February 2013 - Natural Awakenings

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Peace in Action

FREE

Ways to Bust Bully Behavior

Gluten-Free

Baking

The Scoop on Safe-to-Eat Flours

Good News on Marriage

Tips from a Relationship Expert

Beautiful

Bodywork

Therapies that Help Us Heal

February 2013 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com

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contents 12 5 newsbriefs 1 1 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs 15 ecotip 16 actionalert 13 18 community

spotlight

20 fitbody

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.

1 7 COURTING

22

MARRIAGE SUCCESS

Relationship Expert Stephanie Coontz Shares Go-To Guidelines

by S. Alison Chabonais

20 CURE FOR HIGH

30 consciouseating HEEL HANGOVER 34 naturalpet

15 36 inspiration 37 calendar 44 resourceguide 47 classifieds advertising & submissions

by Katy Bowman

22 BULLY BLUES BUSTERS

Positive Ways to Promote Kindness

by Meredith Montgomery

24 BODYWORK GOES MAINSTREAM

Helpful Access Points to Health

by Linda Sechrist

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.

28 FEEL-GOOD

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.

30 GLUTEN-FREE

calendar submissions Submit calendar events online at NA-NTX.com within the advertising section.

Deadline for calendar: noon on the 9th of the month.

by Claire O’Neil

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24

MASSAGE

People’s Hands-Down Favorites

by Rachel Mork

28

BAKING

The Scoop on Safe-to-Eat Flours

32 REST IN PEACE

Sustainable Burials Honor Life

by Brita Belli

34 AGING GRACEFULLY

Good Ways to Care for Pets in their Golden Years

by Sandra Murphy

NA-NTX.com natural awakenings

34 February 2013

3

letterfrompublisher I have always had a hyperactive na-

contact us Publisher Jim Davis Co-Publisher & Sales Martee Davis Editorial Theresa Archer Beth Davis Robert Dean Linda Sechrist Design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett Distribution Preston Davis Printer Digital Graphics, OKC, OK 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 Š 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NA-NTX.com.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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ture, which can be a blessing and a curse.

As a tyke, my mom would consistently have to find ways for me to disengage from the day and unwind. She accused me of being afraid I would miss something; and I guess she was right, because even today I find myself crafting plans at a speed that can frustrate my wife and has influenced the DNA in my son to be somewhat the same.

One technique that my mom used and my wife uses with my son today is a simple backrub with a back-scratch. That simple back-scratching immediately put me into a world of relaxation as a child, and still has a calming effect on me today.

Putting together this month’s articles on bodywork and massage, and particularly the benefit of relaxing the body and mind, I thought about relaxation as an antidote to stress, which is known to contribute to the development of disease.

When we allow ourselves to relax, we give our body the opportunity to uncoil.

Almost everyone will begin to notice better concentration and problem-solving abilities, more energy and a more restful night of sleep.

Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind-body research, described how the benefits of relaxation are not just for relieving stress, but equally important to maintaining good health. As opposed to the thrills of an adrenaline rush, relaxation provides the natural benefits of a restful heart rate, slower breathing, a drop in blood pressure and the reduction of insomnia; all reducing chances of developing health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

A lack of relaxation can make us feel tired, overworked and stressed by the daily demands of our busy lives. Without the proper chance to decompress, weariness can creep in, along with negative thoughts, stealing self-confidence and psychological well-being that can actually boost physical health.

A good friend sent me a few thoughts to remember when business or life becomes complicated. Each time I read them; I chuckle, which helps me relax and puts life back into perspective: n Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. n If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably

worth it. n Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. n You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to

one person. n A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. n We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and

some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but

they all have to live in the same box.

I hope you will take time this month to visit one of our community partners that provide bodywork and massage treatments. Whether you are treating yourself, a spouse, a parent or another individual to the gift of touch and healing, a little pampering with health benefits is always deserved. It makes a great Valentine treat also, without the burden of extra calories.

Stay happy, healthy and young at heart. Not only is it more fun that way, but it can be contagious.

Jim Davis, Publisher NA-NTX.com

newsbriefs Whole Food Workshop in Plano

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r. Christy Porterfield and Dr. Jennifer Taylor, of HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, in Plano, will be conducting a Weston Price Foundation workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 20, in Plano, on the nutritional value of whole foods. The workshop will be led by Drs. Porterfield and Taylor in a relaxed, discussion centered atmosphere, providing an opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals learning how to keep their families healthy.

Topics include eating the right foods, how to read ingredient labels to find dangerous but common food additives, how to pack nutritious lunches for picky eaters and teens, how to find or make probiotic-rich foods to supercharge the immune system and how to reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease. “What you do and don’t know about nutrition, environmental chemicals and additives can have a lasting effect on your families’ health,” says Porterfield.

"Prepackaged and highly processed foods, supported by relentless advertising, have become the norm. Getting back to our roots with food doesn’t have to be inconvenient. 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."

Admission is free. RSVP required. Location: 2317 Coit Rd., Ste B, Plano. For more information and calendar of events, call 972-612-1800 or visit HealthWorksTX.com.

See ad, page 21.

Willow Bend Academy Continues to Grow

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illow Bend Academy (WBA), a non-traditional school for grades four through 12, with locations in Plano and Lewisville, is opening a second campus in Plano. Located in the same area as its existing Plano campus, the new school will follow the same mission of effectively educating students through a mastery-driven, individualized approach, utilizing tailored curriculum and individualized instruction.

“Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the demand for good, quality education that is specially tailored for the individual student, whether the need is the individual’s learning style, lifestyle accommodations needed for sports or artistic interests, or additional support needed for international students,” says Ed Pilkington, co-founder and superintendent of WBA. “With our new campus for our middle school population and the existing campus for our high school students, this will allow us to finetune enhancements expressly for each age group.”

WBA started with just a few students and now educates nearly 200. Over the past 14 years, its growth has been achieved by providing personalized education with customized curriculum, maintaining an eight-to-one student/teacher ratio and offering students semi-private work areas and a concentrated work day.

Location: 2300 Coit Rd., Ste 250, Plano. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 972-599-7882 or visit WillowBendAcademy.com. See ad, page 45. natural awakenings

February 2013

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newsbriefs

Naturally Inspired Spaces

0004-13-AY Natural Awakenings © 2013 Calloway’s Nursery, Inc.

Kurt Thomas Hosts Invitational

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Bring on the sunshine!

You’ll find Calloway’s premium pansies easy to plant and they produce months of joyous blooms. Ahh! Fresh inspiration for entryway beds, patio pots & more.

For tips & helpful information: www.calloways.com

16 Stores in D/FW

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ALLOWAY’S N U R S E R Y® www.calloways.com

Open Daily 9-6

he Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational will be held March 1 to 3, at the Frisco Conference Center, in Frisco, celebrating the 10th annual gymnastics competition

by Olympian Kurt Thomas. Attracting more than 500 female gymnasts of ages 4 to 18 from top gymnastics clubs all over the nation, athletes will go head-to-head, competing in levels 4-10/Open, highlighting their gymnastic skills and talent.

“Two sets of equipment, allowing for two separate series of events to run simultaneously, 500-plus athletes showcasing their talents and attempting to qualify for finals, prizes and exciting gymnastics offer an unforgettable experience for gymnasts and speculators alike”, says Thomas.

Tickets are available at the door; $15 for adults and $10 for children 4 to 10; children 3 and under are admitted free. Food and beverage concessions and vendor booths offering gymnastic garments and accessories will be available.

Location: 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr. For more information, call 214-872-4646 or visit KTInvitational.com.

35th Annual Cowtown Marathon in Ft. Worth

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he 35th Cowtown Marathon, one of the country’s largest multi-event road races, will be held February 22 to 24, with a marathon, half-marathon, ultra-marathon, 10K, adult 5K and kids 5K, along with a three-day Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo. The adult 5K, Cook Children’s Kids 5K, and 10K have a cap of 18,000 runners. With a cap of 12,000 runners, the ultra-marathon, marathon and half-marathon round out the weekend. All races start and finish at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, in Fort Worth.

After the run, participants can enjoy a healthy breakfast treat and enter a prize drawing for running gear. Entrants are encouraged to register for races both Saturday and Sunday.

The Cowtown Challenge medal is awarded to those that register and complete a shorter distance on Saturday and a marathon distance on Sunday. This special medal is awarded in addition to medals in individual events.

Established in 1979, the Cowtown races help support the Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness program, which promotes and educates children about the importance of creating a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness and nutrition.

Location: 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth. For a schedule of starting times and events, visit CowtownMarathon.org.

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NA-NTX.com

Seeds of Inspiration at Home & Garden Show

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Yoga Tree Plano Celebrates Anniversary

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oga Tree Plano is celebrating their first anniversary with an incentive for Natural Awakenings North Texas readers to be part of their new year.

First-time clients receive an introductory 10-class pack offer for only $35.

Schedule and attend the first class free, and then decide within five days to purchase the special. Mats are provided and showers are available.

Yogis of all levels are welcome.

The Yoga 101/201 Beginner and Beyond Series is offered every Monday evening and Saturday morning for those that are new to yoga and want to develop a strong yoga foundation. Kids’ yoga classes are available every Monday in the early evening for children 3 to 6 and 7 to 11 years old.

Children learn basic yoga postures and techniques promoting strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness in a fun and safe environment.

Yoga Tree instructors share their passion for yoga and learning by introducing the art of yoga to new students in a safe environment. Beyond simply teaching yoga postures (asanas), instructors teach students how to breathe (prana), how to rest (savasana) and how to look for peace in their own mind (restorative and yin practice); respecting the pace of each personal yoga journey.

he fourth annual Collin County Home & Garden Show will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., February 15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., February 16, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 17, at the Allen Events Center, in Allen.

The show offers the opportunity to meet hundreds of experts in home, gardening, remodeling and home dĂŠcor, along with learning about green energy products and vacation and leisure services. Celebrity house design expert Roger Hazard, of Sell This House, will provide insight and tips on the latest design trends and offer advice on project-specific questions from attendees.

Drawing inspiration from the latest trends and ideas for gardening, landscaping, pools and spas, home remodeling and new construction, the show features thousands of square feet of exhibits. Attendees can visit with company representatives and home improvement experts that will help them discover the best way to move their home and garden projects forward. From backyard challenges to bathroom suites, educational seminars and how-to demonstrations will offer tips and tricks designed to take the worry out of home improvement projects.

Admission is $9.50/adults, $7.50/seniors and free/16 and under. A discount coupon for adult tickets is available online. Location: 200 E. Stacy Rd., Allen. For more information, visit AllenHomeandGardenShow.com.

Location: 1410 Ave. K, Ste. 1105A, Plano. For more info, call 972-3989642 or visit YogaTreePlano.com.

See ad, page 9. natural awakenings

February 2013

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newsbriefs Not Your Everyday Trail Run

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he oldest trail run in Texas celebrates its 32nd anniversary on February 16. The Cross Timbers Trail Runs will host races on mostly narrow, hilly trails with some rocky and hazardous areas that go out and back along the shores of Lake Texoma, in North Texas.

The monster run and relay 50-miler begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by the marathon at 7 a.m., the half-marathon at 7:30 a.m. and five-mile at 7:35 a.m. Time cutoffs are in place for the 50-mile race and can be reviewed online. The start and finish line are located at the Juniper Point Park West Campground at Lake Texoma, in Sherman.

A pre-and-post-race meal is free to each entrant and one guest at Juniper Point Park West. Additional meals can be purchased for $5 per person. Awards are provided to all finishers. Race shirts will be distributed to early entrants or until quantities are gone.

Aid stations will be positioned with water, fluid replacement, food and refreshments. Packet pick-up is at Juniper Point Park West Campground from 5 to 8 p.m., February 15, or 45 minutes prior to the race. Camping sites and lodging are available in the area.

For more information, visit CrossTimbersTrailRuns.com.

55th Annual Rattlesnake Round-Up

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he world’s largest Rattlesnake Round-Up is coiled to strike from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 8 and 9, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 10, at the Nolan County Coliseum, in Sweetwater. Conceived in 1958 by area farmers and ranchers as an attempt to rid the abundance of rattlers that were plaguing livestock, the round-up has netted more than 123 tons of western diamondback rattlesnakes to date.

Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees as a major fundraiser benefiting organizations that include the Special Olympics, Tri-County Children’s Advocacy, American Red Cross, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Texas Adopt-a-Highway and Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Homeless, this unique event draws 30,000 visitors.

As much an educational experience as fundraiser, attendees can learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat, get up-close views, watch snake handlers and even register for guided snake hunts. A variety of activities include an inside and outside flea market, carnival, vendor booths of souvenirs and curios, a rattlesnake cook-off, food and beverage vendors, a rattlesnake eating contest and a gun, knife and coin show.

Admission is $7/adults and $4/ kids 10 and under. Location: 1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater. For more info, visit RattlesnakeRoundup.net.

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Saluting Irish Contributions to America

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he 31st anniversary of the North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF) will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., March 1, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., March 2, and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., March 3, at Fair Park, in Dallas. What began as a small group of like-minded musicians getting together for musical entertainment and dance has evolved into the largest Celtic event in the Southwest and one of the premier events for true Irish and Celtic performers.

Ten stages of live entertainment include Arvel Bird, Barra MacNeils and Brian McNeill, plus local and regional musicians, storytellers, fiddlers, Celtic horses and folk dancers. A culinary stage, educational workshops, cultural presentations, culinary sampling, booths of Celtic accessories, food and beverage vendors and The Scottish Village, fulfill the Celtic experience. NTIF is a pet-friendly event, encouraging visitors to bring their dogs and to visit a number of local pet adoption society booths.

Entry Friday before 7 p.m. is free. Discount tickets are available online or at Tom Thumb stores.

Children 11 and under get in free.

A complimentary shuttle service will run from host hotels to Fair Park Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday. The DART Green Line runs to the front entrance of the park.

Location: 1200 S. 2nd Ave. For more information, visit ntif.org.

Who Moved My Cheese?

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he West End Historic District of Dallas plays host to The Rat Race from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., March 9. This annual multisport "urban adventure" race involves solo entrants or teams of two to three people (rats) navigating the metropolitan area, challenged mentally and physically in disciplines comprising running, biking, kayaking, climbing and rappelling. Typically completed in three to five hours, the course layout is kept secret until the event, because strategy is a key component of success.

Maps and route books containing general, landmark-oriented instructions are supplied 20 minutes before the race begins, allowing each team to strategically plan their unique navigation of routes between check-points over and around urban obstacles. EMT personnel will be on hand, including personnel in the water for the paddling portion.

In working with the city, race organizers have created city revitalization projects to be completed by participants during one leg of the event. The goal is to not only be a green event, but to give-back by contributing 400 volunteer hours to make the city even more beautiful than it was before the event.

Location: 208 N. Market St., Dallas. For more information and to register, visit RunRat.com.

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YogaTreePlano.com 972.398.9642

natural awakenings

February 2013

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newsbriefs Breathing Should Not Be an Uphill Climb

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undreds of people will huff and puff their way to the top of the Renaissance Tower, in Dallas, on February 23 for the annual Fight for Air Climb American Lung Association (ALA) fundraiser. Sometimes called a “vertical road race”, individuals race to climb up 53 floors of stairs to honor someone with lung disease.

All participants are professionally timed and ranked using timing chips. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., followed by the race beginning at 8 a.m., with start times in five-second intervals.

Each climber receives a Dallas Fight for Air Climb T-shirt, goodie bag and refreshments. Participants can fundraise and climb as an individual or as part of a team. Awards will be given at the end of the race. Water stations will be placed in the stairwells during the event and security and medical staff will be available to assist anyone unable to complete the climb.

Participants must be registered ($25) and have a minimum of $100 in fundraising received by February 23 to be officially entered into the race.

Location: 1201 Elm St. For more information, call 214-6315864 ext. 202, or visit FightForAirClimb.org.

Running For Chocolate

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he Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K race is coming February 9 to Fair Park, in Dallas. The RAM Racing Series event, held in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, raises money for their “homeaway-from-home” program, helping families stay close to their hospitalized child at little or no cost.

The 5K race starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 15K at 7:55 a.m. Races will be an officially timed event using a D-tag disposable timing system with timing chips attached to the runner’s shoe. Race packets will be distributed at the Runner Expo at Fair Park Automotive Building on February 7 and 8. No race day packet pick-up will be available.

Following the event, fellow runners, walkers and chocolate lovers are invited to attend a post-race party featuring hot chocolate, fondue, chocolate treats, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers and the top three finishers in each age group.

Race day parking is free at Fair Park for cars arriving before 8:30 a.m. Easy access to Fair Park is available via the DART Green Line.

Location: Fair Park Automotive Building, 1010 First Ave. For more information, visit HotChocolate15k.com/Dallas.

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healthbriefs

The Saltshaker Thief

Mindful Meditation Eases Loneliness

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alentine’s Day can increase feelings of loneliness, especially for the elderly, and may pose an additional risk factor for health problems such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. A new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, offers fresh evidence that mindfulness meditation reduces negative thoughts about being alone in older adults and also improves their physical health. The ancient practice dates back to the time of Buddha and focuses on creating an attentive awareness of the present moment.

In the study, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pennsylvania, recruited 40 healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 85 that were interested in learning the technique. Subjects were assessed at the beginning and end of the study using an established loneliness scale, and blood samples were collected.

After eight weeks of meditation training, participants reported decreased feelings of loneliness, and new blood samples revealed reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression (manifestion of encoded information). Inflammation is thought to promote the development and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Lead researcher J. David Creswell reports, “Mindfulness meditation training is a promising intervention for improving the health of older adults. It’s important to train your mind like you train your biceps in the gym.”

efore reaching for the saltshaker, consider that excessive dietary salt not only burdens the kidneys and increases the risk of hypertension; it may also deplete vital calcium. Research

by Canadian medical researchers at the University of Alberta recently discovered an important link between sodium and calcium, which appear to be regulated by the same molecule in the body. When sodium intake becomes too high, the body excretes it via urine, taking calcium with it and creating a risk for developing kidney stones and osteoporosis. So, pass the pepper instead.

Peel-Good Energy

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onsumers do not need to buy overpriced, sugary sports drinks in order to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during or after exercise, say researchers at the Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab at the North Carolina Research Campus, in Kannapolis. Instead, just grab a banana.

The tasty fruit not only offers the same performance boost as sports drinks, but additional advantages, as well. Bananas provide antioxidants not found in the manmade beverages, plus a greater nutritional boost, including fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. Bananas also boast a healthier blend of natural sugars than sports drinks.

Red, White and True

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ag the guesswork of grocery shopping and let the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Check mark help identify healthy foods. The red-and-white icon, created in 1995 and now found on product packaging, is a solid first step in building a heart-friendly diet.

The AHA is now beginning to include foods with high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—the “good” fats—in the Heart-Check program. Updated requirements also covering sodium, sugar and fiber will take effect in 2014 to allow food manufacturers time to reformulate their products. natural awakenings

February 2013

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healthbriefs

Hot Peppers Help the Heart

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ebruary is Heart Health Month, and individuals that like hot peppers have another reason to continue their spicy habit, according to recent research.

A study presented at the latest National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society focused on the benefits of capsaicin and its fiery-hot relatives, a piquant family of substances termed capsaicinoids, that give cayenne, jalapeños, habanero and other chili peppers their heat.

The research team discovered that these substances boost heart health in several ways: They block the action of a gene producing a substance that makes arteries contract and restrict the flow of blood to the heart and other organs; lower cholesterol by reducing its accumulation in the body and increasing its breakdown and excretion; decrease the size of cholesterol deposits already formed in blood vessels that narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes; and reduce overall levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol while not affecting levels of “good” cholesterol.

Reading Helps Teens Beat the Blues

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ooks stimulate the mind in more ways than previously known, and may even help reduce the risk of depression in teenagers, according to a new study published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers report adolescents that spend more time reading books are less likely to experience a major depressive disorder than those listening to contemporary music.

Participants were called up to 60 times during five extended weekends over two months and asked if their attention was currently devoted to television, movies, music, video games, the Internet, magazines, newspapers or books. Teens that spent the most hours listening to music were 8.5 times more likely to be depressed than those that spent the least amount of time absorbed in tunes. In contrast, adolescents that read the most (primarily books) were one-tenth as likely to be depressed as those that read the least.

Major depression is thought to affect one in 12 teenagers, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Brian Primack, the assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics who led the study, remarks, “These findings may help clinicians and parents recognize links between media and depression. This is worth emphasizing because overall in the United States, reading books is decreasing, while nearly all other forms of media use are increasing.”

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Alexander Technique Lessens Back Pain

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otoriously difficult to treat, chronic back pain may be behind more disability and days off from work than any other health condition. A recent study published by the British Medical Journal, involving more than 500 patients, concludes that practicing the Alexander Technique, an awareness practice to identify and correct unconscious negative physical habits related to posture and movement, breathing and tension, combined with moderate exercise, can help.

The patients were either given normal physician care, massage or six or 24 lessons of the technique, which helped them learn to align the head, neck and back muscles, release unnecessary restrictions and improve overall balance. Half the patients in each group were also assigned to walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Massage provided pain relief for the corresponding group for the first three months, and then the benefit had to be reinstated. Patients trained in how to daily use knowledge acquired from practicing the Alexander Technique reported less pain and an ability to do more by the end of the year. Individuals that received six lessons and stuck to a recommended exercise routine did nearly as well as those that had 24 lessons.

For more information, visit AlexanderTechnique.com.

globalbriefs

Parasite Protection

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

The Ecology Center, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in conjunction with technicians at IFixIt.com, has published a list of toxic chemicals found in 36 cell phones from a range of manufacturers. The good news is that companies are responding to consumer and regulatory pressure and these troublesome components are on the decline.

The Motorola Citrus, Apple iPhone 4S and LE Remarq were the least toxic cell phones in the analysis. Two of the bestselling models, the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III, ranked fifth and ninth, respectively. Among earlier models, the 2007 iPhone 2G was found to contain the most toxic materials.

Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, concludes, “The takeaway is that mobile phones are chemically intensive and full of chemical hazards, but they’ve been getting a lot better.” The center reported that every phone sampled in the study contained lead, bromine, chlorine, mercury or cadmium.

We can learn much from animal species that self-medicate naturally. Some have developed the ability to alter their diets and behavior in ways that provide protection from lethal, microscopic parasites.

Chimpanzees held captive often succumb to infection by a parasitic worm, which can lead to lethal intestinal blockages or secondary bacterial infections. But chimps in the wild rarely experience such deadly ailments. More than 30 years ago, Michael Huffman, who studies evolution of social systems at the University of Kyoto, in Japan, noticed that wild chimps treated themselves by ingesting foods with special properties that fight intestinal worm infections.

Scientists recently discovered why monarch butterflies are so picky in choosing the milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. “The females often taste a plant, reject it and fly away,” explains Jacobus de Roode, Ph.D., of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. His research team found that butterflies infected with a certain protozoan parasite seek out milkweeds containing high levels of cardenolide, a plant steroid that interferes with parasite growth in monarch caterpillars.

Scientists have identified many other species that partake in self-medicating practices, including macaques and sheep.

Recognition that various insects such as honey bees and fruit flies share this trait is enabling scientists to rigorously examine the phenomenon in the laboratory, with hopes of finding applications in animal husbandry and even human medicine.

Source: Tinyurl.com/MobileRisk

Source: The Scientist magazine

Safer Cells Mobile Phones Becoming Less Toxic

Animals’ Native Remedies Offer Insights

natural awakenings

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globalbriefs Peaceful Spirits Living Spiritual Laws in Prison Living the Power, an organization formed by Marie Jackson in 2010, is piloting its Living the Power Behind Bars program in the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, in New Jersey, with encouraging results.

Jackson supplies recommended course and resource materials for workshops aimed to help guide inmates to new ways of thinking and approaching everyday decisions using kindness and self-reflection. Through understanding spiritual laws of attraction and intention, participants learn to deepen and redirect their perceptions of themselves, others, events and circumstances to live a life of increased peace, balance and personal fulfillment, while positively influencing their greater environment.

“I’ve learned as much from the women in the program as they have from me,” says Jackson. “Keeping our spirit free is at the heart of peace no matter where we are.”

Source: LivingThePower.com/EdnaMahan.html

Good Hood

Paving the Way in Sustainable Streets A one-and-one-half-mile stretch of Cermak Road, on Chicago’s West Side, will soon become one of the greenest streets in the country, and possibly the world. The historic industrial artery is shedding its smokestacks and corrugated steel warehouses for a $16 million makeover by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) that will make the corridor a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum showcase.

Improvements range from solar-paneled bus stops to native plants and pavement that absorbs rainwater.

Armed with tax increment financing funds and grant money, the CDOT set to work incorporating what may be the most sustainable elements ever to go into a single stretch of road. In addition, all materials were found within a 500-mile radius of the project. Twenty-three percent of the materials used are from recycled sources, and more than 60 percent of the redevelopment construction waste will itself be recycled. Other cities are studying the project as a blueprint for change.

Source: Grist.com

Friend Me

Civic Engagement Linked to Social Media The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project has revealed that the use of social media is becoming an important feature of political and civic engagement. Approximately 60 percent of U.S. adults use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, and 66 percent of those—or 39 percent in total—have participated in at least one civic or political activity using social media.

In a three-week survey conducted last summer, two-thirds of the 2,253 adult respondents ages 18 and older said they had used social media platforms to post their thoughts about civic and political issues; respond to other postings; press friends to act on issues; follow candidates and vote; “like” and link to other content; and join groups formed on social networking sites.

Source: PewForum.org 14

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Free Gas

Promise of New Sustainable Power Source at Hand British engineers at Air Fuel Synthesis have succeeded in using an innovative new “air capture” technology to remove carbon dioxide greenhouse emissions from the air and transform them into synthetic gasoline.

The two-year experimental project mixes sodium hydroxide with carbon dioxide before electrolyzing the sodium carbonate that it produces to form pure carbon dioxide. Hydrogen is then produced by also electrolyzing water vapor captured with a dehumidifier. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen then produce methanol, which is passed through a gasoline fuel reactor to create the fuel. The prototype minirefinery, in Stockton-on-Tees, in Teesside, produced five liters of gas in less than three months. A larger plant might produce more than a ton of gasoline every day, and a refinery-sized operation is envisioned within 15 years.

The fuel can be used in any regular application and if renewable energy were used to provide the electricity, the system would be completely carbon neutral. While the technology has the backing of Britain’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers and private philanthropists, it has yet to capture the interest of major oil companies.

Source: The Telegraph

ecotip Creative Reuse New Life for Old Bedding Reusing, recycling or repurposing a worn-out mattress is a far better solution than adding another to the 20 million or so that annually end up in landfills. Before discarding, first check with family members, friends or coworkers, or post a note on a community bulletin board or on the Internet (Freecycle. org) about the availability of a free, gently used mattress.

Next, offer to donate the mattress to The Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries or a local consignment or thrift shop, church, shelter or disaster relief organization. Note that this option may require professional cleaning prior to donation.

Many nonprofit outlets provide free home pickup of items, which can be claimed as a charitable tax deduction.

Crafty individuals may want to disassemble the mattress and make use of buttons, tabs and fabric for sewing pillowcases, reupholstering indoor furniture, covering outdoor furniture or as stuffing for pillows. Check with local artist centers too, because one or more of their members may wish to use recyclable materials like the metal springs in their works.

The wooden frame and the stuffing of the mattress can be used to create a backyard compost pile. The wood slats become the compost bin’s architecture, while the foam padding or cotton stuffing serves to shelter compost from the elements and keep the pile warm, which accelerates the composting process. The same stuffing also can be used as landscape fabric to help control the growth of weeds in the garden, and springs make a serviceable trellis to support growing plants.

Some recycling centers do not accept mattresses. Find local resources and policies at Earth911.com.

Sources: Home.HowStuffWorks.com, Tinyurl.com/RadicalRecyclingMattresses natural awakenings

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actionalert Fracking's Possible Radioactive Impact Grassroots Environmental Education, based in New York state, where extensive underground hydraulic fracturing—known as fracking—is proposed for tapping pockets of natural gas, has issued a report exposing major radioactive impacts of the practice that’s underway in several states and planned for many more.

The Northeast’s Marcellus Shale region is coveted for its rich gas deposits trapped in a substrate far below the water aquifer. Fracking not only uses toxic chemicals under high pressure that can contaminate drinking and groundwater—it can also release substantial quantities of deadly radioactive poisons, bringing them to the surface, where they have the potential to pollute air, water, soil, food crops and animal feed. The report notes that the radioactive material includes, for instance, carcinogenic radium-226, with a half-life of 1,600 years, which remains toxic for up to 32,000 years.

E. Ivan White, a staff scientist for 30 years on the congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection, observes that such radioactive material could

easily bio-accumulate over time and deliver a dangerous radiation dose to potentially millions of people long after drilling is completed. He states, “Neither New York state nor the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would permit a nuclear power plant to handle radioactive material in this manner.”

Doug Wood, associate director of Grassroots Environmental Education and editor of the report, says, “Once radioactive material comes out of the ground… it is virtually impossible to eliminate or mitigate. Sooner or later, it’s going to end up in our environment and eventually, our food chain. It’s a problem with no good solution—and the [state] is unequipped to handle it.”

Wood believes that releasing radioactive radium from the ground is a moral issue. “We must not burden future generations with this. We must say ‘No.’ to fracking now,” he says, “and implement the use of sustainable forms of energy that don’t kill.”

For more details, visit Tinyurl.com/RadioactiveFracking.

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wisewords

Courting Marriage Success Relationship Expert Stephanie Coontz Shares Go-To Guidelines

Why do the new realities of marriage emphasize play over work?

by S. Alison Chabonais

S

tephanie Coontz, professor of history and family studies at The Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Washington, shares her learned perspective in an intriguing oeuvre of books—Marriage, A History: How Love Conquered Marriage; The Way We Never Were; The Way We Really Are; and A Strange Stirring. She’s also co-chair and director of public education at the University of Miami’s research-based nonprofit Council on Contemporary Families. As a speaker, she shares good news on marriage, based on her extensive study and observations.

taller, more powerful and slightly scary, and some men still want an admiring, yielding woman, the trend favors valuing more individualized traits.

In a reversal from 40 years ago, men are much less interested in a partner’s cooking and housekeeping than in her intelligence, humor and accomplishments.

Women value a mate that shares household chores more than one that is a high earner. (See more results of a Pew Research Center survey at Tinyurl.com/PewTrends.)

Is marriage becoming passé?

Be truly interested in your partner’s ideas and activities; take pride in their achievements; use endearments or offer tactile affection without being asked; have a sense of humor about differences; and never let irritation or anger slide into contempt.

While marriage as an institution is less powerful than it used to be, people have higher expectations of marriage as a relationship. Precisely because most Americans no longer feel they have to marry, they are more specific about what they want from it. When a marital relationship works today, it is fairer, more intimate, more mutually beneficial and less prone to violence than ever before. Yet, individuals are less willing to stay in a relationship that doesn’t confer these benefits.

Which qualities do people most desire in a mate today?

The old model of married love held that opposites attract. Men wanted mates that were pliable and nurturing; women wanted men that were ambitious, powerful and protective. The new model is based on similarities of interests and talents. While some women are still attracted to men that are richer,

that count—a few words of appreciation, a loving touch, an expression of sexual attraction. If we have trouble remembering to regularly express appreciation, we may do better by asking, “What would have been harder about this day if my partner wasn’t in my life?”

What guidelines foster a rewarding marriage?

How can small, daily interactions contribute to intimacy?

We all have moments when we are irritated, angry or emotionally or intellectually unresponsive. A mate will tolerate these as long as he or she trusts you to be loving and attentive most of the time. It’s an emotional line of credit— each partner needs to keep replenishing the reserves of trust and good will, rather than drawing them down.

Psychologist and researcher John Gottman, Ph.D., suggests people need about five positive interactions for every negative one in an intimate relationship.

It’s less the occasional over-the-top gesture and more the regular, small deposits

Successful marriages used to depend upon specialization. Men and women couldn’t substitute for one another in accomplishing tasks. A typical woman couldn’t support herself financially; a typical man didn’t know how to feed himself, do laundry or manage childrearing. Even if couples didn’t share many mutual interests, the partners often took pleasure in being indispensable.

Now women can support themselves and men cook and clean. Thus, shared interests and leisure activities, rather than specialized work roles, increasingly serve as the glue of marriage. Play takes people off the work-centric treadmill and introduces novelty into the relationship. Spending leisure time with others also produces higher levels of happiness than cocooning, according to the GallupHealthways Well-Being Index. So make it a double-date night.

How do current and potential partners benefit from game changers—from cell phones to the Internet?

The Internet makes it easier to meet partners. Once in a partnership, technology can help daily tasks get accomplished efficiently, leaving more leisure time. It also allows us to check in with each other while apart.

But e-devices are no substitute for face time. The best way to nurture a relationship is to unplug from the grid and plug into real life. I see many couples reinvigorated by each other’s company after a few hours together engaged in a fun outdoor recreational activity.

For relevant articles and interviews, visit StephanieCoontz.com.

S. Alison Chabonais is the national editor of Natural Awakenings magazines.

natural awakenings

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communityspotlight

Synergy Balance & NUCCA

by Beth Davis

L

ike many students in college, Dr. Cecilia known as the atlas subluxation complex.

Yu, owner of Synergy Balance, in Dal According to Yu, this subtle correction las, was unsure of her career path. As ultimately restores optimal balance to the a student at the University of Illinois (UI) at entire spinal column. Because the spinal colUrbana-Champaign, Yu says she “majored umn protects the central nervous system that in everything at one time,” but was leaning controls and coordinates all body functions, toward physical therapy when she was urged good spinal balance is critical to good health. to explore chiropractic. Once she did, every The association reports that extensive thing clicked. research and clinical studies show improved

“I realized that with interference, nerves body balance effectively reduces stress cannot find their message to and from the throughout the body and helps to relieve brain, which leads to dysfunction of body pain. Although the NUCCA correction is organs,” she said. “Healing occurs within the performed on the neck, it affects the balance body by the removal of this interference. It of the entire body.

Dr. Cecilia Yu gave me an understanding of the body’s ability

“The best part is that the NUCCA apto self-heal. Nothing else made sense after that.” proach utilizes no twisting, cracking or popping,” notes

It was then that she decided to make a difference in Yu. “Most of the time, patients do not feel anything but a the lives of others and become a spinal care specialist. After gentle pressure behind the ear.” graduating with a bachelor’s degree from UI, she received a

Yu began her NUCCA training in 2009, including an doctor of chiropractic degree from the Parker College of Chiinternship with Dr. Marshall Dickholtz, Jr. one of only 20 ropractic, in Dallas, in 2008. Her first position out of school board-certified NUCCA doctors worldwide. She is one of just was at a million-dollar practice in Chicago—a dream job for 230 registered NUCCA doctors in the country, with only two most. For Yu, it was anything but, and it served as a turnin the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “The technique is a very preing point in her life. She spent eight months at the practice cise one, so you have to be very meticulous,” she explains. before realizing it just wasn’t for her.

“A quarter of a degree could be crucial in allowing the body

“The catalyst came after a patient we had been seeing to thrive.” steadily suddenly didn’t show for an appointment,” explains In 2011, she launched Synergy Balance to correct Yu. “When I asked what happened, I was told that the pawhat others have missed and treat what others cannot with tient had thrown her back out and had to have emergency impeccable upper cervical care and the healing effects of the surgery due to a bulging disk. I realized then that I just NUCCA procedure. couldn’t do it anymore.”

A first-time patient can expect to spend about two

She left the firm with a newfound mission to discover a hours in the office, reviewing health history and determinmore gentle approach to spinal care. She found it with the ing if their atlas is out of alignment. Precision X-rays may National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) be taken to accurately view the misalignment, if there is procedure—a non-invasive, hands-on technique developed one. Special calculations and reading of the X-rays will more than 40 years ago. NUCCA is a unique form of chirodefinitively show how the misalignment can be corrected. practic spinal health care that uses a specific procedure foNUCCA adjustments will be administered on the second cused on correcting a small misalignment of the upper neck visit—after the patient’s precise misalignment has been

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calculated. The adjustments are always made using only the doctor’s hands, nothing else—no instruments. Another set of X-rays will be taken after the adjustment to show the reduction of the misalignment.

Yu says that responses to the adjustment depend on the patient: a person may feel no significant change or a change in symptoms with immediate improvements. “I have seen miraculous changes in patients, including autistic children who have gone from barely functioning to getting themselves ready,” she notes. “I had one patient literally crawl in and then run out of the office after an adjustment.”

The number of times she sees a patient also depends on the individual and how well he or she holds an alignment. “For the first two weeks, I will usually see a person twice a week just to see how the body is changing,” explains Yu. “After that, the frequency of appointment depends on the body. Our long-term goal is to achieve spinal balance by holding the alignment, which means less visits.”

It’s a far cry from her first job in traditional chiropractic, where she might see a patient three times a week for six to eight weeks. She says that it was difficult for her to explain the necessary frequency to patients. “I didn’t want to have to say that to them—it was a hard sell,” she says. “NUCCA is so precise and so powerful that regular visits just aren’t necessary.”

In an effort to better serve her patients, Yu also obtained a degree in nursing, is board certified in acupuncture and holds a certification in applied kinesiology. She is dedicated to perfecting the art of NUCCA. Additionally, she knows the importance of neurology and the linking of muscles to the spinal column and the rest of the central nervous system. The combination of pure balance from NUCCA and energy work from acupuncture and applied kinesiology makes Synergy Balance a one-stop shop for many that are seeking minimally invasive care.

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fitbody

years of cramping toes into a too-small space, provide insufficient strength for proper balancing and, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology, the situation can even increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Taking a Healthy Stride Forward

CURE FOR

HIGH HEEL

HANGOVER W

Identifying the Culprits The most detrimental part of the shoe to overall body structure seems to be heel height, which both increases tension in the plantar fascia (the thick connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot) and alters the position of the knees and lower back. The higher the heel, the tighter the muscles and fascia in the arch become, until walking feels painful. A heel of any height also projects one’s body mass forward, increasing the 20

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Foot Stretch

Institute for Aging Research

Stand with your hands on a wall or a chair. Put one leg back behind the torso and tuck these toes under, in order to stretch the muscles in the toes and feet.

Cramping is normal, so take a break when needed, and then return to the stretch. Work up to holding the tucked position for a minute, repeating on each foot two to three times daily.

recently analyzed foot exami-

Toe Spreading

nation data from 3,300 older

Everyone’s toes should be able to spread apart from each other, just as we can spread our fingers. Practice toe spreading every day to increase strength and flexibility in the feet, as well as circulation and nerve health. For faster results, slip toe spacers between the toes (available at local nail salons and drug stores) or wear toe alignment socks (e.g., MyHappyFeetColors.com) while watching TV or sleeping.

by Katy Bowman ould we keep wearing a hat that gave us a headache or a belt that fractured our ribs?

The answer is, probably not. Yet, most of us wear shoes that have multiple negative impacts on the health of our entire body. Studies in leading scientific journals show that these reverberating effects start with painful and deformed feet and can migrate up to impaired bone density and a weakened pelvic floor.

According to The Journal of Gerontology, for example, a study examining senior populations showed that a history of wearing ill-fitting and highheeled footwear was specifically associated with poor balance, hammer toes, bunions and foot pain. Once thought to be genetic or age-related, researchers are now beginning to look at the impact that shoes have on the body.

A lifetime of excessive shoe wearing and poor shoe choices means we need to make foot fitness a priority. It is possible to undo much footwear damage if we modify our habits. Try making the most of these foot exercises and shoe selection tips:

When researchers at the

men and women, they found that 64 percent of the women who reported heel and ankle pain regularly wore pumps or high heels at some time in the past. They found no significant link between foot pain and

Shoe Closet Makeover

the types of shoes men wear.

The second part of our foot makeover occurs at the shoe store when we select a flat or negative-heeled shoe (with the heel lower than the ball of the foot).

Also make sure the width of the shoe fits well. A woman should always be able to spread her toes comfortably inside a shoe, paying close attention to the big and pinkie toes. Fortunately, more shoe designers are offering colorful, fun and sexy options these days in sandals, ballet flats and other stylish looks.

It’s also important to minimize the use of sandals or flip-flops that require the toes to grip onto the shoe when walking. The toe-gripping habit can lead

Source: Arthritis Care and Research

pressure on the front of the foot, which can lead to soreness there and increase the risk for bunions.

Other harmful footwear characteristics also need to be evaluated.

The narrow toe spaces of many fashion favorites not only limit the foot’s natural range of motion, they diminish the strength of the toes. Weakened foot and toe muscles, resulting from

photo by Cecilia Ortiz

to hammer toes, a problem that can be easily corrected with new footwear choices and diligent practice of foot exercises. The same is true for bunions, as long as we also correct our walking patterns. As a final note, remember that while a high-heeled or pointy-toed shoe may make us feel sexy, a limping or stiff gait looks far less attractive than a youthful, powerful stride.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, holds a master’s degree in kinesiology and is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA. She is the creator of the Aligned and Well™ DVD series of gentle corrective exercise prescriptions, including Fix Your Feet (AlignedAndWell.com). Learn more at KatySays.com.

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healthykids

Calmly Taking Charge

BULLY BLUES BUSTERS

Positive Ways to Promote Kindness

by Meredith Montgomery

T

he National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fears of being attacked or intimidated by other students. Bullying is more than a buzzword. According to StopBullying.gov, it’s defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-age children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

Kelly Hughes, a school counselor at Bayside Academy, in Daphne, Alabama, has noticed a dramatic shift in bullying behaviors. She observes, “Kids are not hitting or punching or pushing each oth-

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er as much as they used to. Rather, they are using in-person relational aggression such as hurtful words, glares, whispering and excluding individuals, exacerbated by social media and cell phones.”

While anti-bullying legislation exists in 49 states (Montana is the exception), approaches for addressing this problem vary. Hughes says, “In my job, I spend a lot of time saying, ‘Just be kind.’ More positive results come from promoting kind behaviors and being ‘pro-hero’ than from simply discussing why bullying is hurtful.”

Eric D. Dawson, president and cofounder of Boston-based Peace First (PeaceFirst.org), also believes in the power of positive language. “We need to move away from harsh language that focuses kids on what not to do and instead ignite their moral imagination—call on them to be problem solvers,” he says.

To counter bullying in society, Dawson suggests that we all need to be role models, and talk about and celebrate peacemaking. “We can’t expect our kids to listen to us when we tell them to be peaceful and share if they then see us aggressively cut in front of others on the road or in the checkout line. We can also ask kids how they were peacemakers during their day, in addition to what they learned.”

Founded in 1992 in response to the youth violence epidemic, Peace

Peace in Action When a first-grader returned to class shaken up after being accosted by a fourth-grader in the restroom, his teacher stepped back to see how the class would use Peace First principles. The boy was immediately embraced by his classmates, who quickly concluded that it was every student’s right, not a luxury, to feel safe, and thereafter implemented a restroom buddy system.

The offending fourth-grader was then invited into their classroom to hear how each of the first-graders felt personally affected by the incident.

He was also required to spend recess with the first-graders for the next two weeks. It became a transformative experience for everyone involved.

The older student was recast from victimizer to a responsible, caring individual. He has continued to display improved behavior, volunteering to help in the classroom and foregoing lunch periods with friends to support the first-graders and their teacher.

“There’s a misconception that peacemaking is holding hands and singing songs,” says Peace First President Eric D. Dawson. “It’s more a set of skills that’s nurturing human development. It’s working together to solve a problem.”

Peace First’s partner schools experience an average reduction of 60 percent in incidences of violence and 50 percent fewer weapons brought to school, plus a 70 to 80 percent increase in observed student peacemaking.

First provides programs and free online tools to help teach students peacemaking skills. The nonprofit is based on the premise that children have a natural aptitude for it and peacemaking can be taught, just like other subjects; their curriculum teaches and reinforces core social/emotional skills in communication, creative conflict resolution, courage, cooperation, empathy and civic engagement.

A New York City student remarks, “Peace First teaches that even if you don’t like someone, it shouldn’t affect how you work together to accomplish something... [putting] peace first makes my heart beat lovelier.”

Good for Us and Others The International Forgiveness Institute (IFI) (International Forgiveness.com), in Madison, Wisconsin, has added its support to the anti-bullying movement. Stemming from the research of IFI founder Robert Enright, Ph.D., and his colleagues, the institute works to forward forgiveness for personal, group and societal renewal. It attests that in forgiving a hurtful person, a personal transformation begins that can enhance self-esteem and hopefulness. Enright’s scientific studies further demonstrate that when children learn about forgiveness, feelings of anger, depression and anxiety are reduced.

“We believe that forgiveness is a choice,” explains Enright.

“When you forgive, you may benefit the person you forgive, but you benefit yourself far more.”

Enright recalls his experiences working with incarcerated men that were serving life sentences. “The first thing the assigned therapists asked the group to do was to tell me their story; tell me about the hurts that had been perpetrated on them. One man began to cry, saying that no one had ever asked for his story.” The therapists listened to a tale of the cruel disciplinary measures he had endured at home as a child and recognized a correlation with the crime he had committed.

“I’m not justifying his actions, but we can see that he was an extremely wounded man. Many bullies in school have a story, and we need to take the time to hear their story.

“Because those that engage in bullying are often filled with rage from having been bullied themselves, they get to a point that they don’t care about the consequences of their actions, including detention,” Enright continues. Instead of focusing on the prevention of unwanted behaviors, he says, “Our program is meant to take the anger out of the heart of those that bully, so they bully no more.”

An elementary school-age participant in the Forgiveness Program concludes, “Sometimes it is hard to forgive someone straight away if they really hurt your feelings. It might take longer to see their worth and show them real forgiveness… but it is worth it in the end.”

Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

Digging at the Roots of Bullying

by Martin Miron or those students who have experienced bullying, severe enough to require a transfer, an important issue is where to re-enroll. Ed Pilkington, EdS, superintendent of Willow Bend Academy (WBA), with locations in Lewisville and Plano, states, “We frequently admit students who have encountered some sort of bullying in their previous school. At WBA, bullying is not a problem. A more proactive, positive approach is incorporated into our program regularly, and has produced a safe and successful learning environment for our students.”

He thinks that Willow Bend’s small size is a key factor, along with the fact that teachers and staff model kind and considerate behavior daily. This includes faculty-to-faculty relations, as well as faculty-to-student relations. Pilkington says, “We never need to raise our voice to a student, nor demean them in any way. We do however, have established boundaries and require willing compliance.”

Willow Bend conducts a short daily assembly period of character development presentations that offer learning opportunities for students. A recent topic was entitled “The One Anothers,” which dealt with how people should treat one another.

Pilkington relates, “Our specific topic on the first day was ‘Love.’ Students were presented with opportunities to develop a working definition. Next, they were presented with the concept that ‘love’ isn’t just a word, but must be accompanied by action, or the definition is useless. In the Christian Bible, in the 13th chapter of I Corinthians, there is an excellent definition of what love is, is not, and how it is put into action. Since our school employs Christian faculty and staff, that chapter is our guideline.”

The following day, the topic was “forgiveness.” Forgiving others not only helps the offender, but results in great emotional help for the one doing the forgiving. “Carrying a grudge against another person can be done without the other person even being aware of it,” says Pilkington. “In that case, the grudge has no particular effect on the offender, but does great harm to the one who fails to forgive.”

Simply by modeling and presenting positive and informative instruction on a daily basis, and counseling students when some sort of bullying takes place, which rarely occurs, offers Pilkington, “We have found that our school is a safe, peaceful place where students can concentrate on learning without the fear of being bullied.”

F

For more information, call 972-599-7882 or visit WillowBendAcademy.com. See ad, page 45.

Martin Miron is an editor at Natural Awakenings North Texas. natural awakenings

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Bodywork Goes MAINSTREAM Helpful Access Points to Health

by Linda Sechrist

The seed holds within itself hints of its magnificent maturity. So it is with the practice of whole-person health care, which has matured in language, sophistication, credibility and acceptance. In a single generation, we’ve seen its presence grow from the outer edges of holistic and alternative wellness to complementary and integrative health care. Its latest evolution into America’s mainstream is known as functional medicine. The branch of massage therapy, the germination point for myriad therapies collectively known as bodywork, patterns the movement’s development.

O

nce considered a luxury for the pampered few, massage was among the first therapies to be widely recognized by physicians as a respected aspect of integrative and functional medicine. Bodywork increasingly shares this status, as it is included in conventional medicine’s more innovative healthcare models that embrace a body, mind and spirit approach. One of many examples is Duke Integrative Medicine, in Durham,

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North Carolina, where patient services include a form of integrative massage that blends Swedish massage, myofascial therapy, reflexology, energy work and somatic therapy techniques.

In the public’s view, bodywork is still largely associated with massage, although distinct forms stand on their own, including Rolfing, structural integration, shiatsu and myofascial and craniosacral therapies. Bodywork professionals generally belong to the

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), whatever their specialized modality. They may also participate in other professional organizations, such as the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, which has some 80,000 members, many of which are also members of the International Association for Structural Integrators. These nonprofits’ websites help individuals locate practitioners in their area.

According to Maureen Moon, past president of AMTA, many massage therapists (which don’t refer to themselves as bodyworkers) are trained in various bodywork therapies and intuitively integrate them into their sessions, depending upon each client’s needs.

She notes that, “Many AMTA members are so passionate about their profession and meeting the continuing education (CEU) requirements that they go far beyond the units required to maintain their license, which can vary from state-to-state.” For example, Moon has trained in spinal reflex analysis, developed by Dr. Frank Jarrell, neuromuscular and craniosacral therapies, shiatsu and seven massage therapies. “Most AMTA members are CEU junkies,” quips Moon, who points out that national conventions provide continuing education and chapter meetings frequently introduce attendees to new techniques. Some practitioners discover specialties while in search of pain relief for personal injuries or other conditions.

Myofascial Therapy Olympia Hostler, a myofascial therapist in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, had two serious horse riding accidents during adolescence and three automobile accidents by age 40, which combined, left her so incapacitated that she could barely walk. “I couldn’t work for three years, because I was so debilitated,” relates Hostler. She found her doctor’s diagnosis of severe permanent damage to the body’s soft connective tissue, or fascia, and the prognosis of a lifetime of living with pain unacceptable. So she began searching for something that would help restore health. Her investigation of therapies ended with myofascial release, an effective wholebody approach to the treatment of pain

and dysfunction, developed by Physical Therapist John F. Barnes.

“I had several sessions and found lasting pain relief unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” advises Hostler.

Unlike massage therapies focused on improving circulation, inducing relaxation or draining lymph fluid, the myofascial treatment reached Hostler’s deepest layer of fascia to free the restrictions causing her pain. “It was amazing that a hands-on application of gentle, sustained pressure into areas of restriction in the myofascial connective tissue could begin to relieve many years of ongoing, intense pain,” says Hostler.

Rolfing As a Certified (advanced) Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, Robert McWilliams has been able to pursue his lifelong passion in the fields of movement and physical fitness, which included 25 years as a professional dancer and 14 as a professor of modern dance. He taught at both the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida, in Gainesville.

“In the 1980s, while I was still dancing, I had an experience with Rolfing, developed by Ida P. Rolf [Ph.D.], that transformed my dancing, increased my athletic performance alignment, coordination, flexibility, balance, muscle tone, expressive power and overall sense of relaxation onstage, as well as in daily life,” relates McWilliams. He currently serves as an assistant teacher at the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, in Boulder, Colorado, where he trained.

Although McWilliams’ clients generally see him to treat the pain and discomfort of injuries, he says that they frequently change their focus to how their body is working better overall.

“This is because injuries tend to resolve themselves after a few sessions of deep tissue manipulation of the myofascial system,” says McWilliams.

A specialized series of 10 sessions works to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body. Each session focuses on freeing up a particular region of the body. The effect releases old limiting patterns and postures and restores the body’s natural

alignment and sense of integration. “Often, as freedom of physical expression increases, so does emotional expression,” comments McWilliams.

Structural Integration

“While Rolfers graduate from The Rolf Institute and attend certified training programs in order to maintain their trademark, and structural integrators can attend any of 14 certified U.S. schools, we are all structural integrators; our training is based on the work of Ida Rolf,” says Diane Roth, a boardcertified structural integrator who has specialized in massage and bodywork for 25 years in the Chicago area.

Roth explains that all practitioners in this field of study combine handson freeing and realigning of fascial tissue with awareness and movement education, in order to structurally integrate the whole body. Restoration of postural balance and functional ease greatly helps the body, which, she says, constantly labors against the powerful force of gravity.

Like Moon, Roth has studied and incorporated other adjunct therapies

and modalities, such as craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. From her perspective, bodywork differs from massage in that it requires more involvement from the client.

“I tell my clients that with a veritable village of treatments available, there is always help for anyone that suffers with aches and pains, regardless of age,” says Roth.

Shiatsu

Shirley Scranta, owner and director of the International School of Shiatsu, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, discovered The Book of Shiatsu: The Healing Art of Finger Pressure, by Saul Goodman, in a health food store. She subsequently researched the school that Goodman founded in 1978, based on the theories of masunaga Zen shiatsu, kushi macrobiotic and his own shiatsu shin tai.

In 1996, Scranta became one of Goodman’s clients. “I drove a roundtrip of 240 miles for weekly treatments because each session made me feel better and stronger. After five sessions, I enrolled in classes and graduated later that year,” says Scranta. She believes

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the widely known form of acupressure helped her body reestablish its own intelligence system, which had been distorted by childhood trauma.

“This gentle technique applies varying degrees of pressure to release tension, strengthen weak areas, facilitate circulation and balance the life energy that flows through the meridians in the body,” she explains. “In my case, it helped me connect with my body so that I could honor it and do what it needed to rejuvenate itself.”

Craniosacral Therapy Chiropractor Lisa Upledger is vice president of The Upledger Institute, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A craniosacral therapy (CST) practitioner, educator and wife of CST developer Dr. John Upledger, she advises that tension-related problems are a growing complaint in our modern world. Fortunately, such issues are among the myriad conditions that respond quickly to the gentle touch of this modality.

In a 2007 Massage magazine article, she advised that the positive effects of the therapy rely to a large extent on the performance of the body’s inherent self-corrective mechanisms. “CST works through the craniosacral system to facilitate this function and thereby

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normalize the environment in which the central nervous system functions,” she noted. “As this is accomplished, a wide range of sensory, motor and neurological problems are improved.”

CST practitioners listen with their hands to the slow pulsations of the craniosacral system. With a soft touch, equivalent to the weight of a nickel, they explore any fascia restrictions throughout the client’s body, which rests fully clothed in a supine position. Effects of the treatment can be wide-ranging, affecting the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems as well as organs, connective tissues and energy systems. It works to release deeply held physical and psychological patterns held within the body.

A coin with different impressions on each side is still only one coin, a blend of precious metals. When the coin is tossed to reveal either heads or tails, the visible symbol is one interpretation of the whole imprint—an analogy that may best define the difference between massage and bodywork. All variations on the theme share the same goal—restoring health to the whole person.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Find other natural living articles at her website, ItsAllAboutWe.com.

For More Information International Association of Structural Integrators, Theiasi.org International School of Shiatsu, Shiatsubo.com Myofascial Release Treatment Centers & Seminars, MyofascialRelease.com Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, Rolf.org Upledger Institute International (craniosacral therapy), Upledger.com

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Massage Resources

healingways

These community partners offer a variety of massage techniques that can be customized to provide benefits that include pain relief, rehabilitation of sports injuries, stress reduction, increased relaxation, anxiety abatement and general wellness enhancement.

3T’s Massage Therapy Sunbelt Dr., Addison TJ4TTTS.com 469-237-4289 LED Skin Care Center 3645 Dallas Pkwy., Ste.111, Plano LEDSkinCareCenter.com 214-587-3786 Massage Space 7000 Independence, Ste. 180, Plano Massage-Space.com 972-612-5363 Patti Carrey, L.Ac. 2121 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Ste. 107, Plano PattiCareyLAC.com 972-704-3730 Salt Escape 2100 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140, Plano SaltEscape.com 972-378-4945 Salt Miracle Wellness Center 1012 W. Hebron Pkwy., Ste. 138, Carrollton SaltMiracle.com 972-394-7258 Serendipity Health & Wellness 3900 W. 15th St., Ste. 506, Plano SerendipityWellness.net 214-801-0741 Shambhala Wellness Center 215 E. University Dr., Denton ShambhalaWellness.com 940-380-8728

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FEEL-GOOD MASSAGE People’s Hands-Down Favorites

by Rachel Mork

A

ccording to the American Massage Therapy Association, 53 percent of those that seek out professional massages do it to manage and relieve stress. Healthcare professionals recommend it as a way to support overall well-being, and its popularity continues to grow with some 38 million current U.S. massage enthusiasts.

But which form of massage is best?

It depends on our personal preferences as well as which benefits we need, which may change from time to time.

Natural Awakenings asked several expert licensed massage therapists to distinguish among the most widely used massage therapies to help us make the right choice.

Swedish Massage

“I’ve always wanted to create a bumper sticker that says, ‘Massage Prevents Road Rage,’” quips Kris Richardson, of Kristine Richardson Massage Therapy, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. She’s witnessed firsthand how, “Anyone that

feels stressed can benefit from a Swedish massage.” During 12 years in the business, she’s helped clients ranging from Navy Seals to athletes from the Admirals professional hockey team, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Brown University’s swim team, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Swedish massage consists of long, gliding, gentle strokes on upper muscle layers, often abetted by kneading, pummeling, brushing and tapping. Swedish massage is especially effective in improving circulation and relaxation; relieving muscle tension and back and neck pain; and decreasing stress. As the lymphatic system is stimulated, oxygen flow to muscles increases, resulting in a relaxed, almost dreamlike state.

Prenatal Swedish massage is also popular among pregnant women.

Therapists apply minimal pressure to reduce back pain and to encourage drainage of the excess fluid that may collect in the legs and lower extremities due to edema. It’s important for expectant mothers to find a therapist

trained in prenatal massage.

Hot Stone Massage Hot stones enhance a Swedish or deep tissue massage through strategic placement of heated stones on the body to encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide ultimate relaxation of tense, tight muscles. Richardson particularly suggests it to counter “mouse syndrome”—her term for the nagging discomfort people can get from performing repetitive motions at a computer.

Typically, the therapist first places a group of preheated stones on stubborn muscles, allowing the heat to penetrate knots, and then uses the stones to further massage muscles back to normal.

Deep Tissue Massage Nicole Russo, of Evolve Body Therapy Center, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is among America’s corps of therapists whose specialties include deep tissue massage. Nine years in, she has performed massage on sore pro football players with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Cirque du Soleil artists.

The primary goal of this style is to repair injured or overstressed muscles, which also leaves clients feeling better, sounder and more flexible. Russo advises, “Injuries are a result of uneven wear and tear, which results in postural imbalances.” So she applies slow strokes, proven kneading techniques and directed pressure via fingers, thumbs or elbows to work muscles from end-to-end, where they are attached to bones, addressing postural distortions, inflammatory pain and stored emotional tensions to restore muscle health.

Russo says deep tissue massage is usually targeted and intense, but, “It’s a massage that produces lasting results. My clients also often report that they don’t get headaches or backaches anymore.”

Shiatsu Massage Shiatsu massage is designed to leave a client feeling, “clear, sparkling and ready to do the next thing,” says Dawn Grey Lapierre, of Intuitive Massage Therapy, in Santa Cruz, California. She describes the experience as active, rather than passive.

A licensed massage therapist for nearly 20 years, she also incorporates and ap-

plies principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into each session.

For shiatsu massage, the fully clothed client lies on a mat. The therapist will apply pressure from the fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees and feet in a stimulating manner and also move the body into various positions in deep stretching. Shiatsu is used to release tension and strengthen weak areas in order to facilitate even circulation, cleanse cells and improve the function of vital organs.

Lapierre describes the experience as both invigorating and intimate. “I’m moving around on the floor with you, using my knees on the back of your thighs, or my feet on your back. I’m using any part of my body that will be useful in promoting better energy flow along the meridians in your body.”

Shiatsu delivers a vigorous massage; aficionados of more basic styles may graduate to using it.

through working the hands and feet, because every part the body is mapped out to related pressure points on the hands and feet. Thus, we can clear energy channels and release tension throughout the body just by working these specific points.” Lapierre describes reflexology as calming and soothing.

Reflexology is especially suited for anyone wary about being touched; it is often incorporated with other forms of massage, as well.

Practitioners encourage everyone to find the form of massage that suits them best. “You will surely find one that brings you renewed vitality,” concludes Lapierre. “Massage not only feels good, it’s a good way to increase physical, mental and emotional health by reducing the effects of everyday stress. If you can’t take the day off to unwind, at least find an hour to get a massage.”

Thai Massage

Rachel Mork is a freelance copywriter, editor and novelist in Charlotte, NC. Connect at RachelMork.com.

Lapierre describes Thai massage as, “partner yoga, during which you’ll get stretched and pulled until I’ve worked every inch of your body.” She likes to focus on acupressure points and kneads sore muscles until energy blockages are cleared and energy flow fully restored.

Thai massage also incorporates gentle rocking motions, rhythmic compression along the body’s energy meridians and passive stretching. It promotes flexibility, inner organ massage, oxygenation of the blood, quieting of the mind and general well-being.

Traditional Thai therapy is performed on a mat using no oils, with the client fully clothed. Thai massage is a favorite among yoga students.

Reflexology For those new to massage and interested in trying it out, reflexology is a good way to start. Reflexology is performed only on the hands and feet, via finger and thumb massage, with the client fully clothed. It is based on the belief that specific reflex points on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands correspond with every major organ, gland and area of the body.

Lapierre works reflexology into all of her massages, explaining, “A lot of healing can be accomplished simply natural awakenings

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consciouseating

Gluten-Free

BAKING The Scoop on Safe-to-Eat Flours

by Claire O’Neil

G

flour for pancakes.

Other baking recipes require an assortment of gluten-free flours. Different types can combine to resemble the taste, color and texture of wheat flour, for example. Most gluten-free flour blends use rice flour as a base, with potato starch, tapioca flour, corn flour and/or cornstarch added for softness. Other flours, such as buckwheat, chickpea (garbanzo bean), millet and sorghum, can improve flavor, color and texture.

Xanthan gum, an additive made from corn, typically provides structure for yeast dough made with gluten-free flour. Eggs, vinegar, sweeteners and applesauce or pumpkin purée soften and round out the flavor of the dough.

Gluten-free flours, flour blends, and xanthan gum most often appear in the specialty baking section of a grocery or health food store; helpful brands include Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour. Using alternative flours, homemade treats can remain a delicious part of gluten-free living.

luten, the prostructure of baked tein in wheat goods typically made and other with wheat flour takes cereal grains such as a bit of experimenbarley and rye, can be tation when using a problem for those gluten-free ingrediwith celiac disease ents. Sometimes just ~ Pamela Giusto-Sorrells, or some sensitivity one type of flour will founder, Pamela’s Products to gluten. Preparing work, such as almond (PamelasProducts.com) food for a gluten-free flour for waffles, rice diet requires experimenting with new flour for cake batter or buckwheat ingredients, like alternative flours, and becoming a label reader, says Tina Turbin, an advocate for gluten-free living at GlutenFreeHelp.info.

Fresh fruits, most dairy products, Flour Color Flavor eggs, fresh vegetables, meats, fish and Almond Ivory Sweet and mild poultry are already gluten-free. The challenge is trying to make pancakes Amaranth Pale yellow Mild or pizza, or other recipes that normally Buckwheat Medium brown Strong call for wheat flour.

With an estimated 18 million Chestnut Pale brown Strong Americans sensitive to gluten in their Chickpea Tan Strong diet and 3 million more diagnosed with celiac disease, according to the UniCorn White Very mild versity of Maryland Center for Celiac Fava bean Very pale green Mild Research, food producers have finally begun to address the need. GlutenMillet Pale yellow Mild free cereals and pastas, breads, flours Quinoa Beige Medium and baking mixes, cakes and cookies, snacks and frozen confections are now Rice flour (white or brown) Beige Mild available in greater quantities—and in Sorghum (milo) Beige Mild much better tasting versions—than just a few years ago.

Soy Pale yellow Like bean sprouts

New gluten-free products, such Tapioca White Very mild as sorghum flour and specially formulated baking mixes, can also help Teff Medium brown Earthy home cooks revamp recipes for family favorites. However, trying to approxiSource: Adapted from The Artisan Bread Machine, by Judith Fertig (Robert Rose). mate the crust, crumbliness and interior

“Everyone should have food delicious enough to celebrate.”

Gluten-Free Flours

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Yummy Gluten-Free Recipes 1 cup lukewarm water, about 100 degrees

In this recipe, the ingredients just mix together in a bowl—no kneading is necessary. The raw dough doesn’t taste like yeast dough; but magically, during baking it becomes a gluten-free pizza crust, with a browned crust and mellow, yeasty flavor.

1. Spoon the flours and xanthan gum into a measuring cup, level with a knife or finger, then dump into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the yeast and salt to the flour.

Stir together with a wooden spoon.

Lightly beat the eggs in 4-cup measuring glassware. Add the brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce and water and whisk until thoroughly mixed. Pour the liquid into the flour mixture and whisk until arriving at a smooth, very loose, batter-like dough.

Makes dough for 1 pizza to serve 8 to 12 1 cup stoneground brown rice flour 1 cup tapioca flour or potato starch 1 cup garbanzo bean or chickpea flour 1 /2 cup cornstarch or corn flour 1 Tbsp xanthan gum 1 Tbsp instant or bread machine yeast 11/2 tsp fine kosher or sea salt 3 large eggs or equivalent substitute 1 tsp cider vinegar 2 Tbsp agave nectar or honey 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, such as canola, corn, or light olive oil 1 /2 cup unsweetened applesauce

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature, about 72 degrees, for 2 hours or until the dough has risen to nearly the top of the bowl and has a thick, golden, mashed potato-like appearance.

Source: Adapted from 200 Fast & Easy Artisan Breads, by Judith Fertig. /2 tsp salt /3 cup coconut oil 2 medium apples, thinly sliced 1 /4 cup natural granulated or raw sugar 1 /4 tsp ground cinnamon 1

Courtesy of Tina Turbin

1

Gluten-Free German Apple Pancakes “These delicious gluten-free yummies should be served as soon as they’re pulled from the oven, as they will deflate soon enough,” says gluten-free health advocate Tina Turbin. “They’re perfect for an easy, laid back brunch.”

On her website, GlutenFreeHelp.info, Turbin offers recipes for two homemade, gluten-free flour blends.

Makes 2 large pancakes, or 4 servings 4 large eggs 3 /4 cup gluten-free flour blend 3 /4 cup soy, rice or almond milk

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2. Place 2 round, 9-inch cake pans in the oven.

3. Beat the eggs, flour, milk and salt in a small mixer bowl on medium speed for 1 minute.

4. Remove the pans from the oven.

Place 2 Tbsp margarine in each pan.

Rotate pans until margarine is melted and coats sides of pans.

“People that are allergic to the gluten in wheat still want to eat what everybody else does. And who can blame them?” queries Judith Fertig, author of 200 Fast & Easy Artisan Breads.

“As long as the pizza toppings are also gluten-free (check the labels), there’s no reason why those that are gluten-sensitive can’t enjoy pizza, too. If dairy or meat are concerns, use soy equivalents,” she advises. This recipe makes a rectangular pizza, because it’s easier to spread the batter-like dough into this shape.

© 2009 Robert Rose Inc.; all rights reserved.

No-Knead, Gluten-Free Pizza Dough

Gluten-Free Pizza

Makes 1 pizza to serve 8 to 12 1 recipe of prepared No-Knead, Gluten-Free Dough 1 cup gluten-free pizza sauce 2 cups thinly sliced fresh button or Portabella mushrooms 2 cups shredded mozzarella, provolone or dairy-free cheese Olive oil for drizzling 2 cups sliced gluten-free pepperoni or soy-based pepperoni OR 1 cup gluten-free sliced Kalamata olives 1 /2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil 1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. To form the pizza, transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

Using a water-moistened spatula or just hands, spread the dough into a 14-by10-inch rectangular shape.

2. Cover with a tea towel and let rest at room temperature for 40 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

5. Arrange half the apple slices in each pan. Divide batter evenly between pans. Mix sugar and cinnamon.

Sprinkle 2 Tbsp sugar mixture over batter in each pan.

6. Bake uncovered until puffed and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

4. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough. Arrange the mushrooms and pepperoni over the surface, and then sprinkle with cheese. Drizzle with olive oil.

5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the pizza is bubbling. Transfer to a rack to cool. Slice and serve.

Source: Adapted from 200 Fast & Easy Artisan Breads, by Judith Fertig.

Source: Recipe at GlutenFreeHelp.info

—Continued on page 32.

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Yummy Gluten-Free Recipes

greenliving

(continued from page 31)

Gluten-Free Blackberry Vanilla Almond Muffins Revel in this antioxidant-rich recipe, replete with blackberries and almonds.

Makes 1 dozen 11/2 cups Pamela’s Baking

& Pancake

Mix 1 /2 cup blanched slivered Photo by Pamela’s Products

almonds 2 eggs 1 /3 cup applesauce 1 tsp vanilla 1 /3 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk 3 /4 cup melted butter 4 oz blackberries (save some for the tops) 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin baking tin with oven-proof paper liners.

2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Mix the liquid ingredients together, and then stir into the dry ingredients. Carefully fold in ¾ of the berries, taking care not to squish them too much; reserve the remaining berries. Scoop approximately ¼ cup into muffin tins and top each with some of the reserved berries.

3. Bake for about 25 minutes.

Source: PamelasProducts.com

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Rest in Peace Sustainable Burials Honor Life H

by Brita Belli

umans are conditioned to the conventional rituals of handling death—the embalmed body in a casket or ashes sealed in an urn, a procession of vehicles to the burial site, solemnly gathering and scattering flowers as the remains are lowered into the earth. Many times, planning details are abdicated to the judgment of funeral directors.

The notion of green burials envisions something different: a ceremony that engages family members’ ecovalues and nature in a more intimate, sustainable process favoring biodegradable caskets and no toxic chemicals.

The movement is gaining in popularity; in 2011, some 300 U.S. funeral homes offered green burial options, up from only 12 in 2008.

High Impact of Tradition

Traditional American burial practices make a sizeable environmental footprint and also pose health risks. The carcinogenic embalming fluid—formaldehyde—is a well-known hazard.

A 2009 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ex-

posure to formaldehyde over a career of embalming put funeral home workers at significantly increased risk for mortality from myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells. Alternatives include formaldehyde-free preservatives made from essential oils, and dry ice.

Significant resources are consumed in manufacturing caskets and vaults and maintaining cemetery grass. “A few years back I calculated that we bury enough metal in caskets to rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge each year and put so much concrete in the ground via burial vaults we could build a two-lane highway halfway across the country,” says Joe Sehee, founder of the Green Burial Council.

The council certifies and lists cemeteries, funeral homes and casket companies that forgo chemicals and offer natural landscapes. The goal is for burials to leave as little impact as possible on the planet.

Greener Plots

Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, in Newfield, New York, does not look like a cemetery. Its native grasses and mature trees come alive with color

each autumn. Wildflowers bloom in the spring and birds build their nests in treetop boughs.

“Most contemporary cemeteries are biological deserts,” observes Greensprings spokesperson and science writer Mary Woodsen. In contrast, Greensprings’ 100 acres are surrounded by 8,000 acres of protected forests. Loved ones may be buried in coffins from locally produced timber, or in shrouds—either professionally made or from a favorite blanket or quilt. Biodegradable caskets may be constructed of pine, cardboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free plywood or hand-woven willow or wicker.

LastThings.net even offers free plans to make a simple coffin.

Instead of a machine, family members and friends ceremonially take hold of straps and lower the casket into the grave themselves. Natural, flat fieldstones honor loved ones.

“People feel, ‘I was part of this,’” says Woodsen.

Cremation Options

Debate exists over the ecological impact of cremation—a practice expected to be chosen as the end-of-life choice for as many as 46 percent of Americans by 2015. While it reduces the use of large, resource-intensive burial plots, each traditionally cremated body releases 110 pounds of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury and other metals.

The Bio Cremation greener alternative—using 95 percent water and 5 percent of an alkali instead of flames and fossil fuels—requires eight times

less energy as fire-based cremation, produces no dangerous byproducts and still yields ashes from the remaining bones. To find the states that have approved the process, visit the legislative section at BioCremationInfo.com.

Biodegradable urns are also available, including cornstarch bags accented with leaves and petals, sculpted natural salt containers and baskets made of virgin palm. Sandcastle urns are suited for home display or ocean burial (InTheLightUrns.com). Memorial blown-glass artwork is another option for remains (TropicalGlassDesign.com).

Scattering ashes—whether casting them into the air or over a body of water, burying them or raking them into the soil—provides an intimate burial experience and has minimal environmental consequences. Sehee says it’s legal on private land and also allowed in some parks. “It rarely does harm to the ecosystem,” he says. “Calling your local park agency is a great idea. Many allow for scattering and some without a fee.”

Burial at Sea

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency governs the disposal of cremated remains at sea—it must take place at least three nautical miles from land and may include artful flowers and wreaths of decomposable materials. Even non-cremated remains may be buried at sea, provided it takes place at the same distance from land in water that is between 600 and 1,800 feet deep, depending on the location.

Another sea burial option is offered by Eternal Reefs, a company that mixes remains into liquid concrete as the centerpiece of a personalized reef ball, lowered to the ocean floor to provide a home for marine life. Before the boat heads out, family members are invited to press handprints into the wet concrete and to decorate the ball with shells and other mementos.

Reef balls can hold from one to four people, plus a pet. Sites are currently available off the Florida, New Jersey and Texas shorelines and can be revisited at any time.

“We don’t look at it as a funeral,” remarks CEO George Frankel. “We’re months or years removed from the passing. This is a celebration of life.”

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine and author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates. Connect at BritaBelli.com.

These green or natural cemeteries in Texas offer burials without the use of toxic chemicals, non-biodegradable materials, embalming, metal caskets or concrete grave liners. The use of a shroud or biodegradable container is recommended.

Eloise Woods Natural Burial Park Cedar Creek EloiseWoods.com Ethician Family Cemetery Huntsville EthicianFamilyCemetery.org Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery Georgetown Olotr.com

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naturalpet

A GING GRACEFULLY Good Ways to Care for Pets in their Golden Years

by Sandra Murphy

We know that animals subjectively age faster than humans.

What are the signs and how can we ease the way for an elderly pet?

“A

s with humans, living longer doesn’t mean adding on time at the end, but adding to the middle, when pets can still enjoy themselves, maybe with some changes and modifications,” advises Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Mark Howes, owner of Berglund Animal Hospital, in Evanston, Illinois. “Pets deserve quality of life.”

Howes believes the old rule of thumb—one human year equals seven dog years—has changed. Size and breed are also factors now. “A 7-yearold great Dane is a senior, but for a Pomeranian, it’s closer to 10,” he says.

“For other breeds, 12 is not necessarily elderly.”

Key signs that indicate a pet may be slowing down and require special attention include changes in appetite, mobility and social interaction with people and other pets. In general, watch for flagging desires, abilities and cooperation.

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Helpful Steps

Instead of visiting a veterinarian’s office, choosing a vet that makes house calls is one viable solution. This is how New York City-based Dr. Jonathan Leshanski has specialized in aiding pets for 15 years. “During home visits, I notice things a pet’s person may miss or misinterpret in the midst of daily companioning,” says Leshanski, who sees more cats than dogs. “Because house calls are convenient for owners, I see pets more often and can diagnose problems earlier.”

Dr. Cathy Alinovi also takes to the road with her rural practice, Hoof Stock Veterinary Service, in Pine Village, Indiana. She’s found, “The best way to keep a pet healthy and present longer is to keep the brain active,” adding that clients attest that their dog lived well and longer because of early intervention. “Some treatments for maintaining flexibility in their body are as simple as massage and stretching,” she adds.

An older or ill pet can become a finicky eater whose diet needs revamping. Dogs can sometimes skip a meal or two, but it’s important for cats to eat regularly says Jodi Ziskin, a holistic nutrition consultant who specializes in companion animal care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Each animal is different, and it’s important to find the right food texture, smell and taste,” she notes. “Keep nutrients as pure and organic as possible and serve real meat and veggies. If a pet has trouble chewing or needs more fluids, try dehydrated foods, thinned by blending with filtered water to a puréed consistency. Don’t set food and water dishes on the floor—raise them so the pet’s head is higher than his stomach, which helps digestion.”

Ziskin recalls how a holistic diet and supplements enabled her own cat, Kayla, diagnosed with chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome at age 14, to live twice as long as her original prognosis of three years. Acupuncture and subcutaneous fluid therapy complemented her nutritional program.

For pets with chronic pain from arthritis or another ailment, veterinary house calls can literally be lifesavers, because they give owners more options than premature euthanasia. Dr. Karri Miller, a veterinary oncologist with Veterinary Healthcare Associates, in Winter Haven, Florida, advises, “Cancer treatments for pets are not as harsh as they are for people and have fewer side effects. Before making a decision about treatment, consult a veterinary oncologist and ask a lot of questions.

More pets today are living longer with a good quality of life.”

Dr. Kathleen Cooney, owner of Home to Heaven veterinary services, in Loveland, Colorado, likes the team approach. “We teach people to partner with their pet on a day-to-day basis and help take away the fear by educating the family to recognize the stages of aging and illness, pain and crisis, manage nutrition and live like their pets do—in the moment, not in the future. Understanding brings peace.”

When the end comes, compassionate euthanasia at home or on Cooney’s farm lends a comforting atmosphere at a difficult time.

Leaving with Dignity

For aging or terminally ill pets, Dr. Mary Gardner, owner of Lap of Love, in Broward County, Florida, works with families through the end of the pet’s life. “As a veterinarian who solely practices in-home hospice and euthanasia, I have been given a unique privilege,” she says. “Hospice care supports both the pet and family. I make sure the family and I have a clearly defined goal—the comfort of the animal.” Similar to hospice care for humans, pets in hospice are given palliative care that can prolong life without suffering or pain.

Accepting help from a hospice service is not about giving up, but simply recognizing that additional treatment will not cure the illness. It’s accepting that the quality of each day of life is more important than the number of days. It’s living fully, beginning to end, right up until the last breath.

Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines.

ENTICING A PICKY EATER “A pet doesn’t need to eat every nutrient every day. A balance achieved over several days will work. Getting them to eat is the main thing,” says Jodi Ziskin, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based animal wellness counselor. “Details can be worked out later.”

She suggests these nutritious tips for perking up interest:

Feed the animal two to four times a day in small amounts, so the stomach is neither empty or overfull.

Changing from a raw diet to cooked food can aid digestion for older pets.

For cats: Quinoa, millet or rice slows digestion and allows absorption of more nutrients. Because cats utilize fat in their diet better than dogs, a full-fat, plain yogurt is a good treat.

For dogs: Low-fat yogurt and probiotics

soothe the stomach. Chicken thigh meat offers more flavor than breast meat.

For both: A scrambled egg is a welcome treat. Also, add a bit of liquid from no-salt added, low mercury, wild caught, BPA-free cans of waterpacked tuna poured over their regular food or alternatively, ground-meat baby food. Aroma plays a large part in appetite, so appropriately warm foods before serving. Chamomile tea—about two teaspoons for cats and more for dogs, depending on size—has a calming effect and aids digestion.

Like humans, pets sometimes need an antacid—ask a veterinarian for advice. If administering pills is a problem, crush them in the liquid from water-packed tuna, put it into a feeding syringe and slowly squirt the liquid into the corner of the pet’s mouth.

LapOfLove.com/Pet_Quality_ of_Life_Scale.pdf helps owners track signs of improvements or deterioration that require adjustments in life management.

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inspiration The Gift of Empathy

How to Be a Healing Presence

by Margret Aldrich

W

hen someone is suffering, it can be agonizing just to listen—we feel compelled to jump in with advice or stories of our own trials, filling any awkward space or moments of silent air with word upon word. The first rule of empathy, however, is listening in silence.

Miki Kashtan, writing for the Tikkun Daily interfaith blog, points out that giving our full presence is the most important step in practicing true empathy, and it doesn’t require us to utter a thing: “There is a high correlation between one person’s listening presence and the other person’s sense of not being alone, and this is communicated without words. We can be present with someone whose language we don’t understand, who speaks about circumstances we have never experienced or whose reactions are baffling to us. It’s a soul orientation and intentionality to simply be with another.”

When we achieve full presence, empathic understanding follows, Kashtan continues. “Full empathic presence includes the breaking open of our heart to take in another’s humanity. We listen to their words and their story, and allow ourselves to be affected by the experience of what it would be like.

“Then we understand. Empathic understanding is different from empathic presence.

We can have presence across any barrier, and it’s still a gift.

If we also understand, even without saying anything, I believe the other person’s sense of being heard increases, and they are even less alone with the weight of their experience.”

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There are signs that empathy might be on the decline, with narcissism elbowing it out of our modern lives. As reported in the Utne Reader, University of Michigan Psychologist Sara Konrath, Ph.D., found that empathy levels among college students measured on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index plummeted between 1979 and 2009. The greatest drops were in empathic concern and perspective-taking—the ability to imagine another person’s point of view.

But don’t yet lament the death of human compassion. According to scientific studies, empathy is built into us. In recent research at the University of Southern California, Professor Lisa Aziz-Zadeh, Ph.D., pinpointed where and how the brain generates empathy, regarding it as a naturally occurring emotion. “It appears that both the intuitive and rationalizing parts of the brain work in tandem to create the sensation of empathy,” Aziz-Zadeh told The Times of India. “People do it automatically.”

However we get to that utterly tuned-in, selfless state of empathy, providing a listening ear, giving our full presence and being moved by another can be gifts not only to the others, but to ourselves, as well. Concludes Kashtan, “Allowing into our heart the other person’s suffering doesn’t mean we suffer with them, because that means shifting the focus of our attention to our own experience.

Rather, it means that we recognize the experience as fully human, and behold the beauty of it in all its aspects, even when difficult.”

Margret Aldrich is a former associate editor of Utne Reader.

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).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Mardi Gras! Galveston – Feb 1-12. Includes parade viewers shouting for beads, lively tunes played by colorful marching bands, 24 parades, 26 concerts, 19 balcony parties and five elegant masked balls.

Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K Run, 11am on Feb 2; Family Gras! on Feb 3. For more info & complete schedule: MardiGrasGalveston.com.

Lawn Care Seminar – 9-11am. Learn ways you can maintain a healthy lawn with less frequent watering. Discover the most effective and earth-friendly way to care for your yard.

Fannin Hall (Bldg F) at Richland College, 12800 Abrams Rd, Dallas. Space limited; register: 214670-3155 or SaveDallasWater.com/WWLS. Square Foot Gardening – 9-11am. Learn how to create a practical, low maintenance garden. $27/ nonmembers, $25/members. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

Mindful Mommy to Be – 9:30am-12pm. Nutrition, overcoming fears, birth planning, and how chiropractic care benefits mother and baby; for couples to learn holistic support tools for a successful pregnancy. $20/couple. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano.

Registration required, Deja Erwin: 972-612-1800.

HealthWorksTX.com.

Family Nutrition – 10am. Improve your family nutrition IQ with fun nutrition games and activities. Guest Vivian Nichols, registered dietician, will lead this engaging hands-on seminar for parents and kids. All ages. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Supplies limited, register: 940-349-8752.

Grow Your Own Fruits and Berries – 10:15am.

Natural gardening and cooking inspiration. Discover how to grow and harvest fruit and berries from your own urban garden. This year, plant delicious, easy-to-grow, beautiful berries, grapes and fruit trees. Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations.

817-222-1122. Calloways.com.

Map & Compass Navigation Basics Class – 11am-1:30pm. Learn basic navigation skills using map and compass to find your way. In this in-store class learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. $20/member, $30/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

A Night Blooming Garden – 12-2pm. Learn how to create your own night blooming gardening and how to pick plants that will give your garden fragrance and beauty after sundown. $27/nonmembers, $25/ members. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

Burgundy Wine Class – 6:30-8pm. Burgundian wines can be the most exciting and sensual in the world. Can you really buy proper Burgundy for under $25? We will show you how and much more.

Space limited. Free. Whole Foods Market, 2201 Preston Rd, Ste C, Plano. 972-612-6729. RSVP & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: Andrea.

Beckham@WholeFoods.com.

Bike Maintenance Basics – 7-8:30pm. Routine maintenance on your bike can keep you riding smooth and prolong the life of your bike. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Attracting Birds to Your Garden – 9-11am. Learn which plants attract the most birds to the garden, how to provide food and shelter in each season, what type of birds you can expect to see and much more. Includes a walk through the garden. $27/ nonmembers, $25/members. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

nie Oliveras, Brain Balance Nutritionist, will bring snack items that are gluten-, dairy-, egg-free and you can try them before you buy them. Make sure you bring your kids. Free. Brain Balance of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9482.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Hot Chocolate 15k & 5k, Dallas: Feb. 9 “Sweaty” Yoga – 4-5pm. “Sweaty” yoga is designed to get people sweating to release toxins in the internal organs and to lengthen and straighten muscles so they are toned. $15 donation. Shambhala Wellness Center, 215 E University Dr, Denton. More info, Johanna Oosterwijk: 940-380-8728 or 940-4409791. ShambhalaWellness.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 11th Annual Texas Half & 5k – 8am, Texas Half; 8:15am, Texas 5k. Flat course run entirely on city streets around Lake Carolyn and the surrounding neighborhoods. Walkers welcome. 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd, Irving. Info: 817-706-0368 or TexasHalf.com.

Bird Walk – 8-11am. Bring binoculars and field guides if have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Can expect about 30+ species. All ages welcome. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. ConnemaraConservancy.org.

Life Transformation Workshop – 1-4pm. Bring your emotions, prosperity, self-esteem, relationships, habits, and your career to a whole new level. $20.

Shambhala Wellness Center, 215 E University Dr, Denton. More info, Johanna Oosterwijk: 940-3808728 or 940-440-9791. ShambhalaWellness.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 45 Minutes to Health Freedom – 6-7:30pm. Find out how to make the best health care choices for your family, no matter what health challenge you’re faced with. New patients will receive their home exercises during this workshop. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Shari Miles: 972-612-1800. HealthWorksTX.com.

Choosing Green Building Materials – 6-7:30pm.

Learn about materials used in the home and the potential associated toxins as well as durability and sustainability. Free. West Irving Library, 4444 W Rochelle Rd, Irving. 972-721-2600.

Square Foot Gardening – 7-8pm. Learn how a small, sunny space can help you put fresh, organic food on your plate. Free. Davis Library, 7501 Independence Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Nia Master Classes with Loretta Milo, Nia Green Belt Trainer – Feb 8-12. Join us for Nia Master Classes with Nia Green Belt Trainer Loretta Milo.

These classes are for everybody, no experience necessary. $15 if registered ahead online, $17 at door.

Move Studio, 17062 Preston Rd, Ste 108, Dallas.

972-732-0206. Shannon Mairs: 469-879-5283. To register & for schedule: MoveStudio.com.

Clear Creek Pre-School Naturalists: Wiggly Worms – 10am-12pm. Class hosted by the city of Denton Parks and Recreation Department geared to ages 3-5 and their adult companions. Learn about composting with worms with hands-on activities. $8. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area, 3310 Collins Rd, Denton. 940-349-PARK.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Hot Chocolate 15k & 5k – 7:30am. The RAM Racing Series is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities to raise money for their “home-away-from-home” program. Post race party featuring hot chocolate, fondue, chocolate

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Taming the Sugar Beast – 6-7:30pm. This sweet poison is hidden in many places we wouldn’t even expect; it hurts our immune system and causes premature aging. Find out where it’s hidden and safe alternatives. Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Shari Miles: 972-612-1800. HealthWorksTX.com.

Healthy Snacks Food Tasting – 6:30-7:30pm. Have you spent money buying “healthy” products that no one in your family will eat? We understand. Stepha-

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treats, live entertainment and an awards ceremony.

Race packets pick-up at the Fair Park Automotive Building, 11am-8pm, Feb 7 & 8; no race day packet pick-up. Fair Park Automotive Building, 1010 First Ave, Dallas. HotChocolate15k.com/Dallas.

gardening, remodeling and home décor, along with learning about green energy products and vacation and leisure services. Allen Events Center, 200 E Stacy Rd, Allen. Info & discount coupon: AllenHomeAndGardenShow.com.

Bird Walk at LLELA – 7:30am-12pm. Accompany a master birder on a guided hike. Birders of all ages and skill levels welcome. $2/person. Reservations are requested, but not required. Bring your own binoculars.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. To confirm: 972-219-7980.

Love Your Yard – 9-11am. Learn tips on creating soil that crumbles in your hands, tricks that designers use to create curb appeal, how to make your yard care care-free and more. Bring a photo of an area you want to change and the instructor will pick a few yards to address. $27/nonmembers, $25 for members. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

Indoor Blooming Plants: Repotting Festival – 9am6pm. Bring your plants and pots and use our potting benches and tools to revitalize existing plants or create new container. We provide complimentary Calloway’s Premium potting soil, an application of fertilizer and top dressing to complete your project. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-222-1122. Calloways.com.

Owls – 10am-12pm. Dr. Wayne Meyer, Associate Professor of Biology at Austin College will present on these interesting birds of prey that are found throughout most of the world except for Antarctica, Greenland and some remote islands. Learn which ones may be seen at the Refuge, where, and more. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Register: 903-786-2826 or FriendsOfHagerman.com.

Nature Walks at LLELA – 10am-1pm. Explore

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

4th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show: Feb. 15-17 LLELA’s trails with a Texas Master Naturalist in this guided search for animal tracks and signs, and learn more about the natural history of LLELA. All ages welcome. $2 program fee, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/person). Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reservations requested, but not required: 972-219-3930.

Confluence Nature Hike – 1-3pm. Hosted by the city of Denton Parks and Rec Dept Join Elm Fork Master Naturalists on a hike to the Elm Fork confluence at Clear Creek. $3. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area, 3310 Collins Rd, Denton. 940-349-PARK. Sweatlodge – 1:30pm. We will have a sweatlodge (weather permitting, no burn ban). We honor All at this ceremony. We strive to make it right for All, as we honor Ny’e (Bufallo). Not open to the general public. Please call for particulars by Feb 6.

Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. For more info, Silverhawk: 214-288-9935.

FourFeathersTradingPost.net.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Astronomy Walk – 9-11pm. Join Clyde Camp for a Nightwalk and Astronomy nearest the New Moon. Appropriate footwear is a must. This is an inappropriate walk for young children. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. Connemara Conservancy.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Backpacking Basics – 7-8:30pm. REI will take the mystery out of backpacking with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. Learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear.

Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. Gene and Nancy Cushion built a straw bale home using 450 wheat straw bales specifically cut and baled for placement into the 22 inch thick exterior walls.

Come and learn about their unique house. Free. REI Dallas, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas.

Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Green Landscape Design – 7-9pm. Learn watersaving practices for the landscape and design principles emphasizing the use of native and adapted plants. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 4th Annual Collin County Home & Garden Show – Feb 15-17. 2-7pm, Fri; 10am-7pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Meet hundreds of experts in home,

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Cross Timbers Trail Run – 6:30am. Offers a 50-mile run or relay, marathon, half-marathon and 5-mile run on mostly narrow, hilly trails with some rocky and hazardous areas. Cross Timbers Trails, Juniper Point Park West Campground, Lake Texoma, Sherman. For more info: CrossTimbersTrailRuns.com.

Intro to Kayaking – 10am-1pm. Certified staff will introduce basic kayaking on open water at North Lakes Park. $15. Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St, Denton. 940-349-8285.

Homestead Open House at LLELA – 12-3pm.

Walk through LLELA’s restored 1870s log home and smokehouse, a replica dugout, and an unrestored barn. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. More info: Ias.Unt.edu/LLELA.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 It’s a Girl Thing – 4pm. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. A book club for moms and daughters. Join us for refreshments and book discussion. Best for girls ages 9-12. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Advanced Bike Maintenance: Derailleurs – 6-8:30pm. The bike staff will lead you through a tune up of your shift system. Please bring your clean bike with you. $30/member, $40/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

The Brain Gut Connection – 6:30-7:30pm. As seen at the Dallas Gluten and Allergen Free Expo, Brain Balance Nutritionist, Stephanie Oliveras, will discuss why the stomach is sometimes called the “Second Brain” and how this relates to the development of children. Stephanie breaks down this complicated connection into easy to understand language. Free.

Brain Balance of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Plano.

RSVP: 972-248-9482.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Boys Only Yucky Stories – 6:30pm. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. Boys grades 2-5 read and talk about funny, yucky and gross stories. You won’t have to sit still while we talk because you will be too busy with funny, gross or downright bizarre projects. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Parent Information Seminar – 6:30-8pm. Do you have a child who struggles socially, behaviorally, and/or academically? If so, this seminar is for you. Brain Balance Achievement Center of Plano Center Director, Debby Romick, will discuss the whole-child, drug-free, approach that is changing lives every day. Gain an understanding of some of the potential causes of these struggles and learn about the Sensory, Cognitive, and Nutritional approach taken at Brain Balance to addresses the root cause. Free. Brain Balance of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9482.

Dallas DownRiver 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.

Success with Seeds – 7-9pm. Learn the secrets to successful seed sowing from VegetableGardener. com contributor and seed master, Greg Holdsworth. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Regoster: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Rainwater Harvesting Class – 10:30am-12pm.

Topics covered include: benefits and uses of rainwater, methods of harvesting, rain storage options, optimizing use of rainwater. Free. Cozby Library, 177 N Heartz Rd, Coppell. More info: CoppellCommunityGarden.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 35th Annual Cowtown Marathon – Feb 22-24. Begins with The Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo, Feb 22. The adults’ 5K, Cook Children’s Kids 5K, and 10K, Feb 23. Ultra Marathon, Marathon and Half Marathon, Feb 24. Helps support the Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness (C.A.L.F.) program. Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr, Fort Worth. For complete schedule: CowtownMarathon.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Fight For Air Climb – 7am, check-in; 8am, race. A vertical race to climb 53 floors of stairs. Fundraiser for the American Lung Association. Professionally timed and ranked by timing chips. $25, and participants must be registered and have a minimum of $100 in fundraising. Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm St, Dallas.

214-631-5864 x 202. FightForAirClimb.org.

Tons of Tomatos – 9-11am. John Hunt, garden writer and tomato grower, will show you how to get your tomato garden off to a great start. Learn the best varieties for Dallas, how and when to plant and how to get the most tomatoes from your plants. $27/nonmembers, $25/members. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas. 214-515-6500.

Go Geocaching – 10am. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt with GPS devices. Learn more about this outdoor, high tech sport and how to find a hidden cache. Perfect for adults and families. For ages 10 & up. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton.

Space limited, register: 940-349-8752.

Winter Tree Walk – 10am-12pm. Master Naturalist Jim Varnum leads a walk through the Pecan Grove.

Learn how to identify trees in winter before leaves appear. He will also point out winter color (berries and early wildflowers) and birds. All ages welcome.

Bring cameras and binoculars. Dress warmly.

Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. RSVP: RSVP@ConnemaraConservancy.org.

Medicine Wheel – 1:30-6:30pm. We honor All of the directions. Are you a buffalo? An eagle? Do you feel the direction from where you might enter the wheel?

RSVP by Feb 20. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills. For more info, Silverhawk: 214-288-9935. FourFeathersTradingPost.net.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Connemara Meadow Preserve Open House – 1-5pm. Experience what makes this natural oasis in the middle of suburbia so special, and always surprising. Free. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. ConnemaraConservancy.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Diabetes – 12pm. Free Lunch & Learn to educate individuals to take control of their health regardless of their conditions. Feeling better and optimizing your health is at your fingertips. Space limited, RSVP. Kotsanis Institute, 2260 Pool Rd, Grapevine.

Register & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 817-380-4992.

Book Club – 6-7pm. Read and discuss health top-

MONDAY, MARCH 4 Snowshoeing Basics – 7-8:30pm. Will focus on the appropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started.

Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

Fight for Air Climb, Dallas: Feb. 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

ics in a laid-back group times which will meet five times this spring. Our Stolen Future is the spring selection. See website for specific chapters. Free.

HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

HealthWorksTX.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Minimalist Running Basics Class – 7-8:30pm.

Learn what Minimalist Running is all about, the gear, and ideas on how to get started. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. 972-985-2241.

Texas Friendly Plants – 7-9pm. Learn about the best plants, shrubs and trees for our area. Afterwards, stroll through the teaching garden while to learn appropriate care. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

plan ahead

55th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup – Mar 8-10.

8am-6pm, Fri & Sat; 8am-5pm, Sun. Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees as a major fundraiser benefiting multiple organizations. Learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat through a variety of activities. Includes flea market, carnival, vendor booths, a rattlesnake cook-off, food and beverage vendors, and more. $7/adults, $4/10 & under. Nolan County Coliseum, 1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater. For schedule: RattlesnakeRoundup.net.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 The Rat Race Urban Adventure – A multi-sport event involving either solo or teams of 2-3 people.

Events will consist of: running, biking, kayaking, climbing, and ropes; all routed in Navigation, in and around the metropolitan area with multiple check points along the way that will challenge you mentally and physically. Dallas. For cost & registration: RunRat.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 The Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational – Mar 1-3. 8am-8pm. Over 500 gymnasts ages 4-18 from top gymnastics clubs all over the nation, go head to head highlighting their gymnastic skills and talent. $15/ adults, $10/children 10 & under, free/children 3 & under. Frisco Conference Center, 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr, Frisco. 214-872-4646. KTInvitational.com.

North Texas Irish Festival – Mar 1-3. 6-11pm, Fri; 10:30am-11:30pm, Sat; 11:30am-7:30pm, Sun. Includes ten stages of live entertainment including, local and regional musicians, storytellers, fiddlers, a Culinary Stage, educational workshops, booths of Celtic accessories, food/beverage vendors and much more. A pet-friendly event. Fair Park, 1200 S 2nd Ave, Dallas. More info & discount ticket: NTIF.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 San Marcos River Cleanup – Mar 2-3. Dallas DownRiver Club will be lending a hand to the help clean up the San Marcos River. Shady Grove Campground. More info, Bryan Jackson: 972-979-2519 or PaddlinPals@yahoo.com.

All About Composting – 8-11am. Learn the basics of turning that garden debris into garden gold through composting. We cover what to put in, what to leave out, and how to mix, moisten and manage your way to successful soil enrichment. Also learn about specialized red worms. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents.

Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy,

Weston Price Foundation Workshop – 6-7:30pm.

With Drs. Christy Porterfield and Jennifer Taylor.

Workshop on the nutrition value of whole foods, what to select, seasonally and where, and how to prepare them for optimal nutrition. Connect with other like-minded individuals who want to learn how to keep their families healthy in today’s world.

Free. HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Registration required: 972-612-1800. HealthWorksTX.com.

savethedate March 22-24

Soul Without Shame $230 7pm, Fri - 6pm, Sun

Is your inner critic crushing your confidence, creativity and joy?

Are you ready to take action to end the self-attack?

Bring your courage, compassion and curiosity!

This life-changing 2-1/2 day workshop can help you confront beliefs about self-judgment and disengage from the inner critic using the Diamond Approach.

Hilton Houston Plaza, 6633 Travis St, Houston More info: 214-660-4278.

DiamondGulfCoast.com

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Monday Night Ride at Arbor Hills – 6:30pm. Bring bike, helmet and light. Meet at the trail head at Arbor Hills. More info: DORBA.org.

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).

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.

sunday

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.

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

Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972231-3993.

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.

All Aboard the C&E Tram Tour – Thru Feb. 2-3:30pm, Sun & Sat. Tour along Wildlife Drive at the Refuge aboard an all-electric open tram. Accepting 8 adult reservations with additional room for up to 3 children. Advance reservations required, call 903-786-2826 Mon- Sat, 10am-3pm, & Sun, 1-5pm.

Any unreserved seats will be available to standbys at the time of the tour. Free; donations to tram fund accepted. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. FriendsOfHagerman.com.

Nature Explore Family Club – Thru Apr. 3-4pm.

1st Sun. Event aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, age-appropriate activities.

Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano. obsres.com.

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/info & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 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 Performance Enhancement Training – 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 to improve their dayto-day performance. Free. Available 8:30am-5pm, M-F at Willow Bend Academy, 2220 Coit Rd, Ste

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The Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational, Frisco: Mar. 1-3 500, Plano, 972-599-7882; 8:30am-5pm, M-F at Willow Bend Academy, 101 E Southwest Pkwy, Ste 101, Lewisville, 972-436-3839. WillowBendAcademy.com.

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.

Massage for Mom –10am-4pm. $10 off any massage for North Texas Natural Awakenings readers. One-hour Hot Stone, Swedish or Pregnancy massage, reg. price $55/hr. Massage Space, 7000 Independence Pkwy at Legacy, Plano. Reservations required: 972-612-5363.

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.

Yoga Tree: Sprouts and Kids Yoga –3:45-4:15pm, Sprouts; 4:30-5:15pm, Kids. Introduce your child to the healthful practice of yoga. In a fun, safe environment, they learn basic yoga postures building strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. First class free. Yoga Tree, 1410 Ave K, Ste 1105A, Plano. 972-398-YOGA (9642).

YogaTreePlano.com.

Yoga Tree: Yoga 101 – 5:15-6:15pm. Discover the joyful practice of yoga. Yoga 101 is the perfect entry point for those who have heard about the benefits of yoga and want to learn more. First class free. Yoga Tree, 1410 Ave K, Ste 1105A, Plano. 972-398YOGA (9642). YogaTreePlano.com.

Pilates Infused Yoga – 6:15-7:15pm. Pilates offers a complete work-out for the body that exercises not just the main muscle groups, but weaker, less used muscles too. First class free. Shambhala Wellness, 215 E University Dr, Denton. Johanna Oosterwijk: 940-380-8728.

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.

Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-8438084. CCHBA.org.

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.

Meet and Greet – 12pm. 1st Tues. Come meet our providers. An informal gathering of parents interested in meeting Dr. Deborah Bain and Nurse Practitioners, Christie Potter, CPNP and Jessica Drain, FNP-BC. Also, a time to bring your questions regarding Healthy Kids Pediatrics. Free. Healthy Kids Pediatrics, 4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco.

To confirm attendance: 972-294-0808.

Yoga for Runners – 6:45-7:45pm. 20-wk program, less than $8/session. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

Amazing YA Book Club – 7pm. 1st Tues. All grownup but still love reading young adult books?

Join us to discuss YA books with other adult fans.

Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. For titles: 940-349-8718.

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.

las Networkers lunchtime networking meeting.

Come see one of the best run and most fun networking groups in DFW. $15 includes lunch and a beverage. No charge for the meeting. Membership requirements explained at the meeting. Picasso’s Restaurant, 18160 N Dallas Pkwy, Dallas. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings. Restaurant: 972248-0011. Vicki Knutson: 214-587-3786.

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.

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 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 & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-335-2487 or Brandy@ MarilynKuhlman.com.

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.

North Texas Environment Meetup – 7:30-8:30pm.

1st Tues. Meet other like-minded environmentallyconscious people to discuss environmental issues both on a global and local level. Meetup.com/ Environmentalists.

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 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, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-440-8382.

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.

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: 972-548-5167.

Evening Social Runs/Walks – 6:30pm. Post party new restaurant each 6 weeks. All levels welcome.

Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 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.

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.

Sport Watch Tech Clinics – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. Garmin, Polar, Nike, Times, Moto, Soleus. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

Networking Meeting – 11:30am-1pm. North Dal-

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

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.

thursday 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.

Fitness in the Square (FITS): Part of Be Fit Frisco – 6:30-7:30pm. A free one-hour exercise class in the courtyard in front of Frisco City Hall. For kids 10+ to adults. Bring water, towel, and appropriate clothing and shoes. The type of workout changes each month. Bring your family and move together.

Be Fit Frisco, Frisco City Hall Square, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. 972-292-6501.

Essential Oils Class – 6:45-7:30pm. 3rd Thurs.

From Seed to Seal. If you don’t know your seed you don’t know your oil. Learn what the ancients used to remove moles, warts, skin tags, age spots

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and more. Free. LED Skin Care Center, 3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Inside Ovation Boutiques, Plano.

RSVP; class size limited: 214-587-3786. LEDSkin CareCenter.com.

7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Individuals and couples of all ages welcome. Texas Reelers, 820 W Arapaho, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-416-2311 or 972-699-0934.

Power Yoga – 6:45-7:45pm. In conjunction with Luke’s Locker Allen, class meets at Allen Yoga Center, 915 Market St, Allen. Details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

saturday

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.

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.

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.

Free Mom & Kids Yoga – 5:30-6pm. 1st Fri. Find out how our Multisensory Kids Yoga can help improve your child’s focus and grades while keeping you both fit at the same time. SMARTS Club, 8780 Preston Trace Blvd, Frisco. Registration required & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-872-8592.

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.

Yoga Tree: Drown Your Dog – 6-7pm. Looking for a light-hearted yoga experience? This class incorporates exciting postures and popular music.

Following class we gather at one of our neighborhood restaurants to jump-start the weekend. First class free. Yoga Tree, 1410 Ave K, Ste 1105A, Plano.

972-398-YOGA (9642). YogaTreePlano.com.

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North Texas Irish Festival, Dallas: Mar. 1-3 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.

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 Community Yoga – 7-8pm. 1st Fri. In the spirit of Friday night, come prepared to let loose and experience amazing yoga styles. Each month will feature different teachers. Open to all levels of experience. Pranaa Ayurveda Spa & Yoga, 4017 Preston Rd, Ste 532, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-608-0402.

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.

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.

Square and Round Dance for Fitness and Fun –

Denton Rugby – We are always looking for new recruits in Dallas Fort Worth Area. Email for more info about how to join. Currently we have players that live in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Keller, Southlake, Frisco and many others. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings to Jason Millerd: JMillerd@TWU.edu.

Pathfinders Fun Cycling – A free, non-competitive riding group for all cycling skill levels. Short, weekly bicycle rides for the purpose of fun and exercise. All rides held on the weekend, less than 20 miles and include a food destination and a “no rider left behind” policy. Routes and destinations change each week. For more info: Facebook.com/ CycleHighlandVillage.

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.

Saturday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 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. $20/YMCA Family Member, $40/everyone else.

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

Bird Walk – Thru May. 8-9:30am. 2nd Sat. With the Heard Museum and Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Walks begin promptly. Free with regular admission. Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. HeardMuseum.org.

Coppell Farmers’ Winter Market – Thru Mar. 8am-12pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Seasonal produce for the North Texas area, natural meats and eggs, seafood, organic dairy products, honey, teas, breads, mixes, flowers, plants, and more. Coppell Farmers’ Market, Corner of Bethel & S Coppell rds, Coppell.

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. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-450-3286.

The Rat Race Urban Adventure, Dallas: Mar. 9 Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: CFM@ CoppellCommunityGarden.org. CoppellCommunity Garden.org.

Yoga Tree: Yoga 101 – 8:30-9:30am. Discover the joyful practice of yoga. Yoga 101 is the perfect entry point for those who have heard about the benefits of yoga and want to learn more. First class free. Yoga Tree, 1410 Ave K, Ste 1105A, Plano. 972-398YOGA (9642). YogaTreePlano.com.

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.

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.

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

Treblemakers – 2pm. 3rd Sat. An afternoon filled with singing, listening and moving. Music instructor Kim Forguson brings books to life through musiccentered games and activities. Best for ages 6-8.

Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

All Aboard the C&E Tram Tour – Thru Feb. 2-3:30pm. See Sun listing. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Friends OfHagerman.com.

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. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-450-3286.

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.

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

InSyncExotics.com.

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.

Yoga Tree: Restorative Yoga – 11:30am-12:30pm.

Restorative Yoga is an expression of the science of relaxation. Come let our instructors teach you to relax, release, and let go. First class free. Yoga Tree, 1410 Ave K, Ste 1105A, Plano. 972-398-YOGA (9642). YogaTreePlano.com.

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.

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.

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.

Stargeezer Star Party – 6:30-9:30pm. 1st Sat. Bring the whole family. Star parties begin at sunset, weather permitting. Free. Spring Park, Jonandrea Ln, Garland. TASObserving.org.

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.

Frisco StarFest – Sunset-10:30pm. 2nd Sat. Approximately a dozen telescopes will be set up for your viewing pleasure. Weather permitting. Free.

Frisco Commons Park. TASObserving.org.

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

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

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communityresourceguide Connecting you with local businesses and experts 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)

ACUPUNCTURE PATTI CAREY, L.AC.

Acupuncture, Herbs & Nutrition 2121 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 107 Plano 75023 972-704-3730 • PattiCareyLAC.com After years in Western medicine, I finally found a way to really help people heal, relieve pain and reduce stress. In my practice I utilize acupuncture (with or without needles), herbal medicine, nutrition and energetics to help you create and maintain the healthy body you deserve. See ad, page 43.

acne therapy LED SKIN CARE CENTER

3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Plano 75093 214-587-3786 • LEDSkinCareCenter.com 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. See ad, page 36.

ANTIQUE MAPS AND ART PAPERHOUND.COM paperhound.com

Orginial antique maps and biblical prints dated from 1595 to 1850.

World, regional, country, city and fort maps; Biblical and portrait prints; cartographers / engravers including Tallis, Picart, Blaeu, Speed, Bowen and Homann. Each piece represents an investment of work, art and irreplaceable historical significance.

See ad, page 35.

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 9.

SYNERGY BALANCE

Dr. Cecilia Yu, D.C.; NUCCA practitioner 12740 Hillcrest Road, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com

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 21.

NA-NTX.com

Michelle and Tommy Neu 4 Miles West of I-35; on US 82, Lindsay 76240 940-372-0343 • CircleNDairy.com State-permitted dairy licensed to sell fresh, all natural unprocessed grade A raw milk. Visit us at the farm to learn why our greattasting, fresh, raw milk is a safe and naturally healthier choice for your family. Call us to schedule a tour to see a working family farm and be sure to visit our on-site store for fresh raw white and chocolate milk, cream, free-range eggs and more.

See ad, page 43.

DANCE - NIA SHANNON MAIRS

Licensed Nia Black Belt & Teacher/Trainer 469-879-5283 • NiaNow.com/SMairsTX An exciting mix of Dance, Martial and Healing arts, suitable for all levels of ability. See ad, page 10.

DR. AMY ST. JOHN, D.C., LMT

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE

North Texas

CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY

CHIROPRACTIC

By aligning the first vertebrae through a precise NUCCA adjustment, Dr. Yu eliminates nerve interference from the brain stem. Such interference can manifest itself in any manner including Scoliosis, skin conditions, behavioral disorders, herniated discs or joint problems. Unlike traditional chiropractic, even traditional upper-cervical chiropractic, there is no popping, cracking or twisting and a NUCCA adjustment holds longer which means you return far less often. See ad, page 15.

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DAIRY

DECLUTTERING / ORGANIZING SERVICES THE DECLUTTERBUG

Anita Sisler 339-832-1220 • TheDeclutterbug.biz Begin the New Year clutter free!

Let the Declutterbug help you organize while putting away those Christmas decorations. Affordable, wonderful help for decluttering and organizing your home.

Serving the North Texas area. See ad, page 35.

DENTISTRY DENTAL STUDIO OF CARROLLTON Drs. Robert and Sundhya 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010 972-395-0150 • DSofCarrollton.com And 331 W Harwood Rd, Hurst 76054 817-282-4539

Approaching dentistry from a natural, whole body health perspective, we make teeth beautiful, keep them healthy and offer honest education on how balanced structures in the face/mouth can affect your overall health. Serving adults, children and apprehensive clients, at our state-of-the-art facility we offer the cutting-edge "DNA Appliance"; a small device which addresses snoring and sleep apnea, mercury free fillings and crowns, teeth whitening, Clear Braces, TMJ pain and much more. See ad, page 26.

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.

ENERGY AUDITING DWELLGREEN OF DALLAS

Roger Taylor, Owner / Operator 214-509-8582, DwellGreen.com/Dallas DwellGreen of Dallas is a certified total building performance evaluation and energy auditing company, serving the North Texas area. We can lower your cost of energy and improve the safety and comfort of your home or office. Free phone consultation on an existing or new home. Call to schedule an on-site consultation. See ad, page 33.

GREEN GARMENT CARE

HEALTHY KIDS

OXXO CARE CLEANERS 5110 Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-705-7739 • OxxoUsa.com

Brain Balance Achievement Centers

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.

We control all types of insect pests including termites, mosquitoes, ants, roaches and fleas without the use of harsh, dangerous chemicals. We offer programs from a single pest one time treatment to a comprehensive total protection plan. Call to schedule your Free inspection. See ad, page 13.

HAIR SALON HAIR COLOR STUDIOS

9200 E. Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com

Offering energy efficient green solutions based specifically on the individual needs of each home or office. Upon inspection, an energy reduction system is created incorporating a multi-prong approach to maximize energy efficiency and savings. Radiant barrier, solar vent fans, formaldehyde-free insulation, attic tents and more energy star products available.

Our coloring stylists love to work with the wonderful alternative products we have that are made from natural extracts and yogurt. These exquisite products, such as NAYO, Neuma and Moroccan Oil, actually do improve your hair quality so we in turn can help you look your most radiant while you're out-andabout. Whether you're simply sensitive to some of those harsher chemical lines or just want vibrant, beautiful, healthy hair you'll love our natural approach to how we treat your hair and overall beauty. Ask about free color consultation.

ESSENTIAL OILS

HEALTHY DINING

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ENERGY ATTIC

538 Haggard St, Ste 410, Plano 75074 972-548-0088 • EnergyAttic.com

doTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS

THE SALAD STOP

Jackie Kenney • JackiesdoTerra@gmail.com 214-837-4872 • JackiesdoTerra.com

3685 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-377-7867

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-theentire-family choices.

Fresh and nutritious, locally grown food.

Debby Romick 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 501, Plano 75093 972-248-9482 • BrainBalancePlano.com The Brain Balance Program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We special-ize in a drug-free, research-based, multifaceted approach to address the underlying issues of the many disorders that impact our children today. Each child has a unique combination of functional weaknesses that impact motor, sensory, immune, visual-spatial, auditory, and cognitive development. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive assessment. See ad, page 8.

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.

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HOLISTIC HEALTH WATER HEALTH HOLISTIC SERVICES 621 W. Plano Pkwy, Ste 235, Plano 75075 972-422-5533 • WaterHealthHolistic.com

We specialize in detoxification of the body: Weight Loss Extreme system, reflexology foot massage therapy, alkaline water for wellness, herbal nutritional supplements and water ionizer filtration systems. See ad, page 35.

INTERNAL MEDICINE PRIMARY CARE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE OF FRISCO 5858 Main St., Ste. 210, Frisco 75033 972-377-8695

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

KID FIT – KID FUN SPORTS TRAINING JUMPSTREET INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

6505 W Park Blvd, Ste 200, Plano 75093 972-378-5867 • GotJump.com Burn up to 1000 calories an hour, strengthen your whole body and have a blast doing it. This fun is not just for kids. Huge trampoline jumping areas where you can literally bounce off the walls. Try trampoline dodge ball, a life-size maze, or rope-swing, slide or bounce into a huge foam pit. Special bounce and play area for kids under 7. You've got to see it to believe it. Open jumps, birthday parties, corporate team building and aerobics classes. See ad, page 25.

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.

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. See ad, page 42.

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.

NEUROFEEDBACK 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 15 and 27.

OUTDOOR GEAR & EDUCATION REI

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

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 7.

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North Texas

NA-NTX.com

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

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

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 CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS

1701 N. Greenville Ave, Ste 1112 Richardson 75081 972-231-4800 • CleanEnergy-Systems.com Affordable American made solar. Residential and commercial installations. Do-it-yourself kits and turnkey systems. Financing available. See ad, page 29.

SOLAR COMMUNITY

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

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.

SPA SALT ESCAPE

2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75075 972-378-4945 • SaltEscape.com Adults and children can relax in our salt rooms while breathing in natural salt with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, accelerating nasal clearance and improving lung function. Separate salt playroom with viewing window for children. Salt room yoga and onsite massage therapy available. See ad, page 6.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

WATER

SHIR TIKVAH REFORM SYNAGOGUE

WATERSEDGE STRUCTURED WATER

Services are held on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. Every service welcomes children of all ages. Religious school classes take place on Sunday mornings during school year. Call or visit our website for service schedule.

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.

7700 Main St, Frisco 75034 214-500-8304, • ShirTikvahFrisco.org

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.

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, Ste. 405, 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 5.

TRIBAL AMERICAN INDIAN CRAFTS FOUR FEATHERS TRADING POST

3522 CR 2621, Caddo Mills 75135 214-288-9935 • FourFeathersTradingPost.net 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. See ad, page 41

Twenty First Century Health 972-855-8711 • TwentyFirstCenturyHealth.com

WELLNESS CENTERs SALT MIRACLE WELLNESS CENTER 1012 W Hebron Pkwy, Ste 138 Carrollton 75010 972-394-7258 • SaltMiracle.com

Salt therapy is a natural, non-invasive treatment for asthma, COPD, sinusitis, acne, tonsillitis, ear infections, CF, psoriasis and more. Safe for all ages, ask to see our relaxing adult therapy room and our “play” salt-room for kids. See ad, page 41.

SHAMBHALA WELLNESS CENTER

215 E University Dr, Denton 76209 940-380-8728 • ShambhalaWellness.com A true wellness center and oasis for body, mind and spirit. Our caring practitioners really listen and can help you raise the level of wellness you are experiencing. Massage, Reiki, yoga, nutrition and counseling are just some of the modalities we offer. Book a session, drop in for yoga or join us at one of our educational seminars. See ad, page 25.

YOGA SCHOOL YOGA TREE

1410 Avenue K, Ste 1105A, Plano 75074 972-398-YOGA (9642) • YogaTreePlano.com Yoga Tree is located in historic downtown Plano. Our studio is dedicated to sharing the healing and rejuvenating benefits of yoga with others. We offer a variety of classes and workshops as well as RYT 200 and 500 hour certifications. See ad, page 9.

YOGURT NANA FROZEN YOGURT

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 – If you’re not afraid of straight commissioned sales and feel confident of your abilities, Natural Awakenings North Texas magazine may be right for you. Earn a generous commission and unlimited income selling advertising packages. Relationship-oriented sales; must like talking to people. Open territories in Denton and Collin counties. Will train and coach. Full and part-time sales positions available. Send resume to Publisher@NA-NTX.com.

MASSAGE SPACE AVAILABLE MASSAGE SPACE AVAILABLE – Located inside a busy chiropractic wellness office. Includes use of common area; kitchen, private back entrance and waiting area. $125 per week. Coit Road location in Plano. Available now. Call 972-612-1800.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE CHIROPRACTIC SPACE FOR LEASE – Chiropractic space available in Carrollton Wellness Center. Located at intersection of Hebron Parkway and Old Denton Road. Reception, appointment booking and other services may be included in lease if desired. Call Shamim Surani for more information. 972-394-7258.

WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT HUNGER LOSE 1-2 POUNDS PER DAY – NO artificial sweeteners, NO whey, NO soy, NO HCG and NO hunger. Money-back guarantee. Call now and mention Shake It Up! 940-600-7221.

Help Us Serve You Better

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.

Please share your feedback by taking our short survey.

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