H E A L T H Y
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feel good • live simply • laugh more
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Food & Garden Fresh Ways to Eat Well
Eat Well On A Budget 5 SIMPLE TIPS
Unconventional Gardens
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Chronic Inflammation Diet Solutions That Work March 2012
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SMART ADVERTISING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY! WHY NATURAL AWAKENINGS
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY Customers want more than an ad. They want an explanation. Natural Awakenings teaches our readers about you with news briefs, articles, calendar listings, and classifieds. Don’t just place an ad. Become part of the magazine. 100% TARGETED AUDIENCE Mintel International, an industry leader in providing market intelligence, recently called the green marketplace one of the fastest growing, most dynamic sectors of the US economy. 100% of our readers are interested in healthy living, a healthy environment, and personal growth. THAT’S 100% CREDIBILITY AND SCOPE The Natural Awakenings family of magazines has been a respected source for cuttingedge healthy living information across the country for 14 years. Reaching more than 2.5 million readers each month with 60 individual magazines in 60 cities across the nation and Puerto Rico.
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contents 12 healthbriefs
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14 globalbriefs 17 wisewords 18 healthykids 20 naturalpet 25 inspiration
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26 healingways
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
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POSTURES Sun Salutation by Gatlianne
16 ESSENTIALS
Healing Oils of the Bible Part 4 - Onycha, Galbanum and Sandalwood (Aloes)
by Linda Hileman BS, CCA
17 CHOOSING FORKS OVER KNIVES
28 fitbody
Doctors Advocate a Plant-Based Diet
30 greenliving
by Linda Sechrist
34 consciouseating
advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 256-476-6537 or email Editor@Natvalley.com.
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18 PREPARING KIDS FOR TOMORROW’S JOBS U.S. Companies Pair Scientists with Schools by April Thompson
22 CHANGING THE WAY AMERICA EATS Nourishing the Shift to Farm-Fresh Foods
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by Melinda Hemmelgarn
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please.
26 COOLING CHRONIC INFLAMMATION Dietary Solutions Counter Disease
Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@Natvalley.com
by Linda Sechrist
28 STEP INTO FITNESS
Dance Your Way to a Beautifully Strong and Flexible Body by Sandra Murphy
30 UNCONVENTIONAL GARDENS No Space? No Problem.
*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.
Tennessee Valley Natvalley.com 4 www.Natvalley.com
by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko
34 EATING WELL ON A BUDGET by Judith Fertig
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publishersletter
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s winter fades and spring starts to bring color to our world, making everything seem new again, the timing feels right to start new traditions and changes to make our life’s better. The springtime always takes me back to when I was a young girl growing up in Decatur. My greatgrandfather, called Big Daddy, spent countless hours tilling, planting, and harvesting the gardens that not only fed our family but also financially supported him and my great-grandmother, Mama. It was a family affair, and some of my fondest memories as a child are of the time we spent together picking, shelling, shucking, talking and eating the food. We still tell stories about how simple things were and how good the food was. I now have a small garden in my backyard and the smell of the freshly tilled ground is always soothing and therapeutic to me. Watching the small seeds growing into plants bearing the food is a wondrous thing. In this month’s issue, the focus is on eating healthy food. I hope you enjoy the articles and consider starting your own garden or buying locally produced food. There are several farmers markets in the North Alabama area. Madison County Farmers Market, Bridge Street Farmers Market, Madison City Farmers Market, Decatur/Morgan County Farmers Market, Athens Farmers Market, and Festhalle Farmers Market-Cullman, to mention a few. You can find a variety of locally grown organic vegetables and fruits at these markets and support your local economy at the same time. The warmer spring weather is also a great time to start some new outdoor activities. We invite you to take a look at our calendar and see what the area has to offer you. Healthy Huntsville 2012 has a great list of events and activities coming up. Be on the lookout for more details about Alabama’s Largest Yoga Class, which will start in April and be held on Saturdays at the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Just in time to enjoy their Festival of Flowers. Have a Happy, Healthy, and Safe Spring.
contact us Publisher Tom Maples Tom@Natvalley.com Cell: 404-395-9634 New Business Development Advertising Sales Cindy Wilson Cindy@Natvalley.com Cell: 256-476-6537 Design and Production Karen Ormstedt 256-997-9165 Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley 14 Woodland Ave. Trinity, Alabama 35673 Office: 256-340-1122 Fax: 256-217-4274 Natvalley.com © 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
natural awakenings
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newsbriefs A Better Option for Health Care in America: Holistic Medicine
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earn how holistic medical approaches can help you restore your body to a state of optimal health and a better quality of life by optimizing your biological and cellular functions and reversing the disease process. The mind, body and spirit paradigm will be discussed. Rodney Soto, MD of Holistic Medical Center of Alabama will be presenting this topic on Thursday, March 29 at 6:30pm. The cost of the event is $30 and will be held at Grille 29 located at 445 Providence Main Street in Huntsville. Dinner will be included. For information or to RSVP please call 1-850-267-8452. Space is limited so make your reservation to attend by March 26, 2012. Dr. Soto will be relocating his practice to Madison in late spring 2012. Holistic Medical Center of Alabama will be located at 12205 County Line Rd, Madison. You can find out more information on their website at HolisticAlabama.com. See Ad on Page 33.
The Light of Christ Center Offers 8-Week Course in Health, Healing and Preventive Medicine
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he world of medicine is undergoing a tremendous revolution both in terms of spiraling costs, and competing alternative therapies. Patients must look with new eyes at the entire field of wellness, sickness and personal responsibility in these matters. This course looks at physical, emotional and mental wellness and the causes of illness and dis-ease while maintaining a holistic perspective. Diet, nutrition, and lifestyle choices will be discussed as they relate to the health of the whole individual. One part affects all the other parts. That is why holistic healing must come about. There will be many handouts as resources and several outside speakers. The cost is $80. Interested parties may register by calling The Light of Christ Center and leave a message, 256-895-0255. Please give your name, phone number and state the name of the class, “Health, Healing & Preventive Medicine.” The course will run 7pm Thursdays, April 5-May 24, 2012. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave. See Ad on This Page.
Introduction To Metaphysics at Light of Christ Center
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ncient Greek oracles admonished us to, “Know Thyself.” The Light of Christ Center presents a course on the various tools that allow us to look within and determine our inner makeup. Basic metaphysical information and practices are taught once a week over 10 weeks. Coursework will include consultations on your astrology chart and previous reincarnations. The course runs April 3-June 5, 2012. The cost is $100 plus $10 for the course textbook, Metaphysics 101.
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Interested parties may register by calling the instructor, Rev. Jeanette Gallagher at 256-534-3186. Or call The Light of Christ Center and leave a message, 256-895-0255. Please give your name, phone number and state the name of the class, “Introduction to Metaphysics.� Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave. See Ad on Page 6.
The Paranormal Study Center Welcomes President of the International Metaphysical University
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eborah Lindsey is the founder and President of the International Metaphysical University (IMU), an online college dedicated to raising consciousness through education. At IMU, they offer a Masters degree in Metaphysics with Majors in Consciousness Studies, Holistic Health, Shamanism, Paranormal Studies, Intuitive Arts, and Ufology. Deborah also works as the owner and director of the Self-Health and Awareness Center where she offers holistic healing services, intuitive readings, and teaches classes. She currently lives in Vienna, WV. To learn more about Deborah, go to InterMetU.com. The Paranormal Study Center will host Deborah on Friday, March 23 at 6:30pm at the Radisson Inn in the Olympus room in Madison. Cost is $10. For more information, please visit ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com. See Ad on Page 36.
Be Bold: Birmingham Studio Adds Brave New Moves to Your Classical Practice
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aster Teacher Cara Reeser will host “Big and Bold�, a Pilates and Yoga inspired movement intensive in
Birmingham. This Pilates/Yoga fusion class will give students an opportunity to go deep into the practice of arm standing and back bending. With an eye towards alignment, strength and flexibility students will learn new and exciting ways to enhance their practice. Boldly go where your practice has not gone before. All levels are welcome as we go “Big and Bold� in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to train with Cara Reeser, the owner of Pilates Aligned, Inc. Cara began her initial studies in the Pilates Method with first generation Master Teacher, Kathleen Stanford Grant. Now she serves as the lineage carrier of the Kathy Grant work, and is highly respected in the industry. She is an advanced teacher of the work, presenting continuing education and teacher mentoring group workshops at her studios in Denver, throughout the US, and abroad. The workshop will be held at Pilates on Highland in Birmingham on Sat, April 14, 1-7pm, ($200) PMA Approved, TPC Master Program, and on Sun. April 15, 9am-12noon ($50). Professionals and students welcome. Space is limited. Advance registration requested online at pilatesonhighland. com/work.html. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S, Birmingham. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com. See Ad on Page 28.
How to Survive Spiritually in Our Times
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n Saturday, March 17, from 1-8:30pm, the Alabama affiliate of Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God, will host a spiritual seminar entitled “How to Survive Spiritually in Our Times.� This seminar is being held at The Inn at Madison (formerly the Holiday Inn), 9035 Madison Boulevard (Hwy 20 near I-565 Exit 8) in Madison, and is free to the public. Inspirational talks, personal stories and panel discussions will offer spiritual tools and insights for reinventing yourself spiritually to thrive in a changing world. Some of
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March 2012
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Seminars and Workshops
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Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Topic: Free Introductory Class on Hormone Balance Time: 12:00 Noon
Thursday Evening Classes at 6:30 p.m. Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012 Topic: Healthy Eating Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 Topic: Managing Menopausal Changes
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Many patients and healthcare professionals are discovering that natural hormones offer safer, healthier answers.
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the topics included on the program are Amazing HU—God’s Gift to Soul, The Gift of Change—Discover the Lesson; Accept the Blessing, ECK Masters—Here to Give Help, The Creative Dreamer—Finding Solutions Within, and “I Am Always with You”—God’s Ever Present Help. Small group discussions will provide attendees an opportunity to discuss some of the spiritual laws of life and explore how they provide resources to make the very best decision at any one moment. Interspersed among the talks and discussions will be live musical performances. Amanda Morris, local Eckankar clergy, says, “This seminar will highlight ways of recognizing the divine in every moment of your life. Anyone interested in finding keys to a life of greater love, wisdom and freedom is invited to attend.” More information about the seminar or Eckankar events in Alabama can be obtained on the Web at Eck-Alabama.org, or by calling 256-534-1751.
Group Hypnosis for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation
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ave you always wanted to quit smoking or lose weight, but just needed that extra little help and support to kick the habit? Maybe a group hypnosis session might be just what you’re looking for. Learn to transform your mind so you can make these desired changes. Tips will be given to assist with home care and self-hypnosis will be taught to enhance and strengthen your desired results. Bring your open mind and your desire to change, because you can achieve what your mind can perceive! The advantage of a group session is thatit is cost effective and there’s a collective, positive consciousness that can empower the end result. It also offers an opportunity to experience what hypnosis truly is and what to expect. Although some people will only need this one session, others will discover there are hidden elements in the background of their mind that may be contributing to these undesirable habits. Marsha Mathes, Certified Hypnotist, is conducting these events at 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Ste 116, Huntsville. The Weight Loss session will be Thursday, March 8 from 6-7:30pm. The Smoking Cessation session will be Wednesday, March 21 from 6-7:30pm. The cost for each event is $65 per person. Seating is limited and pre-registration is essential. Please contact Marsha Mathes at 256-698-2151 or Mathes79@knology.net for your reservation. See CRG on Page 42.
A Spiritual Community supporting the practice of knowing God in the heart of every person. ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES! New Thought Classes
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm Wednesdays,10:00am-12:00pm
Revealing Services Sundays 9:45am
Celebration Services Sundays 10:30am
Meditation
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:00pm Sundays 8:30am
Satsang
Wednesdays 6:30pm
Tower Garden coming in April
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SA, the makers of Juice Plus, are releasing their at-home version of the “hydroponic” garden. No mess, no fuss, no weeding and tilling with the Tower Garden. It is the prefect solution for those who live in apartments, condos or have little space for a garden. This system of growing requires as little as 5% of traditional growing nutrients and water because the water is pumped through the tower, then into the base where it is reused and recycled. Another amazing benefit is the growing rate is double the rate of the traditional garden. The basic unit will grow 20 plants with the ability to add on more towers and grow up to 44 plants. The Tower Garden will save money and provide healthy delicious food. For more information or to order now for April delivery call Nikki Skidmore, 256-527-3822 or Tricia Mattox, 256-426-7416 today. See Ad on Page 10.
Are You Grounded?
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re you easily distracted, unable to stay on task? Do your emotions often get the better of you, swaying you in directions you would never take if you were in a calmer state? Do you spend a lot of time dwelling on past situations, finding it difficult to
Rev. David Leonard Transforming Lives and Making the World a Better Place www.cslhuntsville.org
308 Lily Flagg Rd.
883-8596
natural awakenings
March 2012
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Grow Green, Grow Healthy, with the Easiest Garden on Earth!
The Tower Garden t (SPXT QMBOUT QFS 5PXFS t (SPXT NBOZ EJòFSFOU UZQFT PG GSVJUT WFHFUBCMFT IFSC PS øPXFS t 3FRVJSFT BT MJUUMF BT PG USBEJUJPOBM HSPXJOH OVUSJFOUT XBUFS t 1SPEVDFT DSPQT JO B GSBDUJPO PG UIF UJNF JU UBLFT UP HSPX JO TPJM t /P HSPXJOH FYQFSJFODF OFDFTTBSZ For More Information or To Pre-Order Today for April Delivery Call:
NIKKI SKIDMORE: 256-527-3822 www.nikkiskidmorejuiceplus.com TRICIA MATTOX: 256-426-7416 www.triciamattoxjuiceplus.com
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move out of those thoughts and live in the present? What is grounding anyway? Grounding means that you are present—right Now. It connects you to your physical body. When you are disconnected from your physical body, your life on earth can feel painful and overwhelming. Grounding is having the awareness that at this very moment, you are safe, peaceful, calm, and ready to respond to life circumstance. Grounding allows you to be able to be fully conscious of yourself, your surroundings, and the earth so that you can make the best choices possible to live life in a place of freedom, joy, and peace, no matter what is happening. Join us on April 14 from 9am-12noon, as we experientially explore together ways to ground through grounding meditations, breath work, bio-feedback, emotional balancing points, and more. The workshop will be held at the Center for Personal Growth, 924-B Merchant Walk Way SW, Huntsville. Cost is $70. To attend, please contact Shari Prior at 256-289-3331 or Shari1717@gmail.com. Shari is a Reiki Master, Healing Touch Practitioner, Master Rapid Eye Technician, and an Ordained Minister. See CRG on page 41.
Healthy Huntsville 2012
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ating well, exercising and remaining mindful of all the wonderful things in life can sometimes be eclipsed by the business of daily activities and unexpected happenings that capture both our time and energy. Being healthy is therefore an ongoing challenge which, unfortunately, often gets put on hold. With this in mind, Sterling Health, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the City of Huntsville are proud to introduce Healthy Huntsville 2012, a community for all those who wish to have happier, healthier lives. This landmark citywide initiative is designed to build a community around healthy habits and behavior. Healthy Huntsville consists of 100 free events between now and August. Activities range from fitness classes to cooking demonstrations (complete with tasting) to health education, relaxation techniques and TEDTalk screenings. Major events include the Double Helix Dash 5K on April 10, Alabama’s Largest Yoga Class on April 28, Mayor’s Bike Ride on May 5, Healthy Cook-off with the Stars on July 15 and the People’s Choice Healthy Huntsville Awards Show on August 25 at Huntsville Botanical Gardens’ GreenU. Most events are family friendly. For example, the Healthy Cook-off features adult and kid divisions judged by local celebrity chefs. There will even be special health events just for kids, free! In addition, the Healthy Huntsville Games will launch in May. Participants earn points for attending events and adopting healthy habits. Compete on a team or as an individual to win monthly and grand prizes at the August People’s Choice Awards Show. Join the Healthy Huntsville Facebook community, where there are regular tips, videos, articles and prizes. You can even share your own health ideas and learn from the innovations of others in your community. Sign up for email updates at healthyhuntsville2012.com.
spiritual growth The garden in which I stand was once a wild garden, with only thorns and weeds to show. But then I realized I had the ability to take control and make it what I wanted it to be. So I planted all that would produce love, healing, and success. And slowly, each year, with awareness and tending to, the plantings grow stronger and nourish me with their fruit. Artwork and Text by Rita Loyd. Copyright Š 2012
Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition, natural H. Raines Gifts or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog. awakenings
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healthbriefs
High Fiber Trumps Low Fat Solving your health puzzle Herbs Vitamins Massage Reflexology Natural Foods Clinical Herbalist Auricular Therapy Magnetic Therapies Nutritional Counseling
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hen food shopping, concentrate on fiber content, rather than just the amount of fat, suggests a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. New Michigan State University (MSU) research suggests that foods high in fiber—but not necessarily low in saturated fats or cholesterol— are tied to lowering the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in teens; it’s a generation noted to be at high risk for developing chronic disease, due in part to the popularity of processed foods with this age group. The researchers found that due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, the teens’ total dietary fiber intake was about 13 grams a day, well below the recommended 26 grams and 38 grams for female and male adolescents, respectively. “Our study reinforced the current dietary recommendations for fiber intake by including a variety of plant-based foods,” says lead author Joseph Carlson, a registered dietician and associate professor at MSU. “It may be better to focus on including these foods than to focus, as is commonly done, on excluding foods high in saturated fat.” Teens are not the only ones that benefit from a fiber-rich diet. A recent report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that adult women and men that eat at least 26 grams and 30 grams of fiber a day, respectively, had a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious and respiratory diseases.
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Does Our Food Control Our Genes?
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he old adage, “You are what you eat,” may be literally true. Based on findings from a groundbreaking study by researchers at Nanjing University, in China, the connection between our food’s biochemistry and our own may be more intimate than we imagined. The researchers discovered that tiny RNAs (a mirror-image form of DNA), or microRNAs, usually found in plants, were circulating in human blood; one of the most common sources was rice, a staple of their native subjects’ diets. After conducting tests with mice, they found that microRNAs were capable of altering cell function and directly manipulating the expression of genes. The study results, published in the journal Cell Research, suggest that the human body is a highly integrated ecosystem and suggest that genetic changes in one species may trigger alterations in another.
MORE REST EQUALS BETTER TEEN PERFORMANCE
A GRASS-FED BENEFITS
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new, in-depth guide to the benefits of grass-fed beef is now available from Animal Welfare Approved, a national nonprofit organization that audits, certifies and supports farmers that raise their animals according to the highest welfare standards, and outdoors on pasture or range. The Grassfed Primer, available as a free download at AnimalWelfareApproved.org/consumers/ food-labels, notes that grass-fed meat and dairy products offer health benefits via higher levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin E, and can reduce the risk of E. coli infection. Scientists now believe that CLA may be one of humanity’s most potent defenses against cancer.
dolescents that log between six and 10 hours of sleep each night perform better in mathematics and physical education classes than those that sleep six hours or less, according to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology. The researchers, after analyzing the sleep habits of 592 students
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CLICK! Point Your Life in a Healthy Direction Visit Our New Website Browse the local news, events calendar, resource guide, plus all the wonderful articles that support and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Now just a click away!
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globalbriefs
“Allow my Hands to Transform Your Life�
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Little Thumbs Gardening Helps Children Grow
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Gardening provides many varieties of engagement for children: designing, planting and maintaining a garden patch; harvesting, preparing and sharing food; working cooperatively in groups; learning about science and nutrition; and creating art and stories inspired by their garden experiences. When third, fourth and fifth grade students participating in a one-year gardening program were surveyed for life skills, they showed significant increases in self-understanding, interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to work in groups, compared with nonparticipating students. Qualitative surveys of 52 second and third grade students working in a community garden classroom program in San Antonio, Texas, further revealed the children were likely to have more positive bonding experiences with their parents and other adults. A study of children with learning disabilities that engaged in gardening measured increases in nonverbal communication skills, awareness levels of the advantages of order, understanding of how to participate in a cooperative effort, and the ability to form positive relationships with adults. Juvenile offenders that gardened showed improved self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and attitudes towards school. Overall, gardening has been recognized by many studies as a therapeutic healing activity that can positively impact mental health and well-being. Source: University of Colorado-Denver; Health Sciences Center
Freeing Minds Yoga Mitigates Prison Recidivism Overcrowding is a serious issue in American prisons partly because the rate of recidivism (return) is high. A 1994 study showed that 67.5 percent of the 300,000 adult prisoners released in 15 states were re-arrested within three years. James Fox, founder of the nonprofit Prison Yoga Project (PrisonYoga.com) believes that part of the problem is that the U.S. prison system overly emphasizes punishment during incarceration and that programs such as yoga classes might lower the rate of recidivism. He is an advocate for restorative justice and has worked with prisoners for 10 years. The theory is that yoga and meditation help prison inmates develop important emotional and social skills, including impulse control and willpower, and thus reduce tendencies toward antisocial and criminal behaviors. Fox observes how anyone that adheres to the practice can develop mindfulness, patience, diligence and self-motivation. The Prison Yoga Project provides training for yoga teachers that want to work in prisons. Fox also would like to maintain a scholarship fund to help former inmates do teacher training, so they can make a career out of the practice. Source: Dowser.org
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by Gatlianne
Sun Salutation The fear of life is the favorite disease of the 20th century. –William Lyon Phelps
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t is a part of the human condition to be afraid of the unknown, to be afraid of stepping forward on our path, to be afraid of opportunity, of the judgment of others and of failing. But being afraid of these things keeps us in a state of being afraid to truly live. So often we go through life fixated on how we can’t while never focusing on how we can. We see life as against us in so many ways instead of seeing that life is always for us. We freeze ourselves, put up walls of protection and go on lockdown. We push against events and experiences because we don’t want them. These events are sometimes what we would call “good” and sometimes what we deem “bad.” All in all, everything that occurs in our lives is simply a moment, a happening, a step on our path. The events and experiences aren’t good or bad. They simply are.
Accept the events that occur and take what comes as for you, as a way to move ahead and grow. Send out gratitude for every experience in your life. Flow with your life. A yoga sequence that is wonderful for understanding flow is the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara: salute to the sun. For me, the Sun Salutation is prayer in motion – moving prayer, a continuous flow of being. To perform a Sun Salutation ground in mountain pose then reach your arms overhead, extending through the fingertips. Extend up to “greet the sun” but also to connect with the universe. Extend arms to the side and dive down to standing forward bend. Let the head hang and relax into the pose with your weight in the heels. Lift the head and chest and look forward. Breathe. Drop the head down and press back into downward dog. Inhale and on the exhale come to high plank, lower slowly to low plank (chaturanga) then sweep up into upward dog and straighten the toes. (Be sure there is no pressure on the lower back and if there is squeeze the glutes. If there is any pain, only lift into cobra pose.) From upward dog, curl the toes under and press back into downward
dog. Feel the release of the pose as you inhale and exhale. Let go of stress, worry and anxiety. Step the right foot forward, then the left to standing forward bend. Inhale and with arms outreached again lift toward the sky. Circle the arms around and bring your hands to Namasté/Prayer position. You have completed one Sun Salutation. When continuing, flow with the poses. Make them one continuous movement. Get lost in that movement, in the flow. Get lost in the movement and flow of life. Get lost in the flow of yourself. Flow with the now and into the unknown. Flow with, to flow through, to flow forward. M/Gatlianne is an Author, Yoga Instructor, Interfaith Minister and Holistic Health & Reiki Practitioner based in Athens, AL. For more information contact her at M@ Gatlianne.com or visit Gatlianne. com, DeepRiversHealing.com, or DiscoverPath.com. —PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS METTS.
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essentials
sential oils as a more efficient way to capture their benefits. “As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.” –Numbers 24:6 Sandalwood is referred to as aloes in the Bible. It was distilled from the lign aloe (sandalwood) tree and imported from India. Sandalwood was one of the oils used to prepare the body of Jesus for his burial. The great quantities of oil used in this case were indicative of deep respect.
Healing Oils of the Bible Part 4–Onycha, Galbanum and Sandalwood (Aloes) By Linda Hileman BS, CCA
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Created by God’s words, medicinal plants and the oils extracted from them are imbued with divine intelligence. When used in a prayerful way and applied properly, essential oils promote all aspects of healing and well being. Aromatic plants were used as incense, medicine, perfume, and blended into holy anointing oils in Biblical times. God gave Moses the following formula for holy incense: Tennessee Valley
Fragrant oils are used as perfume throughout the Bible which would have served to enhance meditation and prayer, elevate mood, relieve stress, and instill peace and calmness. “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” –Psalms 45:8
nd God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” –Genesis 1:11-12
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“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” –John 19:39-40
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“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte (myrrh), and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.” –Exodus 30:34-36 Burning incense was a common way of administering the healing powers of essential oils in Biblical times and the potency of the aromatic smoke was aptly understood. Aaron stopped a plague among the Israelites by fumigating their encampment with vapors of frankincense, galbanum, onycha, and myrrh (Numbers 16:46-50). In today’s society, it is common to diffuse es-
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” –Proverbs 7:17 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart...” –Proverbs 27:9 Let’s not forget the healing rituals and traditions that we read about in the Bible. It is time again to learn to use the healing medicines given by God, along with our healing hands and prayers when someone is in need of wholeness. Linda Hileman BS, CCA is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. For more information or to make an appointment, call 256-325-4444 or email EssentialOptions@ aol.com. References: Healing Oils of the Bible, David Steward Ph.D Healing Oils Healing Hands, Linda L. Smith
wisewords
CHOOSING FORKS OVER KNIVES Doctors Advocate a Plant-Based Diet by Linda Sechrist
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ilm Producer Brian Wendel’s concern for the many Americans suffering from multiple chronic diseases, as well as the strain this puts on our nation’s health care system and economy, sparked the idea for documenting what doctors researching the issue have to say about it. In his latest film, Forks Over Knives, these pioneering thinkers examine the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases afflicting humanity can be controlled or reversed by avoiding the ingestion of animal-based and processed foods; more, they make a compelling case that switching to a whole-foods, plant-based diet can restore health. Much of the foundational science showing why a plant-based diet of whole foods is not only best for everyone’s health, but also for the planet, comes from noted nutrition research pioneer T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. He has summarized his results in his book, The China Study, co-authored with his son, Dr. Thomas M. Campbell. His 1980 study of 130 Chinese villages, involving 6,500 adults and their families, directly tied the consumption of animal protein-based foods to the development of cancer and heart disease. Based on his research, Colin Campbell, teamed up with Dr. Junshi Chen, currently a senior research professor with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in Beijing, specifically characterized casein, a protein found in milk from
mammals, as “the most relevant carcinogen ever identified.” With concrete evidence in hand, and accounting for other diet and lifestyle factors, the pair went on to conclude that consuming whole, plant-based foods offers the best strategy for improving health and preventing serious diseases. Other solid science presented in the film comes from Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., whose 150 scientific articles complement the 1995 publication of his peer-acclaimed book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, which summarizes the results of his long-term research on arresting and reversing coronary artery disease through
nutrition. In his two decades of global research, Esselstyn, who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, found that wherever people ate a plant-based diet, cancer and cardiovascular diseases were rare. In many of the case histories and personal stories chronicled in Forks Over Knives, diet was used as a treatment for various diseases and cited as being more effective than prescription drugs. Anthony Yen and Evelyn Oswick, for example, attest how their lives were saved by switching to a whole-foods, plantbased diet after a lifetime of illness that included multiple heart attacks and surgeries, as well as chronic chest pain. Treatment under the care of Esselstyn succeeded in reversing advanced-stage heart disease in both cases. Today, they enjoy active lives full of friends, family and meaningful work. Social media channels such as Facebook have been vital to spreading the word about the effective solutions presented by the Forks Over Knives film and companion book (complete with recipes). Wendel reports inspiring posts such as, “Your film changed my life,” or “I no longer require diabetes medication.” Potential savings in costs to people and the planet are vast. Consider, for instance, that according to the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, if the entire U.S. population were to adopt a plant-based diet for just one day, the nation would save at least 100 billion gallons of drinking water, enough to supply every person in every home in New England for nearly four months. Wendel foresees the ForksOver Knives.com website ultimately expanding into a news resource, linking people with information provided by leading experts in the whole-foods, plant-based world via various media platforms. It will also provide opportunities to blog with experts, listen to live broadcasts about food preparation and find resources to help individuals transition to a healthier, plant-based diet. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.
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healthykids
Preparing Kids for Tomorrow‛s Jobs U.S. Companies Pair Scientists with Schools
experienced, to help them troubleshoot the next time.” Leapin’ Lizards is one of 34 STEM programs nationwide awarded funding through the 2011 Ashoka Changemakers’ Partnering for Excellence competition, backed by U.S. corporate heavyweights like Google, ExxonMobil and Amgen. Many participating companies are investing in STEM school programming to fill the pipeline of homegrown talent for potential future hires.
Citizens Off the Sidelines
Career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math are projected to grow 70 percent faster than other occupations—with 2.4 million job openings in those fields during the next six years.
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hat’s great news for tomorrow’s job-seekers. Yet, most American youth are matriculating out of the country’s schools ill-equipped to compete for these high-tech, high-wage jobs; among developed nations, U.S. high school students currently rank 23rd in science and 31st in mathematics. Now, hundreds of schools are working to better prepare students by harnessing outside resources to reinvigorate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curricula in classrooms and afterschool programs. Forget rote memorization of the periodic table of the elements that previous generations may equate with science class. Kids in STEM programs are designing video games, programming robots and building solar cars— fun, hands-on, practical projects that add zest to technical subjects. The extra excitement helps, because many STEM programs extend the school day, either as a mandatory late-day module or an optional afterschool session.
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Psyched about Science Kids like Camerino Sanchez-Park can’t get enough. “Robotics helped me learn a lot about science and batterypowered objects and engines,” says this fifth-grader at Faller Elementary School, in Ridgecrest, California. “The best part was working with the cool, high-tech robots. I would definitely do it again!” Sanchez-Park is one of 87 youths psyched about science as a result of hands-on afterschool programs run by a local nonprofit, High Desert Leapin’ Lizards. It taps the brainpower of scientists and engineers from a nearby naval base to instruct in subjects like renewable energy, chemistry and robotics. Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, students create working windmills or robots capable of tackling obstacle courses. “It not only sparks an interest in science, it teaches them how to think like a scientist,” says Program Administrator Sandra Goldstein Birmingham. “For example, the kids maintain an engineering journal of the challenges they
Another Ashoka winner, Citizen Schools, sees the challenge as a supplyand-demand problem that includes a lack of teachers trained to meet the current needs for STEM education. Consider, though, the 10 million professionals currently working in related fields, and Americans have a system-wide solution. “If we can put just 1 percent of them in the classroom, we could more than double the math and science teachers in the country,” advises Managing Director John Werner. Citizen Schools recruits corporate volunteers from the ranks of top technology, architecture, finance and other fields to lead afterschool “apprenticeships” for disadvantaged kids in public middle schools. Participating states include California, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Texas. Google has provided some 350 volunteers, plus a recent $3.25 million grant to expand Citizen Schools activi-
Courtesy of JohnWernerPhotography.com and Citizen Schools
by April Thompson
ties in three state programs. Its employees supply an appealing bridge from academics to up-and-coming careers, teaching kids marketable skills like website design, cell phone marketing and computer programming. Collaborating on real-life problems in small groups develops more than tangible skills, attests Marianne DeModena. Her sixth grade son, Christian Deguglielmo, completed apprenticeships with Google at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and with investment advisors Cambridge Associates, both in Boston. “Christian came home a different kid,” says DeModena. “It’s brought out his leadership abilities, school pride, social skills and confidence… it’s really opened up this other side of him. He says Citizen Schools is his favorite subject.” The program’s success is more than anecdotal: A longitudinal study by Policy Studies Associates, Inc. found that kids enrolled in Citizen Schools afterschool programs significantly outperformed a comparison group on a range of indicators, including school attendance, proficiency test scores and graduation rate.
Yohance Maqubela, executive director of (MS)². He recognizes that not every student will end up pursuing a career in a STEM field, but that science and technology will permeate whatever discipline they choose. Above all, STEM curricula are designed to address one of the most frequently asked student questions: “Why am I learning this?” By making learning
more relevant, these programs are helping kids stay motivated, think critically about their surroundings and connect the dots so they see the big picture. It’s a mindset that will serve them well, wherever life leads them. April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.
Gateway to the Stars Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, or (MS)², taps into higher institutions of learning as another rich source of STEM prowess. Founded in 2005, the Washington, D.C., public charter school is located at the university, one of the nation’s preeminent historically black colleges. Every (MS)² classroom includes at least one undergraduate teaching assistant, providing youths with collegiate role models in STEM fields, while giving university students an opportunity to test their teaching skills. The school also partners with NASA, which pairs its engineers with teachers for professional development, and sponsors rigorous student workshops in astronautics at its Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland. The collaboration gives students a scientific leg up while broadening their career possibilities. “Employees within the space program range from botanists to ballet dancers, all necessary in helping to get astronauts ready for takeoff,” says natural awakenings
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naturalpet
protein quality because of their amino acid profiles,” she advises. A varied diet even reduces the chances of dogs developing an allergy to certain foods, like chicken or wheat, adds Delaney. “Feeding a dog food that’s not commonly used in the pet food industry—a food that he’s naïve to—reduces the potential that the animal will develop an allergic reaction to it.”
Shopping for Choices
Dish Up Variety Treat Your Dog to Good Health and Good Taste by Wendy Bedwell-Wilson
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roiled chicken, brown rice and steamed broccoli again?” When you sit down to dinner, you prefer some variety, and so does your dog, who may well inquire, “What, kibble again?” Day after day of the same mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats and veggies can hamper any appetite, human or canine. But a diet packed with different food types can make eating more enjoyable. Before concocting your own dog food blends, it helps to learn more about potential ingredients and the benefits of a varied diet, as well as how to successfully introduce new foods.
Healthful Variety By definition, a varied diet is dense in nutrients and changes regularly; a
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decided departure from the stick-tothe-same-food routine encouraged by dog food experts of the past. Dr. Sean Delaney, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist in Davis, California, says that today’s varied diet for dogs should resemble a cornucopia, filled with healthy meats, whole grains, legumes, dairy, fruits and vegetables. “For optimum health, it’s better to have the food in a natural, unprocessed state,” he says. To start, dogs require 12 amino acids in their diets, so foods that contain all of them would provide the best quality protein for dogs, advises Dr. Rebecca Remillard, Ph.D., a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and founder of Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, in Hollister, North Carolina. “Egg and liver are of the highest
Dr. Tracy Lord, a holistic veterinarian based at the Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, in Williamsburg, Virginia, says that older theories once claimed that dogs would become picky eaters or experience indigestion on a varied diet, but that perspective has since been questioned. To the contrary, variety brings excitement and interest to the table— or the bowl. For instance, Lord points out, “If you feed your child a dinner of chicken, broccoli, brown rice and cantaloupe, you can pat yourself on the back for providing a well-balanced nutritious meal. But if you feed this same meal to your child three times a day throughout his life, you would start to see nutritional deficiencies.” Plus, no one would be surprised to hear that the child is tiring of it. The same holds true for dogs, she says. Their bodies appreciate the different sources of nutrition, while their taste buds respond to delicious change-ups. One popular type of varied diet centers on taking commercially prepared, top-quality, frozen, canned or dry foods and simply rotating them, as long as the owner provides a consistent number of calories. This approach will ensure that a dog receives the right balance of nutrients, says Remillard. She explains that, “Federally regulated, commercially prepared foods have processing methods and quality assurance programs that limit the potential for food-borne illnesses in pets and offer guarantees, a nutritional profile and bioavailability of nutrients.” Remillard further notes, however, that not all products are equal when it comes to highly desir-
able ingredients, so as with any other processed food, consumers must read labels. Varied diets also may be prepared at home. That’s where home chefs can get creative with different types of meats, grains and vegetables, but they should follow guidelines prepared by a trained nutritionist, Remillard cautions. “Unless properly formulated by a nutritionist, diets developed at home are not likely to be complete and balanced,” she says. “The nutritional profile of any diet—including homemade diets—depends on how the recipe was formulated, the nutrient content of the ingredients and how the owner prepares the food. Homemade diets may also contain contaminants and food-borne microbes if the owner isn’t careful.” Sometimes, just adding a little something special to a dog’s bowl will give him the variety he’s craving. For example, “If we’re making something our dog loves, like grilled salmon or ahi, we’ll cook a little piece for her and give her a little less kibble in her dish,” relates Alyce Edmondton, who lives in Redmond, Washington. “We always share our dog-safe leftovers with her. We figure that if it’s good for us, it’s good for her, too.” Wendy Bedwell-Wilson’s healthy living pet articles regularly appear in national and international magazines. Her latest of six books on dogs, Shih Tzu, is part of the DogLife series. Connect at PetWriter@live.com.
What’s on the Menu? by Wendy Bedwell-Wilson
If you would like to incorporate a varied diet into your dog’s eating routine, here are five expert tips for doing so safely and successfully. Choose different main ingredients: If you’re primarily relying on a chicken and rice diet, switch the pooch to something completely different, like a duck and sweet potato or bison and barley diet, advises Veterinarian Sean Delaney. It’s okay to change brands: Although some food manufacturers have developed food lines designed to rotate among items, you can always try out different brands and formulas. Stick to the high-quality mixes for optimal nutrition, says Veterinarian Tracy Lord. Change the menu regularly: If you plan to rotate a dog’s commercially prepared diet, consider buying a new blend each time you shop, advises Veterinarian Rebecca Remillard. Switch slowly: For a smooth transition between foods, slowly increase the amount of new food while decreasing the old, counsels Lord. The process should take about a week. Take note of portions and calories: Delaney advises that a good way to ensure that a dog stays youthfully slim and trim is to calculate an appropriate calorie count and portions of the new foods.
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Changing the Way America Eats Nourishing the Shift to Farm-Fresh Foods
Farmers’ Job Market
by Melinda Hemmelgarn
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entucky farmer and writer Wendell Berry states that in order for people to care about their food, “They have to taste it.” Tasting the difference between fresh, local, organic foods and those that travel hundreds or thousands of miles before touching our taste buds is catalyzing a healthy change across America. Consider the growth in patronage of farmers’ markets alone: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports the number of markets has soared, from 1,755 in 1994 to 7,175 in 2011. What’s driving the surge? Incentives include our appreciation of scrumptious seasonal flavor, a comforting sense of community and the reas-
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cies,” have “statistically different nutrient contents.” In other words, each variety promises a unique mix of healthprotecting compounds. Supermarkets must rely on crops and animal products that can withstand longdistance travel and also meet uniform appearance standards. Small farmers serving local markets, on the other hand, can better preserve the legacy of biologically diverse heirloom crops and heritage breeds because of the shorter distances between field and plate. An heirloom tomato picked ripe at peak flavor can’t survive a lengthy commute, but nothing tastes better when it’s plucked fresh from the vine and still warm from the sun. Planting diverse, region-specific crops also reduces the burden of weeds, pests and plant diseases—and any related chemical use—and helps provide safe nourishment for pollinators and wildlife, as well. No wonder the Organic Farming Research Foundation characterizes farmers as the largest group of ecosystem managers on Earth. Everyone can support a cause that feeds us well while caring for the planet.
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surance of knowing exactly where our food comes from and who—often on a first-name basis—grew or produced it. Good, healthy food germinates in genuine relationships—between growers and consumers, and farmers and the Earth. Local markets boost hometown economies, too; the USDA predicts a record $7 billion in such food sales this year, delivering a greater proportion of food dollars directly to farmers. Regional food systems also support the biological diversity that is vital to sustainability. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, “different varieties of the same spe-
With 57 being the current average age of American farmers, and more than a quarter 65 or older, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition recognizes the desperate need for more young farmers. When the National Young Farmer’s Coalition recently surveyed 1,000 beginning farmers, it found that access to capital, land and health insurance presented the biggest hurdles to entering farming as a career. The Women, Food and Agriculture Network has identified access to health care as the main challenge facing females that want to farm. While city dwellers tend to idealize farming as a romantic occupation in a bucolic setting, it is actually a risky, physically demanding job. Despite the
challenges, farmers say they love their work because they enjoy being outside, working with their hands, producing high-quality food and being their own boss. It helps to be healthy, smart and an optimist at heart.
Sticker Price versus Hidden Costs To consumers coping in a down economy, the cheapest price may sometimes seem like the best choice. John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri, notes that, “Americans, on average, are spending only half as much of their disposable income for food today as they were in the 1960s.” However, at the same time, “The percentage spent on health care has doubled.” Scores of studies show that many of today’s chronic diseases are related to poor diet. Factor in medical costs associated with food-borne illnesses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pesticide- and hormone-contaminated food and water, and it’s easy to understand why Michael Carolan, author of The Real Cost of Cheap Food, declares, “Cheap food... is actually quite expensive.” One way for families to save money on food costs is to reduce waste. Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland, says Americans waste more than 40 percent of the food we produce for consumption, throwing away $100 billion-plus in food a year. Most of it ends up in landfills. Instead of providing incentives to agribusinesses to produce less expensive food, smarter national farm and food policies could prioritize producing higher quality food and wasting less of it. Kathy Bero, board president of NuGenesis Farm, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, advocates shifting commodity payments to organic farmers. Her nonprofit educational farm promotes “food as medicine,” along with cost-saving, health-boosting consumer strategies such as learning how to garden and cook to maximize nutritional value.
Inspiring Trends Stephanie Coughlin, a farmer in San Diego, California, says: “If you don’t have local farms, you don’t have local security.” Across the country, communities are proving how a few conscious buyers can improve everyone’s access to high-quality local foods. Farm to Hospital: As director of nutrition services at Fletcher Allen Health Care, in Burlington, Vermont, Registered Dietitian Diane Imrie has the power to influence the economic security and sustainability of her community and surrounding region. Imrie sources approximately 40 percent of the food served at her hospital from farms located within a day’s drive. In her work, she helps keep farmers on their land while providing higher quality food to patients and staff. The facility also supports onsite gardens, which yielded $2,000 worth of produce in 2011, despite Vermont’s short growing season. The hospital food is so popular that its café serves downtown businesspeople, further bolstering profitability and community benefits. For local maple sugar producer Bernie Comeau, Imrie’s consistent purchases provide an income he can count on every month. Imrie is glad to note that for farmers, selling their food to the hospital is “like a stamp of approval.” Marydale DeBor, who founded and led the “plow to plate” comprehensive food and disease-prevention initiative associated with Connecticut’s New Milford Hospital, maintains that, “Institutional leadership is critical.” She says that thanks to a supportive CEO that believed in bringing farm-fresh foods to hospital food services, their retail café more than doubled its revenue within two years. DeBor believes that hospital food should set an example for public health.
2012 Farm Bill Update by Melinda Hemmelgarn
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he single piece of legislation known as the Farm Bill currently contains $90 billion in taxpayer funding and significantly affects farming, conservation, energy and the quality and price of the food on our plates. When the bill comes up for renewal every five years, the public has a chance to voice support for a greener, healthier, more sustainable food and farming system. Sign up for Farm Bill updates and action alerts from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (website below), and talk with members of Congress about concerns. Marydale DeBor, who works to improve food quality in Connecticut, recommends that citizens align with farm advocacy organizations. “Advocacy is the single most important need now, around the Farm Bill and state policies,” she says.
Did you know? Most Farm Bill dollars support food assistance programs, namely food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s largest safety net against hunger. In 2012, SNAP is projected to consume 75 percent of the total Farm Bill budget. Most SNAP benefits are spent in supermarkets and convenience
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stores. SNAP can be used at farmers’ markets, but only by those that accept electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. In 2011, SNAP’s $11 million of the program’s total $71 billion benefits were redeemed at farmers’ markets nationwide, directly benefiting local farmers. Crop insurance is the secondlargest Farm Bill budget item. The majority of subsidy payments go to large farms producing corn, cotton, wheat, rice and soybeans, which helps explain why soda is cheaper than 100 percent fruit juice, and corn-fed feedlot beef costs less than organic, grassfed beef. An improved Farm Bill would provide participation incentives for conservation, beginning farmers, local food economies and organic agriculture, and better align agriculture with public health.
Learn more about the 2012 Farm Bill at:
“We need to support beginning farmers, and more food hubs and new distribution systems to facilitate access,” she says. “Consumers need to let their hospitals know they should focus on good food and nutrition.” Farm to Restaurant: Leigh Lockhart, owner of Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café and Juice Bar, in Columbia, Missouri, buys supplies directly from local organic farmers and never quibbles about price. She composts any food waste in her garden, where she grows some of the produce used in her restaurant. Rather than large plates of cheap food, Lockhart serves portions within U.S. Dietary Guidelines, comprising higher quality, more satisfying meals. Relationships with chefs are important to farmers, advises Carol Ann Sayle, owner of Boggy Creek Organic Farm, in Austin, Texas. Farmers can rely on a sure buyer; chefs appreciate dependable and high quality food; and customers return because of the great taste. Farm to School: Organic farmer Don Bustos, program director for the American Friends Service Committee of New Mexico, trains beginning farmers and ranchers in ways to provide food to the Albuquerque Public School District and beyond. For example, farmers grow crops during the winter in solar-powered greenhouses, and aggregate their products to meet school needs. Mobile
Environmental Working Group and EWG Action Fundewg.org Food Fight: The Citizen’s Guide to the Next Food and Farm Bill, by Daniel Imhoff WatershedMedia.org/foodfight_ overview.html
Locate sustainably grown food nearby LocalHarvest.org
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition SustainableAgriculture.net
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Find a farmers’ market ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets In season in the region; local harvest calendars and markets FieldToPlate.com/guide.php
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy iatp.org
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How to Grow and Find Local Food
Food gardening tips KitchenGardeners.org
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meat processing and distribution networks also create jobs while keeping small farmers economically and environmentally viable, explains Bustos. Local agriculture fuels strong communities and fresh local foods help children thrive. In the Pacific Northwest, AmeriCorps volunteer Emma Brewster works with the Real Food Challenge, a national youth-based program that encourages colleges and universities to shift 20 percent of their food budgets to farm-fresh, locally sourced foods. Brewster works with Lucy Norris, project manager for the Puget Sound Food Network, which creates opportunities beyond farmers’ markets for local area farmers to connect with regional processors, distributors and end users, including Seattle Public Schools.
Hands in the Dirt Regardless of occupation, many people feel a natural urge to work with the soil and witness the miracle of seeds sprouting new life. Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., a garden historian and a designated leader in sustainable food systems at the University of California–Davis, points out that home, school, community and workplace victory gardens established during World War II succeeded in producing about 40 percent of our nation’s vegetables. In both world wars, she says, our national leadership “recognized that food and health were vital national security issues.” They still are today. Melinda Hemmelgarn, a.k.a. the Food Sleuth (FoodSleuth@gmail.com), is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host, based in Columbia, Missouri. She co-created F.A.R.M.: Food, Art, Revolution Media – a Focus on Photography to Re-vitalize Agriculture and Strengthen Democracy to increase advocacy for organic farmers (Enduring-Image.blogspot.com). Learn more at Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.
inspiration
LIVE YOUR DASH by Linda Ellis
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ave you ever walked through a cemetery or read an obituary and pondered that small, seemingly insignificant dash between the day someone was born and the date he or she departed? This often-overlooked little line ultimately represents every breath and step we take in life. Until an epiphany awakens us to the brevity of this dash with which we have been blessed, true appreciation of our life cannot begin.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. When, as newborns, we take that first independent, deliberate breath, we sign an invisible contract with life that we will do everything we can to preserve, cherish and live it. By seizing and inhabiting our moments and living our dash, instead of simply existing, we are abiding by that first unspoken oath. Because success should not be measured in what you will buy, or own, but in the pride you feel in the person you’re with‌ when you are all alone. When we spend our time focused on problems, we subconsciously disregard all that is not a problem. In mulling over yesterday and worrying about tomorrow, we fail to recognize the presence of today. When we postpone living until everything is running smoothly, we forfeit the minutes of our now. Instead of focusing on the next achievement or acquisition, we need to practice focusing on all the blessings around us—our loved ones and the sheer pleasure found in simply being. The poet in me writes: So live in your now; be conscious, sincere. Let your mind allow you to be in your here! For it matters not, how much we own, the cars‌ the house‌ the cash. What matters is how we live and loveand how we spend our dash. Linda Ellis’ global touchstone poem,The Dash, was followed by the Live Your Dash poem, and her new book, Live Your Dash. Join the conversation at Facebook.com/ LindaEllisAuthor and Twitter.com/LiveYourDash.
wellness naturally
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Coming in April
healingways
GREEN LIVING
COOLING CHRONIC
Celebrate Earth Day with Natural Awakenings’ April edition, brimming with eco-solutions for your home, work and everyday family life.
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INFLAMMATION Dietary Solutions Counter Disease by Linda Sechrist
I
t’s important to note that wounds and infections would never heal without the presence of acute inflammation, the body’s normal biological response to harmful pathogens, damaged cells and irritants. Although this protective measure to initiate the body’s natural healing response is often misrepresented as being synonymous with infection, it is not; even when the inflammation is caused by infection. Dr. Vijay Jain, an expert in ayurvedic medicine, explains how the system normally works: “An infection brings about an acute inflammatory response and also summons the aid of immune system cells such as lymphocytes—thymus cells (T cells), bursaderived cells (B cells) and natural killer (NK) cells—as well as monocytes (a type of white blood cell). These then migrate through the bloodstream to eliminate specific pathogens or pathogen-infected cells.” In contrast, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune response stays activated, rather than naturally
abating, and the body’s defense system consequently turns against itself. Today, a number of leading physician scientists including Jain are drawing attention to an epidemic of cases of such chronic inflammation. With 35 years of experience in general surgery and 15 years of focused study in integrative medicine, Jain bases his concern on extensive study and research. He currently serves as the medical director of Amrit Ayurveda for Total Well Being, at the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida. Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D., author of Inflammation Nation, and professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, is on the same wavelength. Trained as a physician and specialist in infectious disease and inflammation at Harvard Medical School, Chilton’s 20 years of research have likewise led him, along with pioneers like Dr. Andrew Weil, to conclude that chronic, systemic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases.
The condition has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Furthermore, in 2000, The New England Journal of Medicine published several studies showing that blood indicators of inflammation (such as homocysteine, fibrinogen and Creactive protein) are strong predictive factors for a heart attack. These experts all point to the standard American diet as a primary culprit for setting chronic inflammation in motion, and cite an anti-inflammatory diet as helpful in counteracting the problem. Kathy Bero, founder of at NuGensis Farm, Inc., in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, attests that an anti-inflammatory diet containing many angiogenesis-inhibiting foods was a major factor in the remission of three aggressive forms of cancer that threatened her life six years ago. “Many of the diseases linked to chronic systemic inflammation also share a dependence on inappropriate blood vessel growth, which either nourishes the disease or hinders the body’s fight against it,” Bero explains.
“Angiogenesis-inhibiting foods are known to assist the body in controlling the healthy growth of blood vessels.” The nonprofit NuGenesis Farm supports 35 acres dedicated to growing anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis-balancing foods with the strongest disease prevention properties, using sustainable organic agriculture practices. It offers a “food as medicine” model for global communities seeking alternative methods for naturally preventing disease. An anti-inflammatory diet recommended by family physician and nutritionist Ann Kulze, author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet, includes colorful, fresh fruits; green, leafy vegetables; low-glycemic foods such as whole grains, sweet potatoes and winter squashes; fruits such as berries, cherries, apples and pears; high-quality protein in omega-3-rich fish such as wild salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel; seeds and nuts such as walnuts; and green tea. It also calls for the vegetable-based protein found in soy foods, beans, lentils and other legumes. Ginger and turmeric, dried or fresh, rank among recommended spices. In addition to maintaining a healthy and correct balance between omega-6
and omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory diet eliminates consumption of margarine, vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, all of which promote inflammation. “Anti-aging researchers believe that chronic inflammation shortens our lifespan,” remarks Jain, who recommends a prophylactic diet specific to the constitutional makeup of any of the three ayurvedic doshas—vata, pitta or kapha—as well as the annual panchakarma detoxification program. He further emphasizes that food should be freshly prepared with fresh ingredients and loving intention. “Proper economic studies would increase our understanding of the true cost benefit of growing food for the purpose of disease prevention,” says Bero. “Many believe that incorporating anti-inflammatory and angiogenesisinhibiting foods into our daily diet will not only improve both overall health and the outcome of treatment, it will also go a long way in reducing immediate and long-term health care costs.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.
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Step into Fitness Dance your way to a beautifully strong and flexible body. by Sandra Murphy
R
ichard Simmons grew up in the French Quarter of New Orleans where, he notes, “Lard was a food group and dessert mandatory.” Exercise studios were geared to those already in shape, not to people that wanted to lose weight. So in 1974, Simmons opened Slimmons studio, followed by his classic exercise video, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, with motivating tunes like Dancing in the Street, Summer in the City and Loco-Motion; a plus—not everyone in his video is a size 0. Simmons and others have been helping people dance their way to fitness ever since.
Making Dance a Game In Portland, Oregon, Mara Woloshin was inspired to get a move on when she complained to her 15-year-old son, Benny, about her weight. “Benny challenged me to do some basic Wii Fitness and then Zumba Fitness,” says Woloshin. “I give myself the right to fail at most exercises and dance moves; I just keep moving and let my son give me tips, pointers and instruction.” Benny puts in his own dance fitness time, plus keeps mom on track for
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30 minutes a day. The Wii video game keeps score. “I win sometimes; mostly with yoga, while he is terrific at dance stuff,” Woloshin says. “I’ve logged more than 1,200 days with the Wii so far, and love to shake my size 14 self. I’ve lost eight pounds and have built an incredible relationship with my teenager. We dance, compete, sweat and encourage each other. “We also enjoy conversations before and after Wii time. Are they meaningful? Sometimes. Does he laugh at me? Definitely. Does he look forward to our evening dance workouts together? Absolutely.” Wii games popular around the country include Just Dance, versions one and two, and Just Dance Kids plus Gold’s Gym Dance Workout and Zumba Fitness.
Popular DVDs In 2011, FitBottomedGirls.com compiled a list of the best dance videos they ever reviewed. The list launches with their hands-down favorite, So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit series. Melt away calories using a variety of
Nomadic Tapestry
“Give a kid more control and you just might discover a workout partner.” ~ Mara Woloshin dance styles and fun moves via Billy Blanks’ Dance with Me Groove & Burn. Several Dancing with the Stars cast members have videos out to improve fans’ look and style. Check out Cheryl Burke Presents Disco Abs (includes Village People’s classic YMCA) or Julianne Hough’s Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom. More experienced dancers may like Dancing with the Stars Ballroom Buns and Abs.
Bellydance - Drumming - Yoga 1219 B&C Jordan Lane, Huntsville 256-318-0169 For class schedules and pricing go to: www.nomadictapestry.com
Taking Fun Classes “Zumba Gold is a great reentry to exercise for baby boomers” advises Sherry Lucas, a licensed Zumba instructor in St. Louis. “Classes are approachable, available and affordable.” Recommended workout wear includes comfortable sweatwicking clothing and a good pair of shoes. Because of the side-to-side movements, she suggests tennis or basketball shoes, not running shoes. Community classes generally range from 45 to 90 minutes (find a local class at Zumba.com). An hour-long regular Zumba class can burn 400 to 600 calories says Lucas, depending upon body weight, workout intensity, conditioning level and individual metabolism. As a point of reference, NutriStrategy.com charts calories burned by a 155-pound person engaged in an hour of light calisthenics at 246 calories; leisurely biking, 281; and walking briskly uphill, 422. “Find a class and an instructor you like,” counsels Lucas. “Make a commitment to having some ‘you’ time. Part of exercise is being social, so it’s a chance to make new friends, too.” Doctor of Naturopathy Kathy Gruver, Ph.D., finds that a hip-hop workout best suits her needs four to five times a week. Each 90-minute class is non-stop action and she rarely takes a break, although some class members don’t dance the entire time. Gruver works out at Rhythm Dance & Fitness Studios, near Santa Barbara, California, with choreographer Tamarr Paul. “I grew up dancing jazz, tap and ballet; nothing even close to hip-hop, and there are still moments that I can’t get a certain move or trip over my own feet. Still, it took just a few weeks to get my rhythm back and get in the groove,” says Gruver. “We run through a set of steps multiple times before we add more. Once we’ve learned a whole dance, we run it over and over to different music; some faster, some slower.” With dance, there’s something just right for everyone. Dance with the kids, the dog, while making the beds or vacuuming crumbs. Dance along with a video or take a class to learn something new and different while making new friends. In any case, breathe in the music. It all makes exercise fun. Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.
Jin Shin Jyutsu® of Huntsville
Aiding Healing through Body Harmony & Relaxation
SANDRA COPE
Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner (256) 534-1794 Office (256) 509-3540 Cell natural awakenings
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greenliving
Rooftop Raised-Beds Urban farmers in the United States are now transforming an increasingly significant portion of the country’s millions of acres of flat rooftops. Launched in 2010, New York’s Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm operation (BrooklynGrangeFarm.com), totaling nearly an acre atop a mid-rise warehouse, is among the largest of its kind. Sometimes called “vertigo farming”, because the farmers overlook an urban skyline, these enterprises re-green the landscape, wisely manage rainwater and rebuild affordable local fresh food systems. The Grange grows produce in seven-inch-deep beds using a growing medium made from compost and small, porous stones and annually produces 40 cultivars of organic tomatoes, salad greens, peppers, Swiss chard, beets and carrots. Food is sometimes transported to market via bicycles.
Window Gardens Windowfarm co-founders Rebecca Bray and Britta Riley (Windowfarms.org/story) help homeowners grow some of their own food in window spaces year-round. Their research-and-develop-it-yourself hydroponic system project facilitates plant cultivation without soil, using nutrientinfused water pumped through a series of growing containers. To date, more than 20,000 people have downloaded plans for their own Windowfarm.
UNCONVENTIONAL
GARDENS No Space? No Problem. by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko
F
or everyone that feels surrounded by a concrete jungle occasionally relieved by a pocket park, green strip or landscaped median, the concept of finding a place to grow their own food may seem like a fantasy. Fortunately, backyard, rooftop and community gardens are good ideas that are coming on strong. Around the country, productive green spaces are replacing paved lots and lawns with edible perennials and seasonal crops that enable folks to eat better and fresher, while reducing the family food bill. “Food plants can be grown anywhere, including on a high-rise balcony, miles from the nearest farm,” says David Tracey, author of Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution. “You just need to meet the plant’s basic requirements for sunlight, water and a few nutrients. Cities are great places to grow specific kinds of food; they tend to have plenty of niche areas such as empty lots, rooftops and the ends of streets that new urban gardeners are using for growing fresh crops like salad greens and tomatoes.”
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Alleyway Wonders
In the East Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, flowers, ferns and ivy gardens have replaced concrete alleyways thanks to Podmajersky, a local real estate development firm. The lush gardens provide a tranquil sanctuary from city bustle and an aesthetically pleasing and inspiring surrounding for the Chicago Arts District, home to 1,500 artists and other creative entrepreneurs. In Monroe, Wisconsin, one resident turned a humble downtown alley into a welcoming nature-scape. Taking advantage of the “heat-island effect” generated in paved urban areas from hard-surface buildings and a nearby parking lot, as well as a southern exposure, his Midwest gardens even include cacti.
Go Fish Aquaponics is a well-organized way to sustainably raised fish and fresh produce together. “It mimics natural recirculation of resources in wetlands in a constructed dualuse ecosystem; the only inputs are fish feed and a small amount of power,” explains Sylvia Bernstein, author of Aquaponic Gardening and founder of TheAquaponicSource.com. “Because an aquaponic system can be set up anywhere, including warehouses, parking lots and
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exhausted fields, it is ideally suited to help localize food production and provide an alternative to clearing more land to feed our future.”
Patio Paradise “When your space is limited, you start to think creatively about how to best use it,” notes Tracey. “Consider all three dimensions of a balcony or other narrow areas to maximize growing potential. Climbing vines such as grapes and berries, hanging pots with tomatoes and nasturtium, and fruit trees in half-barrels are great ways to grow more food in a small space. The crops don’t know they’re in a pot.” Herbs also love containers. Some plants, like tomatoes, can even be grown upside-down to more efficiently use limited space.
Vacant Lots “Community gardens are an excellent solution for those with the garden itch and no good land to scratch,” advises Roger Doiron, founder of Kitchen Gardeners International (KitchenGardeners.org), a nonprofit community of 20,000 members that has been cultivating change since 2008. Community gardens have taken over empty city lots, church lawns and schoolyards that are collectively farmed for food, relaxation or social camaraderie. Co-gardening a neighbor’s lot and sharing the harvest is another option.
Eating the Lawn
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“There are no beauty contests in the plant world, but, if there were, a productive, ever-changing patch of diverse vegetables would beat out a monoculture of turf grass any time,” says Doiron, smiling. Put into food production, America’s 25 million acres of lawns could go a long way toward reducing the environmental cost of transporting produce hundreds or thousands of miles. Americans growing their own food isn’t a pie-in-thesky fantasy. As University of California garden historian Rose Hayden-Smith confirms, “During the peak year for Victory Gardens, 1943, some government estimates indicated that up to 40 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed on the American home front were produced in school, home, community and workplace gardens.” “One of the first steps in bringing healthy foods to the forefront of society is bringing them to the front and center of our living spaces,” concludes Doiron. “Growing food in small spaces is all about doing what you can with what you have. It’s a matter of changing our notion of potential food-producing landscapes.” It does wonders for people’s connection to nature, too. John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist are co-authors of Farmstead Chef (FarmsteadChef.com), ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance. Their award-winning Inn Serendipity B&B (InnSerendipity.com) operates completely on renewable energy.
1. Mix spinach and strawberries in a large salad bowl. 2. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender. Pour to taste over salad.
Vegetarian Nori-Wrapped Sushi
LocalHarvest.org lists some 2,500 community gardens in its database, as does the American Community Gardening Association (CommunityGarden.org).
Yields 6 servings Creatively rolled layers of nori, a super-nutritious dried seaweed paper, plus fish, rice and vegetables, make an amazing visual display. This veggie sushi travels well, though it’s best eaten within the first five hours, as the rice dries out and may harden over time.
Garden-Fresh Recipes Lemon Balm Iced Tea Yields 8 servings Lemon balm grows prolifically and is ideal for a refreshing summertime iced tea. Slowly simmer the flavor out of the lemon balm in a slow cooker or simmer on the stove. Vary proportions depending on the pot size and desired sweetness. Big bunch of fresh lemon balm stalks with leaves ½ cup honey Ÿ cup lemon juice 8 cups purified water 1. Stuff as much rinsed lemon balm into a slow cooker as will fit. Cover with approximately 8 cups of water, depending on the size of the slow cooker, and let simmer about three hours on low heat.
organically grown. The dressing helps accent the sweetness of the fresh strawberries and spinach, with a nutty crunch from the chopped peanuts.
2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled ½ cup carrots, julienned (1/8-inch-thick “matchsticksâ€?) ½ cup sugar snap peas ½ cup lettuce, shredded ½ cup spinach, shredded 4 sheets (standard size) nori Âź cup soy sauce (for dipping) 1. Cook rice and cool.
Note: Mega-mutation versions of California strawberries are often sprayed with poisonous pest fumigants that harm people and the planet.
2. Place nori on a flat surface. Arrange approximately ½ cup rice and ½ cup vegetables on long edge of nori. Use carrots, sugar snap peas, lettuce, spinach or any preferred combination.
8 cups fresh spinach; wash, remove stems and tear into small pieces 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
3. Gently roll nori, starting with the rice/veggie side. 4. Using a serrated knife, slice nori into 1-inch pieces. Slicing on a diagonal makes attractive pieces. Serve as a vegan appetizer with soy sauce on the side.
For the dressing: ½ cup water 1 cup vegetable oil ½ cup salted peanuts 1 /3 cup honey 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Source: Farmstead Chef, by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko
Coming Soon!
2. Drain the resulting liquid into a pitcher. 3. While it’s still warm, add honey and lemon juice. It is easier to add the honey while the tea is still warm, because it readily dissolves. Add more water to taste.
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4. Chill before serving.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Yields 4 servings Foodies prefer strawberries that are red inside and out, quarter-sized and
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consciouseating “Having a realistic weekly budget is helpful, because you can’t go too far over budget before you realize you are in trouble,” advises Lisa Leake. To make it even easier to stay on track, she makes it a habit to shop near home and uses cash instead of credit.
EATING WELL ON A BUDGET by Judith Fertig
Seasonal Shopping “If we shop for seasonal produce and freeze or can surplus from our local farmers’ market, we can eat well all year and still eat frugally,” advises Rebecca Miller, a macrobiotic and healing foods caterer from Overland Park, Kansas. “When fresh blueberries are $3 a cup at the grocery during the off-season, for example, we can still enjoy canned berries in recipes or thawed from the freezer on our morning oatmeal.”
Eating Down the Fridge In tough economic times, many families include food in their spending cuts. How can we tighten our budget and yet still eat well?
S
ix months ago, Josh Viertel threw down the “value meal” gauntlet in a major way. The Slow Food USA president challenged cooks around the country to create a family-friendly feast for under $5. Many responded, sharing their tips and tricks at SlowFoodUSA. org/5Challenge. Here are some favorites.
Setting a Budget Five dollars per meal for 21 meals a week, plus snacks, neatly totals the $125 weekly food budget set by the Leake family, of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lisa and Jason Leake, parents of two young daughters, first explored what it would be like to eliminate processed food from their diet, which they describe in their blog at 100DaysofRealFood.com. Their success led to the additional challenge of eating real food on a budget.
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Seattle-based Kim O’Donnel, author of The Meatlover’s Meatless Cookbook, blogs about family meals for USA Today. “I regularly emphasize what I call ‘eating down the frig,’” she says. “That means making use of what we’ve got on hand, like generations before us that also went through food shortages. We’re just out of practice.” One way to help ourselves learn, says O’Donnel, is to stock a “smarter” pantry. Staples include different varieties of dried beans; lentils; quickcooking grains such as quinoa, bulgur, couscous and purple barley; garbanzo beans; brown and black rice; and a few BPA-free canned goods like tomatoes, black beans and chickpeas. “If we take our time and watch for good deals, we can build a pantry at a low cost,” she says, because such ingredients are basically “blank slates.” As just one example of a low-cost, pantry-based
meal, O’Donnel might start with cooked red lentils, then add fresh ginger and garlic, sautéed onion with cumin, and fresh spinach and tomatoes, and then serve it with whole-wheat pita bread.
Ingredient-First Cooking Jane Zieha, a certified public accountant, knows that feeding people and watching the bottom line can go together. She owns the acclaimed Blue Bird Bistro, in Kansas City, Missouri. An avowed all-natural, organic, sustainable and local foods passionista, Zieha has stayed true to the principles of her Pennsylvania upbringing. “I didn’t eat like anybody else growing up,” she says. “We never ate packaged food. We ate what was fresh. When I was old enough to go to a friend’s house for dinner, I was surprised at how they ate.” Today, both at home and at work, Zieha continues to select the best that local farmers can provide. “I don’t start with a recipe and then find the food, like most chefs and restaurants do,” she explains. “I find the ingredients and then go from there.”
Meat as a Condiment More expensive ingredients, such as heritage turkey, can bring more flavor and texture to an entrée as an ingredient instead of a standalone part of a meal, advises Zieha. She might feature heritage turkey in an enchilada filling, pasta or savory bread pudding, so that a little goes a long way. It also makes sense to shop for varieties of fish or cuts of meat that aren’t widely popular or that take longer to cook. Slow Food’s Viertel, who shops near Brooklyn, New York, remarks: “I buy ‘trash fish’—sea robin, squid, mackerel, sardines—because they are cheaper and I believe, taste best. The same is true of the other meats I buy. I never cook pork chops or filet mignon; I cook oxtail and short ribs.” Then, O’Donnel adds, the frugal cook turns bones of roasted poultry or trimmings from a whole fish into a delicious stock. Any homemade broth can be just the frozen asset we need for yet another tasty “value” meal. Cookbook author Judith Fertig writes at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.
calendarofevents THURSDAY, MARCH 1 100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey Exhibit – 9am-5pm through May 2012. Exhibit showcasing the life of Dr. Wernher von Braun, in honor of his 100th birthday on March 23, 2012. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville. Museum admission. Align & Wine – 6-7pm. Unwind with Mitzi Connell of Yoga with Mitzi. Align your body every Thursday at 6pm in the Museum’s beautiful spaces, then proceed downstairs for wine and light hors d’oeuvres at the delicious Pane e Vino cafe. Cost and additional details can be found on MitziConnell.com. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St, Huntsville. HSVmuseum.org. Company presented by Independent Musical Productions – 7:30pm. UAH Chan Auditorium, 301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7:30pm, March 1-3 & March 8-10; 2pm, March 4 and 11. $10 Students; $15 Adults. Grissom High
Motherhood The Musical – through April 7. Full list of performance times at MerrimackhHall.com. Merrimack Hall Performing Arts, 3320 Triana Boulevard SW, Huntsville. On the Town – 7:30pm, March 1-3. On the Town follows three sailors on their final 24 hours ashore in New York City before being shipped off to WWII. Lee Lyric Theatre, 606 Forrest Circle, Huntsville. Journey Stories Smithsonian Exhibit – 10am3pm, Tuesdays-Fridays; 10am-4pm Saturdays, which will feature additional exhibits, storytelling, music and crafts. Arab Historic Village, 232 City Park Dr NE, Arab.
Monkey Speak – 8-11pm. Held the first Friday of every month, Monkey Speak is Huntsville’s most exciting spoken word open-mic night, an open stage for anyone to read perform or improvise poetry drama or prose or any variation of the spoken word. No experience is necessary. Mature audiences only. Admission $5. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. Nathan Laube, Organ – 7:30pm. Huntsville Chamber Music Guild. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Please call 256-4897415 for questions about seating and availability The Arts Council’s Seafare 2012 – 6-10pm. Silent Auction, fresh from the gulf food by Roussos Catering, live music. The Roundhouse, 398 Monroe St NW, Huntsville.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
FRIDAY, MARCH 2 Trail Brick Workout with Rick Grief – 1-3pm. Team Rocket Tri Club, Monte Sano, Huntsville.
First Monday Weekend Trade Days – March 3-5. One of the Deep South’s oldest and largest trade days where bartering, haggling, and swapping of goods has not passed on with time. It is a true blend
School Theatre, 7900 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville. GrissomTheatre.org.
Make your $25 check payable to: Natural Awakenings 14 Woodland Ave Trinity, AL 35673
*Please remember to include your name and mailing address. Addtional contact info, such as Email address, is encouraged.
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of antique shows, craft fairs, and rummage sales. Admission free. Jackson County Courthouse Square, Scottsboro. 256-574-3100. Broadway Theatre League presents My Fair Lady – 8-11pm. It has been called “the perfect musical.� Von Braun Center, Mark C Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. BroadwayTheatre League.org. “GREEN Means GO� Blevins Gap Nature Preserve – 9-10am. Blevins Gap Nature Preserve. For hikers who are in good physical shape and want to enjoy natural Land Trust trails for aerobic exercise. Call 256-534-5263 for details and directions. LandTrustNAL.org. Facebook: Land Trust North Alabama. Spring into Summer Activities Fair – 9am-5pm. Free admission. Sci-Quest, Hands-on Science Center, 102-D Wynn Drive, Huntsville. Sci-Quest.org. “Spring Burst� Guided Hike Series- Historic Trough Springs on Monte Sano – 10am-12pm. Hike Leader David Young will explain the Civil War significance of Trough Springs and, in particular, tell the story of Lt. Col. Milus E. “Bushwhacker� Johnston and his dramatic surrender to Union Forces on May 11, 1865. Directions: From Governor’s Drive, turn onto Monte Sano Blvd. Trailhead parking lot is on the right, across the boulevard from Burritt on the Mountain. LandTrustNAL.org. Facebook: Land Trust North Alabama.
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Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751; EckAlabama.org. Vienna Boys Choir – 5-7pm. Huntsville Chamber Music Guild, Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd, Huntsville. Please call 256-489-7415 for questions about seating and availability. The Gala Cocktail Party & Silent Auction, Featured Artist Nancy Franke – 7-9pm. The party will include music by The Swinging Medallions. The Silent Auction to include artwork by featured artist Nancy Franke plus top artist from around the country. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street SW, Huntsville.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Unity Church on the Mountain hosts Reverend Felicia Searcy, author of "Do Greater Things" – Worship is at 10:30am, with a workshop following, 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. UAH Spring 10K Road Race – 2-5pm. UAH Fitness Center, 301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville. Conrad Meyer 256-876-6074. Screwball Romantic Comedy Before the War 6:30-7:30pm, March 5, 12, 19. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of screwball comedies made during the 1930s and early 40s. David Lilly, Dr. Jennifer Garlen and UNA instructor, Anissa Graham, will discuss these innovative and popular comedies that remain some of the most respected films in Hollywood history. Huntsville-Madison County Main Library, 2nd Floor Events Room, 915 Monroe St, Huntsville. HMCPL.org.
laboration between science, communication, and citizens to address the large-scale problems facing society. Free and open to the public. UAHuntsville Chan Auditorium, 301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville. Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table – Presents Peggy Allen Towns, North Alabama historian and author on “Duty Driven: North Alabama African Americans during the Civil War� 6:30-8pm. Close to 180,000 African Americans fought for the Union (Among them were close to 5,000 from Alabama, composing four Colored regiments and one artillery regiment. Three of the infantry regiments—the 106th, 110th, and 111th—were recruited from northern Alabama. How they formed, who they were, and what they did during the war will be the subject of Ms. Towns’ presentation. Elks Lodge, 725 Franklin St, Huntsville.
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Community Health Fair – 11am-2pm. Free health screenings, health information, demonstrations and much more. LifeSouth will be there for blood donations, to reserve your time to donate, please call 256-374-5102. The Brook Church at 8573 Hwy 72, Madison. 24th Annual Building Home & Remodeling Show – 12-8pm. The premier event for home, building, remodeling, and garden products in the North Alabama area. Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series – 6:30-9:30pm. Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe, Huntsville. JimParkerMusic.com. Parents Survival Night – 6:30-9:30pm. Parents’ Survival Night is held on select evenings and is open to both The Little Gym members and non-members. To sign up, please call the gym 256-883-9484 to inquire about availability. The Little Gym of Huntsville, 2124 Cecil Ashburn Dr, Ste 180, Huntsville.
Healthy Huntsville 2012: Healthy Cooking Demo 5:30-6:30pm. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, 601 Genome Way, Huntsville.
FRIDAY, MARCH 9
Eminent Scholar Lecture featuring Dr. Carl Herndl – 6-8:30pm. Dr. Herndl, a nationally recognized technical writing scholar from University of South Florida, will speak on the need for col-
Plaza Suite presented by Renaissance Theatre 7pm. Neill Simon’s sparkling romantic wit at its most hilarious. Regular shows are $14.00. Renaissance Theatre, 1214 Meridian St N, Huntsville. How to Make a Living as an Artist – 9am-12pm. Participants will receive valuable information on making and teaching art in the community from Curtis Benzle, Professor Emeritus at the Columbus College of Art & Design. Workshops are open to the public with cost of $10 and $25. Further information contact Gina Hurst at GHurst@artshuntsville. org or (256) 519-ARTS (2787). Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. “Spring Burstâ€? Guided Hike Series- Monte Sano Preserve’s Old Railroad Bed Trail – 10am-12pm (1.5 miles / Difficulty: Moderate). Directions: Take Pratt Avenue to Bankhead Parkway, cross Tollgate Road. Land Trust’s hiker’s parking lot is ½ mile
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further on right. Park at south end and walk past bollards to the Land Trust Pavilion. LandTrust-hsv.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 10 Pre-Concert Conversations: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s Unfinished but Unforgettable 6:45-8:45pm. Join us for an informal pre-concert talk that gives you insights into the program being performed. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s Unfinished but Unforgettable – 7:30-9:30pm. The astounding virtuosity of young flutist Denis Bouriakov enhances a concert designed to thrill. Schubert: Symphony No. 8, B minor, “Unfinishedâ€? (This symphony has been officially changed to No.7.). Ibert: Flute Concerto. DvorĂĄk: Symphony No. 6, op. 60, D major. Von Braun Center Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. HSO.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Unity Church on the Mountain hosts Reverend Terri McDaniel – Worship is at 10:30am. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. Unity ChurchOnTheMountain.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 12 Spring Into Fashion, Fashion Show & Silent Auction – 10:30am-12:30pm. The annual Spring Fashion Show, combined with a silent auction and raffle, has become a must-attend springtime event in Huntsville. Local boutiques and shops use this opportunity to showcase clothing, accessories, shoes, hair-styling, cosmetics, and gift items. $35, must purchase tickets in advance. Seating is limited. Contact Blount Hospitality House to buy your ticket/ table today 256-534-7014. The Ledges Country Club, 32 Castle Down Dr, Huntsville.
TUESDAY, MARCH 13 L.E.A.N. Essentials – 9:30-11:30am. Learn easy, fast, healthy and delicious recipes from Freida Houck, Certified L.E.A.N. Coach, of Mom Said Eat Your Veggies. $20, Reservations required. A Nurturing Moment, 7540 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite B, Huntsville. 256-489-2590. ANurturingMoment.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 1st Annual College Fair – 5-8pm. Free and open to the public. Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, 7301 Old Madison Pike, Huntsville.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15 Spring Fling-Junior College Golf Tournament March 15, 16 and 17 at Goose Pond Colony, Scottsboro. See the best young golfers from around the nation
compete for recognition as the team to beat in May when most of them come back to Goose Pond to play for the National Championship. Info: The Chamber at 256-259-5500 or Goose Pond at 256-259-2884. Goose Pond Colony, 417 Ed Hembree Dr, Scottsboro. Meridianville Area MOMS Club Meeting and Open House – 10-11am. Stay-at-home moms that live in the 35759, 35761, and 35750 zip codes of North Alabama, please join the MOMS Club of Meridianville Area, AL for our monthly business meeting and open house! Kids are welcome, of course! Flint River Baptist Church, 12945 HWY 231/431, Hazel Green. Email MeridianvilleAreaMoms@gmail.com for more info. Art with a Twist – 5:30-8pm. Join us for Art with a Twist, an exciting “paint and sip� class offered by the Museum. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage and your closest friends and enjoy painting your very own masterpiece under step-by-step instructions from a fabulous teacher. You must be 21+ to participate. $35 for Museum members, $45 for nonmembers. Reserve your spot by contacting Lisa Roth at LRoth@hsvmuseum.org or 256-5354350, ext. 215. HSVmuseum.org. L.E.A.N. Expectations, Prepare RIGHT Now – 6-8pm. This class in the Dr. Sears L.E.A.N. Expectations Series focuses on Lifestyle during pregnancy. It has great options for dealing with the simple issues in pregnancy, shows you some easy to do exercises for pregnancy, and encourages the healthiest choices possible. $25/person, Dads free with mom. Reservations required. A Nurturing Moment, 7540 Memorial Parkway SW Suite B, Huntsville. 256-489-2590. ANurturingMoment.com.
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unusual pottery, special ornament toys, one of a kind jewelry, clothes, room decor, wooden kitchen accessories. Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. NEACA.org.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16 17th Siege of Bridgeport Re-enactment – Fri-Sun. The undisputed largest re-enactment in Alabama. Bridgeport brings history alive when almost 1,800 re-enactors thrill thousands of curious visitors and history buffs with their authentic re-creation of this fateful battle of the Civil War. Also included are period music, authentic encampment and vendors of historical objects and clothing. For Info: Glenn Hill 256-495-3614 or Jackson Co. Tourism 256259-5500. Located on one of the original sites in Jackson County, outside of city limits in Bridgeport, Alabama. Off Highway 72, on County Road 255. Directions will be posted Rocket Run Ten Miler – 8-11am. Mooresville. Info: Valerie Connaughton 256-337-1947 and HuntsvilleTrackClub.org. North Alabama Heart Walk – 8-11am. The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premiere event for raising funds to save lives from this country’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers: heart disease and stroke. Westin at Bridge Street Town Centre, 6800 Governors West, Hunstville. NEACA Annual Spring Craft Show – 9am-7pm. Approximately 150 craftsmen and artists from Alabama and many other states will be featured. Items include Teddy Bears, Dolls, Doll Furniture,
Asperger’s/HFA Support Luncheon – 11am. The Meteor is at 751 Highway 72 East, which is the corner of HWY 72 and Memorial Parkway North, Huntsville. They know us at the door, just tell them you’re with “the Group.“ 256-852-8998. 35th Annual Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 11:30am. The 35th Annual Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in downtown Huntsville beginning at Jefferson Street and Monroe St. Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s Those Romantic Germans – 3:30pm. The third performance in the newly restructured Casual Classics Series. Haydn: Symphony No. 26, D minor. Weber: Symphony No. 2, J. 51, C major. Mendelssohn: Concert Piece No. 1, op. 113, F minor, for two clarinets and orchestra. Schumann: Overture, Scherzo, and Finale, op. 52. Randolph School Thurber Arts Center, 4915 Garth Rd SE, Huntsville. HSO.org. 14th Annual An Irish Evening – 6pm. The 14th annual “An Irish Evening� event to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley, Inc. (UCP). All proceeds from this annual fundraiser directly benefit UCP client services for more than 1,000 North Alabama families affected
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by a disability. Reserved seating is $75 per person or $600 per table of eight. For reservations or additional information, visit contact Tracy Cieniewicz at 256859-4900 and TracyC@ucphuntsville.org. Jackson Conference Center, 600 Genome Way, Huntsville. UCPhuntsville.org. The Laramie Project presented by Theatre Huntsville – 7:30pm, March 16-17, 22-24; 2pm, March 18, 24. In 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-yearold gay college student, was tied to a cattle fence, beaten, robbed, and left to die on a bitterly cold night in October in Laramie, Wyoming. Hear the people of Laramie in a deeply moving theatrical experience. Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. YourSeatIsWaiting.org. Bill Maher Live! – 8-11pm. Von Braun Center, Mark C Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. Tickets:; VBC Box Office or Ticketmaster. BillMaher.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Huntsville Traditional Music Association Playing at Burritt on the Mountain – 7pm. The public is welcome to come listen. Old Country Church, Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville.
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 Michelle Malone – Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Seats are limited. Please make reservations by emailing Trish@trishland.com, calling 256-686-1382, or dropping by Trish’s store at 214 Moulton St in Downtown Decatur to reserve your seats. The Magnolia Room, 216 Moulton St, Decatur. Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin’s “IV” – 8pm. Von Braun Center, Mark C Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville. Tickets: VBC Box Office or Ticketmaster. BlackJacketSymphony.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 17 SATURDAY, MARCH 24 Sufi Teachings, Practices, Meditations – 1:304pm. Includes a wide variety and depth of material and is ordered according to the needs of those attending. Following the meeting will be a more informal time for coffee, tea, and conversation. There is no charge. A small contribution is requested. Mentone, Alabama. Spiritual-Learning.com. Email: ml@ spiritual-learning.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 18 Unity Church on the Mountain hosts Minister Vicki Goldston – Worship is at 10:30am. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. Unity ChurchOnTheMountain.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 19
Healthy Huntsville 2012: Table Talk, Dining Out Healthy – 5:30pm. Presented by Susan Scott, RD, LD at Madison Hospital Wellness Center, 8391 US Hwy 72 W, Madison.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Madison Junior Chamber (Jaycees) meeting 6:30pm. This is an open meeting for all Jaycee members as well as those interested in joining the Jaycees. The Jaycees is a civic organization for young professionals 21-40 years old. Dublin Park, 8324 Madison Pike, Madison.
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Huntsville Swing Dance Society – Lesson at 7pm, Dance at 8. Flying Monkey Theater, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Ave, Huntsville. DRAW! – 2-4pm. Presented by the K.I.D. Artist Collective, Admission $5. Practice drawing live models with interesting outfits. No Pictures please. All levels welcome. Contact Blf0001@uah.edu for more info. Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2nd Floor, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County 2012 Washington Update with Senator Shelby – 7:30-8:30am. This annual event provides Senator Shelby with an opportunity to update the business community on those critical business, NASA and military issues facing our community. Von Braun Center North Hall, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville.
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McKay Hollow Madness 25K Trail Run – 7-10am. Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave, Huntsville. Info: Blake Thompson 256-990-2584 or HuntsvilleTrackClub.org.
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Unity Church on the Mountain hosts Carol Zukoski, RScP – Worship is at 10:30am. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. Unity ChurchOnTheMountain.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Networking @ Noon – 12-1pm. Join us and promote your business while learning about other businesses in our area. Increase your bottom line while learning how you can help someone else increase theirs. Bring plenty of business cards and information to disperse. Come early to network. Lunch is included, reservation required. $5 per attendee. Call for more information 256-773-4370. Historic Depot on Railroad St, Hartselle.
THURSDAY, MARCH 29 A Better Option for Health Care in America: Holistic Medicine – 6:30pm. Learn how holistic medical approaches can help you restore your body
to a state of optimal health and a better quality of life by optimizing your biological and cellular functions and reversing the disease process. The mind, body and spirit paradigm will be discussed. Speaker: Rodney D. Soto, MD. Sponsor: Holistic Medical Center of Alabama. $30. Dinner will be served. RSVP by March 26 at 850-267-8452. Space is limited. Grille 29, 445 Providence Main St, Huntsville. Where The Great Ones Run – 7:30pm. THE STORY: Country legend Sonny Burl returns to his hometown to play one last concert at the county fair. While there, he tries to reconnect with the wife he never divorced, the brother he abandoned, and the daughter he never knew. $12. UAH Theatre Opera, Wilson Theatre, 301 Sparkman Drive NW, Huntsville.
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Spring Concert with the Huntsville Feminist Chorus – 7:30pm. UAH Chan Auditorium, 301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville.
BERKELEY BOB’S MARCH MUSIC LINEUP Located in Cullman, Alabama, Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House and Whole Earth Store is a 1960’s style California Coffee House where we “celebrate nature, coffee and folk music.” Open Mike Nites every first and third Monday from 7-9pm. Bring your guitar, bongos, poems, whatever, and share your talents with us. Saturday night concerts feature local and out of area musicians playing a wide variety of styles. All shows 7-9pm, family oriented and free. To inquire about a booking call Bob at 256-775-2944. BerkeleyBob.com. March 3 –Panama Red, Nashville songwriter March 9 –Austin Cunningham, popular singer songwriter March 10 –Accoustify, fun local Americana duo March 16 –Sound the Alarm March 17 –After Two Glasses March 24 –Hart Deer, A fun Atlanta folk group
SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Big and Bold Moves: A Journey into Spinal Extension and Arm Standing – In this course we will work towards proper alignment, range of motion, strength building, and proper mechanics students will need for their journey into back bending and arm standing with confidence. PMA-approved course (5 CEC), with a cost of $200. Call 205-323-5961 or visit PilatesOnHighland.com to register. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S Birmingham.
SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Big and Bold: A Pilates and Yoga Inspired Movement Intensive – This three hour Pilates/ Yoga inspired movement class will give students and opportunity to go deep into the practice of arm standing and back bending. The cost of the class is $50. Please bring a yoga mat. Call 205-323-5961 or visit PilatesOnHighland.com to register. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave S Birmingham.
Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOf Huntsville.com.
ongoingevents sunday Meditation – 8:20am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org. Unity Church On The Mountain Service – 10:30am. Adult Sunday School at 9:30am. Practicing Oneness with God in a positive light of love for all. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-5362271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. 1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org. Social Dance Class – 3-6pm. Social Dance Class taught by Sandra Watts. Combination of ballroom and country/western dance. Prepares you to dance anywhere. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. $6.00. GeeÊs Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Power Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-653-9255 or 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Zumba Dance – 6-7pm. „JAK‰arta. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beyond Basic Bellydance – 5-6pm. Michelle. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Keys of Compassion Support Group – 6-7pm. There is a higher perspective to your pain. Free. Natural Elements, 1874 Suite M, Slaughter Rd, Madison. 256-922-8454.
monday Your Yoga with Casey – 6-7am. BeginnerÊs class with Casey, $14 session or $45 for 4 class pack (valid one month from purchase) Studio 258, 2nd floor, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. Email: Casey@youryogasite.net or call 256-6797143. YourYogaSite.net. Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
Free Biomat Sessions – 10am-5pm. Free 30-minute Biomat sessions all day at the Center for Directional Healing. Call to reserve a time. 256882-0360. DirectionalHealing.com. Zumba Gold classes – 4:30-5:20pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane, Huntsville. Nomadic Tapestry.com. Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 5-6:15pm. Work at a faster pace incorporating exercises that will challenge oneÊs strength, flexibility and coordination. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguage Pilates.com. Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn new school belly dance with an old school flair. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginner Couple/Partner Dances – 6-8pm. Sandra Watts will be teaching Sweetheart Schottische along with other partner dances. Social dancing after the class. If you have never danced, this is the class to learn how. $5.00. GeeÊs Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Beyond Basics – 6:45-7:45pm. For those with less than 75 hours of class time training. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Yoga Class – 6:30-7:45pm. Iyengar-based yoga focuses on form, technique and alignment. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com. Level I Yoga – 6:30-8pm. All levels. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking – 6:30-8pm. Weekly forum with Wanda Gail Campbell, Peace Minister with The Beloved CommUNITY. In each 1.5-hour session we will experience Peace Prayers, a short video lesson by James Twyman, and a discussion of key precepts. Love offering. Please call 256-539-0654 for location and more details. Huntsville Photographic Society Program Night – 7-8:45pm. Come and associate with some of the best photographers in the valley. Join for only $20 per year. We meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month except December. HuntsvilleMadison County Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. HuntsvillePhotographic Society.org.
tuesday Pilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.
Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Bellydance Blast Class – 4:30-5:20pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane, Huntsville. Nomadic Tapestry.com. Beginning Belly Dance Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Pilates – 5:30-6:30pm. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Line Dancing – 6-8pm. New and old line dances taught by Diane Martin. $5.00. GeeÊs Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 6-7:15pm. This class adds more exercises from the series and will challenge oneÊs mind/body connections. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com Toastmasters: Redstone Toastmasters – 6-7:30pm. The Apollo Room, Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Boulevard, Madison. Guests always welcome. Redstone.FreeToastHost.net. Science of Mind Classes – 6:30-8:30pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Basic American Tribal Style (ATS) – 6:45-7:45pm. Lea. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Back to Basic Drumming – 8-9pm. Darbuka Dave. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com.
wednesday Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOf Huntsville.com. Creamery Tours – 9am, 10am, 1pm, 2pm. Find out where and how the goat cheese recommended by Oprah, Food Network, and Southern Living is made. Belle Chevre Creamery, 26910 Bethel Road, Elkmont (Huntsville). $8 adults, $4 kids, free for 6 and under. 256-423-2238. Email@BelleChevre.com.
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Science of Mind Classes – 10am-12pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Bellydance Blast Class – 4:30-5:20pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane, Huntsville. Nomadic Tapestry.com. Beginning Belly Dance Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com. Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSLHuntsville.org. Course in Miracles Class at Unity Church on the Mountain – 6:30pm. beginning on Feb 8 and continuing every Wednesday. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOn TheMountain.com. Power Yoga – 6-7pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. West Coast Swing Dance Class – 6:30-8:30pm. West Coast Swing Dance Class taught by Stephane Schneider. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. No partner needed. $5.00. GeeÊs Place, 2274A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886. Free Tenneesse River Writers Group – 6:308:30pm. Open-minded, open-hearted and creative group. Exercises, Readings, considerate critiques. All experience levels welcome. Flint River Coffee Company, 1443 Winchester Rd. Call George Kost 256-682-5479. Satsang – 6:30pm. Satsang with Gangaji. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org. Searching? – The Red Mountain Study Group of Huntsville invites inquiries from men and women, no matter what their beliefs, who are still searching for the meaning of their lives now and here. Our work includes meditation, practice and study based on the teaching of G. I. Gurdjieff. We are affiliated with the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. 256361-9575. Email: rmsg@att.net.
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thursday Fusion Pilates – 9-10am. A fusion of Pilates and Hanna Somatic work teaching one to access and strengthen oneÊs deepest connections bringing balance to oneÊs spine and overall posture. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com. Pilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. Shahala Liz. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Zumba Gold Class – 4:30-5:20pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane, Huntsville. Nomadic Tapestry.com. Dance Basics– 5:30-6:30pm. Amber. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. Nomadic Tapestry.com. Align & Wine! – 6-9:30pm. Yoga with Mitzi at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Cost and additional details at MitziConnell.com. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street South. HSVmuseum.org. „Life Questions‰ Class – 6:30pm. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. Info: 256-536-2271 or call Debbie Preece at 256-337-8200. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. Spiritual Awareness Class taught by Rev. Grace Gifford – 6:30-8pm through December 8. Living the truth through the Christ within all of us. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnThe Mountain.com. Level I Yoga – 6:45-8:15pm. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Beyond Basic Zils – 6:45-7:45pm. Sallye. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com. Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com.
Concerts on the Dock – 6-9pm. Friday nights, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive. Picnics, coolers and pets on a leash are welcome. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net. Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through reception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. Paranormal Study Center – 6:30pm, fourth Friday each month. Meets at Radisson Hotel/Olympus Room, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison. For more information, contact Lamont Hamilton at World Psychic@email.com.
saturday Natural Childbirth Classes – 9-11am. Downtown Cullman. A 4-part series. Call to Register 256-9620975. BirthingBeautiful.net. Level I Yoga – 9-10:15am. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Your Yoga with Casey – 9:45-10:45am. BeginnerÊs class with Casey, $14 session or $45 for 4 class pack (valid one month from purchase) Studio 258, 2nd floor, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. Email: Casey@youryogasite.net or call 256-6797143. YourYogaSite.net. Cardio Ballroom – 11am. Mega calorie burning dance fun! No more treadmill! Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. GabrielaDance.com. Level I Yoga – 11:30-12:45pm. Bobbie Brooks. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com. Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale inside our facility. Safe from rain. Free admission. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. FlyingMonkeyArts.org. Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift one in countless ways. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, Ste 3, Five Points. 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.
friday
Reiki Free Clinic (no charge) – 2-4 pm. Every Third Saturday of each month. Center for Personal Growth, 924-B Merchant Walk Way SW, Huntsville. For appointments contact Shari Feinman-Prior at Shari1717@gmail.com.
Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOf Huntsville.com.
Ballroom Dancing – 7pm Beginner Group Class, 8pm Dance Party. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.
Bellydance Blast Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Shahala Liz. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.
communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Editor@Natvalley.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
LIFE ESSENTIALS
CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELLBEING
Acupuncture & Natural Health Care Dr. Loren Hunter, ND 922 6th Ave SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-350-6001 DrLorenHunter.com CustomerService@DrLorenHunter.com
U’Jeana Wilson Owner/Certified Colon Hydrotherapist Degree in Psychology 256-489-9806
Dr. Loren Hunter, ND believes in bridging natural healthcare with traditional healthcare. Dr. Hunter believes that both schools of thought are equally important, and he will encourage you to work closely with your physician. Services offered include acupuncture, naturopathy, myofascial release, neurokinesiology, nutritional and herbal counseling.
BIO-FEEDBACK TESTING HEALTHY CHOICES, LLC Steve Krzyzewski 2225 Drake Avenue, Suite 18 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-679-1997 HealthyChoicesLLC@gmail.com Steve Krzyzewski provides Advanced Bio-Feedback Testing, the Amethyst Bio-Mat Infrared Therapy, and the Ionic Footbath. The Bio-feedback uncovers root cause(s) for health challenges and develops natural protocols allowing the body to heal itself. The Amethyst Bio-Mat uses infrared, negative ions, and the natural healing of amethyst to bring the body back into balance. (RichWayUSA.com) The Ionic footbath helps the body to detoxify.
Center for Optimal Wellbeing is the longest operating colonic therapy provider in Huntsville. First time clients have expressed immediate feelings of increased energy levels and improved efficiency in waste elimination. You will enjoy the experience of your own “personal cleansing spa” as you receive colon hydrotherapy (colonic), far infrared sauna, an optional massaging shower, and ionic footbath services—in a clean, comfortable, and relaxing private environment. Call for directions and a 10% discount on your first service when you mention Natural Awakenings or use code COWB.
HOPE FOR LIFE COLON HYDROTHERAPY Amanda Mashburn, owner/colon hydrotherapist 10300 Bailey Cove Road, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803 256-270-8731 hope4lifeal.com Our goal is to live long and live strong. Young or old, male or female, healthy or sick, will benefit from an internal cleansing. Mention“Natural Awakenings” and recieve 10 dollars off your first colonic visit.
JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC
CHILD BIRTH SERVICES 10 MOONS RISING BIRTH SERVICES Donna Mitchell CPM, CLC, BMsc 10MoonsRising.com Midwife@consultant.com 256-566-9305 Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee 10 Moons Rising Birth Services offers education and resources for women during pregnancy. We offer counseling in nutrition, herbal teas, VBACs, Out of Hospital births in TN and MS, midwifery care, prenatal visits, postpartum visits, doulas and monitrices. We specialize in natural birth options in the North Alabama/Tennessee area. We have Certified Lactation Consultants also available for consult.
1489 Slaughter Road, Madison 256-837-3448 I-ACT Certified Colon Hydro Therapists. Do you know that 80% of your immune system is in your colon? Bathe your body from the inside to improve health. Colon irrigation aids in soothing and toning the colon, which makes elimination more effective.
ENERGY HEALING CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING™ Susan Spalding 2225 Drake Ave. SW, Suite 18 Huntsville, 35805 256-882-0360 DirectionalHealing.com For over 20 years, Susan Spalding and the staff at the Center for Directional Healing have been helping people achieve harmonic health through Directional Healing, Reflexology, and now the Amethyst Biomat. Clients may choose a single service, or combine all three for the most complete healing experience. Healing techniques, articles, and more information are available online at DirectionalHealing.com.
ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY CENTER FOR PERSONAL GROWTH Shari Feinman-Prior 924-B Merchant Walk Way SW Huntsville, AL 35801 256-289-3331 Shari1717@gmail.com RapidEyeTechnology.com “SPARK YOUR LIGHT” from within your TRUE BEING and TRANSFORM your life. Offering tools from energy psychology, Rapid Eye Technology, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Life Skills Coaching, to create change in deep seated patterns of behavior for a healthy and joyful life.
FAMILY MEDICINE PROGRESSIVE FAMILY MEDICINE Chad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 ProFamilyMed.com Progressive Family Medicine provides medical care for patients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescription medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Progressive Family Medicine is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to understand how natural medicines work along with prescription drugs.
A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body. ~Benjamin Franklin
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FENG SHUI FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNER
MARSHA MATHES
Trudi Gardner, M.S. 256-772-6999 Tygard2000@aol.com
Certified Hypnotist 3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste 116 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-698-2151 MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net
An interior design philosophy that invites serenity and reduces stress. Feng Shui design concepts brings positive energy into your home and office to encourage Prosperity, Well Being, Harmony, and Balance.
HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY CENTER CIRCLE COUNSELING Jane Ajaya, LCSW, MSEd Located at Behavioral Health Solutions 1644 Slaughter Rd, Madison 35758 256-325-1690 CenterCircleCounseling.com Jane.Ajaya@gmail.com
It is the many practitioners and businesses who advertise that make Natural Awakenings possible. Ɣ They are providing you with one of the most valuable resources for healthy living in Alabama. Ɣ Through their dedication and commitment we work together for happier, healthier communities. Ɣ Please support these practitioners and businesses who are making a difference.
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Tennessee Valley
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HYPNOTHERAPY
Offering compassionate, confidential guidance and counseling for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and happiness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness meditation, energy-work, dream analysis, hypnotherapy, grief and recovery work, 12 step support. Individual, couples and family therapy. In private practice for over 20 years. Most insurance accepted. No insurance? Still affordable.
Hypnosis is a tool to assist you in countless ways to heal your past, empower your present and create your future: • Quit smoking • Weight loss • Nail and lip biting • Teeth grinding • Insomnia • Anxiety and stress relief • Phobias and fears • Pain relief • Sports enhancement • PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) • Current and Past Life Regressions • Much more…
JIN SHIN JYUTSU® JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLE Sandra Cope Huntsville 256-534-1794 256-509-3540 Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, effective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
MASSAGE A NEW YOU MASSAGE AND BODYWORK Paula J. Sorg (L.M.T. #3321) 22 Rhett Ave, Ste A, Huntsville, AL 15093 East Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 256-520-0663 ANewYouBodyWork@gmail.com ANewYouMassageAndBodyWork.com
Helping you relieve stress, recover from injury or just helping you transform your life through better health. Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Massage along with Neuromuscular and Paraffin Wax Therapy.
HYPNOTHERAPY CENTER FOR INNER WELLNESS Becky Waters Certified Hypnotherapist and Professional Breathworker 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 641 Huntsville, AL 256-348-5236 Creating positive change through hypnotherapy and Breathwork. Empowering you to live to your highest potential. Relieve stress and anxiety, release negativity, pain management, pre/post medical procedure, fears/phobias, weight loss, smoking cessation, and more
CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND BODYWORK 1634 Slaughter Rd., Madison 256-430-9756 Our vision is to provide professional massage services in a comfortable clinical environment to Madison and the surrounding area. Student massages available for 1/2 the regular rate. Lic. E1311.
MASSAGE
PHYSICAL THERAPY
SMALL CHANGE COACH / NLP
CLOUD NINE
OSTEOSTRONG
SMALL CHANGE WORKS
Evening and Weekend Appointments 256-337-6989
1015 Airport Rd, Ste 201 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-489-0084 Huntsville@OsteoStrong.me
John Lambert Cullman, AL 35055 256-590-3824 smallchangeworks@gmail.com
Finally, someone who makes housecalls! Swedish, Ortho and Deep Tissue massage in the privacy of your own home. Gift Certificates also available for any occasion.
MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOL MADISON SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY, LLC 1634 Slaughter Rd, Suite C Madison, AL 35758 256-430-9756 MadisonSchoolOfMassageTherapy.com Our training will change your life forever in a new career as a Professional. Student massages available for 1/2 the regular rate. AL Board of Massage School Lic# S-117 AL State Board of Ed. School Lic# 1200I.
I offer personalized change work sessions that are alternatives to traditional counseling and therapy. I do this because I have found that most therapy —“is ineffective, much of it is harmful, and all of it is expensive.”—Steve Andreas. I offer sensible approaches to what can be difficult problems.
Now you can INCREASE your bone density and DOUBLE your muscle strength in less than a year! No gimmicks, no wasting time, no drugs, no sweat, and no long-term contracts. The OsteoStrong system has proven to deliver amazing results in only 5 minutes once a week. Call or email us today to set up your appointment. Your first visit is free.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
PILATES
SUSAN K. JEFFREYS
BODY LANGUAGE, INC. 305 Jefferson St., Ste. C 256-704-5080 sybil@bodylanguagepilates.com BodyLanguagePilates.com Our goal is to teach individuals how to take control of their health and well-being through the Pilates method, creating a wholesome person of sound mind, body, and spirit. Private, semi-private and group training on the equipment is available along with group mat classes.
Advanced Practitioner Lic.#249 Dr. Ida P. ROLF method 2336A Whitesburg Drive 256-512-2094 RolfGuild.org Serving Huntsville since 1995 “When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can flow through. Then spontaneously, the body heals itself.” —Ida P. Rolf
REIKI MARY MORALES
MUSIC THERAPY HEALING SOUNDS MUSIC THERAPY Stephanie Bolton, MA, MT-BC 256-655-0648 ImageryAndMusic.com Huntsville, Alabama-based music therapy practice focused on improving personal health and wellness using guided imagery and music techniques. Currently providing workshops and individual consultations.
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATES Dr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D. 1230 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL 256-722-0555 Dr. Gilliam treats a variety of health problems with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hormone replacement and thyroid issues being at the forefront. Dr. Gilliam sees patients from around the world due to the reputation she has earned by treating hard to treat medical conditions. Dr. Gilliam works to find the cause of medical conditions and does not simply treat the patients’ symptoms.
Universal & Karuna Reiki Master 256-584-8081 KungaLhadon@aol.com
JACI HOGUE
Reiki is a simple natural and safe method of healing. Reiki treats the physical body, the emotions, and the mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects. Many have experienced miraculous results. Reiki works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
256-656-4108 jaci@alabamarolfmethod.com AlabamaRolfMethod.com A complete system of body education that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifically validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefits.
SHAMAN HEALER KATY GLENN WILLIS 256-426-0232 katyglennwillis@yahoo.com KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com Spiritually Assisted Intuitive Readings, Energetic Healing and Balancing for People and Pets, World Culture Shamanic Training, Spirit Midwife: Assistance for individual and caregivers during Death & Dying Process. Forty years of training and experience.
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Bio-Identical Hormones Save the Day WOMEN DO YOU SUFFER FROM?
MEN DO YOU SUFFER FROM?
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Mood Changes 3
Decreased Strength of Erection 3
Irritability 3
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Decreased Sex Drive 3
Decreased Muscle Mass 3
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Depression 3
Bloating 3
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Poor Concentration 3
Night Sweats 3
Sleep Disruption 3
#SBJO 'PH 3
Aches and Pains 3
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Are we all destined to experience unpleasant changes in our bodies as we age? It’s a fact that as we age, our hormone levels decline or may become out of balance. Individualized biologically identical hormone replacement therapy can help you restore your magnificence and grace at any stage of life.
To find out if Bio-Identical hormones are right for you contact Progressive Family Medicine for a consultation.
Progressive
Family Medicine
Ask about Thermography to screen for Breast Disease and Cancer with NO radiation.
Alternative Medicine Associates Chad Gilliam M.M.S. PA-C
256.722.0555
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Progress Towards Wellness & Prevention