforestation and biodiversity loss on a global scale. We feel we are one of the only ways that the federal government will be able to fulfill its pledge to plant 2 billion trees in the next 10 years.”

A new Climate Neutral product label is joining others like Fair Trade, 100% Organic and Made in America, and is closing in on a Kickstarter (Tinyurl.com/ CarbonNeutralKickstarter) funding goal to raise $100,000. The idea for the label was hatched by the founders of San Franciscobased backpack and camera equipment maker Peak Design and Brooklyn-based Biolite, which sells sustainable energy products. Participating companies start by establishing baseline emissions, evaluating such factors as raw materials, the energy costs at their facilities, the amount that employees travel, and how and where their products are shipped.

They work to reduce and balance them through greener strategies, switching to renewable power and investing in carbon offsets before they can display the label on their products. According to Climate Neutral, it only costs 12 cents to offset the carbon emissions required to produce a $120 running shoe. More than 40 brands have already signed up.

Water Win

Riccardo Mayer/Shutterstock.com

Fresh H20 Comes to Kenya Town

A drought-plagued Kenyan region is using a new, solarpowered, desalination plant from the international nonprofit GivePower to obtain clean water.

Before the plant’s arrival in the town of Kiunga, villagers had completely run out of clean drinking water and had to use dirty well water and saltwater from the Indian Ocean. The new solar water farm produces enough drinking water that’s cleaner than typical desalination plants for more than 35,000 people every day.

GivePower has a mission of using renewable energy as a means of bringing water, food and energy to places that need it most. They plan on building similar facilities in other drought-prone countries such as Colombia and Haiti.

February 2020

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SACRED VESSELS

by Julie Peterson

W

hen people think about heart health, what generally comes to mind is the fist-sized muscle that pumps and oxygenates the body’s lifeblood.

However, the heart of the matter is not the pump itself, but the vascular system—the network of veins, arteries and capillaries that distributes blood to every cell in the body, delivering nutrients and eliminating waste.

Each human adult harbors an astonishing 60,000 miles of blood vessels— enough to wrap around the planet twice.

Keeping these hard-working vessels supple and open is the key not only to avoiding disease, but also to ensuring a long and healthy life.

The alternative—arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries—can slowly and silently bring on cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can result in a heart attack, stroke, vision loss and cognitive decline. CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in four Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2035,

When a disease is lifestyleinduced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle.

We’ve seen over and over again that it works. ~Brenda Davis 18

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nearly half the population—45 percent—is predicted to have some form of the disease.

“A hundred years ago, we were farming the back 40 with a team of horses, eating what we grew. Kids don’t get out and ride bikes; they’re playing video games and eating crap. There’s very little doubt how we got to this problem,” says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, near Dallas.

Yet, the nation’s number one killer, which can fester for decades without symptoms, is largely preventable and reversible. Only 15 percent of CVD is related to genetics; the rest is attributed to lifestyle, and the right choices can make all the difference. The key is to adopt heart-healthy habits before the body delivers a potentially fatal warning.

“The initial presentation of heart disease can be an acute catastrophic event that results in death in half the men and two-thirds of the women. That’s not treatable,” warns Osborne.

Know the Risk Factors

The first step toward cardiovascular health is awareness. Important indicators of CVD risk include: ✔ High blood pressure (over 140/90) ✔ High cholesterol (over 240 mg/dL) ✔ High triglycerides (over 200 mg/dL) ✔ High blood glucose (over 140 mg/dL) ✔ Obesity (BMI over 30) ✔ Inflammation (hsCRP test above 2 ml/dL) ✔ Physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes a day) ✔ Smoking or vaping (any at all) ✔ Chronic stress ✔ Loneliness

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The Lifeblood of Heart Health

Any of these factors can increase the risk of CVD, but possessing a cluster of the first five comprises a condition called metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the potential for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes—itself a significant risk factor that can damage blood vessels, as well as the organs they support.

“While diabetes is the seventhleading cause of death in the United States, this figure belies the fact that most people with diabetes die of heart disease, kidney failure and other complications,” says Brenda Davis, RD, of Alberta, Canada, author of Kick Diabetes Essentials: The Diet and Lifestyle Guide.

Metabolic syndrome, like CVD, has few obvious symptoms and is on the rise: Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have it, according to the CDC. The one distinct marker for the condition is an accumulation of fat around the waistline, characterized by a measurement of over 35 inches for women and 40 for men.

Take Action to Cut Risks

“When a disease is lifestyle-induced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle,” says Davis. “We’ve seen over and over again that it works.”

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■ Know the Numbers

CVD flies under the radar even though it’s increasingly common at younger ages.

The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study in December 2019 stating that about one in four young adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, putting them at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and CVD. Lisa McDowell, director of clinical nutrition and wellness at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and team dietitian for the Detroit Red Wings, works with elite athletes of all ages and notes that they more likely know their favorite player’s jersey number than their own health numbers. “Learn what your blood pressure is, know your body mass index, get your cholesterol levels

There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers. ~Lisa McDowell and triglycerides and your [hemoglobin] A1C. Know these numbers early on and, if there’s a problem, fix it,” she advises.

While simple blood tests help monitor indicators for CVD, more sophisticated tests can be even more revealing. In 2018, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) jointly issued new guidelines for patients over age 50 to get a computerized tomography (CT) scan to determine their calcium score. The procedure checks for hardening of the arteries and predicts the risk of a 10year future cardiovascular event.

“This identifies people who have pre-clinical atherosclerosis, regardless of risk factors,” says Osborne. “It also helps people modify behaviors, because they are faced with a diagnosis.”

Yale R. Smith, a Melbourne, Florida, M.D., who specializes in metabolic and functional medicine, utilizes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved protein unstable lesion signature (PULS) blood test. Recommended for patients in their 40s, it measures inflammatory biomarkers for the body’s immune system response to arterial injury and provides a chronological heart age and risk of a CVD event.

“If you can show someone the future, it’s a wake-up call to make lifestyle changes to increase longevity,” Smith says.

■ Eat for Heart Health

Perhaps the single most important change that people can make is diet.

“But a lot of people don’t want lifestyle medicine—they’d rather take a statin with their Big Mac,” says McDowell.

Preventing or reversing CVD requires diligence, but it’s largely about eating real, whole food—and mostly plants.

This means avoiding processed foods and consuming less salt, trans fats, saturated fat and cholesterol; and more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

“There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers,” says McDowell. Overcoming the urge to grab fast and easy foods requires education.

“Everyone needs to learn how to read a food label and avoid foods linked to vascular disease,” she adds.

Vegans have healthier cholesterol levels in their blood compared to vegetarians, which in turn have better levels than meat-eaters. Study-verified diets that lower CVD indicators also include the Mediterranean diet, as well as two developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, which also addresses exercise and weight control.

“I don’t believe that one diet fits everybody, but there’s a preponderance of evidence that the more plant compounds you get, the better off you are,” says McDowell.

Some cardiovascular boosters:

Leafy greens flush out excess sodium and magnesium, and reduce inflammation.

Berries improve circulation by boosting nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels.

Pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure and reduces plaque formation.

Walnuts, peanuts and almonds lower LDL, the “bad cholesterol”.

Oily fish, chia and flax seeds with omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides.

Soy with anti-inflammatory isoflavones helps dilate blood vessels. “We could eat tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy beans or even organic soy ‘veggie meats’ in place of red meat,” says Davis.

Yogurt, kefir and other fermented February 2020

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■ Move It

Sitting all day and then briefly exercising doesn’t provide the same benefit as moving periodically throughout the day.

Take more frequent breaks from sitting, get up to move around for a couple of minutes every 30 minutes.

Exercise strengthens the endothelium, the innermost of an artery’s three layers, and produces nitric oxide, which helps keep arteries open and healthy. Getting the blood moving lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and increases oxygen and nutrients to the body.

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Exercising outdoors provides additional benefits. Research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that exposure to green spaces helped prevent metabolic syndrome.

■ Stress Less, Socialize More

Spending even 20 minutes outdoors in nature can do wonders for high blood pressure and cortisol levels, studies show.

Walking or talking with a friend deepens social engagement, a key factor in lowering CVD risk: “Having the right tribe is crucial,” says McDowell. “If you’re with people who support you and make you laugh, you feel less stress.”

Walking a dog outdoors gets three cardiovascular pluses—exercise, nature and sociability, as dogs tend to be tailwagging ice-breakers. Further, merely stroking a pet lowers blood pressure.

Apps like Headspace and Insight Timer make it easy to do meditation, which studies suggest may reduce overall CVD risk.

■ Don’t Smoke

Not starting to smoke or vape at all is ideal for cardiovascular health, but quitting allows the body to begin to heal, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease after one year by 50 percent, reports the AHA; 14 years later, the risk is the same as a non-smoker’s.

“It’s not intuitively easy to make healthy decisions,” says McDowell. “We have to learn how to make good choices.”

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin.

Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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Shutterstock.com

probiotic dairy products help improve glycemic control, blood lipids, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Supplements can be very helpful: Red yeast rice extract, much like a statin, significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL. Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, lowers blood pressure and combats the side effects of statins.

Omega-3s in fish oil supplements reduce heart risk in healthy people and those already diagnosed with CVD risk.

Nicotinamide riboside improves blood pressure and arterial health in those with mild hypertension. Garlic, fresh or in capsules, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Standard American Diet (SAD)

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Previous studies have linked processed foods to hypertension and high cholesterol, and a 2019 British Medical Journal study of 105,000 adults reported that a 10 percent increase in the consumption of processed foods corresponded to a 12 percent overall increase in cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation

Assess Personal Risk High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the vessel walls is too high, making the heart and vessels work harder. The friction damages the endothelium—the inner lining of veins and arteries—plaque builds up, the vessels narrow and blood pressure increases even more. Contributing factors include being sedentary, overweight and consuming excessive alcohol or salt.

High Cholesterol

A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, cholesterol can pile up (mostly as a consequence of poor diet) and stick to arterial walls, creating plaque that stymies blood flow to the heart.

High Triglycerides

The end product of digesting fats in food, triglycerides become fat in the blood that gives the body energy. Numbers climb with consumption of refined carbohydrates, simple sugars and fatty foods, contributing to arteriosclerosis.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that affect up to a third of Americans, metabolic syndrome

is defined by high blood pressure; high levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides; and excess fat around the waist. It’s closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, another CVD risk factor.

Obesity

Obesity—which afflicts almost 40 percent of American adults—causes chronic inflammation, harms the endothelium and causes poor cholesterol numbers. A 12year study of 17,640 Europeans, published in the European Heart Journal, found that obese people with metabolic risk factors were two-and-a-half times as likely to have heart disease as those of normal weight.

Stress

When stressed by such factors as work overload, family strife or traumatic memories, the body releases adrenaline, which causes acceleration of breathing and heart rate, contraction of vessels and a rise in blood sugar. Chronic stress can cause constricted arteries that lead to arteriosclerosis and inflammation of the endothelium.

Further, stressed people often turn to vascular-destructive activities such as smoking, drinking and binge eating.

Chronic inflammation, caused by such factors as fried and processed foods, smoking, obesity, alcohol and stress, can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the endothelium, raising CVD risk. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, is measured by the hsCRP blood test. Men with higher CRP levels had three times the risk of heart attack and twice the risk of stroke, Harvard scientists have found.

Physical Inactivity

A lack of regular, ongoing physical activity has been shown to dramatically increase obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation. A 2019 British study found that artery functions declined and CVD risk factors worsened in just two weeks when active exercisers reduced their daily steps from 10,000 to 1,000.

Smoking and Vaping

Nicotine, carbon monoxide and chemicals in cigarettes increase blood pressure and heart rate, damage the endothelium and cause blood platelets to clot more, which is why smokers are two to four times more likely to get cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes and cigars may be worse due to higher doses of nicotine, the AHA warns.

Loneliness

People need people: Harvard researchers examined 23 studies that involved 181,000 adults and found that loneliness, social isolation or both were associated with increased risks of heart attacks (29 percent) and strokes (32 percent).

February 2020

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here is an intelligence that runs through all things—through the earth, the plants, the animals and through humans. A web of intelligent energy that must be felt in the heart and soul, as it is not a thinking thing.

Plants are living “beings” and therefore have a spirit. The spirit of the plants came into that specific form with the intention of helping and healing the Earth, animals and humans.

As herbalists, when we think about heart health, a handful of herbs routinely come up, and at the top of the list is always hawthorn. Indigenous people around the world honored this beautiful plant, and often when it came into harvest, children would make hawthorn preparations and present them to the village elders as a gift of the heart and for the heart. Their intention was to honor the elders’ wisdom and offer this gift of a strong heart and continued health so

they would live long, healthy lives and continue to share their wisdom.

There is a class of plants called amphoteric (brings to balance), and hawthorn is definitely one of these, as it “brings the heart back into its right rhythm.” Hawthorn is traditionally used to improve heart function, help reduce blood pressure, relax and repair vascular walls, help reduce bad cholesterol, and is a general tonic for the heart and circulatory system.

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healthy kids

GOOD HEARTS START YOUNG

Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular Health

W

by Ronica A. O’Hara

e don’t often think of children as having cardiovascular problems, but evidence is mounting that many youngsters today—because of scant exercise, poor eating habits and excessive screen time—are on track to experiencing serious heart and circulatory problems later in life.

“Instead of taking a wait-and-see approach by treating disease later in adulthood, we should help children maintain the standards of ideal cardiovascular health that most children are born with,” reports Julia Steinberger, M.D., director of pediatric cardiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, in Minneapolis, and lead author of a 2016 scientific statement on children’s cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association (AHA).

In a March 2019 update, the AHA noted that fewer than 1 percent of children meet all seven criteria, or metrics, for ideal cardiovascular health; half of all children meet merely half the measures, which include physical activity, healthy

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eating, not smoking, attaining ideal body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose readings.

Poor metrics in a child are linked to such adverse outcomes as heart attacks, heart failure and stroke in adulthood, advises Elaine Urbina, M.D., director of preventive cardiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, adding that poor metrics in teens are linked to fatty build-up in the neck arteries and arterial stiffness later in life.

But starting in utero, crucial strategies can promote strong cardiovascular systems in kids. Children born to mothers with low vitamin D levels have about a 60 percent higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 6 and 18, reports a Boston Medical Center study in the journal Hypertension; vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may head that off. Other important strategies include:

Get them moving. Children should be physically active at least 60 minutes a day, the AHA recommends, but among

S-F/ Shutterstock.com

kids 6 to 11, only half of the boys and a third of the girls meet that guideline; by ages 16 to 19, merely one in 10 boys and one in 20 girls do. A review of 50 fitness studies in 28 countries involving 25 million children concluded that American kids today are about a minute and a half slower running a mile than their peers 30 years ago.

“Aerobic exercises like running, swimming and cycling use the big muscles of the body and are excellent ways of stressing and strengthening the heart and lungs,” says study author Grant Tomkinson, Ph.D., professor of education, health and behavior studies at the University of North Dakota. Even simply walking to school in the morning for 10 minutes reduces stress in kids and curbs heart rate and blood pressure increases, a University of Buffalo study found.

Feed them well. About 91 percent of U.S. children have what is classified as a “poor” diet that’s heavy in simple carbs like desserts and sugary drinks, the AHA reported. It recommends feeding kids a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains and low in sodium and sugary foods and drinks. A 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of 2,142 children found that nine of 10 kids exceeded recommended sodium Instead of taking a waitand-see approach by treating disease later in adulthood, we should help children maintain the standards of ideal cardiovascular health that most children are born with. ~Julia Steinberger

levels. A Cleveland Clinic study found that obese children eating a low-fat, plant-based vegan diet for four weeks began lowering their risk of heart disease by improving their weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.

Don’t smoke or vape. The risk of a child developing

carotid plaque in adulthood was four times higher if one or both parents smoked without taking care to limit the child’s exposure; when they did take care, the risk was still almost two times higher, according to an Australian study in the journal Circulation. Discouraging a teen from vaping is also critical to future health: New research from the University of Kansas School of Medicine shows that adults that vape are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease and depression compared with those that don’t vape or use any tobacco products.

Restrict screen time. Australian 6-year-

olds that spent the most time in front of TVs, computers and video games had narrower arteries in the back of their eyes—a marker of future cardiovascular risk— reported a study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular. A study from Canada’s McMaster University found that kids with video game addictions sleep less, which in turn elevates blood pressure, lowers helpful HDL cholesterol and raises triglycerides.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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VITAL STEPS The Path to Vascular Fitness

by Marlaina Donato

I

t is well-known that exercise combats cardiovascular disease by balancing blood pressure and managing blood sugar, but aerobic exercise, not resistance training, takes the prize for keeping the body’s thousands of miles of blood vessels more supple. A 2017 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that all-extremity exercise like brisk walking improves arterial flexibility in older individuals; even those with a sedentary history.

Moving the body regularly also lowers stress hormones like cortisol that can ignite damaging vascular inflammation.

A West Virginia University study presented at the 2016 Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego showed that aerobic exercise fosters healthy blood vessels in rats exposed to chronic stress.

Combining aerobic exercise with good diet and pay-

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ing attention to triglyceride levels all help to keep us young from the inside-out.

Step It Up

According to a 2015 study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine published in Experimental Physiology, walking just 10 minutes after prolonged sitting can restore blood flow in the legs and improve impaired vascular function.

Results like these are another reason to get up and move. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, jumping rope and playing tennis are all excellent options. “For blood vessel flexibility, any sort of sustained aerobic exercise helps. Find something you enjoy so that you’ll keep doing it in the long term,” says Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?

Fitness Myths, Training Truths,

and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise. The Toronto-based, Outside magazine science columnist underscores that treadmills and walking outside foster equal benefits by increasing the heart rate.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise. Dr. Regina Druz, a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, explains, “This translates into 30 minutes a day, five times a week. A specific exercise program may be helpful for those with a medical condition, but for overall vascular health, any physical activity like walking or taking the stairs will do.” Druz also highlights the role of nitric oxide: “One of the most studied mediators of vascular health is [nitric oxide], which makes arteries flexible.”

Research findings published in 2018 in the journal Hypertension spotlight the correlation between the number of daily steps and arterial plasticity through a technique called pulse wave velocity, which measures how fast blood travels from the heart to the feet. The evidence suggests that 1,000 extra steps a day foster significant vascular improvement.

Judy Heller, a walking coach and founder of Wonders of Walking, a fitness program in Portland, Oregon, concurs: “Moving throughout the day, not just once a day, is most important.” Heller is a firm believer in consistency. “My aunt lived to 107 and remained in her three-story house.

Her words to me were, ‘Judy, don’t ever stop walking.’ Small changes yield greater rewards over time. We’re meant to move.”

brisk walk /Shutterstock.com

fit body

For blood vessel flexibility, any sort of sustained aerobic exercise helps.

Find something you enjoy so that you’ll keep doing it in the long term. ~Alex Hutchinson

brisk walk /Shutterstock.com

Superfoods and Supplements

Nitric oxide, responsible for the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, is produced by exercising and helps to protect the smooth interior lining of the arteries from excessive plaque accumulation. Adding nitric oxide-boosting foods to an already healthy diet can give us an extra edge over vascular conditions like stroke and peripheral artery disease.

“Beets, arugula, spinach and rhubarb are all good sources of dietary nitrate. They’re not miracle supplements, but if you make these foods a regular part of your diet, you’ll have a positive effect on your arteries,” says Hutchinson.

Research by Florida State University published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that a one-cup daily serving of blueberries helps to protect the arteries from stiffness. Watermelon, rich in the nonessential amino acid L-citrulline, also packs a nitric oxide punch.

Full-spectrum vitamin E is another good option, especially for addressing peripheral artery disease and reducing serum triglyceride levels that are often seen as secondary to “bad” cholesterol levels, but which low levels are vital to cardiovascular health.

Druz cautions against using supplements as substitutes for healthy nutrition and exercise, and underscores the importance of dialing down stress, “I advise my patients to build stress resiliency, which involves recognizing and practicing stress response. This, along with nutrition and consistent exercise, will lower inflammation and help build stress resiliency.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

February 2020

27

Disrupting Disposables The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

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by Yvette C. Hammett

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niversities, sports There is momentum, Two-pronged efforts arenas, restauby businesses and indibut it is challenging. rants and other viduals to divert plastics businesses are taking up ~Eric DesRoberts from the waste system the call to “disrupt disposand replacing them with ables” as part of a global effort to dramatiEarth-friendly alternatives will eventucally cut down on single-use plastics. The ally pay off, experts say, but it will be a environmental problems caused by those long and slow process. However, moubiquitous throwaways have become a mentum is building, spurred by conmainstay of news reporting, and studies on sumer demand and a growing number how best to reduce them through public of enterprising businesses, organizations policy abound. A recent Canadian research and academic institutions. paper in the Marine Pollution Bulletin At Penn State University, agriculexplores strategies such as bans, tax levies ture and biological engineering profesand education. Experts agree that it is not sor Judd Michael is working with sports just a litter problem, but a sobering matter facilities to lower both plastics use and of human and planetary health. littering; the initiative is working so well As these plastics wind up in the oceans that their approaches may be taken up by and landfi lls worldwide, they can languish other schools across the nation. “One of virtually intact for up to 1,000 years, entanmy projects is with NASCAR’s Pocono gling and choking marine mammals and Raceway [also in Pennsylvania], where terrestrial wildlife. Or, they break into toxic the owners of the track wanted to conmicroplastics that enter drinking water tinue to make the venue more green,” he supplies, eventually ingested by humans. says. “There is zero waste in suites for that Because plastics are made from petroleum, track, and they are initiating a compretheir production also adds to greenhouse hensive recycling program. They try to get gases that contribute to the climate crisis. tailgaters to participate, as well.”

sherlesi/Shutterstock.com

green living

On campus, Penn State provides personal footprint—your cumulative imA lot of local folks have bags of different colors for tailgaters with pact, like how many single-use bottles you really changed their instructions for fans to separate recyclables have avoided,” she says. perspective. We see a lot in one bag and everything else in the other.

On a smaller scale, Dana Honn and more customers coming That program was exported to Pocono. his wife Christina went completely plastic800-376-1057 Michael is also working with PepsiCo, free upon opening Café Carmo, in New in and sayingwww.NaturesWayBotanicals.com they which owns Frito-Lay, to develop alternaOrleans. “We only had about a dozen seats, appreciate that we are -M. Erling tive packaging. but determined to have as little waste as after shingles.” using compostable cups CBD. Issue began The University of Florida’s efforts possible. Every year, we were able to build stops I use andwhen compostable straws. began in 2012, when the campus freed upon it,” he says. eyebrow begins, it itself from plastic bags, getting buy-in from “A lot of local folks have really changed itching on ~Dana my Honn Chick-Fil-A, Subway and other eatertheir perspective. We see a lot more custom“Every time the ies that agreed to switch to alternatives. ers coming in and saying they appreciate “We’ve been Styrofoam-free since 2012, as well,” says Allison Vitt, that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.” outreach and communications coordinator for the UF Office of It’s a slow, but steady effort, says Eric DesRoberts, senior Sustainability. “At the end of 2018, we officially switched over all to manager of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program. compostable straws.” They feel like plastic, but are certified com“We have worked with a number of restaurants talking about why -K. Santos postable,get shethe says. it is important to be taking action to keep plastics out of the waste gel!"

UF has engaged with Cupanion, a company that developed stream and out of the ocean.” telling all my friends to good years. an app thatinhas a “fiIllam it forward” program, distributing money to More people are volunteering to clean up and cut back on "I have not felt this clean-water charities worldwide. “Since 2016, we’ve been working plastics, and more businesses are asking the nonprofit, Washingwith them to reduce single-use plastic, rewarding people for reuston, D.C.-based, environmental advocacy organization how ing their bottles,” says Vitt. they can do their part. “There is momentum, but it is challengInterested students, staff and faculty are given a barcode ing,” says DesRoberts.

- C. Paterno sticker to scan on their phone each time a bottle is refiand lledlotion" at a CBD pills considerable sincethat using campus retailer or water fountain. The app provides points Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, back pain has lessened can be redeemed for monthly prizes. “It also shows you your Florida. Connect at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

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Linda Carroll on Skills That Make Love Last

by Kajsa Nickels

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sychotherapist Linda Carroll was drawn into the dynamics of couples’ counseling three decades ago when she saw how in her own marriage, petty disagreements could turn into full-blown arguments with the potential for deep wounds. She and her husband Tim worked on their issues by attending workshops across the country, including Imago therapy and PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), which were so effective that she developed a curriculum called Love Skills by combining those tools, her experience as a married person and counselor, personal training from consciousness pioneers and resources from ancient mythology and spiritual/religious traditions.

She has co-taught the course with her husband for more than 25 years. Her first book, Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Everlasting Love, has been translated into several languages and details stages in romantic relationships. Her new book, Love Skills: The Key to Unlocking Lasting, Wholehearted Love, is a guide to developing a relationship toolkit.

What is the Love Cycles model?

It is based on the fact that feelings of love are seasonal. Like the seasons of the year, they are a natural progression of a relationship. If you understand the seasons, you 30

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can pass through them.

All relationships are teachers. If we allow them to teach us, we become free to love deeper and better.

What is the most difficult Love Cycles stage, and why?

Each stage has its own unique challenges.

For example, the first stage, the Merge, has a magic to it due to the chemical cocktail that floods your body when in the presence of your significant other. But this stage can be treacherous in that you can mistake your feelings for evidence that this is the “right” person for you. In the Power Struggle stage, feelings will have worn off and power struggles will start to show up. The third stage is Disillusionment.

Differences between both of you really start to show up at this time. The fourth stage is the Decision stage. At this point, many couples find themselves wanting out. The key to making it through this stage is to remember that this, too, shall pass and to commit to working it out. It’s important to realize that life is not about getting an A+ at all times. Sometimes, we need to accept that a C- is okay; and if you do need to leave a relationship, it is possible to do it in a wholehearted way at best—at the least, to minimize damage.

The fifth stage I call Wholehearted Love, a stage reached only through mindfulness and unconditional love. Because love has changing seasons, a couple will not stop

at the fifth stage forever, but getting back to this state will become easier and easier as time goes on.

What was your impetus for writing Love Skills?

I have been teaching the program for 25 years and drew from my almost 40 years as a couples therapist, many trainings all over the country and own life experiences in my relationship with my husband to compile the program. Most couples lack the skills to manage the troubles of life. There is a skill to every aspect of a relationship, especially in communication: listening, speaking, knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

Who is most likely to benefit?

The relationship you have with yourself is a core part of the Love Cycles model. If you do not have a good relationship with yourself, you cannot have a solid and meaningful relationship with another person. This is a couples’ book, although it can also be gone through by a single person if the partner is not interested in it. What I tell people is that you can only work on your part. If the other person doesn’t want to buy in or isn’t wholeheartedly on board—or at least partially willing—there is nothing that you can do about it. You need to be able to be okay and confident in yourself. You cannot change another person, but you can always change yourself.

What is one of the most important pieces of advice you have for couples?

I hope that couples come to realize that feelings of love are like clouds, always changing. A good relationship requires a skill set, which we practice whatever the feelings are. We are not born knowing how to love skillfully, but this skill set can be learned by anyone and will make you able to listen better and appreciate each other more.

Kajsa Nickels is a freelance author who resides in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Connect at FidelEterna45@gmail.com.

photo by Le Studio NYC

wise words

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inspiration

CHOOSING LOVE How to Cope With Fearful Times

I

by Scarlett Lewis

t’s hard to make sense of some of the troubling things we see on TV and read about in the news. Our kids ask us, “Why are these things happening?” It’s an important question and it all comes down to two competing feelings: fear versus love.

When we see disturbing images such as school shootings or political opponents attacking one another, it cultivates anxiety, which is epidemic in our society.

When left untreated, it can lead to negative outcomes including substance abuse, depression, suicide and violence. Often, we look to those in perceived power to solve

these issues. Perhaps what we haven’t considered is that these are not political issues; rather, they are issues of the heart and only we can solve them.

So we continue to see pain and suffering played out before us. We feel powerless and this feeds our unease. Our personal safety is a priority and external safety measures sometimes fail. If we don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. There is a solution.

The opposite of anxiety and fear is love.

When we examine the trajectory of most societal ills, there is often an arc of loneliness, depression, isolation and often abuse.

From a young age, we can learn to choose love as a thoughtful response to any situation. When we do this, we take back our personal power. We become part of the solution to the issues we see, and science tells us that others will do the same.

There is a formula for choosing love. It starts with courage. My son Jesse was a 6-year-old boy who stood up to the shooter that came into his first-grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School and saved nine of his classmates’ lives before losing his own. We all have that courage within us: the courage to be kind, to speak our truth, to do the right thing.

We can only have one thought at a time, so we can shift our thinking by replacing a negative thought with a grateful one. Forgiving helps us to take back our personal power and is a gift we give ourselves. It is the foundation of healthy relationships that lead to greater happiness and connection in our lives. Compassion in action helps us step outside our own busyness, distraction and even pain to help others.

When we do this, we’re choosing love and helping to create a safer, more peaceful and loving world. When we model the practice of these character values as a thoughtful response for our children, they grow up to do the same.

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure every child has access to social and emotional education and support. Connect with her at Info@JesseLewisChooseLove.org.

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HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

by Marlaina Donato

S

omeday, medical science will allow us to infuse damaged or aging organs with new cells, or to manufacture made-to-order organs on a 3-D printer.

These emerging techniques to revitalize worn-out body parts are on the drawing board in the field of regenerative medicine.

However, for the injured college athlete or the grandmother with compromised joint function, healing and pain relief can already be found in the form of prolotherapy and other non-invasive approaches that stimulate the body to heal itself.

Injection therapies using dextrose or the patient’s own platelets or stem cells are being used to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenated tissue, offering hope to those with soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and even pain syndromes like fibromyalgia.

A recent review in the British Medical Bulletin of 10 high-

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quality studies of dextrose prolotherapy in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee showed patients experienced significantly less pain and improved range of motion in both the short term and long term without adverse effects.

Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Controlled Inflammation

A type of regenerative medicine innovated by osteopathic physician Earl Gedney in the 1930s, prolotherapy induces low-grade, temporary inflammation with the intention of triggering connective tissue cells called fibroblasts in and around the injection site.

“If you cut your arm or twist your ankle, various immune cells rush to the area to begin the repair process. This is a very basic comparison of what prolotherapy does with injections directed to specific anatomical points,” says Ross A. Hauser, M.D., founder of Caring Medi-

cal Regenerative Medicine Clinics, in Fort Myers, Florida, and Chicago.

“Prolotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis because it helps correct the underlying reason why it has occurred, which is joint instability. The body overgrows bone as a long-term response in an effort to stabilize an unstable joint,” Hauser says.

Naturopathic physician Brent Cameron, of Aurora Natural Medicine, in Gilbert, Arizona, suggests individualized treatment plans for best results. “My recommendations are very patient-specific, which is an important piece in prolotherapy.” Cameron says his patients are likely to start seeing relief in the first week. “In many instances, they experience complete relief and mobility after a series of treatments.”

While Cameron attests to the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy, he is cautious with recommending it for people with systemic inflammatory conditions.

“Someone with a history of joint-related autoimmune response tends to mount stronger inflammatory responses. Other forms of regenerative medicine can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis [RA], but not in the inflammation-mediated way, like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.”

One option, according to the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in Boca Raton, Florida, might be very small embryoniclike stem cells (VSELS), an emerging form of regenerative stem cell therapy. These have shown promise in dealing with RA and other autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine is ramping up its research into approaches that stimulate the body to repair itself, with numerous ongoing clinical trials utilizing different injection therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Power of Platelets

PRP injections are similar to prolotherapy, using platelets from the patient’s body instead of dextrose. “As blood flows through an injury site, the inflammatory chemicals trigger the platelets to release growth factors, which causes the torn fibers of the damaged structures to heal,” says Fort Worth osteopath Gerald Harris, of Texas Prolotherapy and Neural Therapy.

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healing ways

PRP is sometimes used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, which is typically applied in cases in which something needs to be replaced, to help fill in gaps in ligaments or tendons, Harris says.

PRP injections have proven to be effective in easing chronic low back pain from damaged vertebral discs. An overview of research published in the Journal of Spine Surgery in 2018 found it to be safe, effective and feasible, with promising potential for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Harris says that people that wish to avoid surgery or cortisone injections can benefit from PRP, which can also be applied topically to treat non-healing wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers.

Harris subscribes to the power of persistence. “Don’t give up. With proper treatment there is a strong likelihood that you can live a happy, healthy life free from chronic pain.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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Food always tastes better in the season it was intended to be eaten in. ~Brigit Binns

A Feast for All Seasons Embracing the Rainbow Year Round

N

by April Thompson

o matter where we live, eating seasonally in winter doesn’t have to be boring or limiting; a culinary adventure awaits the home chef that’s willing to leave avocados and asparagus to their rightful seasons and embrace the winter rainbow of bitter greens, sweet potatoes, sunny citrus and fuchsia beets, among other timely delicacies.

“Sometimes people think of winter foods as brown and soft and boring, and it’s absolutely not the case. Winter brings bright things like pomegranates, beets and citrus, which offer color and acidity,” says Brigit Binns, the Paso Robles, California author of 30 cookbooks, including Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh.

Eating seasonally is especially important in winter, says Shannon Stonger of Texas, author of Simple Food for Winter: 30 Grain-Free Recipes to Get You Through the Dark Days. “Winter foods like fermented vegetables, root vegetables, squashes and hardy greens are especially helpful in the colder, darker months, when our bodies are in need of comfort foods as well as pre- and probiotic foods,” says Stonger, a homesteader and founder of the blog NourishingDays.com.

There are plenty of other reasons to stick to a seasonal diet in winter, adds Binns.

“Food always tastes better in the season

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it was intended to be eaten in. Seasonal foods are naturally ripened, rather than harvested early and trucked in. In addition to enhanced flavor, eating seasonally helps minimize use of fossil fuels to bring our food to us, and is likely to be less expensive.”

Winterizing the Kitchen

Much of the fall harvest, particularly root vegetables, stores well through the winter (hence the idea of a root cellar), extending produce across seasons, according to Steven Satterfield, chef and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. There are lots of root vegetables beyond just carrots and potatoes to be enjoyed in winter, including sunchokes, parsnips and turnips, which can be used creatively rather than “boiled to death,” says Satterfield. For example, the Atlanta restaurateur incorporates parsnips into an upside-down cake with winter spices like nutmeg, black pepper and ginger.

Binns likes to add texture to winter dishes with nuts, color with herbs, and crunch with a winter vegetable like fennel.

Warming soups are always comforting during the coldest season, but she also likes warm salads, like a beet and escarole salad drizzled with a warm sherry vinaigrette.

Satterfield suggests that specialty citrus like blood oranges, Meyer lemons and

cross-hybridized varieties such as tangelos and pomelos are fun to intersperse with winter vegetables to maximize brightness and freshness. A lot of winter produce can be great in raw form as well, he adds, including Brussels sprouts, rutabaga or daikon radish, shaved thinly or julienned into a salad.

Winter squash is a favorite staple of the Stonger family in the cooler months.

“It is easy to grow, easy to store and so deliciously sweet and rich. We roast it as a side dish, mash it as a sort of breakfast porridge or make soups and curries from it,” says Stonger.

Satterfield suggests using all the parts of winter vegetables to maximize the harvest and minimize food waste.

For example, the seeds of winter squashes can be roasted with herbs and spices and eaten as is, churned into other dishes such as a squash seed granola or blended and strained into a homemade broth to add some texture, fat and flavor. After roasting carrots with Moroccan spices, Satterfield suggests taking the leafy carrot tops and chopping them with cilantro and garlic to make a green sauce to crown the carrots.

Swiss chard stems can also be chopped and cooked into Portuguese bread soup, with leftover stale bread made into olive oil croutons and egg whites stirred in at the end.

Winter Health Boosters

Beyond selecting seasonal produce, chefs recommend a few key dietary tweaks in winter, such as stepping up vitamin D consumption. “Since you’re not seeing a lot of sun this time of year, it’s more important to get it through colorful vegetables like carrots, cabbage or radicchio.

Watermelon radishes are another winter vegetable full of vitamins,” says Binns.

“You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option. Sprouts are incredibly high in enzymes, something often lacking in other winter dishes,” suggests Stonger. “Fermented vegetables and other fermented foods can make up the difference in winter.”

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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conscious eating

Winter Salad Wonders For the vinaigrette: Fresh orange juice or as needed 1 Tbsp champagne vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

photo by Ray Kachatorian

Cut the celery in half lengthwise. Using a serrated vegetable peeler or a mandoline, shave the celery into thin strips lengthwise down the ribs. Cut the strips in half crosswise and place in a bowl of water. Set aside.

Separate the mâche leaves and transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Working on a plate to capture all the juices, use a serrated knife to cut a thick slice off the top and bottom of each citrus fruit. Working with one fruit at a time, stand it upright and, following the contour of the fruit, carefully slice downward to remove the peel, pith and membrane. Set the fruit on its side and cut crosswise into slices about ⅜-inch thick, discarding any seeds. Transfer the slices to the bowl with the mâche, reserving the juices for the vinaigrette.

Mixed Citrus Salad With Mâche, Fennel and Celery Winter is the height of citrus season, with an appealing display of oranges, mandarins, tangerines, tangelos, pomelos and more in the best-stocked markets. Use a varied mixture of sweet-tart types for the prettiest, tastiest salad.

photo by Ray Kachatorian

Yields: 4 servings 2 ribs celery 2 bunches mâche 2 lb mixed citrus fruits, such as navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, mandarins and pomelos ½ fennel bulb, trimmed 8 kumquats ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Cut the fennel lengthwise in half. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the fennel crosswise into very thin slices and tuck among the citrus slices. Drain the celery and distribute evenly over the salad. Using the serrated knife, cut each kumquat crosswise into very thin slices, discarding any seeds. Scatter the kumquat slices evenly over the salad, then sprinkle the almonds over the top.

You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option. ~Shannon Stonger

Chard and Squash Salad 1 small winter squash, such as sweet dumpling, acorn or golden 2 small beets, trimmed 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 bunch Swiss chard, tough ribs removed and leaves torn Red wine vinaigrette or vinaigrette of choice Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Cut the winter squash into wedges and remove the seeds, if desired. Transfer the wedges to a baking dish. Halve the beets and add to the dish. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Bake in a preheated 450° F oven, stirring once, until tender and lightly browned, 20 to 40 minutes.

Let cool. Peel and slice the beets. Place the chard in a bowl, drizzle with some of the vinaigrette. Toss to coat. Add the squash and beets, drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

From Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh, by Brigit Binns

To make the vinaigrette, pour the reserved citrus juices into a measuring cup. Add enough additional orange juice to measure ½ cup then add the vinegar. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve.

From Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh, by Brigit Binns

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

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Finicky Eaters

How to Get Them to Eat Their Veggies ... and like ‘Em!

by A.J. Fleming

M

eals are typically regarded as a time-honored family tradition combining the comforting elements of food, fun and sharing for parents and children alike. However, sometimes vegetables can be the enemy. The eternal battle continues to rage on between mothers who lovingly try to get persnickety children (and sometimes stubborn husbands) to eat their veggies.

She may feel like she is forced to strap on an army helmet and bulletproof vest when it comes time to serve up the vegetables. Children, in return, may regard green veggies, such as broccoli and spinach, as little green Martians who desire to take over the Earth. All of this resentment can put unwanted stress on mealtime and even tarnish the tradition and family memories.

Before we get to solutions to this dilemma, let’s examine the health reasons why everyone should eat their vegetables.

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They’re low in fat and rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Research suggests that diets ample in vegetables can boost our immune system and help prevent a multitude of ailments, including certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Global statistics support these studies by revealing how populations who regularly eat sufficient quantities of vegetables have lower rates of debilitating disease and longer life spans. Additionally, using veggies in home recipes in place of high-calorie ingredients (like oily fats, carbohydrates and sugars) can help people maintain normal weight—something to consider with obesity at nationwide epidemic proportions.

So, you would think that all those tremendous health benefits would be motivating enough to get people to eat more vegetables ... right? Not necessarily. People with busy schedules endorse

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Cut vegetables into smaller pieces before adding them to foods so their presence will not be so obvious to the anti-veggie crowd. The finer they are chopped, usually the better the results. Nourishing vegetables worth considering include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, turnips, onions, garlic, parsley, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and leafy greens (such as romaine, spinach, cabbage, kale and collards).

Please note: When preparing cabbage, you may wish to cut out the center core and the center spine on the kale and collards as they can be quite bitter. Additionally, keep in mind that dark green vegetables, such as broccoli,

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the popular excuse of “I don’t have time to cook,” and when combined with the fact that ready-to-eat meal options are so commonly available at supermarkets, convenience stores and drive-throughs, it’s easy to see how these factors play a role in what people choose to eat.

Likewise, overcoming taste barriers remains a major obstacle. For many, their taste buds have become spoiled rotten to a point where they simply don’t care for anything that is not loaded with sugar, salt or fat, or dipped in chocolate. And because tastes buds have become compromised, people will often pass on a tossed salad that is not buried in an avalanche of rich, creamy dressing, or a baked potato that is not blanketed beyond recognition with a mountain of sour cream and/or butter. Or how about a raisin that is not chocolate coated?

Fortunately, “taste” can be programed just like a computer. Americans were not born craving burgers and fries.

Being raised on certain foods simply develops certain taste habits through long-term conditioning, but eating habits can change for the better with the passage of time. The following tips should help those finicky eaters tolerate vegetables to a more satisfactory degree, which in turn, may ease the stress of family meals.

• Conceal veggies inside sandwiches, burritos or tacos.

• Don’t forget to add the lettuce, tomato and onions to burgers.

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Charm the Crowd Through Modesty

spinach and kale, are often rated as the most nutritious plants on the planet and function well in a wide range of recipes.

Therefore, if you were to focus on only one group, these would be an excellent choice from a health and nutritional standpoint.

Concealment: Another Key to Victory

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Disguise chopped or finely cut vegetables by hiding them in common foods.

Most people who dislike veggies usually object to a huge pile staring back at them on their plate. Therefore, give these camouflage tips a try: • Pasta sauce is a great place to hide chopped veggies.

• When making pizza, bury them under a layer of cheese.

• Fold veggies into omelets and scrambled eggs.

• Mask veggies in soups alongside the noodles, potatoes or rice.

• Vegetables are barely conspicuous tucked inside a dense casserole.

• Camouflage veggies inside mashed potatoes.

• Enhance macaroni and cheese by adding some broccoli or peas.

• Add veggies to rice pilaf.

Add only modest amounts of veggies to dishes because you don’t want to overwhelm your audience in the beginning. Treat this task like an experiment, then slowly increase the quantity and variety of vegetables over a period of time. Victories with your family should escalate. Remember, patience is a virtue.

The next time you are cooking and suspect you are about to face an onslaught of rejection from your antiveggie crowd, and before your finicky eaters get huffy over your little speech of “veggies are good for you,” give these suggestions a try. You never know, it may even help alter their taste buds and they may actually grow to like those once scorned vegetables.

A.J. Fleming, ND, author of the books STOP Committing Suicide with a Fork! and Nutrition Made E-Z, has more than 20 years’ experience as a nutritional researcher and author. A naturopathic consultant, he was a former adviser to a vitamin supplement manufacturer, newspaper columnist, and personal health counselor. His articles have appeared in various publications, including Let’s Live Magazine, Bestways Magazine, Christian Living in the Mature Years, and Natural Awakenings magazine. An ex-marathon runner, with the Boston Marathon to his credit, he is a Christian by faith, and his hobbies include reading, fitness and vegetarianism.

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natural pet

Pain Relief for Pets Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

by Julie Peterson

B

rian Engler, Prolotherapy, Prolotherapy offers an of Drexel Hill, short for proliferaeffective alternative to Pennsylvania, tive therapy, isn’t just surgery in a significant for dogs. Any aniwas asked to provide number of partial ligament mal with a joint can hospice care for a senior Akita. Tadao tears or persistent joint receive the regenerawas underweight, tive injection therapy, pain issues. weak, arthritic and which relieves pain ~Judith M. Shoemaker had been severely by strengthening neglected. He needed ligaments and tendons a place to live out his remaining days supporting the joint. It’s minimally inin comfort. Even though Tadao was vasive, involving the injection of a sugar unstable with severely limited mobilsolution directly into the affected area.

The body’s inflammation response kicks ity, Engler believed that the old dog had in, resulting in regrowth of new fibers in more than a little life left in him. ligaments and tendons.

Engler’s veterinarian tried proloProlotherapy has been around a long therapy injection treatments for Tadao’s time. It was used to treat lame animals joint pain and he soon became more comfortable and gradually more active. “By around 1350 B.C. Back then, a hot poker was used to induce the inflammation the time we completed the treatments, he response. In the 1930s, injection of an was able to get up and down with ease and started cruising around the kitchen looking irritant solution at the site of the injury befor snacks on the counter,” says Engler. came the new method, and has since been

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shown in scientific studies to facilitate the repair and regrowth of connective tissue, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and other joint-stabilizing structures.

Modern prolotherapy has remained basically the same for the last 80 years, although the injected irritant solution is modified according to the veterinarian, the type of animal and the injury. Every vet uses a slightly different prolotherapy “cocktail”, which typically includes 50 percent dextrose and possibly several other ingredients the practitioner finds useful, such as saline, vitamin B12, lidocaine and homeopathic combinations. Some vets also offer platelet-rich plasma or stem cells in the injection mixture.

“Prolotherapy offers an effective alternative to surgery in a significant number of partial ligament tears or persistent joint pain issues,” says Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM, owner of Always Helpful Veterinary Services, in Nottingham, Pennsylvania.

“It’s quite inexpensive and the success rate is very good. Many animals respond after just a few treatments.”

Shoemaker typically does prolotherapy treatments in three- to five-week intervals until the joint heals. She also looks to correct the underlying issues of

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the problem. “Joints don’t get torn up with normal movement,” she says.

Animals may have joint issues from falling, but other causes include overweight, long toenails or chiropractic issues.

Prolotherapy stabilizes joints after an injury and achieves pain-free motion, but it’s only successful if the cause of the injury is remedied.

“Prolotherapy is a very important tool in integrative veterinary care, but it’s not a panacea, and it’s never a stand-alone treatment,” says Christin Finn, DVM, owner of the Canine Rehabilitation & Integrative Veterinary Center, in Kingston, Washington. “It’s part of a combination of integrative treatments based on what is best for your pet.”

The right balance of treatments to help an animal feel comfortable could include laser therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, physical therapy, custom braces, prolotherapy or rest.

Using prolotherapy in conjunction with other posture-correcting and integrative therapies is a win for pets and their owners. Surgery is fraught with complications and expensive. When prolotherapy is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, animals can recover from injuries that may have been debilitating or even fatal.

Ivey Sumrell’s Irish sport horse recovered from a severe injury. At 8 years old, Johnny was bitten on the neck by a stallion. “His neck became unstable and he had severe problems walking,” says Sumrell, of Tryon, North Carolina.

“Ultrasound-guided prolotherapy was done three times to all of his neck joints.”

Johnny was able to be ridden and lived to be 22.

And Tadao, the dog that was expected to die in hospice care a year ago, is enjoying life. He’s now well-nourished and loved, and painlessly goes for walks and plays at the park. “Tadao is the poster child for what prolotherapy can do,” says Engler.

Colors are the smiles of nature. ~Leigh Hunt

Julie Peterson writes about health and environmental issues. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

February 2020

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Tempe Meadows Farmers’ Market 1490 E Weber Dr Saturdays & Sundays 8am-2pm TempeMeadows.com The Barn at Power Ranch 3685 E Autumn Dr, Gilbert Wednesdays 4-8pm RaysMarket.com The Capitol Farmers’ Market 1700 Adams St, Phoenix Thursdays late Nov-Apr 10:30am-1:30pm ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com

The farmers’ markets are in full force! Take advantage of fresh, local produce from the best Arizona farms. Visit the market websites to confirm information.

Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market 4700 E Warner Rd, Phoenix Sundays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 8am-11am Facebook.com/AhwatukeeFarmersMarket Anthem Farmers’ Market 41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy Sundays Oct-May 9am-1pm Facebook.com/AnthemFarmersMarket Care 1st Farmers’ Market 328 W Western Ave, Avondale Tuesdays Jul-Oct 8am-noon ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com Carefree Farmers’ Market 1 Sundial Circle Fridays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 8am-11am Facebook.com/CarefreeFarmersMarket Downtown Chandler Farmers’ Market 3 S Arizona Ave Saturdays Oct-May 9am-1pm Jun-Sep 7am-10:30am Facebook.com/ChandlerFarmersMarket Gilbert Farmers’ Market 222 N Ash St Saturdays Oct-Mar/Apr 8am-noon Apr/May-Sep 7am-11am GilbertMarket.com Goodyear Farmers’ Market 3151 N Litchfield Rd Saturdays Oct-May 8am-noon ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com

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High Street Farmers’ Market 5415 E High St, Phoenix Sundays Oct-May 10am-1pm Facebook.com/Farmers-Market-on-HighStreet-2244771575799425 Mesa Farmers’ Market and Flea 526 E Main St Saturdays 8am-1pm (winter hrs) 7am-noon (summer hrs) MesaFarmersMarketAndFlea.com Momma’s Organic Market Park West, 9744 W Northern Ave, Peoria Saturdays 9am-2pm MommasOrganicMarket.com Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market 3806 N Brown Ave Saturdays 7am-11am ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com Phoenix Public Market 721 N Central Ave Saturdays Oct-Apr 8am-1pm May-Sep 8am-noon PhxPublicMarket.com Power Road Farmers’ Market 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm | Sunday 9am-4pm PowerrdFarmersMarket.com

Uptown Farmers’ Market 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix Wednesdays Oct-Apr 9am-1pm & May-Jun 8am-noon Saturdays Nov-Apr 9am-1pm & May-Oct 8am-noon UptownMarketAZ.com Verrado Community Farmers’ Market N Market Pl & W Main St, Buckeye Sundays Oct-Jun 10am-1pm Facebook.com/VerradoCommunityFarmersMarket Vincent’s Saturday Market 3930 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix Saturdays late Oct-early May 9am-1pm VincentsOnCamelback.com

NORTHERN ARIZONA Flagstaff Community Farmers’ Market 211 W Aspen Ave, City Hall Parking Lot Sundays May-Oct 8am-noon FlagstaffMarket.com Prescott Summer Farmers’ Market Yavapai College, Parking Lot D 1100 E Sheldon St Saturdays May-Oct 7:30am-noon PrescottFarmersMarket.org Prescott Winter Farmers’ Market Prescott High School, 1050 Ruth St Saturdays Nov-May 10am-1pm PrescottFarmersMarket.org

Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market 3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix Saturdays Oct-May 9am-1pm | Jun-Sep 7am-11am Facebook.com/RoadrunnerParkFarmersMarket

Sedona Summer Community Farmers’ Market Tlaquepaque/Creekside, 336 Hwy 179 Fridays May-Oct 8-11:30am Sedona-Farmers-Market.com

Sun City Farmers’ Market 16820 N 99th Ave Thursdays Oct-May 9am-1pm Facebook.com/Sun-City-Farmers-Market631299790224049

Sedona Winter Community Farmers’ Market Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot 2201 W State Rte 89A, West Sedona Sundays Oct-May noon-4pm Sedona-Farmers-Market.com

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Local Farmers’ Markets

calendar of events

and alignment. Couples, partners, friends and singles are welcome. $50/couple; $29/individual.

Space is limited. Save your spot and register: AnahataYogaAZ.com. Anahata Yoga, 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale. 480-699-9600.

Info@AnahataYogAZ.com.

Find More Events On Our Website!

NaturalAZ.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Click “Calendar” NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted online at NaturalAZ.com by the 10th of the month, and adhere to the guidelines that can be found on the submission pages. No phone calls please.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Cabo Breath Fest – Feb 1-21. The Cabo Breath Fest will offer many life-changing and selfempowering workshops, plus other activities from San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Tickets: $100 for any or all workshops. Info/ tickets/accommodations: CaboBreathFest.com or on Facebook.

Thai Yoga Bodywork and Sound Healing – 2pm. Thai yoga practice that is designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, trust and communication between partners. Followed by a calming meditation to bring it all into balance.

Partner Thai yoga can be practiced between friends, family members, coworkers and couples. Singles/ individuals are welcome. Appropriate for students of all levels from beginners to advanced. $33/ individual; $60/couple. Anahata Yoga, 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale. 480-699-9600.

Info@AnahataYogAZ.com. AnahataYogaAZ.com.

Plant Spirit Medicine – 6-9pm. Very popular, once a year class explores the relationship between plants and our spiritual and emotional health. Experience a traditional kava ceremony, a guided meditation, and make ‘n take your own customized smudge wand. $65. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. More info: 480-694-9931. SWHerb.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

PLANS CHANGE Please call ahead to confirm date and times

Intro to Herbal Healing Seminar – 1-2:30pm.

Join us and get expert advice on herbal healing and learn information that will change you and your body forever. Free. Gift for everyone attending.

Anyone who attends this seminar and signs up for our five-week Herbal Certification Class gets a discount. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. More info: 480-694-9931.

SWHerb.com.

The Teachings of the Ascended Masters – 1:30pm. Your ultimate destiny, the ascension. Free.

Attend in person or via Zoom.us/j803111520. The Summit Lighthouse of Phoenix, 4105 N 20th St, Ste 115. 480-442-5020. SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Melanie Albert. Enjoy three days of plant-based cooking and self-care in beautiful Sedona.

Farm-to-table plant-based cooking featuring local Arizona farmers’ produce. Learn how to create simple, beautiful plant-based meals in a beautiful Sedona eco-kitchen. Enjoy special Sedona ceremonial experiences: blessings, feng shui readings, and kiva ceremony. Enjoy hiking and yoga in the Sedona vortex energy. Enjoy selfcare with massage and relaxing in our beautiful eco-retreat house in Sedona. Great for a group of friends and moms and daughters. Contact for price. Info: 602-615-2486, Mel@MelanieAlbert. com or ExperienceNutrition.com/sedona-retreats.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Partner Yoga – 2-4pm. Join for a fun, integrative and empowering workshop that blends the connective and nourishing practices of partner yoga and meditation. Explore body movements and connection in unity to experience spaciousness, peace, health, heart centering

Yoga Nidra and Coping Techniques for Grief – 7pm. A healing practice with Veda Spidle. This session is here to support you. It will include a short reading on grief and loss, breathwork, gentle seated movements, self-acupressure, yoga nidra, sound healing, and seated meditation/reflection.

No prior experience necessary. Bring what you need for extra comfort, such as a pillow or blanket, as well as a journal for those of you that prefer to write during reflection. Donations. Save your spot and register: AnahataYogaAZ.com. Anahata Yoga, 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale.

480-699-9600. Info@AnahataYogAZ.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Farm-to-Table Raw and Cooked Plant-Based Cooking – 11am-1pm. With award-winning cookbook author Melanie Albert and farmer Billy Anthony. Experience authentic farm-totable plant-based cooking. A week prior to the class, Melanie and Billy will walk through the Soil and Seed Garden to determine the food for the class. The morning of the class, Billy

The Essential Sound – 1:30pm. Harness the healing power of your voice with Davin Youngs. In this workshop, Davin will explain the science and mysticism of the voice and why he believes it is your most essential tool for healing, transformation and change. He will then expertly and joyfully guide you—no matter your background or experience—into a fuller expression of your most authentic sound. $29.

Anahata Yoga, 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale. 480-699-9600. Info@AnahataYogAZ. com. AnahataYogaAZ.com.

The Teachings of the Ascended Masters – 1:30pm. Archangel Michael: How angels help protect you. Free. Attend in person or via Zoom. us/j803111520. The Summit Lighthouse of Phoenix, 4105 N 20th St, Ste 115. 480-442-5020.

SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Sedona Plant-Based Cooking Retreat – 4pm/ Feb 7 to noon/Feb 10. With cookbook author

February 2020

41

MEET YOUR

TRY FOR FREE!

will harvest the fresh produce. A few hours later, you’ll create beautiful, tasty, healthy Cold Green Soup, Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad, and Raw Dessert with the just-harvested food. $55. Tickets: ExperienceNutrition.com.

The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix. 602-615-2486. Mel@MelanieAlbert. com. ExperienceNutrition.com.

Intro to Herbal Healing Seminar – 11am2:30pm. Join us and get expert advice on herbal healing and learn information that will change you and your body forever. Free. Gift for everyone attending. Anyone who attends this seminar and signs up for our five-week Herbal Certification Class gets a discount. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. More info: 480-694-9931. SWHerb.com.

Emotional Freedom Tapping and The Law of Attraction Workshop – 2-5pm. In this amazing, powerful and transformational workshop we learn how to use our own words to tap away our procrastination habits and negative thoughts to release any blockages in our brain and nervous system. We also learn how to use inspirational words instead of words that stop us from going forward for what we want and what we desire. $30 online/$40 door. Anahata Yoga, 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale. 480-699-9600. Info@ AnahataYogAZ.com. AnahataYogaAZ.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Kadampa World Peace Temple Open House and Pancake Breakfast – 8am-noon. Join us for our open house and pancake breakfast event, welcoming the general public, neighbors and new friends to our retreat center. Take a tour of the temple, browse our bookstore, enjoy delicious pancakes, and experience a 15-minute guided meditation—8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am. Price varies. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams. 630-2027757. Info@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

plan ahead

‘TIS THE SEASON!

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Herbal Certification Class – 9am-2pm. Fiveweek, 10 module, hands-on class. Journey through the body visiting 10 different body systems and how they function. Explore dis-eases and how

Join now at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

42

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123rf.com/Jay Pierstorff (Follow)

Welcome to the largest holistic, conscious, spiritual and green network of dating sites online.

We invite you to become a member and feel the energy on our site from the moment you first log in.

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ongoing events

daily Mountain Retreat – Gateways to Great Bliss – Thru Feb 13. Meditate in the beautiful environment of the Kadampa World Peace Temple under the guidance of experienced meditation teacher Kadam Morten Clausen. Topics include meditating on the mind itself and the ultimate nature of reality. Pricing varies. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams. 928-6376232. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

sunday herbs and certain herbal preparations can correct any imbalance. Most classes are hands-on with make ‘n take items. This class is a full sensory experience—touching, smelling, tasting, feeling and experiencing beautiful botanicals. $555; call for details about discounts. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. More info: 480-694-9931. SWHerb.com.

10 Keys to Finding a Higher Love – 1-3pm.

Presentation by Peter Duffy and Valerie McBride.

A spiritual guide to relationships. How to attract the ideal relationship. Twin flames, soul mates and karmic partners. $10/$15 for two. Scholarships available. Tudor Plaza, 4105 N 20th St, Ste #115, Phoenix. 480-4425020. Info@SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Marvelous Menopause – 6-9pm. Menopause is not a disease you get, so embrace this life change. This powerful energy called menopause is a gift that can change the world. Menopause will be broken down into language everyone can understand. You will leave this workshop feeling hopeful, inspired and empowered. $65. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa.

More info: 480-694-9931. SWHerb.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Sedona Plant-Based Cooking Retreat – 4pm/Jun 12 to noon/Jun15. With cookbook author Melanie Albert. Enjoy three days of plant-based cooking and self-care in beautiful Sedona. Farm-to-table plant-based cooking featuring local Arizona farmers’ produce. Learn how to create simple, beautiful plant-based meals in a beautiful Sedona eco-kitchen. Enjoy special Sedona ceremonial experiences: blessings, feng shui readings, and kiva ceremony. Enjoy hiking and yoga in the Sedona vortex energy. Enjoy self-care with massage and relaxing in our beautiful eco-retreat house in Sedona. Great for a group of friends and moms and daughters. Contact for price.

Info: 602-615-2486, Mel@MelanieAlbert.com, ExperienceNutrition.com/sedona-retreats.

Sunday Services at Unity of Mesa – 9am & 10:45am. A positive path for spiritual living. All are welcome. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at 9am and 10:45am. Youth ministry classes in the Education Annex at 10:45am. Unity of Mesa, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-892-2700.

UnityOfMesa.org.

Sunday Services at Unity of Phoenix – 9am & 11am. Lost your way? Join us and rediscover peace. Unity of Phoenix, 16th St and Greenway (NW corner). 602-978-3200. UnityPhx.org.

Sunday Service at The Summit Lighthouse of Phoenix – 10:30am. Join us for an uplifting experience. Devotional with Teachings of the Ascended Masters. All faiths welcome.

Mother Mary’s Way children’s chapel program ages 3-12. Free. The Summit Lighthouse of Phoenix, 4105 N 20th St, Ste 115. 480-442-5020.

SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

Meditation for Adults and Kids – 11am12:30pm. Learn practice advice derived from Buddha’s teaching on how to keep inner peace in our daily life. Enjoy a different topic each week accompanied by guided meditations. The children’s class also includes an art project. $10/ adults, $3/children, $5/students. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams. 630-2027757. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona. org. MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/sundaymorning-class.

monday Tai Chi Easy – 10-11am. Join us to learn how to use tai chi, qigong and mindful movement to activate the “relaxation response” in your body and discover the healer within. Series of gentle movements that improve flexibility, strength and balance. Also includes breathwork and selfapplied massage. All movements can be done seated or standing at your own ability level. Wear comfortable clothes and bring some water. All are welcome. $10-$15 suggested donation. Unity of Mesa Sanctuary, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-8922700. UnityOfMesa.org.

tuesday Watercolor Art Classes – 9:45am-12:30pm.

With Allura Westly. All levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students.

No talent required, just a desire to create. Paradise Valley. 602-469-0524. AlluraWatercolor@cox.net.

BodyAwake Yoga – 7-8:30pm. Hatha yoga-based practice developed by Dr. Sue Morter. Focuses on anchoring your consciousness in the core of your body during actual practice time, allowing greater integration of mind, body and spirit both on and off the mat. Bring a mat and water; consider bringing yoga blocks, a yoga strap and a blanket. $15/dropin. Unity of Mesa Sanctuary, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-892-2700. UnityOfMesa.org.

wednesday Watercolor Art Classes – 9:45am-12:30pm.

With Allura Westly. All levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students.

No talent required, just a desire to create. Paradise Valley. 602-469-0524. AlluraWatercolor@cox.net.

Evening Service at Unity of Phoenix – 7pm. Lost your way? Join us and rediscover peace. Free.

Unity of Phoenix, 16th St and Greenway (NW corner). 602-978-3200. UnityPhx.org.

Gong Meditation – 7-8:15pm. 1st Wed. A gentle, relaxing and uplifting meditation using the sounds of gong, singing bowls and chimes. Take the time to turn off, tune in and enjoy an evening of sound and meditation. Bring something comfy to lie on; chairs are available. $10-$20 suggested donation.

Unity of Mesa Sanctuary, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-892-2700. UnityOfMesa.org.

thursday Reiki and Singing Bowl Circle – 7-8pm. 3rd Thur. Join our reiki and healing singing bowl circle. Singing bowls will be played to enhance the energy of reiki during this hour of energetic healing and expansion. Donation. Unity of Mesa Sanctuary, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-892-2700.

UnityOfMesa.org.

saturday Native-Style Flute Circle – 10-11:30am. 4th Sat. Beginners arrive at 9:30am for coaching. The Native flute circle is a gathering of people meeting regularly to learn, play, share, or simply enjoy the music and magic of the Native flute. Expand your playing skills, meet like-minded people.

The Native-style flute creates a heart sound that resonates with your spirit. No previous musical experience is needed to play. Free. Mesa Red Mountain Branch Library, 635 N Power Rd, Road Runner Rm, Mesa. Check website for changes.

Info: 602-463-8125. SongWithinYou@gmail.com.

Song-Within.com.

February 2020

43

business directory

DENTISTS

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Business Directory, email PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com or visit NaturalAZ.com and download our media kit.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NATURAL PAIN TREATMENT AND WELLNESS

MacKenzie Kalt, Owner 8282 W Cactus Rd, Bldg E, Ste 144, Peoria 623-866-3023 • NatPainTreat.com Providing some of the most advanced natural technologies for those struggling with chronic pain, injuries, stress, migraine headaches, PTSD, insomnia, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and much more. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, inside front cover.

RESTORE DETOX AND WELLNESS Kelly Baker, Owner 602-318-5965 EastValleyDetox.com

ART CLASSES WATERCOLOR ART CLASSES

Allura Westly 3611 E Sunnyside Dr, Phoenix AlluraWatercolor@cox.net 602-469-0524 • AlluraWaterColor.com Allura Westly, master teacher, opens her sanctuary studio to all levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students. No talent required, just a desire to create.

CLEANING SERVICES BENNETT’S CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Valleywide Service • 480-994-4988 BennettsCarpetCleaningAz.com

Products and Services to assist in drainage, detox and sustainability of health and wellness.

Specializing in colon irrigation, ozone sauna, far infrared sauna, lymphatic treatment, foot detox and holistic nutrition. See ad, page 27.

Eco-friendlycarpet and upholstery cleaning.

Featuring organic cleaners and odor removal products derived from renewable seed and vegetable sources. No perfumes, solvents or other hazardous products. No phosphates.

Products also available for in-home use. Licensed and owner operated since 1974. See ad, page 37.

SALT CHALET ARIZONA

Pavel Gershkovich, CHP, CRP 5011 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale 480-621-6041 SaltChaletArizona.com ArizonaLeechTherapy.com Our rooms are coated from floor to ceiling with multiple layers of pure, untreated salt from the Dead Sea. Providing relief for many health conditions. See ad, page 39.

PURMAID

844-PUR-MAID PurMaid.com An eco-friendly home and office cleaning company and offers natural cleaning products. See ad, page 41.

COACHING WHITE STAR

SW HERB SHOP & GATHERING PLACE

Internationally Acclaimed Psychic Medicine Woman 617-697-8924 (Scottsdale) DivineLightMinistries.com

Kathy Gould and Madalyn Johnson, herbalists and proprietors, offer medicinal bulk herbs and specialty tea blends, herbal extracts, certification classes, community and therapist rental space, medicine-making supplies, and more. See ad, page 15.

White Star is a Spiritual Elder, Mystic, Medium and Master Psychic and Healer with 40 years' experience. She offers profound clairvoyant readings covering any subject. She can heal serious conditions and restore emotional and spiritual wellness. Classes and trainings on psychic development and many healing modalities are available in person and online.

See ad, page 31.

148 N Center St, Mesa 480-694-9931 • SWHerb.com Store.SWHerb.com

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INTEGRATIVE DENTAL ASSOCIATES Lisa M. Butler, DMD 4202 N 32nd St, Ste A, Phoenix 602-956-4807 • IntegrativeDental.com

Providing biologic dentistry personalized to fit your needs in a caring and supportive environment. Offering many holistic procedures using the latest in modern technology. Dr. Butler is a member of the Holistic Dental Association and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology. See ad, page 4.

MILLENNIUM DENTAL ASSOCIATES

Nicholas J. Meyer, DDS, DNM 5705 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste D-110, Scottsdale 480-948-0560 MillDental.com Dr. Meyer offers more than 40 years’ experience in holistic dentistry, including advanced general dentistry and an extraordinary knowledge of services found in complementary medicine. See ad, page 9.

MY DENTIST

Dr. Michael Margolis and Dr. Stephen Kovar 2045 S Vineyard Rd, Ste 153, Mesa 480-833-2232 • MyDentistAZ.com A holistic and biological approach to your dental needs and overall health. Bio-compatible dentistry, esthetic dentistry lumineers/veneers, family dentistry and much more. See ad, page 3.

NATURAL DENTAL PARTNERS

Dr. Ingo Mahn 3134 W Carefree Hwy, Ste 9, Phoenix 602-775-5120 • MyNaturalDentist.com Dr. Mahn takes the time to listen to your concerns and uses his extensive experience to help you achieve better health. Author of A Healthy Mouth—The Missing Link to Optimal Health, he utilizes the latest advances in dentistry (low dose digital x-rays and single visit biocompatible restorations) to deliver the highest level of holistic dental care. Check the calendar of events page on his website for upcoming seminars. See ad, page 6.

PURE SMILES

Jason A. Jones, DMD 7231 E Princess Blvd, Ste 207, Scottsdale 480-585-1612 • PureSmilesAz.com Exceptional dental service with dedication to comfort and compassion. We carefully assist each procedure and select the products to help preserve and protect your overall well-being. See ad, page 33.

DOCTORS ANN CHARLOTTE VALENTIN, NMD Center for Integrative Medicine 16421 N Tatum Blvd, Ste 129, Phoenix 602-888-2320 • DrLotte.com

Dr. Valentin specializes in Integrative Medicine and is trained in Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals. She treats many conditions, such as Menopause, Menstrual issues, Thyroid, Digestion, Allergies, Anxiety, Depression, Heavy Metal Toxicity, and many chronic and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Valentin has post-graduate training in Bioidentical Hormones and sees patients of all different age groups. See ad, page 10.

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MARCH

Thriving on a PlantBased Diet plus: CBD

ENERGY HEALING KIM CARTER, MA, HTCP

15215 S 48th St, Ste 154, Phoenix Kim@IntuitiveKim.com IntuitiveKim.com Kim Carter is a Psychic and Healing Touch Certified Practitioner providing grounded, down-toearth guidance to those in transition or needing some clarity. Her intuitive readings offer insight into innate strengths, as well as challenges in moving forward.

Her compassionate, practical approach helps clients step into their authentic power to create balance and harmony in body, mind and spirit.

HOLISTIC HEALTH ANAHATA YOGA, SOUND AND ENERGY HEALING

A Community of Conscious Connection 14148 N 100th St, Ste C-130, Scottsdale 480-699-9600 • AnahataYogaAZ.com Crystal singing bowl sales, meditations, sound immersions, gong, yoga, special events, workshops and trainings. See our schedule for more info! See ad, pages 27 and 33.

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Allergists • Cooking Schools/Classes • Dietitians & Nutritionists Food Fairs • Garden Supplies • Green/Vegan Restaurants Health Food Stores • Herbalists • Natural/Organic Food Nutritionists • CBD Products ... and this is just a partial list!

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

APRIL

MAY

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies

Autoimmune Breakthroughs

plus: Healthy Home

plus: The Collagen Connection

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER

Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com February 2020

45

PEST CONTROL ARIZONA ORGANIC PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

Organic Pest Control 602-923-1457 • ArizonaOrganic.com

Avoid being exposed to dangerous chemicals when all-natural and safer alternatives work just as well and last longer. See ad, page 26.

PET CARE ANDREA SOBOTKA, AKA “CRITTER DOC”

ASAM, Sh. Reiki, HTAP Animal Communicator and Counselor 602-317-1543 • CritterDoc1@cox.net SpiritAnimalWisdom.com With a gentle healing touch, Andrea provides earth medicine and energy healing, animal communication, and intuitive counsel for pets and their people.

RETREATS/WORKSHOPS EXPERIENCE NUTRITION GROUP LLC Melanie A. Albert Phoenix • 602-615-2486 ExperienceNutrition.com Facebook.com/NewViewHealthyEating

Intuitive cooking experience: workshops, cooking classes, team building events, and retreats for organizations. Learn simple culinary techniques; create plantbased healthy meals; enjoy beauty of food.

SALONS A LOR A ORGANIC STUDIO

7329 E Stetson Dr, Ste 11, Scottsdale 917-202-3289 • AloraOrganic.com An organic eco-friendly hair salon where beautiful cuts and color coexist with the best natural hair care. No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances – just beautiful healthy hair. Energy healing and past life regression is also available. See ad, page 31.

SCHOOLS SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE OF HEALING ARTS

1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe 480-994-9244 Info@swiha.edu • swiha.edu Nationally accredited college offers holistic health and wellness degrees, diplomas, certificates of excellence, continuing education and personal development, oncampus and online. Financial aid available. See ad, outside back cover.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS INTERNATIONAL KADAMPA RETREAT CENTER

6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams 928-637-6232 MeditationInNorthernArizona.org Meditation retreats and classes in modern Buddhism; dedicated to providing the local and worldwide community an opportunity to learn and engage in Buddhist practice and meditation retreats. Everyone is welcome.

THE SUMMIT LIGHTHOUSE® OF PHOENIX

4105 N 20th St, Ste 115, Phoenix 480-442-5020 SummitLighthousePhoenix@gmail.com SummitLighthousePhoenix.org Dedicated to sharing Saint Germain’s Violet Flame. All faiths welcome. Learn how you can become a modern day mystic. We are dedicated to sharing the Teachings of the Ascended Masters® to help you bring in joy and peace to the world. Learn what the requirements are to make your ascension. See ad, page 23.

UNITY OF MESA

2700 E Southern Ave, Mesa 480-892-2700 • UnityOfMesa.org We are a progressive, New Thought, spiritual community, exploring universal principles and practices. We offer practical spiritual teachings for meaningful and prosperous living. Sunday services, youth programs and a wide variety of classes are available each week. ALL are welcome here. See ad, page 11.

UNITY OF PHOENIX SPIRITUAL CENTER 1500 E Greenway Pkwy, Phoenix 602-978-3200 • UnityPhx.org

We are a friendly, loving, all-inclusive community that honors all paths to God and welcomes all people – regardless of race, beliefs or sexual orientation. Wherever you are in your life's journey, we invite you to visit us and discover your new spiritual home. We inspire people to live better lives. See ad, page 20.

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Share the love not the cold

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and they touched the surface,” he said. copper stops colds cause misery.

People have even used copper on if used within 3 In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely hours after the first of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. sign. Even up to New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is 2 days, if they researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely still get the cold it is milder than usual and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve and they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

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Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA17.

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New device stops cold and flu

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