Natural Awakenings Greater Cincinnati - April 2013 by Natural Awakenings Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

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Cincinnati’s Bright Future On Two Wheels

The Better Feel-Good Brain Diet Recycling Eat Right to Stay Sharp

Repurposing Blue Bin Refuse

April 2013 | Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky | naturalcinci.com

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contents 5 newsbriefs 7 globalbriefs 10 healthbriefs 12 community

spotlight

15 wisewords 21 20 fitbody 2 1 ecotip 22 consciouseating 26 healthykids 27 greenliving 29 kudos 31 inspiration 32 healingways 34 naturalpet 35 calendar 37 naturaldirectory

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

16 THE NEXT LEVEL

by Linda Sechrist

19 Two Wheels Are

Greener than Four Commuting by Bike Can

Rack up Big Benefits by Amanda Merritt

22 EATING ECOLOGY

24 Green Your Home

Simple Steps for Every Room

by Liz McGavran

28 RECYCLING

EVERYDAY REFUSE What Happens after the

by Avery Mack

Editorial submissions Word documents accepted. Email articles, news items and ideas to: carol@naturalcinci.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

BRAIN DIET Eat Right To Stay Sharp

regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Daily Decisions Make a Difference by Judith Fertig

how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 513-943-7323. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Submit to carol@naturalcinci.com.

calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: carol@naturalcinci.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

Education for a More Sustainable World

Blue Bin is Emptied

30 THE BETTER by Lisa Marshall

31 Living Green

Being, Breathing and Bringing in Nature

by Joanne Franchina

34 DETECTING DISEASE Liver and Adrenal Issues

Share Symptoms

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

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April 2013

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H contact us Publisher Carol Stegman Editing/Writing Barbara Amrhein • Theresa Archer Erika Casriel • Alison Chabonais Amanda Merritt • Jim Occhiogrosso Linda Sechrist Design & Production Steffi Karwoth • Stephen Blancett Sales/Marketing Carol Stegman • Betsy Tartar Technical Support Chris Stegman Advertising carol@naturalcinci.com 513-943-7323 Natural Awakenings Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky 1134 Wellesley Ave, Batavia, Ohio 45103 Phone: 513-943-7323 Fax: 513-672-9530 Email: carol@naturalcinci.com National Advertising 239-449-8309 © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

ow we welcome the renewal spring brings with its blossoming of fresh growth that has been dormant through the winter months. Just so, we’re glad you have joined us in celebrating the rebirth of Cincinnati’s Natural Awakenings magazine. Welcome back to the Queen City’s thought-provoking go-to resource for healthy living. Raising three children in the city’s suburbs continues to suit our family well. We are blessed with a supportive community and wonderful neighbors that have turned into lifelong friends. I always like exploring new places, and in recent months I have had even greater reason to venture beyond our family’s own slice of heaven into surrounding communities. My adventures meeting people devoted to healthy living on a healthy planet has opened my eyes to what a truly special place this is. Northside offers an intriguing green urban feel; Madeira spills over with warm, friendly people; Downtown buzzes with excitement over the creation of The Banks; and Blue Ash is rich with natural health and wellness practitioners. Because my background has centered on natural health and wellness, I eagerly used the opportunity of producing my first Green Living issue to go in search of local experts that were new to me. They not only enlightened me about progress in our fair area, they enthusiastically introduced me to advertisers and contributors that, they pointed out, have a wealth of insights and practical tips that Natural Awakenings readers want to know. The network keeps expanding, which proves the beauty of this adventure; it produces a chain reaction of positive energy that benefits everyone. The very first issue of Natural Awakenings, which now publishes in 85 communities around the United States, was conceived 19 years ago in Naples, Florida, by CEO Sharon Bruckman. Her vision of creating a healthier world, one community at a time, had a dual mission of delivering cutting-edge local and national natural health information while giving natural health and wellness experts a platform to network and reach out to the larger community. Natural Awakenings’ 3.5 million readers nationwide love to read this magazine cover to cover for the latest updates and how-to’s in healthy and green living. I encourage you to use our Calendar of Events to engage in fun, healthy activities and check out our Natural Directory for the services you need. If you are a natural practitioner or green business we haven’t met yet, be sure to give us a call. And always please share the free copy you pick up each month with your friends and family so that they too can learn to optimize their quality of life. This is your magazine. You are invited to become involved any way you can to help create a healthier and happier community. Feel good, live simply and always laugh more,

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

Carol Stegman, Publisher naturalcinci.com

newsbriefs Therapist Offers Special Programs for Runners

Advanced Wellness Program Empowers Weight Loss

he track and marathon season is beginning to ramp up, especially for participants in Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon, on May 5. At Beyond Exercise, in Cincinnati, runners now have access to advanced screening techniques and video analysis. Owned and operated by Eric Oliver, the clinic uses a state-of-the-art AlterG Treadmill to improve runners’ performance, prevent injury and assist with rehabilitation. “The AlterG machine is similar to those used in the professional training facilities of the NFL, NBA, MLB and U.S. Olympic team,” says Oliver, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati who has practiced physical therapy for more than 11 years.

ennifer Beck, owner of Advanced Wellness, in Blue Ash, is offering a new program, Simple Weight Loss for Life, designed specifically for individuals that struggle to lose pounds and maintain the loss. The program combines guidance from a nutritional coach and knowledge of each individual’s needs to design a customized plan that nourishes the client’s unique metabolic requirements. Beck says this makes it simple to maintain an ideal weight while feeling good and notes that the program also focuses on helping individuals understand the importance of lifestyle choices for effective weight management. Advanced Wellness offers programs at their office and online.

Location: 2716 Erie Ave., Hyde Park Square. For more information, visit BEPerformanceAndTherapy.com or call 513-279-8889. See ad, page 17.

Restaurant Opens First Ohio Location

nown for its seasonally inspired menu and fresh approach to dining, Seasons 52 recently opened its first Ohio restaurant at 3819 Edwards Road, in Cincinnati, serving lunch and dinner daily. The restaurant strives to feature the freshest ingredients at the peak of ripeness, using natural preparation techniques like woodfire grilling and brick oven cooking. More than 100 international wines are available, including 52 by the glass. Featured menu options—all under 475 calories—include signature flatbreads, appetizers, multiple entrées and popular Mini-Indulgence desserts. Menus change four times a year and weekly specials capture the flavors of the season. Guests can enjoy live entertainment nightly, from 7 p.m. until closing.

Location: 10945 Reed Hartman Hwy., Ste. 302. For more information, call 513-407-5775, email Jennifer@Advanced WellnessCoaching.com or visit AdvancedWellness Coaching.com. See ad, page 23.

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natural awakenings

April 2013

newsbriefs Inner Compass Launches Sacred Feminine Series

LBA Organic Beauty Studio, a full-service organic salon and spa, is offering a 20 percent discount on various salon services to first-time guests. The studio, which opened late last year at the corner of Wasson Road and Drake Avenue, in Hyde Park/Oakley, is dedicated to organic, nontoxic products and services, allowing guests to avoid toxic chemical buildup, unpleasant fumes and harsh irritants. Co-owners Andrea and Ashley Lauren are celebrity makeup artists and longtime organic enthusiasts in their personal and professional lives. ALBA’s sister business, Cincy Style Bar (CSB), is located in the same building and is the Midwest’s first blowout and makeup bar. Also committed to organic beauty services and products, CSB includes a nail bar and airbrush tanning services. With years of experience in production and wedding beauty, the Lauren sisters and their team specialize in creating confidence-boosting, camera-ready transformations.

oanne Franchina, of Inner Compass, in Blue Ash, is launching the Sacred Feminine series, a new line of offerings that cultivate contemporary spiritual leadership in women. The initial event, Awakening the Sacred Feminine: The Eagle and the Condor in Native American Ceremony, is a women’s retreat weekend of inspiration and empowerment that will take place from May 3 to 5 at the Grailville Retreat Joanne Franchina Center, in Loveland. Franchina describes the mission of the initial event: “The Native North and South American healing energies are waiting for you, ready to assist you in a deeper understanding and harmonizing of your sacred feminine and masculine qualities. We will collectively and individually spark, access and empower our innate woman-wisdom to collectively use it for the greater good of our Mother Earth, the Universe and all living things.” The ongoing series fosters intuitive wisdom, imagination and compassion, and will include lectures, discussion groups, workshops, seminars and retreats.

Location: 2882 Wasson Rd. To schedule an appointment at ALBA, call 513-631-2522; for appointments at CSB, call 513-631-2767. For more information, visit AlbaBeauty Studio.com and CincyStyleBar.com.

Location: 932 O’Bannonville Rd. For more information or reservations, call 513-587-9855, email Info@YourInner Compass.com or visit YourInnerCompass.com. See Natural Directory listing, page 38.

ALBA Beauty Studio Offers Salon Discount

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Significant Healing Offers New LowCarb Products

ignificant Healing Well Care Practice, in Florence, Kentucky, now offers a variety of low-carb baking products, snacks, protein bars Victoria Smith and breads. Owner Victoria Smith, a board-certified holistic health professional, notes that some health care experts believe that decreasing carbohydrates may help with weight loss and reduce risk factors for a variety of health conditions. One of the new items, Carbquik Baking Mix, is made from wheat and tastes like flour, but contains 90 percent fewer carbohydrates than traditional wheat flour. Smith says the mix can be used for pancakes, biscuits, waffles, pizza dough and many other baked products; each recipe provides less than three net carbs per serving. Significant Healing also carries a range of high-protein, low-carb millet and flax chips in a variety of flavors. Location: 157 Lloyd Ave. For more information, call 859-282-0022 or visit SignificantHealing.com. See ad, back cover.

News to share? Send your submissions to: carol@naturalcinci.com Deadline is the 5th of each month.

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

Cool Tool

New Calculations for Polar Ice A new report from the University of Washington, in Seattle, published in the journal Science on polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, works to reconcile differences between sometimesconflicting research studies. Scientists compiled 20 years of data to determine how much ice is being lost and sea levels have increased as the global climate warms. Past studies have shown a range of ice losses, from zero to catastrophic. When the data was synthesized and analyzed holistically, it became clear that the ice sheets are losing three times as much ice each year as they did in the 1990s—in the middle of previous estimates. Ice sheets are one of several main drivers of rising sea levels. Other factors, which account for 80 percent of the increase, include the melting of glaciers on land and the expansion of the sea itself as the atmosphere heats up. The melting of polar sea ice has no direct effect on sea levels because the ice is already in the water. Glaciologist and co-author Ian Joughin told The Christian Science Monitor, “The melting needs monitoring to further understand the ice sheet processes leading to the change.”

Thrifty Threads

Levi’s Latest Sustainable Moves World record holder and Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt will soon model Puma boots that are “made for rotting,” and when the next Levi Strauss collection arrives, their new jingle will be, “These jeans are made of garbage.” Crushed brown and green half-liter plastic bottles will be on display at retail store displays, of which the equivalent of eight, or 20 percent, are blended into each pair of Waste<Less jeans. Nike and Gap have their own sustainability programs, and Patagonia has long supported a small ecosystem of Earth-friendly suppliers. But as the biggest maker of jeans in the world, with sales of $4.8 billion in 2011, Levi’s efforts command the most attention. Levi joined the Better Cotton Initiative, a group of companies that work with local nongovernmental organizations in Pakistan, India, Brazil and Mali to teach farmers how to grow cotton with less water. Last year marked the first cotton harvest given this effort and Levi has blended its share into more than 5 million pairs of jeans. With cotton prices on the rise and pressure from activist groups such as BSR, an environmental organization that works with businesses, large clothing manufacturers are starting to adopt more sustainable practices. Source: Business Week natural awakenings

April 2013

globalbriefs Survival Alert

Join America’s Start Saving Water Now Challenge America, like most of the rest of the world, is running short of fresh water. Our welfare depends on having annual access to 150 trillion gallons of fresh water for drinking, cleaning, growing food, making products and generating electricity. In every region of the country, the conservation and recycling of this vital resource is a key solution to achieving a sustainable future. “We can do better” is the urgent message of the 2013 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Last year, people in more than 1,000 cities took simple actions to save water and related energy expenditures, pledging to collectively reduce their water use by 4.7 billion gallons over one year. The Wyland Foundation, supported by the National League of Cities and the Environmental Protection Agency, are again sponsoring prizes for residents in the most “water-wise” cities, based on pledges to be made in April. Last year, $50,000 in awarded prizes included a Toyota Prius, Lowe’s gift cards and 1,200 water-saving fixtures. Sign on at WylandFoundation.org/mywaterpledge.

Keystone XL Fight

Protesters Rally Again Against Tar Sands Pipeline In February more than 10,000 citizens rallied at the White House, calling on President Obama to honor his clean energy campaign promises and reject the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, resulting in multiple arrests of protest leaders. The 1,700-mile pipeline, a project of TransCanada Corporation, would carry tar sands crude oil south from Alberta, Canada, through multiple heartland states to refineries on the Gulf Coast. “As our nation’s worst-ever economic recession drags on, creating jobs in the clean energy sector should be priority number one,” states a Sierra Club Beyond Oil campaign spokesperson. “Building the poisonous Keystone XL pipeline would put the brakes on clean energy and exacerbate the pollution and public health problems that come with America’s dependence on dirty, dangerous oil.” The Sierra Club reports that pipeline plans require clear-cutting boreal forests and consuming huge amounts of energy and water, leaving behind toxic lakes. An associated oil spill could devastate aquifers that supply water to 30 percent of America’s irrigated farmland (2,554 U.S. oil pipeline spills occurred from 2000 to 2009). Opponents are also concerned the pipeline would exacerbate air pollution and cancer, respiratory illnesses and other health problems in communities surrounding oil refineries in Chicago, Detroit and Houston. For states directly impacted, visit Tinyurl.com/KeystoneXLMap. Learn more and take action at SierraClub.org/dirtyfuels/tar-sands.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

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Online Literacy

Students Learning to Adopt Internet Academics The findings of a survey of teachers conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project, show that the Internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, but digital literacy skills need improvement. Three-quarters of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers say that the Internet and digital search tools have had a “mostly positive” impact on their students’ research habits, but 87 percent say these technologies are creating an easily distracted generation with short attention spans, and 64 percent say they do more to divert students’ attention than to help them academically. The good news is that 99 percent of teachers in the study agree with the notion that, “The Internet enables students to access a wider range of resources than would otherwise be available,” and 65 percent agree that, “It makes today’s students more selfsufficient researchers.”

Read the full report at Tinyurl.com/ TeenResearch.

He that plants trees loves others beside himself. ~Thomas Fuller

Better Barters

Swapping Trash for Fresh Produce

Superior Soil

Organic Farming Sustains Earth’s Richness Famed as the happiest country on Earth, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is now aiming to become 100 percent organic, phasing out artificial chemicals in farming in the next 10 years. Agence France-Presse reports that Bhutan currently sends rare mushrooms to Japan, vegetables to up-market hotels in Thailand, its highly prized apples to India and red rice to the United States. Jurmi Dorji, of southern Bhutan’s 103-member Daga Shingdrey Pshogpa farmers’ association, says their members are in favor of the policy. “More than a decade ago, people realized that the chemicals were not good for farming,” he says. “I cannot say everyone has stopped using chemicals, but almost 90 percent have.” An international metastudy published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science that analyzed 74 studies on soils in fields under organic or conventional farming practices has found that over time, the carbon content in the organic fields significantly increased. For farmers everywhere, that means organic agriculture results in a richer, more productive soil, with plenty of humus, which is conducive to higher yields. Peter Melchett, policy director at Britain’s Organic Soil Association, says a primary benefit of a country becoming 100 percent organic is an assurance of quality to consumers that creates both an international reputation and associated market advantage.

Mexico City’s innovative monthly Mercado del Trueque (barter market) in Chapultepec Park is a winning trifecta for citizens, local vegetable and plant vendors and the city’s secretariat of the environment. There, residents can exchange cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, plastic bottles, electronic devices and other waste for paper chips that are redeemed at kiosks for vouchers worth points. The traders can then use the vouchers to buy tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, lemons and other produce from participating farmers from surrounding districts. Mexico produces 40 million tons of garbage annually, but only recycles about 15 percent. With this barter system, farmers have gained a new place to sell their produce and earn extra income, while the materials collected are processed for industrial reuse. Source: IPSNews.net

Silver Lining

Cleaning Up the Cloud The New York Times has reported that “cloud” data centers—which store YouTube videos, run Google searches and process eBay bids—use about 2 percent of all electricity in the nation. In some data centers, up to 90 percent of the energy is wasted. Now, an industry consortium called the Uptime Institute is sponsoring a “server roundup” and handing out rodeo belt buckles to the Internet company that can take the largest number of heat-producing, energy-hungry servers offline. Many centers expend as much or more energy in cooling their facilities as in computing and transmitting data. Sharing best practices has become common among data center pros. Facebook won the Institute’s Audacious Idea award last year for its Open Compute Project, which enabled both its server and data center designs to be open-sourced for anyone to access and improve upon. Source: Slate.com

Ready for Spring, but not Spring De-cluttering? Contact Room4Life for help! Kelly Bittlinger | Professional Organizer | 513.289.0389 | kelly@room4life.com Help the environment and humanity. Let us donate your unneeded items to charity.

natural awakenings

April 2013

healthbriefs

A Bus Pass to Green Well-Being

here’s a way to simultaneously help both Planet Earth and one’s own health, report scientists from Imperial College London, in England. The researchers examined four years of data from the country’s Department for Transport National Travel Survey beginning in 2005, the year before free bus passes were available for people ages 60 and older. The study team found that those with a pass were more likely to walk frequently and take more journeys by “active travel”—defined as walking, cycling or using public transport. Staying physically active helps maintain mental well-being, mobility and muscle strength in older people and reduces their risk of cardiovascular disease, falls and fractures. Previous research by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes published in The Lancet has shown that just 15 minutes of moderate daily exercise lowers the risk of death in people over 60 by 12 percent, and another study at Newcastle University found that 19 percent of Britain’s adults achieve their recommended amount of physical activity through active travel alone. Public health organizations in the UK believe that “incidental” exercise, such as walking to and from bus stops, may play a key role in helping seniors keep fit and reduce social exclusion.

Getting the Lead Out

he U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently redefined the “action level” for lead exposure in children. Youngsters are now considered at risk and qualify for careful medical monitoring if they have more than five micrograms per deciliter of lead in their blood—half the previous threshold. Lead poisoning can cause cognitive and behavioral problems, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing blood lead concentration levels at age 1 and again at 2, when concentrations peak. Most lead poisoning cases occur in substandard housing units, especially those with window frames still coated with lead-based paint banned since 1978. Families in dwellings built before 1950 should also be vigilant about lead. The Consumer Products Safety Commission cautions that home lead test kits sold online and at hardware stores may not be reliable enough to identify and remove sources of exposure. Professional contractors offer more accurate results. Children exhibiting blood lead levels above the new threshold are usually monitored, rather than treated with medications that carry serious risks. Once lead sources are removed, children’s blood lead levels typically return to a more normal range within weeks. The CDC confirms that rather than remedial treatment, the primary goal should be making sure children aren’t exposed to lead in the first place. Fortunately, the levels of most of America’s youngest children today are well below the revised action point, with average blood lead content of 1.8 micrograms, while school-age children, teenagers and adults face little risk.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

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Coffee and Vision Loss Linked

asing up on java consumption or switching to decaf may be a wise move for coffee lovers, according to a scientific paper published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The study links heavy consumption of the caffeinated beverage to an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma, a condition in which fluid builds up inside the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve. This leads to some vision loss and in serious cases, total blindness. Researchers obtained data from 78,977 women from the Nurses’ Health Study and 41,202 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study that focused on caffeinated coffee, tea and cola servings. They found that drinking three or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily was linked with an increased risk of developing the eye condition, especially for women with a family history of glaucoma. However, the researchers did not find associations with consumption of decaffeinated tea, chocolate or coffee. “Because this is the first [such] study, confirmation of the U.S. results in other populations would be needed to lend more credence to the possibility that caffeinated coffee might be a modifiable risk factor for glaucoma,” says Doctor of Science Jae Hee Kang, of the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts. “It may also lead to research into other dietary or lifestyle risk factors.”

Turmeric Acts Against Cancer

hroughout history, the spice turmeric has been a favored seasoning for curries and other Indian dishes. Its pungent flavor is also known to offer medicinal qualities—turmeric has been used for centuries to treat osteoarthritis and other illnesses because its active ingredient, curcumin, can inhibit inflammation. A new study led by a research team at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, in Munich, Germany, has shown that turmeric can also restrict the formation of metastases and help keep prostate cancer in check. The researchers discovered that curcumin decreases the expression of two pro-inflammatory proteins associated with tumor cells and noted that both prostate and breast cancer are linked to inflammation. The study further noted that curcumin is, in principle, suitable for both prophylactic use (primary prevention) and for the suppression of metastases in cases where an established tumor is already present (secondary prevention).

How Does Your Garden Glow?

ardening can be a healthy pastime… as long as toxic tools aren’t involved. Researchers at the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ecology Center recently tested nearly 200 garden essentials—especially hoses, hand tools, gloves and knee pads—for chemicals and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which are linked to birth defects, hormone imbalances, learning delays and other serious health problems. The researchers found that nearly two-thirds of the tested products contained levels of chemicals that concerned them greatly. Cautious gardeners should seek products that are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and lead-free, and follow good garden hose hygiene: Avoid drinking out of the hose, don’t leave it exposed to the sun (where water within the hose can absorb chemicals) and always flush it out before watering edible plants. Source: EcologyCenter.org

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A Diet for Healthy Bones

ge-related bone mass loss and decreased bone strength affect both genders. Now, the first randomized study, published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, indicates that consuming a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil may be associated with increased serum levels of osteocalcin, a protein that plays a vital role in bone formation. Earlier studies have shown that the incidence of osteoporosis in Europe is lower in the Mediterranean basin, possibly due to the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olives and olive oil.

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natural awakenings

April 2013

communityspotlight

Flourish Landscape & Interior Design Sustainable Solutions for Green, Healthy Living by Amanda Merritt

uring Michelle Andersen’s that also embodied beautiful dequest to find a creative, ensign. She became a certified permagaging career, design quickly culture designer when she discovpiqued her interest and became her ered that permaculture offered a focus 10 years ago. The founder comprehensive way of approaching of Flourish Landscape & Interior a design request and creating a synDesign was drawn to beauty and ergistic system that benefits people functionality, two hallmarks of her and the planet. current practice, and began her jour “Today there are many more ney by studying architecture at the choices for designing and building University of Cincinnati College of in a healthy and sustainable way Design, Art, Architecture and Planthan there were even a few years ning. Andersen soon realized there ago,” notes Andersen. “The downwas a pressing need for more Earthside is that marketing trends have friendly options, and an opportunity created many products that say they to work with architecture firms via are green, but aren’t.” To help share the university’s co-op program alher practical, thorough approach to lowed her to follow the trail of her material selection and her experipassion: defining, understanding and ence in applying green techniques practicing sustainable design. to diverse design applications, An After traveling to Hawaii to dersen founded Flourish Landscape learn how to build with bamboo, & Interior Design in 2010. Andersen flew to Australia to ob Recognizing that the greenserve straw bale construction and est and healthiest ways to design Michelle Andersen, founder of Flourish permaculture and research nontoxic may represent a paradigm shift for Landscape & Interior Design building products. She felt encoursome individuals, Andersen believes aged because the design industry in meeting people where they are. was exploring new ways to create sustainable buildings She listens carefully to clients’ priorities, which range that were both beautiful and affordable, but was disapfrom needing gardening space for vegetables to reducing pointed that these methods weren’t standard practices and allergy-provoking elements in the home. were just beginning to gain public attention. Andersen especially enjoys showing clients how eas Andersen was most concerned by the realization that ily they can change some of their habits to transition to a many building materials, finishes and furniture create a greener and more sustainable way of life. “It is never too toxic indoor environment. “That realization helped me late to reevaluate our potential to connect more deeply to see many examples in my own life where a ‘sick building’ the world around us,” she says, sharing a favorite quote contributed to an ill feeling,” she says. “Things like mold, from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in glues, off-gassing paint and the lack of proper daylight the world.” were all ingredients that made people unhealthy, and I had experienced this firsthand. Headaches, stomachaches and For more information or to schedule even depression could result. Asthma, in particular, seemed a consultation, call 859-815to be a recurring problem that pointed to the need to im0068, email Michelle@ prove our interior environments.” FlourishCincinnati.com Andersen decided to continue her studies and travels, or visit Flourish seeking examples of healthy and sustainable construction, Cincinnati.com. architecture, interior design, landscapes and businesses See ad, page 24.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

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communityspotlight

Heather Curless, creator of Greener Stock

Greener Stock Building and Design with a Conscience by Amanda Merritt

any chemicals that have been proven harmful to human health are still widely used in construction. Eco-friendly alternatives are available—recently, search engine giant Google, Inc., announced that it will avoid purchasing questionable materials for its workplace building projects—but many consumers can’t easily identify building products that are safe and sustainably sourced. In Cincinnati, residents can turn for guidance to Heather Curless, creator of Greener Stock, a green building and design center. Curless first learned about major health concerns associated with construction when she studied and practiced architecture. After she became a mother and learned more about disruptive industrial chemicals, she wanted to limit

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

human exposure on behalf of her children and the next generation. Since 2010, Curless has been helping to provide green building materials and resources to the greater Cincinnati area at Greener Stock. “We focus exclusively on materials that are good for people and the planet. A lot of building materials have chemicals in them that aren’t necessarily regulated and that we are finding are contributing to asthma, allergies and other medical issues. We avoid the use of those types of products,” says Curless. Curless believes the buildingmaterials industry has traditionally worked in isolation, neglecting to pay attention to how the processes of manufacturing and the final products affect people and the environment. Now, she sees that mindset shifting, as companies step up their efforts to provide green materials. “This industry is only going to get bigger and better,” she says. She cites innovations such as the new Declare “nutrition” label, created by the International Living Future Institute, which lists all ingredients used in manufacturing a material, including those of concern to health authorities. As the demand for eco-friendly products rises, the prices will begin to fall, and some have already, says Curless. “Green building materials aren’t always more expensive. We’ve been able to find a lot of really great options that are comparable to traditional materials,” she advises, noting that Greener Stock specializes in natural, nontoxic options for homes and businesses that include wall finishes, flooring, countertops and products that promote water and energy efficiency. The showroom and center also offers products that will last as long as mainstream materials or longer, saving consumers money over time. Curless has also completed the Green Building Certification program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional, she can offer LEED/ green consultations and is excited to be able to help further educate her clients. Curless also believes in supporting her local community and economy. “We strive to support other locally owned businesses, whether through products and supplies that we purchase, through our strategic alliances or through referrals and recommendations for other businesses,” she says. Location: 3528 Columbia Pkwy. For more information, call 513-321-0567 or visit GreenerStock.com. Amanda Merritt is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Cincinnati. Connect with her at Mandi.Merritt@ hotmail.com.

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Healing the Ecosystem Within A Conversation with Bioneers Co-Founder Nina Simons by Brita Belli

ioneers are innovators from all walks of life, seeking to make the world a better place in ways that respect the Earth and all of its inhabitants. Their organization, considered a “network of networks,” connects people and ideas through their annual National Bioneers Conference, local community action groups and original multimedia productions, including the award-winning “Revolution from the Heart of Nature” radio series. Bioneers co-founder Nina Simons, co-editor of Moonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart, talked with Natural Awakenings about the role each of us plays today in creating a more sustainable tomorrow.

How can we be hopeful about the state of the Earth? I feel that we each need to cultivate a balanced view. It’s important to hold what I call a “both/and” awareness, which recognizes how seriously our planet’s life support systems are compromised and how intensive the demand is for us to engage in reversing their deterioration. At the same time, I remain deeply hopeful, because so many people are awakening to the urgency of the issues we face and many more are now mobilizing to act in positive ways.

Does this mean that you see a societal shift toward a better way of thinking? Our state of mind is directly affected by

where we place our attention. If our primary source of information is mainstream media, then it’s easy to feel depressed and hopeless. Each of us would benefit from limiting our daily media intake, because it influences our inner story and impacts how we nourish our psyches, stories and visions. One of the greatest medicines for despair is action. When we act on behalf of what we love and those in need, it can help restore gratitude, a sense of faith and a more balanced view. That’s why natural disasters often elicit the best kinds of responses human beings can offer: compassion, empathy and a desire to generously contribute to solutions.

To what extent does healing the Earth depend on healing ourselves? We co-created the current political, economic, energy, industrial and food production systems based on competition and hierarchies that are wreaking havoc on Planet Earth and on our collective quality of life and future survival. As long as we participate in them, we perpetuate them. We have an immense opportunity to reinvent our selves and society’s systems right now. Our culture conditions us to be hard on ourselves, judging and comparing our talents and actions while often valuing ourselves primarily based on our work or relationships. To be the most effective change agents we can be, I believe we need to reverse these

patterns and learn to consider ourselves and all of life as sacred and inherently worthy of love. One of the most powerful things each of us can do at this pivotal point is to claim full responsibility for our inner “story-scape”—to shift our personal story about the impacts we’re capable of having, what our capacity for action really is and how bringing ourselves in service to life at this moment can be meaningful, joyful and effective.

Isn’t there often a conflict between what people believe and what they do? We each contain a complex ecosystem within us. The more we can become conscious of cultivating ourselves to be authentically and fully in heartfelt service to what we love, the better we can show up on behalf of the Earth and the people and creatures with whom we share it as home.

Do you see women playing a particular role in this transformation? While every person is a unique mix of both masculine and feminine qualities, I think that women as a whole have a deeply embedded coding that inclines us to be especially strong in caring, compassion and collaboration. As leadership capacities, I believe these three—and connecting across differences—may be among the most essential to resilience. Our future as a species will clearly benefit from more women finding their voice, truth and connections to power. The more women that can articulate their individual experiences in support of an inclusive collective vision, the more we can begin to tip our institutions, culture and the men we love to increasingly value these “feminine traits,” which I refer to as relational intelligence. For a long time, we have perpetuated a fatally flawed culture that has put intellect first. It’s past time that we all put the wisdom of our hearts, bodies and intuition first, with intellect in a supporting role. Freelance writer Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine. Connect at BritaBelli.com.

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April 2013

positive choices and the necessary tools for problem solving. “These elements enable students to take all that they learn and use it with reverence and a sense of responsibility,” says Weil. Her institute offers the only master’s degrees in humane education that this approach requires, with complementary in-class and online programs for young people and adults. Her determined vision is slowly becoming a reality as teachers become familiar with these concepts and integrate them into hands-on, project-based learning that crosses disciplines and better marries school experiences with real-life lessons.

Zoe Weil portrait by Robert Shetterly

Make the Extraordinary Ordinary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seymour Papert, a renowned educator and computer scientist, has conducted in-depth research in how worthy real-world topics get students excited about what they learn. They increase their tendency to dig more deeply and expand their interest in a wide array of subjects as they better retain what they learn, become more confident in trusting their own judgment and make the connections needed to broadly apply their knowledge. Young people learn how to collaborate and improve their social and group speaking skills, including with adults.

THE NEXT LEVEL Education for a More Sustainable World by Linda Sechrist

“

hat is the purpose of education?” That’s a question Zoe Weil frequently revisits with her workshop audiences. As co-founder and President of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), Weil has spent most of her adult life researching the answer. Her conclusion is that the U.S. Department of Education’s present goal of preparing graduates to “compete in the global economy” is far too myopic for our times. Weil’s firsthand research, which grounds her book, The Power and Promise of Humane Education, has led her to forward the idea that the goal should be inspiring generations of “solutionaries” prepared to joyfully and enthusiastically meet the challenges of world problems. “I believe that it is incredibly irresponsible for America’s educators and policymakers not to provide people with the knowledge of interconnected global issues, plus the skills and tools to become creative problem solvers and motivated change makers in whatever fields they pursue,” says Weil. Weil points to four primary elements that comprise a humane education: providing information about current issues in age-appropriate ways; fostering the Three C’s of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking; instilling the Three R’s of reverence, respect and responsibility; and ensuring access to both

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We need to build cases for environmental protection around broad-based community concerns like health, quality of life, the protection of watersheds and wildlife and the education of our children. Environmental issues are also social, economic and quality of life issues. Our challenge is to bring life-sustaining principles into creative thinking for the long view, rather than the short term. ~ Terry Tempest Williams According to Papert, project-based learning improves test scores and reduces absenteeism and disciplinary problems. “If schoolchildren are given the gift of exploration, society will benefit, both in practical and theoretical ways,” notes Papert.

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Telling Transformation

Answering the Call

Children or adults that participate in activities such as those created by IHE or the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Challenge 20/20 are developing what Peggy Holman describes as “change literacy”, the capacity to be effectively present amid a changing set of circumstances. Holman, an adjunct professional lecturer at American University’s School of Public Affairs, in Washington, D.C., is co-founder of the Open Space Institute-US, which fosters whole-system engagement, and author of Engaging Emergence. “Conversational literacy—the capacity to talk and interact in creative ways with others that are very different from us—is our birthright. However, change literacy, a necessary skill for future leaders, is learned via curiosity,” advises Holman. “In my experience, children grasp it more quickly than adults, because authentic expression and curiosity come naturally to them. Children don’t have a long history, and so

Bill McKibben portrait by Robert Shetterly

Papert’s observations were affirmed by middle school students at Voyagers’ Community School, in Farmingdale, New Jersey, in one of the IHE 10-week online classes—Most Good, Least Harm—in April 2012. “Initially, students were intimidated and underestimated their ability to express their thoughts and concerns or debate issues with the adult participants. That challenge faded quickly,” remarks Karen Giuffre, founder and director of the progressive day school. Posing provocative questions like, “What brings you joy?” and engaging in conversations in subjects like climate change, racism, recycling, green energy, genocide and war challenged the students to step up to become respected equals. “This demanded a lot from these young people, because the experience wasn’t only about absorbing complex issues and developing an awareness of the material, political, economic and cultural world around them. It was also about how they probed their minds and emotions to determine where they stood on issues and what they could do to change their lifestyle, or that of their family and community, to make it more sustainable,” says Giuffre. The students went on to help organize a peace conference that entailed 20-plus workshops to inspire an individual mindful awareness of peace that motivates and empowers the peacemaker within. It was intended to incite collective action across generations, explains Giuffre, and was followed by community service to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. are naturally more present when engaged in exploring things that matter.” Global problems of deforestation, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, terrorism, water pollution and shortages, natural disasters and mitigation, global warming, education for all, biodiversity, ecosystem losses and global infectious diseases aren’t yet subjects found in a normal curriculum for grades five through nine. However, the Internet-based Challenge 20/20 program now has youth in nearly 120 independent and traditional schools throughout the United States working on solutions that can be implemented both locally and globally. “Challenge 20/20 partners American schools at any grade level [K-12] with counterpart schools in other countries, free of cost,” explains NAIS Director Patrick Bassett. “Together, teams tackle real global problems while forming authentic bonds and learning firsthand about cross-cultural communication.” Qualifying students may have an opportunity to share their experiences at the association’s annual Student

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Terry Tempest Williams portrait by Robert Shetterly

Diversity Leadership Conference. In 2010, 11 students at the Fay School, in Southborough, Massachusetts, partnered with Saigon South International School (SSIS), in Vietnam. After a year of studying, raising awareness and brainstorming solutions for the global water deficit, Fay students focused on the challenges families in underdeveloped countries face that must walk miles to find clean, safe, water sources. A taxing water-carrying experiment brought immediate appreciation for the difficulty of transporting water, prompting them to invent the Water Walker. The modified rolling cooler with heavy-duty straps attached can carry up to 40 quarts of water on large, durable wheels and axles designed to navigate rocky terrain.

Re-Imagining Education

“Transformative learning, which is vital to the learning journey, goes beyond the acquisition of information,” says Aftab Omer, Ph.D., president of Meridian University, in Petaluma, California, and founder of its formative Institute of Imaginal Studies. “In informational learning, we acquire facts, concepts, principles and even skills, but in transformative learning, we are cultivating capacities. This is how certain capabilities become embodied in us, either as individuals or as human systems,” he advises. Portrait artist Robert Shetterly tours with his series of more than 100 portrait paintings in traveling exhibits titled Americans Who Tell the Truth. They are helping individuals learn to embody patience, perseverance and compassion, while enhancing their understanding of sustainability, social justice, civic activism, democracy and civil rights, via both historical

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role models and contemporary mentors such as environmental activist Bill McKibben, conservationist Terry Tempest Williams and renowned climate scientist James Hansen. “We don’t need to invent the wheel, because we have role models that have confronted these issues and left us a valuable legacy,” remarks Shetterly. In 2004, he collaborated to produce a companion curriculum with Michele Hemenway, who continues to offer it in Louisville, Kentucky, elementary, middle and high schools. Hemenway also teaches Art in Education at Jefferson Community & Technical College and 21st-Century Civics at Bellamine University, both in Louisville. Out of many, she shares a particularly compelling example of a student transformed due to this learning method: “I taught a young girl studying these true stories and portraits from the third through fifth grades when she took her place in a leadership group outside the classroom. Now in middle school, she is doing amazing things to make a difference in her community,” says Hemenway. Reflecting on her own life, deciding what she cared about most and what actions she wanted to take, plus her own strengths, helped the student get a blighted building torn down, document and photograph neighborhood chemical dumping and have it stopped and succeed in establishing a community garden, a factor known to help reduce crime. Among Shetterly’s collection is the portrait of John Hunter, a teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia, who devised the World Peace Game for his fourth grade students. Children learn to communicate, collaborate and take care of each other as they work to resolve the game’s conflicts. The game triggers an eight-week transformation of the children from students of a neighborhood public school to citizens of the world. Demonstrating transformational learning at its best, they experience the connectedness of the global community through the lens of economic, social and environmental crises, as well as the imminent threat of war. Hunter and his students are now part of a new film, World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, which reveals how effective teaching can help unleash students’ full potential. Professor Emeritus Peter Gray, of Boston College, who researches comparative, evolutionary, developmental and educational psychology, believes the transformational method will be accepted as part of the increased demand to integrate enlightened educational approaches in public schools. The author of Free to Learn notes, “A tipping point can occur. It’s happened before, when women won the right to vote, slavery was abolished and recently when gays were openly accepted in the military.” Weil agrees that when more individuals commit to working toward a sustainable and just world, it will happen. “What’s more worthy of our lives than doing this work for our children and coming generations?” she queries. “How can we not do this for them if we love them?” Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. For recorded source interviews and additional perspective, visit her website, ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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Two Wheels Are Greener than Four Commuting by Bike Can Rack up Big Benefits by Amanda Merritt

n today’s crowded roads, the drive to work has helpful advice for individuals that want to begin cycling. He become “work” itself. Commuters dread getting up suggests purchasing a helmet, panniers (a pair of baskets or in the morning and rushing out the door only to sit in boxes attached to the sides of a bicycle), battery-powered their cars jockeying for space along with thousands of others lights, fenders (for rain) and an emergency kit to change a until they finally reach their jobs. According to a 2010 special tube if a tire goes flat. After the initial purchases, bike mainreport prepared by TheStreet and Bundle on best and worst tenance is simple. “Upkeep probably has more to do with U.S. commutes based on travel distance, time and expense, the conditions. If you usually ride when it’s sunny out, you Cincinnati ranked 44th out of 90 cities. Bundle also notes that should really get it serviced once a year. It’s also important to the average tri-state commuter drives 16 miles to work and make sure the tires are pumped up to the right pressure. The spends $432 per month on gas and auto expenses. Commutskinnier the tires, the more you’ll have to be doing that,” says ing by bicycle can be a greener, more enjoyable, cost-saving Graham. alternative. Those interested in cycling should be prepared with Cycling to work may also save time. A 2012 Kiplinger. proper knowledge of bike riding. CommuteByBike.com com article states, “For many urban commuters, biking can pools many resources to help educate and encourage aspirsave both money and time. Half of the working population in ing cyclists. Their list of essential tips advises riders to wear a the U.S. commutes five miles or less to work, with bike trips helmet properly, make clothing visible, be predictable in their of three to five miles taking less time or the same amount of movements, plan a route with accessibility and safety in mind time as by car.” and be constantly aware of surroundings. Cincinnati is seeing progress in the shift to bike commut- Graham says the future is bright for bicycling in Cincining. The League of American nati. “Every year, we see more Bicyclists, which lists 214 people out riding, which bicycle-friendly communities encourages others. All of the in 47 states, includes Cincinlittle things play a role in nati at the “bronze” level, getting people out on their based on its commitment bikes. It’s really easy to do, it’s to engineering, education, fun and you show up to work encouragement, enforcement wide awake,” he explains. and evaluation and planning. There are plenty of reasons For more information about for cities to encourage resibiking in Cincinnati, visit Biodents to cycle more and drive Wheels at 6810 Miami Ave., in downtown Madeira; call less. The League notes that 513-861-2453 or visit bike-friendly communities Cincinnati.BioWheels.com. experience less traffic congesAlso visit the League of tion and enjoy tourism spikes, American Bicyclists at increased property values, BikeLeague.org. reduced carbon emissions This year, National Bike to Work Week is and more money saved and May 13 to 17, and Bike to Work Day is May Amanda Merritt is a recent spent in the local economy. graduate of Cornerstone Residents typically enjoy bet17. Joining others on the roads in a new way University in communication ter health and an improved can change our typical day, the way we view arts and journalism/public quality of life. relations. Connect with her at Mitch Graham, of our city and ultimately, life in general. Mandi.Merritt@hotmail.com. BioWheels-Cincinnati, offers

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April 2013

Due to its nonspecific nature, this approach may not be best for an athlete focusing exclusively on one sport. “While it may not help you become an elite marathoner, this can be an effective training regimen for those interested in broad-based, functional fitness,” advises Bob LeFavi, Ph.D., a certified strength and conditioning specialist, senior coach for USA Weightlifting and professor of sports medicine at Armstrong Atlantic State University, in Savannah, Georgia. The program requires disciplined workouts three to five days a week in an intense circuit format with little rest. This allows the practitioner to finish in five to 30 minutes, depending upon his or her current fitness level and the day’s plan.

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CROSSFIT WORKOUTS Expect Whole-Body Functional Fitness by Michael R. Esco

CrossFit, a strength and conditioning program used by the military over the past decade, is growing in popularity with recreational athletes.

hile most traditional exercise plans target a specific area of fitness—like jogging for cardiovascular health or weightlifting for strength—CrossFit focuses on all of them by combining many types of exercise. A typical mixture might include weightlifting, gymnastics, aerobics and explosive plyometrics, energetic and fast-acting movements that improve strength and speed. The goal is to enable the body to respond to many different and sometimes competing stimuli. “CrossFit training prepares the body not only for the unknown, but for the unknowable, as well,” explains Greg Glassman, founder of CrossFit.

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A free Workout of the Day (WOD) is posted daily on CrossFit. com. WODs generally involve exercises using combinations of Olympic weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, gymnastic rings, climbing ropes, jump ropes and rowing machines. Bodyweight-only exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups are commonly included. Most WODs are named for women or fallen military heroes. Here are a few examples. Cindy – as many rounds as possible of five pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 bodyweight squats within 20 minutes Angie – 100 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups and 100 bodyweight-only squats with in-between breaks Murph – a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 bodyweight squats and another one-mile run; advanced athletes do it all wearing a 20-pound vest The objective is to beat one’s own overall best time with each workout. “CrossFit training is unique in that it rarely schedules rest periods, unless specified as part of the WOD,” says Brian Kliszczewicz, a CrossFit researcher and Ph.D. student of exercise physiology at Auburn University, in Alabama. “Your fitness level will determine the length, intensity and duration of each WOD.” Kliszczewicz’ recent research found that CrossFit subjects expended more than 250 calories on average during 20 minutes of the Cindy workout. Any WOD can be done at home with the proper equipment, a base level of physical fitness and knowing how to properly execute each exercise. Consulting with a coach can help; be sure to ask for credentials and references, including education and experience in sports science and conditioning. Glassman also suggests visiting one of 5,000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide; warehouse-like facilities that are unlike traditional fitness centers in that they don’t have lots of machines. Instead, the only equipment available is what’s necessary for conducting WODs. Workouts are completed in groups, with participants usually performing the same exercises, directed by a CrossFit coach trained to observe individual technique. Because athletes like to compete with themselves and others, they can post their personal bests for each WOD on the CrossFit website.

Injury Risk Professor Henry N. Williford, EdD, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and department head of Physical Education and Exercise Science at Auburn University at

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Montgomery, cautions, “Make sure the staff at a CrossFit affiliate is appropriately trained to deal with emergencies; at a minimum, they should be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.” Let the coach know of any discomfort or pain during a workout. As an intense workout progresses, many CrossFit exercises can be performed as one is becoming increasingly tired, increasing the risk of injury to a joint or muscle. Beginners, seniors and anyone out of shape or with a previous injury or health condition needs to take additional precautions; basic guidelines for physical activity are published by the American College of Sports Medicine at Tinyurl.com/BasicExerciseGuidelines. It’s important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of workouts. “Personal safety is always a major factor that must to be considered when selecting any exercise regimen,” remarks Williford. Requirements for starting to practice CrossFit exercises include a base level of sufficient physical strength to handle the demands, which may be achieved by first following a less intense plan. Always check with a physician before starting any exercise program. Michael R. Esco, Ph.D., is an associate professor of exercise science versed in sports medicine and director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Auburn University at Montgomery, AL.

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Keep Bucks in Your Pocket at the Pump When mass transit isn’t an option, drivers have many ways to save money by coaxing more miles per gallon (mpg) from their vehicle. It’s easy to adopt some simple driving and maintenance habits. Slow down. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent. Reduce excess weight. An extra 100 pounds of nonessential cargo in a vehicle could reduce mpg by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Properly inflate tires. The increased surface area of the rubber in soft tires meeting the road creates ongoing drag and a greater demand on the engine. Keep the engine tuned. Regularly check and refresh fluid levels, especially in colder regions where winter places additional stress on engine parts. While high-quality synthetic motor oil blends may protect the engine better than conventional oil, they don’t eliminate the need for regular oil changes, according to JiffyLube.com. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence notes that one misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent. Avoid rapid accelerations and braking. The EPA estimates that about half of the energy needed to power a car is consumed during acceleration, and fuel economy can be improved by as much as 10 percent by avoiding unnecessary braking. Keep the engine air filter clean. According to AAA.com, a clogged filter strains performance. In some cars, the filter can be easily checked by the owner; or drivers may ask a technician to do so during regular tune-ups.

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Eating Ecology

Daily Decisions Make a Difference by Judith Fertig

onsuming food has such an enormous ripple effect that making small changes, one meal at a time, can reap big benefits. How we choose, prepare, cook, serve and preserve our food can improve nutrition, weight loss, cost savings and the environment.

Decide What to Eat

Choosing what we eat is critical. New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman believes that no food is absolutely off limits because, “It’s all in the way we use these things.” Yet, he adds, “The evidence is clear. Plants promote health.” For the past few years, Bittman has experimented with eating vegan for breakfast and lunch, and then indulging at dinner. “It’s just one model of a new way of eating,” he says, “but it makes sense on many levels. By eating more plants, fewer animals and less processed food, I’ve lost 30 pounds and my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are normal again.” When a friend sent him a 21stcentury United Nations study on how intensive livestock production causes more greenhouse gas emissions than driving a car, Bittman realized how a change of diet is a win-win for him and

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

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the environment. For a wake-up call on how our food choices affect the planet, the Center for Science in the Public Interest offers a short quiz at Tinyurl.com/ EatingGreenCalculator.

Identify Good Sources “One of the most ecologically conscious things you can do to make a great meal is prepare it with food that you grew yourself,” says New Yorkbased lifestyle writer Jen Laskey, who blogs at Frugaltopia.com. “Plant a small vegetable garden and a few fruit trees in your yard or join a local community garden. Even sprouting an herb garden on a windowsill will make a difference; plus, everyone in your household will appreciate the choice in fresh seasonings.” Kansas City Star journalist Cindy Hoedel suggests planting parsley, basil, dill and other herbs every three to six weeks in eggshells in a sunny window after the outdoor growing season for a year-round tasty harvest. When shopping, renowned activist, author and eco-stylist Danny Seo, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, suggests bringing along reusable shopping bags

and choosing local foods when possible, plus sustainable seafood and free trade, organic and hormone-free foods. The Socially Responsible Agricultural Project offers more eco-shopping tips, such as carpooling grocery trips and avoiding products with more than five ingredients, at Tinyurl.com/ShopHealthier.

Prepare and Serve Righteously “On average, each person throws about $600 worth of food into the trash every year because of spoilage,” says Seo. Instead of rinsing food before storing, which causes more spoilage, he recommends cleaning it right before meal preparation. “Double recipes to maximize your time and

“Saving leftovers in the freezer helps keep it full (which helps it run more efficiently) and ensures future meals that require minimal energy to prepare,” advises Seo. Hoedel’s zero-waste tips, shared via Twitter, include making and freezing lots of end-of-season pasta sauce with tomatoes, peppers and basil. Food can also be canned or pickled. Seattle cookbook author Kim O’Donnel, who founded Canning Across America and is known for her meatless recipes, says, “My only regret about canning is that I waited so long.

Learning how to extend the season of my favorite fruits and vegetables in a jar is one of the most gratifying and useful skills I’ve acquired as an adult.” As green eating habits add up, Bittman says he enjoys… “a bit of self-satisfaction knowing that, by an infinitesimal amount, I’m reducing the pace of global warming. And I’m saving money by buying more ‘real’ food and less meat and packaged junk.” Award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

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Buying what’s in season (and thus less expensive) makes sense, advises Hoedel. “When you find fresh produce on sale, buy it in large quantities and boil it (one to five minutes, depending on how long the regular cooking time is), and then freeze it in glass containers. This saves money and plastic packaging waste.” Hoedel also likes to store lemon wedges, chopped onions and other leftovers in small glass jars instead of plastic bags. Seo suggests using real dinnerware, glasses and utensils instead of disposable products. For a touch of elegance, take the advice of travel expert Kathy Denis, of Leawood, Kansas. “Adopt the traditional French practice of using—and reusing—a cloth napkin all week, or until it is too soiled to use,” she recommends. “Family members like to have a personal napkin ring. Each napkin gets shaken out and then rolled up in the ring for use at another meal.”

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Simple Steps for Every Room by Liz McGavran

The Earth is what we all have in common. ~Wendell Berry

othing is more important than our health. Without it, we struggle to move with ease and enjoy life. While mainstream media recognizes the major threats to our health—obesity, diabetes and heart disease—with public health campaigns such as Let’s Move and Meatless Mondays, less is being done to increase awareness of the connection between health challenges, including cancer, and environmental toxins. According to a recent report by the National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 80 percent of cancer cases are linked to environmental causes, which include exposure to agents in the air and water as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet. The United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization warn that chemicals in household, personal care items and cosmetics that disrupt the human endocrine system are linked to high global rates of breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular and thyroid cancers. Becoming aware of invisible household toxins that compromise health is an important first step to creating a greener, healthier indoor environment. Taking a personal inventory of potential contami-

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nants and replacing them with natural alternatives is essential to establishing good indoor air quality.

Kitchen Teflon pans can release gaseous fumes (enough to kill a bird) on very high heat. Alternative: Cook with Pyrex, enamel or stainless steel pots and pans. Oven cleaners contain lye, which is corrosive and can burn the skin and eyes. Alternative: Spray the oven with water, sprinkle it with baking soda, wait a few hours and wipe. This also works well on pans, counters and cutting boards. Dishwasher detergents can release toxic bleach fumes into the air. Alternative: Bio-degradable, ecofriendly brands such as Seventh Generation Lemon Liquid; other brands are aided by a teaspoon of powdered citric acid, usually available in the grocery canning isle.

Bathroom Toilet cleaners often contain bleach, which can become a toxic gas when

combined with ammonia or other cleaners. Alternative: Pour one-half cup of vinegar and one-half cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, let sit, and then clean. Drain cleaners typically contain lye and sulfuric acid, which can burn skin and eyes. Alternative: Pour one-half cup of baking soda and one-half cup of vinegar down the clogged drain, leave for one hour and then pour in a pot of boiling water. Plastic shower curtain liners outgas volatile organic compounds (VOC) for a long time. Alternative: Use polyester fabric shower liners. Personal care products, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are manufactured with more than 10,000 unique chemical ingredients, some of which are known or suspected carcinogens, toxic to the reproductive system or known to disrupt the endocrine system. Many products are preserved with parabens, which are hormone disrupters that have been found in biopsy samples from breast cancer tumors. Alternative: Visit the EWG website (ewg.org), which lists 80,000 products, with safety ratings. Avoid products containing artificial colors and antibacterial hand and body soaps with triclosan. Make deodorant by combining equal parts baking soda and cornstarch in a shaker; apply by shaking onto wet hands and patting on.

the original odor (visit ewg.org/guides/ cleaners for a helpful list). Instead of dryer sheets, use recycled wool dryer balls (one source is EcoSisters.net).

If a rug suspected of outgassing can’t be replaced, have it steam-cleaned without soap. Nontoxic carpet sealers are also available.

Dry-cleaned clothes release toxic fumes. Alternative: Remove clothes from plastic bags and air out in the garage or outdoors before storing. Locate a green dry cleaner and between trips, spray gently worn clothes with vodka to freshen them. (Download the National Research Defense Council’s free wallet guide to dry cleaning at TinyUrl.com/ nrdc-dryclean.)

House paint can outgas VOCs for years.

Living Room Aerosol furniture polish is often petroleum-based and irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract. Alternative: Combine one-quarter cup of olive oil and one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, apply to a soft rag and wipe. Fabric protection sprays contain toxic fumes that outgas VOCs for a long time. Alternative: Purchase leather or washable upholstery fabrics. (Two sites that offer nontoxic sprays are Ultra-Guard. com and SailRite.com.) Carpets and pads outgas VOCs and formaldehyde. Alternative: Choose wool or other natural fibers like jute, seagrass or sisal.

Alternative: Use low- or no-VOC paint.

Bedroom Permanent press sheets contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Regular cotton sheets may contain pesticide, herbicide and bleach residues. Alternative: Choose organic cotton or bamboo sheets. Memory foam pillows and mattresses, as well as regular mattresses, outgas VOCs and flame retardants. Never put these in a crib. Alternative: Replace with an organic cotton/wool or non-VOC vegetable foam or natural latex mattress. A wool fleece mattress pad offers a protective barrier against an outgassing mattress and is a natural flame retardant.

All Rooms Open the windows and ventilate daily. Liz McGavran owns Liz McGavran Custom Interiors, in Cincinnati, and offers personal Healthy Home Assessments. For more information, call 513509-1930 or visit GreenYourStyle.com or LizMcGavran.com.

Lightworks Hypnosis Integrating Mind and Body for Comprehensive Well-Being

Laundry Petrochemical and synthetic-based laundry detergents, softeners and dryer sheets can irritate skin. Fragrances can cause breathing problems, including asthma. Some products contain 1,4-Dioxane, a suspected carcinogen, and phthalates. Alternative: Purchase eco-friendly brands such as Seventh Generation or Biokleen. Select fragrance-free products rather than unscented, which may mean fragrance was added to mask

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April 2013

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P ARK IT HERE Exploring America’s National Treasures by S. Alison Chabonais

he Kent family, of Amherst, New Hampshire, has faced many “Can I really do this?” moments while adventuring in America’s national parks. So far they’ve visited 57, and with Pinnacles just named a full park in January, they’ll likely be headed for California again. American Somoa, in the South Pacific, potentially the last and most remote destination of their 11-year odyssey, is under serious consideration. Along the way, father Scott, mother Lisa and (now) 18-year-old Tanner and 16-year-old Peyton each grew increasingly self-confident in testing their skills at everything from spelunking, subtropical snorkeling and paragliding to ice trekking and kayaking subarctic waters. “If they offered it, we tried it,” says Lisa. “Our family regularly debates our favorite memories.” While they hiked and explored natural rock formations at every opportunity—including New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, South Dakota’s Wind Cave and California’s Yosemite—the gals also liked to ride horses while the guys fly fished. “One of my favorite moments was

when Tanner and I hiked a Colorado trail to a pristine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he caught his first trout,” recalls Scott. “I never give the same answer as to the best experience or best park,” adds Tanner, citing Yellowstone, in Wyoming, and Wrangell-St. Elias, in Alaska, as particularly spectacular, partly for their distinctive wildlife. His favorite anecdote? “When I was little, I stared down a barracuda in the Dry Tortugas, off the coast of South Florida, wildly pointing it out to Dad, who was calmly photographing itty-bitty fish and never saw it.” “It’s so cool to get close to a big animal,” says Peyton, recalling when she and Mom were sea kayaking Alaska’s Glacier Bay near a humpback whale. “I thought we were going to end up in the whale’s mouth,” she laughs. The family agrees that their longest expedition—eight Alaskan parks in three weeks—was extraordinary. “We had to fly into the Arctic Circle on a float plane and walk the ice using crampons,” Peyton notes about their visit to the remote Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, among America’s least-visited parks, in

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contrast to the most-visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina. Whether witnessing Kodiak Island bears, Hawaiian volcanoes or Everglades’ alligators, their overarching mission was to visit every major park before Tanner embarked for college. The family’s National Park Service Passport already has 57 stamps secured during school holidays and summer vacations, timed to prime park seasons and complemented by destination photos. “It’s easy to talk about the big moments, but you can have a memorable time in any park,” says Lisa, from appreciating the beauty of a boardwalk to boarding a ferry for an island picnic. “Getting back to basics has been really good for our family, part of the glue that binds us together.” She says her growing children learned to be brave and patient, help fellow travelers and be happy without cell phones. “We moved away from immediate gratification to focusing on a greater good,” remarks Lisa. “We enjoy interacting and doing simple things together.” The family assesses its national parks tour as affordable, accessible and affecting how they experience life as a software engineer (Scott), physical education teacher (Lisa) and student athletes (Tanner and Peyton). They are pleased to be counted among the innumerable national park visitors that have benefited since the inception of what Ken Burns’ video series characterizes as America’s Best Idea. Lisa sums it up: “You don’t have to do it as big as we did to get big out of it.” S. Alison Chabonais is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

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Honoring Earth Day

Go Green at Parks and Other Community Events

“

ost kids don’t have a clue what wilderness means,” observes Robin Snyder, chief of visitor services at New River Gorge National River, in West Virginia. “Many haven’t been exposed to basic outdoor nature activities.” That’s why the National Park Service annually sponsors more than 57,000 local school and park programs across the country, reaching 2.9 million students each year. More than 810,000 children also are participating in its Junior Ranger program. Many programs reflect First Lady Michelle Obama’s child wellness initiative, with the appropriate twist, “Let’s move outside.” This year’s National Park Week, from April 20 to 28, centered on Earth Day, will offer free weekday admission to all 398 national parks from April 22 to 26, adding 134 more historic sites, preserves, recreation areas and other sites to the usual 264 with no entrance fee. Earth Day’s 43rd anniversary celebrations throughout America and worldwide will encourage everyone to join in the next “billion acts of green,” aligned with the theme: The Face of Climate Change. “In the face of unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species and pollution, it is clear that climate change is affecting our planet. We cannot afford to wait any longer to act,” advises the Earth Day Network, which posts many ideas for participating at EarthDay.org/takeaction.

GOING ELECTRIC Tech Advances May Drive Eco-Transportation Mainstream by Brita Belli

ith the opening of three new Supercharger stations for its luxury Model S on the East Coast last January, electric carmaker Tesla now operates a total of nine stations serving its electric sedan owners between San Francisco and Los Angeles and between Boston and Washington, D.C. That same month, Nissan announced plans to add 500 public stations for electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging, which provide 80 percent of a charge in less than 30 minutes, tripling the number of such stations by mid-2014, including the first ones in our nation’s capital. It also aims to increase the presence of charging stations at workplaces. These steps in the growth in infrastructure are easing Americans’ transition from gas-powered to electric and hybrid cars. Already, more than 7,000 public charging stations dot the country, from Custer, Washington, to Key West, Florida (plan a route at Tinyurl. com/MobileChargingStations). Meanwhile, most EV owners simply charge up at home.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Honda is testing its Fit EV in 2013; with only 1,100 available to lease, opportunities to try out the fun, sporty car are at a premium. These models offer considerable fuel efficiency, easy charging and even apps to check their charge, yet eco-vehicles continue to represent a fraction of overall car sales. In a 2012 report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration noted that fewer than 10,000 EVs were sold in 2011. While sales of all-electric vehicles improved slightly in the first half of 2012, dealers saw nowhere near the major jump produced by plug-in hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius. Obstacles to a stronger EV sales upswing include purchase price, charging time and driver anxiety about range. “The battery is a big reason the cars are expensive,” says Jim Motavalli, author of High Voltage: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry. “More public charging is coming,” he adds, “but it doesn’t matter as much as a cheaper upfront cost and longer range—200 miles plus— instead of the standard 100 now.”

Driving Excitement

Mass Transit

Excitement has risen in recent years as electric car manufacturers have rolled out more affordable, family-friendly versions like the Nissan Leaf and

Almost any form of public transportation can run on alternative power— electricity or natural gas, propane, biodiesel or hydrogen. “The big hur-

natural awakenings

April 2013

dle,” says Motavalli, “is having enough stations to rival the 160,000 conveniently located gas stations we already have.” Biodiesel buses have been in use for several years at locations like Colorado’s Aspen resorts and Harvard University. Musicians Willie Nelson and Jack Johnson each rely on a biodiesel tour bus. Many school buses—including those in Charleston, West Virginia; Medford, New Jersey; and San Diego, California—have been converted to biodiesel, significantly reducing the toxic emissions and particulate matter children breathe in at bus stops. Some school systems in Michigan and New York use hybrid-electric buses. Vehicle fleets are also joining the greening trend. Kansas City, Missouri-based Smith Electric Vehicles already produces all-electric, zero-emission trucks for Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Staples and the U.S. Marines. The need for regular recharging, a former obstacle for deploying electric buses for public transportation, has been cleared by Utah State University’s (USU) Aggie Bus. The groundbreaking, all-electric bus has a plate that draws off electricity across an air gap when it pauses over another plate installed at a bus stop. In mid-2013, WAVE, Inc., the university’s offshoot company behind the project, will launch a commercial on-campus demonstration in partnership with the Utah Transit Authority, via a 40-foot-long transit bus and 50 kilowatts of wireless power transfer. Such wireless technology could also revolutionize electric-car recharging. “EV owners and operators will now be able to simply drive over a pad in the ground to recharge their batteries, the benefits of which reach far beyond convenience,” says Robert T. Behunin, Ph.D., USU vice president of commercialization and regional development. Regarding greening travel by train, Europe is leagues ahead of America; half its trains are now electric. A new regenerative braking system being developed by Deutsche Bahn and Tognum could turn all trains into hybrids. Its innovative drive system converts the kinetic energy produced during braking into usable electrical energy, reducing emissions and saving up to 25 percent in fuel consumption. The first such converted hybrid train testing the technology began carrying passengers in Germany in January 2013. The International Energy Agency’s 2012 EV City Casebook reports that, “Electric vehicles represent one of the most promising technology pathways for cutting oil use and CO2 on a per-kilometer basis. The experiences of urban drivers and the pioneering policies of local governments can help accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable mobility.” Freelance writer Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine. Connect at BritaBelli.com.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

RECYCLING REFUSE What Happens after the Blue Bin is Emptied by Avery Mack

ach blue recycle bin filled with plastic, aluminum, glass, paper and cardboard helps the environment, because it reduces landfill, takes less energy to repurpose materials than to make new ones and gently reminds us that thoughtful consumption is healthier for people and the planet. But what do all those recyclables turn into?

Repurposed Plastics

Plastic milk jugs turn into colorful playthings at Green Toys, of Mill Valley, California. Repurposing one pound of recycled milk jugs instead of making new plastic saves enough energy to run a computer for a month. All packaging is made from recycled content and printed with soy ink, so it can go into the blue bin again. GreenToys.com’s online counter shows the number of containers recycled—more than 10 million to date. Fila Golf’s Principal Designer Nancy Robitaille says, “Recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a core Fila cooling fabric, is used throughout our collection. Each fully recycled PET garment reuses about two-and-a-half 20-ounce plastic pop bottles.” Patagonia customers are encouraged to return their old coat when buying a new one. Coats in good condition are given to people in need; the PET fleece lining from retired coats is sent to ReFleece, in Somerville, Massachusetts, where it is cleaned and turned into recyclable protective cases for iPads, e-readers and cell phones.

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Transforming Aluminum and Glass

In 2012, Do Something.org partnered with Alcoa to challenge teens to recycle aluminum cans. For every 50 cans collected during a two-month period, they were awarded a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. The sponsors note that recycling one can saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for 20 hours. The final total was 1,152,569 cans kept out of landfills. “Aluminum can be recycled an infinite number of times,” says Beth Schmitt, director of recycling programs for Alcoa, which has centers nationwide and cash-back programs for community fundraisers. “We remelt the collected cans, then roll out coils of new can sheets. This process can be repeated without any loss of strength—that’s why we call aluminum the ‘miracle metal.’ If every American recycled just one more can per week, we would remove 17 billion cans from landfills each year.” Wine bottles become designer drinking glasses at Rolf Glass, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. “Our designs give used bottles a second life,” says owner Rolf Poeting. Refresh Glass, of Phoenix, Arizona, salvages and preps the bottles. “Then, our glass cutting and diamond-wheel engraving technology transforms them into sophisticated Glacier Glass,” continues Poeting. “This seems to be a trend in many industries, to find additional uses for another company’s recycled products.”

Second Life for Paper

Purina’s Yesterday’s News and Second Nature litter for cats and dogs, respectively, is made from recycled paper and absorbs waste upward from the bottom of the litter box for easier cleaning. The unscented litter pellets are three times as absorbent as clay, nontoxic and nearly dust-free. Hedgehogs, mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and reptiles also like Yesterday’s News for bedding. On average, 44 million pounds of paper are annually recycled for these products.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States annually generates 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste, mostly from re-roofing tear-offs and new installation scrap, comprising 8 percent of construction waste. Each recycled ton saves a barrel of oil. OFIC North America, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, creates its Ondura corrugated roofing from old newspapers or magazines and cardboard, made durable by infusing it with asphalt. It’s placed atop existing roofs, which means no discarded shingles. Each day, 40 to 50 tons of recycled paper goods find new life in Ondura products, available at most home improvement stores. Sound inside Buick Lacrosse and Verano vehicles is dampened via a ceiling material made partly from reused cardboard shipping boxes. Paint sludge from General Motors’ Lansing, Michigan, Grand River assembly plant becomes durable plastic shipping containers for Chevrolet Volt and Cruze engine components. Some 200 miles of absorbent polypropylene sleeves, used to soak up a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, were converted into air deflectors for the Volt, preventing 212,500 pounds of waste from entering landfills.

Old Tires Transformed

The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that Americans discard 300 million tires each year, each one having consumed about seven gallons of oil in its manufacture and poised to add to Earth’s landfills. Lehigh Technologies’ micronized rubber powder (MRP), made by freeze-drying discarded tires and pulverizing them into a fine powder, changes the equation. MRP is now used in many items, from new tires, roads and building materials to shoes. It feels good to place used items in the blue bin instead of the trash, knowing that more and more companies are helping to put these resources to good use. Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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April 2013

the metabolization of sugar (similar to Type 2 diabetes), effecting blood vessel damage and hastened aging. A high-carb diet has also been linked to increased levels of beta-amyloid, a fibrous plaque that harms brain cells. A 2012 Mayo Clinic study of 1,230 people ages 70 to 89 found that those that ate the most carbs had four times the risk of developing MCI than those that ate the least. Inversely, a small study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that when adults with MCI were placed on a low-carb diet for six weeks, their memory improved. Isaacson recommends switching to slow-burning, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, which keep blood sugars at bay. Substitute whole grains and vegetables for white rice, pastas and sugary fruits. Water down juices or forego them altogether.

The Better Brain Diet Eat Right To Stay Sharp by Lisa Marshall

ith 5.4 million Americans already living with Alzheimer’s disease, one in five suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the 2012 failure of several targeted pharmaceutical drug trials, many brain health experts are now focusing on food as a critical defense against dementia. “Over the past several years, there have been many well-designed scientific studies that show you are what you eat when it comes to preserving and improving memory,” says Dr. Richard Isaacson, associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and author of The Alzheimer’s Diet. In recent years, studies published in the Journal of the American Medical

Association and Archives of Neurology have shown that people on a Mediterranean-type diet—high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fatty fish and low in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats—tend to fend off cognitive decline longer and be less prone to developing full-blown Alzheimer’s. Several small, but promising clinical trials further suggest that even people that have already begun to suffer memory loss may be able to slow or mildly reverse it via nutritional changes. Here’s how. Switch to slow-burning carbs: Mounting evidence indicates that the constant insulin spikes from eating refined carbohydrates like white bread or sugarsweetened sodas can eventually impair

The way you think,

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

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

Choose fats wisely: Arizona neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, co-author of The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook, points to numerous studies suggesting a link between saturated fat in butter, cooking oil, cheese and processed meats and increased risk of Alzheimer’s. “In animals, it seems to promote amyloid production in the brain,” he says. In contrast, those that eat more fatty fish such as herring, halibut and wild-caught salmon that are rich in the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid DHA, are at lower risk. Sabbagh notes that DHA, when it’s a steady part of the diet, plays a critical role in forming the protective “skin of the brain” known as the bilipid membrane, and may possibly offset production of plaque in the brain, thus slowing its progression during the earliest stages of dementia. Aim for three weekly

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servings of fatty fish. Vegetarians can alternatively consider supplementing meals with 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily of DHA, says Isaacson. Eat more berries and kale: In general, antioxidant-rich fruits (especially berries) and vegetables are major preventers of oxidative stress—the cell-damaging process that occurs naturally in the brain as we age. One recent study published in the Annals of Neurology found that women eating high amounts of blueberries and strawberries were able to stave off cognitive decline 2.5 years longer than those that did not. Rich in antioxidant flavonoids, blueberries may even have what Sabbagh terms, “specific antiAlzheimer’s and cell-saving properties.” Isaacson highlights the helpfulness of kale and green leafy vegetables, which are loaded with antioxidants and brain-boosting B vitamins. One recent University of Oxford study in the UK of 266 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment found that those taking a blend of vitamins B12, B6 and folate daily showed significantly less brain shrinkage over a two-year period than those that did not. Spice up: Sabbagh notes that India has some of the lowest worldwide rates of Alzheimer’s. One possible reason is the population’s love of curry. Curcumin, a compound found in the curry-flavoring spice turmeric, is another potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. He recommends sprinkling one teaspoon of curcumin on our food every day and cooking with antioxidantrich cloves, oregano, thyme, rosemary and cinnamon. A 2011 Israeli study at Tel Aviv University found that plaque deposits dissolved and memory and learning behaviors improved in animals given a potent cinnamon extract. Begin a brain-healthy diet as early as possible. “Brain changes can start 25 years before the onset of dementia symptoms,” says Sabbagh. “It’s the end result of a long process, so don’t wait. Start your prevention plan today.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer outside of Boulder, CO. Connect at Lisa@LisaAnnMarshall.com.

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Living Green Being, Breathing and Bringing in Nature by Joanne Franchina

each one to a corresponding element of nature: the morning mist against our face (water), warm sunlight on our hair (fire), a gentle breeze on our arm (air) and the rock that bumps our toe (earth).

or many, the intention to be green means to live in harmony with nature and to honor the Earth. We do this through everyday acts of conserving, reducing and recycling; through words of appreciation for nature’s gifts; and through contemplation of our true essence. We also do it by being, breathing and bringing in nature.

Bringing in Nature

Being in Nature

What could be more natural than to simply be in nature, especially if we embrace childlike wonder? When we venture outdoors to nature’s playground, we can make a playdate with our inner child. We might lie on our backs and watch the stars or the clouds… feel the ground, moist and cool against our palms… and scrunch the grass between our fingers. We can imagine a flower blossoming under each step the moment our foot touches the ground… become engrossed in the world of an ant or in the rhythm of a butterfly’s wings as it flits from bloom to branch to blade to bud. We can sit and daydream.

Breathing in Nature

While we are simply being in nature, we can observe whether we are also consciously breathing in nature—that is, infusing nature into our being through all our senses. While out for a walk, we might notice how in the fullness of spring, tree trunks and blossoming limbs visually pop in front of a blue sky or a green field. We listen and become aware of the gurgles of a nearby stream, the drone of a distant lawn mower or the padding of our own footsteps. As we feel physical sensations, we can mentally connect

Besides being and breathing in nature, we can live harmoniously with the Earth by bringing in nature—inviting nature indoors and bringing our favorite natural elements into everyday life. We can fill our living space with lush, fragrant and vibrant houseplants. We might also create a special place to honor Mother Earth—for she is the home of all our homes—and how natural to choose a windowsill, adorned with items that hold personal meaning: stones, shells, seeds and other “found” objects from outdoor adventures; a treasured photo or two of family and friends; or a bonsai tree to symbolize an interest in Zen. Finally, we can bring nature into our awareness in ways that are uniquely meaningful to us. During times of quiet reflection or meditation, we may ask our higher self to inspire us with responses to questions such as, “What can I do today to honor myself and Mother Earth?” or, “How can I better understand my true nature?” Joanne Franchina, an intuitive life coach, author and instructor, teaches people how to live inspired lives by using their inner wisdom in everyday situations. For more information, visit YourInnerCompass. com. See the Natural Directory, page 28. Joanne Franchina

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April 2013

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Household CLEANSE Banish these Five Chemicals for a Domestic Detox by Gail Griswold-Elwyn

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mericans are collectively more aware and educated than just a few years ago about the range of environmental chemicals we inhale and ingest, yet most still live with dangerous substances in their homes,” according to Jen Loui. She is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-accredited professional in St. Louis and an industry expert who writes green curricula for high schools across the country. Guarding against pollution of indoor air is a good place to start; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked poor air quality among the leading environmental dangers, reporting links to many common health problems. Here’s how to rid the family home of the top five common household toxins. Formaldehyde. Traces of this toxin, the same chemical used to embalm the deceased, pervade almost every room. “My clients are often shocked to learn that they likely ingest this toxic, cancer-causing chemical every day of their lives,” says P. Richelle White, a sustainable lifestyle coach and co-owner of Herb’n Maid, a green cleaning and concierge service in St. Louis. “Because formaldehyde is often an ingredient in everyday things like cosmetics, faux wood furniture and conventional cleaning products, they get a daily dose of it.”

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Even at low levels, formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritation; at its most malignant levels, it can cause severe allergic asthma, infertility and lymphoma, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Healthier choices: Switch to allnatural beauty products and cosmetics. At minimum, check that compressed wood fibers don’t use a formaldehydebased chemical as a binding agent; better yet, choose natural, reclaimed wood for interior surfaces and furnishings. Polyvinyl chloride. PVC is omnipresent and dangerous. Water bottles, nylon backpacks, pipes, insulation and vinyl tiles generally contain PVC, as well as almost anything waterproofed, such as baby changing mats and mattress covers. PVC usually contains plasticizers called phthalates, which are released over time; it also can chemically combine with other organic materials to produce toxic dioxin byproducts. According to Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PVC byproducts and vapors are endocrine disruptors that can mimic or block hormones in the body. In addition, the EPA has linked PVC to serious respiratory problems, immune suppression and cancer. Healthier choices: Look for PVC-free plastics. When shopping for waterproofed

“Allergies, asthma, lung cancer and heart problems have all been linked to poor indoor air quality.” Inhalation of chlorine can irritate the respiratory system; prolonged exposure can lead to lung disease and asthma. Healthier choices: Purchase chlorine-free cleaning products, especially chlorine-free bleach. Or make inexpensive solutions of white, distilled vinegar mixed with a little lemon for scent for a multipurpose, multi-surface cleaner; try baking soda as a scrubbing powder.

glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions. The EPA calculates that, “Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher [up to 10 times] indoors than outdoors.” Healthier choices: Look for VOC-free products and consider using organic clay paint, which has the added benefit of acting as an absorbent of toxic gases. Most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, where the air quality can be two to five times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the air we breathe outside, according to the EPA. “A simple solution is to open windows for a portion of each day or night to let in fresh air,” advises Loui. Making these choices enables us to protect ourselves better at home.

Volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted as harmful gases by a wide array of products including paints, lacquers and paint strippers; cleaning supplies; pesticides; carpets and furnishings; office copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper; plus graphics and craft materials that include

Gail Griswold-Elwyn is founding president of Rethink Renovations, of St. Louis, MO, which offers green design/build and construction services, including cabinetry and furniture that minimize environmental impact. Connect at 314-323-8845 or RethinkRenovations.com.

items, choose those with coatings made from polyurethane or polyester. Phthalates. A 2007 report by the NRDC notes that 12 out of 14 common brands of household air fresheners and room sprays contain phthalates, which people regularly inhale primarily because these chemicals prolong the time that products maintain their fragrance. In studies conducted by the World Health Organization, researchers concluded that consistent exposure to phthalates could increase the risks for endocrine, reproductive and developmental problems. The majority of synthetic air fresheners were found to also emit significant amounts of terpene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can react with naturally occurring ozone to create formaldehyde. Healthier choices: Put boxes of baking soda in cabinets to absorb odors and scent interiors with all-natural oils and potpourri. Chlorine. According to the American Lung Association, most conventional cleaning products include some chlorine, with large concentrations in bleach.

~ U.S. EPA

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naturalpet

DETECTING

DISEASE

Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

drenal and liver diseases can commonly plague pets, with adrenal problems occurring more often in dogs but routinely misdiagnosed, and liver disease more frequently present in cats.

Liver Disease

Adrenal Disease

Adrenal issues, especially common in middle-aged and older canines, can refer to Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease—signifying decreased or increased adrenal function, respectively— and are commonly misdiagnosed as liver disease. Addison’s disease, although not prevalent, is often incorrectly diagnosed because its symptoms of reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness are shared with most other diseases. Blood testing can

This inclusive term is used to describe any disorder of the liver. In both dogs and cats, common causes include toxins, infections, metabolic problems and tumors. In cats, infections and fatty liver disease are more likely, while dogs more often experience infections and tumors. Clinically affected pets are usually anorectic (not eating) “In my veterinary and lethargic; in severe cases, jaundice practice, pets with may occur. Conventional therapies depend to elevated levels of some extent on the cause, but in genenzymes indicating eral, antibiotics and hospitalization for fluid therapy and forced feeding, often liver or adrenal through a stomach tube, are necesdisease are always sary to give the pet the best chances of recovering. Pets with liver cancer are treated with natuusually diagnosed too late to be a canral remedies first. didate for surgery, unless only one liver lobe is involved, or chemotherapy. In most cases, this More gentle natural therapy often treatment is efresults in curing the condition, even in later stages, depending upon the fective and conroot cause. The herb milk thistle is ventional mediwell known for its ability to heal liver damage. B vitamins, as well as the cation is not nutritional supplements comprising needed.” S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and phosphatidylcholine, may also be effec~ Dr. Shawn Messonnier tive treatments. Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition naturalcinci.com 34

be helpful, but is not always definitive. Cushing’s disease is a more common problem. Signs mimic diabetes and kidney disease, including increases in appetite, thirst and urination. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized blood tests and abdominal sonograms. Conventional treatment for either disease involves lifelong medication. Natural therapies that work to prevent and alleviate such ailments may involve adrenal glandular supplements, milk thistle and herbs such as licorice (for Addison’s disease) or ginseng and magnolia bark (for Cushing’s disease). Regular laboratory testing is important for a pet to allow for early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening diseases. If a pet develops liver or adrenal disease, combining conventional therapies with natural remedies usually results in successful treatment of the condition. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCare Naturally.com.

calendarofevents

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 Studio Sunday – 1-4pm. Sketch in galleries. Materials and instructors provided. Adults. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park, Cincinnati. 513-721-2787.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email carol@naturalcinci.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

MONDAY, APRIL 8 Camp Cooking Basics for Backpacking – 6:30-8pm. Are you planning an overnight backpacking trip and have questions about how and what to make for your meals? We will cover equipment (stoves, cook sets and fuel), planning and preparing along with tips and tricks to make your meals the hit of the trip. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 Grand Opening at Yoga Alive – Mar 15 & 16. Every class is free. Rookwood Commons, 2713 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-841-2548. For schedule: YogaAlive.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Wellness Fair – 11am-4pm. Brain Balance Center of Cincinnati’s director, Greg Marischen, is speaking at 1:30pm. Whole Foods Deerfield, 5805 Deerfield Blvd, Mason. 513-398-9358.

Sunsets at the Center – 7pm. Celebrating Opera. $15. Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3711 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati. 513-497-2860. Tickets: Clifton CulturalArts.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 St. Patty’s Day Sale – Wear green and get 10% off your purchase. Nirvana Nutrition, 11921 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati. 513-774-8350.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Healthy Cooking Class – 11am-2pm. Explore healthy menu ideas that are delicious and purifying to the body. Many health and weight loss tips will be explored. With Naturopath Mary Rasmussen and Chef Liliana Tramotine. $40. Pure Life Studio, 11928 Montgomery Rd, Symmes. To register: 513227-7277 or PureLifeStudio.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 First Day of Spring Sale – Receive 10-30% off select merchandise. Nirvana Nutrition, 11921 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati. 513-774-8350. Family Camping Basics – 6:30-8pm. Have you ever wanted to try camping with your family but don’t know how to get started? We will cover the basics including how to be comfortable camping, gear and equipment and fun family activities. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. For more info: 513-924-1938.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 REI Outdoor Expo – 12-4pm. Join REI for the first REI Outdoor Expo, where you can meet outdoor groups from the Cincinnati area, plus test your skills on a 23-ft. climbing wall. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. For more info: 513-924-1938.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

Arial Fitness on the Levee – 6-7pm. Work on core body strength and endurance and use arial equipment for workout. Rigorous course suitable for all fitness levels. Ages 18 & up. $15. Locomotion on the Levee, I Levee Way, Newport, KY. 859-261-5770.

Easter Basket Giveaway – All day long, register to win an Easter Basket filled with protein bars and healthy snacks. Nirvana Nutrition, 11921 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati. 513-774-8350.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Cincinnati Vegfest – 12-6 pm. University of Cincinnati, McMicken Commons.

Camping Basics – 6:30-8pm. Have you ever wanted to try camping but don’t know how to get started? Learn the basics including how to be comfortable camping, gear, and equipment and fun family activities. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

Wellness Talk: Detoxification for Healthy Bodies and Beautiful Skin – 1-3pm. With healthy skin expert and biochemist, Michelle Graves (SheOlogy. com) and naturopath, Mary Rassmussen. $20. YogahOme - Oakley, 3215 Brotherton Rd, Cincinnati. To register: 513-227-7277 or PureLifeStudio.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2 Get the Dirt on Backyard Composting – 7:308:30pm. Wyoming Civic Center, 1 Worthington Ave, Whole Foods Deerfield, 5805 Deerfield Blvd. Space limited, register: 513-946-7734.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Volunteer Exploration Session – 10-11am. Discover the many volunteer opportunities available including teaching youth, leading hikes, working outdoors and more. Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford. 513831-1711. Thru Hiking the Buckeye Trail – 6:307:30pm. In the spring of 2011, Andy Niekamp set out on a hiking journey from Dayton on Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. Hear his story of hiking 1,400 miles as he explored the largest circular trail in the nation. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

Wild Cincinnati – 6:30-8pm Join Lynne Bachleda, author of Wild Cincinnati, to learn more about the animals, places and potential diseases that people could encounter in the Cincinnati area, plus meet some live animals. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. For more info: 513-9241938.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Volunteer Exploration Session – 10-11am. Discover the many volunteer opportunities available including teaching youth, leading hikes, working outdoors and more. Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford. 513831-1711.

Nirvana Nutrition Product demo – 5-7pm. Free Tshirts, products and coupon giveaways. LA Fitness, 11359 Montgomery Ave, Symmes. 513-297-1139. Nirvana Nutrition: 513-774-8350.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Wildflower Festival – 6-9pm. College of Mount St. Joseph, 5701 Delhi Rd, Cincinnati. More info: CincyWildflower.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

To dwell is to garden. ~Martin Heidegger MONDAY, APRIL 15 Backpacking Basics – 6:30-8pm. REI will take the mystery out of backpacking with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. Learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 Bike Maintenance Basics – 6:30-8pm. Routine maintenance on your bike can keep you riding smooth and prolong the life of your bike. An introductory class designed to help you take care of your bike. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Forest Restoration Project: Miami Whitewater Forest – 9am-12pm. Help the Park District with its ongoing effort to restore forests being devastated by the invasive emerald ash borer. An REI event. For more info: 513-924-1938. Information Session: Understanding Detoxification – 10:30am. Free. Pure Life Studio, 11928 Montgomery Rd, Symmes. To register: 513-2277277 or PureLifeStudio.com.

natural awakenings

April 2013

Hands-on Bike Maintenance – 10:30am12:30pm. Your bike’s drive train is a key component to efficient riding. Join our certified bike techs to learn about your drive train as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is smooth as possible. $45/members, $65/nonmembers. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938.

ongoingevents sunday

thursday

Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration 2013 – 12-5pm. Come join the Earth Day celebration of our natural community. Sawyer Point. CincinnatiEarthDay.com.

Cardio Kick Boxing – 6-7pm. $5. ATA Taekwondo Black Belt Academy, 8510 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati. 513-652-0286.

Zumba Fitness Class – 6:30-7:30pm. $5. Clough United Methodist Church, 2010 Wolfangel Rd, Cincinnati. 513-374-4900.

Hands-on Bike Maintenance – 1-3pm. Your bikes drive train is a key component to efficient riding. Join our certified bike techs to learn about your drive train as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is smooth as possible. $45/ members, $65/nonmembers. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-924-1938. De-Clutter Your Life Workshop – 1-4pm. With Joanne Franchina. Make room for things you want in life by letting go of things you no longer need. $55. Inner Compass, 10901 Reed Hartman Hwy, Cincinnati. 513-587-9855. YourInnerCompass.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day Special – Bring in 2 or more old vitamin or supplement bottles for recycling and get 15% off your purchase. Nirvana Nutrition, 11921 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati. 513-774-8350. Know What to do in the Woods Class – 6:30-8pm. When getting ready to head out into the woods, it is important to know and understand what to do to maintain the resources we enjoy. REI, 2643 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513-9241938.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Full Moon Walk: Pink Moon – 8:30pm. Hit the trails at night with full moon and natural history readings. Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford. 513-831-1711.

We all

h a ve a h

monday Hatha Yoga – 6:30pm. $5/class. Colerain Township Community Center, 4300 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati. 513-741-8802.

friday Jazzercise – 9:30-10:30am. $38/month. Trinity United Methodist Church Milford, 5767 WolfpenPleasant Hill Rd, Cincinnati. 513-476-7522.

tuesday Seasonal Sizzle – 11am-1pm. We create a one-time food venue at a fantastic $5 price. Whole Foods Rookwood, 2693 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. 513531-8015. Cardio Dance Party – 7:30pm. $10/class or packages available. Locomotion on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY. To register: CardioDanceParty.com.

Lettuce Eat Well Farmers’ Market – 3-7 pm. Year round. Locally and sustainably grown foods. Crafts from local artisans. Family fun. Cheviot United Methodist Church, 3820 Westwood Northern Blvd, Cincinnati. 513-481-1914. Lewfm.org.

saturday

wednesday

Boot Camp – 8:30-9:30am. Open to everyone. $10/ class; 1st class free. Fitness 19, 5941 Snider Rd, Mason. 513-336-7519.

Cardio Dance Party – 6pm. $10/class or packages available. Locomotion on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY. To register: CardioDanceParty.com.

Zumba Fitness Class – 9:30-10:30am. $5. Clough United Methodist Church, 2010 Wolfangel Rd, Cincinnati. 513-374-4900.

Zumba Fitness Class – 6:30-7:30pm. $5. Clough United Methodist Church, 2010 Wolfangel Rd, Cincinnati. 513-374-4900.

Food Adventures – 10am. For kids. Fun and free. Whole Foods Cincinnati, 2693 Edmonson Rd, Cincinnati. Registration required: 513-531-8015.

reating the c n i d an

community whe

The support of our wonderful advertisers is what makes it possible for us to provide this free resource to you every month. 36

Cardio Dance Party – 7:30pm. $10/class or packages available. Locomotion on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY. To register: CardioDanceParty.com.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

re we want to live.

Please support the businesses that support us... And be sure to mention you saw them in Natural Awakenings! Thank you! naturalcinci.com

naturaldirectory

Coming in May

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 513-943-7323 to request our media kit.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

ACUPUNCTURE

LIVE WELL CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

Carole Paine, MS, L.Ac. Dipl Ac (NCCAOM) 5400 Kennedy Ave Cincinnati, OH 45213 513-317-3660 • 513-924-5499 CincinnatiAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture is a whole-body approach to health care. By creating a more balanced state in our bodies, we can work on conditions such as pain and injury, hormone balance, fertility, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders, sinus issues and even allergies. Changes can begin to happen quickly. Come explore something ancient and feel new.

Dr. Kim Muhlenkamp-Wermert 6860 Tylersville Rd, Ste 7 Mason, OH 45040 Ph: 513-285-7482 Fax: 513-285-7483 DrKim.LiveWell@gmail.com LiveWellCC.com

We look at the whole body to find the cause of the problem, helping you get well, stay well and Live Well. Specializing in pregnancy and children. See ad, page 6.

FITNESS

Klimick Acupuncture

10979 Reed Hartman Hwy, Ste 129 Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-834-8173 KlimickAcupuncture.com Acupuncture may help with back pain, knee pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, headaches, migraines, fertility, etc. Call us or visit our website for more information. We offer FREE consultations in person or by phone. Some insurance now covers acupuncture! Evening and weekend hours available. See ad, page 11.

SIGNIFICANT HEALING WELL CARE PRACTICE Pounds & Inches Weight Loss Center 157 Lloyd Ave, Florence, KY 41042 859-282-0022 PIWeightloss.com

Certified personal trainers, nutrition and supplement consults, holistic well care. Customized exercise program to strengthen the body, improve balance and flexibility, increase endurance, support weight loss. See ad, back cover.

BODYWORK MANTRA MASSAGE AND BODYWORx 4675 Cooper Rd 513-518-2719 Info@MantraMassageAndBodyworx.com MantraMassageAndBodyworx.com

Customized sessions using a variety of techniques for your unique experience. We listen and work to relieve pain and tension. Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, Reiki and reflexology. Call or book online. See ad, page 11.

HOLISTIC WELL CARE

SIGNIFICANT HEALING WELL CARE PRACTICE 157 Lloyd Ave, Florence, KY 41042 859-282-0022 victoria@significanthealing.com SignificantHealing.com

Victoria Smith, certified holistic practitioner, iridologist. Individualized well care plan. Emphasis on natural supplements and remedies. Nutrition and supplement education. Fitness and personal training. Therapuetic and relaxation massage. Intuitive guidance. See ad, back cover.

Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart. ~Gene Tunney

Women’s Wellness Practical ways to achieve radiant well-being. Redefining your best years yet.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

513-943-7323 natural awakenings

April 2013

naturaldirectory INTERIOR DESIGN FLOURISH LANDSCAPE AND INTERIOR DESIGN

Want to reach readers who are health and wellness focused?

Michelle Andersen, owner 859-815-0068 FlourishCincinnati.com

Specializing in healthy, nontoxic interior design and consultations for your home or office. Create a beautiful space that fits your priorities to be green and well. See ad, page 24.

Learn how to list your services in the Natural Directory.

513-943-7323

LANDSCAPING FLOURISH LANDSCAPE AND INTERIOR DESIGN Michelle Andersen, owner 859-815-0068 FlourishCincinnati.com

Specializing in sustainable landscape design. Offering full design or consultations in creating beautiful landscapes, enhancing curb appeal, edible landscaping, flowering containers, rain gardens, permaculture and more. See ad, page 24.

NUTRITION

SIGNIFICANT HEALING WELL CARE PRACTICE 157 Lloyd Ave, Florence, KY 41042 859-282-0022 victoria@significanthealing.com SignificantHealing.com

Nutrition and supplement education. Emphasis on natural supplements and remedies. Learn to read food labels, limit chemical additives, balance intake of nutrients, manage weight. See ad, back cover.

Physical Therapy Beyond Exercise, LLC

Eric Oliver, Physical Therapist 2716 Erie Ave/Hyde Park Square 513-279-8889 BEPerformanceAndTherapy.com Beyond Exercise, LLC, provides personalized physical therapy and sports-specific training services. Our services are guaranteed to be personable and thorough. See ad, page 17.

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?derit gnieb fo deriT ?thgiewrevo gnieb fo deriT LIFE COACH ?hsigguls gnileef fo deriT ti niager ot ylno ,thgiew gnisol fo deriT INNER ?COMPASS Joanne Franchina ?sseccus ruoy thgif ydob ruoy seoD

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Medical and therapuetic massage. Release stiff and tsigolodirI & renoititcarP citsiloH sore muscles, stimulate imdeifitreC draoB 24mune 014 YK system, ,ecnerolF ,eumove nevA dylymolL 751 phatic system, relieve pain. 2200deep -282tissue, -958 Relaxation, lymphatic, neuromuscular, facial, craniosacral, Reiki. See ad, back cover.

Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Edition

naturalcinci.com

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE CENTER Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cincinnati 12084 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 513-257-0705 BrainBalanceCincinnati.com

Groundbreaking program combining sensory motor, cognitive, and nutrition coaching into one solution for children with ADHD, Dylexia, Autism, and other learning/processing disorders. See ad, page 5.

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Phenomenal Monthly Circulation Growth Since 1994. Now with 3.6 Million Monthly Readers in: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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