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feel good • live simply • laugh more
Heart-to-Heart with a Horse Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal
SACRED PASSAGE
Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey
KEEP DECAY AWAY Kids Do Best with Holistic Dentistry
February 2017 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com
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contact us Publisher Marteé Davis Editor Martin Miron Editorial Theresa Archer Robert Dean Rachel Scott McDaniel Design & Production C. Michele Rose Stephen Blancett Distribution Preston Davis Multi-Market Advertising 469-633-9549 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 Mailing address: 3245 Main St., Ste. 235-134 Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: 469-633-9549 Fax: 888-442-6501 Publisher@NA-NTX.com NA-NTX.com © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
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remember hearing an analogy that has stayed with me for years. It’s the story of twins that, while still in the womb, discuss the ‘afterlife’ and the concept of “Mother”. The first twin asks the second twin if he believes in an afterlife. The second twin does not. The first twin then asks, do you believe that when we leave this life, we will go to be with Mother? The second twin explained he did not believe in Mother. He couldn’t see Mother, he had no proof of Mother’s existence and therefore he had no reason to believe. “What do you believe happens after this life?” the first twin asked. The second twin said, “It’s simply the end; no one comes back after leaving this life, and there is no proof of anything after here either. Not long after that discussion, the second twin awoke and was deeply saddened and distressed to discover the first twin was gone. I love this analogy. It seems sweet and stirs up a sense of wonder in me, as it points up how limited our view and understanding of the universe is. This month’s feature article by Linda Sechrist, “Sacred Passage: Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey,” tenderly explores how the ultimate transition can be beautified by compassion and dignity when thoughtfully approached. In the article, there are many resources and ideas for how you can be part of moving death; from the commercialized medical event it’s become, back to its natural place in the sacred circle of life. Tying into the end of this life is the notion of the significance of what we do while we’re in this life. One key to having a positive perspective on our final transition is to live this life to its fullest, connecting and contributing in meaningful ways. One area woman, Ruth Thompson, after many years of teaching cooking classes to adults with special needs at Market Street, in McKinney, has found a way to connect and contribute by opening Hugs Café, a McKinney restaurant serving gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads and desserts. The restaurant employs 22 adults with special needs and five mainstream employees, including a full-time restaurant manager and fulltime kitchen manager, and Thompson says volunteers are always welcome. You can read more about it on page 18. In 2007, Bill and Priscilla Darling were called to create a therapeutic riding center with the mission to help children and adults with disabilities move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse and the dedication of a professional and caring community. You can read more about their work in our community on page 36 Another part of creating the life we desire is to effectively work with our mind to develop our thoughts and beliefs. Natural Awakenings has partnered with MindPT, a new, cutting-edge technology that blends positive psychology with neuroscience. This fun and engaging platform helps users build and reinforce positive mental messaging, which helps transform thoughts, beliefs and lives. We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to experience the benefits of using MindPT by bringing you a free MindPT video session entitled NATURAL AWAKENINGS, which helps reinforce the message to feel good, live simply, laugh more. See the ad on page 13 for details. As 2017 unfolds, I hope you find this publication a helpful resource, and source of support and encouragement as you move along your path.
Marteé Davis, Publisher NA-NTX.com
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newsbriefs healthbriefs globalbriefs ecotip community spotlight consciouseating fitbody healthykids healingways greenliving wisewords inspiration naturalpet calendar classifieds naturaldirectory
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: last Monday of the month, two months prior to publication date. 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 last Monday of the month, two months prior to publication date. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events online at NA-NTX.com/Calendar. Deadline for calendar: first of the month, one month prior to publication date. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 469-633-9549. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
19 INDOOR KITCHEN GARDENING
Easy-Grow Microgreens Are Big on Nutrition by Barbara Pleasant
20 FIT FOR LIFE
How to Stay Healthy, Flexible and Strong
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by Aimee Hughes
22 KEEP DECAY AWAY Kids Do Best with Holistic Dentistry by Linda Sechrist
24 SACRED PASSAGE
Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey by Linda Sechrist
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28 IN THE O-ZONE
Oxygen Therapy Heals a Host of Ills by Valerie Burke
30 SUSTAINABLY
STYLISH HOME
Relax into Nurturing Furnishings by April Thompson
32 TRANSFORMING THE
WAY WOMEN RELATE TO MEN
An Interview with Alison Armstrong
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by April Thompson
33 KISSED BY KINDNESS by Emily Esfahani Smith
34 HEART-TO-HEART WITH A HORSE
Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal by Sandra Murphy
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newsbriefs New Digs for Serendipity Health and Wellness
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r. Amy St. John, owner of Serendipity Health and Wellness, has relocated to 4011 West Plano Parkway, Suite 100, in Plano. As a doctor of chiropractic and a licensed massage therapist, she can offer traditional massage services such as Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point and chair massage at special events. She also provides chiropractic care that focuses on returning Dr. Amy St. John the patient to good health through the manipulation, adjustment and mobilization of joints, soft tissue therapy and other treatments. St. John says she is best known for her low-force and very gentle style, and believes in caring for the muscles as much as the joints. She says, “I’m really excited about the new location. It’s easy to get to, less than a mile from Central Market, just off Coit Road, and the upgraded space is warm and welcoming for my clients.” For appointments, call 214-801-0741. For more information, visit SerendipityWellness.net. See ad, page 29.
Theatre Britain Presents New Farcical Play
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heatre Britain will present the farce Will You Still Love Me in the Morning?, by Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner, from February 10 through March 5 at the Cox Playhouse. In the play, Jeremy and Celia return home from their honeymoon intending to spend a quiet week alone together. But they find that both Jeremy’s bosses have accepted his offer to stay in the house while he is away, and they have each brought the other’s wife with them. Location: 1517 H Ave., Plano. Tickets start at $12 and up. To purchase, call 972490-4202 or visit Theatre-Britain.com.
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Kids Experience Holistic Healing
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olistic Energy Practice, LLC, will be offering a 90-minute workshop, Intro to Energy Healing for Kids, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., February 25, for parents with a child labeled as spectrum, Kris Sands too sensitive, awake, aware or highly responsive. The workshop teaches 12 tools (meditation, chakras, grounding, centering, sending loving energy to themselves and their stuffed animals, pets and plants) for healing themselves energetically, empowerment and self-care. Participants should bring a favorite stuffed animal, pillow, blanket or charm to be “charged” with positive healing intent as one of the activities during the class. They will be seated on the floor, so should dress comfortably and bring a pillow or blanket for further comfort. Cost is $25; workbook, crayons, water and snacks are included. Limited to eight kids. Location: Gideon Math & Reading Center, 3555 Murphy Rd., Richardson. RSVP (required) to Kris Sands at 214-236-4037. For more information, visit HolisticEnergyPractice.com. See ad, page 29.
Positively Priming the Mind Workshop
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im Serafini, founder and CEO of MindPT, will be the keynote speaker at a Positively Priming the Mind WorkKim Serafini shop from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., March 31, in Dallas. Participants will learn more about the research and technology behind the accelerated learning tool called Mind Power Technology (MindPT) that serves businesses, nonprofits, organizations and entrepreneurs in creating positive results by priming the mind to start each day on a positive note. Serafini is a leading authority on positive priming and how to accelerate learning and change. This workshop is for coaches, practitioners, doctors, healers, educators, advocates, managers, trainers and others. Attendees will leave with real tools to navigate life more easily and beautifully. “MindPT is a revolutionary new way to integrate new beliefs and cultivate the mindset and habits of happiness and success,” she says. “Traditional personal growth programs often fail to produce the desired results because they require time, effort and discipline, but MindPT is quick and effortless, based on the latest in neuroscience research and proven, positive psychology principles. It is shared in fun and engaging bite-sized lessons on a desktop computer or mobile app to create fast, enduring results.” Cost is $49, including lunch. For location and tickets, visit PositivePrimingForSuccess.com. See ad, page 13. natural awakenings
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newsbriefs Jewelry for Beauty and Balance
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onit Mor, a naturopath, esthetician and owner of Mor Wellness Concepts, has developed a new, unique multisensory concept combining art and scents that is designed to balance the mind-body. It consists of breathtaking handmade jewelry that uses the healing properties of gemstones and crystals combined with the healing power of essential oils. She states, “For thousands of years, civilizations have utilized the power of crystals to release mental, physical and spiritual blockages to facilitate a free flow of energy throughout the body. On a cellular level, our bodies and quartz crystals are both made up of the same mineral; silicon dioxide. Because of this, we are naturally receptive to the vibrations of crystals as they transmit, reflect and store light, and receive energy.” Custom pieces are available. For more information, visit Art-Scent-Sion.com or call 214-973-0482. See ad, page 26.
Walk on the Wild Side
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ith a mission to “provide a caring, safe haven to some of God’s most beautiful creatures,” nonprofit In Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center puts their needs above all else, stating, “The old, the maimed, the unwanted can find sanctuary here.” They are offering public tours, guided group tours, group tours for children on a day trip, night tours, feeding tours, campouts and birthday parties. Reservations are required. There are volunteers throughout the facility that are available to answer questions about the big cats. The story of each cat is posted on the enclosure, and information about each species is placed nearby. Guided group tours areavailable seven days a week, andmust be reserved at least one week in advance. Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted donation rate. Location: 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie. For details, call 972-442-6888 or visit InSyncExotics.com.
Discover Renewed Intimacy with Kat Smith
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osted by Agape, Dr. Kat Smith will present a workshop, The ABC’s of Intimacy, from 1 to 3 p.m., February 12, at Noah’s Event Venue, in Plano. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. This event is for those that feel disconnect in how participants and their lovers view intimacy, are seeking affection, closeness and love, and have been looking for answers. Smith says, “Today’s couples are emotionally, mentally Dr. Kat Smith and physically exhausted; we often feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life and hardly ever prioritize intimate matters. This leaves us feeling resentful, tired, disconnected and lonely. The challenge is understanding that intimacy and sex are not the same thing. The ABCs of Intimacy workshop will explore all components that make up the foundation for a loving, passionate and truly connected relationship…intimacy!” Cost is $30. Location: 5280 Town Square Dr., Plano. To prepay, visit AgapeCSL. com. See ad, this page.
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Generating Kindness
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he nonprofit Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation is observing 2017 Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 12 through 18 by launching an online kindness generator serve as an online rallying point for activities worldwide. People everywhere can find inspiration for kind acts to perform during RAK Week, first recognized in 1995, and create weeklong challenges for their companies, organizations, communities, schools or even themselves. It all starts with one act, one smile, one coffee for a stranger, one favor for a friend. It’s an opportunity for participants to leave the world better than they found it and inspire others to do the same. The new Kindness Generator also will serve as a central repository of challenges from RAK partner organizations and a newsroom to tally acts of kindness in real time and call out how many people globally are participating in challenges. For more information, visit RandomActsOfKindness.org.
Everyone Can Be Successful at Gardening
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he Interactive Adult Education Committee is offering a course, Spring into Vegetable Gardening, taught by Collin County master gardeners, from 9 a.m. to noon, February 18, at the Landing at Myers Park and Event Center, in McKinney. The focus is on basic vegetable gardening, learning from veteran vegetable gardeners and local experts through lectures and hands-on displays. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Instructors will be available to answer questions on soil preparation, plant selection, seeds or transplants, row covers, vertical gardening and integrated pest management in the vegetable garden. Experts will discuss plant varieties and the planting calendar for Collin County. Irrigation and rainwater harvesting specialists will lead demonstration table lessons. Cost is $10. To guarantee handouts and goodie bags, preregister is required by calling 972-548-4219.
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newsbriefs Whole Body Thermography and Wellness Center Opens in Flower Mound
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r. Genie Fields, DC, has opened the Whole Body Thermography & Wellness Center within the Whole Health Wellness Center Dr. Genie Fields at 3201 Cross Timbers Road, Building 1, Suite 200, in Flower Mound. Fields has 11 years of experience with whole body regulation thermography, which uses a handheld wand to scan the body, including the breast. According to Fields, “Most tests show the organ structure and whether or not there is something that is structurally problematic. They don’t show how well the organs are functioning, which is an indicator of whether or not an organ could become diseased in the future or where underlying dysfunction is contributing to other symptoms.” Fields says, that whole body regulation thermography is an excellent tool to see where there is dysfunction, if there is a need for detoxification, and whether or not the body is prepared to clear the toxins released during a detox. Upon completion of a thermography scan, she reads the report and includes a consultation at no extra charge, to provide recommendations and possible next steps. Alternatively, she can send a sevenpage report to the patient’s doctor if they wish. For more information or an appointment, call 469-645-8337. See ad, page 15.
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Sustainability Training All Things Theater at Curtain Up! Enclave of Denton County presents Curtain at Texas A&M Artists Up!, a night of networking and all things theatre,
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Green Infrastructure/ Low-Impact Development workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon, February 2, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas. Green infrastructure for stormwater or low-impact development (LID) refers to practices that manage stormwater in an urbanized setting in a way that minimizes impact to the environment, while increasing cost effectiveness and sustainability. Best management practices include bio-retention, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and permeable pavement. These help reduce the volume and pollutant load carried by surface storm water runoff into rivers and lakes. This training will provide background information on LID and provide a tour of LID structures at the AgriLife Center, which include bio-retention/rain gardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and permeable pavement.
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 9, at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. Adults and youth active in area theatre companies, along with university and educational programs in the dramatic arts, will cooperate to promote their upcoming 2017 productions and join in informative conversation with Albert Geana-Bastare, an Actors’ Equity Association business representative. Admission is free (reservation requested) via 310-508-9963. Location: 400 E. Hickory St., Denton. For more information, visit DiscoverDenton.com
Cost is $50. Location:17360 Coit Rd, Dallas. For more information and registration, call Nikki Dictson at 979575-4424.
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle Fabric Scraps
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crap Denton will host a Patternmaking Workshop to make an adorable fabric box top from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 11. Attendees should have knowledge of basic sewing skills and bring their own sewing machine, scissors and seam rippers. Scrap provides one to three yards of fabric (or BYO) and other supplies. Participants will draft the pattern based on their own measurements to learn basic patternmaking skills. Class fee is $35. Location: 420 S. Bell Ave., Denton. For more information, visit ScrapDenton.org. natural awakenings
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healthbriefs
Infants Breathing Bad Air May Suffer as Teens FamVeld/Shutterstock.com
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study from the Karolinska Institute of Environmental Medicine, in Stockholm, analyzed data on air pollution exposure and lung function in the first and 15th years of life among 2,415 adolescents in Sweden. The researchers focused on nitrogen oxide in vehicle exhaust and particulate matter from road erosion, using road traffic, topography and weather conditions to classify pollution levels. They compared this data to the level of difficulty the teens experienced getting air through their peripheral airways, termed “resistance”. The study found that breathing problems increased for teenagers each time their exposure as infants to such pollution increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter, with the strongest association occurring in male subjects with asthma at age 16. The same increase was not present in relation to their exposure to traffic pollution as teenagers. Lead author Erica S. Schultz, Ph.D., says, “An increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of airway periphery for lung health. It’s concerning that the effect from the first year of life seems to be long-lasting, although we don’t yet know the full clinical implications.”
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nticipating surgery can be stressful, and many patients suffer from preoperative anxiety, which can cause serious health complications such as hypertension, rapid pulse and sugar metabolism changes. Israeli researchers from the University of Haifa have found that complementary medicine, combined with standard use of anti-anxiety drugs prior to entering the operating room, can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety levels and improve outcomes. Researchers divided 360 preoperative patients ages 17 and up into three groups: those receiving standard care for preoperative anxiety; those receiving standard care along with complementary therapy, featuring acupuncture, reflexology, individual guided imagery or a combination of the latter two; and those receiving standard care combined with generic guided imagery via a recording. Anxiety levels were measured preoperatively before and after the intervention on a scale of one to 10, with scores of four or more constituting intermediate or higherlevel anxiety. The study found that complementary therapy in combination with standard care produced a 60 percent reduction in anxiety, with the mean score dropping from 5.54 to 2.32. Combining standard care with reflexology and guided imagery provided the best relief, reducing anxiety by an average of 4.22 points. Patients receiving only standard care experienced a slight rise in their average anxiety level.
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Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com
Reflexology and Imagery Relieve Preoperative Anxiety
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healthbriefs
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September 2016 survey from Packaged Facts, a division of Market Research Group, LLC, showed that as much as 20 percent of the U.S. adult population is cutting back on supplement use due to consumption of fortified foods. Despite this trend, nutritional supplement sales nationwide are projected to increase by $1.5 billion in just two years to $16 billion in 2018. Fortified foods contain extra nutrients added by manufacturers such as cereal fortified with iron, milk with added vitamin D and pasta enhanced with folic acid. While the original intent of these additives was to improve nutritional deficiencies in people without access to foods that naturally contain these nutrients, consequences now include an overabundance of particular nutrients for some and poor food choices due to a dependence on fortified foods for others. Ingesting naturally occurring nutrients in unfortified foods allows each nutrient to be absorbed together with the other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients contained in that food, enabling them to work together within the body, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Aloe Vera Juice Allays Diabetes
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esearchers from the David Grant Medical Center, at Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, California, have found that oral doses of aloe vera can reduce fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates the average glucose level over the previous three months, in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Data from nine clinical studies that included 89 diabetes patients were analyzed. Findings suggest that patients with a fasting blood glucose level of more than 200 milligrams per deciliter experienced the greatest benefits from the aloe vera.
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Fortified Foods Cut Into Supplement Use
Fenugreek Eases Menopause
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randomized, doubleblind study from the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Research, in Bangalore, India, has found that an extract of fenugreek husk (FHE) called FenuSMART can provide relief from common symptoms of menopause, including night sweats, insomnia, headaches, hot flashes and mood swings. Researchers studied 88 menopausal women between the ages of 45 and 58. Half were given one gram of FHE per day for 90 days while the other half received a placebo. The study measured the impact the supplement had on the subjects’ menopausal symptoms through weekly telephone sessions. At the study’s end, approximately 32 percent of the women in the FHE group reported no hot flashes, while the placebo subjects saw the frequency of theirs reduced from three to five per day to one or two. Additionally, the subjects that took FHE experienced a 57 percent reduction in night sweats, a 68 percent abatement of mood swings, a 75 percent drop in insomnia and 58 percent fewer headaches.
Chinese Herbs Lessen Postpartum Blues
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study from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, in Beijing, reports that Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) can be an effective treatment for patients with postpartum depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine advocates herbal treatments based on underlying issues. Researchers analyzed data from 47 clinical trials encompassing 3,795 participants between the ages of 18 and 43 suffering from postpartum depression. The study pooled results into three categories: CHM versus placebo, CHM versus routine treatments (antidepressants) and CHM plus routine treatments versus only routine treatments. The study found that using Chinese herbs combined with antidepressants is the most effective approach, noting that CHM is a safe, effective alternative for patients unable or unwilling to take antidepressants.
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News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
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Hydrogen Conversion From Water Making Gains Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, in Stockholm, report that they have finally unlocked a major barrier to exploiting a renewable energy source through extracting pure hydrogen from water. Because the best-performing catalysts for electrochemical oxidation, or “water splitting”, are expensive precious metals, the research team led by KTH Professor Licheng Sun developed molecular catalysts for water oxidation with an efficiency approaching that of natural photosynthesis comprising common, abundant elements, all of which could help change the economics of large-scale hydrogen fuel production. Meanwhile, Daniel Nocera, a professor of energy at Harvard University, and Pamela Silver, a professor of biochemistry and systems biology at Harvard Medical School, have co-created a system that uses solar energy to split water molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria to produce liquid fuels. Their paper, whose lead authors include post-doctoral fellow Chong Liu and graduate student Brendan Colón, was recently published in Science. “This is a true artificial photosynthesis system,” says Nocera. “Previously, people were using artificial photosynthesis for water-splitting, but this is a true A-to-Z system, and we’ve greatly exceeded the efficiency of photosynthesis in nature.”
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globalbriefs
Repurposed Pallets
Nearly 2 billion wooden pallets are currently in circulation in the U.S., consuming around 50 percent of the country’s annual hardwood harvest and representing more than 90 percent of the world’s shipping waste. PalletSmart, in Fort Worth, Texas, has been making furniture, home decor and custom projects out of repurposed pallets and other reclaimed material since 2012. Company co-founder John Zaskoda says, “As with any business, we are looking to grow, but want to be smart about it. For now, we are staying put, taking custom residential and commercial orders and producing top-notch furniture.” He sees the endeavor as proof that with hard work and consistency it’s possible to make trash into treasure. Source: PalletSmart360.com
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Texas Company Turns Wood Waste into Furniture
Heave Ho
Abandoned and Lost Fishing Gear Pollutes the Seas Abandoned and lost fishing gear such as traps, crab pots and nets litter the ocean floor in coastal areas worldwide, continuing to attract, entrap and kill fish and other marine life. The Associated Press reports that global nonprofits, governments and companies are engaged in efforts to retrieve and recycle as many of the items as possible to protect the environment, save marine life and reduce hazards to marine navigation. A 2009 United Nations report estimated there are 640,000 tons of discarded fishing nets deep below the ocean surface worldwide. Recommended solutions include degradable panels on traps that break down and allow trapped marine life to escape. International agreements prohibit dumping fishing equipment at sea; yet in England, small vessels can amass landfill charges of roughly $700 per year, giving them an incentive to ditch broken gear. Pascal van Erp, a Dutch diver alarmed by the amount of equipment he’s encountered, founded the Ghost Fishing Foundation to tackle the issue. He says, “It’s found in all seas, oceans and inland waters at all depths, along the beach and under the sand. I don’t think the problem can be resolved completely, but we can keep it from getting worse by showing the problem to the public and the authorities.” Industry experts and scientists estimate that commercial fishermen annually lose about 10 percent of their traps due to bad weather.
Fungus Among Us Genetically Altered Mushrooms Approved for Consumption
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a new method of editing genomes of farm animals and food crops. White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) that have been genetically modified to delay the natural browning process are the first CRISPRedited organisms to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Yinong Yang, a plant pathologist from Penn State University, crafted the modified mushrooms by targeting the family of genes responsible for the browning effect seen in produce when sliced and exposed to oxygen. Yang was able to reduce the browning enzyme’s work by 30 percent and was granted approval from the USDA because no foreign or altered DNA was integrated into the mushroom genome. The department only assesses whether there’s a risk that the new modified variety of an organism could become a weed or “pest” to other plants. The mushrooms may still be subject to Food and Drug Administration or Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are in discussions about developing a new set of rules for the biotech industry in the next five to 10 years. Source: Nature.com
Zachary Crockett, of Pricenomics.com, has found that since 2014, 49 people were killed in attempts to take pictures of themselves with wild creatures. Although there are no statistics on how many animals have been harmed due to selfies, wildlife organizations such as Care for the Wild International are appealing to the public to stop using animals as props. Visitors to China’s Yunnan Wild Animal Park lured captive peacocks from their enclosure and grabbed them by their tails. The birds died as a result. Another group of people at a beach in Argentina was filmed mobbing a baby Franciscana dolphin, an endangered species, while taking pictures, resulting in its death likely through shock and severe dehydration from being removed from the water for too long. Due to the high demand by tourists to take pictures with wild animals, special photographic settings are popping up in Mexico, Europe and Morocco. However, the Association for British Travel Agents stated that no legitimate sanctuary would allow animals to be used as photo props.
ecotip Laundry List
Cool Tips to Save Money and Energy Following eco-friendly laundry tips can save on energy, water usage and utility bills, making it good for both the planet and the bank account. The laundry results, too, may be better for some loads. RealSimple.com advises that 90 percent of the energy consumed while running a wash load is used to heat the water, so the average household can eliminate as much as 350 pounds of carbon emissions and save about $40 annually by turning the knob to cold. It also notes that some proteinheavy stains, like perspiration and blood, can become more set into the fabric when washed in hot water, which can also shrink synthetic fibers. For sweat stains, DIYNatural.com suggests combining two tablespoons of cream of tartar, a few drops of lemon essential oil and water to make a paste. Mix and spread it on the stain, and then rub it in and let dry. Another pre-laundry option is to pour or spray a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and then soak for about 30 minutes. Mildly soiled laundry doesn’t necessarily need hot water for adequate cleaning, reports the Mother Nature Network. It advises pre-soaking heavily soiled laundry in cold water for about an hour, adding four tablespoons of baking soda to loosen dirt and grime. “Responding quickly to stains always helps,” says Steve Boorstein, a Boulder, Colorado, clothing-care expert on his ClothingDoctor.com website. “For washable clothing, flush the stained area with cool water to remove any solid matter. Never rub the stain in order to avoid driving it deeper into the fabric.” Conserve more energy as well as water by always assembling a full load of laundry. Appliance performance can also make an eco-difference. Energy Star estimates that water savings of between 40 and 75 percent can be achieved with front-loading machines instead of top-loaders. Line drying wins over a clothes dryer in terms of freshness, energy use and kindness to the environment. Start with biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents made from plant- and vegetable-based ingredients. natural awakenings
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Selfies Promote Animal Cruelty and Death
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Watch the Birdie
communityspotlight
Hugs Café Has a Special Mission
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by Rachel Scott McDaniel
fter many years of teaching cooking classes to adults with special needs at Market Street, in McKinney, Ruth Thompson dreamed of a restaurant that employed this population of people. She heard how much each of them wanted to be employed, and in 2013, Hugs Café was established, serving gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads and desserts. “When someone with special needs ages out of school at 21, the majority stay at home with no purpose. The mission of Hugs Cafe is to provide training and employment for adults with special needs [teammates],” says Thompson. The restaurant employs 22 adults with special needs and
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five mainstream employees, including a full-time restaurant manager and full-time kitchen manager. “All of our teammates work part-time and love everything that they do,” says Thompson. They use community volunteers on a daily basis to act as job coaches and work side-by-side with the teammates, making sure they are doing their jobs correctly. At times, volunteers are used in the kitchen, too. “There are more than 47,000 individuals with special needs in Collin County, alone,” states Thompson. “The 22 teammates that we employ are just a very small drop in a very large bucket. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Hugs Cafe to get information on how to sign up.” In 2016, they began Hugs Prep, teaching food service skills to other adults with special needs in the hope that they will be employed by a restaurant or caterer some day. Later this year, they plan to open Hugs Greenhouse for those that may have no interest in the food service industry, but aspire to grow and sell seasonal flowers and herbs. Volunteers are always welcome. Hugs Café is located at 224 E. Virginia St., in McKinney. For more information, call 469301-6900 or visit HugsCafe.org.
consciouseating
by Barbara Pleasant
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ast, fun to grow and packed with flavor and nutrition, tender young microgreens can go from seed to table in as little as a week. Close cousins to edible sprouts, microgreens are grown in potting soil or seed-starting mixes instead of plain water. They customarily grow beyond the sprout stage until they have produced a true leaf or two. After that, harvesting is a simple matter of snipping off fresh greens. “You don’t need a green thumb to grow microgreens, only patience and persistence,” says Mark Mathew Braunstein, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, author of Microgreen Garden. Even first-timers can expect good results. For example, the thin shoots grown from popcorn taste like a more vibrant form of sweet corn, and pea shoots work well in wraps, salads and virtually any Asian dish. Like high-fiber wheatgrass, “Microgreens are great for juicing, either by themselves or mixed with other veggies,” says Rita Galchus (aka Sprout Lady Rita), proprietor of The Sprout House, in Lake Katrine, New York, which sells organic seeds for microgreens and sprouts. “You can add a handful of microgreens to a smoothie to ramp up the nutrition without changing its taste or texture,” she notes.
Good Picks
The seeds of dozens of plants from alfalfa to wheat can be grown as microgreens. If seeking to maximize nutrition, put red cabbage and cilantro on the planting list. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Quality Laboratory, in Beltsville, Maryland, tested the nutritional properties of 25 microgreens; red cabbage, cilantro, garnet amaranth and green daikon radish had the highest concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and vitamins K and E, respectively. Microgreens generally provide three times as much nutrition per weight as the same food eaten in its mature state. “People underestimate the intense flavor of microgreens
Clean Greens
Microgreens grow so fast that there’s little time for them to run into trouble. Commercial growers use large trays, but home gardeners can also use pretty coffee mugs or tofu boxes rescued from the recycling bin. Drainage holes in the container bottoms work well when growing beets or other slow-sprouting seeds, but are less important for fast-growing sunflowers or wheat. Work only with organic seeds. Seeds sold for sprouting or bulk grains from a local health food store cost much less than the larger, robust seeds produced for gardening. Soak seeds in water overnight to jump-start germination. Place an inch or so of potting soil or seed-starting mix in the container, and then scatter the plump seeds on top. “A common beginner’s error is to sow seeds too thickly,” says Braunstein. Sown seeds should not touch each other, with most spaced about one-quarter-inch apart. Spritz with water and cover with a plate or plastic wrap. At the first signs of sprouting, water and move the pot to a sunny spot near a bright window or within two inches of a bright grow light. Dribble in small amounts of water to maintain moisture over the next few days. To harvest, cut in bunches about one-half inch above the soil line. Microgreens store well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but are best eaten fresh. For both beginners and experienced gardeners, growing microgreens provides a close-up look at seed germination, one of nature’s miracles. Award-winning garden writer Barbara Pleasant’s new book Homegrown Pantry: A Gardener’s Guide to Selecting the Best Varieties & Planting the Perfect Amounts for What You Want to Eat Year Round, will be out next month from Storey Publishing.
Organic Seed Sources Check with these online companies for any seeds unavailable locally. SproutHouse.com, 800-777-6887 SproutPeople.org, 415-640-1280 OrganicSproutingSeeds.com natural awakenings
February 2017
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Easy-Grow Microgreens Are Big on Nutrition
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INDOOR KITCHEN GARDENING
and might try planting mustard greens or radish varieties even if they don’t like spicy flavors,” say Elizabeth Millard, an organic farmer in Northfield, Minnesota, and author of Indoor Kitchen Gardening. For beginners, large seeds that sprout quickly such as sunflowers, buckwheat and snow peas are good choices because they produce big, robust sprouts with mild flavor. Many people also grow microgreens for their pets. “Cats tend to prefer mild, sweet-tasting microgreens such as red clover, alfalfa and flax seed,” advises Galchus. “They also love grasses grown from hard wheat, whole barley and rye. Cats cannot digest the grass, but use it to bring up indigestible matter that might be lodged in their stomachs.”
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fitbody
FIT FOR LIFE How to Stay Healthy, Flexible and Strong by Aimee Hughes
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hen thinking about the best forms of exercise as we enter midlife and beyond, we should first clarify some myths and preconceptions,” says Michael Spitzer, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, biochemist, fitness expert and author of Fitness at 40, 50, 60 and Beyond. “In our society, there’s a mindset that once we pass our 40th year, it’s all downhill from there. Our metabolism slows and we gain weight, lose mobility and flexibility, deal with more aches and pains, experience shortness of breath and the list goes on.” According to Spitzer, this all can happen, but it’s more of a self-fulfilling prophecy than destiny. “Research with older people at both rehabilitation and nursing centers tells us that the human body wasn’t designed to begin a major decline in function until age 70, barring major illness or accidents along the way. Most of individual decline is due to lifestyle choices, not nature’s plan.” 20
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Spitzer teaches his clients that weight training is essential for every age group. “After age 30, most people lose between 0.5 to 1 percent of lean muscle fiber per year, which directly affects the basal metabolic rate. Much like a car engine, the more lean muscle mass we have, the more energy our ‘engine’ uses, even when idling. If not prevented, by age 50, for example, we may have lost as much as 20 percent of the lean muscle fiber we had when we were 30.” He also recommends regular cardiovascular exercise. “Do a good round of cardio inside your target heart rate zone for 30 minutes at least three times a week. It’s vital for lung and heart health, the primary benefit of cardio exercise as opposed to just burning calories.” “For those in their 40s, I recommend high-intensity interval training such as burst training, along with a mind-body practice like power yoga or budokon,” says Nelson Pahl, of Northfield,
Minnesota, managing editor of Longevity Times. “Vinyasa yoga, tai chi and cycling are ideal during our 50s, while hatha yoga, tai chi, or qigong and hiking work well in our 60s.” “Most of my clients are 70 and up,” notes Gwyneth Jones, an active aging specialist at the Carriage Club, in Kansas City, Missouri, who also trains physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists and movement educators. “They enjoy mixing up their daily exercise routines and look forward to the support and encouragement of their classmates. Discussions include lighthearted wordplay and questions about anatomy and physiology.” Pahl urges everyone at every age, “Consume only whole foods, always.” He rarely drinks alcohol and begins every day with yoga and qigong. “Also, be sure to stay well hydrated,” adds Jones. “This will keep your joints healthy, skin clear and moist, digestion more efficient and detoxification of organ systems more effective. Add fresh lemon if you like.” Physical fitness is only one aspect of aging gracefully. Spiritual growth lifts and lightens any mental and emotional load, while supporting physical well-being. Spitzer also recommends, “Reading, learning to play a musical instrument, crafting activities, computer strategy games or doing other activities that require concentration or new problemsolving skills; all help the mind stay tuned up and sharp.” It’s always healthy to break out of normal routines and comfort zones, venture into new worlds, volunteer and do what makes our heart soar. Jones advises, “Choose activities that feel good, refreshing, include people you enjoy, and are done in pleasant environments. Don’t forget to revel in sunshine or a good book on a rainy day. Listen to music, play music, sing and dance every day.” Maturity brings benefits we can embrace with delight when we bring loving attention and happy novelty to life. Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.
Hormonal Imbalance and Weight Gain by Abraham Jacob
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s we age, our hormone levels change and we tend to gain more weight. However, there is a way to identify our hormone levels and break the cycle by optimizing our hormones. National Institutes of Health statistics from 2012 for individuals 20 years of age or older show that more than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese, and more than one-third of adults are considered to be obese; greater than one in 20 are extremely obese. Some of the major factors that are potentially responsible for obesity are sex hormones, leptin, insulin and thyroid hormone. Estrogen and testosterone levels decrease as we age. This can lead to multiple signs and symptoms, with weight gain being one of them. These two hormones can affect where our fat is deposited. Premenopausal women tend to deposit their fat in the lower part of their pear-shaped body, whereas when these levels decrease, the fat is redistributed in the abdominal apple-shaped region. This abdominal fat can lead to other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease and others. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells, and its role is reducing appetite by acting on specific centers of the brain to reduce their urge to eat. In obese people, despite the overabundance of the hormone, the brain becomes less sensitive, resulting in their not feeling full during or after a meal. Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas that is important for the regulation of fat and carbohydrate
metabolism. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose (sugar) from the blood into tissues such as muscles, liver and fat for storage to have it readily available for our body to use for energy when we need it. When the accumulation of fat increases in our body, the insulin signals get lost and tissues are no longer able to maintain glucose levels. This can then lead to diabetes mellitus. Thyroid hormone affects many functions in our body, and metabolism is one of them. This hormone isn’t always associated with the aging process, but hypothyroidism causes our metabolism to slow down, among other signs and symptoms, and can result in weight gain. It is critical to our existence that our thyroid hormone remain in balance to meet our body’s needs. A simple blood test can measure these hormones, and a trained physician can identify and optimize our hormone levels to get our body back in sync. If the body is out of sync, the efforts we put into getting healthy and fit will become an uphill battle that we may never defeat. Dr. Abraham Jacob is a cardiologist certified in age management medicine and owner of The Heart and Vitality Center, a wellness center located in Plano. For more information, call 972-596-7399 or visit HeartAnd Vitality.com. See ad, page 9.
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February 2017
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healthykids
ment,” she explains. If childhood tooth growth is delayed, Pearson often suggests a chiropractic adjustment if all other developmental areas are normal. “It can help the body relax so that teeth erupt naturally,” she advises.
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Mouth-to-Mouth
KEEP DECAY AWAY Kids Do Best with Holistic Dentistry by Linda Sechrist
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ccording to a 2012 New York Times story, “Preschoolers in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities,” more dentists nationwide are recommending that children be administered general anesthesia at hospitals due to the severity of decay. Such extensive dental work on children is largely preventable. Wise parents encourage their children to develop healthy habits such as brushing teeth at least twice a day; eating fewer sugary snacks and brushing afterwards; limiting fruit juice intake to four ounces a day; and sucking on bacteria-killing xylitol lollipops. Such a routine combined with an initial dentist visit by their first birthday can reduce dental costs, including hospital treatment for extreme decay that can cost thousands of dollars. Other ways to reduce the too-common incidence of six to 10 childhood cavities include breastfeeding only until baby teeth erupt; avoiding transmission of an anaerobic oral bacteria carried in saliva that’s the leading cause of tooth decay; early interceptive treatment to avoid crowding of teeth; and consulting a nutritionist.
Breastfeeding
Andie Pearson, a doctor of dental medicine and owner of Gaimed Dental Spa, in Wilmette, Illinois, tells mothers that in the descent through the birth canal, their baby ingests the bacteria necessary to digest breast milk. As teeth later emerge, their gut bacteria also become able to digest solid food. “By the time a child has all 20 baby teeth, between 18 and 30 months, they no longer have the microbial ecology for digesting breast milk and should be weaned. Researchers from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley have found that the more frequently a mother breastfed her child beyond the second birthday during the day, the greater the child’s risk of severe early tooth decay,” says Pearson. Development of facial muscles and bone structure is dependent on chewing and gnawing. “Teething rings facilitate chewing that builds stronger teeth and creates better align22
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Susan Maples, a doctor of dental surgery and owner of Total Health Dentistry, in Holt, Michigan, notes that Streptococcus mutans is the leading reason children are hospitalized today. “Cavities are formed when the rate of decay of the teeth caused by the lactic acid produced by the bacteria exceeds the rate of repair initiated by the phosphate and calcium ions in saliva,” she explains. The unwanted bacteria is transmitted through saliva, which is why adults should avoid licking spoons or tasting foods before offering them to children between the ages of 1 and 3. “This type of bacteria thrives on sugar, so children shouldn’t have lots of sugary drinks and sweet treats,” says Maples. Mouth kissing presents a similar risk.
Early Intervention
Kris Kammer, a doctor of dental surgery and owner of Gums of Steel Oral Hygiene Transformation, in Middleton, Wisconsin, learned early in his career to avoid mercury amalgam fillings and early extractions of bicuspids for orthodontic purposes, and that xylitol reduces buildup of plaque bacterial biofilm on teeth. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research, supported by findings of a metastudy appearing in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry “shows that regular use of xylitol over six months significantly reduces the Streptococcus mutans population,” he says. He also suggests early interceptive treatments which can be performed by general dentists. “Parents don’t need to wait for children’s teeth to come in crooked and crowded. These issues can be addressed with a removable appliance that expands the arch in the roof dome, influences bone growth and makes room for incoming teeth,” says Kammer. Early proper diet may also help prevent crowding of teeth as well as malocclusion, or misalignment of upper and lower teeth, according to Pearson.
Role Modeling “Parents play a pivotal role in their children’s dental hygiene. They influence how their children care for their teeth, behave in the dentist’s office and feel about dental visits,” advises Pentti Nupponen, a doctor of dental medicine and owner of the Halifax Center for Holistic & Cosmetic Dentistry, in Halifax, Pennsylvania. Children should be made familiar with dentistry and taught that they are responsible for their dental hygiene from around age 1. Nupponen explains his gentle method: “I encourage mothers to bring their children along for dental appointments so that they can watch me from their mother’s lap. Generally, by the time they are alone in my chair, they aren’t frightened.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.
Advertorial
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY by Gina Cronin
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hen it comes to pediatric dentistry, negatively.” Parents who bring their children many parents are seeking practitioners in for extensive treatments do have the opwho are more conservative in their approach tion of IV sedation, where a medical doctor and attempt to heal teeth naturally. When who is an anesthesiologist can come in to Dr. Abramczyk evaluates and diagnoses caviadminister it. ties, she also gathers a diet and oral hygiene Many parents also bring their children history while looking at motivation patterns in for a frenectomy, which is a procedure in the child and patients. From mercury to used to correct a congenital condition when fluoride, guardians are straying away from the lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum is many conventional practices that are proving tight, resulting in restriction of function poto have adverse effects; and instead choosing tentially resulting in difficulty breastfeeding Dr. Robyn Abramczyk methods that are responsible, safe and effecand other concerns such as dental, digestive tive for their little ones. Dr. Robyn Abramczyk, DDS, and speech issues. After the procedure, Dr. Abramczyk NMD, IBDM, MS of Smile Ranch Dentistry, practices educates parents on stretches that they will need to general dentistry with a holistic approach, and is a assist the baby in performing post operatively. There is member of the International Holistic Dental Associaalso a cranial sacral therapist and body worker on staff tion, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionat Smile Ranch Dentistry, who can aid in the release, als Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions, among many resulting in better speech, increased vocabulary and other associations. rapid healing of the condition. “Many of the parents who come to me are exSmile Ranch Dentistry is committed to making tremely educated and well-read, and choose natural sure each visit is relaxing for the child. Before treatand organic products for themselves and their families,” ments, there are homeopathic supplements, massage says Dr. Abramczyk. “They visit my office because they therapy, essential oils and more that can be utilized to are aware of the effect of fluoride on the physiological keep children calm. “We really like the parents to play system and are seeking safe and biocompatible materirole in every decision,” says Abramczyk. “We are supals.” Some patients come in for a second, third or fourth portive of what parents want to do and they are never opinion on treatment plans, such as baby root canals, pressured on treatment options. Whether they want to where other dentists are suggesting to place stainless come back into the room for procedures, use nitrous steel crown or silver filling. Dr. Abramczyk instead uses oxide to calm their children or call in a doctor for IV composite, white fillings that are organic, non-toxic, sedation, the options are available.” biocompatible, fluoride-free, gluten-free, BPA-free, Aside from the many treatments currently availheavy metal-free and much safer for kids. Dr. Abramczyk able for kids, Smile Ranch Dentistry will be welcoming discusses diet supplements, homeopathy and mineral another doctor to the team this spring, who will be propastes that often help remineralize teeth and potentially viding a very unique orthodontic approach. The orthoavoid invasive treatment plans. When a child needs filldontist is classically trained, but provides the increasings, Dr. Abramczyk cleans out the cavity and ozonates ingly popular functional orthodontics. This alternative the tooth, before placing the biocompatible composite. to straightening teeth offers natural growth guidance She also uses a fluoride-free mineral toothpaste. that ensures a child has a correctly size maxima and “We also have patients who mandible, which allows the teeth have been diagnosed with methyto align naturally, and improves the lenetetrahydrofolate reductase airways. Both the structure and (MTHFR) mutations,” says Dr. the function of the lips, tongue and Abramczyk. “These patients are facial muscles are evaluated and poor detoxifiers, so we need to apharmonized for maximum orthodonproach them differently with diet tic result. and supplementation. It’s also not Location: 6700 Horizon Rd, Heath. appropriate to administer nitrous To learn more, call 972-772-7645 or oxide or laughing gas to those with visit www.SmileRanchDentistry.com. an MTHFR mutation, as patients, Dr. Robyn Abramczyk with patient See ad, back cover. especially children, can respond
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PASSAGE Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey by Linda Sechrist
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hen properly viewed, the thresholds of all of life’s transitional moments can be both emotionally and spiritually rewarding. Whether it involves marriage or birth, job loss or illness, gleaning insight from the experience can yield fresh perspective on how to live life more fully today, if we remain mindful and lovingly attentive through the process. Like birth, death is a transition we can wisely prepare for. In recent years, compassionate individuals and grassroots movements have emerged to help us conduct ourselves, heal and grow from losing a loved one or face our own passing. An increasing number of initiatives support a new model in palliative care that treats death not as a failure, but an expected aspect of 24
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the human experience. Each in its own way advocates for a grace-filled passage supported by dignified, caring and compassionate practices.
Profound Shift
The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, Colorado, aims to restore death and dying to its natural place in the sacred circle of life. Its end-of-life literacy curriculum and certificate training programs are helping to create a new, wisdombased culture of healing teachers and end-of-life doulas that serve among the frontline caregivers and companions providing the comfort people want and need most. Founded by Tarron Estes, a healing artist, poet, Caritas coach and transformational learning educator, the institute is grounded in love, spiritual
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SACRED
openness, compassion and a universal field of consciousness. “Training is open to nurses, physicians, clinicians, caregivers, family members, healthcare teams and anyone else interested in exploring what it means to die consciously,” says Estes. It attends to the provider’s inner awakening and helps them strengthen their ability to give spiritual, emotional, physical and practical care to anyone, helping to relieve pain, regardless of diagnosis. “Rather than curative care, it’s all about seeking to increase precious, meaningful moments, a sense of spiritual sanctity, beauty, interconnectedness and appreciation of life for the families and patients they serve. An end-of-life doula at bedside assures that families and loved ones can focus on what is most important,” explains Estes, who believes that our true nature lives within us as an unblemished jewel. Helping individuals become comfortable talking about death is the work of Dr. Karen Wyatt, of Dillon, Colorado, founder of the End of Life University, an online interview series with end-of-life care experts. She provides a trustworthy loving environment in monthly death cafés. The author of What Really Matters: 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of Dying expands the conversation through related articles and podcasts at eolUniversity.com. Death cafés benefit from Wyatt’s experience as a hospice doctor. “There is never an agenda. Of the 10 to 12 people that generally join in, one is always a new caller, recently awakened to the idea of conscious dying or their own mortality. They’re seeking information and someone to talk to because family and friends aren’t interested. Some already embracing their mortality wish to explore their thoughts with others. Some callers join just to listen,” advises Wyatt. Because death in the West has become a commercialized, medical event with funeral home packages the norm, Wyatt recommends the National Home Funeral Alliance to those interested in a deeper understanding of options and resources for a gentler model. The nonprofit, grassroots movement and its members, such as Sacred Crossings, in Los Angeles, seek to restore the lost
Exploring the Mystery
For more than 40 years, philosopher, psychologist and physician Raymond Moody’s life work has been acknowledging the mysteries and validating the unexplainable events at the end of life. His seminal bestseller Life After Life appeared in 1975. Lisa Smartt’s mentorship by Moody led them to co-found FinalWordsProject.org. She’s also authored Words at the Threshold, a study of the nonsensical, metaphorical and paradoxical language and visions of the dying. Moody and Smartt agree that by better understanding the unique language patterns related to end of life we can share more deeply and build bridges with our beloveds throughout the dying process. “When we do so, we offer greater support to the dying and ameliorate our own experience of loss as they cross the threshold,” remarks Smartt. Like William Peters, founder of the Shared Crossings Project, in Santa Barbara, California, they caution that compassionate etiquette during events at death is important. “Assume that levels of awareness exist in the dying so that our energy and presence are felt and our voices heard,” advises Moody. “Respect your words and actions, regardless of the person’s state of consciousness. Be a compassionate listener and validate their vision. Don’t pretend to intellectualize or explain anything.”
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art and healing ritual of a home funeral by preserving the rights of families to provide home after-death care. Supporting and educating interested families is the mission of Sacred Crossings founder Rev. Olivia Rosemarie Bareham. The certified death midwife and home funeral guide draws from her experiences as an auxiliary nurse and hospice volunteer to assist families with end-of-life planning, death midwifery and arrangements for an at-home vigil and funeral, as well as cremation and burial choices. “We also offer sacred singing to help ease a loved one’s transition. Music by a bedside soloist or choir before, during and after death can be deeply relaxing and comforting, and even provide pain relief,” advises Bareham.
We rediscover that in order to die well, we must live well. Dying gracefully is the result of a mindful, day-to-day journey—a culmination of informed choices, honest discussions and deference to the hallowed fragility of nature’s life-death cycles. ~William Rosa Dianne Gray, president and executive director of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, also owns Hospice and Healthcare Communications. “The dying often wish to leave here surrounded by peace and harmony. They choose to let go of contentiousness and often wish family members would do the same, which is facilitated by mapping out Advance Directives according to the final wishes of the patient,” says Gray. Questions she frequently addresses in public talks and Death Over Dinner party conversations include: the necessity of finishing unfinished business; bringing closure to unresolved relationship issues; finding words to express our compassion; soothing the sense of impending loss; and managing to take only love with us to the other side, yet leave enough of it behind to help loved ones through their grieving process. She cautions that no matter how well we plan for death, things don’t always go as planned.
“Sometimes no matter how many advance care conversations have taken place, discord can dismantle the best laid plans. It requires the tough work of compassionate communications. Friends and families need to remember that this is the patient’s end-of-life experience, not theirs. It is possible to find peace in the midst of conflict, understanding that the one leaving overwhelmingly wishes for a peaceful passing, including peace within the family.” The Death Over Dinner initiative, founded by Michael Hebb in 2013, has been hosted by groups in more than 20 countries to help people engage in conversations on “how we want to die”—the most vital and costly discussion Americans aren’t having (DeathOverDinner.org/stories).
Practical Plans
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and its 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program offer a free downloadable national Guide to Financial Decisions: Implementing an End-ofLife Plan at Tinyurl.com/EssentialPlanNeeds. It includes basic descriptions of issues that arise as we age beyond retirement and details the critical documents needed for the individual, dependents, property, assets, estate planning, wills and trusts. It also addresses issues related to advance, treatment and do-not-resuscitate directives, insurance, types of funerals and costs, and Social Security, Medicare and veterans’ benefits. Guidelines suggest consulting with a certified public accountant or personal financial planning specialist. The latest innovation is the blessing of a living funeral, a celebration of life while the honoree is present to hear the eulogies, praises and farewells before they depart. AgingWithDignity.org provides a downloadable Five Wishes document, a popular advance directive, or living will that covers personal, spiritual, medical and legal aspects. It’s easy to use and can serve as a family guide to prompt conversations about personal care preferences in the event of serious illness. New York Times journalist Mark Leibovich wrote about how Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy chose to spend his final weeks in pursuit of a “good ending.” As death approached,
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As many as 80 percent of us say we want to die at home.
Writing Our Legacy
~CNN
Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.
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n their books Caring for the Dying and Having the Last Say, authors Henry FerskoWeiss and Alan Gelb, respectively, advocate reviewing our life and writing a short narrative to explore its value as we approach our final act of Earth’s play. Processing experiences from the past and what they mean at this juncture presents us an opportunity to achieve greater clarity and integrate them in a positive way in our life story. According to Fersko-Weiss, it has the power to reduce depression, increase life satisfaction, promote acceptance of self and enhance integrity of spirit, no matter what phase of life we are in. The harvesting of life experiences should reflect our true humanity—flaws and all—and what we’ve learned through mistakes and failures, as well as triumphs. Conveying a compelling mythic family story, values we’ve lived by and our embrace of meaningful relationships will help the people we know understand that, for all its difficulties and complexities, life is worth living. Our narrative, whether recorded as an essay or scripted video, becomes an act of praise for the gift of the life we’ve led, imperfect as it may have been. It can also serve as a potential keepsake that passes along life lessons and values from one generation to another. Gelb suggests that summing up what’s most important to us in 500 to 1,000 words can be an experience to savor and enjoy at a reflective time in life, an opportunity to capture our legacy and even serve as our own eulogy. When we want a loved one no longer here to feel near to us and hear them one last time, it’s a way for them to literally have the last say, he adds.
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Kennedy told friends that he wanted to take stock of his life and enjoy the gift of his remaining days with the people he loved most. As a result, he continued enjoying his morning ritual of reading newspapers while drinking coffee, playing with his dogs, watching James Bond movies with his wife and holding family dinners and sing-alongs near nightly. He reveled in his bedside view of Nantucket Sound, sailed when he could and ate lots of his favorite ice cream. His mantra was, “Every day is a gift.” “As our time winds down, we all seek comfort in simple pleasures—companionship, everyday routines, the taste of good food, the warmth of sunlight on our faces,” remarks Boston’s Dr. Atul Gawande in Being Mortal. “If we strive in our final months for independence, companionship, mindful attention, dignity, wisdom, joy, love and freedom from pain, we have the power to make those days less miserable, confusing and frightening.” In these many ways, we can manage to gently embrace and tenderly navigate life’s final transition with grace and love.
by Linda Sechrist
Sacred Pilgrimage to Egypt with Rae Chandran
March 31 - April 9, 2017 10 days / 9 nights Cost: $3,800 - $4,200 (airfare not included)
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his magical retreat offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Egypt with a custom guided program led by internationally renowned channeler and author Rae Chandran that combines nature, history, adventure and spiritual experiences in some of the most magnificent spots in the world. Experience daily channelings, meditations, intention ceremonies, activations and initiations in power spots guided by Chandran. Some of the places that will be visited include the Great Pyramids (private two-hour visit), Initiation in King’s chamber, Sphinx, Temple of Sekhmet and 7 Gates (private visit), Channeling in Abydos, Sakkara and Memphis, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, Hathor Temple, Alabaster Mosque, Coptic Church and the Cairo Museum, Isis Temple, Temple of Horus and Komombo Temple and many more.
Chandran is a teacher, channeler and energy healer. He has been on the path of self-discovery for more than three decades and through the awakenings and understandings he has had over these years, he shares these truths to all the people he comes in contact with. He teaches these truths through the various workshops he conducts in many parts of the world like Japan, USA, Brazil, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Shanghai, India and Vietnam. He also leads people to power spots and power vortexes in countries like Egypt, Israel, Greece and Morocco. Chandran is the author of five books. The content of all of these books is completely channeled.
Spiritual Retreat in Israel – July 2017
Meditations, Initiations and Channelings
To register for the Egypt or Israel tour or for more information, call Susan Deflavis Winters at 239-340-1036 or email Panguswf@gmail.com. awakenings February 2017 For more information about Rae Chandran,natural visit RaeChandran.com.
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Ozone therapy is now used to relieve arthritis, neuropathy, degenerative joint and disk disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
In the O-Zone Oxygen Therapy Heals a Host of Ills
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s safe and trusted as hyperbaric (high pressure) oxygen therapy, ozone therapy also harnesses the healing power of oxygen. Since the 1950s, its popularity has increased around the world. Today, more than 45,000 physicians in 50 countries administer ozone therapy to address ailments ranging from endodontic infections and herniated disk pain to arterial plaque and Lyme disease. According to the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, the widespread medical use of ozone began in Germany and has since spread across Europe as an alternative treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The academy notes that allopathic physicians caution against ozone therapy largely due to misinformation and a lack of understanding regarding its efficacy, side effects, expense and safety, even though published international studies as well as
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U.S. clinical trials have shown it can be used instead of more expensive and dangerous methods such as surgery or pharmaceuticals. Therapeutic ozone has a sound safety record and no toxic effects have been observed from proper clinical use (Journal of the American Medical Association). Occasional reported side effects are slight weakness, dizziness or drowsiness for short periods of time during or after treatment. Rare allergic skin reactions like nettle rash are possible with local applications, although occurrences are mild and quick to resolve. Ozone is an oxidant. Ozone therapy, like exercise, creates health benefits by delivering measured doses of oxidative stress that activate the body’s internal antioxidant systems. The primary natural enzyme in ozone therapy is superoxide dismutase, which stimulates another enzyme called telomerase that keeps DNA young by
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by Valerie Burke
maintaining the telomere at the end of each DNA strand. A study from Cuba’s University of Havana of herniated disc patients found that ozone therapy provided both oxidative protection and pain relief. Such properties make medical ozone therapy a safe and effective treatment for many infections. It’s been shown to be particularly effective for sinus and endodontic infections (Iranian Endodonics Journal), osteonecrosis of the jaw, ear infections, hepatitis (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine), cystitis, HIV, intestinal and blood infections and Lyme disease. Staff of the Sophia Health Institute, in Woodinville, Washington, report remarkably fast results treating such chronic complex infections by following intensive intravenous (IV) ozone protocols, with individualized systemic support. Ozonotherapy is a prime treatment for infections, especially viral. Leading experts in oxidative therapy Dr. Robert Rowen, who practices in Santa Rosa, California, and Dr. Howard Robins, director of The Healing Center, in New York City, had good success administering treatment during the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. In addition to many patients helped, “It’s been reported that ozone therapy rapidly cured five patients with Ebola during the outbreak,” says Rowen.
Ozone therapy is now used to relieve arthritis, neuropathy, degenerative joint and disk disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. A pilot study led by the Universidad de Granada, Spain, saw improvement in the physical and depressive symptoms of fibromyalgia. “Ozone is also effective in treating osteoarthritic knees and, via injection, arthritic hips,” says Rowen. Other individuals describe their experiences of overcoming various diseases using ozone therapy at YouTube.com/user/ RobertRowenMD/videos. One of the most impressive evidence-based applications is relief from the pain of herniated disks, particularly lumbar. More than one meta-analysis deemed ozone treatment an effective and extremely safe procedure, with pain and functional outcomes equal to or better than surgery and far lower complication rates (less than 0.1 percent), along with significantly shorter recovery times (Pain Physician; American Journal of Neuroradiology). According to the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, oxygen/ozone therapy used in dentistry offers three fundamental forms of applications to treat oral tissue—ozonated water, ozonated olive oil and oxygen/ozone gas. Ozonated water and olive oil have proved to be an ideal delivery system. Non-toxic and simple to generate, ozone therapy is coming of age as a viable option for both the treatment and prevention of illnesses. Valerie Burke is a freelance health writer in Olympia, Washington, versed in integrative medicine with a master’s degree in nursing science.
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Sustainably Stylish Home Relax into Nurturing Furnishings by April Thompson
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e all relish a cozy nest, whether that means lightfilled views, the embrace of form-fitting sofas and chairs or plush rugs that snuggle bare feet. A beautiful, comfortable home that reflects our personal style and embodies our values can be achieved by learning the origin of furnishings and investing in sustainably made pieces that will stand the test of time, say experts. “Furnishing a home ethically doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style,” says JD Doliner, a business consultant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Doliner’s home is graced with 18th- and 19th-century antiques, organic cotton mattresses, comfy custom-made chairs from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood and handmade wool rugs certified childlabor-free by GoodWeave. “They give me peace of mind as a humanitarian and environmentalist,” she says.
Signs of Progress
Debbie Hindman, marketing director for Associates III Interior Design, in Denver, is working with increasingly knowledgeable clients like Doliner asking for sustainably sourced products. Manufacturers, in turn, are upping transparency about product origins, realizing it can provide a competitive edge, she notes. 30
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“We look at the story behind a product and make sure that it aligns with both our company’s and clients’ values,” says Hindman, a co-author of Sustainable Residential Interiors. “We ask questions like, ‘Are workers paid a fair wage? Was the product made with local materials? What is the story behind the company’s founding?’” The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers partners with businesses and informs consumers to increase environmentally responsible choices in the marketplace. Its 400 members commit to sustainability and transparency in their business practices and submit an annual action plan showing such efforts. Headquartered in Edenton, North Carolina, the council strives to minimize industry carbon emissions and remove unsustainable materials and harmful chemical ingredients from residential and commercial furnishings. “The residential furnishings industry frequently takes raw materials from one continent, processes and manufactures on another to be consumed on yet another, leaving a huge environmental footprint,” says Susan Inglis, the council’s executive director. As the third largest consumer of wood, these manufacturers bear significant responsibility for preserv-
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ing the world’s forest ecosystems and fighting deforestation, reports Inglis.
Savvy Shoppers
To make informed decisions, furniture shoppers need to ask how, where, from what and by whom a potential purchase is made. Lisa Beres, a healthy home expert and former interior designer in Newport Coast, California, and author of Just Green It! advises not taking product claims at face value. Ask if the product has earned a certification like the Global Organic Textile Standard for fabrics or GreenGuard, which verifies low levels of chemical emissions. Not all natural products are sustainably produced; cotton, for example, is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Look for certified organic cotton as a responsible textile choice. Beres also suggests renewable fiber sources like bamboo or hemp. “Natural latex is a sound alternative to foam fillers, offering good support and dust mite resistance,” says Beres. Specific animal-based products like down feathers used in bedding can provoke allergies and be produced inhumanely, Beres cautions. Products certified to the Responsible Down Standard, which protects the wellbeing and welfare of geese tapped for their manufacture, offer a humane choice for fluffy down comforters. Look for well-crafted furniture made from locally sourced, reclaimed
or FSC-certified wood instead of particleboard, which usually contains formaldehyde and may be made from unsustainably harvested wood. Sustainable furnishings are both better for the planet and can make a home distinctive. Natural pieces like a countertop made from reclaimed, rough-hewn wood provide a unique beauty that mass-manufactured pieces can’t match and also showcase the material’s natural form and feeling. Her firm promotes durable, timeless pieces over trendy furnishings that a client might discard in a few years. When it’s time to retire a piece of furniture, find a new home for it, whether by donating to a charity or reselling through a consignment store. While cutting corners on home furnishing choices can be tempting, especially when shopping on a budget, remember that today’s quality pieces may become tomorrow’s cherished heirlooms. “Some will spend money on the latest gadget, but hesitate to invest in a great piece of furniture or a quality mattress they’ll spend much of their life sitting or sleeping on,” says Beres. “It’s not a splurge; you’re investing in your health and protecting Earth’s precious resources. It all comes full circle.” Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.
Toxic Furnishings Alert
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oday’s mass-produced furniture may contain hidden chemicals such as formaldehyde-based adhesives, flame retardants and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) linked to serious health issues. Researchers from the Natural Resources Defense Council found 45 toxic chemicals in indoor dust, 10 of which were present in at least 90 percent of households sampled. “These chemicals enter the air as materials in the furnishings break down,” explains healthy home expert Lisa Beres. “Because we spend an average of 90 percent of our lives indoors, the exposure to harmful chemicals is troubling.” Beres advises shoppers to be wary of synthetic fabrics, which not only consume nonrenewable resources like petroleum, but may also contain toxic dyes, heavy metals or chemicals like Teflon. Foam and other fillings in mattresses, sofas and chairs are often a hidden source of off-gassing VOCs. The Sustainable Furnishing Council’s seal of approval and member list at SustainableFurnishings.org are a good place to start to find companies committed to offering healthier alternatives that include transparency and responsibility in their manufacturing practices. natural awakenings
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wisewords
Transforming the Way Women Relate to Men An Interview with Alison Armstrong by April Thompson
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or 25 years, relationship expert Alison Armstrong has worked to evolve society by changing the way women relate to men. Her yearning to understand the opposite sex was born from personal challenges, including a failed marriage in her 20s. She began studying men on her own, at the age of 30, beginning with the question, “What if men are responding to women?” What started out as a personal inquiry has become a lifelong pursuit and she’s shared her findings with millions of men and women worldwide. Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of PAX Programs, addresses gender differences, sexuality and relationships. She has written three books, including The Queen’s Code, and speaks to interpersonal insights through workshops, webinars and teleclasses, including free recordings and articles at UnderstandMen.com. Armstrong and her second husband have been happily married for 23 years and now live in Colorado.
Which core differences between men and women cause everyday misunderstandings? The biggest source of mischief is denying that differences exist at all. Both men and women tend to assume that each is a version of the other, which creates significant misunderstandings. We interact with our partners by doing 32
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or saying what works for us. When that doesn’t get the response we’re expecting, we usually draw incorrect conclusions and act in counterproductive ways. For example, men and women relate to feelings differently. Women often make life decisions based on their feelings about something or someone. To men, who tend to rely on facts and set aside feelings, this approach can seem irrational, and relating to women as irrational has predictably bad outcomes.
Where does a couple best start to heal the communication divide? The most powerful thing men and women can do is to address misunderstandings with openness and curiosity rather than assuming we know why our partner did or said something. We should ask ourselves, “What if there’s a good reason for that?” Don’t assume that what’s true for her is also true for him, and vice versa. Once a couple chooses to give each other the benefit of the doubt, a few simple changes can further open up communication. Saying “I need” instead of “I want” will make a huge difference. Because being “needy” is considered unattractive, women avoid this word, not realizing that it connects with a man’s instinct to provide. When asking for something, it’s important to say what it would
provide us. For him, there needs to be a reward equal to or greater than the energy he’ll have to expend. Years ago, I described to my husband in colorful detail the experience of falling into the toilet in the middle of the night; he took it upon himself to make sure that never again happens to the women he loves.
What’s the secret to navigating partners’ differing needs and drives for physical intimacy? The secret is to stop leaving our sex lives to the whims of biology, or making decisions based on whether we “feel like it.” Waiting for a time when both partners feel like it, the kids are at Grandma’s and we’re not too tired leads to sex happening too rarely. Delicious sexual partnerships begin when we decide to stop waiting and instead work on creating the circumstances that put us in the mood. One example is learning to offer “dessert”. Using the desire for food as a metaphor for the desire for sex, we’re often trying to eat together when only one partner is hungry. But dessert sounds delicious anytime; examples might be massage or kissing or other physical activities. Find out what reliably perks up a partner’s interest and put that on the menu.
How can a woman satisfy a man’s desire to provide without sacrificing her independence? American culture tells women that being low-maintenance matters most. Yet, when we allow our partners to fulfill our needs, it can help us unlock our own greatness, as well as theirs. Men are driven to provide for their loved ones and denying them such opportunities takes away their life’s pursuit, which can be emasculating. By asking for what we need, women create opportunities for partnership, satisfaction and fulfillment for both partners. When we allow the men in our life to contribute to us and learn to receive graciously, we discover that it doesn’t diminish our power. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.
inspiration
KISSED BY KINDNESS
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sychologist Ty Tashiro reports in The Science of Happily Ever After that only three in 10 couples remain in healthy, happy marriages. Psychologist John Gottman, in New York City, has studied couples for four decades seeking to understand successful relationships. He and his psychologist wife, Julie, founded The Gottman Institute that helps couples build and maintain loving, healthy relationships based on scientific studies. Using data from his Love Lab at the University of Washington, John separated thousands of couples into two groups: masters (still happy after six years) and disasters (separated or chronically unhappy in their marriages). One of Gottman’s studies watched 130 newlywed vacationing couples and found that partners regularly made bids for connection, requesting responses from their mate. Choices to “turn toward” or “turn away” revealed the level of engagement and respect in the relationship. Couples that divorced within six years had shown “turn toward” bids a third of the time while couples still together responded to their partner’s emotional need nine times out of 10. An integral element is the spirit couples bring to the relationship: kindness and generosity or contempt, criticism and hostility. “There’s a key habit of mind that the masters have,” Gottman explains. “They are scanning the social environment for things they can appreciate and express thanks for. Disasters are scanning for partners’ mistakes.” People focused on criticizing miss 50 percent of positive things their
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by Emily Esfahani Smith
partners are doing and see negativity when it’s absent. Deliberately ignoring their partner or responding minimally to opportunities for small moments of emotional connection devalues and kills a relationship. Kindness, conversely, glues couples together, making each partner feel cared for, understood, validated and loved. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that the more someone receives or witnesses kindness, the more they will be kind themselves, creating upward spirals of love and generosity. Practicing kindness during a fight is vital. Letting contempt and aggression spiral out of control during a conflict can inflict irrevocable damage. “Kindness doesn’t mean that we don’t express anger,” Julie explains, “But it informs how we choose to express it. You can either throw spears or explain why you’re hurt and angry, which is the kinder path.” Kindness can also solidify the backbone of a relationship by being generous about our partner’s intention and avoiding misinterpreting what’s motivating their behavior. “Even if it’s executed poorly, appreciate the intent,” Tashiro advises. Clearly, if we want to have a stable, healthy relationship, exercise kindness early and often and let a spirit of generosity guide happy years together. Emily Esfahani Smith is the author of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters. Connect at EmilyEsfahaniSmith. com or on Twitter @emesfahanismith.
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HEART-TO-HEART WITH A HORSE
Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal by Sandra Murphy
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hysical therapists have long used horses to help patients improve balance or strengthen core muscles. Now they’re helping to teach empathy. Given a horse’s significant size, sometimes distracting surroundings and the need for safety, humans need to learn the animal’s non-verbal cues, and to regulate their own. Close interaction without riding is proving to be helpful for those dealing with addictions, trauma and grief, and for employees to improve their communication and teamwork skills. Kelly Wendorf and Scott Strachan,
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co-founders of Equus, in Santa Fe, work with both individuals and organizations. Strachan emphasizes, “This isn’t magic. Horses reflect our feelings back to us. If we’re nervous, the horse will be more skittish.” “We’ve had executives arrive with cell phones firmly in hand and leave holding soggy tissues instead,” comments Wendorf. “For them, it was unexpectedly emotional.” For addicts caught up in a debilitating cycle, “Equine therapy gets the brain firing in a new direction,” says
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Constance Scharff, Ph.D., director of addiction research at Cliffside Malibu, in California. “Patients may say they’re fine when they’re not, but you can’t lie to a horse. They have boundaries; if you’re angry, a horse won’t tolerate your behavior and will walk away.” Scharff notes, “Equine therapy is complementary to psychotherapy medicine, and one tool we use in approaching addiction. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be the underlying issue, so we can address it, to understand why the person became an addict.” Wendorf relates the story of an 18-year-old client facing body image issues. “Five horses approached her and touched her with their noses on her arms and legs. Where they touched was where she had been cutting herself to try to relieve her emotional pain.” “People feel a powerful connection when they let down their defenses and a horse responds,” says Sheryl Jordan, equestrian director at Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, Virginia. “Our Equi-Spective life lessons program brings self-awareness and the power to better control emotions. During the session, they may hug, pet and cry on the horse, but they leave the corral smiling.” The program teamed up with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) serving bereaved military families. Kelly Griffith, a surviving sister of U.S. Marine Corps Major Samuel Griffith, points to the power of equine therapy in a video at Tinyurl.com/ Equi-SpectiveVideo. Susan Wight, a former professional steeplechase rider and ambassador for TAPS in Leesburg, Virginia, says, “My husband was my riding coach. When he passed away, I was numb when facing decisions, but at the session, it felt like one of the horses was the one to choose. The initial flood of emotions and memories from being around horses again wasn’t pretty, but empathy is a specific language, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Horses are a huge part of my life.” At Ranch Hand Rescue Counseling Center & Animal Sanctuary, in South Argyle, Texas, founder Bob Williams considers animal therapy a ministry. “We rescue abused and neglected
Horses help bring back memories for clients with dementia. ~Hearts & Horses, Loveland, Colorado, nonprofit therapeutic riding facility farm animals, including horses that come into play when patients are not responding to usual therapies,” he says. “It’s important for damaged people to learn to live in the light, and our partnering with the special needs animals helps put them on the emotional path to health.” The rescue’s mission is to provide hope, healing and a sense of security for children and adults that have suffered severe trauma such as abuse, domestic violence and witnessing violent death (Tinyurl.com/ RanchHandRescueVideo). Riding Beyond’s four-session program, in Ashland, Oregon, is free to women recovering from the rigors of breast cancer treatment. Expenses are covered by donations from the community. German research published in the journal Psycho-Oncology reported that 82 percent of participating breast cancer patients studied displayed symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis. “They often don’t want to touch or be touched, and have trouble with friendships and intimate relationships; issues that can cripple a woman’s life,” says Trish Broersma, founding director and a certified therapeutic riding professional at Riding Beyond (Tinyurl. com/RidingBeyondVideo). “The medical team that saved their lives doesn’t treat these issues.” The first client, unfamiliar with horses, met Mystic, who touched her on the site of the former tumor. She says, “Even weeks later, when I brought her image to mind when stressed, sad or even happy, it brought feelings of contentment, peace and well-being.” Horses have been serving humans in many ways for centuries. Equine therapy shows they have even more to give if we are open to receive. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com. natural awakenings
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ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship by Rachel Scott McDaniel
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ill and Priscilla Darling were called to create a therapeutic riding center with the mission to help children and adults with disabilities move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse and the dedication of a professional and caring community. Founded in November 2007, ManeGait is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), a network of 850 equine therapy centers worldwide with the mission of promoting safe and effective therapeutic riding practices. ManeGait has achieved the highest designation as a PATH Premier Accredited Equine Center. Therapeutic riding provides a multidimensional movement pattern similar to the human gait. This motion influences the rider’s body, leading to increased flexibility, core strength, fine motor skills and intellectual functioning. Susan Hansen, chief development officer at ManeGait, says, “What makes equine therapy unique is that it does not feel like traditional therapy to our riders. It is a rewarding sport, and ManeGait provides a supportive environment for our riders to reach their potential.” ManeGait provides weekly therapeutic horsemanship programs to 140 adults and children with physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory and behavioral disabilities. Certified instructors lead the programs with the assistance of 20 skilled therapy horses and a team of more than 275 volunteers that participate as horse-leaders or side-walkers for the riders. Some enjoy caring for the therapy horses and maintaining stables, while others help with administrative tasks. Continuing relationships among the staff, volunteers, riders and their 36
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families have also created a community of friendship and support. Therapeutic Horseback Riding is ManeGait’s core riding program. It comprises weekly private or small group riding lessons tailored to the needs of each rider. Other programs include Therapeutic Carriage Driving and the ManeGait to Freedom veterans program. The Innovative GaitWay to the Brain program incorporates cognitive exercises into the framework of equine therapy. ManeGait strikes an important balance of providing a professional level of service, while also ensuring a personal experience for the riders. Class size is limited to no more than five riders per lesson. Recognizing that rider families spend a significant proportion of their income caring for a child with disabilities, they are committed to offsetting the true cost of therapy with a reduced fee structure. Less than 16 percent of ManeGait’s operating budget is funded through rider fees. Individual donors, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants and community events generate the remaining revenue. “Through our therapy programs, we have witnessed riders take their first steps, speak their first words and achieve milestones once thought impossible,” Hansen notes. Looking to the future, ManeGait has a vision to humbly answer the call to expand their reach and serve more people. They plan to grow their core programs, increase the number of riders served by the center and support the growth of the therapeutic riding industry. ManeGait is located at 3160 N. Custer Rd, in McKinney. For more information, visit ManeGait.org.
calendarofevents
hicle, cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550.
NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the first of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com/advertise. Changes to events may occur after print date of this magazine. Always call ahead to confirm all details.
Will You Still Love Me In The Morning? – Fri, Sat, Sun, Feb 10-Mar 5. 8pm, Fri; 2:30 & 8pm, Sat; 2:30pm, Sun. By Brian Clemens & Dennis Spooner. Jeremy and Celia return a week early from their unsuccessful honeymoon to find that both Jeremy’s working partners have accepted his offer to stay in his house while he is away. The only problem is that they have each brought the other’s wife with them. The Cox Building Playhouse, 1517 H Ave, Plano. 972-490-4202. Theatre-Britain.com.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development Workshop – 8:30am-12pm. Training provides background information on LID and provide a tour of LID structures at the AgriLife Center, which include bio-retention/rain gardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and permeable pavement. $50. Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas. Info, Nikki Dictson: 979-575-4424. Register: secure.touchnet.com/C21490_ustores/web/product_detail. jsp?PODUCTID=8115.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 First Friday Dance – 6-8:30pm. Band: Andy and Wade. Lewisville Senior Activity Center, 1950A S Valley Pkwy, Lewisville. 972-219-5050. Women’s Backpacking Basics – 6:30-8pm. Want to take your day hikes overnight? Connect with other female hikers and REI to get an overview of backpacking planning, preparation and gear in this women’s-only class. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Heard Nature Photography Contest – Feb 4-26. Divisions for children and adults, beginners and advanced, wild and captive animals, birds, flowers, insects, abstracts, landscapes, water, black and white. No pets, please. Proceeds benefit the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. $10/image. For contest rules & to enter: HeardNaturePhotographers.com/aboutthe-contest. Arbor Hills Adventure – 8:30am-10am. What’s under Arbor Hills? Discover its hidden geological and fossil mysteries. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano. bptmn.org.
SATURDAY, FEBRAURY 11
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Guided Plant Walk: Oak Point Park – 1011:30am. Take a guided walk with a local Master Naturalist Carol Clark, and learn all about the beautiful and unusual plants at Oak Point Park. Learn their names, their historic uses, and their hidden secrets. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org.
savethedate
Scouting Workshop: Webelos – 10am-12pm & 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Preregistration required. $15/scout, $12/adult. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
savethedate SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Texas Master Naturalists Certification – Wednesdays, Feb 8-May 3. 6-9pm. Become a certified master naturalists. Training includes a min of 40 hrs of instruction via classroom sessions and field trips. Instructors are local experts. Classes cover ecology, ornithology, herpetology, meteorology and more. The Heard Museum, Science Center, 1 Science Pl, McKinney. For more info & application: bptmn.org.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Bird Walk – 7:30-10am. Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA. Ages 10 & up. $5/ve-
The ABC’s of Intimacy Workshop – 12:30pm, registration; 1-3pm, workshop. With Dr. Kat Smith. Gain exciting knowledge that will bring you closer and restore the fun and laughter in your relationship. Embody and create a passionate and joyful love life again and create an authentic relationship built on a solid foundation of intimacy. $30. Noah’s Event Venue, 5280 Town Square Dr, Plano. Info: 972468-1331. Register: AgapeCSL.com.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Guided Nature Walk: Oak Point Park – 1011:30am. The beauty and diversity of Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve will amaze you on this guided walk, led by a Texas Master Naturalist. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org.
Nature Walk – 10am-12pm. Animal tracks, deer trails, trees with personality, singing birds; we never know what we’ll find on our monthly nature walk. $5/vehicle; cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. Scouting Workshop: Brownies – 10am-12pm & 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Preregistration required. $15/scout, $12/adult. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 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. 469-200-4085.
FEBRUARY 4-26
DAILY Star Coyote Events – Monthly events include gong, Tibetan bowl and crystal bowl sound journeys, shamanic journey with a drum dance, kid’s energy and creativity events, and a Wed morning class series. Please see the calendar at StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com for the exact dates and times as they change each month, or call 469-344-6484.
Heard Nature Photography Contest – Feb 4-26. Divisions for children and adults, beginners and advanced, wild and captive animals, birds, flowers, insects, abstracts, landscapes, water, black and white. No pets, please. Proceeds benefit the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. $10/image. For contest rules & to enter: HeardNaturePhotographers.com/ about-the-contest.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
savethedate THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Natural Networking – 11:30am-1pm. 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 support our host restaurant by purchasing your own lunch and there is no charge for meeting. Held at Palio’s Pizza Café, 1941 Preston Rd, Ste 1004, Plano. RSVP important; space limited. Email your details to NAMS@NA-NTX.com.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Night Hike – 6-8pm. Follow our trail guides on a moonlit stroll down the nature trails. Ages 5 yrs & up. $11.50. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Registration required by Feb 16, 11am: 972-219-3550.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Spring into Vegetable Gardening – 9am-12pm. Focus of the program will be basic vegetable gardening in Collin County. Learn from veteran vegetable gardeners and local experts through lectures and hands-on displays. $10/person. Landing at Myers Park, McKinney. Registration required: 972-5484219 or ccmgatx.org. MAKE HIGH VIZ Agape Women’s Breakfast with Friends – 9:3011am. Enjoy breakfast, check-in and support one another, and meet some new friends. Cafe Express Shops at Legacy, 5800 Legacy Dr, Plano. Danielle: 214-551-4185. AgapeCSL.com. Guided Trail – 10-11am. Experience the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led
by our trained guides, your group will spend 45-60 mins hiking our unique landscape. Preregistration required. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566. Saturday at the Cabin – 12-3pm. Step back in time when you visit the historic Minor-Porter Log House. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the log home, smoke house and dugout. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. Scouting Workshop: Webelos – 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Preregistration required. $15/ scout, $12/adult. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972562-5566. Owl Prowl in the City – 6-8pm. Take a stroll down the trail through Central Park, listening for owls as we go. Afterwards, warm up at a campfire. Central Park, 1899 S Edmonds & Willow Oak, Lewisville. Registration required by Feb 16, 11am: 972-219-3550.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Urban Wildlife Public Information Session – 6:30-8:30pm. Texas Master Naturalist Bonnie Bradshaw with 911 Wildlife will hold an informational seminar to educate residents on interactions with urban wildlife. Free. Lewisville Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 995 E Valley Ridge Blvd, Lewisville. 972-219-3550.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Cowtown Marathon – Feb 24-26. One of the country’s largest multi-event road races. Health & Fitness Expo, Feb 24 & 25. The adults’ 5K, Cook Children’s 5K, and 10K, Feb 25. Ultra Marathon, Feb 26. Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 BurnettTandy Dr, Fort Worth. For complete schedule: CowtownMarathon.org.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Outdoor Cooking Camp – Feb 25-26. Tasty meals, cooked in a variety of interesting methods. Learn
how to make your next outdoor adventure a culinary treat. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382. Horsemanship Day Camp – 11am-3:30pm. Ages 7 & up. Adults welcome. Get a general overview of the responsibilities of having a pet of this size, and get a chance to do some basic riding. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382. 3-Hr Wetland Canoe Trail – 1-4pm. Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 mins on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, followed by free paddle time to explore on your own. Pre-registration required. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566. Intro to Energy Healing for Kids – 2-3:30pm. Have child who is labeled Spectrum, sensitive, awake, or aware? Workshop teaches 12 energy tools, including: meditation, chakras, grounding, centering and radiating healing energy to themselves, family and pets. Perfect for ages 6-12. $25/child. Gideon Math & Reading Center, 3555 Murphy Rd, Ste 106, Richardson. Kris Sands: 214-236-4037. HolisticEnergyPractice.com.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Bow Drill Workshop – 1-5pm. Learn how to find the wood and then construct your own Fire by Friction Kit that will be yours to take home, but more importantly you will gain the knowledge to do it yourself. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Primitive Survival Skills Day Camp: Fire – 10am3pm. Empower yourself and your family with the skills to survive. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382. Urban Wildlife Public Information Session – 6:30-8:30pm. See Feb 23 listing. Lewisville Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 995 E Valley Ridge Blvd, Lewisville. 972-219-3550.
plan ahead SATURDAY, MARCH 4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Natural Networking – 11:30am-1pm. 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. $10 (cash only) or support our host restaurant by purchasing your own lunch and there is no charge for meeting. Held at Palio’s Pizza Café, 1941 Preston Rd, Ste 1004, Plano. RSVP requested; space limited. Email your details to NAMS@NA-NTX.com.
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SATURDAY Blackland Prairie Raptor Center First Saturdays – 10am-2pm. Meet raptors up-close. Take guided prairie hikes. Kids activities. Bring a picnic lunch. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, 1625 Brockdale Park Rd, Lucas. Erich Neupert: 972-442-7607. BPRaptorCenter.org.
Compost Fair – 10am-12pm. Learn the basics of turning garden debris into garden gold through composting. Rotate through 6 learning stations. A comeand-go event. Spend as much or as little time as you need talking with our composting experts. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Registration required: 972-769-4130.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Collin County Master Gardener Garden Show – Mar 18 & 19. 9am-5pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Discover inspiration, exciting plants, design, and practical tips from some of the state’s top horticulture experts. Myers Park & Event Center, 7117 CR 166, McKinney. ccmgatx.org.
ongoingcalendar NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the first of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com/advertise.
Women’s Life Coaching Groups – 12-1:30pm. & 7-8:30pm. If you’re looking for clarity, peace, support and connection with like-minded women, join us for our weekly meetings led by two life coaches. $25. Inner Evolution Coaching, 1517 McDermott St, Allen. Amy Egan: 214356-7646.
Free Introduction to Meditation via Skype – With Dr. Alina Olteanu, owner of Meditate With Alina. Meditation is the perfect antidote to stress and the solution to maintaining balance in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic modern world. RSVP required; dates are subject to change: 214-842-9510.
Sunday Worship: Stonebriar Community Church Service – 9 & 10:45am. 4801 Legendary Dr, Frisco. 469-252-5200. Stonebriar.org. Sunday Worship Experience – 9 & 11:30am. The Potter House North Dallas, 10501 Main St, Frisco. 214-623-4150. tphnd.org. Sunday Worship: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Service – 9 & 11:15am. The services are the same, with music at both. Also have a service on the 1st Wed at 7pm. 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. 214387-4700. StPhilipsFrisco.org. Sunday Celebration Service Agape Center For Spiritual Living – 10am, meditation; 10:30am, service. Noah’s Event Venue, 5280 Town Square Dr, Plano. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. Sunday Worship: River of Glory Service – 10am. Also Wed, 7pm. 501 Accent Dr, Plano. 972-5646316. RiverOfGlory.org. Sunday Worship: Unity Spiritual Center of Denton Service – 10am, coffee; 11am, service. Unity takes spiritual principles and makes them practical in your life. 6071 New Hope Rd, Krugerville. 214453-0218. UnityOfNewHope.org.
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Sunday Worship: New Life Community – 8am & 11am. Sunday school in between worship services at 9:30am. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-8724205. NewLifeFrisco.org.
Overeaters Anonymous – 12pm. Weekly Mon-Fri. A 12-step recovery program for compulsive eating. Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St, Plano. 972-238-0333.
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. Nature Explore Family Club – 3-4pm. 1st Sun. Also 1st Mon, 9:30-10:30am. Event aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, ageappropriate activities. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: 972-769-4130.
monday savethedate MONDAY Living Ethics School Open House: Tea, Talk, Tour – 9:30am. 1st Mon. We invite you to come learn more about our heart-centered, scientific, loving, intuitive and co-creative approach to learning. Living Ethics School (formerly Robert Muller School), 340 Country Club Rd, Fairview. RSVP requested: 214-544-8338. CenterForLivingEthics.org.
Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association. Collin College Conference Center (Central Park Campus), 2200 W University Dr, McKinney. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-843-8084. Monthly Keep Aubrey Beautiful Meeting – 6:307:30pm. 3rd Mon. Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce, 205 S Main St, Aubrey. Deborah Goin: 940-343-1313.
tuesday Young Actors Guild Meetings – 2nd & 4th Tues. Meetings consist of theatre games, exercises, workshops and lessons. Open to all current members and those interested in becoming a member. $25/yearly membership. McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney. 214-544-4630. Stroller Skate – 9-11am. $4. Thunderbird Roller Rink, 3200 Thunderbird Ln, Plano. 972-422-4447. Amazing YA Book Club – 7pm. 1st Tues. All grown up but still love reading young adult books? Join us to discuss YA books with other adult fans. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. More info, Stacey Irish-Keffer: 940-349-8718.
Horizon UU Worship Service – 10:30am-12pm. Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton. 972-492-4940. Horizonuu.org. Adult/Teen Horse Club – 11am-5pm. 1st Sun. 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. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. For restrictions & details: 940-440-8382. 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. Free Vision Screenings – 1:30-3:30pm. Last Sun. Offered by the Lewisville Lions Club. Vision screenings are quick, non-invasive and available for all ages. Lewisville Public Library, 1197 W Main St, Lewisville. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group – 2-3pm. 3rd Sun. Get info on local resources, education and
SUNDAY Sunday Celebration Service Agape Center For Spiritual Living – 10am, meditation; 10:30am, service. Noah’s Event Venue, 5280 Town Square Dr, Plano. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com.
WEDNESDAY Agape Community Meditation & Prayer Gathering – 6:45-8:15pm. Experience group meditation and prayer. Yeager Office Suites, 2770 Main St, Ste 158, Frisco. Rev. Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com.
SUPER FIRST TUESDAY SALE
20% off regular price of vitamins, supplements, protein powder, health & beauty care, skin care, aromatherapy candles, household cleaners and more. All three locations: Colleyville: 5100 Hwy 121; Alliance: 3529 Heritage Trace Pkwy; Fort Worth: 5817 Curzon Ave. SunflowerShoppe.com
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Collin County Archeological Society Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Meetings open to the public and anyone with interest in archaeology. Attendees encouraged to bring whatever artifacts they may have collected for discussion and/or identification by the group. Texas Star Bank, 2800 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney. 972-832-9425.
Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909.
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.
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.
Buddhist Sangha – 7-9pm. The meeting of Horizon’s Buddhist covenant group. Meditation and study of the 8-Fold Path. Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, 1641 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton. 972-492-4940. Horizonuu.org.
Coloring for Adults – 6:30-8:30pm. 4th Wed. Also 2-4pm, 2nd Sat. For adults and teens, age 16+. Come de-stress and express yourself through the calming art of coloring. Coloring pages and colored pencils provided, but welcome to bring own. Frisco Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-2925669. FriscoLibrary.com.
Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable – 7-9pm. 2nd Tues. Membership (free) open to anyone with interest and energy. Help advance the cause of inclusivity in the City of Plano. Plano City Hall, Training Room A, 1520 Ave K, Plano. More info: 972-941-7747.
wednesday Bible Study: New Life Community – 12 & 7pm. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-872-4205. NewLifeFrisco.org. Prenatal Class – 12-1pm. Last Wed. Designed specifically for expectant parents, this free 1-hr course with Dr. Alina Olteanu covers numerous topics on preparing for your new arrival, such as your child’s development, immunizations, breast feeding, supplements, nutrition. Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco. RSVP requested: 214-736-1954. WholeChildTexas.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? Series will heighten one’s appreciation of art and provide insight into the mind of the artist.
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.
Agape Community Meditation & Prayer Gathering – 6:45-8:15pm. Experience group meditation and prayer. Yeager Office Suites, 2770 Main St, Ste 158, Frisco. Rev. Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. River of Glory Service – 7pm. Also Sun, 10am. 501 Accent Dr, Plano. 972-564-6316. RiverOfGlory.org. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Service – 7pm. 1st Wed. 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. 214-387-4700. StPhilipsFrisco.org.
thursday McKinney Farmers’ Market at Adriatica – 3-6pm or sellout. Local and organic meat, dairy and produce vendors. 6851 Virginia Pkwy, W McKinney. 972-562-8790. CPR Training – 6-8pm. American Heart Training Center with 125 trained instructors. Texas CPR Training, 4013 Carrizo, Plano. 214-770-6872. TexasCPR.com. 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. 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.
DAILY 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. $7/person age 2 & up. Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446, Gainesville. 940-3720343. CircleNDairy.com.
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Friday Evening Shabbat Service – 7pm. Join Shir Tikvah, the Reform synagogue of Frisco as we inspire a love for lifelong learning, the celebration of living a Jewish life, and a commitment to honoring the beautiful traditions of our heritage. Held at 7700 Main St, Frisco. 469-269-0718. For specific schedule: ShirTikvahFrisco.org. 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.
saturday 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. 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. Clear Creek Birding Walk – 7:30-10:30am. Last Sat. With Elm Fork Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Rd, Denton. txmn.org/elmfork. 2nd Saturday Bird Walk – Thru May. 8-9am. Learn more about birding. These walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Included in general admission. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566. Beach Clean Up at Trophy Club Park – 8-11am. 1st Sat; weather permitting. 2885 Trophy Park Dr. More info: TrophyClub.org. 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.
friday
Kayak Power River Trip – 9am-2pm. 3rd Sat. Kayak Power will provide 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. Registration required: 214-669-1663.
Nature Story Times – 10:30am. Designed primarily for young children and introduces a different nature-themed book each week. Included in general admission, free/Heard Museum Members. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. 972-562-5566.
Saturday Morning Stroll at Oak Point Park – 10am. 2nd Sat. Join a Master Naturalist for a morning stroll observing and identifying native plants and wild life at the pond, prairie and riparian forest. Families welcome. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. bptmn.org.
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.
Blackland Prairie Raptor Center First Saturdays – 10am-2pm. Meet raptors up-close. Take guided prairie hikes. Kids activities. Bring a picnic lunch. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, 1625 Brockdale Park Rd, Lucas. Erich Neupert: 972-442-7607. BPRaptorCenter.org.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby Meeting – 11am-1pm. 2nd Sat. Agenda includes updates from around Denton, practice our monthly actions, and then call in to the national conference call featuring a wellknown speaker (economists, scientists, politicians, military commanders, and thought leaders) on the topic of climate change. Cafe Brazil, 501 W University Dr, Denton. Info, Brett Cease: 218-766-0830. CitizensClimateLobby.org/Chapters/TX_Denton. Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm. See Sun listing. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. Harp Music for Wellbeing – 12-1pm. 1st Sat. Come relax and listen to the harp, prescriptive music as it facilitates healing, promotes feelings of well-being and aids in transition. $15. Pilates and Yoga Studio, 200 S Austin Dr, Allen. Patsy M. Sadowski, MA, Certified Music Practitioner: 972-814-0778. PilatesForLife.com. 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. Mockingbird Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas Monthly Meeting – 1:30pm. 1st Sat. Local poets and guests are welcome to recite their poetry. Meetings are casual and visitors are always welcome. Heard-Craig Carriage House, 205 W Church St, McKinney. MockingbirdPoetry.org. Heard Nature Photographers – 1:30-3:30pm. 2nd Sat. Photographers of all ages and experience levels. Presentations, field trips. Membership $20/year; first two visits free. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. For more info, Tom Martin: 469-261- 3045. HeardNaturePhotographers.com Coloring for Adults – 2-4pm. 2nd Sat. See Wed listing. Frisco Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco. 972-292-5669. FriscoLibrary.com.
savethedate SATURDAY Introduction to Yoga Series – 3-4:30pm. An 8-wk series of 75-90-min classes of yoga and discussion. Each week introduces an area of yoga in a way that you can jump in any time. $80. YogaJax Yoga Studio, 2001 Coit Rd, Ste 155, Plano. Preregister, Jami Jackson: 469-331-9913 or YogaJax.com. Free Guitar Class – 4pm. Kids ages 9 and up can try out a free guitar class (guitars provided) to see if music is something they are interested in trying out. Guitar Gallery, 100 Louisiana St, McKinney. RSVP required: 214-504-4921. 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.
classifieds Downtown McKinney’s Second Saturday – 7-10pm. 2nd Sat. Explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and taste specialties in some of the area’s best eateries. Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney. 972-547-2660.
30 words: $30. Runs up to 3 months. Extra words: $1 each. To place your classified, email the listing to: Publisher@ NA-NTX.com. Deadline is noon on the 1st of the month. SERVICES $30 ADULT SALT SESSIONS – 10am-7pm,
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.
Wednesdays. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma,
daily
Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano. Teresa Cooper: 972-378-4945.
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. $7/person age 2 & up. Circle N Dairy, 2074 CR 446, Gainesville. 940-372-0343. CircleNDairy.com. Drug Disposal – Unwanted and expired medications can be anonymously disposed of at any time at no cost. Accepted drugs: medications for pets, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, prescription ointments, prescription patches, sample medications and vaccines. Roanoke Police Department Lobby, 609 Dallas Dr. For more info: 817-491-6052. Live Green in Plano (LGIP) Volunteer Program – Volunteers 13 and up need. Complete a short application and attend an orientation prior to getting started. Activities include monthly garden workdays; community creek and litter cleanups; special event support and assistance; community outreach options; administration; and more. For orientation dates & registration: LiveGreenInPlano.com. Meditation for Children and Parents – With Dr Alina Olteanu. Children and parents can learn how to meditate in one session. Evening and weekend classes available. Afterwards, join our community of meditators once a month, for group meditations. $150. Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco. For appt: 214-736-1954. WholeChildTexas.com. MeditateWithAlina.com Peacemaker – A unique theatrical and educational experience aimed at pre-k-5th. The show tackles themes of tolerance and friendship in a light-hearted way, using storytelling, music, puppetry, dancing, juggling and audience participation. An on-campus program lasting 30 mins. More info: 972-490-4202. Theatre-Britain.com. Star Coyote Events – Monthly events include gong, Tibetan bowl and crystal bowl sound journeys, shamanic journey with a drum dance, kid’s energy and creativity events, and a Wed morning class series. Please see the calendar at StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com for the exact dates and times as they change each month, or call 469-344-6484.
cold/flu, COPD or other respiratory or skin conditions? Salt therapy is 100% all natural & drug free. Salt heals. Salt Escape, Salt Therapy Wellness Center, 2100 Dallas
SPACE AVAILABLE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE – Convenient location near Custer & Spring Creek in Plano this beautiful room facing Chisholm Trail is located in office with Acupuncturist/Oriental Medicine Doctor. Prefer part-time acupuncturist, or therapist with specialties in craniosacral, sports medicine, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, reiki, body contouring or other therapeutic techniques. Other therapists or modalities also considered. Rent is very reasonable and negotiable, depending on days/hours needed. Mature experienced persons only, with references. For more info: 972-704-3730. PRACTITIONER SPACE FOR LEASE – Prime location, easy access, 1 mile from Dallas N Tollway and 121 in Frisco. Medical massage clinic in business for 5 years; 1 room available. Private, quiet room; large window; no shared wall; lovely waiting area with comfortable seating. Seeking Functional MD/DO; Counselor, Nutritionist or similar. To inquire include name, background, years of experience phone number: Contact@MassageDistrict.com.
SPECIAL OFFER SILVER LINING TUESDAY – Cupping sessions between 9am-4pm for anyone over 65 years only $55 for 50-minute session (regularly $75). Must mention this special at time of booking and show valid ID. Dana Russell, LMT, Advanced Cupping Therapist. 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, NE corner of Park & DNT, inside Salt Escape. 469-831-2795. Cupping.guru.
WANTED LOOKING FOR YOGA INSTRUCTOR – To share space and rent with Dance Therapy instructor in the McKinney/Allen area. Lori: 504-460-6488.
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naturaldirectory
SERENDIPITY HEALTH & WELLNESS
A community resource guide connecting you with local businesses and experts. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email Publisher@NA-NTX.com.
ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE, HERBS & NUTRITION Patti Carey, DAOM, LAc, CLT 2121 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 107, Plano 972-704-3730 • PattiCareyLAC.com
Practicing integrative holistic Oriental Medicine using acupuncture, herbs, massage, constitutional nutrition and light therapy to prevent illness and create healing for harmony in body, mind and spirit. TX AC00812; NCCAOM 19746.
NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488 DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com Whole-body wellness center providing chiropractic care, spinal decompression, allergy testing, NAET, IMAET, detoxification, weight loss, hormone balancing, wellness programs and more. Allnatural healing, no medication, no surgery. See ad, page 7.
AROMATHERAPY DOREY AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY Mary Ellen Dorey, Owner Plano • 972-567-3962 DoreyAromatherapy.com
European and Ayurvedic Reflexology and aromatherapy sessions, plus a full line of products for well care, body care and natural perfumes. Reflexology works with the feet and helps to balance the subtle energy systems of the entire body leaving you feeling refreshed and energized. See ad, page 29.
BEAUTY HAIR COLOR STUDIOS
9200 E Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com Organic color for your hair and health. Open seven days a week. “No-Neck-Pain” wash basins have built-in headrest for your comfort and to protect your neck. See ad, page 12.
HELLO GORGEOUS MAKEOVER SALON & SPA Helen Gibson-Nicholas, Owner 111 Fountain Ct, Fairview 70569 972-549-4249 • HelloGorgeous.com
We have it all: air-brush makeup and biologic air-brush tanning, body detox wraps, ionic foot detox, Bright White teeth whitening, antiaging aloe facials, lunch time facelift, Brazilian blowouts, bridal/ prom hair and makeup and more. See ad, page 6.
Dr. Amy St. John, DC, LMT 4011 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 100, Plano 75075 214-801-0741 • SerendipityWellness.net
I'm the gentle chiropractor. As a doctor of chiropractic and licensed massage therapist, I can help you to relieve pain head to toe, whether caused by injury, stress or fatigue. My style is gentle but effective, which can be particularly helpful for those in extreme pain, children or seniors. See ad, page 29.
SYNERGY BALANCE NUCCA CHIROPRACTIC HEALING CENTER Drs. Bryan & Brittney Asby 12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com
A gentle NUCCA alignment, with no cracking, twisting or popping, can improve and even reverse joint pain, headaches, disc issues, limping, numbness, ringing in the ears and more. See ad, page 10.
MOR WELLNESS CONCEPTS Ronit Mor, ND, LE 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com
COACHING/GUIDANCE
A holistic boutique spa focused on dramatically reviving your skin's youthful appearance using the most effective treatment protocols as well as science-based ingredients and technology. See ad, page 26.
ORGANIC MY SKIN
Lauren Yeager, Owner, Licensed Esthetician 8105 Rasor Blvd, Ste 315, Plano 75024 469-438-9893 • OrganicMySkin.com Raw, edible, vegan, organic, holistic skincare and hair removal. See ad, page 10.
TEXAS PARENTING AND INNER EVOLUTION
Amy Egan, Certified Life Coach 214-356-7646 • InnerEvolutionCoaching.com Trained Love & Logic Facilitator and Certified Life Coach, Amy does private sessions, classes, ongoing groups, and speaking engagements for parents and women. Her passion: help you raise your kids to be responsible and happy adults, and help women find joy and inner peace.
DAIRY CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY
Michelle and Tommy Neu 2074 County Rd 446, Gainesville 76240 940-372-0343 • CircleNDairy.com
PURE GLOW ECO CHIC
Beauty meets Health 972-675-7987 • PureGlowEcoChic.com Need help with a healthier beauty routine? We offer skincare and makeup made with real, clean ingredients that are recognizable. Complimentary private consultations available.
CHIROPRACTIC
State-permitted dairy licensed to sell fresh, all-natural unprocessed grade A raw milk. See full listing under Farms & Farmers' Markets. See ad, page 29.
DECLUTTERING / ORGANIZING SERVICES THE DECLUTTERBUG
NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488 DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com Whole-body wellness center providing chiropractic care, spinal decompression, allergy testing, NAET, IMAET, detoxification, weight loss, hormone balancing, wellness programs and more. All-natural healing, no medication, no surgery. See ad, page 7.
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 26.
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February 2017
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FIT BODY
DENTISTRY
HOLISTIC FITNESS BY CHERI
SMILE RANCH DENTISTRY
Dr. Robyn Abramczyk, DDS 6700 Horizon Rd, Heath 75032 972-772-7645 • SmileRanchDentistry.com Smile Ranch believes in natural, minimalistic remedies that are safe and effective for you and your family. See ad, back cover.
Cheri Hausmann, Owner Denton, TX 940-218-8437 • FitnessByCheri.com Specializing in seniors, couples, women’s fitness, therapeutic fitness, injury recovery, pre/postnatal, stress relief and weight management.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEART & VITALITY, PLLC
Dr. Abraham Jacob, MD, FACC 4100 W 15th St, Ste 112, Plano 75093 972-596-7399 • HeartAndVitality.com
DINING CAFÉ BRAZIL
Heart & Vitality is a premier wellness center offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, weight-loss/nutrition, vitamins, non-invasive, drug- and surgery-free pain relief, and aesthetics. See ad, page 9.
200 Coit Rd, Ste 112, Plano (by Central Market) 469-229-9140 A breakfast-to-late-evening dining and coffee house offering delicious food in a casual, eclectic familyfriendly space. Healthy meal options to decadent deserts available.
SHANDIZ MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & MARKET 4013 W Parker Rd, Plano 75093 972-943-8885
RECLAIM HEALTH
Laura Precourt 2237 W Parker Rd, Ste F, Plano 75023 972-943-9355 A concierge practice that offers an education curriculum that teaches patients how to reclaim their health through proper nutrition and lifestyle changes which can allow them to reduce or eliminate their need for medications. See ad, page 8.
Halal meats, fresh produce, groceries and flat bread baked on-site.
EDUCATION LIVING ETHICS SCHOOL
Vicki Johnston, Founding Director 340 Country Club Rd, Fairview 75069 214-544-8338 • CenterForLivingEthics.org Are you seeking a learning environment that nurtures the whole child? Children thrive in heart-centered relationships that cultivate whole-being intelligence through nature, creativity, discovery, storytelling, meaningful learning and individual projects. Full- and part-time programs available. We welcome you to our monthly Tea, Talk and a Tour. See ad, page 14.
FARMS & FARMERS' MARKETS CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY
Michelle and Tommy Neu 2074 County Rd 446, Gainesville 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 29.
GARDEN CALLOWAY’S NURSERY Calloways.com
Seventeen DFW stores including: Denton, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Hurst, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Southlake. See ad, page 15.
HAIR SALON HAIR COLOR STUDIOS
9200 E Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035 214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com Open seven days a week, we offer organic color for your hair and health. “No-Neck-Pain” wash basins have built in headrest for your comfort and to protect your neck. 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. See ad, page 12.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~Aesop 44
North Texas
NA-NTX.com
HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM 2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075 972-867-8800 PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com
Offering drug-free treatments, antiaging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ad, page 34.
HOLISTIC WELLNESS THE CUPPING GURU
Dana Russell, LMT, ACT 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75075 469-831-2795 • Cupping.Guru Contemporary cupping is a superior therapy for releasing muscle knots, relieving tension, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, detoxing, smoothing cellulite and more. It's effective and relaxing. Ask about our exclusive TrioCleanse: a powerful combination of salt room therapy, cupping therapy and 24 hours of juicing.
INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIANS HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS
Dr. Deborah Z. Bain, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP, GCP 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 2.
ROOTS INTEGRATIVE GYNECOLOGY Dr. Odette Limosnero, MD 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010 972-822-3365 RootsIntegrativeGynecology.com
We take the time to build a relationship with you, to not only treat your symptoms, but discover the underlying cause of your “disease.” See ad, page 11.
WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS
Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 100, Frisco 75034 214-736-1954 • WholeChildTexas.com Pediatric care that considers the whole person (body, mind, spirit and lifestyle). Revolutionary approach based on principles of Integrative Medicine, providing a new roadmap to optimal health. See ad, page 7.
LAWN CARE – ORGANIC EARTH KIND SERVICES
Organic Compost Lawn Treatment Beau Propes, Owner 469-744-0281 • EarthKindServices.com Organic lawn treatment that gets amazing results. Safe for kids and pets. See ad, page 6.
MARKETS – GROCERY SPICE BAZAAR INDIAN GROCERY 4681 Ohio Dr, Ste 105, Frisco 75035 214-618-3174
NATURAL FOOD & VITAMINS SUNFLOWER SHOPPE
Fort Worth/Alliance: 817-741-6799 Colleyville: 817-399-9100 Fort Worth: 817-738-9051 SunflowerShoppe.com Your go-to resource for natural foods, supplements, unflagging customer service and knowledgeable staff. Find out about great savings with our Sunflower Saver card and First Tuesday Sales. Closed Sundays for faith and family. See ad, page 39.
NATUROPATHS MOR WELLNESS CONCEPTS Ronit Mor, ND 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com
Inspiring, empowering and coaching you to naturally improve and maintain your well-being. Ronit’s holistic, nontoxic approach helps restore vitality and lessen chronic conditions through nutrition, lifestyle and alternative modalities. See ad, page 26.
ORGANIC SPA ORGANIC MY SKIN
Lauren Yeager, Owner, Licensed Esthetician 8105 Rasor Blvd, Ste 315, Plano 75024 469-438-9893 • OrganicMySkin.com Raw, edible, vegan, organic, holistic skincare and hair removal. See ad, page 10.
PARENTING TEXAS PARENTING AND INNER EVOLUTION
Amy Egan, Certified Life Coach 214-356-7646 • InnerEvolutionCoaching.com Trained Love & Logic Facilitator and Certified Life Coach, Amy does private sessions, classes, ongoing groups, and speaking engagements for parents and women. Her passion: help you raise your kids to be responsible and happy adults, and help women find joy and inner peace.
PEDIATRICS HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS
Dr. Deborah Z. Bain, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP, GCP 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 2.
WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS
Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 100, Frisco 75034 214-736-1954 • WholeChildTexas.com We empower our patients to take control of their health with a transformative clinical practice that integrates the best of traditional, Western medicine with ancient, Eastern healing modalities and with a vast array of nutraceuticals and cutting edge clinical test, while “walking the talk” of healing right by your side, every single step of your journey. See ad, page 7.
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.
REAL ESTATE DARLENE OWEN, REALTOR
United Real Estate/DFW Properties 972-979-7640 • DarleneOwen.com I specialize in helping with all the technical aspects of home selling or buying, like getting a great deal and a perfect location, but my clients also love that I have a knack for helping with some of the more intangible, stress-inducing things that go along with the process as well. If you're looking for an agent who can help and support you beyond just the paperwork, call me today! See ad, page 28.
REFLEXOLOGY DOREY AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY Mary Ellen Dorey, Owner Plano • 972-567-3962 DoreyAromatherapy.com
See full listing under Aromatherapy. See ad, page 29.
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ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL
REIKI
6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034 214-387-4700 • StPhilipsFrisco.org
MY HEART REIKI
Jennifer Cunnings 1113 Hampshire Lane, Ste 8, Richardson 972-816-6299 • MyHeartReiki.com Align with your true, authentic, amazing self. Using energy therapy and intuitive coaching, Jennifer provides the tools, healing and support you need to live a selfempowered and purpose filled life. See ad, page 28.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY SALT ESCAPE
2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75093 972-378-4945 • Info@SaltEscape.com Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, COPD, cold/flu, or other respiratory or skin conditions? Salt therapy is 100% drug-free and all natural. Salt heals.
SOUND HEALING STAR COYOTE SOUND TEMPLE
Jodi Roberts, Founder Coit Rd and Parker, Plano 75075 469-344-6484 • StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com Jodi activates your creative energy for health, clarity of purpose and inner peace through sound healing, shamanic practices and multidimensional shadow transformation. See ad, page 29.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Sunday services, community programs, job ministry, preschool, and St. Philip’s Academy “K” class.
THERMOGRAPHY WHOLE BODY THERMOGRAPHY & WELLNESS
Dr. Genie Fields, DC 3201 Cross Timbers Rd, Flower Mound 75028 469-645-8337 WholeBodyThermographyAndWellness.com Don’t assume following generic guidelines about health will address your body’s unique needs. Get the report that can show the truth about your body and get you on your right path.Whole body regulation thermography scan is painless, noninvasive and radiation free. No prescription required. The scan, report, reading and recommendations always included. See ad, page 15.
VETERINARY SERVICES PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM 2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075 972-867-8800 PawsAndClawsAnimalHospital.com
Offering drug-free treatments, antiaging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ad, page 34.
AGAPE CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Reverend Lee Wolak 972-468-1331 • AgapeCSL.com
WELLNESS CENTERS
If you were inspired by the movie The Secret or the message of Abraham, Eckhart Tolle, and Deepak Chopra you’ll feel right at home at Agape. Agape CSL is a spiritual community that nourishes your soul, energizes your body and lifts your spirit. Agape honors all spiritual pathways, and can be incorporated into anyone's life as a complement to their own traditions and belief systems.See ad, page 8.
BODY SYNERGIE
NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH
GET HEALTHY HEALTH MARKET
25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco 75033 214-872-4205 • NewLifeFrisco.org
SHIR TIKVAH REFORM SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Heidi Coretz 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.
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North Texas
NA-NTX.com
1103B Ridge Rd, Rockwall 75087 972-772-5808
BACK TO BASICS HEALTH MARKET 585 I-30, Rockwall 75087 972-771-3660
DOC’S BODY SHOP CHIROPRACTIC
STAR COYOTE SOUND TEMPLE
Coit Rd and Parker, Plano 75075 469-344-6484 • StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com Star Coyote Sound Temple is a safe, sacred space for private and group sessions and classes by appointment only. We focus on creativity, music, health, relaxation, communication and fun in a community setting. Sound and energy healing, massage and workshops are offered for all ages. See ad, page 29.
SYNERGY BALANCE NUCCA CHIROPRACTIC HEALING CENTER Drs. Bryan & Brittney Asby 12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230 972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com
A gentle NUCCA alignment, with no cracking, twisting or popping, can improve and even reverse joint pain, headaches, disc issues, limping, numbness, ringing in the ears and more. See ad, page 10.
WELLNESS WORKS
2305 Ridge Rd, Ste 102, Rockwall, 75087 469-698-8844
WOMEN'S HEALTH HEART & VITALITY, PLLC
Dr. Abraham Jacob, MD, FACC 4100 W 15th St, Ste 112, Plano 75093 972-596-7399 • HeartAndVitality.com Heart & Vitality is a premier wellness center offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, weight-loss/nutrition, vitamins, non-invasive, drug- and surgery-free pain relief, and aesthetics. See ad, page 9.
ROOTS INTEGRATIVE GYNECOLOGY Dr. Odette Limosnero, MD 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010 972-822-3365 RootsIntegrativeGynecology.com
We take the time to build a relationship with you, to not only treat your symptoms, but discover the underlying cause of your “disease.” See ad, page 11.
3084 N Goliad St, Ste 114, Rockwall 75087 972-722-2500 811 E Yellow Jacket, Rockwall 75087 469-434-2004
HEAVENLY HANDS BIRTHING CENTER 908 N Goliad St, Rockwall 75087 214-621-0859
HORMONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Rockwall: 1207 Arista Dr, Ste 103, 75032 469-402-1877 Southlake: 620 N Kimball Ave, Ste 100, 76092 817-328-8376
YOGA LIVING YOGA DALLAS LivingYogaDallas.com
Your online community for everything "yoga" in DFW. See ad, page 31.
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