November 2016 - Natural Awakenings North Texas by Martee Davis

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

PAMPER YOURSELF

Simple Ways to Renew Body, Mind and Spirit

Kelly Brogan on the

Truth About Depression

Why Meds Don’t Work and What Does

STAY SHARP Powerful Ways to Avoid Mental Decline

Boarding Solutions for Beloved Pets The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly

November 2016 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com North Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex

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letterfrompublisher It’s been a bit of a rough, emotional road, of late, and I’ve 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 © 2016 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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found myself thinking about the people who have crossed my path and those with whom I’m currently walking with. I realize that each one brings a special combination of skills, abilities and traits that all have pros and cons and ‘seasons’. For example, after experiencing hurt, some grow thick skins, and their inner ‘protector’ may become stronger and more assertive, yet others may become self-doubting or feel unworthy. They may not share emotions or get into deep relationships as a way of protecting themselves from being hurt. Someone who’s felt he or she hasn’t had control in their life may respond by being more of an aggressor or a ‘warrior’, while others become lovely, well-intentioned emotional pacifists. All of these emotional reactions occur to varying degrees and in unique combinations within us. Sometimes we need that strong, quick thinking warrior and sometimes we need the calm, slow-to-anger pacifist; and sometimes we just need a referee to know the rules and call a foul a foul. It’s kind of funny, I’ve been on both sides. In one friendship, my ‘mellowyellow’ side blended wonderfully with a dear friend who was a charismatic warrior. We were a great team. As roommates, I became a stronger me and as she later admitted, she learned things from me that helped to balance her. And in other relationships I was the one who had to step up. While others were applying their pacifist side to the situation and in doing so created a “feel good” situation, I looked down the path they were on and could see it only led to delayed negative consequences. Details matter. Kind of like many of us in the holistic community know, the symptom that hurts us isn’t generally the root cause. Being even one degree off at point zero and following that path, can lead to being hundreds of miles off track further down the line, so a seemingly small thing now can have dangerous consequences later. If we’re to be healthy in our body, mind, soul and spirit and to be honest as a society, we must be free to speak about situations and look deeply at them. We must be careful about leaning into the “easy way”. Fundamental changes are not easy, nor is life in general. In taking the easy path, we often relinquish our freedom and give lordship to that thing, person, habit or idea which gives us the easy life. We all impact each other in different ways, and sometimes the person we think is least likely to help us is actually the one who makes the biggest positive difference. Let’s embrace our experiences with all types of “others” as opportunities to grow or to strengthen another side of us. Remember that true love isn’t just hugs and kisses. It sometimes requires hard choices and stepping up to do the hard, uncomfortable, possibly unpopular stuff that turns out to be most rewarding. You don’t always need a warrior, but you will at some point, so don’t discount them or that side of you; they may well be your saving grace, whether you know it or not.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marteé Davis, Publisher NA-NTX.com

contents 6 newsbriefs 1 1 eventspotlight 12 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs 13 readertip 16 consciouseating 13 19 practitioner

profile 20 greenliving 27 community spotlight 28 wisewords 16 30 fitbody 34 naturalpet 36 calendar 41 classifieds 43 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.

14 THE SENSITIVE CHILD

How to Nurture Special Gifts by Maureen Healy

16 FESTIVE SIPS

AND NIBBLES

Vegan Holiday Treats that Everyone Loves

by Judith Fertig

20 ONE-PERSON

PAMPER PARTY

Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew by April Thompson

24 STAY SHARP

Powerful Ways to Avoid Mental Decline by Lisa Marshall

28 KELLY BROGAN

ON THE TRUTH ABOUT DEPRESSION Why Meds Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Work and What Does by Kathleen Barnes

30 PILATES UNBOUND New Fusions with Yoga, Dance and Boxing by Aimee Hughes

31 WHAT REAL

MONEY MEANS by Wendell Brock

32 BOARDING SOLUTIONS FOR BELOVED PETS The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly by Sandra Murphy

34 THE ART OF BLESSING

Sanctifying Everyday Life by Dennis Merritt Jones

natural awakenings

November 2016

newsbriefs Canine Background Opens at McInnish Park

arrollton’s second dog park will hold a grand opening ribbon-cutting event at 11:30 a.m., October 8, at 2340 Sandy Lake Road. Afterward, some leash-free park playtime will ensue at McInnish Dog Park, as well as a complimentary hot dog lunch. Carrollton Animal Services will be on hand with an informational booth and fun giveaways for the pups. Pets can be registered or receive a rabies vaccination at the Animal Services & Adoption Center just up the street at 2247 Sandy Lake Road. The new space includes four acres of grassy areas divided into three sections with drinking fountains, picnic tables, shaded areas, waste bag dispensers, trash receptacles and wash stations. There are separate large dog and small dog areas and guests can enjoy a scenic pond as their dogs get much-needed exercise in a safe, updated space. There is also a small splash pad for the dogs to enjoy near the pond.

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For more information, call 972-466-3080.

Handmade Pottery Makes a Heartwarming Gift

oventry Reserve, a local nonprofit serving adults with special needs, will hold their 11th annual Christmas Open House and Pottery Sale from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., December 2, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., December 3. Coventry offers participants a creative outlet where they create beautiful pottery that has a feel of rustic sophistication. Proceeds from the sale of the handcrafted pottery directly supports their day program. Coventry provides a safe, cheerful and structured environment for adults with cognitive disabilities once they transition out of high school, creating opportunities to learn and engage life in a positive way among friends. Coventry products are considered a gift with a story behind it and make wonderful keepsakes.

Location: 2004 Parker Rd. (11 miles east of Central Expy.), St. Paul. For more information, visit CoventryReserve.org.

New Organic Spa Opens in Plano

sthetician Lauren Yeager has opened Organic My Skin in the Yeager building, located at 8105 Rasor Boulevard, in Plano. To remove toxins from the spa experience, Yeager says she offers organic skin care and hair removal by sugaring and to serve holistic-minded men and woman of any age or skin type that have a desire to learn and a deep desire to take care of themselves. A boutique spa, Organic My Skin’s most unique aspect is that she only uses natural, raw ingredients that are so healthy, Yeager says, “They are edible!” For more information or an appointment, call 469-438-9893 or visit OrganicMySkin.com. See ad, page 22.

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Lauren Yeager

Panto: A Classic British Holiday Tradition

heatre Britain presents The Sleeping Beauty, a traditional British panto by Jackie Mellor-Guin, opening at 2:30 p.m., November 26, at the Cox Building Playhouse, in Plano. Performance dates through December 30 include Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 and 5 p.m. However, there are no performances December 23, 24 or 25. The Sleeping Beauty is a traditional British panto with corny jokes, wacky characters, the dame, a ghost, a black light scene and, of course, lots of audience participation. The audience is encouraged to cheer for the good guys, boo and hiss the bad guys and join in with the characters on stage. The show works on two levels, with a story that children can follow and jokes adults can appreciate. Theatre Britain first introduced panto to the Metroplex in 1996. Many families from North Texas and beyond now consider it a holiday tradition. Admission is $21 adults; $16 students and seniors; and $11 for those 14 and under (10 percent discount for groups of 10 or more). Location: 1517 H Ave., Plano. For tickets, call 972490-4202 or visit Theatre-Britain.com. See ad, page 36.

Colleyville Spa Now Offering Aerial Yoga

e Spa Fit has introduce aerial yoga at their studio in Coffeyville. Aerial, or “anti-gravity” yoga combines traditional yoga poses, Pilates and dance with the use of a silk fabric hammock. One of the benefits of aerial yoga is having the fabric support the body in ways that allow individuals to experience a deeper stretch and poses that they may not be able to otherwise. “Aerial yoga helps develop upper body strength and reinforce proper body alignment,” says aerial instructor and spa founder Daizha Petersma. “It also improves balance and stability, while developing a stronger core.” Along with aerial yoga, Le Spa fit also offers orthopedic massage, whole body vibration fitness, cosmetic laser and much more. Location: 4209 Colleyville Blvd., Ste. B, Colleyville. For more information, visit LeSpaFit.com. See ad, page 23.

natural awakenings

November 2016

newsbriefs Healthy Thanksgiving Cooking Class for Children

r. Alina Olteanu, a pediatrician at Whole Child Texas, has partnered with Cutting Edge Dishes to host a healthy cooking and tasting event from 2 to 4 p.m., November 12. There will be a live cooking and preparation demonstration by a chef. Olteanu will accompany the tasting and cooking event with a talk on healthy nutrition. Dr. Alina Olteanu Health starts with nutritious food and healthy cooking at home. Participants will learn that cooking and eating can be both fun and healthy. Olteanu says, “Healthy habits start early in life, and learning how to cook healthy is one of the most important skills a child can learn!” Cutting Edge Dishes is a catering company made up of professionals, certified food managers, chefs, dietitians and culinarians that support organic, local, fresh and non-GMO products for their menus. Cost is $15. Location: 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. B-100, Frisco. For more information or to register, call 214-7361954 or visit WholeChildTexas.com. See ad, page 9.

Sunflower Shoppe Opens New Fort Worth Location

ocally owned and operated by the third generation of the Bradford family, Sunflower Shoppe has opened a third location at 3529 Heritage Trace Parkway, just east of 35W, in Heritage Trace Plaza, in the Alliance area of Fort Worth. With nutrition specialists on staff, Sunflower Shoppe shoppers have access to a combined total of more than 45 years of experience in the natural foods and nutrition industry. Guadalupe Yel, Alliance Store Manager In addition, Sunflower Shoppe offers tests to help customers determine many aspects of health, from what vitamins and nutrients their body is lacking to how stress is affecting their body with guidance on how to address these health issues. Known for unparalleled customer service and knowledgeable staff, Sunflower Shoppe has earned a regional and national reputation as a go-to resource for natural foods, supplements and education. Locations: 3529 Heritage Trace Pkwy., Fort Worth/Alliance, 817-741-6799; Colleyville, 5100 Hwy. 121, 817-399-9100; and Fort Worth, 5817 Curzon Ave. at Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-738-9051. For more information visit SunflowerShoppe. com. See ad, page 38. 8

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Buy Christmas Trees from the Boy Scouts

roop 51 will be running two Christmas tree lots with petite Scotch pines, Douglas firs and Fraser firs in Frisco from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays, November 25 through December 20. The troop combines this community service with the opportunity for the Scouts to raise funds by selling the trees. The profits are shared with the Scouts that work the lot. Their individual amount is driven by the number of shifts they work, and this offers a real-life personal management lesson about work versus reward. The Scouts are then able to direct the funds from tree sales to pay for the upcoming Scouting activities in which they want to participate. Boy Scout Troop 51 was chartered by Frisco First United Methodist Church in 2001 and now numbers 90 Scouts and their families. Prices range from $25 to $150. Locations: First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Rd., Frisco Square; Main St. and Coleman Blvd., Frisco. For more information, email HBergs80@att.net. See ad, page 39.

Great Seed Bomb Rides Again

he Great Seed Bomb is a fun 15k (10-mile) slow bike ride built for everyone and benefiting bees, monarch and other pollinators, to be held this year from 1 to 5 p.m., November 5, at Clear Fork Nature Trail, in Fort Worth. During the ride, seed balls made of clay, organic compost and native, non-GMO milkweed and wildflower seed are launched from bikes by the riders. Fifty percent of all ticket sales will go to the Native Prairies Association of Texas (Fort Worth Chapter). Founded by Jillian Jordan, of Keller, a team of experts in wildlife conservation, native habitat and prairie restoration, and with city approval, this project aims to educate, empower and equip everyday environmentalists to take on this problem with the right tools for the fight. Founder Jillian Jordan states, “Bees aren’t the only pollinator at risk: a whopping 90 percent of the monarch butterfly population is gone. This is mainly due to the use of glyphosate (Roundup), an herbicide destroying much of the monarch habitat, which consists of milkweed and wildflowers.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GreatSeedBomb.org. See ad, page 26.

Pure Organic Luxury for the Skin

hyt’s Organic Skin Care Spa, in Frisco, is devoted to the specific skin care needs of both women and men. Specializing in Certified Organic facial and body treatments, they believe nature is the origin of effective skin care. Each product contains an active complex synergy of plant extracts, essential and carrier oils, vitamins and trace minerals in carefully selected formulas specifically designed to treat, nourish and strengthen the skin on a therapeutic level. With a passion for the environment and natural and organic integrity, Laboratories Phyt’s has been creating world class therapeutic Spa products for more than 44 years without chemicals or animal testing. “There has never been any synthetic chemicals used in Phyt’s products or any animal testing done at any stage,” says Kathy Angiolet, exclusive Distributor of Phyt’s in the United States. All products are made in France and Certified Organic to the stringent Cosmebio standard by Qualité France. All Phyt’s products contain 100 percent natural ingredients, with no synthetic preservatives or artificial fragrances, synthetic coloring agents or petrochemicals. Paraben- and GMOfree, Phyt’s Certified Organic Skin Care and Makeup products are available at the spa and online. Location: 10050 Legacy Dr., Ste. 204, Frisco, within City Salon Suites & Spa. For purchases and more information, call 469-404-2914 or visit PhytsOrganic Spa.com. See ad, page 3.

Correction

n the October health brief “Vitamin D3 Boosts Gut Health” we reported that the researchers administered more than 66,000 IU of vitamin D3 to study participants per day; it should read per week. We apologize for the error.

natural awakenings

November 2016

newsbriefs

kudos

New Plano Chiropractor Treats Infants and Children

Michale Chatham has joined the team at Smile Ranch Dentistry, in Heath. Trained in the Gillespie Approach, or Craniosacral Fascial Dentofacial Technique (CFT), which addresses some of the root causes of oral dysfunction, she lectures nationally and internationally on integrative approaches to promote optimal facial growth and development and oral Michale Chatham function in infants, toddlers and children. Chatham also uses restorative breathing technique, a neurocranial integration approach. Her practice is beneficial for anyone experiencing sleep apnea, tongue-tie and swallow dysfunction, or head and neck pain such as TMJ and migraines. Chatham has worked with thousands of tongue-tied infants, toddlers, children and adults as a myofunctional therapist and fascia bodyworker in her former Wichita, Kansas, practice, The Myofunctional Center.

r. Jackie Romanies is now practicing at 4031 West Plano Parkway, Suite 201, in Plano. She specializes in working with children and infants, a segment of the population that she feels is underserved. Romanies, received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree cum laude from Dr. Jackie Romanies Parker University, in Dallas. She states, “While the approach for each patient is different, anyone can benefit from being adjusted, because everyone has a nervous system. I believe adjusting is crucial for mommas-to-be, new babies, kiddos of any age, athletes and anyone that wants to feel like their best self. Children fall and get bumped around all the time, and with infants, the birthing process can be rough. Chiropractic care for kids and infants can play a crucial and beneficial role in their health and development.” Romanies is also a certified fitness instructor, certified yoga instructor and has taught yoga, Zumba, Pilates, spin and water aerobics. For appointments, call 972-867-9900. For more information, visit DrJackieDC.com.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 972-772-7645 or visit SmileRanchDentistry.com. See ad on back cover and article on page 11. Family Health and Wellness of Plano is joining the Thermography Center Network and offering whole body thermograms to their patients. Dr. Russ Skinner, M.D., consults with Thermography Center of Dallas to fully understand and utilize the findings from each patient’s thermogram. Skinner uses non-invasive, no-pain, Dr. Russ Skinner no-radiation thermography as part of the yearly check-up for every patient. Patients receive a full-color, seven-page report detailing the health of their body, including brain, teeth, thyroid, lymphatic system, brain, heart, liver, kidneys, breasts for women and prostate for men. Thermography has been shown to detect subtle changes in health eight to 10 years before seen on other diagnostic tests. Skinner says, “Early detection is key to successful prevention.” Location: 5072 W. Plano Pkwy., Ste. 200. For more information or an appointment, call 469-661-1100 or visit FHWPlano.com. See ad, page 19.

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eventspotlight Learn the Gillespie Method of CranioSacral Therapy

Approach recognizes the importance of the r. Robyn Abramczak, owner of Smile breathing brain, unrestricted fascia,and healthy Ranch Dentistry, will host a workshop, oropharyngeal physiology. The Gillespie Approach to CranioSacral The method is reported to be beneficial at Fascial Therapy for Adults and Children, on any age to help conditions in adults and children December 16, 17 and 18. The adult/child CFT including head and earache, concussion, anxiety, seminar serves as the necessary prerequisite for ADHD, sleep issues, difficulty in swallowing, the infant/toddler CFT seminar. bedwetting, TMJ, hip pain and more. Abramczak is a general dentist who takes a Presented by the Gillespie Approach Core holistic approach to dentistry, saying , “We are Group, attendees will give and receive this whole beings and the mouth is connected to the head, neck and entire body. Treating the individuDr. Robyn Abramczak work during the seminar, which is open to all and no prior bodywork or medical experience al goes far beyond the teeth.” is necessary. Abramczyk notes that parents are encouraged She explains that the craniosacral system consists of to learn this technique to treat their own children and the bones of the skull, spine and pelvis. “Restrictions there families. Although this is a complete healing technique, can cause dysfunction in the brain’s ability to pump cerehealthcare professionals are encouraged to learn and inbrospinal fluid through the spinal cord and into the body’s fascial system,” says Abramczak. “Fascia sheets are bands of corporate it into their practice. tissue that form a continuous web throughout the body that connect, stabilize and separate muscles and internal organs. Cost is $1,500; 10 percent discount if registered before Nov. 14. For more information or to register, call 972-772-7645, In response to stress, trauma or diminished cerebrospinal visit GillespieApproach.com or BeginningsCFT.com. See ad, fluid, fascia can tighten and exert tremendous pressure on back cover. nerves, the lymphatic system, organs and muscles, resulting in dysfunction of other organs or symptoms presenting throughout the body. CranioSacral Fascial Therapy is a unique blend of CranioSacral Therapy (CFT) and fascial release which was developed and pioneered by Dr. Barry Gillespie. It is based on the fundamentals from Dr. William Sutherland’s cranial osteopathic principles, the authentic myofascial release work of John Barnes, PT, and Dr. Barry Gillespie’s background as a periodonist. Gillespie’s integration of these therapies created the Gillespie Approach to CranioSacral Fascial Therapy. While CranioSacral therapy and myofascial therapy are effective treatments, the merging of these therapies and techniques creates a more comprehensive treatment for healing when given simultaneously. The Gillespie

natural awakenings

November 2016

healthbriefs donskarpo/Shutterstock.com

Silence De-Stresses the Brain

MUSIC MAKES EXERCISE EASIER

wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

he human brain does not function optimally in society’s noise-filled environment. The brain, like the body, needs rest to function, and that comes with silence. A recent study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience discovered that the brain is able to integrate both internal and external information into a “conscious workspace” when resting. Constant distractions and noises can detract from the brain’s ability to process critical information. Noise also elevates stress hormone levels within the brain. Research published earlier in Psychological Science examined the effects that the relocation of the main Munich airport, in Germany, had on children’s health and cognition. Gary W. Evans, researcher and professor of human ecology at Cornell University, notes that when exposed to constant noise, children develop a stress response that causes them to ignore it. The study’s subjects tuned out both harmful sounds and stimuli that they should be paying attention to, including speech. Silence has the opposite effect, releasing tension in brain and body. Exposure to chronic noise can also hinder children’s cognitive development, according to a study from the World Health Organization and the European Commission Joint Research Centre; this includes language skills and reading ability. To help counter modern noise pollution, attention restoration theory suggests that individuals placed in environments with lower levels of sensory input can recover some of the cognitive abilities they have lost.

istening to music during a workout or any extended, physically demanding activity can reduce fatigue and improve performance. New research published in Psychophysiology shows that as individuals work out, their attention gradually shifts from the activity around them to internal sensations. Over an extended period, this attention shift creates a sense of exertion. Listening to music while exercising can help shift focus away from the internal fatigue and back to the external world. Researchers from the UK’s Brunel University and University of London tested 19 healthy adults that performed two physical exertion tests while listening to either music or silence. The scientists monitored brain activity using EEG and measured task performance. While listening to music, participants showed both reduced fatigue and decreased stressrelated brainwaves. They also performed their tasks more effectively than they did when music wasn’t being played.

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globalbriefs

readertip

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

Thanksgiving Lite

Turning the Tide for Turkeys

photo courtesy of the Farm Sanctuary

Turkeys and Thanksgiving go together for 88 percent of Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation. Each year, more than 46 million turkeys provide the entrée for gatherings, yielding leftovers for sandwiches, stew, chili, casseroles and turkey burgers. In 2011, 736 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the U.S., while a few lucky birds avoided the chopping block. The pardoning of a White House turkey began in 1863 when President Lincoln’s son, Tad, interceded on behalf of the bird and its life was spared. Now a tradition, two dressed birds and one live turkey are delivered to the White House each year. The live bird is “pardoned” and lives out its life on a historical farm. At the Farm Sanctuary, turkeys get sponsored or adopted instead of eaten. “Turkeys are friendly and follow you around like puppy dogs. They’ll try to sit on your lap to be petted,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of the sanctuary’s New York and two California locations. “At our Celebration for the Turkeys, we feed them cranberries, pumpkin pie and squash. People visit to see them enjoy it. Guests’ snacks are vegan.” Hundreds of turkeys have been adopted and given a lifelong home since the program’s inception in 1986. More than 8,000 people pledged to sponsor a turkey living at the sanctuary in a recent year, proving it’s not necessary to be a president to pardon a turkey.

Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.com

Source: FarmSanctuary.org/giving/adopt-a-turkey

Message Received

Conventional Grocery Chains Go Organic

The Kroger grocery chain, with nearly 2,500 U.S. stores, including subsidiaries Ralphs, Fry’s, King Soopers and Food 4 Less, has decided to go all in on the organic food market as a follow-up to the 2012 release of its Simple Truth brand of organic foods. Kroger President Michael Ellis says, “We’re really just answering the customer’s call for more and better,” giving Whole Foods Market more competition. Walmart has also begun to satisfy the growing health concerns of its shoppers by integrating organic options in its supermarkets. Now the challenge is for organic farming—which intentionally works to minimize agricultural impacts on the health of people and the planet—to meet the greater demand nationwide for healthier foods. Although implementation will vary depending on climate, experts advise that it begins with farms adopting healthy soil practices. It’s up to consumers to keep the momentum going. Source: Healthy-Holistic-Living.com

Don’t Get Stuck with Extra Cooking Grease

ooking at this time of year with large family get-togethers and other holiday festivities, there is an opportunity for an increase in fats, oils and grease (FOG) found in food ingredients such as meat, cooking oil, shortening, butter, margarine, baked goods, sauces and dairy products being disposed of. They can cause the sewer lines in homes and streets to back up if not disposed of properly. FOG that is poured down the sink drain will cling to the insides of pipes and the sewer system, and over time can build up and block pipes completely. If wastewater can’t move freely through pipes and out into the sewer system, it can back up into the home and can cause unsanitary conditions and damages that are expensive to repair. Tax dollars go to clean out blocked pipes and city of McKinney spends around $300,000 a year to clean out blocked pipes. Let fats, oils and grease cool to room temperature in pots and pans, and then pour it in a container and throw the container away in the trash. Before washing pots and pans, wipe the fats, oil and grease with a paper or cloth towel and toss it into the trash. If deep-frying a turkey or other items, check with the city and ask about free household hazardous waste collection for large quantities of FOG. Curbside collection may even be available. Martha Cavazos Fipps is the environmental education & community outreach coordinator for the city of McKinney Environmental Services Department. For more information about FOG disposal, visit McKinneyTexas.org.

natural awakenings

November 2016

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THE SENSITIVE CHILD How to Nurture altanaka/Shutterstock.com

Special Gifts by Maureen Healy

It is primarily parenting that decides whether the expression of sensitivity will be an advantage or a source of anxiety. ~Elaine Aron

ighly sensitive children need extra nurturing care so that they can learn to see their sensitivity as a strength and begin empowering themselves with tools to tap into their positive traits such as insight, creativity and empathy, while simultaneously learning how to manage their rich emotional lives. Elaine Aron, Ph.D., a practicing psychotherapist in Mill Valley, California, who studies sensitivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging, advises, “A highly sensitive child is among the 15 to 20 percent born with a nervous system that’s highly aware and quick to react to everything.” She offers a free online questionnaire to help assess a child’s level of sensitivity at HSPerson.com/test/ highly-sensitive-child-test. Highly sensitive children are incredibly responsive to their environments, from sounds and smells to the overall mood of people they encounter. Other indicators may range from a preference for quiet play to noticing details or asking many questions. With a sharpened sense of awareness, they are often gifted intellectually, creatively and emotionally, demonstrating genuine compassion early on.

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The downside is that these intensely perceptive children can also be easily overwhelmed by crowds, noises, new situations or sudden changes. Criticism, defeat and the distress of others deeply affect them. Parenting a highly sensitive child can be highly rewarding, but some parents find it exhausting. Special skills help in gracefully raising a healthy, happy and well-adjusted sensitive child without wearing ourselves out. Accept, rather than seek to change them. Embracing a child as being highly sensitive is step one. No one can change them into less sensitive, more traditional kids. Accept their specialness as part of the family’s shared journey. See it as a gift. It’s easy to get frustrated or angry with a child if they continually cry, withdraw and shy away from social situations. Instead of viewing these behaviors as flaws, see them as providing the child a special gift. Sensitivity often characterizes artists, innovators, prodigies and great thinkers. Partner up. Sensitive children respond far better to requests for desired behaviors when acting in partnership with the adults in their life. Harsh discipline can elicit emotional meltdowns

and outbursts of energy in temper tantrums, crying or yelling. Partnering with a child includes learning to avoid their triggers and giving them ready tools to use when they feel overwhelmed, such as breathing exercises. Professional counselors can help shape the relationship. Focus on strengths. Remembering that a highly sensitive child may be incredibly talented is essential when they are acting out. Training ourselves to see a child’s strengths first—such as their incredible creativity, perceptiveness and keen intellect—helps us accept their challenges, such as being overwhelmed, highly emotional, introverted at times, shy, picky about clothes and other preferences, or overly active. Create calmness. It’s worth taking the time to create spaces that match a child’s sensibilities. Create a “peace corner” at home designed to deliver the serenity that highly sensitive children crave by using just the right lighting, colors, sounds and surroundings; elements might include headphones, favorite plush toys and coloring markers. Instill inner discipline. Establishing gentle structure and clear limits with respect goes a long way. Reasonable reminders of what’s needed now and why yield better results than shouting and warnings of consequences. Connect with peers. Like everyone else, highly sensitive children are drawn to other “birds of a feather”, and getting these kids together to nurture each other’s strengths is good. It may mean some extra effort by parents to help a child find kids that get along together and make play dates. A highly sensitive child can be steered in a helpful emotional direction by well-adjusted, happy and healthy sensitive adults. Sensitive children need especially good role models because they are learning how to use their incredible gifts in a world that sometimes doesn’t value their inherent worth. Maureen Healy, of Santa Barbara, CA, runs a mentoring program for highly sensitive children based on her social and emotional learning curriculum for K-8 students, child psychology training and current scientific research. She is the author of Growing Happy Kids and The Energetic Keys to Indigo Kids (HighlySensitiveKids.com).

When a Child is an Empath by Jennifer Cunnings

e may have heard the term “empath” and wondered if this relates to us or perhaps our child. There are many qualities of empathy to explore, but none are more important than how to support the empath child. A child could be an empath if they become overwhelmed by loud noises or crowded environments; have a vivid imagination and love playing alone; experience physical symptoms like a stomach ache when fearful or nervous; exercise more caution than other kids; or have a sense of “knowing” about things. According to psychiatrist and author Judith Orloff, M.D., the trademark of an empath is “feeling and absorbing other people’s emotions and/or physical symptoms because of their high sensitivities.” All children have the ability to feel empathy, but that does not necessarily make them an empath. An empath is more likely to be highly aware of the feelings and energies of the world around them. Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Child, states, “A highly sensitive person is one who is aware of subtleties in the surroundings and are more easily overwhelmed.” The empathic child is special in that they have a heightened perception of the world around them. In some cases, this can be overwhelming, but when managed and nurtured, these intuitive qualities can be a gift. Without understanding and support, an empathic child may dread going to school, feel ill before social occasions or even exhibit symptoms of depression. If we sense that our child is an empath, we can support them in many ways. Here are a few suggestions. Acknowledge the child’s feelings both physically and emotionally, even if they don’t seem to make sense. Empathic kids may feel pain or discomfort in an intensified way. Create a healthy environment that helps them to feel safe. That may mean staying out of loud, crowded and noisy places, choosing chemical-free foods and products and avoiding harsh people. Create a bond of trust and nurturing that allows the child to be themselves without the influence of our expec-

tations. Allow the child’s intuition to lead the way. Trust their ability to decide for themselves with a parental guide. Giving them choices and honoring their decisions empowers them to trust us and themselves. Foster the child’s internal relationship within themselves. Teaching them to trust in their choices will build confidence, self-esteem and creativity. When managed and nurtured properly, being an empath can be a tremendous gift for a child. If we, as a parent, can nurture all the aspects of an empathic child, they can become empowered by learning to navigate through life trusting their intuition and senses. Help the child learn to protect themselves from being overwhelmed and taking on energy from others using these strategies. The key is to support a child and accept their empathic qualities, so that the child can share their gifts with others. Jennifer Cunnings, owner of My Heart Reiki, in Richardson, is a reiki master teacher and board-certified holistic health practitioner. For more information call 972-816-6299 or visit MyHeartReiki.com. See ad, page 10.

natural awakenings

November 2016

Tasty Holiday Recipes

consciouseating

Festive Sips and Nibbles Vegan Holiday Treats that Everyone Loves by Judith Fertig

or those that like to eat plantbased meals most of the time, the holidays can present a challenge. Social occasions from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day abound, including multi-course dinners and potlucks; treetrimming and baking parties; neighborly hospitality; nibbling on treats while wrapping gifts; and gathering to watch a holiday movie. Because so much is happening in such a short period of time, people often revert to serving traditional foods such as Aunt Mary’s cheese ball or Grandma Daisy’s three-layer chocolate bars. These vintage recipes, however, can be laden with processed ingredients. Foods that signaled holiday cheer ages ago need a tweak or two to satisfy

today’s health-minded friends and family members. With traditional flavors of the season like aromatic spices, fresh rosemary and chocolate, plus a plantbased philosophy, family favorites can get a new twist. Natural Awakenings asked cookbook authors, chefs and bloggers from around the country to help us celebrate wonderful holiday moments, big and small. Adding a plant-based nibble or sip not only helps party hosts stay on track, it also helps keep guests from over-indulging, so that everyone ends up enjoying themselves even more. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible.

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These crunchy pumpkin seeds are lemony, salty, spicy and zesty, all at the same time. A handful of these toasted tidbits whets the appetite. Yields: 2 cups 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cumin 1 /2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 /2 tsp ground coriander 1 /2 tsp ancho chile powder 1 /2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 /4 tsp garlic powder 1 /4 tsp sugar (optional)

photo by Stephen Blancett

Stepanek Photography/Shutterstock.com

Spiced Pepitas

Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, toss together the pumpkin seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, cumin, pepper, coriander, chile powder, cayenne and garlic powder. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and shake to redistribute the seeds, and then bake for another 3 minutes. Pull it out to shake the pan again. Then finish baking for 1 to 2 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds are crispy and golden without burning them. Transfer to a cool baking sheet and cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Courtesy of Sandra A. Gutierrez, SandrasKitchenStudio.com.

Truffle Spiced Popcorn This wicked, fresh, piping-hot popcorn is kissed with a simple blend of rosemary, onion and truffle oil. Yields: 9 cups 21/2 Tbsp grapeseed oil A bit less than 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 1 Tbsp truffle oil 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast 1 /2 Tbsp onion granules 1 /2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced Sea salt to taste On medium heat, warm the oil in a large saucepan with a lid.

Beer-Miso-Sriracha Roasted Chickpeas Any favorite beer will work. Yields: 2 to 4 servings 1 (151/2 oz) can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained and set aside 1 Tbsp sriracha 1 Tbsp organic miso paste (any color) 1 /3 bottle of beer Black and white sesame seeds Dried chili to taste Smoked salt for garnish to taste Preheat the oven to 375° F. Whisk wet ingredients until mixed well. Toss mixture with chickpeas. Place mixture on baking pan and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking and stirring periodically until mixture is evaporated and chickpeas begin to get color; beware of burning. Garnish with sesame seeds and dried chili, maybe a little smoked salt. Courtesy of Chad and Derek Sarno, WickedHealthyFood.com.

Remove from the stove and add all kernels in an even layer on the bottom of the pan.

Cocoa 1 /2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa or cacao powder 1 /4 to 1/2 cup date paste 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract Dash Himalayan pink salt For the pistachio milk, soak the nuts overnight in a bowl of water. Rinse before placing them into a highspeed blender with the 2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is completely puréed and milky. Strain mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth; then add the nut milk back into the blender. Add all other ingredients and blend at a high speed until thick. Note: If using a regular, slower blender, re-warm the hot chocolate on the stove top. It may not be as thick and frothy but will taste good. Courtesy of Sophia DeSantis, VeggiesDontBite.com.

Cover for 20 seconds to allow all the kernels to become coated and reach equal temperature so they all pop at once. Place the covered pan back on the heat and shake it while it’s on the burner. The kernels will slowly begin to pop; once they start, crack the lid slightly to let out a bit of steam. Continue shaking the pan over heat until the popping stops.

Frothy Hot Chocolate with Pistachio Milk

Remove from the stovetop immediately and pour all popcorn into a large bowl.

Cozy up and indulge in this thick, creamy and rich hot chocolate made with whole food ingredients.

Drizzle with truffle oil, nutritional yeast, onion granules, minced rosemary and sea salt. Shake and mix well before serving.

Yields: 2 servings

Courtesy of Chad and Derek Sarno, WickedHealthyFood.com.

Pistachio Milk 1 /2 cup raw shelled pistachios 2 cups filtered water natural awakenings

November 2016

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naturalbeautyprofile Helen Gibson-Nicholas Hello Gorgeous Makeover Salon & Spa 111 Fountain Court, Fairview 972-549-4249 • HelloGorgeous.com

elen Gibson-Nicholas opened Hello Gorgeous, a full-service salon, in 1988. She states, “At that time, I felt like there was no natural skin care available for my clients without all the parabens and chemicals that are still commonly used today. I just instinctively knew that skin care needed to be more like food for your skin instead of a bunch of chemicals and water blended with artificial colors and perfumes. Even though they might look good and smell good, they cannot effectively nourish your skin at the cellular level any more than eating an artificial apple can give you vitamins and minerals.” Gibson-Nicholas says, “While I am a hair stylist and makeup artist with over 12,000 makeovers under my belt because I just love to make women look gorgeous, my passion is skin care and anti-aging! I truly believe that my unique base of aloe vera instead of water makes a huge difference in the results people see with my skin care products. Aloe vera stimulates collagen production up to eight times faster. With the right skin care, Ultra Aloe Care from Hello Gorgeous and a great diet, your skin can stay young forever.” See ad, page 23.

natural awakenings

November 2016

One-Person Pamper Party Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew by April Thompson

ampering ourselves isn’t a luxury so much as a necessity to refresh and renew mind, body and spirit.

A Spa Specialty

Spas have been synonymous with pampering throughout the ages. “Every civi-

lization around the world has had some kind of communal gathering place for people to practice ‘self-healing’,” says Jeremy McCarthy, group director of Spa & Wellness for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and author of The Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing.

g-stockstudio/Shutterstock.com

greenliving

From ancient Greek bathhouses to Japan’s beloved natural hot springs, spas have long served as sacred places of healing and restoration. Indeed, many treatments provided at today’s eco-spas draw inspiration from traditional uses of herbs, honey and olive oil to care for skin and hair. Locally, natural spas’ pampering services may range from botanically based facials and mud masks to herbal body wraps and hot stone massage. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certified spas take extra strides toward sustainability through efficient use of renewable energy, green building materials and sound stewardship of resources. “Spas are more important to people today than ever,” says McCarthy. “In the modern age, we all need places to escape from technology, experience moments of quiet contemplation and feel the touch of another human being.” He recently launched a new Digital Detox initiative at Mandarin Oriental hotels, where guests are encouraged to surrender their phones upon arrival at the spa to curtail online distractions. In spa relaxation rooms, they can instead access mindfulness activities such as journaling, note card writing, meditation or simply enjoying the silence.

More Pampering Spots

While busy people tend to put off selfcare, there are treats to suit any schedule or budget—from getting a quick manicure or pedicure at a neighborhood eco-nail salon to visiting a yoga or wellness center. “I build pampering into my week. If you don’t make time for you, who will?” asks Melanie Laporte, a makeup artist and freelance writer in Washington, D.C. “When your significant other or family members see you taking care of yourself, they’ll honor your time more. I remember Mom taking power baths and telling us, ‘This is my time. I’ll be back in 30 minutes and then we can read together.’ We respected that.” For a quick, healthy pick-me-up, visit an organic juice bar. Opt for businesses that feature fresh, whole ingredients rather than pre-mixed powders or sugar-laden juices; to give the immune system an extra lift, add a natural 20

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booster shot of ginger or turmeric. Most grocery stores now carry cold-pressed juices that can pack as much as six pounds of produce into a single bottle. An honored ritual that continues to restore spent spirits is drinking a cup of tea. Whether sipped at home, as a British high tea featuring an organic Earl Grey or as part of a traditional Japanese green tea ceremony steeped in Zen, tea time allows us to slow down and savor the moment along with the aromas in our cup. Also, antioxidantrich tea is fortifying. Salt room visits, another healthy pleasure that has spread throughout the U.S., dates back 150 years to an indigenous Polish practice. Research indicates that salt therapy, or halotherapy, can help improve conditions such as asthma and allergies and support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems

(see Tinyurl.com/SaltRoomPampering). Universally restful salt rooms also offer a unique sensory experience. Another highly accessible way to treat body and mind is to move in a joyful way. Consider taking up a playful new class for de-stressing and stretching such as trapeze yoga, conscious dance or any other dance. Aerial yoga, using suspended trapeze-like supports, helps lengthen the spine and strengthen muscles in ways not easily achieved on the ground. Dance delivers health and fitness bonuses in the midst of having fun. If we’re not in the habit of pampering ourselves, it’s time to stretch our beliefs about what we deserve. We’ll find bliss is an attainable luxury. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Make Home a Spa Zone by April Thompson etween professional spa visits, a do-it-yourself spa day at home can be a rewarding and economical treat. “You can create a full day of home spa treatments using ingredients most people have in their kitchen,” advises Lise Andersen, an expert in nature-based cosmetics from Copenhagen, Denmark, and the owner of LisaLise. com, offering custom skin and hair care products, individualized formulations and beginner-friendly DIY kits. One of Andersen’s home skincare favorites is simple raw honey, used as a cleanser and face mask. “You can use it alone or in conjunction with an added ingredient like almond meal or ground oats. It rinses off beautifully and both softens and cleanses,” she says. A “facial tea” made with herbs like chamomile, lavender and elder blossom is another of the Scandinavian’s at-home favorites. Simply boil water and pour it into a bowl with a handful of herbs, drape a towel over the head,

embracing the face and breathe deeply. “It smells wonderful while opening the pores and hydrating the skin,” Andersen says. Dry brushing with a mitt made with a natural fiber like sisal or jute serves as a quick, everyday pick-me-up. It stimulates and exfoliates the body and helps boost circulation. For beautiful cuticles, Andersen suggests a handmade scrub made from raw brown sugar or Himalayan salt combined with a carrier oil like almond or grapeseed. It exfoliates and hydrates, leaving hands feeling silky smooth. To get the most out of a home spa day, prep materials in advance and let family members know that it requires absolute solitude. Complete the spalike atmosphere with relaxing music and naturally scented beeswax candles. Poznyakov/Shutterstock.com

Visit Tinyurl.com/Lisa-Lise-Blog for more home spa treatment tips.

Chiropractor Endorses New Wash Basins

raditional hair-wash basins at salons haven’t changed in decades, but as part of her commitment to beauty and whole body health, Karrie “KP” Peterson, owner of Hair Color Studios, in Frisco, is revolutionizing the hair-washing experience by investing in clients’ health and safety. She’s installed wash basins with a special headrest built inside the bowl and ergonomically designed reclined seats so the client is comfortable, and more importantly, their upper spine is never in a risky position. “My salon is about beauty and health; we use natural hair color and even serve purified water. I don’t want to have wash basins that are unhealthy!” Chiropractor Amy St. John, owner of Serendipity Health & Wellness, in Plano, says, “These bowls are revolutionary. It is critical to keep the cervical area of the spine protected and aligned. A typical salon bowl has the neck extended over the rim of the bowl putting pressure on nerves and other vital structures. Keeping the client in this position can result in anything from discomfort, to headache and even gravely worse symptoms, especially for elderly or those with previous cervical injuries. The bowls at Hair Color Studios prevent that by supporting the head and eliminating the over extension of the neck. I highly recommend them.” Peterson says the bowls are also ergonomically better for the stylist, too. Because it is freestanding, the stylist stands directly behind the bowl, providing a much more comfortable and efficient working space. Because the stylist is behind the bowl, the client doesn’t have to deal with the stylist stretching over their face to work. Hair Color Studios is located in the Sprouts shopping center, at Preston and Lebanon roads, in Frisco. For appointments, call 214436-4955. For more information, visit HairColorStudios.com. See ad, page 23.

natural awakenings

November 2016

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Everything has beauty,

but not everyone sees it. ~ Confucius

natural awakenings

November 2016

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STAY SHARP Powerful Ways to Avoid Mental Decline by Lisa Marshall

slow descent into dementia seemed inevitable for a 66-yearold man that had been misplacing his keys, missing appointments and struggling at work. He failed doctoradministered cognitive quizzes and tested positive for a gene variant linked to an exponentially higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A brain scan revealed scattered clusters of sticky, amyloid plaque—a hallmark of the disease. His hippocampus, or memory center, had shrunk to rank in the lowest 17 percent of men his age. Told there wasn’t much that could be done, he sought the help of University of California, Los Angeles Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen, a neurologist and founding president of the independent Buck Institute for Research on Aging. He recommended a personalized, 36-point plan, including a high-fat/low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, strict sleep schedule, select 24

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dietary supplements and other lifestyle changes. Within three months, family members reported marked improvements in his memory. At 10 months, brain scans revealed his hippocampus had grown 12 percent. “Such improvements are unprecedented,” says Bredesen, who described this and nine other hopeful cases in a provocative paper published in June in the journal Aging. “These are the first examples of a reversal of cognitive decline in pre- and early Alzheimer’s patients.”

Addressing the Sources

Bredesen is among a small but growing group of researchers, physicians, caregivers and patients challenging the conventional wisdom that the road to dementia goes one way, with no cure or repair of damage done. They argue that the key to both prevention and reversal, at least in early stages, is to

pinpoint its numerous drivers—from nutritional and hormonal deficiencies and exposure to infection to environmental toxins and harmful drugs—and attack them simultaneously. It’s a stark departure from the classic, often unsuccessful, one-pill treatment approach. Of the 244 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s drugs between 2002 and 2012, all but one failed. “Imagine having a roof with 36 holes in it, and your drug patched one hole. You still have 35 leaks,” says Bredesen, who believes his synergistic approach—the Bredesen Protocol—can likely make Alzheimer’s drugs work better or render them unnecessary. Skeptical colleagues point out that Bredesen’s paper described only 10 case studies, not a clinical trial. “It is intriguing, but not enough to make recommendations to physicians or patients,” says Keith Fargo, Ph.D., director of scientific programs and outreach for the Chicagobased Alzheimer’s Association. “The current consensus in the scientific community is that we do not have a way to reverse dementia.” While agreeing that a larger study is needed, Neurologist David Perlmutter, of Naples, Florida, whose bestsellers Brain Maker and Grain Brain promote nutritional changes for supporting brain health, considers Bredesen’s study revolutionary. “To reverse Alzheimer’s in one patient is monumental, much less 10,” says Perlmutter. They recently presented together at a conference organized by Sharp Again Naturally, a New York nonprofit that educates patients and caregivers about natural means of slowing and reversing cognitive decline. After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, the nonprofit’s co-founder, Jacqui Bishop, 74, stopped her own frightening decline by changing her diet and getting her thyroid hormone levels under control via supplements. Now she’s helping others do the same. She says, “We are trying to change the conversation from one of despair to one of hope.”

Mending Body and Brain

Key to Bredesen’s approach is the notion that instead of being one disease, Alzheimer’s consists of three sub-types with distinct drivers: inflammation or

infection; harmful environmental exposures; and/or lack of neuron-nurturing hormones. To determine which one to target, he tests patients for blood-sugar, inflammation and hormone levels, heavy metals and critical nutrients such as D and B vitamins. Then he crafts a personalized plan. He notes that the 10 years it can take to progress from subtle decline to full-blown Alzheimer’s provides a huge opportunity. “Ideally, we want people to come in when they have mild impairment or are asymptomatic,” says Bredesen, advising that tests be done for the APOE4, or “Alzheimer’s gene” in one’s 40s. “People have not wanted to know in the past because they’ve been told there is nothing they can do about it. We completely disagree.” One way to stay cognitively sharp is to eat fewer carbs (which boost blood sugar) and eat more fat, says Perlmutter. “There is a clear relationship between elevated levels of blood sugar and increased risk of Alzheimer’s.” One study, published in 2013 in the New England Journal of Medicine, tracked 2,067 healthy adults for seven years and found that the higher their average glucose level, even if they weren’t diabetic, the more likely they were to develop dementia. For instance, those with a level of 115 milligrams per deciliter were 18 percent more at risk than those measuring 100 milligrams per deciliter. A 2012 study published in Neurology followed 266 adults for four years and found that those with higher blood sugar saw certain areas of the brain shrink 6 to 10 percent more than those with lower blood sugar. Gluten can also be problematic, advises Perlmutter, when it’s inflammatory and driving brain degeneration. In contrast, good fat, like that in avocados, fatty fish, coconut oil and walnuts, serves as a foundation for neurons and an efficient, clean-burning fuel source for the brain. This is particularly helpful in someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s, says Bredesen, because the disease can make it harder for the brain to use sugar for fuel. In some cases,

both doctors recommend an extremely low-carb, or “ketogenic” diet (fewer than 60 grams of carbs per day). Starved of carbohydrates, the liver produces fat-like compounds called ketones, a brain-fuel source shown to stimulate growth of new neural networks. Bredesen also recommends 12 hours of fasting each night, with zero food intake within three hours of going to sleep. Fasting promotes a process called autophagy, by which the brain essentially cleans itself of damaged cellular material. Eight hours of sleep is also vital. According to University of Rochester research, the space between brain cells opens up during sleep, allowing cleansing channels of fluid to flow more freely. “If you were operating your house 24/7 with no time to rest or clean, it would be disastrous,” says Bredesen. “The same is true of your brain.” Also, they say, keep teeth clean because bacterial infections, including those in the gums, have been shown to hasten formation of neuron-killing plaque. Also critically examine the prescription drugs being ingested. A recent study of 74,000 people published in JAMA Neurology found that regular use of heartburn drugs like Prilosec and Nexium increased dementia risk by 42 to 52 percent. Meanwhile, anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl and statin drugs prescribed to manage cholesterol have also been linked to increased dementia. “We see ‘statin brain’ all the time,” observes Perlmutter, who says once patients go off the drugs, they tend to get better.

False Hope or Sound Advice

Fargo says researchers are keenly interested in many of the ideas in Bredesen’s paper. Although it’s too early to endorse them, numerous studies are underway. But he wonders if some patients that assert that they’ve reversed dementia actually suffered from something else, like sleep apnea or depression. Bredesen stands by his research, asserting that the 10 patients in his paper had all been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or its precursors. One

Thanthima Lim/Shutterstock.com

Lifestyle changes can prevent and slow cognitive decline. Some say they also reverse it.

Get-Smart Supplements Curcumin: This potent constituent in turmeric (the yellow spice that gives curry its flavor) has been shown to combat many of the problems that contribute to brain degeneration, including inflammation, free radical damage and high blood sugar. It also boosts growth of new brain cells. Take 500 milligrams (mg) twice daily or eat a diet rich in curry. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): This omega-3 fatty acid serves as a key building block for brain cell membranes. Take 1,000 mg daily (derived from fish oil or algae) or eat lots of fatty fish. Coconut oil: It’s rich in mediumchain triglycerides, an efficient, cleanburning fuel source for the brain. Take one or two teaspoons daily. Probiotics: These help fortify the intestinal lining, reducing the gut permeability and inflammation that can impact cognitive health. They also support production of key neurotransmitters and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor brain growth hormone. Look for supplements or foods containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum. B vitamins: High levels of the amino acid homocysteine have long been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease; have levels checked and if they’re elevated, B6 and B12 can reduce them. Source: David Perlmutter

natural awakenings

November 2016

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69-year-old entrepreneur that was planning to close his business after 11 years of mental decline is now expanding it. A 49-year-old woman that scored poorly on neuropsychological tests showed no signs of cognitive decline when she was tested again nine months later. In all, more than 100 people have participated in the program. “We have people that are fourand-a-half years out and doing very well,” he says, noting that such strategies aren’t likely to work for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s. In some cases, the results may be more subtle, but for those caring for a sick loved one, any positive progress means a lot. Paul Tramontozzi knows. After his father, then 75, was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, the New York City financial advisor attended a Sharp Again Naturally meeting seeking advice. “I was skeptical, but when the answer you get from everyone else is, ‘There’s nothing you can do,’ you become more willing to listen.” He took his father off his cholesterol medication, fed him spoonfuls of coconut oil daily and put him on

Resources Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org Buck Institute for Research on Aging, BuckInstitute.org David Perlmutter, DrPerlmutter.com MPI Cognition, MPICognition.com Sharp Again Naturally, SharpAgain.org a specific supplement regimen. His balance improved and he could participate in family outings again. “If you had told me a few years ago we’d be able to take Dad to a restaurant for his 80th birthday, I would have said, ‘No way.’ But we did.” Tramontozzi says his father isn’t cured, but the advice he obtained facilitated more time together and insights on how to avoid a similar fate. “These are all things a healthy 37-year-old should be doing right now anyway. I just wish we’d found out earlier.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

communityspotlight

Ronit Mor

A Naturopathic Doctor with Esthetics Twist by Charles Lewis

onit Mor, owner of Ronit Mor Spa & Wellness, is a naturopathic doctor, licensed esthetician, and certified clinical aromatherapist offering a holistic approach to inner well-being, outer beauty and anti-aging. Mor states, “As a holistic practitioner, one of my biggest passions in life is inspiring, guiding and coaching people on their path to regaining optimal health and vitality. My vision is to enable a holistic fusion of inner well-being with outer beauty. I believe that an optimal state of well-being will ultimately result in radiant, healthy, and more youthful-looking skin. Health is not just the absence of disease, it’s also optimizing well-being. When my clients move from simply halting dysfunction and move more into optimizing well-being from the inside out, this is when the biggest advances in their feeling and looking more radiant, vibrant and ageless begins.” Mor offers personal wellness consultations and group workshops. Some of her clients seek her out strictly for health and wellness, and she also advises them on matters pertaining to diet, nutritional supplementation, mind/body imbalances, therapeutic aromatherapy and other alternative healing modalities. Others seek her out for unique offerings of corrective skin treatments that align with her natural, holistic, approach. Always working toward healthier, more natural approaches, Mor is dedicated to bringing her clients the most modern and successful natural and non-invasive methods. She often incorporates her proprietary therapeutic formulations to help clients with a host of physical and emotional discomforts. Dissatisfied with harsh chemical peels, Mor says she has done a great deal of research and is now offering an alternative, natural peel which is based on plants and herbs. The Green Peel was developed by Dr. Christine SchrammekDrusio, and offers outstanding results for wrinkles, premature aging of the skin, acne, enlarged pores with poor circulation,

skin discoloration, striae (stretch marks from pregnancy), loss of elasticity of the skin on upper arms, thighs and belly, cellulite reducing and general skin rejuvenation and regeneration. Another alternative approach to anti-aging used by Mor is the TAMA Blue Onyx Microcurrent therapy. She notes, “No other aesthetic service can come close to these proven results achieved with TAMA. It’s used in some of the most prestigious spas around the world. Many who are in the public eye seek out TAMA treatments because they are safe and highly effective at diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and rosacea; improving muscle tone and elasticity in face, neck and hands; lifting jowls and eyebrows; and tightening large pores, among other benefits. My clients love the results and I’m excited to be the only spa in Dallas offering it.” In an effort to help clients simplify and “clean out the cupboard” of unused or ineffective beauty products, Mor offers a unique skin analysis. Combining her expertise and knowledge as a naturopathic doctor and esthetician with the Pastiche Method skin analysis procedure, Mor says, “This review of lifestyle and personal history enables me to accurately analyze skin structure and function and determine primary causes to one’s skin condition, understand what results are realistic for each client, help them choose safe products and treatments and customize a treatment program and a home care for each client’s unique skin print.” Other methods employed include microcurrent and biophotonic (LED) facials, volcanic cupping, gua sha facials, lymphatic activation of head and neck, immune-boosting aromatherapy backcial (a facial for the back), bio-targeted ultrasonic facial, aromatherapy facials and nutritional counseling. “I deliver a breadth of experience and level of service and affordability found nowhere else in the Metroplex,” says Mor. “My passion is inspiring, guiding and coaching people on their path to regaining optimal health and vitality. It gives me an immeasurable joy, and I feel honored and humbled to be able to touch lives in that way.” Ronit Mor Spa & Wellness is located adjacent to the Willow Bend Mall at 6400 W. Plano Pkwy., Ste. 37-38, in Plano. For appointments, call 214-973-0482. For more information, visit RonitMor.com. See ad page 23. natural awakenings

November 2016

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Kelly Brogan on the Truth About Depression Why Meds Don’t Work and What Does by Kathleen Barnes

ntegrative medical doctor Kelly Brogan, a women’s health psychiatrist and author of A Mind of Your Own, has turned the world of neuropsychiatry on its head by revealing that depression can be reversed without a single prescription drug. She asserts that depression is not caused by imbalanced brain chemistry, but by lifestyle choices that unbalance the entire human physiology. That’s why conventional antidepressants generally don’t work. She instead prescribes eliminating foods that trigger inflammation in order to rebalance all body systems. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, depression annually affects 15.7 million adult Americans, or about 8.3 percent of the population.

What’s your stand on the illness model of medicine and how you arrived there? My training as a conventional doctor was predicated on a disease care model that offers patients only one solution—a prescription. We have never had a shot at true wellness, having handed over our health to corporations loyal to their shareholders, rather than to us. Conventional medicine is based on the notion that we are born broken and need chemicals to feel better; the body is a machine that needs recalibration; and doctors always know what they are doing. After investing thousands of hours 28

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researching what would aid my own journey back from health challenges, I saw how we have been duped. Health is our natural state, and we can restore it by natural means. The way to prevent and reverse illness is to communicate with the body in a language it understands. It’s so simple, yet society considers it an act of rebellion to consider this kind of lifestyle.

Which science supports your conclusion that antidepressant drugs don’t work for most patients? Taking an antidepressant for depression is like taking a Tylenol for a shard of glass in your foot. Wouldn’t you rather just remove it? Antidepressants don’t work the way we think they do and come with risks, including impulsive violence and debilitating withdrawal. They also can distract from an opportunity to identify the real cause of symptoms, one that is entirely reversible, in my experience. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro are commonly prescribed to treat depression by boosting serotonin levels. There are many studies debunking their use and effectiveness. The 2012 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute study led by Paul Albert, Ph.D., concluded, “Direct serotonin-enhancing effects of antidepressants disturb energy homeostasis and worsen symptoms.”

As far back as 1998, Irving Kirsch, Ph.D., an expert on the placebo effect at Harvard Medical School, published a meta-analysis of the treatment of 3,000 patients, finding that drugs improved depression in only 27 percent of the cases.

What’s the link between women, high blood sugar, diabetes, obesity and depression? When I meet a patient that complains about irritability, anxiety, foggy thinking, fatigue and insomnia, I visually plot her day-to-day symptoms on a mental graph. I find that the sugar rollercoaster accounts for the vast majority of diabetes, obesity, depression and other symptoms troubling my patients, especially women. Sugar disturbs mental health in at least three ways: It starves the brain by causing blood sugar highs and lows that can eventually cause insulin resistance, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease; promotes inflammation, which is closely linked to depression; and derails hormones by raising levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body’s effort to balance blood sugars. Depression also has roots in thyroid imbalances, which are common in women more than 40 years old, and in food intolerances, especially to gluten, soy and corn, that can affect the brain in unpredictable ways.

Is there a general protocol that seems to work best? While there are no quick fixes, I see turnarounds every week because I help my patients see the benefits of simple choices like avoiding wheat and wheat products. You need a month of serious commitment to quit sugar, alcohol, coffee, wheat and dairy. Then you discover you aren’t an irritable, tired, forgetful person, which is its own incentive toward feeling better. It’s the basis to make choices with your own fully informed consent. Applying such information leads to long-term change and healing. Kathleen Barnes has authored numerous natural health books, including Food Is Medicine: 101 Prescriptions from the Garden. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Mental Health Is Affected by Hormone Health by Abraham Jacobs

ur bodies are very intricate and delicate machines capable of adapting to daily stresses and an ever-changing environment. However, this adaptation comes at a price, which is how we feel on a day-to-day basis. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, and they communicate with every system in our body to change and regulate its functions. When hormone imbalances occur due to environmental factors, certain inherited diseases or lifestyle, it can alter our endocrine function and patients are led down the wrong pathway to be put on antidepressants, anxiolytics and other unnecessary medications that only compound the issues. When hormones are out of balance, there can be a host of physical symptoms. A few of the most frequently encountered signs and symptoms include weight gain, irregular/ painful menstrual cycles, breast tenderness, hair loss, diabetes, polycystic ovarian disorder, pituitary disorders, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, erectile dysfunction, loss of lean muscle mass, osteoporosis, age spots and liver spots. Some symptoms are not as obvious and can be harder to identify as directly related to a physical condition such

as hormone imbalance. Symptoms such as depression, anger/irritability, anxiety, brain fog, memory loss, insomnia, lack of sex drive, PMS, weepiness and suicidal thoughts can range from mild to severe. Recognizing that these symptoms can mean hormonal issues and seeking professional medical advice is key in identifying the root of the problem and getting started on a path to restoring hormonal balance and getting the body back to optimal function. Finding the right doctor is critical to success. The practice of medicine is an art that requires both proper testing and listening to patients, and then approaching a treatment plan together to help the patient look and feel better. Dr. Abraham Jacob is a cardiologist certified in age management medicine and owner of the Heart and Vitality Center, located at 4100 W, 15th St, Ste. 112, in Plano. For more information, call 972596-7399 or visit HeartAndVitality.com. See ad, page 22.

We May Be Sabotaging Our Own Health by Laura Precourt

ur bodies are amazing systems of living tissues that operate seamlessly on their own, take care of our general health and balance. One of the most important systems is our digestive system—the gut. Seventy percent of our immune system is located in the walls of our gut, 98 percent of our neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, and 60 percent of our sex hormones are activated by healthy gut bacteria. Recent studies have even correlated intestinal bacterial imbalances with psychiatric disorders. So many people may be suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, numerous digestive disturbances, autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalances and even thyroid dysfunction because we are making choices as a culture that strip our bodies and guts of the critical environments needed to protect us. Our medical system is set up largely to treat symptoms of illness, rather than equip our bodies to fight for themselves. We are heading into cold and flu season, and there will be a massive amount of antibiotics administered this winter. This is an attack on the very bacteria in our gut that usually protect us from such maladies. Making wise food choices could potentially prevent us from needing those medications. Our love affair with fast food is also killing us; not so slowly. A steady diet of fast food for as little as 10 days has been shown to “devastate” the gut, destroying as much as 40 percent of the healthy strains of bacteria that we rely on for our general well-being.

There are also a number of medications and chemicals that people take to keep from balding, whiten their teeth, control acne and even prevent dry eyes. Most of these are pharmaceuticals that have a warning list a mile long and have devastating effects that go far beyond what they were intended to cure. Statin drugs, for instance, have recently been shown to lower cholesterol in the brain, as well as the blood. That wouldn’t be a problem, except that 60 percent of our brain depends on cholesterol. The study that reported this finding concluded that there might be a correlation between this effect and both early- and late-state dementia. No study shows it prevents arterial plaque, which is the number one cause of heart disease today. We need to go back to treating our bodies like the gardens they are, concentrating on good food, plenty of sleep, lots of pure water and sunshine, and taking responsibility for our own health. Read labels. Think. Ask questions. Know that the more effort we spend now will repay us tenfold in terms of long-term mental and physical health. Dr. Laura Precourt is the owner of Reclaim Health, located at 2237 W. Parker Rd., Ste. F, in Plano. For appointments, call 972-9439355. For more information, visit Reclaim HealthNow.com. See ad, page 31. natural awakenings

November 2016

fitbody

chemistry in their brains, boosting confidence on many levels. Pilates is recognized as a highly effective way to improve posture.

Pilates Unbound New Fusions with Yoga, Dance and Boxing by Aimee Hughes

ith 11,000 studios across the U.S., “Pilates continues to grow because an increasingly wide spectrum of people are discovering how it can benefit them,” says Elizabeth Anderson, executive director of the Pilates Method Alliance, in Miami. Pilates instructor Amanda January, who works at The Carriage Club, in Kansas City, eventually became an instructor because, “I love the challenge of it. I had always been a dancer, and found Pilates provides the movement therapy that my dance classes lack.” Current trends are combining Pilates not only with yoga, but also dance and even boxing. “My favorite fusion Pilates class is barre,” says Halley Willcox, a certified Pilates teacher originally from Austin, Texas, now a grad student at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. Barre classes mix classical ballet exercises with yoga and Pilates (see Tinyurl.com/Barre4Fitness). The boxing variation, called piloxing, incorporates pugilistic moves and

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barefoot interval training. “No prior experience is necessary; the possibilities are endless,” comments Willcox. Anderson believes, “The growth we’re observing is due to the fact that Pilates addresses fitness across the entire body, rather than parts. It creates a wonderful feeling of overall well-being; the exercise is done in a balanced manner on all planes and is coordinated with conscious breathing. Plus, it doesn’t cause injuries, it prevents them.”

Fosters Self-Confidence

“Through focus and breath awareness, Pilates, not unlike meditation and yoga, helps you become more aware of your body, which makes you more comfortable in your own skin,” says January. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s TED talk, “Change Your Posture, Grow Your Confidence, Follow Your Dreams,” shares the results of her Harvard University research, which demonstrates how people that assume what she calls “power postures” actually change the

Val Thoermer/Shutterstock.com

Helps Coordination and Rehabilitation Many dancers and professional athletes access the therapeutic qualities of Pilates to help them recover from injuries and enhance balance and coordination. Anderson remarks, “With a qualified teacher, Pilates can be applied as a post-rehabilitation modality once postsurgery physical therapy is completed, to further strengthen the body. Elite athletes such as professional dancers, baseball and football players, ice skaters and equestrians are also finding ways that Pilates can strengthen and assist them with their performances, wellbeing and injury prevention.” One of the ways that Pilates helps is by affecting body fascia. “Muscles work together, not individually, within the fascia, and the best way to change the muscle is through resistance,” says January. “It’s why Pilates uses spring tension, resistance bands and even jumping. Pilates improves balance and coordination because all the muscles work together. The entire body is learning how to dance in unison with itself.”

Boosts Immunity “The more I committed to a regular Pilates practice, the more I noticed I wasn’t getting sick as often,” says January. “Pilates helps boost the immune system through reducing stress, a well-known contributor to disease. It’s accessible to people of all ages. You don’t have to be flexible or strong to begin, just willing.” She offers this advice to beginners. “Check out all the local studios to see what they offer. It’s best to start out taking classes twice a week with a certified teacher for two to three months. That’s easy to commit to. Then you can see if Pilates is right for you.” Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy on the faculty of the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.

What Real Money Means by Wendell Brock

recious metals such as gold and silver have been used as a medium of exchange since the earliest civilizations. In our constitution, the American people gave the federal government the responsibility to oversee and maintain our monetary system, using gold and silver as currency. Originally, this “gold standard” made it easy to trade nationally and between countries. Paper money became a symbolic proxy for the precious metals; lighter and easier to carry, each note represented a portion of the gold and silver held in the U.S. Treasury. Dollar notes were essentially a promissory note that could be exchanged at any time for the equivalent “real” money, called specie. Over time, the government printed more notes than there was gold in the vault. Thus, paper money has no “real” value, except that which others think it’s worth. History shows us instances where a government prints different, new money for political reasons, rendering the old currency worthless. That’s one reason some people believe in holding precious metals (gold and silver) rather than paper money or digital accounts. Having gold or silver on hand can give us extra financial security because the value of these assets tends to keep up with inflation and many businesses will accept gold or silver as payment for goods or services. That means we could use a one-ounce silver coin worth $20 in lieu of a $20 bill. Overall, the value of gold and silver remain fairly constant, while dollars are affected by inflation. For example, a custom-made wool suit in the early 1900s cost about $20. Today the cost in dollars of that suit has inflated to about $1,250. In the early 1900s, an ounce of gold was worth $20 and today its value is about $1,250. We need more dollars to buy the suit today, but then or now,

it’s still valued at about one ounce of gold. Investing in gold and silver is simple; first, find a knowledgeable broker. All brokers charge the “spot price” (going rate) plus a premium for their service and any fees charged by the mint for minting and certifying that we are getting true quality metals. Shop around, some brokers are big companies with high overhead and marketing campaigns, while others with small companies and low overhead can secure the same gold/ silver at lower cost. Metals are also sold based on a quantity scale, meaning the more we buy, the lower the brokerage fee will be, thus giving a lower overall cost per ounce. Holding metals as a medium of exchange can be a great asset and financial insurance strategy; as an investment, traditional financial planning wisdom recommends that approximately 5 percent of assets should be in precious metals. Having “real” money can also bring peace of mind from knowing we have something that has never been worth nothing. Holding a newly minted piece of pure gold or silver is kind of fun and exciting, too. The metals are beautiful to look at. Silver rounds are fairly inexpensive, which can make them great giveaways, gifts to employees, family members or even children. They benefit even more if we include a lesson on dollars versus precious metals and how money works. McKinney financial consultant Wendell Brock, MBA, ChFC, provides comprehensive financial planning, debt relief plans, retirement, estate planning services and precious metals brokerage services. For more information, call 214-937-9905. natural awakenings

November 2016

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

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Boarding Solutions for Beloved Pets The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly by Sandra Murphy

Take a Tour

Brad Nierenberg blogs about dogs at PawsitivelyBradleyNierenberg.com, from Wilmington, Delaware. He relates an experience when friends watched Bitsy, his Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and she escaped out the front door. Fortunately, a neighbor found her. Afterward,

Ask Questions

Costs vary, so ask what’s included in the basic fee, such as group play, treats, ad-

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

he holidays bring buffet feasts, ribboned gifts, stockings of goodies, ornaments and tinsel that to animals all look good enough to eat. Pets can get into trouble, especially if they’re away from home. Boarding may be the best alternative when the family travels for holidays.

he says, “I asked other dog-crazy owners which kennel they’d recommend.” Kennels used to be an indoor cage with a dog door to a fenced run area outside. Dogs could see each other, but not play together. Well-heeled facilities offered fancy amenities, geared more to impress the owner than comfort the pet and were generally bereft of enriching experiences. “Pets are living, breathing, loving creatures, and boarding facilities not yet up to speed need to catch up to how people feel about pets today,” says Charlotte Biggs, COO of the nonprofit International Boarding and Pet Service Association, near Austin, Texas. It helps its members create safe, responsible pet care facilities by including holistic, positive and green practices in their safety and training manuals. Susan Briggs, co-founder of the independent Professional Animal Care Certification Council for the pet care industry, in Houston, advises, “Take a tour. Kennels should be clean and organized. You should feel comfortable with the staff.” “Do the employees talk about your pet like you’re bringing the car in for an oil change? If it’s ignored in favor of paperwork, maybe you should keep looking,” says Josh Brown, owner of Far North Kennel, in Anchorage, Alaska. “You want to go where the staff bends down and lets your pet come to them. It should be obvious your dog’s going to get positive human interaction. When you walk out after touring the facility, you should feel better about boarding than when you walked in.”

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germs; a floor plan that reduces stress by limiting views of other animals; lighting that dims at night for restful sleep; a good ratio of staff to pets that allows employees to spend time with nervous boarders, spot any signs of illness or distress early on and intervene if quarrels arise; and availability of an on-call veterinarian with access to the family vet or nearest emergency facility. Leave a medical directive explaining what should be done if an owner can’t be reached. Flooring at better resorts is antibacterial. Outdoors, artificial grass made of recycled products is soft on paws, drains better than grass and is easier to clean. It’s eco-friendly because it requires no watering, mowing or pesticides. MaxyM/Shutterstock.com

ministered meds, special bedding and feeding the same food as at home. The pet also should be able to have their bed, toys and favorite things with them. Also be clear about medications, health or mobility issues and special bedding or grooming preferences. An apparent bargain can be either less than expected or more expensive once all costs are totaled. “Ask if titers are accepted in lieu of current vaccinations, and don’t feel pressured to over-vaccinate,” advises Briggs, who explains that titers assess levels of immunity from previous vaccinations. She also suggests asking about the facility’s emergency plan, including evacuation. The more information everyone has, the better the pet’s stay will be. Socialized dogs or cats should be able to enjoy group playtime or a communal catio (enclosed indoor/outdoor space for felines); others would rather watch from afar. Stays should be individualized, not uniform. Facility owners suggest first booking a day visit and then an overnight as a test. Before booking, also ask about unseen factors. Josh Parker, co-founder of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels, in Fanwood and other New Jersey locations, recommends that boarding clients look for features such as eco-friendly cleaning products; air purifiers and ventilation systems to prevent spreading of

Stay in Touch

“Some facilities like ours offer webcam options so you can ‘visit’ with your dog while you’re traveling,” says Brown. Texting kennel updates and selfies of an employee with a pet can also ease any worries. “I just want my pet in a place where she is safe, secure, well cared for and loved,” says Nierenberg. Though apart, pets and their people can all enjoy a fresh adventure. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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November 2016

The Art of Blessing Sanctifying Everyday Life by Dennis Merritt Jones

ost blessings are done quietly, in the silence of one’s own mind and heart; most often others don’t even know about it. How a blessing is done is not as important as the fact that it’s done mindfully. There is nothing magical or mystical about conferring a blessing—it’s simply confirming the presence of God, divine Spirit, at the center of that which is being blessed. Masters, teachers, sages and saints from every spiritual tradition have used blessings as a way to consecrate, sanctify, purify and heal. Wedding ceremonies, memorial services, christenings and everything in-between have at one time or another been blessed. Anyone can offer a blessing. Ernest Holmes, author of Science of Mind, defined a blessing as constructive thought directed toward anyone or any condition. He says, “You bless a man when you recognize the divinity in him.” When things are good, it can seem easy to neglect the practice of blessing ourselves and others. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting—a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in

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every fair flower and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” We can always bless what’s good in our lives, but blessings can become even more meaningful if we remember to bless the bad times as well, when we most need to remember the truth that good is present then and there, too. Getting in the habit of embracing daily blessings is a good spiritual practice as we evolve and go forth and bless our world as we have been blessed. It’s a matter of remembering that the real blessing has already been bestowed; the gift of life itself. Take a moment to contemplate this and seal it in consciousness by silently affirming, “I am blessed and I am a blessing.” I Am is a name of God. In the words of Mary Baker Eddy in introducing her seminal work, Science & Health, “To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings.” Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., of St. Petersburg Beach, FL, is the author of Your (Re)Defining Moments, The Art of Uncertainty and The Art of Being, the source of this essay. He has contributed to the human potential movement and field of spirituality for 30 years (DennisMerrittJones.com).

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"Renewal" painting by C. M. Rose fineartamerica.com/artists/michele+rose

Prints on paper or canvas. Custom mats and framing.

natural awakenings

November 2016

calendarofevents 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.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

LLELA Campfire – 5:30-7:30pm. Pull up a chair at our cozy campfire. Watch the sun set and the stars appear as you enjoy traditional campfire fun: stories, songs, and of course, s’mores. $10/person. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Registration required: 972-219-3550.

Registration Open for Texas Master Naturalist 2017 Certification Training – Held Feb-May. Complete 12 Classes and 3 Field Trips. Obtain a minimum of 8 hrs of approved advanced training. Complete a minimum of 40 hrs of chapter-approved volunteer service. $150. Applications: bptmn.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 The Care and Maintenance of Trees – 6-7:30pm. With Master Gardener Janie Farler. Learn which trees grow well in North Texas, where and when to plant them, tree benefits, as well as common tree issues in our area. Free. MCL Grand, 100 N Charles St, Lewisville. 972-538-5949.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Bird Walk – 7-10am. 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. Amble Around Arbor Hills Nature Preserve – 8:30am. Walk with a local Master Naturalist and explore the woods and the fields, learning about fossils, birds, insects, plants, animals, and their complex interactions. 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano. bptmn.org. Aromatherapy for Women’s Health – Nov 5-6. 8:30am-4:30pm, Sat; 8:30am-4:30pm, Sun. Course provides evidence-based education in Clinical Aromatherapy. Learn holistic options to ease suffering, enhance care and improve quality of life. Open to all. 18 CNE available for RNs. $250. Whole Child Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco.

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.

North Texas

Alina Olteanu: 214-736-1954. Registration: AromasForHealing.com. 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 Workshops: Webelos – 10am-12pm, or 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.

savethedate SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Great Seed Bomb – 1-5pm. A 15-mile fun ride benefiting bees, monarch and other pollinators. During the ride, seed balls (made of clay, organic compost and native, non-GMO milkweed and wildflower seed) are launched from bikes by riders. Clear Fork Nature Trail, Fort Worth. For more info or tickets: GreatSeedBomb.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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Scouting Workshop: Webelos: Into the Woods – 2-4pm. Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshop 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.

Scouting Workshops: Webelos – 10am12pm, or 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, NOVEMBER 6 Horsemanship Day Camp – 10am-2:30pm. 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.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 ICAN of NTX Support Group – 6:30-7:30pm. For cesarean moms or those facing cesareans. Come share your cesarean stories, ask questions about prepping for surgery and recovery, or discuss journeying towards vbac. Lighthouse Coffee, 1404 N 9th St, Midlothian. ican-online.org/northtexas. Stunning Outdoor Photography – 7-8:30pm. Beautiful outdoor photography: Iceland in winter (including Northern Lights), Patagonia in fall, and storm chasing on the high plains in spring. Free. Brookhaven College, Bldg H, 3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch. Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687. DallasSierraClub.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Science of Mind 101 – 6:45-9:30pm. Led by Rev Lee Wolak. This free class is a requirement for membership. Yeager Office Suites, 2770 Main St,

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Theatre Britain’s The Sleeping Beauty – Nov 26-Dec 30. 7:30pm, Fri; 2:30 & 7:30pm, Sat; 1:30 & 5pm, Sun. No performances Dec 23, 24 or 25. A traditional British panto by Jackie Mellor-Guin with corny jokes, wacky characters, the dame, a ghost, a black light scene and, of course, lots of audience participation. $21/ adults, $16/students & seniors, $11/age 4 & under; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Cox Playhouse, 1517 H Ave, Plano. Tickets: 972-490-4202 or Theatre-Britain.com.

Nov 15-17. Participants work together to identify concrete steps that can be taken to keep the industry on target. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio. More info: treia.org.

Ste 158, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com. Blood Sugar Talk: Why Everyone Should Eat like a Diabetic – 7pm. Taking control of your blood sugar levels can improve the way you feel every day and even help prevent disease. Find out how to stop feeling tired and cranky and lose unwanted pounds. Speaker: Bryan Bradford, Chief Nutrition Officer of Sunflower Shoppe, Inc. 5100 Hwy 121, Colleyville. SunflowerShoppe.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Holiday Market – Nov 11 & 12. 2-6pm, Fri; 10am-4pm, Sat. Unique, hand-crafted items, holiday decorations, baked goods and more. Benefits educational grant and scholarship programs of P.E.O. International. Free admission. Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Rd, Plano. Diane Parry: 972-757-6311.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Outdoor Cooking Camp – Nov 12-13. 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. Bird Walk – 7:30-10:30am. Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA. Ages 10 & up. $5/vehicle, cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. NTREG Monthly Meeting – 10am-12pm. Meetings feature educational speakers. Also includes North Texas Electric Auto Association Meeting. Location & more info: ntreg.org. Ribs n Raptors Fundraiser – 11:30am-2pm. An afternoon of music, fun and great Texas BBQ for raptor rehabilitation. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, 1625 Brockdale Park Rd, Lucas. Register by Nov 8: BPRaptorCenter.org. 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, $40/2. Gideon Math & Reading Center, 3555 Murphy Rd, Ste 106, Richardson. Kris Sands: 214-236-4037. HolisticEnergyractice.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Great Seed Bomb: Nov. 5, Fort Worth

savethedate SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Healthy Thanksgiving Cooking – 2-4pm. Live cooking and preparation demonstration by a chef from Cutting Edge Dishes at Whole Child Texas. Tasting and socializing afterwards. Teaching children that cooking and eating can be both fun and healthy. $15. Whole Child Pediatrics of North Texas, 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste B-100, Frisco. RSVP requested: 214-736-1954. WholeChildTexas.com. 6th Annual Sik’lik Youth Poetry Slam – 5-6pm, Writing and Performance Workshop; 6-8pm, Poetry Slam. Open to middle and high school students. Renzo Piano Pavilion, Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth. For details: ipdfw.org/siklik/event-details. Night Hike – 5:30-7:30pm. Follow our trail guides on a moonlit stroll down the nature trails. Ages 5 yrs & up. $10. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Registration required: 972-219-3550.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 DORBA Beginner Clinic – Consists of basic instruction including bike setup, safety, trail etiquette and basic bike handling skills. After the instructional portion, there will be a group ride of the trail. More info & to RSVP: dorba.org. Run with the Sun – 8am. Benefits the Dallas Lighthouse for Blind. Bachman Lake Park, Dallas. More info & cost: ntreg.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium 2016 –

Nature Walk: Oak Point Park – 10am. City of Plano Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventures Program Features Carol Clark of Native Plant Society of Texas. 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano. More info: bptmn.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Nature Awareness Day Camp – 9:30am-2:30pm. Kids learn about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382.

savethedate THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 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. All About Composting – 7-8:30pm. Learn the basics of turning that garden debris and food waste into garden gold through different types of composting. Will cover the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of composting techniques. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: 972-769-4130.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Native American Indian Camp – Nov 19-20. Our camp is named after the Native American Indian Tribe that lived in its immediate area, the Tonkawas. This camp explores, through lots of fun activities,

Holy Molé cartoon is sponsored by:

Animal House Veterinary Chiropractic Naturally caring for all vertebrates great and small. 972-251-0545 • AnimalHouseChiro.com

natural awakenings

November 2016

tive.com/denton-tx/running/distance-running-races/ downtown-denton-turkey-trot-2016

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Native American Indian Camp – Nov 26-27. See Nov 19 listing. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382. this particular tribe along with other plains Indians. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382.

savethedate SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Agape Women’s Breakfast with Friends – 9:30-11am. 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. Log House Open House – 12-3pm. Step back in time when you visit the historic Minor-Porter log house. Visitors of all ages are welcome to arrive at any time during the open house. $5/vehicle; cash or check only. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550. Family Night Hike at Oak Point Park – 5pm. Take the trail into the woods on an enjoyable guided evening walk led by a Texas Master Naturalist. Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano. bptmn.org.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 2nd Annual Downtown Denton Turkey Trot Run/Walk and Kid’s Gobble Wobble – 9-11am. Proceeds benefit the Denton Community Food Center. 322 E McKinney St, Denton. Tickets: Ac-

SUNDAYS

DAILY

Stars on the Prairie – 5:30-7:30pm. If it’s partly cloudy, we’ll have a Star Walk, walking on trails to get a better look at more of the sky. Come prepared to move. If the sky is completely cloudy, we’ll have a night hike. $10/person. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-3550.

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Sunday Celebration Service Agape Center For Spiritual Living – 10am, meditation; 10:30am, service. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. Rev Lee Wolak: 972-468-1331. AgapeCSL.com.

WEDNESDAYS

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.

savethedate SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Theatre Britain’s The Sleeping Beauty – Nov 26-Dec 30. 7:30pm, Fri; 2:30 & 7:30pm, Sat; 1:30 & 5pm, Sun. No performances Dec 23, 24 or 25. A traditional British panto by Jackie MellorGuin with corny jokes, wacky characters, the dame, a ghost, a black light scene and, of course, lots of audience participation. $21/adults, $16/ students & seniors, $11/age 4 & under; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Cox Playhouse, 1517 H Ave, Plano. Tickets: 972-490-4202 or Theatre-Britain.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Make Your Own Natural Perfumes Class – 5:307:30pm. Join Mary Ellen Dorey, Registered Aromatherapist and Natural Perfumer for an evening of perfume making. Class is for both men and women. Take home your own personalized perfume. Wine and snacks served. LUXE Salon and Design, 4017 Preston Rd, Ste 525, Plano. Mary Ellen Dorey: 972567-3962. DoreyAromatherapy.com.

plan ahead THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Solar Business Festival – Dec 1-2. A highly b2b interactive conference, exhibition, and concert dedicated to creating an influential solar trading platform in Texas. Hilton Austin, 500 E 4th St, Austin. treia.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Blood Sugar Talk: Why Everyone Should Eat like a Diabetic – 7pm. 5100 Hwy 12, Colleyville location.

ongoingcalendar

lin College Conference Center (Central Park Campus), 2200 W University Dr, McKinney. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-843-8084.

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.

sunday 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: New Life Community – 8am & 11am. Sunday school in between worship services at 9:30am. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-8724205. NewLifeFrisco.org. Sunday Worship: Stonebriar Community Church Service – 9am & 10:45am. 4801 Legendary Dr, Frisco. 469-252-5200. Stonebriar.org. Sunday Worship: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Service – 9:30am & 11am. The services are the same, with music at both. Also have a service on the 1st Wed at 7pm. 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco. 214-387-4700. StPhilipsFrisco.org. Sunday Celebration Service Agape Center For Spiritual Living – 10am, meditation; 10:30am, service. Westin Stonebriar, 1549 Legacy Rd, Frisco. 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. Transform Your Life – 10am. All welcome. $5/ class. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817-303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org.

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.

savethedate MONDAY 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: 214-356-7646. Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association. Col-

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. 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. 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. 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 – 12pm & 7pm. 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco. 214-872-4205. NewLifeFrisco.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 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.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Great Seed Bomb – 1-5pm. A 15-mile fun ride benefiting bees, monarch and other pollinators. During the ride, seed balls (made of clay, organic compost and native, non-GMO milkweed and wildflower seed) are launched from bikes by riders. Clear Fork Nature Trail, Fort Worth. For more info or tickets: GreatSeedBomb.org.

DAILY Christmas Tree Lot – Thru Dec 20. 5-9pm, Mon-Fri; 9am-9pm, Sat; 12-8pm, Sun. Support Boy Scout Troop 51 in Frisco while getting a tree for the holidays. $25-$150. 2 locations: Frisco Square, just off Dallas North Tollway at Main St & Coleman Blvd and Frisco First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Rd. HBergs80@att.net.

natural awakenings

November 2016

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. Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909. Adults with Special Needs Cooking Classes – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Call for details. Space limited. $10. Market Street Culinary School, 6100 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Reserve spot now & mention Natural Awakenings North Texas: 972548-5167. Buddhism in Daily Life – 6:30pm. All welcome. $10/class, $5/students & seniors. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817303-2700. MeditationInTexas.org. 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. 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.

savethedate WEDNESDAY

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.

friday 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.

savethedate FRIDAY Simply Meditate – 12:15pm. 30-min lunchtime meditation class. All welcome. $5/class. KMC Texas, Denton Branch, 210 S Elm, Ste 105, Denton. 817-303-2700. MeditationInTexas.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. 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.

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.

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.

River of Glory Service – 7pm. Also Sun, 10am. 501 Accent Dr, Plano. 972-564-6316. RiverOfGlory.org.

saturday

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

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

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

Beach Clean Up at Trophy Club Park – 8-11am. 1st Sat; weather permitting. 2885 Trophy Park Dr. More info: TrophyClub.org. Greenville Farmers’ Market – Thru Dec. 8am12pm. 2400 Lee St on Bois d’Arc, Greenville. 972251-1532. GreenvilleFarmersMarket.com. McKinney Farmers’ Market at Chestnut Square – Thru mid-Nov. 8am-12pm. Local and organic meat, dairy and produce vendors. Locally grown and produced food and craft items. Live music. 315 S Chestnut St, McKinney. 972-562-8790. McKinneyFarmersMarket.com. 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. 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. Free One-Hour Seminars – 10am. Topics: gardening, beekeeping, rainwater collection, goat milking, poultry. Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Living, 7781 Gholson Rd, Waco. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 254-754-9663.

savethedate 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.

savethedate SATURDAY 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 well-known 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

classifieds

daily savethedate DAILY

have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here. Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reservation required: 214-669-1663. Frisco Humane Society Adoption – 12-4pm. 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat. We invite you to meet and greet some of the wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption from Frisco Humane Society. PetSmart in Frisco, 3333 Preston Rd. 972-498-8980. Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1pm. 2nd Sat. Speakers and discussions. Topics include how-to and technique discussions and travelogue presentations. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-462-7314. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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, Wednesdays. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, 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 Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano. Teresa Cooper: 972-378-4945.

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.

SPECIAL OFFER FIRST RESPONDERS TUESDAY – Half price Cupping Sessions between 9am-4pm for Police, Firemen, Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses. $38 for a 50min session (regularly $75). Must mention at time of booking & show valid professional ID. Dana Russell, LMT, Advanced Cupping Therapist. Salt Escape, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, NE corner of Park and DNT, Plano. 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.

savethedate SATURDAY Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Lot – Nov 25 thru Dec 20. 5-9pm, Mon-Fri; 9am-9pm, Sat; 12-8pm, Sun. Support Boy Scout Troop 51 in Frisco while getting a tree for the holidays. $25-$150. 2 locations: Frisco Square, just off Dallas North Tollway at Main St & Coleman Blvd and Frisco First United Methodist Church, 7659 Preston Rd. HBergs80@att.net.

natural awakenings

November 2016

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

naturaldirectory 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.

DR. JACKIE ROMANIES, DC

4031 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 201, Plano 75093 972-867-9900 • 972-589-1153 DrJackieDC.com

SERENDIPITY HEALTH & WELLNESS

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 ads, pages 9 and 23.

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 23.

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 23.

HELLO GORGEOUS MAKEOVER SALON & SPA Helen Gibson-Nicholas, Owner 111 Fountain Court, 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 23.

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 22.

Dr. Amy St. John, DC, LMT 3900 W 15th St, Ste 506, 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 20.

BRIAN WINNINGHAM, DC

Family Health and Wellness of Plano/ Parkway Vista Cryotherapy 5072 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 200, Plano 75093 469-661-1100 • FHWPlano.com

DAIRY CIRCLE N FAMILY DAIRY

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.

RONIT MOR SPA & WELLNESS

DECLUTTERING / ORGANIZING SERVICES THE DECLUTTERBUG

Ronit Mor, ND, LE 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com

Anita Sisler 339-832-1220 • TheDeclutterbug.biz

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 23.

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 17.

CHIROPRACTIC

DENTISTRY

NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488 DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com

SMILE RANCH DENTISTRY

Dr. Robyn Abramczyk, DDS 6700 Horizon Rd, Heath 75032 972-772-7645 • SmileRanchDentistry.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 ads, pages 9 and 23.

natural awakenings

Smile Ranch believes in natural, minimalistic remedies that are safe and effective for you and your family. See ad, back cover.

November 2016

DINING CAFÉ BRAZIL

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

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

TEA2GO

5611 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 340, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-770-4443

EDUCATION LIVING ETHICS SCHOOL

Vicki Johnston, Founding Director 340 Country Club Rd, Fairview 75069 214-544-8338 • CenterForLivingEthics.org Are you seeking a learning environ-ment 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.

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 20.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEART & VITALITY, PLLC

Dr. Abraham Jacob, MD, FCCA 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 22.

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

RECLAIM HEALTH

Dr. Laura Precourt, DC 2237 W Parker Rd, Ste F, Plano 75023 972-943-9355 • ReclaimHealthNow.com 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 ads, pages 31 and 35.

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 11.

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 23.

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 33.

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 FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS OF PLANO

Dr. Russ Skinner, MD 5072 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 200, Plano, 75093 469-661-1100 • FHWPlano.com Family medicine, chiropractic, fitness and wellness: Whether it is treatment for an acute illness, chronic disease, injury rehabilitation, or preventative wellness care—Family Health and Wellness of Plano is the answer. See ad, page 19.

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 7.

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 15.

WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS

Dr. Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD 3550 Parkwood Blvd, Ste 100, Frisco 75034 214-736-1954 • WholeChildTexas.com In today’s complex medical world, 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 9.

LABYRINTHS HIGH HOPE RANCH GUEST HOUSES & SANCTUARY Glen Rose, TX (near Fossil Rim) 254-898-4296 • HighHopeRanch.com

Nature lovers' restorative getaway on serene Hill Country Ranch, 1.5 hours from Dallas. Wander in wonder through 900 acres with trails, and enjoy the relaxing accommodations of our three green guesthouses.

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 37.

MARKETS – GROCERY SPICE BAZAAR INDIAN GROCERY 4681 Ohio Dr, Ste 105, Frisco 75035 214-618-3174

ORGANIC SPA

REAL ESTATE

PHYT’S ORGANIC SKIN CARE SPA

DARLENE OWEN, REALTOR

We invite you to experience true natural and “Certified Organic” spa treatments. Phyt’s is proud to bear the “Cosmebio” label—proof of our organic integrity. Contact us to book your appointment. See ad, page 3.

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 26.

10050 Legacy Dr, Ste 204, Frisco (Inside City Salon Suites & Spa) 469-404-2914 • PhytsOrganicSpa.com

PEDIATRICS

NATURAL FOOD & VITAMINS

Remax Town & Country 301 S Watters Rd, Allen 75013 972-979-7640 • DarleneOwen.com

HEALTHY KIDS PEDIATRICS

SUNFLOWER SHOPPE

Dr. Deborah Z. Bain, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP, GCP 4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco 75034 972-294-0808 • HealthyKidsPediatrics.com

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 38.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN INNOVATIONS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Kimberly Wilson, NMD 6545 Preston Rd, Ste 200, Plano 75024 469-606-9100 • InnovationsWellness.com Your family's health is "naturally" our passion. Using naturopathic medicine, our approach is holistic and non-toxic, helping those with cancer, hormone imbalances, fatigue, chronic illness, depression and much more. Let us be a partner in your wellness and show you naturopathic solutions to your health concerns.

NATUROPATHS

Where your child’s health is our passion! Offering a full range of pediatric services integrating conventional and natural medicine for your child’s optimal health. See ad, page 7.

Mary Ellen Dorey, Owner Plano • 972-567-3962 DoreyAromatherapy.com

See full listing under Aromatherapy. See ad, page 23.

REIKI 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 10.

RADIO SHOW Martie Whittekin, Certified Clinical Nutritionist Saturday 8am • KWRD 100.7 FM

Ronit Mor, ND 6400 W Plano Pkwy, Ste 37, Plano 214-973-0482 • RonitMor.com

DOREY AROMATHERAPY & REFLEXOLOGY

WHOLE CHILD PEDIATRICS OF TEXAS

HEALTHY BY NATURE RADIO SHOW

RONIT MOR SPA & WELLNESS

REFLEXOLOGY

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 23.

RESPIRATORY THERAPY SALT ESCAPE

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.

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

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

Jodi Roberts, Founder Coit Rd and Parker, Plano 75075 469-344-6484 • StarCoyoteSoundTemple.com

~Maya Angelou natural awakenings

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 26.

November 2016

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AGAPE CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Reverend Lee Wolak 972-468-1331 • AgapeCSL.com

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 ads, pages 11, 33 and 38.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH 25631 Smotherman Rd, Frisco 75033 214-872-4205 • NewLifeFrisco.org

SHIR TIKVAH REFORM SYNAGOGUE

VETERINARY SERVICES ANIMAL HOUSE CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Crystal Sale, DC 972-251-0545 • AnimalHouseChiro.com Call us if your pet has difficulty walking, getting up, or if you’re looking to improve their overall health. See ad, page 37.

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 33.

WELLNESS CENTERS BODY SYNERGIE

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.

BACK TO BASICS HEALTH MARKET

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

THERMOGRAPHY THERMOGRAPHY CENTER OF DALLAS

1103B Ridge Rd, Rockwall 75087 972-772-5808 585 I-30, Rockwall 75087 972-771-3660

DOC’S BODY SHOP CHIROPRACTIC

3084 N Goliad St, Ste 114, Rockwall 75087 972-722-2500

GET HEALTHY HEALTH MARKET 811 E Yellow Jacket, Rockwall 75087 469-434-2004

HEAVENLY HANDS BIRTHING CENTER 908 N Goliad St, Rockwall 75087 214-621-0859

Dr. Rebeca Gracia, PharmD, DABAT Addison and Rockwall 214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

HORMONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Providing FDA-cleared Computer Regulation Thermography (CRT) to progressive practitioners for over 10 years. Whole Body Thermography reveals functionality of internal organs including breasts, teeth, lymphatics, thyroid, liver, kidneys and heart. Subtle changes can be detected ~10 years before dysfunction develops. See ad, page 2.

ROCKWALL COLONICS & WELLNESS CENTER

North Texas

NA-NTX.com

585 E Interstate 30, Rockwall 75087 972-771-3660

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 26.

WELLNESS WORKS

2305 Ridge Rd, Ste 102, Rockwall, 75087 469-698-8844

WOMEN'S HEALTH

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

ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL

ROCKWALL NUTRITION CENTER

Rockwall: 1207 Arista Dr, Ste 103, 75032 469-402-1877 Southlake: 620 N Kimball Ave, Ste 100, 76092 817-328-8376

2455 Ridge Rd, Ste 151, Rockwall 75087 972-771-8900

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 15.

THERMOGRAPHY CENTER OF DALLAS Dr. Rebeca Gracia, PharmD, DABAT Addison and Rockwall 214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

Providing FDA-cleared Computer Regulation Thermography (CRT) to progressive practitioners for over 10 years. Whole Body Thermo-graphy reveals functionality of internal organs including breasts, teeth, lymphatics, thyroid, liver, kidneys and heart. Subtle changes can be detected ~10 years before dysfunction develops. See ad, page 2.

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