March 2014 - Natural Awakenings

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POWERHOUSE FRESH FOOD GLUTEN-FREE

HERBS

Four Backyard Plants Protect Against Disease

TRENDS ON THE GO Natural Trailblazers in Sustainable Eating

Tips for Eating Away from Home

March 2014 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com

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newsbriefs healthbriefs askanexpert globalbriefs ecotip fitbody inspiration readertip healthykids healingways greenliving wisewords consciouseating naturalpet calendar classifieds resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 469-633-9549 or email publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for ads: 5th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: publisher@NA-NTX.com. Deadline for editorial: news briefs and feature articles are due by the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events online at NA-NTX.com/Calendar.

Deadline for calendar: 5th of the month.

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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 469-633-9549. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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.

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GARDENING AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Cycles of Growth Cultivate Our Divinity

by April Thompson

22 ACTION PLAN

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FOR PARENTS

Seven Signs of Food Sensitivities

by Pamela Bond

24 FRESH FOOD TRENDS Natural Trailblazers in Sustainable Eating

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

27 THE JAW –

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SPINAL CORD CONNECTION A Simple Check-up Can Make All the Difference in One's Overall Health

by Robert Limosnero, Sandhya Krishan and Cecilia Yu

28 SUPERHERBS

Four Plants that Fight Off Disease

by Kathleen Barnes

30 FOOD REVOLUTION

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IN A TANK

Aquaponics Offers Year-Round Homegrown Fish and Veggies

by Avery Mack

32 FROM “WHY ME?”

TO “THANK YOU!”

Wayne Dyer on the Value of Hard Lessons

by Linda Sechrist

33 GLUTEN-FREE ON THE GO Safe Eating Away from Home

by Judith Fertig

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34 DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA

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Dog Troops Also Earn Badges and Go to Camp

by Sandra Murphy

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March 2014

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letterfrompublisher

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contact us Publisher Marteé Edwards General Manager Jim Davis Editorial Theresa Archer Beth Davis Robert Dean Design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett Distribution Preston Davis Printer Digital Graphics, OKC, OK

t’s not like we have a really tough winter here in Texas, but this year in particular, I sure am looking forward to spring, and getting our garden back up and growing. I have to admit that I let it take a beating last summer, and then I just got busy and missed the fall and winter seasons.

But now I’m back, refreshed from my gardening hiatus and tired of paying for things I could walk out to my garden and pick fresh. While there is effort involved in gardening, I’m mostly looking forward to the peace, tranquility and rare moment of solitude and reflection I experience when I get outside in the mellowness of the morning and quietly and unhurriedly tend to the everso-peaceful radishes, scallions and kale. But this year in particular, I find my soul really anticipating that fresh feeling of rebirth that spring brings.

That magical quality that spring has, only lasts a short while, so I hope that whatever you’re seeking, whatever you’re ready to make happen in your life, you take the time to breathe in the fresh energy and run with it. I offer this beautiful poem by Emily Dickinson as inspiration.

A Light Exists in Spring

by Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830-1886) A Light exists in Spring Not present on the Year At any other period – When March is scarcely here

Multi-Market Advertising 469-633-9549 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377

A Color stands abroad On Solitary Fields That Science cannot overtake But Human Nature feels.

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

It waits upon the Lawn, It shows the furthest Tree Upon the furthest Slope you know It almost speaks to you

© 2014 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.

Then as Horizons step Or Noons report away Without the Formula of sound It passes and we stay –

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.

A quality of loss Affecting our Content As Trade had suddenly encroached Upon a Sacrament.

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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Marteé Edwards, Publisher NA-NTX.com

newsbriefs Camp Invention Provides An Opportunity to Innovate

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n partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Frisco ISD is offering the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. It’s an exciting, weeklong summer adventure in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that’s all about big ideas.

Children will work together to seek innovative solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st-century learning skills as they rotate through four modules that reinvent summer fun, using real tools, circuits and materials.

Local educators will facilitate program modules and high school and college students will serve as leadership interns.

Students entering the seventh, eighth and ninth grades can join the Counselor-in-Training program, where they’ll receive in-depth training and gain valuable skills.

Every registration includes a free Camp Invention T-shirt and space is limited to assure staff-to-child ratios. Other school districts also hosting Camp Invention in 2014 include Allen, Coppell, Dallas, Keller, McKinney, Prosper, Southlake, Trophy Club, Wylie and others.

Natural Awakenings North Texas readers that register by March 28 receive $25 off the base price of $240. An installment plan is available.

For more information and to register, call 800-968-4332 or visit CampInvention.org. See ad, page 13.

Natural HealthFest – A Ticket to Health

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he fifth annual Natural HealthFest will be held March 29 in Plano, combining nutrition with scientific breakthroughs and time-honored remedies to provide new ways to optimize wellness, increase energy, lose weight, improve memory and look younger.

Fifteen seminars by health professionals will focus on natural solutions for a wide range of health concerns that often stump mainstream medicine. Topics include testosterone, nutrient testing, learning issues, individualized cancer treatment, stem cells and much more.

More than 100 booths will demonstrate cutting-edge health equipment and services. A Passport to Grand Giveaway is available in this magazine or at the event to win prizes such as a package of services from the Kotsanis Institute (value $2,500) or home water filtration equipment (value $500).

Free health screenings, a live Healthy by Nature radio show broadcast with host Martie Whittekin, CCN, door prizes, samples, coupons and a general store offering book and product bargains will be available. An adoption area will feature homeless pets.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 a.m. Live radio broadcast at 8 a.m., seminars start at 9. Admission is $10.

Discounts only available when you pre-purchase tickets online.

Location: 2000 Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Centre, Plano. For more information, call 877-673-2536 or visit NaturalHealthFest.com.

See ad insert.

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newsbriefs Spring Festival 2014

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he annual Spring Festival will be held March 29 and 30 on 35 acres of botanical gardens, flowers, lakes, trees and pavilions at Clark Gardens, in Weatherford.

Festival events and activities include live entertainment, educational stations such as gardening, bee keeping, tree identification, composting, rabbits, container gardening, chickens and the practice of EarthKind gardening.

Other highlights are art exhibitors, a children’s activity area, a classic car show, a model train show and a motorcycle show. Local wineries and Texas-based artisanal cheeses will be spotlighted.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 29 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 30. A classic car show is held from 1 to 4 p.m. March 29, with trophies awarded by popular vote. The motorcycle show is slated for March 30 and a People’s Choice award will be presented. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. Clark Gardens’ members attend for free.

Location: 567 Maddux Rd., Weatherford. For more information and event registration forms, call 940-682-4856 or visit ClarkGardens.org.

Oktoberfest in March

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he 14th annual Tomball German Heritage Festival will be held from March 28 to 30 in Tomball, Texas. The ethnic street festival boasts five stages of live music entertainment, with the Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Eurofest, Round Top Brass Band, German Folk Dance Groups, TubaMeisters, Armstrong Family Bluegrass and bluegrass jam sessions, Scandinavian Folk Dancers of Houston and more.

Street performers, games, ethnic German food and souvenirs, clothing, art and crafts and antiques will be represented. A kid’s area includes carnival rides, bungee jump, rockwall, a petting zoo and pony rides.

A portion of the festival, the carnival, opens from 6 to 11 p.m., March 27. The full festival, which includes booths, vendors and the carnival, is open from 6 to 10 p.m., March 28, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., March 29, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 30.

Music and dancing goes on throughout the event. Admission and parking are free. A free shuttle picks up and drops off at 1200 West Main.

Location: 201 S. Elm, Old Town Tomball. For information and the schedule of events, call 281-379-6844 or visit TomballGermanFest.org.

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DCCCD Sustainability Summit to Teach Environmental Practices

T Learn to Maximize State Park Amenities

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he Texas Outdoor Family program, offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife, gives people handson experience in outdoor skills such as how to set up and break down camp, fire starting, outdoor cooking, nature activities, how to use a GPS, geocaching and introductions to a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching and guided walks.

The program offers all necessary camping equipment, including tents and cooking gear, as part of the weekend. All campers need to bring is sleeping bags, food and personal items. A major component to the program teaches participants about conservation ethics and introduces them to park rangers and what they do.

The program teaches a “leave no trace” philosophy, so it’s environmentally friendly. Weekend workshops statewide begin in March and run through June.

he Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) 2014 Sustainability Summit will take place April 16 at North Lake College, in Irving. Participants will learn about urban sustainable practices and principles from keynote speaker Toby Hemenway.

Fun and informative workshops, presentations and exhibitors of green products and services will be on hand. There will be a showing of the documentary film, Arise, which presents the story of 13 women in five countries that have initiated environmental projects in their communities, towns and villages.

Admission is free, including lunch.

Location: 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. For more information, call 214-378-1819 or visit dcccd.edu and select North Lake College/More Events.

Workshop cost is $65 for one night; $85 for two nights for up to six people. Make reservations at 512389-8903. For more information, visit tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/bof.

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newsbriefs Relay For Life Events Come to North Texas

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he American Cancer Society Denton Relay For Life 2014 will take place from noon to midnight, April 12, at Guyer High School. The opening ceremony brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff to celebrate the lives of those that have battled cancer, to inspire hope by sharing recent accomplishments and progress and to remind everyone that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority.

The Survivors Lap begins at 12:15 p.m., where cancer survivors take the first circuit around the track cheered on by the crowd, celebrating their victory over the disease.

Caregivers follow at 12:30 p.m., walking a lap so they can be honored for their support. Then, each team will have at least one walker on the track at all times for the next 11 hours. A luminaria ceremony takes place at 9 p.m., providing an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.

Other Relays for Life taking place soon include SMU/Dallas on April 5; McKinney on April 25; The Colony on May 2; Azle on May 9; Richardson/Plano on May 9, Wylie on May 9; SE Denton (Lewisville) on May 16; North Dallas on May 17; Allen on May 30; and Frisco on May 30.

For more information about event locations and registering a team or to participate as a survivor, visit RelayForLife.org.

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eace begins with a smile.

~Mother Teresa

Wet and Wild Race Benefits Charity

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he new craze of running through foam will be on display at the 5K Foam Fest, held April 12 at Cousin’s Paintball Park, in Forney. It’s all the fun of a mud run, combined with foam and watery obstacles; the experience is a lot like running through a giant car wash.

The race is suited for the serious and novice runner, walkers and families. With an obstacle course built into the race route, participants navigate obstacle challenges toward the finish line. Runners are encouraged to dress in costume and are required to wear a race bib.

The sponsor, Round House Racing, is dedicated to inspiring a healthier, happier society through the combination of exercise and philanthropy. This year, A Child’s Hope Foundation charity was chosen as the beneficiary, because of their commitment to provide housing and basic necessities to orphaned children in developing countries.

Pick up bibs on race day. Race officials suggest arriving at least one hour early to avoid lines. T-shirts and medals will be handed out at the finish line. Parking is $10 per vehicle.

Location: 8975 FM 740, Forney. For more information or to register, visit 5KFoamFest.com.

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Luxury Sweet Escape Opens in Plano

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ulie Nooner, a licensed esthetician, and Chris Forte, a licensed massage therapist, have opened Luxury Sweet Escape Spa, in Plano; a relaxing environment with a soothing ambiance where clients can be pampered with sweet, signature aromas and flavors that stimulate the senses.

Nooner says "We built the Luxury Sweet Escape Spa concept around helping people escape the stresses of everyday life by creating a place to retreat and receive exceptional care. During facials and massages, clients may choose to enjoy complimentary aromatherapy and choose from five aromas: chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, citrus or mint." To further customize the experience, Nooner and Forte give clients the option of selecting their own music for the session as well.

"We've created an environment where the mind and senses can be soothed and clients leave feeling relaxed and looking great too!"

Basic categories of services include skin care, massage and waxing. Also offered are body wraps, body bronzing, orange peel cellulite treatments, back facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, foot scrubs, hand treatments with paraffin dip, organic body sugar and salt scrubs and tinting. At the conclusion of each service, clients are given recommendations on future care and offered a boxed truffle from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Natural Awakenings North Texas readers receive a $50 introductory massage or facial with a free hot stone treatment (bring magazine). Open by appointment only.

Location: 4140 Legacy Dr., Plano, inside Legacy Salons. For more information or appointments, call 940-3209383 or visit JCSweetEscape.com. See listing, page 46. natural awakenings

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newsbriefs Arts in the Square in Frisco

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ore than 120 local and regional artists will participate March 29 and 30 in the fifth annual Arts in the Square juried fine arts and crafts festival, in Frisco.

Artist’s booths will line both sides of Coleman Boulevard and down Frisco Square Boulevard in front of City Hall. Proceeds go to the Frisco Education Foundation and Frisco Family Services.

Paintings, graphics, pottery, textiles, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, photography, wood and more will be on display.

Attendees can also listen to local musicians, watch performing artists, enjoy interactive art activities and enjoy the food and spirits available from award-winning restaurants.

The event is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Location: Frisco Square, Coleman Blvd. and Main St., Frisco.

For more information and registration forms, visit FriscoSquare.com/aits.

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Rocking and Rolling for the Cure

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he Rock ’n’ Roll Half-Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure is set to take place March 23, in Dallas. Individuals, two-person relay teams and wheelchair athletes can participate. After crossing the finish line, runners can reunite with family and friends at the festival in the family reunion area, where music, food and beverages will be available.

Registration includes a Brooks technical participant shirt, gear bag, refreshments, a finishers medal, finisher’s certificate, admission to the post-race headliner concert and free admission to a two-day Health & Fitness Expo.

There is no race day registration, and online registration closes March 16. All runners must visit the Health and Fitness Expo to pick up their race number, gear bag and T-shirt at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on March 21 or 22. More than 80 exhibitors will be showcasing products and offering samples.

The Expo is free and open to the public from 12 to 6 p.m., March 21, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 22. A one-mile fun run for children in grades K through seven will take place at 9 a.m. March 22.

Location: Young and S. Griffin St., Dallas. For more race and registration information, visit RunRocknRoll.competitor.com/Dallas.

healthbriefs

DIY Projects Keep Seniors Moving

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he British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that a generally active daily life that includes do-it-yourself activities and projects like gardening and car maintenance can cut the risks of heart attacks and strokes by as much as 30 percent and prolong life among adults 60 and over. These routine activities may be as beneficial as exercising for older adults because they decrease total sedentary time, the researchers say.

Scientists in Stockholm, Sweden, tracked more than 4,000 men and women for an average of 12.5 years, starting at age 60. At the start of the study, regardless of exercise habits, high levels of other physical activity were associated with smaller waists and lower levels of potentially harmful blood fats in both sexes, and lower levels of glucose, insulin and clotting factor levels in men.

Those with higher levels of other physical activity were also significantly less likely to experience metabolic syndrome, a first cardiovascular disease event, and early mortality from any cause. The same was true for individuals that undertook high levels of formal exercise, even if it wasn’t routine.

Participants that both exercised regularly and were often physically active in their daily life had the lowest risk profile of all.

Legumes Improve Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure

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cup of beans a day may keep the doctor away. In a randomized trial published in the Archives of Internal Medicine of 121 participants diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, daily consumption of approximately one cup of legumes (peas and beans) was found to improve glycemic control and reduce systolic blood pressure and heart rate, thereby reducing participants’ calculated risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Body weight, waist circumference and fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels also decreased on the legume diet. Legumes appear to make dietary carbohydrates digest more slowly and with a lower glycemic index, which has been associated with reduced hypertension and fewer CHD events in pre-diabetic individuals. natural awakenings

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healthbriefs

Coconut Oil Manages Cholesterol, Shrinks Waistlines

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educed physical activity and increased consumption of carbohydrates and saturated fats fuel increased rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, plus abnormal lipid content in the blood. Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, its chemical composition appears to prevent it from generating negative effects on lipid profiles, according to a growing body of research.

In an earlier study published in Lipids, women that exhibited abdominal obesity consumed supplements of either coconut oil or soybean oil. Throughout the 12-week trial, both groups followed the same weight-loss diet. At the end, the coconut oil group presented a higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or protective cholesterol, and smaller waistlines, while the soybean oil group showed lower HDL levels and an increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plus a less desirable LDL-to-HDL ratio. In a later study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of coconut oil was again associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women.

Researchers that conducted a concurrent pilot study with male and female subjects found that men also experienced shrinking waistlines when supplementing with coconut oil. They explain that coconut oil contains mainly medium-chain fatty acids, which rapidly convert into energy, thereby circumventing the cycle that makes cholesterol and stores fat (Pharmacology).

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Superfoods Defend Chemicals Harm Pets, Too Against Radiation T T he nationwide health epidemic of chronic diseases afflicting the human population is also showing up among companion animals. According to a report by the Environmental Working Group, pets, like a canary in a coal mine, may be the environmental sentinels that are now signaling a clear connection between disease and manmade chemicals.

In a study that analyzed blood samples of dogs and cats, 48 of 70 industrial chemicals and pollutants were traced, many recording levels that were substantially higher than previously reported in national studies of humans. Dogs displayed double the concentration of perfluorochemicals (used in stain-proof and grease-proof coatings); cats evidenced 23 times the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) fire retardants and 5.4 times the amount of mercury.

PBDE levels in hyperthyroid cats have been linked to eating canned cat food and to the increased use of PBDEs in consumer products during the past 30 years. In humans, high levels of flameretardant chemicals are implicated in endocrine disruption, Type 2 diabetes and thyroid disease.

Suggestions for minimizing exposure include avoiding chemicalladen household cleaners, furnishings and carpet; drinking carbon-filtered water; steering clear of food and beverage containers made from or lined with plastic (including cans); and eating organic produce and free-range meat.

wo superfoods show promise for protecting people from radiation damage—cruciferous vegetables and miso, a food paste made from fermented soybeans. Scientists have identified a specific chemical byproduct, 3,3’diindolylmethane (DIM), derived from the digestion of cruciferous vegetables and especially concentrated in broccoli, that is responsible for the defensive effect. The source of miso’s beneficial properties needs further investigation, but appears to stem from the fermentation process.

Research led by Gary Firestone, Ph.D., of the University of California-Berkley, and physician Eliot Rosen, Ph.D., of Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., concluded that administering supplemental DIM before or immediately following lethal levels of radiation exposure protected rats from immediate death. If clinical trials with humans are successful, the compound could be used to minimize acute radiation sickness.

A comprehensive research review published in the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology lends credence to miso’s shielding power. Mice that ate miso a week before irradiation appeared to be protected from radiation injury.

Vitamin E Hope for Cancer Care

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lusive anti-cancer elements of vitamin E, natural tocopherols, have been identified by researchers at Ohio State University as being able to deactivate an enzyme essential for cancer cell survival.

Although both alpha and gamma forms of natural tocopherols worked, the gamma was the most potent in shutting down the troublesome enzyme. Through manipulating the structure of the gamma molecule, the scientists were able to create an agent 20 times more effective than the original vitamin. In mice, this agent reduced the size of prostate cancer tumors.

Over-the-counter vitamin E supplements are limited because many use synthetic forms that do not contain the natural gamma tocopherols. The study’s authors, led by Ching-Shih Chen, Ph.D., note that the human body cannot absorb the high dosages of natural vitamin E required to achieve the anti-cancer effect; their goal is to develop a safe pill that could be taken daily for cancer prevention.

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askanexpert

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hen you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way. ~Wayne Dyer

Jane Liu is a licensed acupuncturist, M.D. of China and owner of Acupuncture for Women, in Frisco, which specializes in infertility and women’s health. For more information, call 214-662-2267 or visit Acupuncture4Women.net. See listing, page 44.

What do you recommend I do if I do get a cold?

1 Drink warm water: after you

catch a cold, the body starts to speed up the metabolism against the virus. In the meantime, more body waste is created. Drinking more water can help the body to pass out more waste and toxins, relieving the cold symptoms.

2 Gargling with saltwater can

help a sore throat: when you feel a sore throat, that means your throat is inflamed. Saltwater can help to clean up the inflammation and relieve the soreness.

3 Ginger tea is a good homemade

medicine for cold symptoms. Use six to eight slices of ginger, one tablespoonful of dark brown sugar with 12 ounces of water. Cook for five to eight minutes, and then wait a few minutes until it cools down to drink. This formula is good for chills, headache, sneezing and body ache.

Submit questions for this section through our website at NA-NTX.com/Contact-Us.

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

Self-Sufficiency

America’s Best Community Garden Cities We don’t have to live in a rural area or even the suburbs to be a farmer these days. According to the Trust for Public Land, the 10 best cities for homegrown veggies from urban gardens are Seattle, Washington (a P-Patch program provides 68 gardens for residents throughout the city); Portland, Oregon (its Produce for People program donates fresh produce to local hunger agencies); Long Beach, California (growing anything from sugar cane and lemongrass to sunflowers and tomatoes); St. Paul, Minnesota (17 community gardens—half run by nonprofits and half open to rent); Honolulu, Hawaii (1,254 plots for public use); San Jose, California (19 community gardens on 35 acres); Baltimore, Maryland (community gardens cover 11 acres throughout the city); Washington, D.C. (a Master Peace Farm program tends area gardens and mentors budding veggie growers at an adjoining middle school); Anchorage, Alaska (a city goal is enabling residents to work together in harmony); and Louisville, Kentucky (Brightside’s community garden program, established 19 years ago, currently manages 10 of Louisville’s 16 gardens).

These gardens not only extol the virtues of fresh, local and often organic foods, they also bring communities together. Some produce food for those in need, others have youth programs and some have even been credited with reducing local crime rates. Many community gardens accept new members in the fall; visit acga.LocalHarvest.org to find one nearby and reserve a space.

Source: TheDailyGreen.com

Homegrown Access

Creative Paths for Local Food Sourcing Entrepreneurs are creating novel ways to circumvent the commercial food system that ships food, in or out of season, for hundreds or thousands of miles at the cost of quality and too often, accountability. Re:farm Denver, in Colorado, for example, supplies families with everything they need for backyard gardens, from irrigation systems to seeds. In 2013, 200 families participated.

Cottage food laws allow artisans to sell breads, jams, candy and other foods made in home kitchens. While specific restrictions vary, 42 states have some type of cottage law. Beth-Ann Betz, who bakes sweets in her New Hampshire kitchen, says, “It gives me the option to be independent and self-employed at 66.”

At the Community Thanksgiving Potluck, in Laguna Beach, California, dinner is shared, not served. For 25 years, those with homes and without, single people, families, city council members and the jobless have gathered to share food and community for the holiday. “It’s a wonderful chaos,” says Dawn Price, executive director of the nonprofit Friendship Shelter.

At Bottles Liquor, in West Oakland, California, a banner reads “Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Available Here.” Bottles is a member of the Healthy Neighborhood Store Alliance, an effort of the nonprofit Mandela Marketplace to bring pesticidefree produce to corner stores throughout the neighborhood.

Source: Yes magazine

Looming Law

International Pact Could Lower Food Protections The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the largest global trade pact to be negotiated since the inception of the World Trade Organization.

Many details remain a mystery and negotiations are being conducted in secret. Leaked drafts of its provisions indicate that the TPP would give multinational corporations the power to sue countries, states, counties or cities in order to negate laws specifically designed to protect citizens, such as bans on growing genetically modified organisms (GMO). Corporations would be allowed to resolve trade disputes in special international tribunals, effectively wiping out hundreds of domestic and international food sovereignty laws.

The TPP would require countries to accept food that meets only the lowest safety standards of the collective participants. If enacted, consumers could soon be eating imported seafood, beef or chicken products that don’t meet basic U.S. food safety standards, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would be powerless to stop imports of such unsafe foods or ingredients. Plus, the labeling of products as fair trade, organic, country-of-origin, animal welfare-approved or GMO-free could be challenged as barriers to trade.

Opposition has grown, thanks to petitions by members of the Organic Consumers Association and other groups. More than 400 organizations, representing 15 million Americans, have petitioned Congress to do away with accelerated acceptance of the measure without full debate.

For more information, visit OrganicConsumers.org and search TPP.

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globalbriefs Farm Relief

FDA Wakens to Local Needs Small farms, farmers’ markets, local food processors and community food banks have been given a reprieve, because on December 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to take a second look at proposed new laws that would have put many of them out of business. The new rules, proposed under the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), came under fire from consumers, farmers and others with voices that were heard.

The FDA said its “thinking has evolved,” and “…significant changes will be needed in key provisions of the two proposed rules affecting small and large farmers. These provisions include water quality standards and testing, standards for using raw manure and compost, certain provisions affecting mixed-use facilities and procedures for withdrawing the qualified exemption for certain farms.”

Source: TheDailyGreen.com

Mercury Mystery

How Sinking Organic Matter Plagues Fish University of Michigan and University of Hawaii researchers claim to have solved a long-standing scientific mystery of how mercury gets into openwater fish. Based on their study findings, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, they also project that mercury levels in Pacific fish will rise in the coming years.

The researchers discovered that up to 80 percent of the toxic form of mercury, methylmercury, is generated deep in the ocean, most likely by bacteria attached to sinking pieces of organic matter. Mercury found in Pacific fish near Hawaii likely traveled thousands of miles through the air before being deposited in the ocean, the team concludes, blaming industrial nations such as China and India that rely on coal-burning power plants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that large fish have the highest levels of methylmercury because they live longer and have more time to accumulate it.

Portland on Tap

City Voters Reject Fluoridation Again Portland, Oregon, residents have rejected a plan to fluoridate city water for the fourth time since 1956, making it the largest city (pop. 900,000) in the United States without fluoride in its water supply. In the 1950s, cities throughout the U.S. championed water fluoridation as a way of fighting tooth decay, but the effort backfired when a condition called fluorosis emerged, which ironically is characterized by tooth enamel discoloration and erosion.

Anti-fluoride forces say that water treatment is not the key to better dental health for children. Fluoride Action Network Executive Director Paul Connett, Ph.D., has a better idea. “We urge the legalization of dental therapists in Oregon who will treat the low-income children dentists refuse to treat.”

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Vanishing Whales

Illegal Hunting Continues to Decimate Species Whales are still being killed, despite an international ban on commercial whaling. According to Greenpeace, many whale species are down to around 1 percent of their estimated former abundance before the days of commercial whaling.

Fourteen whaling nations came together in 1946 to form the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to manage whale stocks and recommend hunting limits where appropriate, but the continuing decline of populations forced the IWC to call for an outright ban on all commercial whaling in 1986. Yet Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to defy the ban, each harvesting hundreds of whales every year.

Several green groups, including the Natural Resources Development Council (NRDC), recently petitioned the U.S. government to take action against Iceland under the Pelly Amendment to the Fisherman’s Protective Act. “The Amendment allows the president to impose trade sanctions against a country that is ‘diminishing the effectiveness’ of a conservation agreement—in Iceland’s case, the whaling moratorium and another international treaty that prohibits trade in endangered species,” writes the NRDC. The petition names several Icelandic firms—including major seafood companies with ties to the country’s whaling industry—as potential targets for trade sanctions.

To learn more, visit iwcoffice.org, Greenpeace.org and nrdc.org.

ecotip Healthy Food at the Front Door A growing trend is the ringing of a doorbell heralding the arrival of healthy food. In addition to the convenience and time savings, having a grocery delivery van make roundtrips to and from multiple customers’ doorsteps generates far less emissions than traditional shopping.

Home deliveries of local and organic fresh fruits and vegetables have customers clamoring for more.

After serving most of the New York metro area for more than a decade, online grocer FreshDirect (FreshDirect.com) began delivering in the Philadelphia metro area in October 2012 and expanded to other parts of Pennsylvania, plus New Jersey and Delaware, last fall. “Our hyper-local, farm-to-fork food systems result in healthy relationships between consumers, food and farmers,” says David McInerney, co-founder of FreshDirect. The company also supports hunger organizations and provides nutritional counseling.

Planet Organics (PlanetOrganics.com) serves the San Francisco Bay area. Beginning last fall, Instacart partnered with Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Costco to begin delivering food to homes in 13 neighborhoods in Chicago. Beginning in Colorado, where it’s based, Door to Door Organics (DoorToDoorOrganics.com) now provides its service in Michigan, plus metro areas of Kansas City, Chicago and New York. Green BEAN Delivery (GreenBeanDelivery. com), based in Indianapolis, now also delivers organic and sustainable foods in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and most recently, St. Louis, Missouri.

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks (FreshPicks.com) taps into 100-plus farmers within a day’s drive of its Niles, Illinois, center, to serve the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas.

“We’re able to concentrate on reaching people of all incomes and get deep into the communities,” says co-owner Shelly Herman. The eight-year-old company also partners with community groups, food pantries and schools.

Going a step further, other companies are delivering prepared healthy meals. In one example, Power Supply (MyPowerSupply.com) recently partnered with Mindful Chef to foster this connection with 50 yoga and other fitness facilities, as well as other businesses in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

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communityspotlight

Gillian Cunningham Realty Group Exceptional Service a Priority

by Beth Davis

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he decision to buy or sell a home is one of the most important financial decisions most people make, yet many give little thought to finding the real estate agent best suited to their needs. However, doing so can save time, effort and stress in finding the perfect home at an affordable price or selling a home for top dollar.

When choosing the right agent, it is crucial to find one that has unparalleled expertise in their local real estate market; understands their client’s needs and wants; knows the intricacies of the real estate process; provides in-depth knowledge of the area; and explains the ups and downs of the market in clear, simple terms. Gillian Cunningham, broker associate with Private Label Realty, takes pride in possessing all of those desired qualities and more.

Cunningham was a double major at the University of Kansas, earning bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration. Prior to launching a career in real 18

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estate, she spent more than a decade in corporate sales and business development for companies like Phillips Petroleum and IBM.

In 2001, she started dabbling in real estate investing. Unfortunately, a real estate and mortgage broker that she and her husband trusted took advantage of the couple. Cunningham said, “It hit me that we were both educated, we both worked in corporate America and each of us had purchased property before. If it happened to us, what was happening to other people out there? It inspired me to want to educate people.”

Cunningham obtained her Realtor’s license in 2002 and began practicing real estate. Although she was still working in software sales, she was determined to help empower individuals to make good decisions and achieve their real estate goals. In 2005, after obtaining her Broker’s license, she made the leap and left the corporate world to start her own boutique agency,

Prestique Realty. In 2013, she joined Private Label Realty, rebranding as Gillian Cunningham Realty Group, to offer clients one stop shopping via Private Label’s seamless network of real estate services including financing, insurance and closing of the sale.

“What’s great is that my clients can utilize the services we provide, or they can choose outside services,” she explains. Either way, Cunningham is truly committed to providing a one-of-a-kind real estate experience and completely focusing on her clients’ needs.

“As a Realtor/Broker and property investor, I believe in raising the bar and staying on the cutting edge when it comes to real estate knowledge, service and technology,” she notes.

“I have a passion for real estate, am a strong negotiator and have a genuine interest in helping all clientele understand the market and meet their real estate goals.”

Her passion has inspired her to earn numerous designations and

“It’s my job to identify the best properties, then share with you the pros and cons,” she says. certifications, such as a Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Buyer Representative, Accredited Staging Professional and Real Estate Internet Technology Certification (e-Pro).

The recognition comes as no surprise. Cunningham goes above and beyond for clients, providing them with the tools and information necessary to make a smart decision. She’s sells throughout the metroplex, and when working as a buyer’s agent, if a client asks about schools, property taxes, community amenities, shopping, restaurants and more, she has the answers. She doesn’t hold back when it comes to disadvantages, either.

“It’s my job to identify the best properties,then share with you the pros and cons,” she says. “Maybe the home backs up to a busy street—people don’t always think about things like that. They are only looking at the inside.”

For buyers, Cunningham offers a detailed buyers’ preparation guide outlining everything one needs to know about purchasing a home. For sellers, she provides a pre-listing package and a detailed outline of her marketing plan. She says sellers must understand that how one lives in a home is not the same as how one sells a home.

She recommends that sellers de-

clutter, depersonalize and neutralize.

Getting an inspection is also advantageous because it allows the client to operate from a position of strength.

She notes, “You know what’s going on before a buyer ever walks in the door; allowing you to reduce the price, fix the problem or provide estimates to share with the buyer.”

Cunningham works with a wide range of clients, from first-time to luxury homebuyers in search of an existing home or new construction.

Last year, she was recognized as a 2013 Five Star Real Estate Agent—representing less than 2 percent of real estate agents in the North Texas area.

The designation recognizes exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts.

“It’s confirmation that I’m doing the right thing and people are appreciating the value of service I bring,” she states.

Gillian Cunningham Realty Group is located at 6900 Dallas Pkwy., #110, in Plano. For more information, call 469-269-2754, email Ask@GillianCunningham.com or visit GillianCunningham.com. See ad, page 10.

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fitbody

Tweet those Fitness Goals Online Friends Help Us Stay on Track

by Tamara Grand

friends with similar health and fitness goals. Follow links to motivational photos, low-calorie recipes and athome workouts. Tweeting when feeling the urge to eat virtually guarantees that we’ll receive a helpful response in a minute or two. Twitter chats are also a fabulous way to connect with an established and helpful healthy living tribe.

Pinterest

A visual smorgasbord of clean-eating recipes, at-home workouts and inspirational photos keeps spirits up. Pinterest accesses photos throughout the Internet that we can grab and “pin” to a personal online vision board. It’s also possible to create a visual cookbook, pinning recipes to, for example, clean eating, Paleo, pumpkin and oatmeal themed boards. It’s fun to connect with our favorite healthy living peeps and start following their boards for continuous injections of inspiration and motivation.

Instagram

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umans are inherently social creatures. Most of us enjoy the company of others and spend much of our waking time engaging in social interactions with colleagues, friends and family. People that spend a lot of time together often adopt one another’s eating and exercise habits—sometimes for the better, but often for the worse.

At least one positive side to wishing to conform socially is unexpected.

Finding the right circle of friends—our own personal support group—can make sticking to an exercise schedule or diet easier. It’s a key factor in the popularity of organized weight-loss groups and exercise classes.

Studies published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Obesity demonstrate that just having a weight-loss or fitness support system in place results in better adherence to diet and exercise with more pounds shed and kept off over the long term. Researchers believe that in

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addition to the motivation and accountability supporters provide, benefits are also enhanced by learning through observing; changing our behavior through watching the actions and outcomes of others’ behavior.

If we don’t have physical access to a local support group, we can access one online or create our own, using one of the following social media platforms.

Facebook

The leading social networking website includes thousands of community and group pages devoted to weight loss, exercise and healthy living. Its search function helps find one that fits our needs. Make an introduction and join the discussion. Participating in a special challenge helps everyone stay motivated.

Twitter

This micro-blogging site is informal and fast-paced, providing nearly instantaneous feedback. Use Twitter to identify

Love to take photos using a smartphone?

Instagram provides a platform for sharing snippets of our day via pictures. Fitness fans regularly “Instagram” their meals and workouts, in part to remain accountable to their online followers, but also to help motivate themselves and others to make healthy choices each day.

YouTube

Our go-to resource for music videos is also home to hundreds of healthy living “channels”. Want to follow someone’s 100-pound weight-loss journey, learn how to cook quinoa or follow along with free, at-home workout videos? This is the place. Watch, share and comment on a favorite YouTube video to become part of its online community.

The key to using social media to improve our health and fitness is inherent in the name. It’s a friendly way to interact, participate and engage with others.

Tamara Grand, Ph.D., is a certified personal trainer and a group fitness and indoor cycling instructor in Port Moody, British Columbia, in Canada. Her new book is Ultimate Booty Workouts. She contributes to Life.Gaiam.com and blogs at FitKnitChick.com.

inspiration

readertip Spring Garden To-Do List

Gardening as Spiritual Practice Cycles of Growth Cultivate Our Divinity

by April Thompson

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“

ardening is not about having or taking; it’s about giving,” says Connecticut psychotherapist Gunilla Norris, author of A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul. “And in giving, the garden gives back to you.” She deems the art of practicing gratitude in the garden as an intentional path for cultivating spirituality.“Every day, go out and thank the ground. Life is burgeoning all around us, all the time,” she continues. “If we can just appreciate that, it’s a big deal.”

It’s hard not to be humbled and awed by the miracle of life when we see a seedling push its tiny green head above ground, lean toward the sun and unfurl its first set of leaves. Each bit of plant life is simply fulfilling its mission to grow and be.

“Gardening enhances our relationship to the Earth. Through gardening, we are helping to heal the planet, which is part of the work we are all called to do,” remarks Al Fritsch, a Jesuit priest in Ravenna, Kentucky, and author of the e-book, Spiritual Growth Through Domestic Gardening (free at EarthHealing.info/garden.htm). Over his lifetime, Fritsch has helped turn a parking lot, a section of church lawn, and overgrown bottomland all into thriving gardens. In his view, “It gives us a sense of home, roots us in place.”

We can even discover our personal calling through cultivating a garden while gleaning endless spiritual lessons: Here dwells patience and an appreciation for the natural order of things; no fertilizer can force a flower to bloom before its time. Here resides mindfulness as we learn to notice changes in the plants under our care and discern what they need to thrive. Here abides interdependence; we wouldn’t have carrots, corn or cherries without the bats, birds, and bees playing in the pollen. In a garden, we naturally accept the cycle of life, death and rebirth as we bid adieu to the joy of seasonal colors and let flowerbeds rest in peace, anticipating their budding and blooming again.

Just as the fruits of growing a garden exceed the doing—the weeding and seeding and countless other tasks—so do the riches of tending a spiritual life surpass the striving. We do well to rejoice in the sacred space created, cherishing every spiritual quality nurtured within and reflected in the Divine handiwork. Breathing in the floral perfume carried by the breeze and reveling in the multi-hued textures of living artistry, we celebrate the fact that we too, are playing our part of the natural miracle of life.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

1. Check local planting schedules for purchasing seeds locally or online and when to plant them. Put important dates and reminders on a home calendar or smartphone calendar app.

2. Reflect on the current year and what was learned or applied so far. Ask what did or didn’t do well in the fall or winter, because some of those crops can be planted now.

3. Clear out finished or spent plants from fall and winter plantings. These plants can harbor pests and diseases if they are left in the beds.

4. Add soil amendments to replenish the beds. Compost is a must, because it adds vital organic matter. Other recommended amendments include greensand, molasses, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal and worm castings.

5. Consider using a thick layer of mulch that will break down into the soil. My personal favorite is chopped grass clippings and dried leaves. Moisture retention will be critical as summer approaches.

6. Prepare garden defenses. Last year was especially bad for pests due to our mild winter. Stock up on or prepare organic pest controls like garlic pepper tea, insecticidal soap, BT [safe pesticide], etc.

7. Consider a drip irrigation system to provide consistent moisture. This is well worth the cost in time and money, especially when used with an automatic timer.

Greg Holdsworth is the owner of Your Own Victory Garden, which installs organic vegetable gardens and builds custom garden structures. For more information, call 214-517-9890 or visit YourOwnVictoryGarden.com.

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healthykids Action Plan for Parents

Seven Signs of Food Sensitivities

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by Pamela Bond

n recent years, Pediatrician William Sears has seen many more cases of asthma and eczema in his San Clemente, California, office. Dairy and wheat remain the biggest culprits, but experts believe new factors may be contributing to the rise in food sensitivities, including synthetic additives like partially hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and flavors and sweeteners, plus genetically modified ingredients.

Often undiagnosed and untreated, food intolerances can cause long-term tissue damage, warns Sears, author of The NDD Book, which addresses what he calls nutrient deficit disorder without resorting to drugs. Increasingly, kids are developing formerly adultonset diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease and acid reflux, he says.

If it seems that a child is having a dietary reaction, first look for clues. “A lot of parents already suspect the answer,” says Kelly Dorfman, a licensed nutritionist dietitian and author of What’s Eating Your Child? Become a “nutrition detective”, she suggests. Here’s how to assess conditions and find solutions.

Spitting Up

Suspects: Intolerance to casein—a protein prevalent in dairy cow milk different from its form in breast milk that can get into mothers’ milk or formula— tends to irritate an infant’s gut lining, causing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and then chronic ear infections or constipation, says Dorfman.

Action: Remove dairy from the baby’s and nursing mom’s diet for at least a week. For formula feeding, choose a brand made with predigested casein or whey. To heal baby’s damaged intestinal 22

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lining, give 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) daily of probiotic bacteria, mixed in a bottle or sprinkled on food.

Chronic Diarrhea

Suspects: Intolerance to gluten (a protein in wheat and other grains) or lactose (dairy sugar). Diarrhea, the gastrointestinal tract’s way of eliminating problematic substances, plus gas and bloating, often accompany these intolerances.

Lactose intolerance is usually a root cause and is present in nearly everyone that’s gluten intolerant, Dorfman says.

Action: Get a blood test to check for celiac disease, then eliminate gluten for at least a month. Although the diarrhea could end within a week, “You need a few weeks to see a trend,” counsels Dorfman. Consume fermented dairy

products like cheese and yogurt, which have low lactose levels; cream dairy products may also test OK.

Chronic Ear Infections

Suspects: Dairy intolerance and for many, soy sensitivity. Some research has shown that 90 percent of kids with recurring ear infections or ear fluid have food reactions, corroborated by Dorfman’s patients.

or sugar. According to Sears, children’s underdeveloped blood-brain barrier increases vulnerability to the neurotoxic effects of chemical food additives, including artificial colors and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Action: Quit dairy and soy for several months to verify a correlation. Dorfman recommends eliminating soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu, adding that ultrasensitive individuals may need to avoid processed foods that contain soy byproducts.

Action: When possible, buy organic foods certified to contain no artificial colors. Otherwise, scrutinize food labels for the nine petroleum-based synthetic dyes in U.S. foods: Blue 1 and 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3 and 40, Yellow 5 and 6. Avoid ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, fructose, cane sugar and syrup—all added sugars.

Itchy Skin

Crankiness

Suspects: Reaction to gluten, casein (in dairy products) and eggs plus oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, strawberries and pineapple.

Action: Because itchiness can suggest a histamine response, ask an allergist for an IgE radioallergosorbent (RAST) blood test to detect food sensitivities.

Hyperactivity

Suspects: Sensitivity to artificial colors

Suspects: Gluten sensitivity is traditionally associated exclusively with digestive disturbances, but some recent studies have linked it to neurological symptoms, from moodiness and chronic headaches to ADHD and coordination loss.

Action: Eliminate gluten for a month to assess a potential connection between mood and food, possibly signaled by excessive eating of a certain food.

Finding the Root of Food Sensitivities

by Deborah Bain

F

ood sensitivities are a result of many compounding factors, including intestinal health, nutritional status, genetics, medications that include antacids, ibuprofen and antibiotics, and even stress. The immune system is very complex and is not completely understood.

There are many confounding factors that may mitigate or worsen someone’s response to things in their environment, from foods to topical applications to inhalants.

The classic food allergy includes an IgE antibody reaction and has the potential for causing anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), and once experienced, the allergy is fairly obvious. This extreme type of reaction affects about 2

percent of adults and 4 to 8 percent of children in the United States. Less obvious are food sensitivities that have delayed reactions to a food and are more difficult to diagnose. Food sensitivity has been related to nonspecific symptoms such as migraines, chronic fatigue, recurrent ear infections, chronic congestion, eczema, brain fog, behavioral problems and other vague complaints. This type of sensitivity is quantified by measuring IgG antibodies. The difficulty is that there is controversy as to what the IgG antibodies actually do.

Some authorities say IgG antibodies are measuring “tolerance” to a food, others say they measure “intolerance”.

The best way to find out what may be causing symptoms is to ask ourself

Stunted Growth

Suspects: Gluten sensitivity or zinc deficiency. Because gluten intolerance interferes with nutrient absorption, suffering kids often fail to thrive. “Small size— height or weight—is a classic symptom of celiac disease,” Dorfman advises.

Zinc could be another factor; it normalizes appetite and through its relationship with growth hormones, helps the body develop. If levels are too low, growth will be abnormally stunted. In such cases, a child may rarely be hungry, be a picky eater or complain that food smells or tastes funny, Dorfman says.

Action: Eliminate gluten consumption for a month. A blood test by a pediatrician can determine serum zinc levels, or buy a zinc sulfate taste test online. After sipping a zinc sulfate solution, the child will report either tasting nothing (indicating deficiency) or a bad flavor (no deficiency). Zinc-rich foods include beef, chicken, beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews and chickpeas. To counter a deficiency, ask a family healthcare provider for an age-appropriate supplement dose.

Pamela Bond is the managing editor of Natural Foods Merchandiser. what we are eating daily that may be causing the problem. Eliminate the top offenders, which are usually dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, wheat, corn and shellfish.

A blood test for food sensitivities and allergies may also be a helpful place to start when determining an elimination diet trial. By cleaning the slate of all potential foods causing symptoms and replacing them with whole food nutrients and an anti-inflammatory, whole food diet, symptoms may resolve. Digestive enzymes and probiotics are also used to help with normal intestinal health and the breakdown of foods in order to resolve the food sensitivities.

Deborah Bain, M.D., FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP, is a doctor of pediatrics and owner of Healthy Kids Pediatrics, in Frisco.

For more information, call 972-294-0808 or visit HealthyKidsPediatrics.com. See ad, page 6.

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Fresh Food Trends Natural Trailblazers in Sustainable Eating

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

Food experts have listed local, regional and sustainable foods among the top food trends for 2014. Consumers’ heightened environmental awareness and their love for fresh flavors are responsible.

T

here’s even a new term, “hyperlocal”, to describe produce harvested fresh from onsite gardens at restaurants, schools, supermarkets and hospitals—all designed for sourcing tasty, nutrient-rich foods minus the fuelguzzling transportation costs. Adding emphasis to the need to preserve vital local food sources, the United Nations has designated 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

Here are four thriving food trends resulting from shifts in Americans’ thinking and our growing love for all things local.

Foraging

What could be more entertaining and economical than searching for and gathering wild foods in their natural habitat?

From paw paws and persimmons in Missouri to palmetto berries in Florida and seaweed in California, Mother Nature provides a feast at her children’s feet.

Commonly foraged foods include nuts, 24

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mushrooms, greens, herbs, fruits and even shellfish. To learn how to identify regional native wild foods and cash in on some “free” nutritious meals, foragers need to know where and when to harvest their bounty. Conservation departments and state and national parks often offer helpful field guides and recipes.

Jill Nussinow, also known as The Veggie Queen, a registered dietitian and cookbook author in Santa Rosa, California, characterizes foraging as “nature’s treasure hunt.” Nussinow says she forages for the thrill of it and because, “It puts you very much in touch with the seasons.”

On her typical foraging excursions through forests and on beaches, Nussinow notes, “You never know what you might find: mushrooms, berries, miner’s lettuce, mustard pods or sea vegetables.

It’s free food, there for the picking.”

However, she warns, “You have to know what you are doing. Some wild foods can be harmful.”

For example, Nussinow advises getting to know about mushrooms before venturing forth to pick them. She recommends the book Mushrooms Demystified, by David Arora, as a learning tool, and checking with local mycological associations for safe mushroom identification. She also likes the advice of “Wildman” Steve Brill, of New York City, who publishes educational articles at WildmanSteveBrill.com. “He knows more about wild foods than anyone I know,” she says.

Vermont wildcrafter Nova Kim teaches her students not only how to identify wild edibles, but also how to harvest them sustainably. It’s critical to make sure wild foods will be available for future generations.

Fermentation

Kefir, kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut all owe their unique flavors to fermentation. Sandor Katz, author of The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes From Around the World, is a self-described “fermentation revivalist”. He explains how microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria that are universally present on raw vegetables and in milk, transform fresh food into preserved sustenance.

Katz recalls how his boyhood love for sour pickles grew to an “obsession with all things fermented.” An abundant garden crop of cabbage left him wondering, “What are we going to do with all that cabbage?” The answer came naturally: “Let’s make sauerkraut.”

Subsequently, Katz has become an international expert on the art and science of fermentation from wine to brine and beyond, collecting recipes and wisdom from past generations (WildFermentation. com). He observes, “Every single culture enjoys fermented foods.”

Increasing respect and reverence for fermented foods and related communities of beneficial microorganisms is a new frontier in nutrition and medical sciences. For example, several researchers at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting last fall in Houston, Texas, described the connections between the trillions of bacteria living in the human gut, known as the “microbiota”, and mental and physical health. Kelly Tappenden, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology with the

Top 10 Food Trends for 2014 1 Locally sourced meats and seafood

2 Locally grown produce 3 Environmental sustainability 4 Healthful kids’ meals 5 Gluten-free cuisine 6 Hyperlocal sourcing

(e.g. restaurant gardens)

7 Children’s nutrition 8 Non-wheat noodles/pasta

(e.g. quinoa, rice, buckwheat)

9 Sustainable seafood

10 Farm/estate-branded items Source: Restaurant.org

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, explained that gut bacteria play a variety of roles, including assisting in the digestion and absorption of nutrients; influencing gene expression; supporting the immune system; and affecting body weight and susceptibility to chronic disease.

Feed Matters

The popular adage, “We are what we eat,” applies to animals, as well. New research from Washington State University shows that organic whole milk from pasture-fed cows contains 62 percent higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional, or non-organic, whole milk. The striking difference is accounted for by the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national organic program legally requires that organic cows have access to pasture throughout the grazing season. The more time cows spend on high-quality pasture, which includes grass, legumes and hay, the more beneficial the fats will be in their milk.

On the other hand, when ruminant animals, designed to graze on pasture, are fed a steady diet of corn and soy, both their milk and meat contain less beneficial fat. natural awakenings

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According to Captain Joseph Hibbeln, a lipid biochemist and physician at the National Institutes of Health, American diets have become deficient in omega-3 fatty acids over the past 100 years, largely because of industrial agriculture. Hibbeln believes that consuming more omega-3s may be one of the most important dietary changes Americans can make to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health and enhance children’s brain and eye development, including boosting their IQs.

Coldwater fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines provide excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Plus, dairy and meat from animals raised on pasture can improve our intake, as well.

Faith

How might eating with the “creation” in mind influence food and agriculture trends? Barbara Ross, director of social services for Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri, believes, “People’s common denominator is that we are all part of and integral to the creation.” She considers how “Food, agriculture, environment and economy are bound together in a way that requires we think, plan and act for the dignity of each person and the common good of the human family.”

Ross explains that the choices we make in these vital areas affect the richness of our soils, the purity of our air and water and the health of all living things.

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Hyperlocal Superstars Food Corps is a national nonprofit with a mission to improve school food and thus children’s health and lifelong potential. Active in 15 states, it places teams of young teachers in limitedresource communities to establish school gardens, provide food-based nutrition education and supplement school meals with garden fresh produce. Visit FoodCorps.org.

Marie George, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy at St. John’s University, in Queens, New York, agrees, “The serious ecological crises we see today stem from the way we think,” and “reveal an urgent moral need for a new solidarity” to be better stewards of the Earth and its creatures. For example, George sees it as contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer; that’s why she opposes gestation crates and the push for cheap food that exploits animals and the environment in the process.

Kelly Moltzen, a registered dietitian in Bronx, New York, shares a passion for addressing food justice and sustainability from her faith-based perspective of Franciscan spirituality. She believes that, “When we connect our spirituality with the daily act of eating, we can eat in a way that leads to a right relationship with our Creator.” By bridging spirituality with nutrition and the food system, Moltzen hopes to raise awareness of

how people can care for their body as a temple and live in right relationship with the Earth, which she perceives as “the larger house of God.”

Fred Bahnson, director of the Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the author of Soil and Sacrament: A Spiritual Memoir of Food and Faith.

His book takes the reader on a journey to four different faith communities— Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and Jewish—to explore connections between spiritual nourishment and the cultivation of food. Bahnson speaks about sacred soil and the communities of mystical microorganisms that lie within and create the foundation for sustenance.

He also describes the special power of communal gardens, which welcome all and provide nourishing food, yet come to satisfy more than physical hunger.

Regardless of religious denomination, Amanda Archibald, a registered dietitian in Boulder, Colorado, believes, “We are in a new era of food—one that embraces and honors food producers and food systems that respect soil, environment and humanity itself.”

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

The Jaw – Spinal Cord Connection A Simple Check-up Can Make All the Difference in One's Overall Health

by Robert Limosnero, Sandhya Krishan and Cecilia Yu

A

common question for dental practitioners concerns the need for a mouth guard for athletes. The simple answer is yes, but it is important to understand its function. A mouth guard is a covering that is placed on the upper or lower teeth to protect them from injury in sport-related activities.

A more thorough dental version of a mouth guard, known as an appliance, will also protect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), from injury during periods of grinding and or clenching.

Over-the-counter mouth guards are manufactured predominantly in two premade forms that protect the teeth, but a custom appliance made at a dental office also maintains the balance between the upper and lower jaw so that dysfunction or destruction do not occur. Symptoms of imbalance include tooth pain, facial pain, headaches and neck pain. Using the latest technology, dentists have tools to identify many problems in the TMJ to make better diagnoses and appliances that prevent further damage to teeth and the TMJ joint.

The use of a dental appliance is important for the treatment of several jaw-related problems and appliances are also being used to address sleep apnea and snoring with great success. However, another aspect of a patient’s well-being is how the fit of that appliance affects the neurological flow of the entire body.

There are two parts to the jaw: the maxilla, which is the upper part of the skull, or the non-moveable part with teeth, and the mandible, or the moveable part with teeth.

The connecting location is the TMJ. What holds these two

parts together are the muscles and ligaments, which are all controlled by facial nerves that come from the brainstem and are connected to the first vertabrae (also called the atlas).

If the atlas is in alignment and the brainstem is firing its signals correctly, allowing the nerves to function as they should, an improperly set appliance will put pressure onto the nerves and actually be capable of taking the patient out of alignment at the atlas, causing the nerves to not fire correctly, and giving way to symptoms such as headaches, vertigo, TMJ issues and even low back pain.

A simple check can determine if the dental appliance is affecting the spinal alignment and nerve flow. If the nerves are not firing correctly, that is considered a misalignment. If it is determined that the mouth guard is causing a misalignment, having that appliance refit by a dentist that understands the jaw/ spinal cord connection and can work with your spinal health practitioner is key.

While mouth guards and dental appliances are valuable protective tools for a patient to continuously feel well, the combination of having a properly set dental appliance and staying in alignment is key.

Robert Limosnero and Sandhya Krishan are doctors of dentistry and the owners of Dental Studio of Carrollton. Cecilia Yu is a NUCCA doctor of chiropractic and owner of Synergy Balance, in Dallas. For more information or to schedule an appointment, see their ads, pages 5 and 9.

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healingways

Superherbs Four Plants That Fight Off Disease

by Kathleen Barnes

Mother Nature’s most potent healing herbs are already on most spice racks or growing nearby, often right outside the door.

All gardening is landscape painting.

~William Kent

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H

erbs, respected for their healing properties for millennia, have been widely used by traditional healers with great success. Now clinical science supports their medicinal qualities.

Pharmaceutical companies routinely extract active ingredients from herbs for common medications, including the potent pain reliever codeine, derived from Papaver somniferum; the head-clearing antihistamines ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, from Ephedra sinica; and taxol, the chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer, from Taxus brevifolia. These are among the findings according to Leslie Taylor, a naturopath and herbalist headquartered in Milam County, Texas, and author of The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs.

Even among an abundance of healing herbs, some stand out as nature’s “superherbs” that provide an array of medical properties, according to Rosemary Gladstar, of Barre, Vermont, the renowned author of Herbal

Remedies for Vibrant Health and related works. Two of these, she notes, are widely considered nuisance weeds.

Plantain (Plantago major): Commonly used externally for poultices, open wounds, blood poisoning and bee stings, it also helps relieve a wider variety of skin irritations. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, this common “weed” fortifies the liver and reduces inflammation, which may reduce the risk for many kinds of chronic diseases. At least one study, published in the journal Planta Medica, suggests that plantain can enhance the immune system to help fight cancer and infectious diseases.

“Plantain is considered a survival herb because of its high nutritional value,” advises Gladstar, who founded the California School of Herbal Studies, in Sonoma County, in 1978. A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirms it’s an excellent source of alpha-tocopherol, a natural form of vitamin E and beta

carotene that can be used in salads for those that don’t mind its bitter taste.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Like plantain, dandelion is one of the most powerful medicinal herbs on the planet. “Dandelion is revered wherever you travel, except in the United States, where it is considered noxious,” observes Gladstar.

Americans should reconsider their obsession with eradication. Dandelion root is an effective treatment against several types of cancer, including oftenfatal pancreatic and colorectal cancers and melanoma, even those that have proven resistant to chemotherapy and other conventional treatments, according to several studies from the University of Windsor, in England.

Traditionally part of a detoxification diet, it’s also used to treat digestive ailments, reduce swelling and inflammation and stop internal and external bleeding.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric gives curry powder its vibrant yellow color. “Curcumin, turmeric’s most important active ingredient, is a wealth of health, backed by substantial scientific evidence that upholds its benefits,” says Jan McBarron, a medical and naturopathic doctor in Columbus,

Herb: A plant or a part of a plant that is used as medicine or to give flavor to food. ~ Merriam Webster Georgia, author of Curcumin: The 21st Century Cure and co-host of the Duke and the Doctor radio show.

Several human and animal studies have shown that curcumin can be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, both in prevention and to slow or even stop its progress. One Australian study showed that curcumin helps rid the body of heavy metals that may be an underlying cause of the memory-robbing disease. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that curcumin helped dissolve the plaques and tangles of brain material characteristic to Alzheimer’s.

Curcumin is also known to be effective in lessening depression and preventing heart disease, some types of cancer and diabetes, says McBarron.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Primarily used for its considerable anti-

Herbal Medicine Cabinet Safety First!

by Patti Carey

E

very culture in the world throughout history has utilized herbs for both healing and food. In Oriental medicine, where the use of herbs is part of the complete approach to health and healing, herbal formulas were written as long ago as 200 B.C., and are still seen as one of its major therapeutic modalities, which include acupuncture, nutrition and exercise, all individualized for the patient. The foundation for use of herbs was based on the philosophy that health and illness are natural phenomena that need to be investigated and observed, and then treated based on what is observed

clinically.

While many herbs are relatively safe for general use, we must remember that herbs and food are medicine.

As with any medicine, not all herbs are good for all people. Many common herbs have potential side effects, including wonderful herbs such as turmeric and ginger. Combinations of herbs can cause serious side effects and some may interfere with the effectiveness of Western medications as well.

We utilize herbs such as spices in our daily cooking and may not give any thought to their medicinal value, but under appropriate guidance those same

inflammatory properties, ginger makes a delicious and healing tea and an enticing spice in a variety of dishes. This herbal powerhouse has at least 477 active ingredients, according to Beyond Aspirin, by Thomas M. Newmark and Paul Schulick.

Considerable research confirms ginger’s effectiveness against a variety of digestive problems, including nausea from both morning sickness and chemotherapy. Research from Florida’s University of Miami also confirms its usefulness in reducing knee pain.

“Ginger is a good-tasting herb to treat any type of bacterial, fungal or viral infection,” says Linda Mix, a retired registered nurse in Rogersville, Tennesse, and author of Herbs for Life!

The health benefits of these four vital herbs are easily accessed by growing them in a home garden or pot or via extracted supplements.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of Rx from the Garden: 101 Food Cures You Can Easily Grow. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Note: For referenced studies, check the National Center for Biotechnology Information. herbs can also be used to treat many illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, common cold, skin diseases, acne, digestive disorders, allergies and pain.

For almost all Western drugs there are herbs or herbal formulas that may be substituted with fewer side effects.

The best way to utilize herbs is to work with an herbalist, acupuncturist or naturopath. Extreme caution should be used in assuming that an herb is “good for you” because it has been recognized as having potential for curing or protecting against a disease. Always purchase herbs from a trained herbalist and proceed with caution when taking prescription medications.

Patti Carey is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and the owner of Patti Carey, L.Ac., located in Plano. For more information, call 972704-3730 or visit PattiCareyLAC.com.

See ad, page 27.

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greenliving

Food Revolution in a Tank Aquaponics Offers Year-Round Homegrown Fish and Veggies

by Avery Mack is a mutually beneficial blend of the two. icture a salad of mixed lettuces Our indoor aquaponics system produces or romaine accented with miabout 150 pounds of fresh tilapia every crogreens and ripe, red tomatoes month, plus nearly 200 pounds of letalongside an entrée of tilapia, completuces, herbs and microgreens.” mented by a dessert of fresh strawber FoodChain, which shares producries—all organic, eco-friendly and tion space in a former bread factory freshly harvested, even in the middle with Smithtown Seafood and West Sixth of winter. The ingredients for this meal don’t have to travel many miles to reach Brewing, hosted 2,000 guests and was the destination for 54 field trips last the table—they can be found just sevyear by farmers, church groups, Rotary eral feet away, thanks to aquaponics.

“Aquaculture is fish farming, hydro- clubs and students of all grade levels. ponics is soilless gardening,” explains The seafood restaurant’s website notes, Becca Self, executive director of educa“We can step outside our back door tional nonprofit FoodChain, in downinto the farm for our superfood salad town Lexington, Kentucky. “Aquaponics greens, herbs and tilapia.”

P

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FoodChain is also finding a way to use waste grain from the microbrewery as fish food. According to brewmaster Robin Sither, the grain is free of genetic engineering, but not organic. He notes that it’s rare for a brewery to use organic grain.

The general hydroponics concept dates back to ancient practices in Chinese rice fields, Egyptian bottomlands flooded by the Nile River and Aztec floating gardens perched on low rafts layered with rich bottom muck. By the early 20th century, chemists had identified solutions of 13 specific nutrients which, added to water, could entirely substitute for fertile soil. That’s when William F. Gericke, Ph.D., of the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, took the science of hydroponics into commercial production.

“In today’s space-efficient, closed, recirculating aquaponic systems that combine fish tanks and plant troughs, fish waste provides fertilizer for the plants, while the plants clean the water for fish,” says Gina Cavaliero, owner of Green Acre Aquaponics, in Brooksville, Florida. The 2013 Aquaponics Association Conference, in Tucson, Arizona, reported that aquaponic plants grow faster and offer higher yields, plus the sustainable technology recycles 90 percent of the water.

In Denver, JD Sawyer, president of Colorado Aquaponics, operates a 3,000-square-foot farm in a food desert neighborhood (without easy access to fresh, healthy, affordable food). Koi, tilapia and hybrid striped bass fertilize romaine, bib lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, chives and strawberries.

Other crops include tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash and root vegetables like beets and carrots. Tilapia and bass sell to the community and restaurants; koi are used in livestock ponds.

Sawyer remarks, “An aquaponics system can be indoors or out, depending on the climate, for commercial use or in the home. The basement, garage or a spare room is ideal for growing your own food.” Home garden sizes range from a 20-gallon aquarium to a 10-by-20-foot area.

Avery Ellis, an ecological designer and permaculture specialist in Boulder, Colorado, builds dynamic, living, nonconventional systems. “The temperature

“We like to use heirloom varieties; we don’t want just pretty plants that have diluted flavor. Butter lettuce is the tilapia of plants—it’s easy to grow for a good yield.” ~ Erik Oberholtzer, Tender Greens restaurants in most homes is near 70 degrees, an ideal temperature for a tropical fish like tilapia,” he says. “A 50-gallon fish tank, a 50-gallon storage bin and a timer to feed the fish automatically and supply light can be a self-sustaining system.”

Outdoors, a greenhouse or geodesic dome can house the system. “A harmonious balance maintains itself, and we enjoy maximum yields from little labor,” says Ellis. He reflects that the solutions for feeding the world exist if we just open our eyes to what needs to be done. For those that don’t care to harvest and clean

fish, decorative koi species work well.

Erik Oberholtzer, founder and owner of Tender Greens restaurants, which sources from nearby southern California farms and is exploring ways to install an aquaponics system in each of its restaurants, explains, “The world is suffering from a loss of growing habitat, genetically modified seeds and global warming. Aquaponics enables growers to stay ahead of climate change, making it the future of sustainable farming.

It’s an ethical way to make quality food healthy, affordable and profitable.”

Aquaponics methods deliver fish free of mercury and genetically modified fish food, plus the freshest vegetables possible, all without the worry of weeds, rabbits, insects, suspect fertilizers, toxic herbicides and pesticides. A home aquaponics system can be one of the best green investments to make in 2014. According to Oberholtzer, “Eating this way should not be a luxury.”

Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@ mindspring.com.

T

he first wealth is health.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Aquaponics Advantages 4 Enthusiasts can start small 4 No soil is needed 4 No fertilizer is needed (provided by the fish) 4 No toxic pesticides 4 Uses 90 percent less water than conventional methods 4 Plants help filter indoor air 4 Pests and diseases are easier to spot for treatment 4 Growing basil helps repel pests 4 Operator controls nutrition levels at less cost and waste 4 No nutrients pollute the larger environment 4 Stable, high yields of organic produce and safe-fed fish 4 Year-round production from indoor systems 4 Easy to harvest; fish harvesting is optional 4 Aesthetic enjoyment natural awakenings

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wisewords From “Why Me?” to “Thank You!”

Wayne Dyer on the Value of Hard Lessons

by Linda Sechrist

A

fter four decades teaching selfdevelopment and empowerment and authoring more than 30 bestselling books, Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., shares dozens of events from his life in his latest work, I Can See Clearly Now. In unflinching detail, he relates vivid impressions of encountering many forks in the road, from his youth in Detroit to the present day, and reflects on these events from his current perspective, noting what lessons he ultimately learned.

these miracles show up.

There are 60 chapters in the book. Every time I finished one, I would think: “Now I can see clearly why I had to go through all of these experiences and learn all these lessons.” As a result, I suggest that whenever something happens that leads you to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” shift instead to the awareness that all experiences, no matter what, are gifts.

What has writing this book taught you and how can it help others better understand their own lives?

You describe the influential patterns and motivators in your life as diamonds and stones; how would you characterize your childhood years in foster homes?

My biggest lesson was that our whole life is like a checkerboard. When I looked back on my life, I began to realize this and gained an awareness of the fact that there’s something else moving all of the pieces around. The key to attracting this mystical guidance into your life is to start with awareness that all things are possible and to forget about yourself. When you get your ego out of the picture, your inner mantra isn’t, “What’s in it for me? and “How much more can I get?” Instead, when your inner mantra is, “How may I serve or what may I do for you?” and you practice consistently living this way, you attract this mystical guidance. I have found that the more I do this, the more

I can now see that spending the better part of my first decade in a series of foster homes was all a part of God’s infallible plan for me. I believe I was in a type of training camp for becoming a teacher of higher spiritual and commonsense principles. If I was going to spend my adult life teaching, lecturing and writing on self-reliance, then I obviously needed to learn to rely upon myself and be in a position to never be dissuaded from this awareness. What better training ground for teaching this than an early childhood that required a sense of independence and need for self-sufficiency? Now that I know that every encounter, challenge and situation is a spectacular thread in a

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tapestry, and that each represents and defines my life, I am deeply grateful for them all.

Each of us has a mission of some kind to fulfill at the moment we make the shift from nowhere to now here, from spirit to form. I’ve seen firsthand how this universe has a creative source of energy supporting it that is literally the matrix of all matter. Nothing occurs by happenstance anywhere, because this universal mind is perpetually on call, going about its miraculous ways in terms of infinite possibilities.

What can you see clearly about your role as a parent?

I’ve watched my eight children show up from birth with their unique personalities and blossom into their own awakenings. I know for certain that the one Divine mind that is responsible for all of creation has a hand in this engaging mystery. Same parents, same environment, same culture and yet eight individuals, with their own distinctive character traits. Khalil Gibran stated it perfectly in The Prophet: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”

Each of my children had their blueprint from God. My job has been to guide, then step aside and let whatever is inside them that is their own uniqueness steer the course of their lives.

What has your life taught you about prayer?

I feel that the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi says it best: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.” The masters I’ve studied pray to become more godly, more like where we originally came from.

My prayer is always, “Help me to remind myself to get rid of this ego and to be like You are. Help me to be my highest self, the place within that is God.” Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for the extended interview.

consciouseating

GLUTEN-FREE

ON THE GO Safe Eating Away from Home

by Judith Fertig

A

lthough following a diet without gluten has become easier due to increased availability and labeling of gluten-free foods, we still need to know how to make sure which foods strictly qualify. We always have more control in our own kitchen, yet we’re not always eating at home.

Natural Awakenings asked experts to comment on reasons for the demand and offer practical tips and tactics for healthy eating on the go.

According to the Center for Celiac Research & Treatment, 18 million Americans are now gluten sensitive, 3 million more suffer from celiac disease, and the numbers continue to skyrocket, says Dr. David Perlmutter, a neurologist and author of Grain Brain. Gluten, a naturally occurring protein in wheat, barley and rye, is prevalent in the modern American diet. Perlmutter points to new wheat hybrids and increasing amounts of gluten in processed foods as exacerbating the problem. He particularly cites today’s overuse of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications as contributors to “inappropriate and excessive reactions to what might otherwise have represented a non-threatening protein like gluten.”

Solutions at Work

Jules Shepard, a mother of two in Washington, D.C., and author of Free for All Cooking: 150 Easy Gluten-Free, Allergy-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Can Enjoy who also shares recipes at Blog.JulesGlutenFree.com, remembers when going out for a glutenfree lunch was difficult. “The friendly lunch spots my coworkers and I used to

You Can Take It with You

by Judith Fertig

enjoy on a weekly and sometimes even daily basis were no longer friendly for me,” she says. “There was nothing on the menu I could eat, and it seemed better for everyone if I simply stayed in the office. But it isolated me socially from my colleagues and deprived me of a much-needed midday break that had been such an enjoyable part of my routine.” Attending catered breakfasts or lunches for office meetings also presented difficulties.

Shepard learned that it’s best to be prepared and pack something, even if it’s only a snack. “Some of my favorites include fresh fruit, like apples or bananas with peanut or almond butter, washed berries, applesauce, coconut yogurt, hummus and red peppers, trail mix, dry cereals like granola, and nutrition bars. I keep a variety of these bars in my purse and car year-round, so I’m never bored with my choices.”

“Gluten-free instant oatmeal is a staple in my life,” advises Shepard. She never leaves home without it, regardless of the length —Continued on page 34.

Our experts suggest delicious, nutritious choices for gluten-free eating at work, play or anywhere we wander.

For food safety, keep foods that need to be kept hot and cold in separate thermal containers.

4 Asian stir-fry with rice 4 Baked egg frittata or baked egg “muffins” 4 Baked falafel 4 Baked polenta “fries” 4 Baked sweet potato chips 4 Certified gluten-free instant oatmeal, unsweetened 4 Cheese on rice crackers with olive tapenade (purée) 4 Corn tortillas with fresh fillings 4 Fresh fruits 4 Fresh salads, dressing on the side 4 Gluten-free granola or granola bars 4 Nori (seaweed) wraps 4 Precooked quinoa with dried fruit and rice milk 4 Raw vegetables with hummus 4 Sandwiches made with whole-grain, gluten-free bread 4 Smoked fish 4 Stew, gumbo or vegetable sautés packed with cooked rice on top 4 Vegetable soups with beans or rice 4 Vietnamese pho (soup) with rice stick noodles

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of the trip. “All you need is a cup or a bowl and some boiling water. Be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats, because regular oats can be contaminated with gluten grains.” Shepard also recommends avoiding pre-sweetened varieties.

Kate Chan, a teacher and mother of two in suburban Seattle, Washington, who has been following a gluten-free diet since 2000, has solved the problem of eating healthy at work another way: The family cooks extra the night before.

“While cleaning up the kitchen, I just pack the leftovers for lunch. I like to vary the side dishes a bit if I pack side dishes at all, and toss in fruit and more vegetables,” she says. Chan likes to use a bento-style lunch box with several compartments, plus thermal containers, so she can enjoy a variety of gluten-free lunch options.

naturalpet

photo by Dog Scouts of America

—Continued from page 33.

Dog Scouts of America Dog Troops Also Earn Badges and Go to Camp

On the Road

by Sandra Murphy

In Los Angeles, California, Kristine Kidd, former food editor at Bon Appétit, has recently returned to gluten-free eating. On her menu-planning and recipe blog, KristineKidd.com, and in her cookbook, Weeknight Gluten Free, she recommends whole, fresh foods from farmers’ markets that are naturally gluten-free. When she and her husband hike the Sierra Mountains, she carries homemade, highfiber, gluten-free cookies to eat on the way up and packs gluten-free soups such as butternut squash and black bean, corn tortillas with fresh fillings, and fruit for a delicious lunch upon reaching the peak.

Some gluten-free snacks can contain as many empty calories as other types of junk food, notes Registered Dietitian Katharine Tallmadge. “Many ‘gluten-free’ products are made with refined, unenriched grains and starches, which contain plenty of calories, but few vitamins or minerals.” She agrees with Kidd and others that choosing whole, natural, fresh foods, which are naturally gluten-free, makes for healthy eating wherever we go.

Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS. 34

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Scouts, badges, troops and summer camp—they’re not just for kids anymore. Dog Scouts of America is a new twist on tradition that is fun for all ages.

D

ogs, their owners and the larger community all benefit when a pet earns the basic Dog Scout certification badge. Any dog can participate, as long as he’s well-behaved.

To qualify for the initial badge, he must be able to heel without pulling, greet a person calmly, meet another animal without overreacting and to see food and leave it alone. The test criteria are similar to that used for the Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Tests can be videotaped if there’s no organization evaluator in the area.

Once the dog’s earned the basic Dog Scout badge, the rest of the badges are optional, depending on how involved human-canine pairs wish to get. Instead of pursuing a particular sport or activity, scouting allows the dog to dabble and find what he likes best. Distinctive badges can be earned in separate ability levels including obedience, community service, trail work, nose work, water sports, pulling, herding and lure coursing (a performance sport first devel-

oped for purebred sighthound breeds).

Handlers can also earn badges in canine care, first-aid and sign language. All training is based on positive behavior and reinforcement on everyone’s part.

“We don’t want dogs to be an accessory or a lawn ornament; they are part of the family, and a lot of fun, besides,” explains Dog Scouts president Chris Puls, of Brookville, Indiana. “As trainers, we have to figure out how to communicate with another species.”

Most members engage in scout activities with more than one dog.

Requirements for operating a troop are flexible, but holding four meetings a year is recommended. Meetings don’t have to be formal—a group hike in the woods counts. Other activities may include backpacking, biking, camping and treasure hunts like letterboxing and geocaching.

If Sparky would like to try flyball, (timed relay races with balls) or treibball (urban herding of Pilates balls), but has no opportunity for these pursuits on his home turf, summer camp is a good

photo by Dog Scouts of America photo by Martha Thierry

forum to investigate lots of options.

Weekend camps are held in Maryland in July and Texas in November. Weeklong camps are held in Michigan in June and July.

“Many people bring more than one dog to camp,” says Allison Holloway, who works in financial account services for the U.S. Department of Defense, in Columbus, Ohio. “I take six dogs with me and each has his or her favorite activity, which I like, because it’s too much for one dog to go from early morning until late at night. New members often say they come to camp just for the fun and camaraderie, but they usually end up collecting badges like the rest of us. It’s a great reminder of what you and your dog did at camp together.”

One of Holloway’s dog scouts has special needs. Lottie Moon is a double merle, all-white, Australian shepherd that doesn’t let being deaf or blind slow her down. Last year she surprised her owner by earning an agility badge at camp. “I think she sees shadows and movements. I place a dowel rod in front of the jump and she knows that when she touches it, it’s time to go airborne,”

says Holloway. “Lottie inspires and motivates me.” Holloway received the Dog Scout’s 2013 Excellence in Writing Award for her blog at Lottie-SeeingInto Darkness.blogspot.com.

Many Dog Scout troops serve their communities to show how dogs can

and should be integrated into daily life.

In Wyoming Valley, near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Phyllis Sinavage, office manager for a wholesale distributor, reports on recent activities conducted

by Troop 221. “We’ve donated oxygen masks for pets to local fire departments and emergency services. We raise funds to buy them and also have oxygen mask angels that donate the price of a mask in memory of a pet. One third grade class raised enough money to purchase two masks after we visited and did a bite prevention class.”

The Dog Scouts of America Hike-a-Thon, in May, is the nonprofit organization’s annual fundraiser, open to everyone willing to ask friends and family members to pledge funds for distances walked. It’s a good way to partner with the dog for quality outdoor time, spread the word about Dog Scouts and enjoy the spring weather.

Learn more and join with others for a troop experience at DogScouts.org.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

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Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results.  Available only at NAWebstore.com  I was amazed (and I admit to some surprise) that this worked so well. My family has a history of both major and minor thyroid issues and using the Detoxified Iodine has helped my general fatigue and mood. Thank you for a great product! ~ Patricia I’ve known for years that I was low on Iodine, that it is essential to good thyroid function, and proper thyroid function is critical to so many bodily functions. This product makes it so easy for me to ensure I have optimum Iodine levels in order to maintain good health. I simply rub the side of the dropper across my arm after putting a few drops into the 4 ounces of water I’m about to drink. Very easy, and eye-opening! ~ Tonia

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).

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 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.

Green and Weedless: Lawn Care for Texas – 10:15am. Learn the benefits and challenges of organic or traditional techniques. Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-222-1122. Calloways.com.

Crank It Up! Model T Driving Class – 12-3pm. A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn to drive a 1911 Ford Model T. Must have valid driver’s license. $10.

Collin County Farm Museum, 1771 County Rd 166, McKinney. Jennifer Rogers: 972-548-4792.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Nature Awareness Day Camp – 9:30am-2pm.

Learn about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area. Become comfortable and knowledgeable in your own environment.

Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-4408382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Parent Information Meet and Greet – 12-1pm.

Parents interested in learning more about the comprehensive, holistic Brain Balance Program, are invited to attend this meet and greet. Meet the Brain Balance staff, tour the center, and learn how our program has impacted the lives of children who struggle socially, academically and behaviorally. Free. Brain Balance Achievement Center of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 550, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9483.

Hands-On Bike Maintenance: Wheel Truing – 6-8:30pm. Over time, the rim, spokes, and component parts can become worn and/or damaged and the wheel can become fatigued; requiring repair or replacement. $45/member, $65/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.

Amazing YA Book Club – 7pm. The Watcher in the Shadows by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. All grownup but still love reading young adult books? Meet 1st Tues to discuss YA books with other adult fans. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Stacey Irish-Keffer: 940-349-8718.

Power of Kabbalah Level 1 – 7-8pm. Power of Kabbalah (POK) 1 is a paradigm- shifting course that reveals secrets to all kabbalistic teachings,

Read to Rover – 11am. See Mar 5 listing. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940349-8752.

Drum Circle/Work Party – 1:30-5pm. Come join us as we drum and sing for all the world to hear. We shall also clear away any leftover Winter debris, as well as re-tie our Lodge colors. Love offering. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 County Rd 2621, Caddo Mills. Silverhawk: 214-288-9935.

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Let’s Learn About Trees – 10-11:30am. Hands-on nature activities for Youth First. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Register: 903-786-2826. FriendsOfHagerman.com.

Compost Fair – 10am-2pm. Learn the basics of turning garden debris into garden gold through composting. Free. Participants are eligible to purchase a C.E. Shepherd compost bin ($120 value) for $20. Supplies limited, pre-registration required. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Tasty, Organic Patio Vegetables – 10:15am. Learn the secrets to growing bountiful vegetables in containers and how to create plant combinations that are as pretty as any flowerbed. Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-222-1122. Calloways.com.

Meatout 2014 Festival: Mar 15, Dallas the golden rules you can master if you seek more fulfillment in your life. Kabbalah Centre of Dallas, 17370 Preston Rd, Ste 470, Dallas. For details: 214-446-0251.

TRASHion Workshops – Mar 4, 18 & Apr 1.

7-8:30pm. Work on TRASHion designs and or garments. Ample space to work, materials to use in your creation, fashion mentors, and people to bounce ideas off of. All participants required to attend the workshop on Mar 4. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Read to Rover – 4:30pm. Does your child struggle with reading and need low-stress, non-judgmental reading practice? Give your child an opportunity to read one-on-one with a trained, certified therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940-349-8752.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7 Rattlesnake Round-Up – Mar 7-9. 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/kids 10 & under. Nolan County Coliseum, 1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater. For schedule: RattlesnakeRoundup.net.

Babysitter Workshop – 2pm. Presented by the Denton Fire Department. Become a certified babysitter. Learn great babysitting strategies, emergency procedures and more. For ages 12-18. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Registration required: 940-349-8752.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Twilight Toddler Time – 6:30pm. Stories, songs and activities for toddlers (ages 12-36 months) and their caregivers. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

Dallas Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. Learn about the Northeast Texas Trail. Also, Scot Miller discusses his 7 years photographing northern Maine for his book, Thoreau, The Maine Woods. Free. REI Dallas, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas.

Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 Animal Ambassadors – 3pm. Come explore animals and their environment and see live animals.

Presented by the Heard Museum. Ages 5 and up.

Seating limited; free tickets available starting an hour before the show on a first-come, first-serve basis. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13 Kids’ Camps – Mar 13-15. Western Days (9-13 yrs old): Main emphasis on horses, then the Cowboy and Indian way of life. Spring Nature Camp (7-14 yrs old): Connecting children to nature through fun games and activities. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor

SATURDAY, MARCH 8 Primitive Survival Skills Combo Camp 1 & 2 – Mar 8-10. Learn life skills that will keep you alive in an emergency, accident or natural disaster. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Hummingbirds: Myth, Magic and Mystery – 1011:30am. Presentation by Mark Klym, coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife Hummingbird Round-up. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. 903-786-2826.

FriendsOfHagerman.com.

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Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville.

Details: 940-440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.

Green Seminar: Build Your Own Rain Barrel – Learn about rainwater harvesting and build own barrel. Find out how to collect and direct the rain in ways that create backyard beauty, lessen the dependence on using city water in the garden, and reduce runoff. Fire Station #7, 861 S Independence Pkwy, McKinney. Info: 972-547-7335, Green@ McKinneyTexas.org.

Parent Information Meet and Greet – 6-7pm. Parents interested in learning more about the comprehensive, holistic Brain Balance Program, are invited to attend this meet and greet. Meet the Brain Balance staff, tour the center, and learn how our program has impacted the lives of children who struggle socially, academically and behaviorally. Free. Brain Balance Achievement Center of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 550, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9483.

Triathlon Basics: Try a Tri? – 7-8:15pm. Join us to discover the ins-and-outs of triathlons: types, distances, how to get started, how to train, and what to expect on race day. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14 The Mousetrap – Mar 14-Mar 30. 8pm, Fri; 2:30pm & 8pm, Sat; 2:30pm, Sun. The classic whodunit by Agatha Christie. A group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. When one of them is murdered, suspicion falls on each of the survivors in turn. $21/adults, $16/students/ seniors (60+). The Cox Building Playhouse, 1517 H Ave, Plano. Tickets & more info: 972-490-4202 or Theatre-Britain.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15 Fix a Leak Week Kick-Off – 9:30-11:30am. Mar 17-23 is Fix a Leak Week. Stop by to kick-off this nationwide event. Learn how to view your daily water usage online, how to fix toilet, shower and faucet leaks and pick up free water saving items like showerheads, toilet flappers, faucet aerators and more. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Read to Rover – 10am. See Mar 5 listing. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940349-8752.

Flowers from Hort Couture – 10:15am. Learn to combine these remarkable plants, using the colorwheel and elements of design to create a spectacular one-of-a-kind container garden. Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-222-1122. Calloways.com.

savethedate SATURDAY, MARCH 15 Meatout 2014 Festival – 11am-4pm. Festival includes holistic speakers, cooking demos, food sampling, health screenings, exhibitors, fitness, children’s activities as well as door prizes. Keynote speaker is Tracye McQuirter. Hosted by Black Vegetarian Society of Texas. Free. Dallas Farmers’ Market, Indoor Event Center, 1010 S Pearl Expressway, Dallas. 214-331-2813 or 972-242-7046.

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Sparks & Fire! Blacksmith Demonstration – 123pm. Hosted by the dynamic men of the North Texas Blacksmith Association. These guys like to put on a show and answer all you burning questions. Free.

Collin County Farm Museum, 1771 County Rd 166, McKinney. Jennifer Rogers: 972-548-4792.

project. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Social Success Free Parent Seminar – 7-8pm. Parents and educators will have the opportunity to explore ways to help your child have more success socially. Learn why some children struggle making connections with other kids and how this impacts them emotionally.

Gain 5 great ways to help your child succeed. Free.

Brain Balance Achievement Center of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 550, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9483.

It’s a Girl Thing – 4pm. Any of the Twice Upon a Time Series by Wendy Mass. 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.

Hands-On Bike Maintenance: Drive Train – 6-8:45pm. Learn about your drive train as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is as smooth as possible. $45/member, $65/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.

The Value of Going Green – 6:45pm, registration; 7-8pm, meeting. National Nutrition Month! Learn about the value of going green with our diet. Learn about different ways to incorporate green in your life to lose weight, maintain it or get healthy. Free.

Aqua-Fit, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 Art & Me – 10am. Read the Green Eggs & Ham and stay to create artwork or enjoy activities inspired by the story. Ages 2-5. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.

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.

Square-Foot Gardening – 7-8pm. Learn how a small, sunny space can help you put fresh, organic food on your plate. Free. Harrington Library, 1501 W 18th St, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

Lightweight Backpacking Basics – 7-8:15pm.

Join an REI backpacking expert who will provide excellent tips on lightweight backpacking techniques. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 Health and Fitness Expo – Mar 21-22. 12-6pm, Fri; 9am-5pm, Sat. More than 80 exhibitors will showcase products and offer samples. Free admission. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

More info: RunRocknRoll.Competitor.com/Dallas.

Value of Going Green Lunch & Learn – 11:45am, registration; 12-1pm, meeting. Kick off National Nutrition Month with a Go Green Lunch & Learn. Green goodies will be served and information on how to incorporate green foods in your life for weight loss, maintenance and good health. $10. Aqua-Fit, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Weston A. Price Foundation Workshop – 6-7:30pm. With Drs. Christy Porterfield and Jennifer Taylor. Learn the nutrition value of a grain-free diet, what food items to select, recipes and how to prepare them for optimal nutrition. Free. HealthWorks, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. RSVP required: 972-6121800. HealthWorksTX.com.

Collin County Master Gardener Garden Show – Mar 22-23. 9am-5pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Learn about Earth-kind gardening. Educational events with hands-on activities and demos from local experts. $2 donation/person to support two local charities.

Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Rd 166, McKinney. CcmgaTX.org/TheGardenShow.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 Natural Networking: Lunch & Learn – 11:30am1pm. Business owners and professionals who help people live better by promoting health, wellness, sustainability, personal growth, integrative medicine, healthy kids and pets, financial well-being and peace of mind, please join us as we connect our community. Meets 3rd Thurs each month. Open group. Menu includes salads and gluten-free pizza.

Hosted by Natural Awakenings North Texas Magazine. Networking is $10 (cash only) or purchase own lunch to support our host restaurant and no charge for meeting. Held at Palio’s Pizza Café, 1941 Preston Rd, Ste 1004, Plano. RSVP important; space limited.

Leave your details on our RSVP hotline: 469-3229549 or NAMS@NA-NTX.com.

Boys Only Yucky Stories – 6:30pm. The Field Guide: The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black. Boys grades 2-5 read and talk about funny, yucky and gross stories. Includes craft

5K Warrior Dash – 8:30am. Course is composed of 12 intense and grueling obstacles including teetering traverse, rubber ricochet, road rage, muddy mayhem, Normandy military crawl and warrior roast. Spectators welcome to enjoy the live entertainment throughout the day and watch the participants tackle the obstacles near the finish line. 578 FM 153, Smithville (SE of Austin). WarriorDash.com.

savethedate SATURDAY, MARCH 22 Open House: Collin County Farm Museum – Mar 22-23. 9am-5pm. During the Collin County Garden Show, the Farm Museum is open to visitors. Newly restored and donated antique tractors will be on display. Donation $2. Collin County Farm Museum, 1771 County Rd 166, McKinney.

Jennifer Rogers: 972-548-4792.

America’s Favorite Flower: The Rose – 10:15am.

Learn rose gardening and care for Texas gardeners, from selection of plants that will thrive in your garden to proper feeding, pruning and pest control.

Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-2221122. Calloways.com.

Small Scale Gardening – 11am-12:30pm. Learn

about containers, raised beds, veggies in landscape, and creative gardening. Free. Biodiversity Education Center, 345 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell.

CoppellCommunityGarden.org.

your home and dispose of common toxins with easy to grow plants. $5. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP by Mar 21: 214731-9795 or TKI@KingInstitute.org.

Vision Quest – 11:30am. Kokutosix Ahki (Star Woman) will be out “On The Blanket” at least overnight, and, possibly 2 or 4 nights. She shall be seeking answers and direction for her life. Not open to the general public. Love offering. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 County Rd 2621, Caddo Mills.

Silverhawk: 214-288-9935.

Preschool Play & Read – 10am-12pm. This comeand-go program offers children age-appropriate games, activities and crafts that assist in developing pre-reading skills. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 23 Rock ’n’ Roll Half-Marathon – 8am. 13.1 miles.

Benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Individuals, two-person relay teams, racing wheelchair contestants and walkers can participate. After-race festival includes music, food and beverages. Registration includes free admission to Health & Fitness Expo (Mar 21-22). Young and S. Griffin St, Dallas. Register by Mar 16: RunRocknRoll.Competitor.com/Dallas.

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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

savethedate TUESDAY, MARCH 25 Cardiologist in the Kitchen – 6:30-8:30pm.

Join Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, Cardiologist and Laurie Atchison, Healthy Eating Specialist for this free event. Learn about the power of healing foods and experience a delicious heart healthy meal.

Ask our doctor about which foods reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke or, even better, reverse cardiovascular disease. Class limited!

Reserve your spot today. Concierge Cardiology of Texas at Whole Foods Plano, Demo Kitchen, 2201 Preston Rd. Erika Morris: 855-861-3820.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Social Success Free Parent Seminar – 12-1pm. Parents and educators will have the opportunity to explore ways to help your child have more success socially. Learn why some children struggle making connections with other kids and how this impacts them emotionally.

Gain 5 great ways to help your child succeed. Free.

Brain Balance Achievement Center of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 550, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9483.

Relay for Life: April-May, various cities

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 5th Annual Texas Alternative Energy and Transportation Conference & Expo – Mar 27-29. Features an expo hall, ride and drive vehicles and exciting roundtable sessions that highlight the latest alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technologies. Enjoy speakers and fleets from across Texas and the nation.

Irving Convention Center, 500 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving. AltCarExpoTexas.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28 Tomball German Heritage Festival – Mar 28-30.

6-10pm, Fri; 10am-10pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. A unique ethnic street festival packed with familyfriendly ambience, live entertainment, shopping and the celebration of Texas German and ethnic heritage.

Free admission & parking. 201 S Elm, Old Town Tomball. For info & schedule of events: 281-3796844 or TomballGermanFest.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

savethedate SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Natural HealthFest – 9am-5pm; ticket sales from 8am. Learn how to improve your health, energy, memory and mood with safe natural methods. More than 100 exhibits showcase health professionals, innovations in wellness, free screenings, natural foods and product samples. Pet adoption (weather permitting) and great prizes.

Live radio broadcast at 8am. Seminars start at 9. $10 at the door. Discounts only available when you pre-purchase tickets online. Plano Centre, 2000 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. 877-673-2536.

NaturalHealthFest.com.

Detox Your Home With Plants – 10am-12pm.

Learn easy and decorative ways to clean the air in

Clark Gardens Spring Festival – Mar 29 & 30.

10am-5pm, Sat; 11am-4pm, Sun. Live entertainment, sustainability and gardening educational stations, art exhibitors, a children’s activity area, a classic car show, a model train show and a motorcycle show. Local wineries and Texas-made artisanal cheeses, and vendors. $10/adults, $7/ages 5-12, free/age 4 & under and members. Additional fees for certain activities. Clark Gardens, 567 Maddux Rd, Weatherford. 940-682-4856. ClarkGardens.org.

Creating Shade Gardens – 10:15am. Learn which plants to use, including exciting combinations, and how to prepare and plant your own secret garden.

Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-2221122. Calloways.com.

Arts in the Square Plano – Mar 29 & 30. 11am7pm. Includes more than 120 local and regional artists; juried fine arts and crafts festival. Includes live entertainment, interactive art activities and food and spirits. Admission & parking free. Coleman Blvd & Frisco Square Blvd, Plano. 940-682-4856.

FriscoSquare.com/aits.

Antique Tractor Driving Class – 12-3pm. A great opportunity for youths and adults to pair together and learn to start, drive and stop old tractors. Must be min 47” tall & 10 yo. $10. Collin County Farm Museum, 1771 County Rd 166, McKinney. Jennifer Rogers: 972-548-4792.

Free Natural Health Lecture – 12:30-1:30pm.

Learn easy and natural ways to help prevent, or recover from illnesses or injuries. Free. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton.

Must RSVP by Mar 21: 214-731-9795 or TKI@ KingInstitute.org.

Eating Right and Exercising for Success – 2-4pm.

What does eating right and exercising for successful weight loss and health look like? Interactive, informative and fun. For teens and adults. Free. Aqua-Fit, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.

MONDAY, MARCH 31 Literacy Night: Shared Reading – 6:30pm. Parents

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learn the importance of shared reading and discover some reading techniques in this interactive program.

During the presentation children will be entertained with books and crafts. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.

plan ahead

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Angela’s Open Mic Night – 6pm. Grab your guitar, keyboard, banjo, etc and come show us what you got. Also offer live music every Thurs, Fri & Sat in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where we feature comfort food and great spirits. Free. Angela’s at the Crosswalk, 1010 E 15th, Plano. 972-633-9500.

AngelasCrosswalk.com.

Texas Trash-Off: McKinney – 8-9am, check-in; 9-11am trash pick-up. The largest single-day cleanup event in the state. Shirts, trash bags, gloves, and a detailed map of a specific area to clean will be provided to participating teams. Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virginia Pkwy. Register by Apr 3: McKinneyTexas.org.

Saint Michael’s Farmers’ Market – Saturdays thru early Nov. 8am-12pm. Shop local and fresh, with farmers/growers who practice natural, sustainable, organic farming and are within a 150-mile radius of Dallas County. Baked goods, tamales, cheeses, eggs, local honey, meats, and pastas also available. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Ave at Colgate Rd, Dallas. SaintMichaelsMarket.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 5K Foam Fest – All the fun of a mud run, combined with foam and watery obstacles; a lot like running through a giant car wash. Benefits A Child’s Hope Foundation. For serious and novice runner, walkers and families. Parking: $10/vehicle. Cousin’s Paintball Park, 8975 FM 740, Forney. Info/register: 5KFoamFest.com.

TRASHion Fashion Runway Show – 12pm. A fashion show featuring garments made of recycled trash and other used materials at the Denton Redbud Festival. This year’s show will introduce the new Thrift Store category. Quakertown Park. To participate, Juli by Mar 4: 940-349-8741.

Relay For Life Denton – 12pm-12am. Teams take turns walking or running around a track for 12 hrs.

Survivors Lap, 12:15pm; Caregivers lap, 12:30pm.

Luminaria ceremony, 9pm. Guyer High School, 7501 Teasley Ln, Denton. Relay.acsevents.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 DCCCD Sustainability Summit – Attend the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) 2014 Sustainability Summit and learn about urban sustainable practices and principles from keynote speaker Toby Hemenway. Includes workshops, presentations, and exhibitors of green products and services. Free. North Lake College, 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 214-378-1819. dcccd.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 TKM® EMT Lecture – 10am-12pm. Learn natural and effective ways to stop and help common to critical health emergencies like asthma attacks, seizures, bleeding, heart attacks and more by only using your hands. $10. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP by Apr 18: 214-7319795 or TKI@KingInstitute.org.

How Technology Impacts Your Health – 12:151:15pm. Learn about EMFs created by cell phones, ipads, computers, wireless, and many other devices impact on health and what to do. Free. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP by Apr 18: 214-731-9795 or TKI@KingInstitute.org.

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Foam Fest: April 12, Forney

sunday 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: 972-231-3993.

Teen/Adult Horse Club – 11am-5pm. Do you have horse experience, but wish to ride and learn more? Join the Camp Tonkawa Horse club. This Sunday club is for Adults, children come on Saturdays, Homeschoolers on Mondays. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. For restrictions & details: 940440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com/Classes/ Horse_club.shtml.

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.

Nature Explore Family Club – 3-4pm. 1st Sun. Also 1st Mon, 9-10am. Event aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, ageappropriate activities. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Open Stage – 7pm-12am. An opportunity to practice performance on a stage with an engaged and supportive audience. Performers sign up to show off their skills in a 5-min time slot, which we film and share with the performer to help hone their craft. After variety show, practice any and all types of performing art. $5 cover, 21+. House of Poets, 580 W Arapaho Rd, Ste 199, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

tuesday Healthy Eating Tours – 10am & 4pm. Learn how to make healthier choices, using our ANDI scoring system. Learn how to read labels; build menus around plant-based foods low in fat to ensure highly nutrient dense meals. Whole Foods Market, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.

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.

monday

Meet and Greet: Healthy Kids Pediatrics – 1212:30pm. 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. 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. HealthyKidsPediatrics.com.

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

Yoga for Runners – 6:45-7:45pm. 20-wk program, less than $8/session. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden

ardson. Bad weather location: The Peace Pipe Hookah Lounge, 580 W Arapaho, Ste 181, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

wednesday

Germanfest: Mar 28-30, Tomball Park Dr, Allen. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

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.

PTAS Chapter Meetings – 7pm, refreshments; 7:30pm, meeting & program. 4th Tues, Sept-Nov & Jan-May. All meetings and other activities open to everyone. PTAS offers interesting programs and wonderful guest speakers at our meetings that bring a great variety of expertise and excitement to the membership. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Program details: PrairieAndTimbers.org.

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

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

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

Cirque Out – 8-10pm. A weekly circus-skill enthusiast work out. Work on your hooping, spinning, juggling and general tomfoolery. Nice weather location: The Richardson Civic Center, 411 W Arapaho Rd, Rich-

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.

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: ExceptionalWomen.org.

Business Networking Meeting – 11:30am-1pm.

North Dallas Networkers lunchtime networking meeting. Come see one of the best run and most fun networking groups in DFW. $13 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.

Breastfeeding Cafe – 12-1pm. Designed to offer support to all nursing mothers from newborn challenges to toddler strikes, all breastfeeding moms welcome to join us to chat about breastfeeding at all ages and stages of nursing. Cafe is attended by a Certified Lactation Counselor and/or Le Leche League Leader. Baby scale available to do before and after weights. You may turn up at any time during the cafe to ask your questions. Free. 3253 Independence Pkwy, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-371-5448.

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). 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.

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.

Discussion on Headaches – 1-2pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Headaches: 3 causes of them and methods used for reduction. Free. Synergy Balance, Frankford Rd & Pear Ridge Dr. Must RSVP 24 hrs prior, Bryan Asby: 972-387-4700.

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.

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.

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

3rd Thurs. Admission and parking free. 7:15pm,

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

TexasCPR.com.

Square and Round Dance for Fitness and Fun – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Individuals and couples of all ages welcome. Texas Reelers, 820 W Arapaho, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-235-1400.

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

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 and more. Free. LED Skin Care Center, 3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Inside Ovation Boutiques, Plano. RSVP; class size limited: 214-587-3786.

LEDSkinCareCenter.com.

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.

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.

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

friday Yoga Nidra – 4pm & 6pm. 3rd Fri. Combining the most relaxing form of yoga with the restorative pow-

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saturday Register now for Camp Invention. ers of salt therapy. Space limited; book early. Session includes salt therapy and yoga mat. Ask about new yoga classes. $42. Salt Escape, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Plano. 972-378-4945. SaltEscape.com.

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: 214872-8592.

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.

Acoustic Jam Session – 7pm. Weekly open jam and song circle. All acoustic instruments and levels welcome. All music genres welcome. Sponsored by the Visual Art League of Lewisville. Free. MCL Grand, 100 N Charles, Lewisville. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-444-0825.

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery

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.

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.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Waste Collection Program – 9am-12pm. 2nd Sat. For Lewisville residents; must bring driver’s license for proof of residency. A convenient, safe and environmentally sound way to get rid of waste materials that should not be put into the landfill. City of Lewisville Residential Convenience Center, 330 W Jones St. CityOfLewisville.com.

Collin County Winter Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm.

2nd & 4th Sat. Features Texas-grown produce and meats, locally made products and a community center to learn about green and healthy living. Fairview Farms, 3314 N Central Expressway, Plano. 970-209-4694.

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.

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

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

InSyncExotics.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.

Frisco Humane Society Adoption – 12-4pm. 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat. We invite you to meet and greet some of the wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption from Frisco Humane Society. PetSmart in Frisco, 3333 Preston Rd. 972-498-8980.

Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1:30pm.

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

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

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.

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 savethedate DAILY Camp Invention Registration – Camp Invention inspires creativity and inventive thinking during its weeklong summer program. Led by local educators, elementary school children are immersed in exciting, hands-on activities that reinvent summer fun. Throughout the week, children will use real tools, circuits and materials from the Inventor Supply Room to build original prototypes and work in teams to solve real-world challenges. One week only, programs will run in the cities of Allen, Coppell, Dallas, Frisco, Keller, McKinney, Prosper, Southlake, Trophy Club, Wylie and more. For details: 800-9684332. CampInvention.org.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITY BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT – This unique 10-week course is designed to provide you the core concepts you will need to get started. In this unique program, practicing dentists and experienced dental assistants give you maximum hands-on training and experience in an actual dental office setting. Reasonable cost. Short timeframe. Saturdays only. For more info, call 214-789-2011 or visit CDofCarrollton.com.

FOR SALE Pride JAZZY Select Elite Power Wheelchair – Like new and virtually unused since only used for two months. Kept and used inside. Midnight blue color. $1,600 or OBO; originally $5,300. 469-633-1587.

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.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE FOR LEASE – UPSCALE OFFICE PROPERTY – Customize this 1,600 sq ft space to suit your professional or medical office needs. Free standing building with one side currently occupied by a dental office. Great location. Excellent visibility. In Carrollton just minutes from highways 121 and 35.

Call Ms. Krishan: 832-545-1243.

Dairy Farm Tours – By appt only. Experience life on a dairy farm with an educational tour including how and what cows are fed, the benefits of grass-crop based feed (silage), the milking parlor, bottle feeding baby calves along with the learning the benefits of drinking raw milk vs pasteurized milk. Everyone gets samples of milk and treat bags for the children. $5/person age 2 & up. Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446 Gainesville. 940-372-0343.

CircleNDairy.com.

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

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

Dallas Farmers’ Market – 8am-6pm. Year round.

One-stop shop for all your produce, meat, floral and specialty-food needs. Farmers from 150 miles around come to give you the chance to “buy locally.” 1010 S Pearl Expwy, Dallas. DallasFarmersMarket.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. c o m . ( Leaf symbol indicates green business.

Dollar symbol represents businesses offering coupons through NA-NTX.com/DFWDeals)

ACNE SOLUTIONS LED SKIN CARE CENTER

3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111 Plano 75093 214-587-3786, LEDSkinCareCenter.com 21st century solutions for Acne, Hair Growth, Hair Removal, Anti-Aging, Non-Surgical Face Lift, Detoxing Body Wraps, Hydration and more. Nontoxic, safe, no downtime and real results from the inside out. Light years ahead of the rest, we're your path to flawless skin, one cell at a time.

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE FOR WOMEN

Jane Liu, L.Ac., MD (China) 5850 Town and Country Blvd, Ste 101 Frisco 75034 214-662-2267 • Acupuncture4Women.net Over 28 years combining experience of both eastern and western medicine by well-trained gynecologist from China.

Specializing in fertility and IVF/ IUI enhancement, recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, endometriosis, aging eggs, low ovarian reserve, elevated FSH level and more.

DAPHNE ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

Daphne Su, L.Ac. 4101 Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 200, Plano 75024 972-665-8618 • DaphneAcupunctureCenter.com I'm a third generation Chinese Medicine doctor (China) and dedicated to helping people live a physically healthy and emotionally balanced life. Through acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, I help my patients with pain management as well as relief from allergies, arthritis, asthma, Bell's palsy, fibromyalgia, insomnia, infertility, high blood pressure, headaches and more.

See ad, page 31.

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 27.

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CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL DECOMPRESSION AND CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

Dr. Vince Baugher, D.C. 2500 Lillian Miller Pkwy, Denton 76210 940-484-6336 • SpinalDecompression.net In delivering quality chiropractic care, our approach is simple, gentle and relaxing. We have been able to save literally hundreds of patients from surgery with the new technology of Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 2.

SYNERGY BALANCE

Dr. Cecilia Yu, D.C.; NUCCA practitioner 12740 Hillcrest Road, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com 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 uppercervical chiropractic, there is no popping, cracking or twisting and a NUCCA adjustment holds longer which means you return far less often. See ad, page 9.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE HEALTHWORKS

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

Comprehensive healthcare— naturally. Visit our website to view our schedule of free workshops. See ad, page 25.

DAIRY CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY

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 great-tasting, 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 35.

DECLUTTERING / ORGANIZING SERVICES THE DECLUTTERBUG

Anita Sisler 339-832-1220 • TheDeclutterbug.biz Now is a perfect time to declutter.

Let me help you turn cluttered areas of your home into perfect, peaceful spaces. Moving? I can help you with the process of decluttering while packing up your home and/or unpacking and making your new home cozy.

Serving the North Texas area. See ad, page 41.

DENTISTRY DENTAL STUDIO OF CARROLLTON Drs. Robert and Sandhya 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 5.

EDUCATION NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE 1525 W California St, Gainesville 76240 940-668-7731 • nctc.edu

Dedicated to student success and institutional excellence by encouraging student achievement through affordable, quality education, stimulating learning environments and comprehensive student support. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.

Campuses located in Gainesville, Corinth, Flower Mound, Bowie and Graham.

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 individual-ized, mastery-based instruction for grades 4-12. On-campus and Home Study options.

Middle and High School International are Students welcome. We provide Form I-20.

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 26.

HAIR SALON HAIR COLOR STUDIOS

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

HEALTHY DINING THE SALAD STOP

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

HEALTHY KIDS

LEGAL SERVICES & ASSISTANCE

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY DENTAL ARTS OF PLANO

Dr. Angela Han, DDS 4701 W Park Blvd, Ste 201, Plano 75093 972-985-4450 • DentalArtsOfPlano.com

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 7.

M79.LegalShieldAssociate.com

Dr. Han 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 14.

Unexpected legal questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you'll have access to a high-quality law firm for as little as $20 a month. From real estate document review, speeding tickets, will preparation and more, our attorneys are here to advise you with any legal matter – no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Identity theft protection plans and personal, small business and employee benefit plans are available. Learn more by visiting website. See ad, page 14.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN

MASSAGE 3T’S (TJ’S TERRIFIC TOUCH)

PAWS & CLAWS PET HOSPITAL

Teel Parkway, Frisco 75034 469-237-4289 • TJ4ttts.com

Shawn Messonnier 2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075 972-867-8800 • PetCareNaturally.com Offering drug-free treatments, antiaging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ads, pages 8 and 39.

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 35.

MASSAGE SPACE

7000 Independence Pkwy, Ste 180 Plano 75025 972-612-5363 • Massage-Space.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE PRIMARY CARE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE OF FRISCO

Seven different types of massage therapy for rejuvenation and energy.

See ad, page 17.

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

Dr. Marvin Sams 972-612-0160 • GreatBrain.com

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 7.

I

f you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

NEUROFEEDBACK THE SAMS CENTER

JUMPSTREET INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS

LEGAL SHIELD INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE

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 2 and 25.

NUTRITION SYNERGY BALANCE

Dr. Cecilia Yu, D.C.; NUCCA practitioner 12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com Are you getting enough antioxidants from your food or supplements? With a simple scan of your palm, I can empower you with an easy to understand report of how effective your nutrition actually is. No needles and safe for children and adults. See ad, page 9.

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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 6.

RADIO SHOW HEALTHY BY NATURE RADIO SHOW

Martie Whittekin; Certified Clinical Nutritionist Saturday 8am • KWRD 100.7 FM Interviews with authors, doctors and other experts about natural approaches to health and happiness. Listener calls are always welcome. Archives of past shows available on HBNShow.com.

See ad insert..

REAL ESTATE GILLIAN CUNNINGHAM, BROKER ASSOCIATE

Private Label Realty 6900 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 110, Plano 75024 469-269-2754 • GillianCunningham.com Thinking about selling or buying a home? I can take you from “For Sale to Sold!” Maximize your home equity with property preparation tips, staging assistance, optimal exposure.

Buyer Representation – at no cost to you. Got a real estate question?

Ask@GillianCunningham.com. See ad, page 10.

RESTAURANTS SHANDIZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & MARKET 4013 W Parker Rd, Plano 75093 972-943-8885

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

SOLAR & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TOTAL WIND & SOLAR

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.

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 LUXURY SWEET ESCAPE SPA

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 17.

SW Corner of Coit & Legacy; Inside Legacy Salons of Plano 940-320-9383 • jcsweetescape.com Step into a relaxing environment and let us stimulate your senses while we pamper you with sweet, signature aromas and flavors. Enjoy our unique skin care, waxing, and massage services unlike any other you have had before!

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, onsite massage therapy and onsite reflexology available. See ad, page 11.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT KABBALAH CENTRE OF DALLAS

17370 Preston Rd, Ste 470, Dallas 75252 214-446-0251 • Facebook.com/KabbalahDallas The Kabbalah Centre offers introductory and advanced courses that will show you ways around the limitations of rational thought, and push you beyond your box.

The kabbalistic lens offers a rarely seen perspective by which you can dramatically improve the quality of your life - and the world around you. Visit our bookstore, call us or visit us on Facebook for upcoming courses and events. See ad, page 41.

SHIR TIKVAH REFORM SYNAGOGUE 7700 Main St, Frisco 75034 214-500-8304, • ShirTikvahFrisco.org

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. Visit website for service schedule. See ad, page 42.

F

TKM THE KING INSTITUTE

Dr. Glenn King 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244, Carrollton 75007 800-640-7998, KingInstitute.org/TKM TKM is natural and effective care that's changing lives for people battling immune, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, cancer, migraines, pain and more. See ad, page 41.

WATER WATERSEDGE STRUCTURED WATER

Twenty First Century Health 972-855-8711 • TwentyFirstCenturyHealth.com Better health through state-of-the-art water.

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

WELLNESS CENTERS 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.

ollow your own star!

~Dante Alighieri

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North Texas

NA-NTX.com

Publish a Natural Awakenings Magazine in Your Community Share Your Vision and Make a Difference • Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 88 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Natural Awakenings is now expanding into new markets across the U.S. OR you may purchase an existing magazine.

• Birmingham, AL

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• Cincinnati, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR* • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA • Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC* • Greenville, SC

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• New Orleans, LA* • Boston, MA • Western MA* • Ann Arbor, MI • East Michigan • Western MI • Wayne County, MI • Minneapolis, MN • Asheville, NC* • Charlotte, NC

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

To determine if owning a Natural Awakenings is right for you and your target community, call us at:

• Lake Norman, NC • Triangle, NC • Central, NJ

• Nashville, TN* • Austin, TX* • Dallas Metroplex, TX • Dallas/FW Metro N • Houston, TX* • San Antonio, TX • Richmond, VA • VA’s Blue Ridge • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico

*Existing magazines for sale

239-530-1377 or visit

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine

natural awakenings

March 2014

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