April 2012 - Natural Awakenings

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Go Green Eco-Solutions for Everyday Living

NATURAL Allergy Relief Getting Back to Real Foods Honeybee Rescue

Benefits of Backyard Beekeeping

April 2012 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com

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contents 11 5 newsbriefs 10 businessprofile 1 1 healthbriefs 14 opinionbrief 15 globalbriefs 19 community

spotlight

15 20 healingways 32 conscious eating 28 36 inspiration 37 calendar 43 classifieds 44 resourceguide advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 469-633-9549 or email publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for ads: noon on the 9th of the month.

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by noon on the 9th. calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at NA-NTX.com within the advertising section.

Deadline for calendar: noon on the 9th of the month. 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 469-633-9549. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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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.

18 MASSAGE THERAPY

HELPS REHABILITATE THE BODY

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by Anatoly Kolmakov

20 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

23 GETTING BACK TO REAL fOODS

Health Challenges of Sugars, Fats and Processed Foods

by Jennifer Taylor, DC and Christy Porterfield, DC

24 GREEN HOME CHECKLIST

Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

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by Crissy Trask

28 GREEN KIDS CLUBS Highlighting Hope for the Future

by Brian Clark Howard

30 HONEYBEE RESCUE

The Vital Role

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of Backyard Beekeeping

by N'ann Harp

32 CHOOSING

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SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

A Sea-to-Table Primer

by Barb Amrhein

34 SHELTERS GO GREEN

LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earth

by Sandra Murphy

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letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher Jim Davis co-Publisher & sales Martee Davis editorial Theresa Archer Elizabeth Daniels Robert Dean Linda Sechrist design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett distribution Preston Davis Printer Digital Graphics, OK City multi-market advertising 469-633-9549 Franchise sales John Voell 239-530-1377 3245 Main St., Ste 235 - Mailcode 134 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: 469-633-9549 Fax: 888-442-6501 publisher@NA-NTX.com NA-NTX.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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Working through the articles and flow for this month’s green living-themed edition, I reflected back on my own personal journey over the last couple of years down the path of a more natural and organic approach to life. It didn’t always seem easy, compared to the instant gratification and convenience of chemical sprays, boxed foods and over-the-counter solutions, but the rewards have been exhilarating.

Raised-bed gardens My first step toward this new world was discounting my doctor’s recommendation to be proactive and take a statin drug, based on recent studies instead of actual need.

After some research and detailed conversations, I tried red yeast rice and CoQ10 instead, resulting in a pleasant surprise for my doctor and myself. The natural ingredients in red yeast rice block the production of bad cholesterol, while CoQ10 helps to build good cholesterol, without the side effects of statin drugs. Score one!

Maybe a natural approach to cholesterol isn’t an issue for your family, but fats and sugars are. Take some time to read our piece about sugar, fructose and fats as prime ingredients in most processed and packaged foods.

As a second step while still feeling brave, I took a local beekeeper’s recommendation and started taking a tablespoon of local raw honey with wildflower bee pollen to combat allergies that began after our move to Texas. The bee pollen in the local raw honey helped build a resistance to the allergens over time, which has now replaced the over-the-counter medication and nose spray that only acted as a Band-Aid, not a solution. Score two! To consider your options, take a look at our article on natural remedies for seasonal allergies, including how foods can trigger allergies.

Step three was an easy decision after a year of drought that had an effect on produce, trees and foundations. We’ve decided to install raised bed gardens and a rainwater harvesting system. Our decision will provide us with daily access to fresh natural vegetables and herbs that are hydrated by captured rainwater, which can also soak the foundation using the power of a single solar panel. Score three; hat trick! Our article on backyard beekeeping and the value of backyard plots, and how important bees are in pollinating fruits and vegetables, may initiate reason enough for your family to consider a backyard garden that also provides a supportive environment for our pollinators.

We have begun the legwork on greening our home with foam insulation, a tankless water heater and higher efficiency appliances, but those are future stepping-stones on the continued path. Look over our article on greening your home for several simple, but effective room-by-room ideas that won’t cost much, but can show immediate savings. You might want to start with knocking out those winter weeds with 20 percent vinegar, which is a more natural approach to killing weeds as effectively as the chemical weed killers do.

The funny thing is that with a little planning and active participation, using natural and organic remedies over synthetics and chemicals isn’t that tough a road.

Matter of fact, it’s somewhat comforting to know that we can address the majority of challenges with natural options sourced from our Earth.

Although the passage can be a little more challenging and takes involvement, I have to admit I’m learning a lot and enjoying the ride. I feel better when Earth Day rolls around, as well.

Stay healthy, happy and young at heart. You deserve it and it’s fun!

Jim Davis, Publisher NA-NTX.com

newsbriefs Family Fun and Fitness in Frisco

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he first annual Family Field Day is coming to Frisco Discovery Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 21, in Frisco. Sponsored by North Texas Kids and SciTech Discovery Center, the free outdoor family focused event celebrates fun, family and fitness along with a tribute to Earth Day 2012.

Family Field Day is four hours of family games and contests including an obstacle course, sack race, tug of war, kite flying and more. Activities include crafts and hands-on green projects that contribute to a communitywide respect of our earth and recyclable resources. Each attendee receives free admission to Sci-Tech Discovery Center that day to experience the active exploration of science, math and technology through interactive educational exhibits and hands-on problem solving.

Local family and earth-friendly focused vendors will have a kid’s game or activity going on at their booth as they display products and services that are geared to the everyday family. Food and beverages are available and goodie bags will be handed out to the first 500 families.

Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

Location: 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco. For more information, call 972-516-9070 or visit NorthTexasKids.com.

Grants Assist Farm and Agricultural Businesses

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ew business development assistance for small agricultural producers, businesses and families is now available through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, providing financial support for agricultural producers, businesses and families.

Two local recipients of the VAPG program are Kent and Ramy Jisha, of Texas Daily Harvest, a certified organic family farm in Yantis that produces and delivers products to homes and The Jisha Family businesses in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Receiving $200,000 in funding as a certified organic farm, Texas Daily Harvest produces and sells organic milk, cheese, yogurt, produce and pasture-based organically raised meat. Initially a conventional farm, the Jisha family gradually converted each phrase of their process so their farm is now recognized as certified organic and supporting the concept of sustainability.

VAPG funds can be used for feasibility studies, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Value-added products are created when a producer increases the consumer value of an agricultural commodity in the production or processing stage and funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

For more information about rural grant programs, visit rurdev.

USDA.gov. For more information about Texas Daily Harvest, call 903-335-1761 or visit TexasDailyHarvest.com.

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newsbriefs Getting Muddy for a Good Cause

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ircle N Family Dairy and the Hope for Hypothalamic Hamartomas Foundation will hold the first annual mud run, M-o-o-ving Thru’ the Mud with Landon, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 19, at Circle N Family Dairy, in Lindsay. The event will raise funds for medical expenses incurred by families fighting hypothalamic hamartoma, a rare brain disorder.

Registration is $20 and includes a race T-shirt, goodie bag and lunch. Team registration is available for scout and church groups. Gates open at 9 a.m. Activities include hayrides, barrel train rides, face painting, games, food and beverage vendors and music.

The kid-friendly race, situated on a real farm, will challenge children 4 to 14 years old with a one-mile course of 10 farmthemed obstacles, including a hay tunnel crawl, rope swing, pig pen, tractor tire dive, great calf escape and big bale splash.

Kids compete at their own pace to the best of their abilities.

Participants can rinse off after the run and are encouraged to bring a towel and change of clothes.

Location: 2074 CR 446, four miles west of I-35 on US 82, in Lindsay. For more information, call 940-372-0343 or visit MudwithLandon.com.

Celebrate the Planet at Earth Day Dallas

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arth Day Dallas (EDD) 2012 will take place April 21 and 22 at Fair Park. The 600,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space will host 600 exhibitors, promoting environmentally responsible actions, eco-friendly products, as well as educational speakers and demonstrations on topics including water conservation, composting, global warming, green energy tips and the sustainability outlook for the North Texas region. Admission is free and parking is $10. The DART Green Line stops at Fair Park.

In addition to the educational format, activities include a family zone featuring Radio Disney, hands-on environmental activities, live music, yoga, a 5K fun run, live BMX shows, dance performances and an attempt to set a record for the largest picnic. Festival food and beverages are available, with healthy, organic and gluten-free options.

The nonprofit EDD seeks to elevate environmental awareness and influence the way North Texans think, live and work.

The family-friendly event allows businesses, foundations and sustainability leaders to show North Texans how green lifestyle choices can lower their cost of living, improve their health and help save the environment.

Location: 1200 South Second Ave., Fair Park, Dallas. For more information, visit EarthDayDallas.org.

Germanfest Held in Muenster

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he North Texas community of Muenster will combine German customs with southern hospitality at the 37th annual Germanfest, from April 27 to 29.

Competitive events include a timed 5k and 15k fun run, a challenging bicycle rally and a BBQ Cook-Off. Awards, trophies and monetary purses are awarded.

Weekend entertainment includes The Bellamy Brothers, Little Texas, Hard Nights Day and Side Street Circus.

Festival hours are noon to midnight April 27, 10 a.m. to midnight April 28 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 29. Admission is $6 on April 27 and 29 and $10 April 28; kids 8 and under free. Free entry to anyone dressed in complete ethnic German costume.

Family activities include three stages of live music and entertainment, including one stage for children, mimes, magicians, clowns and storytellers, carnival rides, a Kinder Theater, dancing, arts and crafts, a rock-climbing wall and folk dancers. Authentic German beer and sausage, apple strudel, hearty cheeses, homemade European bread, cakes and pies, along with other festival food and beverages, will be available. Shuttle service is provided to and from parking around the city.

Location: U.S. 82 West, 12 miles from I-35 (70 miles north of DFW). For more information and schedule of events, call 940759-2227 or visit Germanfest.net.

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First Green Chamber of Commerce in Texas

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new, broadly based coalition business organization, Texas Green Chamber of Commerce (TGCC), has formed in Texas, representing more than 100 business organizations, entrepreneurs, and other individuals, to empower sustainable economic development throughout the state. Its mission is to promote sustainable economic development in Texas by advancing public policy initiatives and business practices that foster environmental and social responsibility.

TGCC efforts include advocacy initiatives and developing sustainable communities through the promotion of “buy local” practices, including products made in Texas. “Our members believe in investing in people, protecting our air, land and water and creating long-term profits,” says TGCC co-founder Russell Autry.

An integral component of the Texas Green Chamber mission is to bring together businesspeople already engaged in sustainability initiatives and those that can learn from them. TGCC is already engaged in several national policy issues, including a sustainable economic development campaign that creates business opportunities and supports triple bottom-line benefits and a state legislative platform for the 2013 Texas legislature.

The nonprofit TGCC is headquartered in Dallas. Membership is open to any individual, business or organization, and dues are based on a sliding scale. The Chamber presently is offering Natural Awakening North Texas readers charter membership incentives for the remainder of 2012.

Sherman Earth Day Event with Keynote Robin Sowton

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he fourth annual Texoma Earth Day Festival, Being Green, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 21, on the municipal grounds in Sherman.

Dallas Sierra Club member, writer and photographer Robin Sowton will be the keynote speaker, sharing expertise on topics including energy efficiency and North Texas water issues.

The free festival will open with music, followed by a Choctaw blessing at 9 a.m. Organizer Amy Hoffman-Shehan says, “Earth Day is a fun-filled event with something for the entire family and where community members come together to learn ways to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Festival activities include art shows, electric and hybrid vehicles, music, workshops, food and beverage booths, educational displays and presentations, resources for green products and services and a variety of vendors selling flowers, plants and gardening accessories. Children’s entertainment and activities include instruction to make things from recyclable material. Workshop topics for adults include recycling, rainwater harvesting, composting, square foot gardening, solar and wind energy, electric vehicle conversion and reducing energy consumption.

The event also offers a communitywide recycling opportunity with paper shredding and the recycling of electronic waste, ink and toner cartridges, medicine bottles, Styrofoam, ball caps and eyeglasses.

Location: 405 N. Rusk, Municipal Grounds, Sherman. For more information, visit EarthDayTexoma.org.

For more information, visit Texas GreenChamber.com. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs Earth Day: Then and Now

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nspired by the events of a massive oil spill in California and the lack of real concern over big business pollution in 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson announced an idea for a “national teach-in on the environment,” stimulating the birth of Earth Day. Environmental protection, water and air pollution, energy conservation and needed restrictions on the dumping of toxins and raw sewage were top-of-mind issues to address.

On Earth Day 1970, 20 million galvanized individuals from all walks of life challenged the status quo looking for ways to protect the environment, precipitating formation of the Environmental Protection Agency, beefing up the Clean Air Act and passage of the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated throughout the world as a global movement that initiates international campaigns like A Billion Acts of Green. With more than 600 million acts pledged, the 2012 Earth Day theme, Mobilize the Earth, aims to reach the one billion mark before the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in June.

For more information on how to register your act of environmental service as part of Billion Acts of Green, visit BillionActsofGreen.org. To find local Earth Day events visit act.EarthDay.org.

A Box Full of Healthy Lifestyle

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s families compare the values of organic produce to conventional offerings, more families are purchasing natural and organic fruits and vegetables.

The Colleyville Farmers’ Market intends to be a big part of that change by introducing The Box program, a weekly offering of fresh, USDA-certified organic fruits and vegetables that are traceable from farm to the fork, sourcing the actual farm and origins of the food.

Box selections are all certifiedorganic, without high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, MSG or MGO. Each item is grown without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides or sewage sludge and is not radiated.

The menu listing changes weekly, but consumers can review the contents before placing an order.

There is no minimum number of boxes, dollar amount or commitment to a specific time frame. No monthly fees or service charges are assessed; only the cost of the order.

Assortments come in either a small or large box of vegetables or fruits, or you can select a small or large combo mix. Order by Wednesday morning and pick up the food at the Colleyville Farmers’ Market on Friday afternoon.

Location: 5409 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville. For more information, call 817-427-2333 or visit ColleyvilleFarmersMarket.com.

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Habitat Enables Families to Achieve Home Ownership

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orth Collin County Habitat for Humanity (NCCHabitat) is working to build partnerships in preparation for Home Builders Blitz (HBB) 2012, a partnership between Habitat chapThe Guzman ters and the local Family building community to ensure that lowincome families have an opportunity to own a decent house. The national goal for this year’s event is to build 250 homes in five days.

NCC-Habitat is a housing ministry that repairs, rehabilitates and builds affordable houses in partnership with families in need. Participating families must meet three basic criteria to partner in the program: a need for simple, decent housing; active participation The Perkins Family in building their own house or the house of another family in the program; and willingness to pay a no-profit mortgage, thus helping fund additional homes for families in need.

NCC-Habitat’s goal for HBB 2012 is to build five homes in the McKinney area and complete rehabs in a target neighborhood for community revitalization. Homes will be built, rehabilitated and repaired during the June 4 to 8 blitz build in partnership with professional builders and volunteers.

Essential donations of house-building materials, land and manpower keep costs low and homes affordable.

Green Expo in Plano

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he city of Plano will host a Learn 2 Live Green (L2LG) event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 14, at The Shops of Legacy, in Plano. The former Live Green Expo, a free, family environmental event, is designed to educate and entertain about the conservation of resources and protection of the environment.

L2LG showcases eco-friendly and sustainable applications and products with educational seminars on resource conservation, recycling and composting, replacing toxic products with green products, native landscaping, organic gardening, energy-efficient construction and remodeling and nutrition values of natural foods.

Keynote speakers include Howard Garrett on organic applications, Dr. Deb Tolman on keyhole gardening, investigative journalist Charles Fishman on the future of water and Robyn O’Brien on the health of America’s food system. A hands-on workshop on rain barrels and on composting is available for an additional fee covering the cost of a barrel or a compost bin.

BMX stunt riders, an art swap of green art and recyclable materials, a soap and water bubble show and an up-close presentation of native animals and their habits by Critterman will be on display, with food, beverages and shopping available.

Location: 5741 Legacy, Dallas N. Tollway at Legacy, Plano. For more information and schedule of events, visit Learn2LiveGreen.com.

For more info, call 972-542-5300 or visit NCC-Habitat.com. natural awakenings

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businessprofile

Destin Café & Grill

Gourmet Burgers in a Relaxed Atmosphere

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he Destin Café & Grill, in Prosper, reflects the casual, yet elegant ambiance so reminiscent of its Florida Panhandle namesake, with lounging couches and oversized chairs to enjoy coffee and espresso, a cozy dining room with plenty of space for families and quiet corner booths for networking get-togethers.

The restaurant was designed and created by the founder of Palio’s Pizza Café, Harry Awad, who says, “I decided on the name Destin Café & Grill because so many families in the North Texas area go there for vacations. I wanted our restaurant to reflect that same attitude and comfort, along with the freshest and most nutritious menu items.”

With farm-fresh ingredients delivered daily, diverse menu items are prepared as ordered with creations like the Flip Flop salad, sweet potato fries, a variety of Panini sandwiches, gourmet veggie, beef and turkey burgers, gluten-free and wheat bun breads and an in-depth selection of coffee drinks made from lavazza coffee beans.

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Awad boasts, “We serve only the highest quality coffee, featuring a full espresso menu and delicious iced and blended coffee beverages, pastries, waffles and egg croissants for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, we have made-to-order salads and sandwiches, homemade chicken fingers and fries and some pretty decadent desserts.”

Free Wi-Fi, a uniquely decorated dining room, flat widescreen televisions for up-to-date news and sports and a "take one, leave one" bookshelf in the sitting area are hallmarks of this laid-back, beachy café and grill.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check Destin’s Facebook page for upcoming specials and events.

Located off of Preston Road, in the Prosper Town Center, Destin Café & Grill is a place where friends and family can join together in a neighborly, community setting.

Location: 110 N. Preston Rd., Prosper. For more info, call 972347-6363 or visit DestinCafeAndGrill.com. See ad, page 11.

healthbriefs

National Start! Walking Day

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mproving overall health can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other—and April 6, National Start!

Walking Day, is the ideal opportunity to begin a regular walking routine. American Heart Association (AHA) research shows that individuals can gain about two hours of life for every hour engaged in regular, vigorous exercise—a twofor-one deal that’s hard to beat. Walking just 30 minutes per day, five days a week, can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, promote better sleep and assist in maintaining healthy body weight.

Visit StartWalkingNow.org for resources to kick-start a heart-friendly regimen.

The site offers links to local walking paths, heart-healthy recipes, an online progress tracker and an app that helps walkers find and create paths while traveling. To find walking buddies or start a walking club, visit AHA’s MyWalkingClub.org.

Unplug During Screen-Free Week

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he American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6.

CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.”

Learn more about the weeklong event, efforts to restrict marketers’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org. natural awakenings

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healthbriefs

Are Cell Phones Safe?

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Sweet Stuff Combats Infections

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oney’s use as a medicine was described on Sumerian clay tablets dating back 4,000 years, and ancient Egyptians made ointments of the sticky substance to treat wounds. Now, contemporary scientists have shown that manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Professor Rose Cooper, of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, in the UK, has investigated how manuka honey interacts with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She discovered that the honey interfered with their growth, blocking the formation of biofilms that can wall off such bacteria from antibiotic remedies.

uestions about how cell phones might impact our health have sparked significant controversy. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.

Caution was also urged in an article about cell phone safety published this past October in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. It reported that cell phones that are switched on and carried in shirt or pants pockets can exceed U.S. Federal Communications Commission exposure guidelines, and also that adults and children absorb high levels of microwave radiation from the phones. According to the paper, children are at greater risk than adults, absorbing up to triple the amount of microwave radiation in their brain’s hypothalamus (which links the nervous and endocrine systems) and hippocampus (vital for memory and spatial navigation) compared to adults.

Absorption into their eyes was also greater, and as much as 10 times higher in their bone marrow than adults’.

The IARC concludes that these findings call for cell phone certification consistent with the “as low as reasonably achievable” approach taken in setting standards for using radiological devices. “It is important that additional research be conducted into the longterm, heavy use of mobile phones,” says IARC Director Christopher Wild.

“Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure [directly to the head], such as handsfree devices or texting.”

Additional resource: Epidemiologist Devra Davis, Ph.D., reports on this topic in Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation.

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Green Veggies Boost Immunity

Qigong: a Boon for Cancer Patients

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ancer patients that regularly practiced qigong, a 5,000-yearold combination of gentle exercise and meditation, for almost three months experienced significantly higher levels of well-being, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation, compared to a control group. Dr. Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Medical School, in Australia, who led the study, says the reduced inflammation in patients that practiced medical qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was particularly significant.

The project involved 162 patients, aged 31 to 86; those assigned to the medical qigong group undertook a 10-week program of two supervised, 90-minute sessions per week. They were also asked to practice an additional 30 minutes at home each day.

When the study began, there were no significant differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, mood status and inflammation between the intervention and control groups. However, “Patients that practiced medical qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional well-being, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” reports Oh.

He remarks that the study is the first such trial to measure the impact of medical qigong in patients with cancer. “Several studies have indicated that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and even survival,” Oh explains. He presented the findings at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.

Diabetes Linked to Dirty Air

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ealth wise, the air we breathe is just as important as the foods we eat, according to a recent report published in the journal Diabetes Care. The report is based on one of the first largescale, population-based studies linking diabetes prevalence with air pollution. According to researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston, a strong, consistent correlation exists between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution, an association that persists after adjustment for other risk factors such as obesity and ethnicity. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety limit.

esearchers reporting in the journal Cell have found another good reason to fill our plates with plenty of green vegetables like bok choy and broccoli: Tiny chemical compounds found in these healthful greens interact with the immune cells of the gut, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), by effectively protecting them and boosting their numbers.

IELs, white blood cells that inhabit the lining of many body cavities and structures, are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, where their primary purpose is to destroy target cells that are infected by pathogens. Because pathogens frequently enter the body via the gastrointestinal tract, a high IEL count benefits overall health.

Source: Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK

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opinionbrief

GMOs Now Found in Everyday Food

by Karen Asbury, M.D. y recommendation for many years now has been to avoid any genetically modified organism (GMO) foods.

The genetic modifications in many foods are not safe for human consumption and the devastating health problems are just beginning. For example, the genetic modification in corn causes the entire corn plant to be toxic, by producing bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin.

The good bacteria in our intestinal tract can pick up that gene turning them into little pesticide factories. A study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology found Bt toxin in the blood of 93 percent of pregnant women and in more than 70 percent of their fetuses. This study is the first to reveal the presence of circulating pesticides associated with GMO in women with and without pregnancy, paving the way for a new field in reproductive toxicology, including nutrition and utero-placental toxicities. Some rodent studies have shown a five-fold increase in infant mortality, as well as smaller babies, sterile babies and severe immune responses.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has done no studies on the safety of genetically modified anything, because their outdated criteria are based solely upon changes that are plain to the five senses; not inside the cells. Publications on genetically modified food toxicity are scarce. A title of an article in Science magazine states it well: “Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods: Many Opinions but Few Data.�

In fact, no peer-reviewed publications of clinical studies on the human health effects of genetically modified food exist. Even animal studies are few and far between. Recently, a former attorney for Monsanto, the world’s leading producer of the genetically modified seeds, was appointed to the FDA and has encouraged genetically modified foods to enter the market without requiring additional safety tests or labeling.

I would encourage anyone that is concerned about these serious health issues to send a message to food producers, write to their legislators and avoid GMO at all costs. The most common are corn, soy, canola, cotton, potatoes and zucchini. Avoid wheat and gluten, as it has been hybridized to make it toxic to us. My recommendations are to consume foods that are organically grown. Use whole raw milk (obtained directly from the dairy) and grass-fed meats that are antibiotic- and hormone-free.

Stay informed and stay healthy. To work toward government labeling of GMO foods, visit OrganicItsWorthIt.org.

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Karen Asbury , M. D., specializes in integrative medicine in Plano. For more info, call 972-867-7790 or visit KarenAsburyMD.com.

See ad, page 26.

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

Egg-ceptional Fun

Natural Easter Colors to Dye For

From toddlers to tweens, many children eagerly anticipate one of spring’s most pleasurable rituals: coloring Easter eggs. This shared family activity allows kids to be handson artists, as they choose from a palette of cheerful hues to fashion little edible treasures. But youngsters that dip their hands into synthetic dyes can absorb chemicals through the skin that have been linked with allergic reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with ADHD and hyperactivity, per a 2011 report by Science News.

Keep their creations healthy and chemical-free by avoiding commercial food coloring and using easy-to-make, fruit- and veggie-based dyes instead.

The simplest way to use Earth-friendly shades is to add natural materials when boiling the eggs. Some suggestions: purple grape juice or crushed blueberries, for blue; liquid chlorophyll or spinach, for green; organic orange peels or ground turmeric, for yellow; cranberries, pickled beets, cherries or pomegranate juice, for pink and red; and yellow onion skins, cooked carrots, chili powder or paprika, for orange.

Then, follow these directions: Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan and add water to cover. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar (this helps the eggshells absorb color) and the natural dye material; use more material for more eggs or a more intense color. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 15 minutes. Remove the eggs and refrigerate them.

These naturally colored treats, more beautiful than their artificially enhanced cousins, will mimic Mother Nature’s softer, gentler tints. For a shiny appearance, rub some cooking oil onto the eggs when they are dry. Also remember that hardcooked eggs are more perishable than raw ones, and should remain outside the refrigerator no more than two hours (so the one possibly found the day after Easter needs to hit the compost pile) and be consumed within one week.

Whale Watching

One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Whales Greenpeace Executive Director Philip Radford reports that the discredited practice of vote buying at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has been ended. “Countries like Japan can no longer bribe poorer countries to support their pro-whaling stance.

This means that whale conservation finally has a fighting chance.”

The U.S. delegation supported a measure intended to increase transparency in membership fees after hearing from millions of whale lovers. Initiated by the United Kingdom and backed by a number of countries, the proposal passed via a rare consensus among the 89 participating countries.

It is believed that payment of membership dues in cash allowed wealthy countries to purchase the votes of other nations. Dues for the commission must now be paid via bank transfer from government accounts.

Bug Muscle

Biomimicry Presents a Solution for Drought With global temperatures continuing to rise and droughts expected to become more severe, Australian Edward Linacre has designed a beetle-inspired device called Airdrop that is capable of extracting water from even the driest desert air. His invention recently won the prestigious global James Dyson award.

“Biomimicry is a powerful weapon in an engineer’s armory,” comments Dyson.

Linacre, a graduate of Swinburne University of Technology, in Melbourne, wanted to solve the drought problem afflicting parts of his country.

The lack of rain has brought dry, damaged soil, dead crops and mounting debt for farmers.

Rather than using complex, energy-intensive methods such as desalination or tapping into underground water sources, Airdrop’s source of water, the air, can be used anywhere in the world. The device delivers water to the roots of crops in dry areas by pushing air through a network of underground pipes and cooling it to the degree at which moisture condenses; then the water is pumped to the roots. Linacre was inspired by the Namib beetle, which survives in areas that receive just half an inch of rain per year by consuming the dew it collects on the hydrophilic skin of its back.

Find more info at Tinyurl.com/6ts34y5. natural awakenings

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globalbriefs Global Gardens

New Global Warming Planting Map The color-coded map of planting zones on the back of seed packets is being updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reflect climate changes brought on by global warming. The new guide, last updated in 1990, reflects, for instance, that the coldest day of the year isn’t as frigid as it used to be, so some plants and trees can now survive farther north. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are now classified in warmer zones.

The new guide uses better weather data and offers more interactive technology. Gardeners using the online version can enter their Zip code and get the exact average coldest temperature. For the first time, calculations include more detailed factors, such as prevailing winds, the presence of nearby bodies of water and other local topography.

Boston University Biology Professor Richard Primack observes, “There are a lot of things you can grow now that you couldn’t grow before. People don’t think of figs as a crop you can grow in the Boston area. You can do it now.” The changes come too late to make this year’s seed packets, but they will be on next year’s, says George Ball, chairman and CEO of the W. Atlee Burpee seed company.

View the planting zones map at Tinyurl.com/7r5u267.

Pocket Calculator

New Gadget Measures a Family’s Eco-Footprints A brand-new online environmental tool from Low Impact Living, the Impact Calculator, measures the many footprints of a household’s lifestyle. With it, families can assess their specific carbon, energy, water, trash, wastewater and stormwater-runoff amounts. Then, by entering the Zip code and home size, it encapsulates in one number the overall environmental footprint compared with a typical home in the region, suggests green home and lifestyle projects and saves a profile, along with project notes, for future reference.

To use the calculator, visit Tinyurl.com/59ksp3.

Book Battle

Reading Going Digital The number of Americans that prefer to read a book via an electronic reading device tripled in less than 12 months last year, but most still prefer to read a traditional, physical book. A survey of 1,000 American adults nationwide shows that 27 percent have now used a Kindle or similar product.

National Library Week is April 8-14 16

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Better Threads

Rug Industry Tackles Child Labor Injustice The nonprofit GoodWeave organization works to end child labor in the rug industry and provides educational opportunities for kids in weaving communities worldwide. The GoodWeave label is given solely to rug companies that only hire employees of legal working age. GoodWeave, offering the world’s only independent child labor-free certification for rugs, makes unannounced inspections of looms overseas to ensure that standards are upheld.

Programs funded by GoodWeave-certified rug sales have helped nearly 10,000 children in Nepal and India to attend school instead of working on looms. An estimated 250,000 children are still weaving today. “It’s widely documented that children are exploited to make all sorts of products in our global economy,” says Nina Smith, GoodWeave USA executive director.

“But in the case of carpets, consumers can do something to put a stop to these inhumane practices. By buying a certified rug, you can change a child’s life.”

Find participating local retailers by Zip code at GoodWeave.org.

Honk Honk

Driving Less and Enjoying it More Only 31 percent of American 16-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2008, down from 46 percent in 1983, according to a University of Michigan study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention.

Eighteen-year-old legal drivers decreased from 80 to 65 percent over the same period, as did adults in their 20s and 30s, although by not as much. A new survey by the car-sharing company Zipcar confirmed that those with licenses are trying to drive less, as well.

Altogether, more than half of drivers under the age of 44 are making efforts to reduce the time they spend in traffic. Factors supporting this trend include the high cost of gas and insurance, tighter restrictions on teen drivers in many states and congested roads.

In addition, Michael Sivak, a research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, cites the importance of the Internet. “It is possible that the availability of virtual contact through electronic means reduces the need for actual contact among young people.” He also points out that, “Some young people feel that driving interferes with texting and other electronic communication.”

Public transit is filling part of the vacuum. The United States, which has long trailed other countries in mass transit usage, is catching on among younger generations.

Boxing Day

Greening-Up a Move Can Be Easy ZippGo has launched a California concept poised to be picked up elsewhere as an alternative to traditionalstyle moving boxes. No one enjoys scrounging or purchasing and then assembling and taping cardboard boxes, only to discard them in a landfill afterward. A better solution is to rent task-designed plastic boxes made from recycled plastic that do the job more conveniently, efficiently and sustainably. Their service even delivers and picks them up. It’s a valuable green business opportunity in any economy.

Watch the movie at Vimeo. com/25114486.

Source: Grist.org

natural awakenings

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fitbody

Massage Therapy Helps Rehabilitate The Body

by Anatoly Kolmakov

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assage therapy has a long history around the world, with roots planted thousands of years ago. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes.

In the United States, massage therapy is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are countless benefits to massage, because it is a natural technique used to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression and aid general wellness.

The many unique types of massage therapy offer a wide variety of pressures, movements and techniques, and each has specific advantages for problem areas. The most common type is Swedish massage. Mostly used for relaxation purposes, this technique uses long, smooth, gliding strokes to increase blood flow in tense muscles, ease discomfort and remove toxins.

Sports massage incorporates technique similar to Swedish massage, but is designed for individuals that are more active and experience increased muscle tension and wear-and-tear. It can improve athletic performance, reduce the chance of and recovery time for injuries and relax tense and stiff muscles. Sports massage incorporates working on sore target areas, usually with some form of stretching during the session. A sports massage improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, increasing the ability to build 18

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new tissue and further ridding them of lactic acid buildup.

Deep tissue massage focuses on providing superior health benefits that stimulate muscles and body tissues below the exterior level. Applying direct pressure on the muscles increases blood circulation, which boosts the oxygen supply to the entire body. Deep tissue massage is also a great stress reliever for those that experience chronic back pain. As firm pressure is applied on points on the body known to hold the most stress, the muscles are forced to release and the body to relax and ultimately relieve tension. One side effect of relieving stress and tension in this way is a reduction in blood pressure, achieved by promoting increased serotonin production.

Trigger point therapy is another specialized type of massage that uses pressure applied to the muscles to relieve pain and correct dysfunction in other areas of the body. Trigger point massage is also known as myofascial trigger point therapy, because it works on the myofascial sheath that surrounds muscles, rather than on the muscles themselves. Trigger points are sore spots that occur in a muscle; they’re big enough to feel and most people know them as muscle knots.

Trigger points may be active or latent; muscle pain is the result of active trigger points. Practitioners believe that latent trigger points are behind the joint stiffness and limited range of movement that accompanies

old age. Symptoms of trigger points include muscle tension, shortening of the muscle, numbness and sharp stabbing pains. A trigger point massage specifically addresses those problem areas. Benefits include increased range of motion, decreased muscle tension and stiffness, reduction in migraines, improved flexibility and circulation and fewer muscle spasms.

Pre-natal massage is very beneficial to women that experience tension and stress while pregnant. A woman out of her first trimester should consider starting a regimen of pre-natal massage therapy, with a doctor’s approval.

Prenatal massage can address common problems associated with pregnancy such as headaches, relief from muscle cramps, spasms and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs, and also reduce swelling. It also decreases stress on weightbearing joints and eases labor pain.

Pre-natal massage is a wonderful way for the mother-to-be to achieve tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.

In addition to all these techniques, there are extras that clients can add to any massage. Aromatherapy and hot towels or river stones incorporated into any massage can further relax muscles, ease tensions, reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, stimulate the immune system and energize well-being.

Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state of heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace. A therapeutic massage from an experienced professional massage therapist can be even more beneficial if they customize it specifically to your needs. If it’s been too long since you’ve treated yourself to a solo bout of pampering, don’t wait any longer.

Anatoly Kolmakov, co-owner of Massage Space, in Plano, is a licensed massage therapist, trained in multiple modalities. For more information and to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced therapists at Massage Space, call 972-612-5363 or visit Massage-Space.com. See ad, page 10.

communityspotlight

Camp Tonkawa Connecting Adults and Children to Nature

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by Robert Dean

across the United States—all in an effort to s a child growing up in Chicago, hone her own skills and share her knowlApril Holtzman dreamed of owning edge and teachings with others. a horse and being a camp counselor.

Today, Camp Tonkawa offers a wide Today, as director and co-founder of Camp variety of opportunities for adults and Tonkawa—a nonprofit outdoor learning children of all ages and walks of life. The center whose mission is to connect adults and woods of oak and juniper have plenty of children to nature by teaching the ancient trails; plus there is a small creek, fishing Native American skills of nature awarepond, swimming pond, pasture area, organness and primitive wilderness survival—her ic garden, barn, long house teaching area, dreams have come true. outdoor solar showers, straw-bale arts and

Looking back, Holtzman says it’s no crafts building, a custom-made 400-gallon surprise that she has essentially devoted her April Holtzman and camp attendees water collection tank, rustic soilettes (comlife to children and nature. Her father was that became counselors posting toilets), and an extensive library the director of the Neighborhood Boys’ Club related to the classes taught at the camp. and her mother was a daycare provider, so “Our goal is to help people rediscover their connection she grew up with a love for children. Family camping trips and to the Earth and help nurture that connection,” she explains. her time in the Girl Scouts and Explorers (now called Adven“While it’s great to have kids involved, it’s really important ture Scouts) helped to create a passion for camping, hiking, that the entire family feels and understands that connection.” canoeing and other outdoor activities. In high school, she atPrograms are taught from the perspective that nature is tended horse camp, where she became enamored with horses.

After high school, she attended Southern Illinois University the teacher. Holtzman says that by learning from the Earth, people become more alive—glowing with happiness and full and majored in plant and soil science—a passion that initially of confidence and joy. And it’s no wonder. With numerous grew in her family’s vegetable garden. After moving to Texas, classes, clubs and programs from which to choose—includshe went on to study horticulture and landscape architecture, ing Girl and Boy Scout programs, horsemanship activities, and then ran her own landscape business for five years. homeschooler programs, building workshops, primitive sur After her three sons were born, Holtzman devoted herself to raising them. All three were homeschooled and inher- vival camps, day and weekend camps and summer camps— it’s easy to unplug from a hectic lifestyle and feel at peace in ited their mother’s love of the outdoors. She eventually was inspired to start a group for homeschoolers called “Trackers.” the wilderness.

Summer camps, in particular, provide an excellent way Every Thursday for almost 10 years, she guided children for youth to have exciting adventures, build lifelong friendto love and respect nature using fun activities, crafts and ships and learn new skills. Camps are offered for children as camping trips. She even taught Homeschooler Enrichment classes—with themes like wilderness survival and wilderness young as seven up through the teens. Camps involve learning survival skills, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, horseback living. Starting a camp seemed like a natural progression. riding, cooking, and simply gazing at the stars. Campers also

The real inspiration, she says, came after taking 12 kids sleep in tipis. camping in a state park—on her own. “I knew then that I

“Kids just love the camp and often come back year after needed to find a piece of property where the kids could year,” comments Holtzman. “Many of our counselors actube safe and wander.” Therefore, about 10 years ago, she ally started out in one of our programs years ago.” purchased what is now Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning

Especially exciting for Holtzman is the transformation she Center, Inc., a 35-acre tract of land about one hour north of witnesses in individuals after they attend a program. “People Dallas, near Collinsville. often feel more inspired—they want to try and make a shift in

In the beginning, she and her fellow instructors—which the world, preserve what we have and live in harmony. It’s now include all three of her sons—offered a weekend camp once per month. Holtzman attended the Tom Brown Wilder- makes everything worthwhile—it doesn’t feel like work.” ness and Survival School, in New Jersey, became a member Enrollment for summer camps is now open. To find out more of the “Texas Trackers,” where she met with other Tom about Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center and its proBrown Students across Texas to network and camp together, grams, call 940-440-8382 or visit CampTonkawaTexas.com. and was enrolled in the Naturalist Training Program. Over the years, she has also attended many native skills gatherings See ad, page 38. natural awakenings

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healingways

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

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or many, spring brings joy via outdoor activities amid blossoming flowers and blooming trees, as they visit parks, hike through meadows and jog along roads in the warming air. For millions of allergy sufferers, however, the attendant airborne pollen brings bedeviling sneezes, congestion, teary eyes and runny noses. Hay fever alone, which affects 35 million Americans, shuts many of us indoors. Before resorting to such an extreme measure, try controlling allergic reactions using some of these simple suggestions.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that we begin by reducing exposure to allergy triggers:

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n Stay indoors on dry, windy days and

early mornings, when pollen counts are high. The best time to be outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. n Remove clothes previously worn outside. Immediately after coming inside, shower thoroughly to rinse off pollen. n Don’t hang laundry outside, because pollen may stick to it, especially sheets and towels. n Keep indoor air as clean as possible by turning on the air conditioner in both the house and car, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in the bedroom; most cost less than $100. Make sure

the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, too. Keep indoor air comfortably dry with a dehumidifier.

For those that love being outdoors, several natural remedies can help. Dr. Roger Morrison, a holistic physician in Point Richmond, California, likes targeted, widely available, overthe-counter homeopathic medicines.

Carefully read labels to match specific symptoms with those noted on individual remedies.

For example, for a badly dripping nose, Allium cepa may be the most helpful remedy. It helps lessen nasal discharge, plus reduce sneezing and congestive headaches that can accompany allergies.

If allergy symptoms center around the eyes, causing itching, burning, redness and tears, then homeopathic Euphrasia is a better choice. If nighttime post-nasal drainage leads to coughing upon waking, Euphrasia can help, as well.

Pulsatilla helps people whose allergies are worse when they enter a warm room or feel congested when they lie down at night.

Homeopathic remedies generally are available for less than $10. If symptoms don’t improve in three days, stop and try a different homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic practitioner Dr. Greg Meyer, in Phoenix, Arizona, says that many of his patients benefit from taking herbs and other natural supplements, and one of the most effective for hay fever is Urtica dioica (stinging nettles).

Studies reported in Planta Medica: Journal of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, showed that after one week, nearly two-thirds of the participants taking two 300 milligram (mg)

capsules of freeze-dried nettles experienced decreased sneezing and itching.

Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson, recommends taking 250 mg of freezedried nettles extract every two to four hours until symptoms subside.

Quercitin is another useful herb.

By preventing release of histamine, it also works to lessen the sneezing and itching that accompany allergies. Take 400 mg twice a day before meals.

Diana Danna, an integrative nurse practitioner in Staten Island, New York, suggests the age-old remedy of a neti pot to relieve congested nasal passageways. It may take a bit of practice, but she’s seen how rinsing the sinuses with a warm saltwater solution can reduce congestion and make breathing easier.

An over-the-counter squeeze bottle can substitute for a neti pot, as can NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Danna suggests rinsing twice a day for best results.

Simple dietary modifications often yield promising results, as well. Stick to non-mucous-producing foods and eat more foods that give a boost to the body’s natural immune system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and raw nuts and seeds fit both categories, as do lean proteins like fresh fish and organic meats. Drinking plenty of clean water flushes the system and thins secretions.

Foods that tend to cause the most problems for allergy sufferers include dairy products, fried and processed foods and refined sugars and flours.

Adding essential fatty acids to a diet has benefits beyond allergy relief.

In my own practice, I’ve seen how patients that take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or three grams of fish oil during the spring months breathe more easily when outdoors. They also delight in healthier looking skin, shinier hair and harder nails.

Trying these approaches may well turn spring into a favorite time of year for everyone.

Can Foods Trigger Subtle Allergies?

by Jennifer Engels, MD f you have ever experienced a feeling of bloating, cramping or sudden diarrhea within a couple of hours after eating, you may be one of a growing number of individuals suffering from sensitivities to certain common foods in their diets.

Conventional medicine has focused for a long time on the 2 percent of adults and 5 percent of children in the United States that suffer from severe food allergies, but the extent of sensitivity to certain foods is becoming more and more recognized.

Classic allergies to food can result in an acute onset of symptoms following ingestion of the trigger allergen and can even result in chronic disorders such as atopic dermatitis (eczema). Reactions to these foods by an allergic person can occur within minutes and range from a tingling sensation around the lips to hives or in the case of anaphylactic reaction; death, depending on the severity of the reaction. Foods most commonly implicated in triggering these reactions are eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat and corn.

Newer studies are starting to focus on a subgroup of adverse food reactions called food sensitivities. These sensitivities are more common than food allergies and frequently go undiagnosed. They may cause a more delayed reaction, often hours to days after ingesting the offending food, which can range from nausea, bloating and cramping to systemic and chronic inflammatory responses like irritable bowel disease, behavioral disorders or skin conditions. The most common offenders are gluten, dairy products, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers) and soy.

Food sensitivities are difficult to detect, because the symptoms can be delayed or confused with other foods or substances that have been ingested. Adverse reactions to the foods we eat may be more common than we think, so it is up to the individual to seek out information if they suspect they may be affected.

I

Jennifer Engels, M.D., in Plano, specializes in integrative weight management programs and food allergies/sensitivities. For more info, call 972-567-8819 or visit TheWellnessRoom.net. See ad, page 7.

Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiropractic and certified classical homeopath, practices in Manhattan, NY. She also chairs the American Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of humanism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com. natural awakenings

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localresources

readertip Defending yards Against Mosquitoes

FRESH pRODUCE & pRODUCTS dedicated “locavores” can easily find delicious, nutritious choices, at these food stores and local marketplaces in the north texas area.

CENTRAL MARKET – PLANO 320 Coit Rd, Plano 75075 469-241-8300

CUPBOARD NATURAL FOODS 200 W Congress St, Denton 76201 940-387-5386 KEN’S PRODUCE 410 N Bell Ave, Denton 76201 940-382-6368

MARKET STREET - ALLEN 985 W Bethany Dr, Allen 75013 972-908-3830 MARKET STREET - COLLEYVILLE 5605 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville 76034 817-577-5020 MARKET STREET - FRISCO 11999 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-872-1500

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MARKET STREET - MCKINNEY 6100 W Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney 75070 972-548-5140 MARKET STREET - PLANO 1929 Preston Rd, Plano 75093 972-713-5500

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 2301 Cross Timbers Rd, Flower Mound 75028 972-874-7380 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 5190 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-464-5776 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 207 East FM 544, Murphy 75094 972-265-4770 SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET 4100 E Legacy Dr, Plano 75024 972-618-8902

WHOLE FOODS MARKET 105 Stacy Rd, Fairview 75069 972-549-4090

submitted by ed arnold

T

he most effective defense against mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water on your property, thereby eliminating their breeding site. A neglected birdbath, swimming pool or clogged rain gutter can produce hundreds of new mosquitoes in just a few days.

Dump water out of flowerpots, buckets and wheelbarrows. If possible, turn these items over when they are not in use. Also dispose of old tires, plastic sheeting or other refuse that can hold water. Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles and irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week and keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Remove debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts to keep them clean and free flowing. Clogged rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes.

Ed Arnold is the owner of Natural Pest Solutions, in Plano, providing integrated pest management with natural botanical products, including mosquito control systems. For more information, call 214-763-2758 or visit GuysInGreen.com. See ad, page 27.

getting back to real Foods Health Challenges of Sugars, Fats and Processed Foods

by Jennifer taylor, dc and christy Porterfield, dc

T

he very thought of sugar can elicit myriad emotions, including elation, comfort, hunger, guilt and on and on. Perhaps the reason one simple ingredient can cause such emotional upsand-downs is because it creates a biological roller coaster inside our body.

We have been told by countless authorities that sugar causes cavities, but studies also show that it’s the main culprit in obesity, heart disease, Type II diabetes and even cancer. These chronic health conditions always start with non-symptomatic inflammation, sometimes working under the surface for years, before we realize there is a problem. Once a disease process is finally detected, either through a yearly physical or a serious diagnosis, it is thought to be responsible for 75 percent of all health care spending in the United States.

We may think that fat—particularly saturated fat—is the true villain, and that our only hope to escape these maladies is a low-fat or no-fat, vegetarian diet. The facts may be surprising.

Researchers at the University of California reviewed numerous studies that show sugar, not fat, has been the cause of as much disease, sickness and death as alcohol and tobacco. The worst offenders were high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar (sucrose).

As a nation addicted to sugar, Americans consume their weight in sugar, plus an additional 20 pounds of corn syrup, each year. On average, that’s 40 teaspoons of added sugar every day, giving our bodies some 600 empty calories. By comparison, in 1915, the national average of sugar consumption was only five teaspoons a day. These sugars are not only found in obvious sources like candy, but are often hidden in processed foods.

Surprisingly, even so-called “healthy”

frozen dinners of the diet kind can have as much as eight to 10 teaspoons of sugar; that’s as much as a can of soda.

According to the researchers, sugar acts as a biological toxin when ingested in excess.

Fructose, a form of sugar (high-fructose corn syrup and corn syrup), is a prime ingredient in most processed foods, often listed in the first two or three ingredients. Fructose is metabolized primarily by the liver, and as we ingest more and more fructose, the liver becomes overworked and distressed, leading to fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic cirrhosis (even diagnosed in children). The scariest part is that fatty liver disease has no telltale symptoms.

However, as it progresses over time, fatty liver manifests itself first as insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes.

As for saturated fats, very little research shows a correlation between saturated fats and heart disease, and no conclusive evidence regarding such a correlation. Unfortunately, popular opinion still holds to the antiquated idea of a low-fat, high carb diet for health.

In January 2010, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a comprehensive report from The Harvard School of Public Health and the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute evaluating data from 350,000 people in eight countries and 21 studies over a 25-year span. Their conclusion was that, “There is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk for heart disease.”

They also noted, “We are learning that restricting fat intake is not without serious health consequences, such as escalating rates of obesity and heart disease.” Yes, reducing saturated fat can be a cause of the chronic diseases. The

evidence shows that obesity and heart disease has been escalating every since we tried to cut down on saturated fat (real butter) and replace it with highly processed and hydrogenated margarines and Crisco.

Many people are undoubtedly frustrated by conflicting nutritional information. Even with new research pointing toward a deficiency in saturated fats causing our national issues of obesity and heart disease, the argument will continue. For true nutrition, follow one simple rule: If it’s not food, don’t eat it.

That sounds simple enough, but more than 90 percent of the food purchased

by Americans is highly processed. With our fast-paced lifestyles, the quick easy route has become the norm; an essential part of running a household.

Relentless advertising to our children for the latest and the greatest “food,” from breakfast cereals to packaged and pre-made lunches, makes it a battle to get our kids to eat anything nutritious (completely forget anything green).

Getting back to our roots with food doesn’t have to mean a war with our children or inconvenience to our lifestyle. It really is as simple as educating ourselves about proper preparation and purchasing from sources of nutrient dense, disease preventing and purely delicious, real foods.

To learn more about real food and how to successfully implement whole nutrition to your lifestyle without cramping your style, find a local chapter of a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring nutrient dense foods to the diet through research and education, such as the Weston A. Price Foundation (WestonAPrice.org). Your family will appreciate the healthy change.

Jennifer Taylor and Christy Porterfield, of HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, are practicing doctors of chiropractic in Plano and chapter leaders for Weston A. Price.

Meetings are held every two months, starting at 6 p.m., April 18. For more information, call 972-612-1800 or visit HealthWorksTX.com. See ad, page 9. natural awakenings

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GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

by Crissy Trask

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reen living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small, giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awakenings’ room-by-room green checklist.

You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.com, says that reducing waste, conserving water and increasing energy efficiency are

all important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

4 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474 pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost. Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green.

Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

4 Dispense with disposables.

Replace disposable paper and plastic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth napkins

instead of paper; dishwasher-safe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or recycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

4 Clean naturally. Chemical powerhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven.

4 Shop for the Energy Star logo.

Appliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operating costs.

4 Filter water with less waste.

Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Instead, purchase a home-filtering system that uses recycled or reusable filters. On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle.

4 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off.

4 Phase out non-stick skillets.

Teflon coatings can leach toxins when damaged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick.

4 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of high quality reusable bags that will give years of use.

Bedrooms

“Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco

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Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson.

“So it’s important to focus on making bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

4 Start with a good foundation.

Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formaldehyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

4 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemicals. “If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson.

Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocarbon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mattresses (wool is a natural fire retardant) filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting.

Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

4 Block the afternoon sun. During the day, shut off air-conditioning vents inside bedrooms and block the afternoon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool

Find more big ideas in Natural Awakenings’ article, “Spring Green Rehab,” at Tinyurl.com/3nhan6s. enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

4 Go wireless. It’s impossible to completely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed.

4 Forget fabric softeners. Most fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin.

Instead, add a quarter-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry.

4 Leave the lights off. Motiondetecting nightlights save energy while allowing safe passage in the wee hours.

Laundry Room

In a typical U.S. home, the washing machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 percent of home energy demands. Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreenPurse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, explains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number of loads and drying items on outdoor clotheslines or indoor racks.

MacEachern says, “You can probably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.”

Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is nontoxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic

chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

4 Select cold water. On average, only 10 percent of the energy used by a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water.

The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

4 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluorescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus.

4 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to operate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

4 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problematic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for cold-water brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free.

4 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value.

4 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and always dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

Bathroom

The smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservation-minded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,” says

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MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as well, where they could get into local natural water supplies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.”

Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.”

4 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient showerheads use as little as 1 gallon per minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between 0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

4 Flush responsibly. According to the EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher efficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush.

4 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most.

4 Shun a plastic shower curtain.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been called “the poison plastic” for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer.

PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be recycled, so switch to a PVC-free alternative. Organic hemp is the eco-shower

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curtain gold standard.

4 Ban antibacterial products. Triclosan is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. It’s also a registered pesticide and probable human carcinogen that’s showing up in the environment and children’s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibioticresistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

4 Install a shower filter that removes chlorine. Chlorine, which is increasingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

4 Use recycled and unbleached paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment.

4 Remove bad odors instead of covering them up. In a University of California study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product. Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects.

This Natural Awakenings checklist suggests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the family’s ecological footprint right away.

Crissy Trask is the founder of Green Matters.com and author of the bestselling, It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

GREEN UN-ROOM CHECKLIST

by Crissy Trask Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms earn the most attention in greening up our homes, but what about the miscellaneous spaces? Attics, garages, closets and entry halls can get overlooked, although they also yield benefits from some green-minded attention. Here are tips for the most common “un-rooms” to get the ball rolling.

Garage

4 Empty the car of extra weight and optimally inflate tires to improve gas mileage by up to 5 percent.

4 Replace poisonous windshield wiper fluid with a make-it-yourself solution that combines seven cups of distilled water, one-half-cup isopropyl alcohol and one-halfteaspoon eco-dishwashing liquid.

Properly dispose of old wiper fluid in a boldly labeled container at a hazardous waste center.

4 Clean with a broom instead of a hose to save water.

Attic

4 Install a whole-house fan to pull warm air out of the attic, keeping rooms below cooler.

4 Blanket the attic with a reflective heat barrier to reflect heat before it has a chance to enter.

4 If the tops of floor joists above the insulation are visible, EnergyStar.gov recommends adding more insulation until they are no longer visible when viewed at eye level.

Entry Hall

4 Leave shoes, along with allergens and dirt, at the door for a healthier home.

4 Reduce unwanted mail by opting out of catalogs, credit card and insurance offers and Direct Marketing Association-member mailings at CatalogChoice.org, OptOutPrescreen. com and DMAChoice.org, respectively.

Closets

4 Get organized with bins and shelves made from recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, salvaged and repurposed items, formaldehyde-free plant-based boards or Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

4 Shop for local, previously owned clothes and accessories from consignment boutiques, thrift stores or a local clothing swap.

4 Slip into some vegan or Earthfriendly shoes; there’s a lot more to choose from than hemp sandals.

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club, Mayo Clinic, chej.org, DrClaudiaMiller.com, DrWeil.com, ftc.gov, EnergyStar.gov

4 Doormats made from recycled plastic soda bottles keep millions of them from entering landfills.

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healthykids

GREEN KIDS CLUBS

Highlighting Hope for the Future by brian clark howard

The goals of green kids clubs range from benchmarking environmental progress to fundraising for local eco-causes. The kids not only have fun, they feel empowered to make a difference in a scarred and scary world.

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ticularly like painting monsters on recycling bins,” says French.

At St. Philip the Apostle School, in Addison, Illinois, three middle school students founded Recycle Because You Care to encourage recycling by the larger community. The teens distribute recycling bins and show residents how to properly use them.

A few years ago, students at Westerly Middle School, in Rhode Island, decided to do something about global warming, so they formed a junior club of Westerly Innovations Network, a local student-led community service team.

All student project photos are used with permission.

G

reen clubs attract youth of many ages. In Needham, Massachusetts, elementary school students formed a Safe Routes to School Green Kids Newman Club and promoted the concept of the Walking School Bus to help classmates walk safely to school as a group. “We started this group because we wanted more kids to walk,” Maya, a fourth-grader, explained to local journalists.

They even made and posted appealing safety signs throughout the community. Stephen, another fourth-grader, said: “I feel like it’s doing something for the world. It’s teaching people to be safe, try and walk and try to save the Earth.”

Students from New York City Public School 334, the Anderson School, organized a Power Patrol this year. “The kids would go around the school unplugging unused appliances, turning off lights and taking meter readings, so they could see how much they could bring down electricity use,” says Pamela French, a mother and school volunteer who is working on a documentary film about how the Big Apple’s schools can go greener. The students also participated in the citywide student-driven energy competition, the Green Cup Challenge, sponsored by The Green Schools Alliance.

Another school initiative, Trash Troopers, had students monitoring their cafeteria’s recycling bins, ensuring that diners properly sort milk cartons from compostable items. “They par-

national green kids club resources America’s Great Outdoors: AmericasGreatOutdoors.gov.

Provides news of federal conservation and recreation initiatives and how local communities become involved.

EPA Environmental Kids Club: epa.gov/kids. Explores environmental information, games and activities.

National Audubon Society: Audubon.org/locations.

Sponsors Junior Audubon Clubs.

Under the banner, Project TGIF – Turn Grease Into Fuel, they placed a grease receptacle at the town transfer station, convinced 64 restaurants to donate used fryer oil, and enlisted an oil recycling facility to process it. With money earned from the activity, they purchased biofuel for area charities.

They also held events to educate the public on the concept.

The award-winning program has recycled more than 36,000 gallons of waste oil, eliminating 600,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. MTV featured the project in its Switch Campaign.

“Be flexible and don’t worry if a final [green project] outcome isn’t quite what you expected. It will work out if you make an effort.”

National Geographic Kids: Kids.NationalGeographic. com/kids. Offers wildlife-related news, videos and games.

Richard Louv: RichardLouv.com. Features excerpts from his books, Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, and other tools and resources to counter youngsters’ nature deficit.

Teens for Planet Earth: TeensForPlanetEarth.ning.com.

Learn how the Wildlife Conservation Society supports and honors youth making a difference, from China’s Tetra Paks Recycling Team to Utah’s invasive species Plant Patrol.

~ Cassandra, Westerly Middle School eighth-grader

Getting Started

Many schools already have green kids clubs, which can be easy to start. Interested students begin by contacting their principal or designated sustainability officer, an increasingly common staff position. Some libraries, museums and nature centers also host such clubs.

They often have a specific core focus, such as cave or stream ecology. Local Audubon Society chapters, for example, may offer a Junior Audubon Club to introduce youngsters to bird watching. As National Audubon Society spokesperson Delta Willis notes, “It is vital to create new conservation stewards.”

When famous alum Sigourney Weaver was honored with the organization’s Rachel Carson Award, the actress cited her own participation in the Junior Audubon Club as inspiration for her lifelong support of conservation. “She continues to go bird watching,” Willis adds.

Green kids clubs may be bolstered by parent involvement. French serves on the Green Team at her children’s school, where she and other parents meet with administrators and students to help them accomplish their sustainable goals. “There is too much going on in a school day to ask for teachers to do more, so this is an area where parents can help,” she comments.

Thinking globally, high school students in Pleasant Hill, California, formed Project Jatropha to encourage struggling

farmers in India to plant jatropha crops that can be turned into biofuel far more efficiently than corn. The teens have earned honors from both the Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards and the Environmental Protection Agency’s President’s Environmental Youth Awards.

Green kids clubs provide educational and entertaining activities that help young people get involved, and can even lead to a career or lifelong hobby. If there isn’t one locally, why not start one up?

Brian Clark Howard is a New York City-based multimedia journalist and the co-author of Green Lighting and Geothermal HVAC: Build Your Own Wind Power System. Connect at BrianClarkHoward.com. natural awakenings

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greenliving

Honeybee Rescue

The Vital Role of Backyard Beekeeping

by N’ann Harp

When early colonists sailed to the New World in the 1620s, they brought along their cherished European honeybees, introducing Apis mellifera to the North American continent. Our pioneer forebears continued to practice the customs of rural England, treating honeybees as family members. “Telling the bees” about births, marriages and deaths and including them in special occasions was part of the fabric of family life.

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oday, small-scale, organic beekeeping is making a timely comeback, with renewed interest in and respect for those lost arts from a simpler time. “I knew nothing about beekeeping 10 years ago,” says Guy Money, owner of Honey Pot Farm, in McKinney, who credits his allergist with launching his latest occupation. “I have suffered from severe allergies and migraine headaches since a child. After decades of prescriptions, my allergist told me to find a local beekeeper.”

Money heeded that advice and found a bee association where he gathered knowledge, bought some hives over time and began eating his own raw, local honey. After a few months, his allergy symptoms disappeared and he hasn’t been to an allergist since. Money, now a member of the Collin County Beekeeper Association (CCHBA), enthusiastically tends 40 hives. He enjoys selling honey at local venues and takes the opportunity to share with others the benefits of bees and raw, local honey.

Humans share with honeybees an ancient, intimate and symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit. Although fossil records indicate that honeybees were thriving on the planet for 70 million years before man, human beings and these highly evolved social insects quickly developed an enduring affinity for each other. Our interconnectedness goes back at least 10,000 years, when humans began to record their honey hunting activities in charcoal and chalk pictographs on cave walls. Honey was a valuable food source for our ancestors and they collected it avidly.

As hunter-gatherer societies settled into self-sustaining family groups, it is thought that small garden plots became a familiar center of agriculture and

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social stability. Honeybees adapted to the increasingly organized agricultural system, attracted to the flowering fruit and vegetable crops that sustained their own hive and honey production needs. In return, the bees enhanced pollination and increased harvest yields for their human partners.

Over the intervening millennia, this interspecies friendship has evolved into the practices of modern beekeeping, generating dozens of crop-specific industries. Roughly 150 of the world’s favorite food crops are now directly reliant upon honeybee pollination, which translates to about 40 percent of the human diet. Today, however, the same capacity for cross-species cooperation that gave rise to the human-honeybee relationship has also given rise to a host of unintended consequences, including a phenomenon dubbed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), in which resident honey bees simply vanish from hives.

Something is seriously wrong and scientists are stumped. Some observers call the situation the “perfect storm” of circumstances, which includes the proliferation of pesticide and chemical use in mono-crop production; poor queen

breeding practices; loss of genetic diversity; immune system weaknesses; global trade expansion, introducing alien pests against to which local bees don’t have resistance; mystery viruses; and the usual threats and challenges of sustaining healthy, resilient colonies that can produce strong queen bees.

A report from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Apiary Inspectors of America states that total U.S. honeybee colony losses were 30 percent over the winter of 2010-11.

This bad news further cripples beekeepers and may impact food prices and availability of pollinated produce.

Hope for saving honeybees may lie in finding ways to dramatically increase research funding, which has been decreased in some states due to budget cuts. Nonprofit foundations have been established as a conduit for honeybee research funds and one powerfully positive alternative action is for private individuals to take up small-scale beekeeping.

“An army of amateur beekeepers could become part of an eventual solution by helping to collect field data in a wide array of microclimates and conditions,” suggests David Tarpy, Ph.D., the state apiculturist and an associate professor of entomology at North Carolina State University.

Available in easily assembled kits from beekeeping catalogs, the lighter English garden hive holds fewer frames than heavier, commercial hives. It is often sold with a gabled, copper-roof section or adorned with finials, making it a delightful visual addition to a bee-friendly backyard or rooftop urban garden.

State-funded cooperative extension programs across the country have the scoop on beekeeping and honey production, providing free information and regular classes. Locally, The CCHBA (cchba.org) holds monthly meetings at Heard Craig Center in McKinney, offering seminars and workshops.

N’ann Harp is a beekeeping activist, freelance writer and founder of Friends of Honeybees, living in Asheville, NC. Contact her at Nann@FriendsOfHoneybees.org.

Bee Pollen

Has Great Benefits

by Liz and Guy Money oneybees are critical to the production of over 150 crops in the United States. Without honeybees, many of our plates would be more reliant on crops like wheat, rice and corn. In addition to being the catalyst for pollinating billions of dollars of agricultural crops each year, the nutritional benefits of bee pollen are beginning to be appreciated for its potential in our daily lives.

Bee pollen is packed with 22 amino acids, natural antibiotic factors, DNA/RNA (the genetic coding of plants), 18 enzymes (to aid digestion and other bodily functions), glycosides (natural sources of energy in the body), plant hormones, 27 minerals and at least 16 vitamins, including B6, B12, C, D, E, H and K.

North Texas wildflower pollen is the most potent in the country and taken as a food source or dietary supplement, wildflower honeybee pollen, together with raw honey, can enhance energy, vitality and memory, along with helping to prevent allergies. By ingesting the bee pollen granule that is packed with live enzymes, the pollens help build resistance to allergens and allergic reaction to year-round airborne pollens.

Many find that eating raw honey sourced from local beekeepers with local hives is the best way to maximize the benefits of bee pollen, because local, raw honey contains bits of pollen from the local environment, acting as an immune system booster and deterrent to the hazards of pollen season.

H

Local beekeepers Liz and Guy Money own Honey Pot Farm, in McKinney and are members of the North Texas and Texas State Beekeepers associations. For more info, call 972-8344000 or visit HoneyPotFarms.com. See ad, page 41.

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consciouseating

choosing Sustainable seafood

A Sea-to-Table Primer by barb amrhein

“Eat fish!” trumpet articles and ads that assure us this bounty from the sea is a boon to our bodies.

If only it were that simple. According to the Seafood Choices Alliance, an international program linking the seafood industry and ocean conservation community, more than 75 percent of the world’s fish stocks are overexploited: We are consuming fish and other marine life faster than their populations can replenish themselves.

F

ortunately, proactive environmental organizations are working to provide ongoing solutions—but our informed participation is vital. The choices we make at restaurants and markets can help save our seas while benefiting our health.

The criteria used to determine sustainability include:

Status of wild populations.

Native stocks must be sufficient to sustain fisheries. Slowgrowing fish that reproduce later in life, such as orange roughy, are particularly vulnerable to overfishing. At less risk are species that grow quickly and breed young, such as sardines and anchovies.

Fishing methods.

Some commercial fishing methods damage the seafloor and/ or result in excess bycatch—unwanted fish or animals caught accidentally in fishing gear and then discarded, dead or dying. Most operations suffer from one or both of these drawbacks, including: 32

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• Dredging – metal frames with attached mesh bags, dragged along the seafloor • Gillnetting – curtains of nearly invisible netting that trap fish headlong; when they try to escape, they are caught by their gills • Trawling – cone-shaped nets pulled behind a boat • Purse seining – netting walls that encircle schools of fish; innovations to this method, which formerly killed hundreds of thousands of dolphins, now allow the mammals to escape • Longlining – one- to 50-mile-long fishing lines strung with smaller lines of baited hooks, hung at different depths; hooks hung near the surface ensnare seabirds and can catch sea turtles and sharks – deeper longlines and those using circle hooks are recent improvements.

Better methods are harpooning and trolling (a hook-andline method that allows fishermen to quickly release unwanted catch). Traps and pots, often used to catch lobsters, crabs, shrimp and bottom-dwelling fish, are usually environmentally responsible, but can occasionally trap marine mammals or rake the seafloor.

Aquaculture (fish farming) methods.

According to Seafood Watch, a sustainability program initiated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, nearly half of the seafood we eat comes from farms where fish, shrimp and oysters are raised. In theory, fish farming is the ideal answer to protecting wild species from depletion and avoiding

Top 10 and Worst Top Worst 10 Seafood Choices Eco-Worst Chilean sea bass Grouper Eco-Best Monkfish Arctic char (farmed) Orange roughy Bass, Striped (farmed Salmon, farmed/ and wild) Atlantic Catfish (U.S.-farmed) Shark Cod, pacific (U.S.) Swordfish (imported) Mussels (farmed) Tilapia (Asia-farmed) Oysters (farmed) Sablefish (Alaska, Canada) Tuna, bigeye/ yellowfin Salmon, wild (Alaska) (imported longline) Sardines, pacific (U.S.) Tuna, bluefin Trout, rainbow (farmed) Source: Seafood Watch Program, SeafoodWatch.org

environmental degradation. The reality is more complex.

Large numbers of fish corralled in net pens along coastal waters produce tons of feces that pollute the water, and diseases can spread to nearby wild fish.

Antibiotics used to treat the penned fish can also leak into the surrounding waters, creating drug-resistant disease organisms. Occasionally, farm fish escape and usurp habitat from area wild fish. Inland farms, away from the habitats and nurseries of wild fish, may be the better way to raise fish, and many commercial fisheries are exploring and refining this option.

To help us easily make sustainable seafood choices, several environmental and conservation organizations distill their research into handy consumer guides. Each advises which choices are high in heart-healthy omega-3s, and which have questionable levels of mercury, PCBs or other contaminants.

Seafood Watch publishes downloadable regional and national Seafood Watch pocket guides, and a sushi guide, that rate seafood as “best choices,” “good alternatives” or “avoid.” Blue Ocean Institute’s wallet-size Guide to Ocean-Friendly Seafood, available free by email request, rates fish and seafood within five categories. Its wallet-size Ocean-Friendly Sushi Guide is available as a PDF download. Blue Ocean also provides FishPhone, the nation’s first sustainable seafood text messaging service (text FISH and the species name to 30644 for instant information).

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) publishes its Pocket Seafood Selector and Pocket Sushi Selector as free, downloadable guides listing Best, OK and Worst choices.

“Fisheries conservation is one of the most important marine conservation issues today,” notes Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “It’s an environmental problem whose solution is in people’s hands every time they buy seafood. We know that, through their seafood choices, consumers and businesses can have a tremendous impact on the health of the oceans.”

For more information and to download seafood guides, visit: SeafoodWatch. org; BlueOcean.org; and EDF.org. natural awakenings

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naturalpet

materials.” At least 10 percent of the building materials were sourced within 500 miles of the site and the project contains more than 10 percent pre- and post-consumer recycled content.

Good for the Animals

SHELTERS GO GREEN LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earth

by Sandra Murphy

“Use of natural light reduces the cost of electricity,” explains Dr. Amber Andersen, a Los Angeles-based veterinarian.

“Lights can be programmed to dim gradually and provide the animals with a regular sleep cycle. It’s stressful for them to be in bright light all the time.”

In addition, strategic placement of the dog runs and decorative potted plants to block their view of one another tends to reduce canine stress and barking. “Calmer dogs are more likely to be adopted,” Andersen notes. The facility operates a similar homey setup for cats with room to run around, climb carpeted furnishings and play.

In Denver, Colorado, a new LEED Platinum-certified, 36,000-square-foot shelter is twice the size of the former facility. Particular attention was paid to air circulation to help prevent the spread of canine flu, kennel cough and staph infections, and to maintain a healthy operating room while regulating temperatures throughout the facility.

“The city of Denver consistently chose the best options for the animals and the environment, while being mindful of the budget,” remarks Scott Jones, of Denver’s Air Purification Company. “This is the benchmark for future designs; on a larger scale, this model can be used for hospitals.”

City managers are realizing that going green is the right thing to do. In many areas, new municipal construction is required to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified to reduce operating costs, conserve resources and provide a healthier work environment. Older municipal buildings slated for remodeling also can be transformed. Buildings may Good for Business even quality for incentives from local utilities in some states. The Plano, Texas, animal shelter, which As a result, animal shelters are now joining the move to green. was due for a comprehensive remodelGood for the Environment “Our goal was to reduce our carbon paw print,” says Dave Dickinson, interim director of Sacramento County Animal Care, regarding the California capital’s LEED Gold-certified shelter.

“The Silicon Valley architect incorporated natural light, a beneficial air circulation system and numerous energyand resource-saving elements to create an extraordinary environment for both the animals and employees.”

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The LEED rating system, developed by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), signifies levels of silver, gold or platinum status, based on eco-business practices. Swatt | Miers Architects chose polished concrete for the Sacramento shelter floors. “Tile is nice, but grout harbors bacteria,” says George Miers, a principal of the firm.

“Concrete is a sustainable material and when sealed, can withstand a lot of mopping. We used a local quarry for

ing, is now LEED Silver certified. “We learned that the addition of a new wing could be done according to LEED standards, but we also had to make improvements to the existing structure, so that the entire building was improved,” says Melinda Haggerty, the city’s sustainability and communications coordinator. “This was a learning experience on all levels. We saw firsthand that you don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics for function. You can have a comfortable place to work while saving money.”

The USGBC reports that build-

LEED certification criteria include site selection, pollution prevention during demolition and building, protection and restoration of habitat, water use reduction indoors and out, green power, and use of regional materials to cut transportation fuel, road wear and air pollution. ings of all types consume an average of 72 percent of the electricity generated worldwide. That can be reduced by 24 to 50 percent with green building practices. “It’s always important to emphasize the return on investment. It might cost a bit more on the front end, but the benefits far outweigh the costs,” Haggerty advises. “Reduced energy costs, better water usage and healthy air quality contribute to a comfortable work space.

Employees have pride in the facility, and that makes them more productive.”

In Middletown, Rhode Island, Christie Smith, executive director of the Potter League for Animals, remarks that after their old building was demolished, 75 per cent of the materials were recycled, repurposed or reused. Their new, LEED Gold-certified animal shelter was the first in the nation to be certified.

Bringing Benefits to Life

Green Kudos for Animal Shelter

by Jamey cantrell he city of Plano Animal Shelter has been awarded LEED-Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute as the first existing building to achieve certification in Plano and one of the first 10 so designated in North Texas. By means of energy efficient lighting systems, water conservation, use of green materials and more, the shelter will save taxpayer money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with energy consumption reduced by 24 to 50 percent.

The shelter completed a $1.8 million dollar expansion in September 2010, and an additional $400,000 in renovations in late 2011, providing room enough to avoid any euthanasia of animals due to space reasons alone.

The 15,000-square-foot LEED-certified building has almost 100 dog runs and separate dog and cat kennels, providing a safe, comfortable, temporary home for more than 7,500 animals each year. With more than 45,000 visitors annually, the shelter has one of the highest save rates (86 percent) for a municipal animal shelter in the country.

With 25 employees and more than 100 volunteers, the shelter also addresses animal-related issues in the city, enforcement of city pet ordinances, awareness and educational presentations to community groups and provides reduced cost services such as vaccinations, microchipping and training classes. The shelter’s annual Pet Palooza event brings together product vendors and service suppliers to inform potential adopters and the public about what is available for their pets and to promote adoption from the shelter.

T

Jamey Cantrell is the animal service manager for the city of Plano. For more information about the Plano Animal Shelter, call 972-769-4360 or visit PlanoAnimalShelter.org.

“There’s a conceptual moment when the dream comes together as a design idea. From that moment on, the question is: How much of the dream can you keep?” queries Myers. “These cities made LEED a priority, even when animal control projects may be at the bottom of the list. They recognize the synergy between caring for animals and caring about the planet; green design underscores the caring.”

Sandra Murphy writes about pets and more for Natural Awakenings.

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inspiration

DEEP BLUE CONNECTIONS Extraordinary Encounters with Dolphins

by Bill Van Arsdale

F

or the past dozen years, Amlas McLeod has been leading wild dolphin encounters in Bimini, Bahamas, enabling swimmers to experience transformative changes through encounters with this extraordinary marine mammal.

“Wild dolphins often enjoy interacting with boats, but most are not interested in being close to humans.

As soon as you get into the water, they disappear,” McLeod explains.

“The Atlantic spotted dolphin species near Bimini is unusual in that they are comfortable connecting with people, and seem to enjoy it as much as we do. Amazingly, they actually include us in their pod activities during these encounters.”

These spotted dolphins often swim very close to the boat, jumping up or turning to get a better view of folks on McLeod’s catamaran. Once overboard, swimmers revel in how the animals playfully move and twirl amongst them and often come within inches as they glide by slowly enough to make prolonged eye contact.

“You cannot help but get the sense that you are interacting with a highly sentient being; the feeling of direct connection is remarkable,” says McLeod. “I

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am most affected by my quiet connections with the elders that will just hang in the water with me. Sometimes, they will close their eyes and simply rest at my side. Their presence is one of total, unqualified acceptance.”

People who swim so intimately with these dolphins depart feeling they have “met the master,” as McLeod puts it. Comments from guests returned via TripAdvisor.com (Tinyurl.com/7n8khqf) report how the experience puts them back in touch with who they really are and empowers them to make changes in their lives. “Connecting with these special dolphins somehow brings us into the ‘here and now’ in a profound way,” says McLeod. “We drop out of the mind and into the heart. There is this feeling of expansion, connection and being one with everything. When people return home, they often report that they have started to let go of things in their lives that no longer serve them, allowing them to become more true to themselves.”

For more info, visit WildQuest.com.

Bill Van Arsdale is a contributing writer who recently swam with the dolphins near Bimini.

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section).

Camp Invention Registration – For children entering grades 1-6. Full week program in June employs inquiry-based activities in science, technology, engineering, math, history and the arts that elicit creative thinking to solve real-world challenges. One week only, programs will run in the cities of Allen, Coppell, Frisco, McKinney, Southlake, Wylie, and more.

For details: 800-968-4332. CampInvention.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 DORBA General Meeting – 6-8pm. Dallas OffRoad Bicycle Association. Open to the public. More info: DORBA.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Parenting Connection Group – 6-7:30pm. Meet other parents and learn how to supercharge your child’s health. What you do and don’t know about nutrition and how our bodies work can have a lasting effect. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Register, Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

DCMGA Spring Gardening Series – Apr 4, 11 & 25. 7-8:15pm. The Flower Mound Public Library will host the Denton County Master Gardener Association’s 2012 Spring Gardening Series. Free.

Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound.For more info or to register: 972-874-6165.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 DCCCD Sustainability Summit – 8am-4pm. Dallas County Community College District’s Sustainability Summit includes lectures, and more than 20 exhibitors will be on hand to share their green products and services. Eastfield College, 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite. For more info & lecture schedule: 214-378-1823 or DCCD.edu & click events.

Intentional Drumming Workshop – 7-9pm. Join us for intentional, body/mind harmony in rhythm.

Call forth and manifest intentions for yourself and the world through the power of music. $20. Shambhala Wellness, 215 E University Dr, Denton. RSVP required by Apr 5: 940-380-8728.

Full Moon Hike – 8-9pm. Take a hike into the night under the light of the full moon, learn about the nocturnal animals that frequent the park. Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace. 903-425-2332.

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Summer Camp Registration – For children and teens. Horseback riding, Sleeping in tipis, canoeing, archery, stargazing, wilderness skills, Native American lore and more. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. For details: 940-440-8382. CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Night Hike – 8-9pm. Animals and plants use the nighttime to their advantage, and we can sneak a peek into their world. $10/member, $12/nonmember. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Pre-registration required: 972-562-5566 x 237. HeardMuseum.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Camp Invention: June program

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Rowlett Creek Community Clean-up – Prior to the start of Earthfest 2012, Keep Allen Beautiful will sponsor a community clean-up of the Rowlett Creek which flows across the entrance to the Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen.

Tour Dallas Bike Ride – 8am-12pm. Bring your bike, your kids, and your friends on either the 8-, 20-, or 30- mile bike tour. Benefitting Spokes for Folks. Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St, Dallas.

More info: TourDallas.org.

Play and Read with Puppets – 10-11am. Play with puppet friends while reading stories about them. Acome-and-go program for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

DORBA Beginner Clinic – 10am-1pm. Recommended for riders new to mountain biking. Learn basic instruction including bike setup, safety, trail etiquette, bike handling skills such as climbing, descending, cornering, obstacles, etc. Rowlett Creek Preserve. DORBA.org.

Earthfest 2012 – 10am-2pm. Annual free outdoor event that offers adults and children a chance to learn more about the wonders of nature while enjoying the great outdoors. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen.

Proven Winners for Texas – 10:15am. See the collection of superior varieties bred for Texas conditions, from Proven Winners. Free. Calloway’s

Gasland Movie Viewing – 5:30-8:30pm. Showing and Panel Discussion of Josh Fox’s 2010 documentary about fracking. Hosted by the Texas Democratic Women of Collin County. $30. Angelika Theater, 7205 Bishop Rd, Plano. For more info/tickets: Programs@TDWCC.org.

Teen Advisory Board – 6:30-8pm. Help plan and run library programs. Discuss books, movies and music. Write reviews, make book trailers, earn community service hours for school and more. For teens grades 6-12. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Fracking in North Texas – 7-8:30pm. The EPA will discuss how fracking impacts the environment in North Texas, and EPA rules on air emissions for oil and gas development and production. With Dallas Sierra Club. Free. REI Dallas, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas. Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Nature Awareness Club – Apr 11 or 12. 9:30am2:30pm. Learn about our local North Texas plants and animals, through activities, games, and nature walks. Bring your Nature Journals and pencils.

Children 4 & up. Club members choose one day each month. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Pre-registration required: 940-440-8382.

Greenweavers Networking: Collin County – 6pm.

Businesses that market to the green and sustainable marketplace welcome to attend our monthly meetings to network and promote sustainable businesses.

Blue Mesa Grill, Hwy 121 & Dallas N Tollway,

Attracting Birds to your Yard – 6-8pm. Learn which plants are must-haves in the garden, how to provide food and shelter, what type of birds you can expect to see in our area, and more. $27/nonmember, $24/member. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Night Hike at LLELA – 7:30-8:30pm. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. No flashlights necessary. Ages 5 & up. $2/ hiker, plus LLELA’s regular admission fee of $5/ person. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Registration required: 972-219-3930.

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Madeleine L’Engle. A book club for girls, with their mom, grandma, or other woman friend to join us for refreshments and book discussion. Best for girls ages 8-12. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Plano. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-672-9779.

Cleanse Workshop – 6-7:30pm. In small quantities the body is able to naturally process toxins; with so much chemical exposure now occurring your body maybe struggling to keep up. Learn how to clean your body for optimal health. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Register, Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

Weston A. Price Chapter Meeting – 6-7:30pm.

Tired of confusing nutrition “trends?” Learn how to prepare and eat traditional foods like our ancestors. Everyone welcome, you don’t have to be a member to attend chapter meetings. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Register, Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

Gong Meditation – 7-8pm. The gong is very soothing. It is penetrating and fills the space and has a relaxing and powerful meditative effect. $20.

Shambhala Wellness, 215 E University Dr, Denton.

RSVP required by Apr 9: 940-380-8728.

DCMGA Spring Gardening Series – 7-8:15pm.

See Apr 4 listing. Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound.For more info or to register: 972-874-6165.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Healing Circle: Campout/Sleepover – Apr 14-15.

We shall honor Sahkwi Ahki (Earth Woman) by praying with the four sacreds and committing to do a better job as earth custodians. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. RSVP required by Apr 12: 214-288-9935.

Spike Hike – 9am-12pm. Dogs and their owners will have fun hiking a two-mile trail at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. The guided hike will begin each half hour. Meet at the Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve Pavilion, 5901 Los Ros Blvd. 972-941-7540.

Perennial Festival – 9am-6pm. Learn more about the great plants that return, year after year. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Dutch Oven Cooking – 9:30-11:30am. Learn what to look for in purchasing a Dutch Oven, how to care for it, and get a few recipes to get you started. All ages. Cooper Lake State Park, South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs. 903-945-5256.

Arachnids of N. Texas – 10am-12pm. Presenter John Slaughter a Certified Entomologist. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. RSVP: 903-786-2826.

Sustainable Landscape Series: Edible Ornamentals – 10am-12pm. Presenter: Leslie Halleck, Halleck Horticultura. $5. Ron Gentry Fire Training Center, 310 Century Pkwy, Allen. Register, Andrea Smith: 214-509-4559, ASmith@CityOfAllen.org.

Learn 2 Live Green Expo – 10am-4pm. A variety of DIY workshops held throughout the day. Includes speakers, product showcases, food, and much more.

Free. 5741 Legacy, Dallas N Tollway at Legacy, Plano. Details: Learn2LiveGreen.com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Muenster GermanFest bike rally: April 28.

Perennials: Old Friends – 10:15am. Enjoy lasting gardens that come back every year. Learn to sequence bloom times to enjoy color throughout the year. See an array of the finest from Monrovia Growers. Free. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations.

Calloways.com.

Nia White Belt Intensive Training – 2-4pm.

Multi-session course. The Nia White Belt centers on the physical body and how to sustain and increase sensation for pleasure and self-healing. Nine movement forms of Nia, Nia’s music system, and Nia’s 52 Moves are taught. Shannon Mairs, Nia Trainer.

Held in Lewisville. Pre-registration required by Apr 10: 469-879-5283.

Basic Canoe/Kayak skills – 3:30-6:30pm. Learn the basic paddling skills, safe entry/exit of the boat and trip planning. Wear shoes that can get wet. Weather permitting. Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace. Reservations required: 903-425-2332.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 “Keepn’ Our City Green”: Eco Fest 2012 – 125pm. Promise of Peace Community Garden, 7446 E Grand Ave, Dallas. PromiseOfPeace.us.

Dallas Down-River Club Meeting – 7pm. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or Dale_Harris@sbcglobal.net.

Developing Social Skills & Building Children of Character – 7-8:30pm. This family education class will explore developmental expectations, conflict resolution and problem solving, as well as strategies that teach kindness, respect, and future decision making regarding health and family values. $15/at door; $10/advance. Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano. 972-599-7882. WillowBendAcademy.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Oak Cliff Night Hike – 6-7:30pm. Join the Texas Land Conservancy for a guided evening hike. Wear close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Families and well-behaved dogs on leash welcome. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, 2875 Pierce St, Dallas. Info: 512-301-6363.

Women’s Conference – 6-9pm. Learn how to share your stories of God’s grace at Grace Out Loud, a conference for women where you will learn how to identify your grace stories and live out your faith visibly and vocally. $35. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. Pre-registration required by Apr 6: 214-387-4700.

Essential Oil Health and Wellness – 11am-1pm.

A class on learning how to take control of your family’s health by replacing your medicine cabinet with Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. With Jackie Kenney. Free. Southern Grounds Coffee, 1201 E Main St, Allen. RSVP required by Apr 15: 214-837-4872.

Texas Crawfish & Music Festival – Apr 20-22 & 27-29. 6pm-12am, Fri; 12pm-12am, Sat; 12-6pm, Sun. Family-friendly event features live music on three stages, local and regional bands, karaoke contests, carnival rides, midway games, educational stations, interactive games and activities for children. $8, free/12 & under and military. Preservation Park, 130 Spring School Rd, Spring. Schedule & info: 800-653-8696 or TexasCrawfishFestival.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

It’s a Girl Thing! – 4pm. A Wrinkle in Time by

2012 Earth Day Dallas – Apr 21 & 22. Features two

healthy, pest-free lawns and flower beds. Free. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Oak Cliff Earth Day – Join together with thousands of eco-conscious people to celebrate Mother Earth and Nature’s glorious gifts. Free. Lake Cliff Park, 1200 N Zang Blvd, Dallas. OakCliffEarthDay.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 23 M-o-o-ovin' Thru' the Mud with Landon Kids Mud Run: May 19. days of engaging exhibits, compelling speakers, music, entertainment, food and fun for everyone. Fair Park, Dallas. 214-310-1200. For detailed schedule: EarthDayDallas.org.

Earth Day Festival & Bug Bonanza – Key clinics: Experts provide you guidelines for a healthier garden environment. Pre-order “good bugs” for your garden. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations.

Calloways.com.

Texas State Championship and Windsurfing Festival – Apr 21-22. Join us for some fun in the sun and wind; enjoy windsurfing Texas style. Cost varies. Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club, Lake Lewisville, 1399 Yacht Club Rd. Oak Point. Registration: Ntwrtsc2012.eventbrite.com.

Be YardWise: Plant a Texas SmartScape – 8am5pm. Learn a simple four-step program to help maintain a healthy yard with less cost, work, waste and water. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano. obsres.com.

4th Annual Texoma Earth Day Festival – 8:30am5pm. A community-wide, free, fun, family event where ordinary people will learn practical things to improve the health of the planet, their children and themselves. Free. Sherman Municipal Grounds, 405 N Rusk, Sherman. Details: EarthDayTexoma.org.

Family Field Day – 10am-2pm. Free outdoor family focused event that celebrates fun, family and fitness along with a tribute to Earth Day 2012. Includes, games, contests, crafts, hands-on green projects, and more. Free. Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N Dallas Pkwy, Frisco. 972-516-9070. NorthTexasKids.com.

A Garden in Motion – 10:15am. Create a garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Free.

Calloway’s Nursery – All locations. Calloways.com.

Gardening Naturally – 2:15am. Learn to create

Biophotonic Antioxidant Scanning – 9am-12pm.

Have you ever wondered if the supplements you are taking are being absorbed? This is a non-invasive, fast way to detect your body’s antioxidant status (as seen on The Dr. Oz Show). $25. The Wellness Room, 2845 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 200, Plano. RSVP required by Apr 13: 972-567-8819.

Trashy Fashion Show: Earth Day Celebration – 7pm. Children and teens have been preparing garments made of recycled trash and other items and will show them off in the library’s first Trashy Fashion Show. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8741.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 Homeschool Science Club: Light and Perception – 2:30pm or 4pm. Explore science in these hands-on science classes for children ages 6-10. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Supplies limited, register: 940-349-8752.

Family Book Club – 7pm. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. For ages 8-12 and an accompanying adult. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

DCMGA Spring Gardening Series – 7-8:15pm.

See Apr 4 listing. Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound.For more info or to register: 972-874-6165.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Volunteer Fair – 10am-3pm. Explore more than 60 non-profits, causes and unique service opportunities in North Texas to utilize your strengths and find fulfillment through a customized volunteer match.

The Senior Source, 3910 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas.

RSVP: 214-823-5700

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 Germanfest – Apr 27-29. Muenster Chamber of Commerce’s annual German heritage festival. Live music. BBQ Cook Off, Great German food and beer. Carnival, 10k & 5k run. Century Metric Bike

rally. Nagelschlagen competition. Fun for the whole family. $10. Muenster City Park, 501 S Maple St, Muenster. John Broyles: 940-759-2227.

Texas Crawfish & Music Festival – Apr 27-29.

6pm-12am, Fri; 12pm-12am, Sat; 12-6pm, Sun. See Apr 20 listing. Preservation Park, 130 Spring School Rd, Spring. Schedule & info: 800-653-8696 or TexasCrawfishFestival.com.

Nia Jam for White Belt Scholarship – 6:30-8:30pm.

A Nia Jam event is a team teaching event featuring Nia instructors from all over DFW. All proceeds from the Jam go to fund a Nia White Belt Intensive Scholarship. Donation. Move Studio, 17062 Preston Rd, Ste 108, Dallas. Shannon Mairs, Nia Trainer: 469-879-5283.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Skin Cancer Screening – 8am-12pm. American Academy of Dermatology’s Skin Cancer Screening Program. First come, first serve. Free. Medical Center of Plano, 3901 W 15th St, Plano. 214-473-7777.

Annual Kids Fishing Derby – 9:30am-12pm. Kids, ages 5-12, come and see how many fish you can catch. Receive bait, tackle and a rod and reel to use or bring own. Door prizes given out, and prizes for first catch, most fish caught, and largest fish caught.

Cooper Lake State Park, South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs. 903-945-5256.

Awaken Your Senses – 10:15am. Explore the use of plants to excite vision, smell, sound, taste and touch. Free. Calloway’s Nursery – All locations.

Calloways.com.

Basic Birding – 3-4pm. Take a hike and learn about techniques for finding and identifying birds.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring binoculars if have them otherwise we have a few to loan out. Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace. 903425-2332.

Stargazing – 9-10pm. Make a star wheel and learn how to use it, learn about the solar system and view the night sky through a telescope. Weather permitting. Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316, Eustace. 903-425-2332.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Work Party – 11am-4pm. Complete Medicine Pieces. Trim, clean, turn soil for garden/ tobacco?

Honor Sahkwi Ahki (Earth Mother/Woman). Plant garden, trees, flowers. RSVP required by Apr 12; space limited. Free. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. Silverhawk & Prayerwalker: 214-288-9935.

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plan ahead TUESDAY, MAY 1 Essential Oil Health and Wellness – 11am-1pm. A class on learning how to take control of your family’s health by using Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. With Jackie Kenney. Free. Southern Grounds Coffee, 1201 E Main St, Allen. RSVP required by Apr 29: 214-837-4872.

ongoingcalendar NOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section). to improve their day-to-day performance. Free.

Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano. Pre-registration required: 972-599-7882.

WillowBendAcademy.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 Eat Right For Your Body Type – 6-7:30pm. The shape of your body and the foods that you crave hold secrets to health and weight loss. Find out your body type and how to optimize it. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Register, Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

FRIDAY, MAY 11 Relay For Life Frisco: A Walk to Remember – May 11-12. 6pm-6am. For 12 hrs teams have at least one walker on the track at all times. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those lost. Fundraiser for The American Cancer Society. Lone Star High School, 2606 Panther Creek Pkwy, Frisco. For more info: RelayForLife.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 19 Mooo-vin’ thru the Mud with Landon – 9am, gates open; 10am, Mud Run for charity. In support of Landon. Lunch provided along with hay rides, barrel train rides, face painting and more fun for the family.

Fundraiser for medical expenses incurred by families fighting hypothalamic hamartoma. Registration fee: $20/person & includes a t-shirt if registered

by May 1. Held at Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446, Gainesville. 940-372-0343. MudwithLandon.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 21 Parkour Jam– Jul 21-22. Times vary by day & location. A Parkour/Free-running event in Dallas and Fort Worth: Sat, 10am-4pm at Fort Worth Water Gardens, 6-10pm Cook Out By the trinity River; Sun, 9am at Denton Eureka Park, 11:30am at UNT. All ages welcome. Come watch or bring some comfortable clothing and a water bottle and you are set to train. Will have expert instructors ready to help you learn the basics of Parkour and free-running. Free. PK|O.U.T. for details, Jenin: Contact@PKOUT.com.

Keyhole Gardening workshop at Learn to Live Green: April 14.

ongoing

sunday

5K Training – Join our 9 to 5 program and walk/ run a 5k in 9 weeks. For program info or to register: Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

Sunday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot.

Sam Montag: 972-231-3993.

Adventure Guides & Princesses – A father-child program for grades K-3 designed to help foster a lifetime of understanding, relationship strengthening and companionship between father and child. $27/YMCA Family Members, $67/Community Members. Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Mark Hull: 972-335-3222 or MHull@ YMCADallas.org.

Group Bike Ride – 7:30am. 14-16 mph, no drop ride (20 mile). CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Afternoon Adventure Club – Thru Apr 28. Times & days vary by location. Kids in kindergarten through third grade hear a story and learn about something new. Then, get a chance to create a craft or conduct an experiment. Hands-on workshop offered weekly at each library location as follows: Tues, 4pm at North Branch Library, Thurs, 3:30pm at South Branch Library, Thurs, 4pm at Emily Fowler Central Library. Free. For details: 940-349-8718.

Discovery Classes – Mon-Sat. Times vary by age, 4mo-3yrs. Teaches motor skills, develops coordination and body control, and builds self-confidence and body strength. A Parent/Tot program that allows parents to help their child discover movements with music, games, and gymnastics. Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E, Denton. 940-484-4900.

First Aid Classes, CPR & Babysitter Training – Various days. Monthly at various branches.

For specific info on cost, space availability, times: YMCADallas.org.

Live Animals of the World: A Conservation Exhibit – Encourages visitors to take a role in conserving nature. Native and non-native animals. $9/adults, $6/children 3-12 & seniors, free/children under 2. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.

HeardMuseum.org.

Performance Enhancement Training – 8:30am5pm, M-F. Demo by appt. Experience Interactive Metronome (IM) training first hand. IM is used for those with learning differences, serious athletes looking to improve their game, and adults looking

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Hands-On Learning through Camp Tonkawa Field Trips – 9:30am-2:30pm. For your school/ homeschool group. Field trips available: Wilderness Survival/Nature Connection, Native American Indians, Nature in Art, Birds, Birds, Birds, Texas Wildlife or Seasonal Nature Awareness, Arbor Day. Most field trips: $15/person; Wilderness Survival: $20/person. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Pre-registration required: 940-440-8382. CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm, Sun & Sat. A selfguided tour to learn about the animals that call InSync home. Helpful volunteers available to answer any questions. $10/adult, $7/senior (65+), $7/child (4-12), free/under 4. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. InSyncExotics.com.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group – 2-3pm.

3rd Sun. Get info on local resources, education and support. Open to anyone whose loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Autumn Leaves of McKinney, 175 Plateau Dr, McKinney.

972-542-0606. ZSmith@AutumnLeavesLiving.com.

Adriatica Farmers Market – 3-7pm. Thursdays and Sundays. 30 local vendors offering local and organic meat, dairy, produce, wine, cheese, olive oil, jellies, jams, sauces, lavender and more. Adriatica Farmers Market – 6851 Virginia Pkwy, West McKinney. 972-562-8790.

Free Yoga – 3-4pm. 2nd Sun. All welcome. Inspire Yoga Studio, 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268, Highland Village. 972-505-9764.

Primitive Survival Club – 3-6pm. Last Sun. Includes: learning of survival skills, fellowship of people of like interests, service back to the camp, nature connecting afternoon. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, 1036 County Rd, Collinsville.

Cost & more info: 940-440-8382.

Transition Dallas Meeting – 6pm. 4th Sun. A group of people interested in learning to live resiliently and sustainably within our neighborhoods. At many of our meetings we have re-skilling sessions, so we can revive the skills that enabled our grandparents to be self-sufficient within their communities. For meeting location & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: TransitionDallas@gmail.com.

monday Indoor Park – 10-11am. Mon & Fri. The perfect place to bring little ones when it’s cold outside.

Ages: up to 5yrs. $9/visit or $44/8 visit punch card.

Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E, Denton.

940-484-4900.

Overeaters Anonymous – 12pm. Weekly Mon-Fri. A 12-step recovery program for compulsive eating.

Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St, Plano. 972-238-0333.

Ask Emily: Drop-In Technology Help – 3-5pm. 1st Mon. Library staff and volunteers on hand to answer your questions. Can help with specific problems with Microsoft Office applications, surfing the Web, using the library databases or catalog, downloading audio or eBooks. No registration necessary. Bring your portable device or flash drive containing the document working on. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Muayi-Thai Kickboxing & Aikido Class – 6pm, Muayi-Thai; 7:15pm, Aikido. Move your body, empty your mind, center your emotions. Agatsu Integral Dojo, Sunstone Yoga Academy, 4540 Beltway Dr, Addison. 214-531-0129.

Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free.

Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association meets at Heard-Craig Center, 205 W Hunt St, McKinney.

972-843-8084. CCHBA.org.

Native Plant Society Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Mon. Guest speakers on topics related to native plants and habitats. Free. Dallas Chapter Native Plant Society.

REI Outdoor Equipment Store, 4515 LBJ Frwy, Dallas. 866-527-4918.

Yoga – 7pm. Mon & Wed. This donation class is great for beginners or those wanting to try Yoga for the first time in a smaller setting. Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

Open Stage – 7pm-12am. An opportunity to practice performance on a stage with an engaged and supportive audience. Performers sign up to show off their skills in a 5-min time slot, which we film and share with the performer to help hone their craft.

After variety show, practice any and all types of performing art. $5 cover, 21+. House of Poets, 580 W Arapaho Rd, Ste 199, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

tuesday Healthy Eating Tours – 10am & 4pm. Learn how

to make healthier choices, using our ANDI scoring system. Learn how to read labels; build menus around plant-based foods low in fat to ensure highly nutrient dense meals. Whole Foods Market, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.

Sisters Safe Talk – 10-11am. 2nd & 4th Tues. We are a group of women of all ages. We come together as sisters so we can openly and safely share a part of ourselves on this wonderful journey. Free. Shambhala Wellness, 215 E University Dr, Denton. RSVP suggested: 940-380-8728.

Dallas Museum of Art – 11am-3pm. 1st Tues. Programming designed specifically for children age 5 and under and their families, but all ages welcome.

Art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities. Free. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas. 214-922-1200.

Twisted Stitchers Knitting Book Club – 4:30pm.

1st Tues. Needlecrafters ages 12-18. Bring knitting needles and listen to teen audio books while knitting projects for charity and personal use. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. For titles & dates: 940-349-8718.

Yoga Series – 6:30-7:30pm. Power yoga and yoga for runners. Different content each month. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Details: 469854-6244.

Holistic Chamber of Commerce – 6:45pm; 7pm, meeting. 2nd Tues. We are a growing network of holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses created to encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle, and support the professionals and businesses that make holistic living possible. Join us for holistic business education and networking. Speakers vary.

Shambhala Wellness Center, 215 E University Dr, Denton. John D’Amanda: 940-365-5888.

Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-380-4030. HeardMuseum.org.

DFW Greenweavers – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Networking for professionals and companies who are greenminded, eco-friendly or wishing to become more so. $1. For location details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-378-8686.

PTAS Chapter Meetings – 7pm, refreshments; 7:30pm, meeting & program. 4th Tues, Sept-Nov & Jan-May. All meetings and other activities open to everyone. PTAS offers interesting programs and wonderful guest speakers at our meetings that bring a great variety of expertise and excitement to the membership. Heard Natural Science Museum &

Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Program details: PrairieAndTimbers.org.

Public Knowledge – 7pm. 1st Tues. Adults celebrating brains and brews through conversation and presenters from diverse fields in science and history.

Different bar or restaurant location each month. For location details: FWMuseum.org/PublicKnowledge.

Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. 2nd Tues.

Monthly lectures. Free. REI Dallas, Guadalupe Peak Rm, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas.

972-699-1687.

Dance, Dance, Dance – 7-9:15pm. Dance hosts available to dance with unescorted ladies. Refreshments served. $5. Plano Senior Recreation Center, 401 W 16th St, Plano. Details: 972-941-7155 or PlanoSeniorCenter.org.

Cirque Out – 8-10pm. A weekly circus-skill enthusiast work out. Work on your hooping, spinning, juggling and general tomfoolery. Nice weather location: The Richardson Civic Center, 411 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson. Bad weather location: The Peace Pipe Hookah Lounge, 580 W Arapaho, Ste 181, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

wednesday Dallas Greendrinks – 2nd Wed. Meet for happy hour with other eco-conscious people. No cover, buy own drinks. Location TBD. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: DallasGreendrinks@yahoo.com.

Nature Awareness Club – 9:30am-2:30pm. 2nd Wed &/or Thurs; Club members choose one day each month. Learn about our local North Texas plants and animals, through activities, games, and nature walks. Bring your Nature Journals and pencils. Children 4 & up. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville.

Pre-registration required: 940-440-8382.

Christian Women Business Networking – 11am1pm. 1st Wed. Fellowship and networking with other professional Christian women, to draw us closer together. We meet monthly over lunch, for prayer, inspiration and a “Spiritual Vitamin.” Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd, Dallas. For reservation & details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-704-3898.

Frisco Noon Lions Club – 12-1pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Friendships, fun and fulfilling. Come share the joy of community involvement and fellowship while helping make the world a better place. Designed for

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busy small business owners and professional and works well for the time conscious individual (stay at home mom, student, retiree). Meetings featuring informative speakers and hands-on training are held at local Frisco restaurants. All welcome, ages 18 & up. Free. Buy own lunch if wish to eat. For details, Brandy Miles: 972-335-2487 or Brandy@ MarilynKuhlman.com.

Art History Brown Bag Series – 12:30-1:30pm.

1st Wed. Presented by Annie Royer. A look at the “isms” including cubism, romanticism, modernism and impressionism. How did one “ism” influence the next? How did artists influence and challenge each other? Series will heighten one’s appreciation of art and provide insight into the mind of the artist.

Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909.

Tween & Teen Game Day – 3:45-5pm. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Guitar Hero and many other Wii & Play Station games. Free. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton.

940-349-8752.

Greenweavers Networking: Collin County – 6pm.

2nd Wed. Businesses that market to the green and sustainable marketplace welcome to attend our monthly meetings to network and promote sustainable businesses. Blue Mesa Grill, Hwy 121 & Dallas N Tollway, Plano. For details & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-672-9779.

Clinic Series – 6-7pm. 2nd Wed. Different content each month. Example clinics: proper shoe fittings, nutritional information, injury prevention, Garmin, Polar, Nike watch technical sessions. Call for details. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen.

469-854-6244.

Fitness Workshops – 6-7pm. 2nd Wed. New topic each month to help one achieve one’s fitness goals.

Free. Luke’s Locker at Watter’s Creek Village, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Adults with Special Needs Cooking Classes – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Call for details. Space limited. $10. Market Street Culinary School, 6100 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Reserve spot now & mention Natural Awakenings North Texas: 972548-5167.

Luke’s Locker Tech Clinics – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. New topic each month. 959 Garden Park Dr, Ste T200, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Organic Society Meeting – 6:30pm, seed & info exchange; 7pm, meeting. 3rd Wed. Denton Organic Society. Denton Senior Center, 509 N Bell Ave, Denton. 940-382-8551.

Teen Anime Club – 6:30pm. 3rd Wed. The Colony

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Public Library, Conference Rm, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900.

Animanga – 6:30-8pm. 3rd Wed. For teens grades 6-12. Watch anime? Read Manga? Draw fan art?

Share your love of all things anime/manga. Snacks provided. Free. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Bedtime Stories – 7pm. All ages. Come to story time prepared for lifelong learning and a barrel of fun. Free ticket at 2nd floor desk. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child. Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco.

972-292-5669.

Water Demo – 7pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Learn how ShinXen water can change your life and improve your health. Call for details and to reserve your spot.

Evontis Water Headquarters, 783 N Grove Rd, Ste 101, Richardson. Arthur: 469-243-9172.

Yoga – 7pm. Also Mon. This donation class is great for beginners or those wanting to try Yoga for the first time in a smaller setting. Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

thursday Social Run – 6am. Run/walk a total of 45 mins and then come in and enjoy coffee and bagels before heading to work. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. 469-854-6244.

Group Social Run – 6:45am. Varied paces. CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney.

For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Free Admission & Wildlife Program – 9am-9pm.

3rd Thurs. Admission and parking free. 7:15pm, Special Program: Saving Our Birds, The work of the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. 214-309-5801.

Lunch Hour Yoga – 11:30am-12:20pm. Class utilizes the Franklin Method and Smart Spine along with various types of yoga for relaxation and rejuvenation. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.

CPR Training – 6-8pm. American Heart Training Center with 125 trained instructors. Texas CPR Training, 4013 Carrizo, Plano. 214-770-6872.

TexasCPR.com.

Dallas Organic Gardening Club – 6:30pm, refreshments; 7pm, meeting. 4th Thurs. Free. REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. DOGC.org.

Teen Writers Group – 6:30pm. 3rd Thurs. Join other teen writers to discuss projects, get ideas and suggestions for publication, and for fellowship and fun. Free. The Colony Public Library, Conference Rm, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900 x 3.

Yoga Series – 6:30-7:30pm. Different content each month. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen.

Details: 469-854-6244.

Dream Boarders – 6:45-8:30pm. 4th Thurs. Dream Boarders invites all people who have a dream but just can’t make it come true. Visualization, verbalization and meeting each month helps to keep us all on track and accountable to our dream(s).

Free. Picasso’s Restaurant, 18160 N Dallas Pkwy, Dallas. Vicki Knutson: 214-587-3786. LEDskinCAREcenter.com.

Dallas Down-River Club Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Thurs. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or Dale_Harris@ sbcglobal.net.

The Colony History Project Committee – 7pm.

3rd Thurs. Help cultivate and preserve The Colony’s rich history. The Colony Public Library, 6800 Main St, The Colony. 972-625-1900.

Social Run – 7pm. Need someone to talk to while you run or just hold you accountable? Join us for our weekly social run; all paces welcome.

Luke’s Locker, 5505 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, Colleyville. 817-849-1562.

Fowler Foodie Book Club – 7-8pm. 3rd Thurs. Pull up a chair and join us for a lively discussion of food related books. Monthly book selections a mix of fiction and non-fiction, with a pinch of cook-books for flavor. Free. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland, Denton. Laura Douglas: 940-349-8752.

Men’s Only Pilates – 8pm. Class utilizes all the Pilates equipment. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.

friday Friday Focus – 8am. Networking opportunities.

Enjoy a cup of java and learn more about business community. IHOP in The Colony, Meeting Rm, 4801 State Hwy 121, The Colony. 972-625-8027.

First Friday Movie – 3:30pm. 1st Fri. Featuring a new movie each month. South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8761.

LEGO Builders Club – 4pm. 3rd Fri. Drop in and get creative by building with the library’s LEGOs. A

different theme for each month. Ages 6 & up. Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland, Denton.

940-349-8752.

$20/YMCA Family Member, $40/everyone else.

Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Trey Gilmore: 214-297-9622.

$5 Happy Hour Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. All levels Vinyasa flow class. All welcome. Inspire Yoga Studio, 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268, Highland Village. 972-505-9764.

Group Bike Ride – 7am. 15-22 mph, no drop ride (25-mile loops). CK Sports, 8880 State Hwy 121, Ste 164, McKinney. For details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-383-0088.

Free Community Yoga – 6-7pm. 1st Fri. Suitable for all levels. Learn to breathe, relax and renew.

Space limited. Free. Transform U Fitness, 1565 W Main St, Lewisville. Pre-registration required: 972-849-9666.

McKinney Farmers Market – 8am-noon. 30 local vendors offering local and organic meat, dairy, produce, wine, cheese, olive oil, jellies, jams, sauces, lavender and more. McKinney Farmers Market – 315 S. Chestnut St., McKinney. 972-562-8790.

Crow After Dark – 6pm-12am. 3rd Fri, except Jan & Dec. Enlighten your night and experience Asia after dark. Enjoy music, dance, films, tours, and more. Free. Crow Asian Art Museum, 2010 Flora St, Dallas. 214-979-6430.

Recycling: Electronics – 9-11am. The city of Plano encourages residents to bring all old electronic devices (not being used) to this site for proper disposal.

For details, location & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-769-4150.

Acoustic Friday – 7pm. Weekly open jam and song circle. All acoustic instruments and levels welcome.

All music genres welcome. Free. Visual Art League Art Gallery, Lewisville. 972-420-9393.

Free One-Hour Seminars – 10am. Topics: gardening, beekeeping, rainwater collection, goat milking, poultry. Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Living, 7781 Gholson Rd, Waco. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 254-754-9663.

Open Gym – 7-8:30pm. Enjoy playing in the gym or practicing one’s skills. Ages 7-17. $11/nonmember, $9/member. Achievers Gymnastics, 3014 S I-35 E, Denton. 940-484-4900.

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco, 214-705-9600; and 190 E Stacy Rd, Allen, 972-678-2626.

Community Dance – 7-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Fri. Live Music, varied styles. Fun for all ages 21 and up. $5/ person Denton Senior Center, 509 North Bell Ave, Denton. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-349-8720.

Fourth Friday Drum Circle – Thru Sept. 7-10pm.

4th Fri. Everyone, including children and families, are welcome. Drums and rhythm instruments available. Drum and dance into the evening. Free.

Mitchell Park, West Virginia & Church St, McKinney. 214-641-0782.

Second Saturday for Youth – 10-11:30am. For youngsters aged 4-10; children 6 & under must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, A/V Classroom, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Reservations necessary: 903-786-2826.

Family Story Time – 10:30am. All ages. Come to story time prepared for lifelong learning and a barrel of fun. Free ticket at 2nd floor desk. A parent or caregiver must accompany each child. Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-292-5669.

Kid’s Fish – 11am-1pm. Ages 4-11. The opportunity to go outside to our pond and do some live fishing (weather permitting). If bad weather will have a scavenger hunt. Free. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 2501 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine. 972-724-2018.

Parkour Clinic – 11am-1pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Indoor parkour and free running instructional classes open to all ages and abilities. Learn more challenging techniques in a padded environment. Release of liability waiver is required prior to participating. $15. LIFE Cirque. Elite Champion Gymnastics, 2621 Summit Ave, Ste 300, Plano. 214-450-3286.

Square and Round Dance for Fitness and Fun – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Individuals and couples of all ages welcome. Texas Reelers, 820 W Arapaho, Richardson. Details: 972-416-2311 or 972-699-0934.

Parkour in the Park – 11am-1pm. 1st & 3rd Sat until it’s too hot. Parkour and free running exhibition and instructional happening open to all ages and abilities. Free. LIFE Cirque. Robert E. Lee Park, 3400 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas. 214-450-3286.

saturday

Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm. See Sun listing. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888.

InSyncExotics.com.

Operation Kindness – 3rd Sat. No Kill animal shelter brings animals for adoption. Weather permitting. Whole Foods Market, outside store, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.

Homestead Open House – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Time subject to change during heat of summer. The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Volunteers on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. Regular admission to LLELA: $5/person; free/age 5 & under. No additional charge for tour. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-7980.

Saturday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot.

Sam Montag: 972-231-3993.

Small Fry Sports Classes – A skills and developmental sports class for boys and girls ages 3 & 4.

Each month offers a different sport which allows children to develop new skills and gain exposure to all sports offered at the Y. Parents participate alongside their child during this fun and active class.

Kayak down the Elm Fork – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Whether have lots of river time under your belt or

have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here.

Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reservation required: 214-669-1663.

Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1:30pm.

2nd Sat. Speakers and discussions. Topics include how-to and technique discussions and travelogue presentations. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-462-7314.

SpinFest – 3-7pm. 3rd Sat. A free, open event hosted by Creative Motion to explore circus skills with the public. Learn to juggle, hula hoop, or spin poi, staves, or flags. Heights Park Arapaho Rd at Floyd Rd, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

Sunstone Yoga Community Open House – 5-9pm.

3rd Sat each month (in Apr the 2nd Sat) Sunstone Yoga Academy opens its doors to the community.

Event hosts and highlights many of our community practices, members and partners. Free. Sunstone Yoga Academy, 4540 Beltway Dr, Addison. Jillian Navejas: 214-764-2119.

Sunday Mountain Bike Group Ride – 6pm. Open to all levels. Informal and leaderless. Food, fun and riding. Food served after the riding. Location changes weekly. For details & location: BBishop@ Bikemart.com.

Parents Night Out – 6-11pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. Drop the kids off for tons of games. Pizza and drinks served. $15 with pre-registration, $20 at door.

Corinth Gymnastics, 1402 N Corinth St, Corinth.

Details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-498-4386.

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco, 214-705-9600; and 190 E Stacy Rd, Allen.

972-678-2626.

classifieds For fees and info on placing classifieds, email publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline is noon on the 9th of the month.

HELP WANTED SALESPEOPLE WANTED – Earn a generous commission and unlimited income selling ads for Natural Awakenings North Texas. Straight commission sales experience required. Relationshiporiented sales; must like talking to people. Open territories in Denton, Collin and Grayson counties.

Full-time and part-time. Will train. Please send resume to Publisher@NA-NTX.com.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE HEALTHCARE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE – Located in Town & Country Office Park at Hwy. 121 and Legacy Drive in Frisco. Available now.

Call 214-662-2267.

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email publisher@NA-NTX. com to request our media kit. ( Leaf symbol indicates green business. Dollar symbol represents businesses offering coupons through NACoupons.com)

anti-aging led skin care center

3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Plano 75093 214-587-3786, LEDSkinCareCenter.com

dance - nia shannon mairs

Licensed Nia Black Belt & Teacher/Trainer 469-879-5283 • NiaNow.com/SMairsTX

Inside the Ovation Boutiques on NW corner of Parker and Dallas Tollway. From acne to anti-aging the LED Skin Care Center delivers like no other. Detox, hydration and education bring you clear, healthy, wrinkle and spot free skin. No downtime, pain or recovery. Daily, progressive results from the inside out.

chiroPractic dr. amY st. John, d.c., lmt

Serendipity Health & Wellness 3900 W 15th St, Ste 506, Plano 75075 214-801-0741 • SerendipityWellness.net Relieving pain head to toe, whether caused by injury, stress or fatigue.

I offer personalized care, private appointments and therapeutic massage. See ad, page 12.

colon cleansing cleanse thYselF PurelY

200 North Mill St, Lewisville 75057 Lewisville: Wendy 469-358-9847 ColonicsInDallas.com A colonic session flushes the intestine and removes fecal matter that coats the walls and crevices of the intestine. It's a safe and easy procedure with disposable speculums. We also offer foot ion cleanse. Visit our website for more information.

comPrehensive healthcare healthworks

2317 Coit Road, Ste B, Plano 75075 972-612-1800 Whole body & lifestyle healthcare rejuvenating your body from the inside out.

Comprehensive healthcare— naturally. Visit our website to view our schedule of free workshops. See ad, page 9.

North Texas

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oXXo care cleaners 5110 Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-705-7739 • OXXOUSA.com Eco-friendly garment care cleaners. Convenient 24hour drop-off and pick-up system. Odorless process leaves clothes brighter and retaining their correct size and shape without “dry cleaning” smell.

green Pest control natural Pest solutions 214-763-2758 • GuysInGreen.com

Eco-friendly residential and commercial pest control using botanical products. See ad, page 27.

An exciting mix of Dance, Martial and Healing arts, suitable for all levels of ability. See ad, page 6.

hair salon education willow bend academY

2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano 75075 972-599-7882 • WillowBendAcademy.com And 101 E. Southwest Pkwy, Ste 101 Lewisville 75067 972-436-3839 • WillowBendAcademy.com SACS accredited educational alternative that offers individualized, mastery-based instruction for grades 4-12. Oncampus and Home Study options. Experienced, Interactive Metronome provider —specialized training that improves neuron-network function and overall day-to-day performance.

essential oils doterra essential oils

Jackie Kenney 214-837-4872 • JackiesdoTerra.com JackiesdoTerra@gmail.com doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are the highest standard of quality essential oils available. Take control of your family’s health with all-natural gifts from the Earth. They kill bacteria and viruses and are 50-70 times more powerful than herbs. Replace your medicine cabinet with non-toxic, safe-for-the-entire-family choices.

green cleaning ecomaids

18352 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas 75287 214-382-2644 High quality green cleaning service for homes and businesses. See ad, page 10.

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green garment care

hair color studios

9200 E. Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com If healthy hair is your passion, then Hair Color Studios is your dream salon. With our organic product lines to serve your healthy hair demands.

Our new Nayo Hair Color uses natural extracts in their Yoghurt line that preserves the hair structure keeping it voluminous. Ask about our free color consultation.

healthY cooking cooking god’s waY

2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano 75075 972-379-7851 Naturally healthy cooking and nutrition classes, nutritional consulting, detox programs, health workshops. See ad, page 12.

healthY dining the salad stoP

3685 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-377-7867 Fresh and nutritious, locally grown food.

herbs & chinese medicine great wall oriental medical center 1312 Village Creek Dr, Plano 75093 972-732-7804

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

holistic dentistrY dental arts oF Plano

Dr. Nevein Amer, DDS 4701 West Park Blvd, Ste 201, Plano 75093 972-985-4450 • DentalArtsofPlano.com Dr. Amer specializes in cosmetic and Holistic dentistry including mercury-free fillings and the safe removal of old mercury-based fillings, metal-free crowns, digital x-rays, help for sleep apnea and TMJ, veneers and Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. Her Holistic approach involves looking at the entire person during evaluation, and always talking with you about the material to be used in your mouth.

See ad, page 21.

holistic healthcare JenniFer engels, md

2845 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 200, Plano 75093 972-567-8819 • TheWellnessRoom.net Tired of belly fat? Frustrated by fad diets and lack of energy? Let me help you clean up your diet, improve your exercise regimen, find ways to de-stress and get better sleep. Let me be your guide to better health through improved nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle modification. See ad, page 7.

internal medicine centennial medical associates 4401 Coit Rd, Ste 409, Frisco 75035 972-377-8695

Highest ethical and clinical standards of care while providing exceptional attention to every patient.

massage 3t’s (tJ’s terriFic touch)

469-237-4289 TJ4ttts.com • TJ4ttts@yahoo.com Specializing in Swedish massage for overall body relaxation and deep tissue massage for tense knotted muscles, an affordable 3T’s massage can help relieve stress commonly associated with a hectic lifestyle.

classic nails & sPa

6910 Windhaven Pkwy, The Colony 75056 214-483-6006 Nails, waxing, facials and massage.

massage sPace

7000 Independence Pkwy, Ste 180 Plano 75025 972-612-5363 • Massage-Space.com Seven different types of massage therapy for rejuvenation and energy. See ad, page 10.

recuPerate massage

6101 A Windhaven Pkwy Salon Boutique, Rm 12, Plano 75093 214-437-6920 Recuperate.MassageTherapy.com I can help you feel better and improve your health. I specialize in helping you boost your energy, relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, headaches and chronic pain.

Choose your preferred massage style or ask me to customize your massage to best alleviate your symptoms. I offer Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Trigger Point and TMJ Facial massages. Affordable rates, gift certificates, referral bonuses, package and military discounts available. Call me to schedule or book online.

neuroFeedback kid Fit – kid Fun sPorts training kurt thomas gYmnastics 10825 John W Elliott Frisco 75034 • 214-872-4646

Gymnastics training for preschool to competitive levels.

winkids sPorts & learning center 3000 Waketon Rd, Flower Mound 75028 972-355-9988

WinKids Sports & Learning Center offers gymnastics, martial arts, swimming, dance, cheerleading, music, unique Birthday parties and so much more!

markets sPice baZaar

4681 Ohio Dr, Frisco 75035 • 214-618-3175 Indian grocery store.

the sams center

Dr. Marvin Sams 972-612-0160 • GreatBrain.com The Sams Center specializes in evidence based, non-drug therapy for ADD/ADHD, learning issues, chronic Depression and Anxiety, Asperger’s and Autism, epilepsy, Bipolar, and OCD. Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) detects and defines the neurological issues; NeuroMatrix Neural Efficiency Trainingtm safely remediates and optimizes brain function. Find out more today. See ads, pages 8 and 17.

nutritional suPPlements eco wellness

1404 W Hebron Pkwy, Ste 114, Carrollton 75010 972-492-5995 • Eco-Wellness.net A nutrition boutique that carries the highest quality products made from all natural or organic ingredients. High-quality dietary supplements exceeding FDA’s cGMP standards.

natural awakenings

April 2012

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online businesses/services PaPerhound.com paperhound.com

Affordable, high-resolution digital reproductions of original antique maps and biblical prints from 1550 to 1850. See ad, inside front cover.

outdoor gear & education rei

2424 Preston Rd, Plano 75093 • 972-985-2241 Quality outdoor gear and clothing with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

total wind & solar

Offices and service throughout D/FW 866-631-5934 Total Wind & Solar offers consultation, design, installation and service of alternative energy and rainwater harvesting systems based on your actual needs. Serving the North Texas-D/FW area.

sPiritual develoPment st. PhiliP’s ePiscoPal

6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-387-4700 • StPhilipsFrisco.org Sunday services, community programs, job ministry, preschool, and St. Philip’s Academy “K” class.

Pediatrics healthY kids Pediatrics

4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco, 75034 972-294-0808 • HealthyKidsPediatrics.com Where your child’s health is our passion! Offering a full range of pediatric services integrating conventional and natural medicine for your child’s optimal health. See ad, page 5.

PlaYcare adventure kids PlaYcare

690 Parker Square, Flower Mound 75028 972-899-2060 And 1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 140, Highland Village 75077 972-899-2060 Drop-in child care and entertainment center.

restaurants shandiZ mediterranean grill & market

tailoring & alteration services autumn stitch

279 W Main St, Frisco 75034 972-712-1727 Tailoring, custom clothing, monogramming, draperies and shoe repair.

thermograPhY thermograPhY center oF dallas Dr. Genie Fields 5220 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas 75254 214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

Screening with thermography can detect abnormalities, many times 8-10 years before other screening methods. Non-invasive. No radiation.

See ad, page 26.

4013 West Parker Rd, Plano 75093 972-943-8885

tribal american indian craFts

Halal meats, fresh produce, groceries and flat bread baked on-site.

3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills 75135 214-288-9935 • FourFeathersTradingPost.net

smoothies smoothie king oF denton 1601 Brinker Rd, Denton 76208 940-484-5464

Great-tasting smoothies using the highest quality nutritional ingredients for a healthy snack alternative.

solar & alternative energY solar communitY

SolarCommunity.com 1-87-SOLAR-NRG (877-652-7674) Ask us how our Solar Community programs can save you money!

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North Texas

NA-NTX.com

Four Feathers trading Post

Experience the world of Tribal American Indians hosted by Silverhawk & Prayerwalker. The store offers tribal art created by local artisans and worldrenowned Native American artists. Educational seminars. We practice traditional ways, including prayer and drumming circles, sweat lodges, work parties, medicine wheels, etc. If you're seeking a spiritual path following ancient American tribal ways, ask about our community.

water evontis

783 N Grove Rd, Ste 101, Richardson 75081 855-Evontis (386-6847) • MyEvontis.com ShinXen water is ionized, alkaline water rich in antioxidants and oxygen abundant. Evontis offers a range of quality water ionization systems built to last. See ad, page 31.

watersedge structured water Twenty First Century Health 972-855-8711 TwentyFirstCenturyHealth.com

Better health through state-of-the-art water.

Cutting edge technology. Call us or visit our website to learn more about how improving your home’s water can improve your health.

Yoga school insPire Yoga school

1401 Shoal Creek, Ste 268 Highland Village 75077 • 972-505-9764 InspireyogaStudio.com/teacher-training.html Find the inspiration, guidance and certification to become a professional yoga teacher.

Modular in-depth studies available for students seeking a deeper understanding of yoga. Yoga Alliance registered.

sunstone Yoga academY 4540 Beltway, Addison 75001 214-764-2119 x 3 Sunstoneyoga.com/grow.aspx

Sunstone Yoga Academy is a registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance. We are dedicated to certifying the most highly trained yoga teachers in the area. See ad, back cover.

Yogurt nana FroZen Yogurt 8811 Teel Pkwy, Frisco 75034 469-362-6662

Self-serve frozen yogurt, fresh squeezed orange juice and snow cones.

orange Peel

310 E Round Grove Rd, Lewisville 75067 469-831-7608 Fourteen flavors of yogurt and more than 60 toppings.

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