July 2009 Greenville Natural Awakenings

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

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special

MEN’S

HEALTH ISSUE

clean cool cars leaner and greener

flexitarian

almost vegetarian

SPIRIT ZONE

the hidden side of sports

JUNE 2009

Upstate South Carolina Edition | UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com

Upstate South Carolina

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.

UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com

inside this issue

departments

newsbriefs 5 communityspotlight 9 healthbriefs 11 healthykids 14 healingways 15 greenliving 16 naturalpet 18 consciouseating 20 inspiration 28 resourceguide 29 classifieds 30

pg. 8

pg. 15

Natural Hormone Help for Men

by Linda Sechrist

Fabulous Father’s Day

Do-It-Yourself Gifts for Under $10

by Helen Coronato

14

Get Good ZZZs

15

Clean Cool Cars

16

Make Fleas Flee

18

by Amber Lanier Nagle

pg. 16

Today’s Buyers’ Market Guide

by Jim Motavalli Up-to-Scratch Remedies

by Ann Brightman pg. 18

12

A Flexitarian Diet for a Flexible Life

20

Men Talk on Men’s Health

22

by Dawn Jackson Blatner Focus Shifts to Wellness and Prevention

by L. Lee Walker

How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 864-248-4910 or email Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

June May 2009 2009

letterfrompublisher Thank you all for your enthusiastic response to the first two issues of Natural Awakenings Upstate. This magazine is dedicated to supporting healthy living for you and your family and a healthy planet for all. Your involvement is vital in taking our whole community to the next level of awareness of the benefits of more natural ways of living.

We’re delighted to report that often, by the time we drop into an advertiser’s place of business to refresh a stack of copies, they exclaim that they are already receiving calls about their display ad or an article sharing their expertise with readers. In our travels, we are discovering dozens of businesses new to us, such as Market For Life, in Taylors, even though they have been faithfully serving the local community for years.

Now, our thousands of readers will know about them, too.

Along the way, many people have asked us, “What took you so long?” to bring Natural Awakenings to the Upstate. All we can say is, “We’re here now!” This is our time, Upstate. We appreciate all who have called and emailed, excited to join us in our mission of “awakening one community at a time … naturally.”

We took a leap of faith to do this, but we’re not looking back. We look forward to meeting more of you in coming months. Please let us know if you have a business you need to advertise or would like to be a distribution point for this magazine. Email us at Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com.

This month’s focus is Men’s Health. You’ll find a wealth of helpful, practical information, including natural alternatives for hormone issues on page 12, and ways to get a good night’s sleep on page 15. Our Green Living department, on page 16, highlights “Clean Cool Cars”—see the newest way to go green and still be cool.

As publishers, every issue teaches us something, and we feel confident you’ll find answers to some of your questions, too. Spending one-on-one time with readers and advertisers has hammered home for us the need for this kind of information. With the cost of conventional medical care and insurance as high-priced as they are, not to mention being fraught with side effects and fine print, it’s clear that we, as consumers, must take charge of our own health and well-being.

That’s what Natural Awakenings is all about: educating people about holistic modalities and natural, green ways of living; making people aware of the services that are available in our area; and helping our advertisers build the life-giving businesses that serve us well.

This Father’s Day, we give special thanks to our own dads, and good dads everywhere, for the strong values they taught us, and for always being there for their families.

Happy Father’s Day! Linda & Jim

contact us

Publishers Linda & Jim Craig Editor Linda Sechrist

Advertising Ed Wilmot Linda Craig

Design & Production Stephen Blancett Robin King To contact Natural Awakenings Upstate South Carolina Edition:

Phone: 864-248-4910 Fax: 864-248-4910 Email: Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com www.UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com

© 2009 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 $24 (for 12 issues) call, or email to subscribe.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Upstate South Carolina

newsbriefs News about local happenings in and around our community

Focus on Balance to Restore and Maintain Health

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ccording to centuries of knowledge and experience, dating back to ancient China, people need a system of health care designed not only to treat illness, but to actually prevent it,” says Diana Charles, owner of Know Thyself Healing Center, at the Cottage Salon and Day Spa, 215 Memorial Drive, in Greer. “We need a system that recognizes subtle symptoms that suggest the body is out of balance in ways that can ultimately lead to chronic or degenerative diseases.”

Charles, a licensed massage, bodywork therapist and Reiki Diana Charles Master, has added Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal products to her holistic approach to health care. “When we assess a person’s state of health,” she notes, “we strive for balance, according to their individual constitution, not a one-size-fits-all approach.” Clients fill out a simple health questionnaire for consultation and assessment.

The center, which recently held a Reiki I & II weekend intensive class, is taking registrations for the June 21-22 sessions.

Classes are held in a private setting. To learn more, call 864-905-4407 or visit KnowThyselfHealingCenter.org.

One Thousand Trees Make Greenville Greener

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t took a large amount of teamwork to accomplish a portion of the Greenville Garden Club’s 2008-2009 goal of “Making Greenville Greener.” Through considerable support and coordination among The Greenville Garden Club, Trees Greenville, The Greenville County Planning Department, Paris Mountain State Park and the many hardworking hands of the Spartanburg Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, 1,000 native trees were planted.

“The biggest hurdle was to get the trees in the ground with limited help,” states Dan Powell, air quality coordinator of the Greenville County Planning department. Garden Club members couldn’t plant 1,000 trees alone, but were assisted by young volunteers who needed community service hours. “Those who donated their time on a recent Saturday to help plant the young trees in Paris Mountain State Park only stopped for a bag lunch,” says Powell.

For more information on “Making Greenville Greener,” contact Deb Peabody, 864-325-2428.

Acupuncture Physician to Attend Women’s Health Initiative in China

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r. Marina Ponton, owner of Greenville Natural Health Center, has been selected to participate in a threeweek-long women’s health initiative at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in China, this month.

An acupuncture physician specializing in women’s health, Ponton was the only member of the 2010 doctorate class at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, in Portland, chosen to attend the study program on integrating Chinese herbal formulas into Western treatments for endocrine disorders.

Founded in 1956, the Chengdu University of TCM is among the four oldest universities of its kind in China. Known as the hometown of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and one of Southwest China’s most important economic, transportation and communications hubs.

Ponton was featured in the February 2009 issue of Alive magazine, Canada’s leading health and wellness publication, about her success in treating infertility with acupuncture.

Greenville Natural Health Center is located at 1901-F Laurens Rd., in Greenville. Call 864-370-1140 or visit GreenvilleNaturalHealth.com.

Get Your Veggies Too!

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ealthy Lounge has added an organic juicing choice to its Healthy Beverage Bar menu. For $3.50, patrons can start with carrot juice and add celery, beets and apples, to enjoy a healthy, 12-ounce dose of fruit and veggies in a quick and easy manner. They have added a top-of-the-line juicing machine by Santos (Miracle-Pro) to do the blending.

Healthy Lounge is located at 300 River St., downtown Greenville, Riverplace, lower level. Call 864-250-2811 or visit HealthyLounge.com. See ad, page 19.

June 2009

Free Private Session to De-Stress

newsbriefs Wellness Coach Opens New Office

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oanne Therese Schmidt, CNHP, recently opened Healing Within/Healing Without, LLC, incorporating energetic Asyra body scans and nutritional counseling to work with the body’s own wisdom to find internal balance to start on the path to wellness.

The philosophy of Schmidt, owner and wellness coach, is based on the belief that the body has a natural ability and desire Joanne Therese to be balanced, thereby healing itself. An imbalance in the body can be due to a variety of causes, the most common being stress Schmidt and dietary choices that may not be right for the individual.

“People become frustrated because they’re doing all the right things by eating healthy, taking supplements and exercising, yet still struggle with weight issues, low energy and simply not feel well overall,” says Schmidt.

An Asyra body scan is an easy, non-invasive process that can detect imbalances at specific levels and find the right choices, based on one’s personal need.

Healing Within/Healing Without, LLC is located near downtown Greenville. Call for more information or to schedule an appointment at 864-380-0628.

Organic Smoothie Bar Added to Pickwick’s Menu

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he Pickwick Pharmacy and Soda Fountain is now home to an organic smoothie bar that offers 10 flavorful choices. Greenville’s newest organic grocery store offers healthy features like gluten-, sugar-, and wheat-free products, with favorites like Sami’s Bakery, Happy Cow Creamery, Organic Baby, Split Creek Farms, Frontier and Bakery on Main. Prepared foods are available seasonally from Roxanne’s Remedies, founded by Roxanne Smith, a nutritionist from Asheville.

The Pickwick Pharmacy is located at 3219 Augusta St., at the corner of Mauldin Rd. and Augusta St., Greenville. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9am-6pm, and Sat., 9am-3pm.

Call 864-277-4180 or visit ThePickwick.net.

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n this time of economic uncertainty, everyone needs relief from stress. A new website that complements personal and group instruction on releasing stress has been developed by the creators of Fran Carrigan Stress Release Technology, LLC, Fran Carrigan and Tova Olkinetzky.

Stress Release Technology’s unique educational and practical programs for relieving stress promote an understanding of how Tova Olkinetzky your brain learns and how you can unlearn ingrained unproductive habits that may be disturbing you in the present. Documented solutions offered can not only enhance how an individual can be in command of how stress is created, but also how they can release the stress of any experience.

A free, private appointment is offered to anyone interested in learning more about Stress Release Technology.

All conversation is confidential.

Stress Release Technology is located inside Migun of Greenville, at 215 Pelham Rd., Suite B-104, in Greenville. Call 864-5613979 or visit StressReleaseTechnology.com.

New Office for Green-Based Interior Designers

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mbracing the principle of making green design simple and affordable, the experienced interior design team of Coco Niel and Kristin Fletcher has created Avant-Garde Interiors to respond to the ever-increasing demand and interest from their customers for healthy and workable living areas.

“Today, the market is catering to designers with eco-friendly furniture, accessories and more. The selections are growing at each new show in High Point, North Carolina, that we attend and prices are tumbling,” states Niel. Fletcher and Niel are proud and excited to launch their new strategy for healthy and workable living areas and to work with each client, giving special attention to design, quality and function. “This is a great time for all of us to have a beautiful, healthy surrounding, which is also beneficial to our environment,” adds Niel.

Avant-Garde is located at 703 Anderson St., in Greenville. Call 864-2356721. Email Info@Avant-GardeID.com.

Upstate South Carolina

AnMed Doctors Graduate from Integrative Medicine Program

A Chiropractic Couple Celebrate Grand Reopening

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rs. Nathan A. Blanton and Jennifer L. Wright, owners of Overbrook Chiropractic, announce their grand reopening on June 1. This familyoriented practice is located at 1622 E. North Street, within the heart of the historic Overbrook neighborhood, in Greenville.

Blanton and Wright, who met in November of 2008, formed a chiropractic team combining their knowledge and experience to begin a private practice in Greenville. Strong family and athletic backgrounds led the two physicians to develop a practice centered around active families. Expectant mothers can benefit from Wright’s extensive training in pediatric adjustment, while individuals seeking to improve their levels of competitive performance can gain an edge from Blanton’s indepth experience with athletes and families. Both Blanton and Wright also express a sincere passion to care for the ever-growing senior population in the Upstate.

Blanton, a native of Forest City, North Carolina, received a bachelor’s of science degree in biology/pre-medicine from Clemson University and a doctorate of chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic. Wright, a Newark, Ohio native, received a bachelor’s of science degree in biology from Ohio State University and a doctorate of chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic.

Mention you saw this story in Natural Awakenings and receive $20 off your first visit. Overbrook Chiropractic is located at 1622 E. North St., Greenville.

864-271-1919.

fter two years of intensive training, Drs. Maria Cayelli and Chasse Bailey-Dorton have both completed Fellowship in Integrative Medicine studies at the University of Arizona.

Integrative medicine is a whole-person approach to treatment, using therapies that care for a patient’s mind, body and spirit, all at the same time. It uses conventional and Drs. Maria Cayelli and Chasse Bailey-Dorton complementary therapies, such with Dr. Andrew Weil as herbal medicine, acupuncture and yoga.

Cayelli and Bailey-Dorton agree that their interest in the field grew from a desire to better serve their patients. With an increasing number of people seeking advice on vitamins and herbal supplements, the doctors became convinced they needed to learn more about these treatments.

“I thought it was great that there was a national fellowship that would help me learn how to advise my patients on complementary therapies, such as supplements and herbs, the same way I would with conventional medications,” Cayelli said.

Launched eight years ago by Dr. Andrew Weil, the Center for Integrative Medicine combines residential sessions in Tucson with a distributed-learning model that allows participants to learn via the Internet from their home or office.

“Doctors Cayelli and Bailey-Dorton have received the best training available in integrative medicine,” Weil said. “I consider them fully prepared to go out in the world and help transform the practice of medicine and health care in the direction consumers want.”

Drs. Cayelli and Bailey-Dorton practice medicine at AnMed Health Anderson Family Medicine, located at 2000 E. Greenville St., Suite 2000, in Anderson. Call 864-260-1590.

Be an Organic Farmer for a Day

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nyone who wants to learn how to be an organic farmer can dig in with the Greenville Organic Foods Organization (GOFO) to gain an organic education and a fun interactive experience with a farm manager.

The special event to benefit GOFO on June 13, at the 10-acre, USDA-certified Cliffs Organic Farm, features 155 different heirloom varieties of vegetables, fruits and culinary herbs, grown using sustainable, organic production practices. The event begins at 8 a.m. with a tour of the farm.

Interactive activities such as weeding, composting, sowing and harvesting will follow, along with a special picnic lunch prepared by the La Bastide Restaurant chefs. An informal discussion on organic farming at 3:30 p.m. concludes the event.

The Cliffs Organic Farm’s produce is used at La Bastide in Traveler’s Rest and at the Clubhouse restaurants in the Cliffs Communities.

Please bring hats, gloves, water and sunscreen for your protection.

Cost is $25 per adult and $15 per child (ages 8-14), with farm lunch included.

Register at GreenvilleOrganicFoods.org or call Viviane Trama at 864-787-4999.

June 2009

Coming in July

Uplift and Revitalize the Mind, Body and Spirit

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pstate Colonics owner, Angela Toplovich, is now offering Biomat sessions, a companion to physical therapy and flexibility training. An FDA-registered medical device, the Biomat has been found to help the body reduce swelling and inflammation by improving lymph flow; relieving pain and joint stiffness; reducing stress and fatigue; removing wastes and toxins; boosting energy and vitality; and inducing a deepDelta state of relaxation.

“It’s quite an enjoyable experience to listen to relaxing music playing in the background while you are lying for 30 minutes on a warm massage table and benefiting from the far-infrared technology of the Biomat,” says Toplovich, who suggests that we need to implement any and everything we can to detoxify our bodies from the environmental, physical, and mental stresses in our daily lives. “All it takes is 30 minutes, and it will make a difference,” adds Toplovich, who says that sessions can also speed recovery time.

Natural FOODS What’s Best?

ORGANIC...

LOCAL...

RAW...

Find out how to make the best choices for you and the planet in Natural Awakenings’ special Natural Foods issue in July.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

864-248-4910

Upstate South Carolina

Mention you saw this story in Natural Awakenings to Angela, and receive a 30-minute Biomat session for only $20. For more information, call 864-963-4466.

See ad, page 24.

Labor Assistant Receives Midwifery Certification and License

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mart Pregnancy & Birth is pleased to announce that Jami Morris, who has worked with Susan Smart, Licensed Midwife, for the past three years as a labor assistant at births, has completed her studies and apprenticeship and passed the North American Registry of Midwives exam, to become a Certified Professional Midwife. She has also completed oral exams for the state of South Carolina and is licensed to serve women in pregnancy and birth with primary care.

In addition to her experiences with Smart, Morris has worked for more than 12 years attending women at birth as a labor assistant and doula with Tavish Brinton, in Leesville, bringing a wealth of knowledge and caring to birthing women.

Morris will continue to work with Smart at Smart Pregnancy & Birth to provide women with the option of having a personable, caring and safe home birth or birth center delivery.

In addition to delivery care, Smart Pregnancy & Birth provides in-home prenatal and postpartum care, along with a water birth option.

For more information, contact Susan Smart at 864-909-0042. See ad, page 27.

communityspotlight

Live Oak Farm Farming at an Organic Pace

by Linda Sechrist

Next came four St. Croix ewes and one buck. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists the St. Croix as threatened, meaning that the global population is fewer than 5,000, with less than 1,000 in the United States. “We have seven lambs now,” adds Wilson, “and we will be enlarging the flock, because the lamb is in high demand.”

Wilson’s initial flock of 55 chickens was comprised of New Hampshire Reds. Every spring, he purchases another heritage breed. “My chickens are all foragers that are less dependent on being fed,” advises Wilson. He points out that free-range chickens and eggs have much better flavor than products from caged poultry.

Narragansett, Chocolate and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys come and go at Live Oak. Wilson buys young toms and hens during the first week of June;

by Thanksgiving or Christmas, they are ready to fill holiday orders. Live Oak Farm has sold more turkey in the last two years than any other meat.

Farming with Horses Cassie and Ron Wilson with grandchildren (from left to right); Charles Schaum, Aidan Schaum, Madeline Schaum, Jackson Schaum, Bentley Pressley, Alexandra Pressley and Wilson Pressley

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n the idyllic farm scene depicted in the famous children’s song, “Old MacDonald’s Farm,” the animals, with their moos, baas, clucks and gobbles, were not raised on industrial farms, but instead, lived blissfully free of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, antimicrobial agents and synthetic growth hormones.

But, reality changed for farmers after 1947, when factory farms, herbicides and a host of other chemical agents enabled farmers to produce more food, faster, to feed a rapidly growing population. Although most of the global population of 6.5 billion continues to depend on large factory farms for the majority of its food, more small farmers, like Ron Wilson, coowner of Live Oak Farm, are returning to a way of farming—as well as a way of life—prevalent during the first half of the 20th century.

Wilson and his wife Cassie purchased 80 acres of farmland in 1999.

Today, their two daughters, with their spouses and seven grandchildren, take care of the day-to-day operations of their “certified naturally grown” farm.

Protecting Livestock from Extinction Certified for humane treatment of farmed animals, Live Oak is home to several breeds of livestock that, without the help of small farmers like Wilson, will likely make it onto the list of endangered species. For example, the American Red Devon, a breed of cow whose descendants still graze the fields of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon home, now forage in Wilson’s pesticide-free pastures. “Cattle were the first animals on our farm,” notes Wilson, who started his herd with four cows and a bull.

A bleating, hardy herd of San Clemente goats was added to the farm in 2007. But the newest sounds that have made their way into Wilson’s barn are the soft neighs and whinnies from two teams of Suffolk draft horses that the family employs to work the fields. “My son-in-law, Chuck, called me after his first time of working with them,” shares Wilson. “A smile came over my face when I heard him say, ‘I can see why you wanted to get rid of the tractors and use these magnificent animals.’”

Wilson first became interested in plowing with horses after reading an article about why draft horses are enjoyable, because they work at the pace of man. “I thought about all the time-saving devices, like tractors, that still don’t afford us enough moments for relaxing. Now, walking behind a team of horses or sitting on a plow that they are pulling, offers a slower, more relaxing pace of life that we want to have here on the farm.”

In addition to livestock, Live Oak Farm also grows vegetables that are raised according to Certified Naturally Grown standards and sold at local farmers’ markets. During the academic

June 2009

Chuck Schaum working the farm year, the farm also conducts school field trips.

Cherished Childhood Memories Thoughts of farming were never far from Wilson’s mind after leaving the small farm in western Tennessee where he grew up. “I never got tired of reading books like Wendell Berry’s The Unsettling of America or the Small Farmer’s Journal,” he recalls.

When he started Live Oak Farm, Wilson’s intention was to have a small operation of raising livestock and growing vegetables for his immediate family, but Live Oak has grown to become a staple in the community, due to local interest. “So many others wanted to be involved,” he enthuses.

Farm Store Opens to the Public

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.

And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.

- Dalai Lama

10

Upstate South Carolina

Live Oak is a work in progress that will soon reach a public crescendo, when their on-site farm store opens, selling meats and vegetables raised there. “We have all the equipment in place that we need and are just waiting on inspection,” reports Wilson. He notes that because he doesn’t have a dairy, he intends to collaborate with other local dairy farms to sell their products in the store.

Perhaps the evolving Live Oak enterprise, complete with local storefront, will offer surrounding townspeople the same sense of community that Wilson recalls from his own childhood.

“My dad,” he says, “would go to the mill to buy feed and be gone half the day, because that’s where the residents of the community gathered to talk and socialize. I hope folks will feel that way when they come to our store.”

For more information, visit Live Oak Farm, 230 Sam David Rd., in Woodruff.

Call 864-476-0656 or email Allison@ LiveOakFarmsllc.com. Online, visit LiveOakFarmsllc.com. See ad, page 2.

healthbriefs

Happy at Work

Safer Water to Swim In T

he quality of the water in which we swim matters. A study presented at a 21st century symposium of the American College of Sports Medicine showed that 60 percent of men who swam for several minutes in water chlorinated at a concentration commonly found in home and public pools had an increased incidence of Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB).

Bronchoconstriction is the constriction of airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Lead researcher and medical doctor Arthur J. Williams notes that, “We’ve long suspected that chlorine has an adverse effect on the respiratory health of swimmers.

Now we know the likelihood increases significantly with the concentration of chlorine used.”

What can a pool owner do to keep his family safe while enjoying summer fun in the water? Bruce Rowland, owner of Bruce’s Pool Service, LLC, in Greenville, advises us to first become aware of the risks of chlorine, particularly at an indoor pool. Currently, almost all public pools in the Upstate area use chlorine as a disinfectant. Community residents need to petition public facilities and officials to consider available alternatives to chlorine, including UV lights, ozone and silver/copper generators.

“For families with backyard pools, the upfront cost for converting from chlorine to another form of water purifying can be offset by long-term savings on chemical costs,” Rowland says. Also, new technology used in several pumps now on the market can reduce electricity costs by 70 percent over older pumps. It’s best to ask a progressive pool maintenance company about eco-friendly alternatives.

To find more happiness in your work, pause to remember what it is you love about what you do, and you will be a happier, more productive employee. A recent study by the University of Alberta demonstrated how a shift in thought was all that was needed to drop employee absenteeism by 60 percent and turnover by 75 percent in two Canadian long-term healthcare facilities.

Source: Bruce Rowland, owner of Bruce’s Pool Service, LLC, has a master’s degree in health and exercise science. For more information call 864-884-2804.

Nature’s Viagra

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atermelon, America’s all-time summer favorite, delivers more than just a juicy cool-down. According to a Texas A&M University study, the summer fruit may enhance libido in much the same way that Viagra does.

“The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is, in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” says Bhimu Patil, Ph.D., director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, in College Station. Patil and his fellow researchers have discovered that a special nutrient in watermelon, called citrulline, has the ability to relax blood vessels, similar to the action of common male sexual enhancement drugs.

How does it work? When consumed, the body converts the citrulline to arginine, an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and the circulation system by boosting nitric oxide, which in turn relaxes blood vessels, conferring basically the same effects Viagra does in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Although watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, it is still a great way to relax blood vessels. Even better, watermelon has none of the drug’s side effects.

Phosphates Alert New research suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, found in a variety of processed foods, including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products, might speed the growth of lung cancer tumors and may even contribute to development of such tumors in individuals predisposed to the disease.

Source: American Thoracic Society, 2008

June 2009

11

Coming in August

Children’s natural hormone HEALTH help for men

by Linda Sechrist

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Start the school year with a strong immune system.

Find great tips to help your child stay healthy all year long in the August edition of Natural Awakenings.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

864-248-4910 12

Upstate South Carolina

hen Charles “Sonny” Odom was diagnosed in 2001 with osteopenia, a state of low bone mineral density that is a precursor to osteoporosis, he began to research his options.

He discovered that there was little he could do to rebuild the missing density, so he sought the help of Dr. J. Clif Caldwell, co-founder of LivingWell Healthcare, in Easley. What he learned surprised him. “Dr. Caldwell said that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would be a valuable precautionary measure,” relates Odom.

Caldwell asserts that hormone levels are a commonly under-diagnosed area among men. He explains that “The majority of men are hesitant to see a physician about something they don’t understand.”

His business partner, Cheryl Middleton, a certified physician’s assistant, agrees. “Men don’t spend much time reading about health issues,” she says.

“That’s something women do.”

Odom was different, because he had already done his homework before he walked in the door. “I was doing what I could for myself by regularly taking calcium carbonate and working out Monday through Friday,” he acknowledges.

At 67, Odom and his wife, 65, continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.

He’s been a member of a local gym for 15 years; his wife has been a member for 35 years. “We knew long ago that bone loss can be slowed or prevented by building muscle,” advises Odom, whose earliest visible symptom of decreased hormone levels appeared in the form of longer recovery times from physical exercise. “We both still work, and we believe in taking good care of ourselves, so that we can continue to

have the energy, stamina and strength to enjoy many of the things that younger individuals do.”

Impacts of Low Hormone Levels Caldwell explains that, “Low testosterone levels can increase the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and prostate cancer. The Archives of Internal Medicine reports a study of men, ages 45 to 85, that demonstrated that those with higher testosterone had a 15 percent reduction in mortality from all causes.

The next year, a follow-up study pushed the results closer to 30 percent.”

On average, only 5 percent of men seek treatment for hormonal replacement, because the changes in their bodies aren’t as dramatic as those in a woman’s—and many don’t know that hormone replacement therapy is available for males. Men frequently attribute their less noticeable symptoms and loss of testosterone, crucial for building muscle and retaining memory, with getting older.

“Typically, there are only two reasons a man seeks a doctor’s help for hormonal fluctuations,” quips Caldwell.

“The first is due to sexual dysfunction and the second is because his wife made the appointment.”

A man’s testosterone levels can begin falling at age 26, from one to three percent a year. By his 40s and 50s, the loss can be dramatic. Levels may diminish up to 50 percent, which is when symptoms of weight gain, sexual dysfunction, memory loss, lack of motivation and slower recovery time after physical exertion become more obvious.

Bioidentical hormones can provide relief within a month. However, Caldwell reports that it typically takes

Cheryl Middleton and Dr. J. Clif Caldwell

longer to restore depleted hormone levels and experience the full spectrum of benefits. “We aren’t using pharmaceutical agents to penetrate tissues that are starved for hormones,” he advises, “so it generally takes six to eight months for hormones to saturate and accumulate in the tissues.”

Establishing a Baseline Caldwell recommends that all men see a physician around age 26 to begin the monitoring of hormones. Middleton adds that testing at this age establishes a baseline, a good starting point for prescribing bioidentical hormones later in life. Middleton observes that without that reference point, it can be challenging to determine if a man’s youthful levels of testosterone were low, middle or high. “A man who was a sports jock likely had high levels,” she says, “whereas, one who was more interested in books, music or art probably had lower levels. Asking questions about a patient’s history gives some idea of where to begin.”

Reduced hormone levels can also leave a man feeling psychologically like he’s lost his competitive edge. “Men are what they do,” explains Caldwell. “Ask a man who he is, and he will tell you about what he does. Therefore, it’s not surprising that when a man loses his ambition, motivation and drive, it’s usually the first thing his partner notices.”

Balancing Hormones with a Healthy Lifestyle

Caldwell studied a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to anti-ag-

ing medicine at Cenegenics Medical Institute and has been practicing in the field for 10 years. LivingWell Healthcare specializes in hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.

His familiarity with the effects of aging provides the foundation for his philosophy on bio-identical hormones.

When asked about associated risks in men, Caldwell references a retrospective analysis by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center published in The New England Journal of Medicine. “We reviewed decades of research,” said Abraham Morgentaler, a urologist at the center and associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, “and found no compelling evidence that testosterone replacement therapy increases the incidence of prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease.” Morgentaler noted that absent data from long-term, large-scale studies, a substantial body of research on the effects of testosterone in men exists.

Regular monitoring of the prostate during testosterone therapy is mandatory.

“Restoring libido is great,” concludes Caldwell, “but I’m more concerned about taking care of my patient’s bones and brains. Balancing hormones, eating properly and exercising are vital in the treatment of any health challenge.”

In addition to educating patients on such issues, he and Middleton present monthly community seminars on various health topics.

Dr. J. Clif Caldwell earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1990 and completed his internship and residency in family practice at Self Memorial Hospital in 1993. His board certification is in family practice. He also practices emergency medicine, in addition to his duties at LivingWell.

Cheryl Middleton earned her physician’s assistant degree from Emory University in 1987. She has been actively practicing medicine for 20 years.

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June 2009

13

healthykids

Fabulous Father’s Day Do-It-Yourself Gifts for Under $10

by Helen Coronato

F

ather’s Day is a good time to remind Dad of how special and loved he is. With a little ingenuity, toddlers to teens can skip commercial products and commemorate the day with memory-making ideas that go easy on their piggybank and the Earth.

Toddlers Hand Print ~ Capture the attention of little hands, as well as their shape, by mixing one cup of applesauce with one and a quarter cup of cinnamon in a bowl. Knead well, shape into a ball and roll out on a counter. Gently push your child’s hand down to make an imprint.

Let dry completely.

Workshop Storage Containers ~ Wash and dry used baby food jars. Have your toddler paint the outside of the jars, using equal parts glue and paint and then, while they’re still tacky, help him or her cover the jars with bits of tissue paper.

Next, apply another coat of the paint/ glue mixture.

While drying,

paint caps. Together, sort screws, nails, bolts and other small items into different jars, fastening one item from each jar to the top of the cap, using a strong adhesive (adult job).

Preschoolers

Laptop Montage ~ Remind Dad of home while he’s at the office by creating a picture montage for his laptop computer. Help your preschooler choose a selection of digital family photos and program the screensaver to show him how much he’s loved.

High Seas Adventure ~ If Dad dreams of a sailing adventure, create his own personalized fleet. Cut a piece of construction paper into a triangle to make the sail and decorate with markers and stickers. Along the longest edge, punch three holes and weave a plastic straw through. Anchor the bottom of the straw with a small ball of Play-Doh. Attach the anchored sail to the top of a plastic lid, such as the cover of a large yogurt container. Make several boats of various sizes and shapes.

Elementary Students Month-long Fun ~ Because Father’s Day is June 21, brainstorm 21 simple things Dad likes to do, have and eat. Print out a blank June calendar on recycled paper and fill in his favorites, so he can look forward to, for example, a game night in his honor on a Tuesday, a fresh pack of gum on a Thursday and pizza at six on a Saturday night. Have children assemble needed supplies and info before June 1, so that the daily gifts are ready to be given.

Baked Treat ~ Help your child measure out all ingredients, store each in a sepa-

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Upstate South Carolina

rate sealed food container, and then wrap everything in a box topped with the recipe. When Dad unwraps the ready-to-go recipe, he’s all set for an easy-bake treat with his little one.

Tweens Cherished Memories ~ Organize children to scour the house for small conversation pieces that symbolize Dad. Maybe a golf ball, if he shares his passion for the sport with the kids; a fork, if family barbecues are a specialty; or his favorite weekend baseball cap.

Place items in a box with a handmade note thanking Dad for the memories, for who he is and all that he does.

Plant Family Roots ~ Contact a local nursery to find the best types of trees to plant in your area. Or, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at ArborDay.org/shopping/giveatree to learn how you can have a tree planted in Dad’s honor in a national forest.

Teens Good Vibes ~ Give dad the gift of relaxation, motivation or stimulation with a personalized music mix. Fill his iPod or burn CDs with labeled musical themes, such as TGIF – Music for the Weekend or Traffic Tranquility – Soothing Sounds for the Morning Rush. Enjoy researching some of Dad’s favorite tunes and introducing him to some new sounds, too.

Value Dad’s Counsel ~ Tear out, trim and recycle used pages from a discarded notebook and turn it into a new keepsake. Have your teen brainstorm a list of questions he wants to ask Dad; everything from, “What was your favorite thing to do when you were my age?” to “If you could change one decision in your life, what would it be?” Have your teen type each question onto a mailing label, attach one question per blank page and invite Dad to share his answers.

Helen Coronato is a mother, author, speaker and consultant. Her latest book, Eco-Friendly Families, is packed with concrete advice, useful tips and fun strategies for families who want to go green. Visit HelenCoronato.com for more eco-living tips.

healingways

Get Good ZZZs

by Amber Lanier Nagle

Before reaching for a sleep aid, try these suggestions:

Wind down. Drobnich also recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down in the hour before going to bed: soak in a warm bath, read a book, meditate or listen to calming music. By doing the same things each night and avoiding stimulation, we signal the body that it is time to rest.

Establish a schedule. For regular ZZZs, “Stick to a regular schedule; go to sleep and wake up at around the same times each day, even on weekends,” urges Drobnich. “Our bodies are on a 24-hour clock. Consistency strengthens our biological rhythm and helps us sleep soundly.”

Avoid eating and drinking near bedtime. A full stomach may keep some people awake at night, so don’t eat a heavy meal within two to three hours of bedtime (this also supports weight loss).

To prevent sleep from being interrupted by a trip to the bathroom, don’t drink fluids after 8 p.m.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

Professionals agree that avoiding these substances for at least four hours before bedtime helps settle the body for a good night’s rest. Caffeine, found in coffee, teas, sodas and chocolate, is a stimulant that works to keep us awake or interrupt sleep later in the night.

Although alcohol, a depressant, might make falling asleep easier, it can disrupt deep sleep later in the cycle. While tobacco products tend to make us feel relaxed, the nicotine they contain acts as a powerful stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, making the smoker feel more alert, not ready for sleep.

Exercise regularly. Studies show that regular exercise can improve nighttime rest, but try to finish the day’s workout at least five hours before bedtime.

You lie awake at night, tossing and turning, your mind racing. Some nights you have trouble falling asleep; on others, you wake in the wee hours and can’t return to sleep. If you aren’t getting a full night of restful slumber, you’re not alone.

A

ccording to the National Sleep Awareness Roundtable, more than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems, while 20 million more report spells of insomnia related to heightened anxiety, stress and depression. Whatever the cause, lack of sleep can be simply maddening.

Darrel Drobnich, chief program officer of the roundtable, affirms that sleep is just as important as diet and exercise to our overall wellness. When we sleep soundly, our bodies and minds perform more efficiently. When we don’t, we lose the ability to concentrate on daily tasks, struggle with moodiness, experience problems with memory and fail to manage stress gracefully.

More, sleep scientists worldwide are evaluating the correlation between lack of sleep and heart disease, obesity, diabetes, immune system dysfunction and other serious illnesses.

According to the American Sleep Association, the amount of sleep needed depends on the individual.

On average, adults require seven to eight hours a day; infants, 16 hours; teenagers, nine.

The sleepless often seek relief with over-the-counter and prescription medications, but several more natural sleep-inducing habits may be just as effective at facilitating better shuteye.

nothing else.” Keep the bedroom at an optimal temperature setting—neither too hot nor too cold. Use a comfortable mattress and pillow. Also, ensure that the room is as dark and quiet as possible. In homes and neighborhoods with lots of outside noise, try to block out sounds with a fan, white-noise machine or recordings of ocean waves or rain.

“People who have trouble falling or staying asleep also should avoid watching television, playing video games or working while in bed,” advises Drobnich. “You don’t want your brain to associate the bedroom with anything other than sleep and relaxation.”

Create the perfect sleep environment. “Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary,” counsels Drobnich. “Make sure that it is conducive to sleep and

Fight the urge to nap. If you already have trouble sleeping at night, a nap may aggravate the problem. If a nap is absolutely necessary, limit it to a brief, 15-to-20-minute snooze.

If these sleep-inducing techniques fail to solve sleeplessness, experts advise that we see a health care professional. The problem may involve sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome or a more serious health problem.

Remember that almost everyone has trouble sleeping from time to time, but good habits set the stage for a restful night’s sleep. By making sleep a wellness priority, you will get back to getting some good ZZZs.

June 2009

15

greenliving

CLEAN COOL CARS Today’s Buyers’ Market Guide

by Jim Motavalli

W

hile 2009 is shaping up as the most challenging year in the history of the auto industry, the new car shopper can take advantage of the opportunity to step into a wealth of intriguing models, sweetened by a buyer’s market. Even long sought-after hybrids are crowding dealers’ lots. If you can’t get highly advantageous financing and steep discounts in this climate, you’re not trying.

The environmentally conscious showroom shopper can revel in the widest selection of hybrids ever available, from both domestic and foreign carmakers. Plug-in hybrids, with 30 to 40 miles of electric cruising range, and totally battery-powered electric vehicles are on the way. This year’s Detroit auto show demonstrated that the industry is finally evolving to become both leaner and greener. That’s something to celebrate.

Four-Door Family Cars: Honda Insight and Toyota Prius New on dealer lots, Honda’s Insight is giving Toyota and its all-new Prius a run for the money. The $19,800 Insight (not to be confused with an earlier, tiny, two-door model of the same name) is the most affordable hybrid on the market. It sports a four-cylinder engine and nickel-metalhydride hybrid battery system, generating 98 horsepower.

It shares a roofline with the Prius, and is clearly aimed at Toyota’s runaway success (600,000 sold in the U.S. since 2000). The Insight is smaller than the Prius, without as many features, but it delivers 40 miles per gallon city and 43 mpg highway. The kicker is that the LX Insight is priced below the least expensive 2010 Prius. Most customers will probably order the EX, which for $21,300, adds an upgraded audio system, cruise control and heated door mirrors ($23,100 with navigation).

The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius is slightly bigger and more powerful than the 2004-2009 second-generation model, and offers better gas mileage than its predecessor—50 mpg combined. Prices for five levels of standard equipment options start at $21,000-$22,000 (level five is $27,270).

Available whiz-bang extras include a solar roof, sensors that keep it in its own lane and park-itself technology.

Sports Car: Tesla Roadster Everything about the Tesla Roadster is outsized—from price to performance—except the car itself, which is tiny.

Based on a British Lotus, with a smaller footwell than that typically found in American cars, the two-seat Roadster is a rip-roaring performance car, delivering 0-to-60 mph in four seconds. The 248 horsepower comes not from a V-8 engine of yore, but from an electric motor and a microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack, with 6,000 individual cells.

The Roadster has the best cruising range of any battery car, at 244 miles. A brief, but vivid, test drive proves that the hype is true—the car pins your back to the seat and raises the hair on your arms. The price is eye-opening, too, at $109,000, but a more affordable Model S sedan is on the way.

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Upstate South Carolina

Family SUV: Ford Escape Hybrid

Economy Car: Ford Focus

Only one family-friendly, fuel-efficient, hybrid sports utility vehicle comes courtesy of an American company—the Ford Escape Hybrid, which debuted in 2005 and was updated in 2008. The deal here is that drivers get to combine 30 mpg from a hybrid drive train with the 177 horsepower of a V-6.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine attaches to two electric motors and a fuel-saving, continuously variable transmission (CVT). Regenerative breaking turns energy from the car’s motion into electricity that recharges the battery. Escape prices start around $27,000, but buyers may well consider adding the optional Sync audio system; its voice interface and ability to play any USB-enabled device is unparalleled.

The Focus available today, starting at $16,400, is already a partial-zero emissions vehicle, meaning that its tailpipe emissions are cleaner than 90 percent of all cars and trucks on the road. Assuming Ford survives, the next Focus, available late next year, will manifest a total redesign, with the whole Earth in mind.

Europe got a new Focus in 2005, but the United States, in a cost-cutting move, has been soldiering on with the C1 design, introduced in 2000. The latest, 2011 model, is a world car; it must appeal to fuel-stingy Europeans, as well as highway-oriented Americans.

The new C3 Focus will be slightly larger, with more attention paid to its carbon footprint, through the use of lightweight metals and other materials, improved fuel economy and emissions. The four-cylinder engine could support efficient direct injection, in which fuel directly enters combustion chambers, and cylinder deactivation, in which two or four cylinders are shut off at cruising speeds. A hybrid version is possible; a clean, diesel option, hugely popular in Europe, where it provides tax advantages, is likely.

Car of the Future: Chevrolet Volt The Chevrolet Volt is in a race against time: Will this state-ofthe-art green sedan reach production before General Motors as we know it disappears? One hopes so, because its Voltec propulsion system is truly innovative. Specs confirm that the four-cylinder gas engine exists only to generate electricity for its electric motor, and is not connected to the wheels.

If claims on the order forms are true, the Volt, scheduled to appear in late 2010, as a 2011 model, will have a 40-mile all-electric range, perfect for the average roundtrip of 33 miles. With the gas engine, it has a whopping range of 640 miles. The Volt could be cheaper—price is estimated at $40,000—but a $7,500 federal tax credit will bring that down to $32,500. The Volt is understandably GM’s number one priority.

Note: Vehicle prices may vary.

Jim Motavalli is a freelance writer, speaker and author who specializes in environmental news. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.

June 2009

17

naturalpet

Up-to-Scratch Remedies They might be tiny, but they’re tough, hardy and persistent. If you share your life with a dog or cat, fleas are often a fact of life during warm weather months, which can be year-round in some climates. Implementing a holistically designed prevention and control program is the way to go. These seven suggestions will help you get through, flea-free.

by Ann Brightman

Start with Prevention

Don’t wait until fleas make their appearance before acting.

Taking preventative steps before flea season starts will help your dog or cat repel any they happen to pick up and minimize the chance of an infestation.

Diet The healthier and stronger your companion is, the less he or she will be affected by fleas. A primary way to keep in peak condition is providing a quality diet of whole, natural ingredients, free of hormones and pesticides. Try a raw frozen or premium canned food.

Supplements Flea-repelling supplements are generally good for overall health, as well. Salmon or flaxseed oils are full of essential fatty acids that promote healthy hair and skin. When introducing any supplement to an animal’s diet, it’s good to first consult with a holistic veterinarian.

Adding a clove of fresh grated garlic to a dog’s food each day helps build his immunity, while generating an odor fleas find unattractive. Note that many vets don’t recommend feeding garlic to cats, because it can sometimes damage their red blood cells and cause anemia. Try brewer’s yeast instead; it acts as flea repellent and is a good source of vitamin B1.

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Upstate South Carolina

Grooming Frequently brushing your dog or cat removes the dead hair, mats and tangles that provide a perfect hiding place for fleas.

Also invest in a flea comb, a fine-toothed grooming tool designed to snag adult fleas. Pay special attention to areas where fleas can congregate: under the legs, around the head and tail and on the belly area.

Bathing Regular bathing helps keep fleas off your animal. Use a gentle shampoo with natural ingredients that won’t dry out or irritate skin; aloe and oatmeal is an excellent choice. Soap well, especially in areas where fleas typically collect, and try to leave the lather on for 10 to 15 minutes, to drown existing fleas. Rinse thoroughly.

With dogs, product selections include natural shampoos, conditioners and rinses that contain flea-repelling essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, neem and citrus. These oils soothe and refresh skin and cut through odor and grease without drying the coat. Remember not to use essential oils on cats, as they are toxic to felines.

Control Measures

If you already have a serious flea problem, you’ll need to take additional measures. Because fleas reproduce

prolifically and rapidly, you need to break their life cycle to get rid of them.

While direct flea-repelling product applications can help, they don’t actually kill the fleas, eggs or larvae. So, in addition to looking after your animal’s hygiene and health, you also need to tackle his or her immediate environment.

Topicals For dogs with fleas, topical applications of essential oils can prove an effective alternative to traditional chemicals.

Tea tree oil is especially good and will kill fleas. Keep in mind that essential oils are strong and should be used sparingly; it’s best to dilute them with water. Consult with a professional aromatherapist for more detailed advice.

Again, do not use these oils on cats. Use aromatic hydrosols, instead.

Herbal flea powders and collars are another alternative—be sure to get a natural product.

a dessicant and work to break the life cycle by drying out flea eggs and larvae.

Outside the House In warm weather, fleas can live happily in the backyard, ready to jump on your animal companion as soon as he walks past. Clear the area of any piles of dead leaves, brush or other yard and garden debris where fleas like to hide. Also, keep dog houses or cat enclosures clean and dry.

Consider buying beneficial nematodes, naturally occurring microscopic worms that kill fleas by infesting their larvae.

Steinernema (Sc or Sf) varieties are the best.

Nematodes usually are available in a pellet or powdered form; just mix them with water and spread them over the area you wish to treat, using a watering can or sprayer.

In many regions, it’s still early in the year to be thinking about fleas. But, the sooner you put a prevention program in place, the better your companion will cope and the easier it will be to keep the situation under control.

Inside the House The next step is to go on a major cleaning spree. Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and upholstery, taking care to penetrate dark corners and crevices and along baseboards; dispose of the vacuum bag promptly. Launder anything washable in hot water, such as cushion covers, curtains or bedspreads; otherwise, use a green dry cleaner.

Frequently wash the animal’s bedding and regularly clean all surfaces he lies on. To help keep fleas from returning to the bedding, try sprinkling cedar shavings or lavender seeds in and around it.

You can also carefully sprinkle natural, unprocessed diatomaceous earth on carpets, along walls, in corner and cracks in the floor, even under sturdy upholstery. It will interrupt the fleas’ interior functions and kill them. Helpful, sodium-based flea-killing products act as

June 2009

19

consciouseating

A Flexitarian Diet for a Flexible Life

by Dawn Jackson Blatner

T

here’s a new term in town, ‘flexitarian’, which gives us a handle on what many of us are likely doing anyway; we are inclined to eat less meat and more plant foods, but not ready to completely give up chicken or the occasional burger. According to a national survey reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, even the majority of vegetarians don’t do it 100 percent of the time. But, the benefits of eating flexibly vegetarian are many.

First, there are no forbidden foods.

Becoming a flexitarian is more about making healthful changes gradually, so they become a natural part of our daily routine. It doesn’t require dramatically starting over by clearing out the fridge and cupboards or buying hundreds of dollars worth of special diet foods. The flexitarian diet I’ve devised relies mostly on common ingredients and cutting back on meat, while eating in a way that is familiar.

When starting out, I encourage people to take it slow, with three steps:

Step One: Add, Don’t Subtract.

Instead of trying to completely cut out meat, focus on adding beans, veggies, fruits and whole grains to current meals and recipes. For example, instead of giving up the family’s favorite beef dish, boost its nutritional value by adding more chopped vegetables and kidney beans to the original version.

Step Two: Do the 50/50 Swap. Now,

aim to decrease the meat in daily meals by half and swap in plant proteins such as black beans, pinto beans, white beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans and lentils.

A perfect swap is 1/4 cup of beans for each ounce of meat or poultry. For

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Upstate South Carolina

example, instead of tacos with 4 ounces of chicken, make chicken and black bean tacos, with 2 ounces of chicken and 1/2 cup black beans. (Use rinsed and drained canned beans.)

Step Three: Try Meat-Free Recipes.

Next, try at least one new completely vegetarian recipe each week, to build up the family’s meat-free cooking repertoire. Get recipes from friends, websites, cookbooks and magazines. Find inspiration for vegetarian options at favorite local restaurants. The Flexitarian Diet serves up more than 100 fast and flavorful recipes.

One meat-free recipe a week can easily turn into an entire meat-free day. Expert flexitarians work up from a couple of meatless days a week, eating a maximum total at 26 ounces of meat or poultry per week, and wind up with five meatless days, or just 9 ounces of meat or poultry a week.

Direct Health Benefits

Dozens of scientific studies analyzed by Nutrition Reviews revealed that people who eat a 100 percent vegetarian diet generally weigh about 15 percent less than meat eaters. An article in the International Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders reports that many other studies show that semi-vegetarians (or flexitarians) reap weight loss benefits, as well.

More, flexitarians enjoy lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure than carnivores. The American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that following a flexitarian diet can reduce the risk of cancer by upwards of 40 percent.

Finally, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that flexitarians live 3.6 years longer than non-vegetarians.

Achieving Nutritional Balance

Although it is possible to obtain total balanced nutrition from a plantbased diet, flexitarians need to pay particular attention to 10 vital nutrients: vitamins A, D, B2 and B12, iodine, iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Following is a helpful, fourpoint checklist to ensure these specific nutrient needs are met every day: 1) Eat orange and green produce regularly for vitamin A. 2) Drink organic milk or almond milk regularly for quick calcium, vitamin D, B12 and riboflavin (B2).

3) Shake ground flaxseed on cereal, yogurt and salads, or use flaxseed oil on raw or cooked foods, for omega-3 fatty acids.

4) Include plant proteins such as beans and lentils to meet protein, iron and zinc needs.

Vegetarianism has long been recognized as the ultimate way to eat for weight loss and optimal health. Now, you can reap similar benefits without completely giving up meat.

On your mark, get set, flex.

Dawn Jackson Blatner is a registered dietitian and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. She is the online nutritionist for Lifetime Television, a food blogger with USA Today and a natural cooking instructor at The Chopping Block Cooking School.

For information on her recipes and guidebook, The Flexitarian Diet, visit DawnJacksonBlatner.com.

Flexitarian for the Family

by Dawn Jackson Blatner Grilled Primavera & Fresh Herb Penne Makes 8 servings (about 1.5 cups each).

2 cups (uncooked) whole wheat penne pasta 1 small bunch asparagus 3 large carrots (with green tops on) 1 small sweet onion, sliced 1 large portabella mushroom cap 1 zucchini Olive oil cooking pump spray Salt and pepper Fresh Herb & Olive Oil Pasta Dressing ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar ¼ cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) ¼ cup olive oil 2 cups fresh basil, parsley and chives, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast) Grill vegetables, using olive oil pump spray and salt and pepper. Boil and drain penne. Use food processor to blend dressing ingredients. Toss veggies, pasta and dressing. Top with cheese or nutritional yeast.

California Burger Makes 6 burgers. Serve on whole grain hamburger buns.

2 cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1-2 tablespoons olive oil 3 green onions, finely chopped 1 large carrot, shredded Salt and pepper to taste 1/3 -½ cup whole wheat flour Burger Topping 1.5 cups broccoli sprouts 1 avocado 1 medium tomato 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce In food processor or with hand blender, puree beans and oil until smooth. Stir in onions, carrots, salt and pepper. Add in flour until mixture comes together.

Form six patties. Grill until each side is browned (about 4 minutes per side).

Place burger on bun, then pile high with sprouts, avocado, tomato and barbecue sauce.

Inventive Meals

Recent research reported in Psychology and Behavior suggests that a monotonous diet can lead to food cravings. Experimenting with new, flexitarian foods can pump exciting variety into any eating routine.

Instead of…

Green beans Peanut butter Sugar Couscous or rice Chicken breast Olive oil vinaigrette Parmesan cheese Shredded cheese on pizza Sour cream on tacos Chocolate pudding Milk-based smoothie Salt and pepper Granola Cookies for dessert

Try this…

Kale or swiss chard Sunflower seed butter Agave nectar Quinoa Tofu cutlet Flaxseed oil vinaigrette Nutritional yeast Pinenut-topped flatbread Guacamole (made with white beans) Chocolate tofu mousse Kefir-based smoothie Curry powder or seaweed sprinkle Swiss muesli Brown rice mochi

Grilled Pineapple with Vanilla Maple Pecan Syrup Serves 6 and may be served over light vanilla ice cream.

1 whole pineapple 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1 vanilla bean ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped ¼ cup candied ginger, chopped Cut pineapple into 12 large chunks.

Grill about 8 minutes (turning every 2-3 minutes), until fruit has grill marks.

In sauce pan, add maple syrup, scraped vanilla beans and vanilla bean pod.

Bring to a boil and turn off heat.

Remove pod. Drizzle some syrup on plate, place grilled pineapple chunks on syrup and top with remaining syrup, pecans and candied ginger.

H

e is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

- Epictetus

Source: Dawn Jackson Blatner, registered dietitian

June 2009

21

Men Talk on Men’s Health Focus Shifts to Wellness and Prevention

by L. Lee Walker

A

sk any woman, and she’ll probably tell you that the man in her life refuses to ask for directions … and refuses to go to the doctor.

A recent survey from the American Academy of Family Physicians reports that 55 percent of men have not had a physical checkup in the last year and 29 percent indicated that they waited as long as possible to get help when they felt unwell.

“Although these statistics appear to be unreasonably high, they aren’t,” says Chiropractic Physician Dr. Roger Jaynes, owner of the Augusta Street Clinic, in Greenville. “In my more than 20 years of practicing wellness medicine, I’ve heard lots of reasons why men typically wait until there is some big problem before they visit the doctor. But, sometimes, too long can be too late, because the effect of heart problems, lost bone density and sexual dysfunction silently gain momentum in the body before they become serious.”

“Men commonly offer up excuses for their resistance,” says Jaynes, who is certified in constitutional homeopathy.

He notes that the majority of his male patients come in because they’ve had a nudge from a caring life partner and that it’s generally the wives who make the appointments. Like other wellnessminded physicians, he believes that, “Getting a man to think in terms of both wellness and prevention may be essential to shifting his attitude toward his health.”

The key to awareness and action, he suggests, is having a plan for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. “A plan for eating healthy, exercising and scheduling regular checkups,” he notes, “is like maintaining a car.” Any vehicle runs better and lasts longer with regularly scheduled main-

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Upstate South Carolina

More men are acting to prevent health problems before the “warning light” comes on. tenance. Fortunately, cars come with an owner’s manual. “Most of the new cars now even have a warning light to remind the owner that a tune-up is due,” Jaynes observes. “Unfortunately, our bodies don’t have one of these, so we have to count on our Daytimer or a caring partner to remind us.”

Investing in Health Brody Hankinson doesn’t have to schedule his exercise program in his Daytimer, because it’s part of his job as the owner of Fitway Personal Training Studios, in Greer. Hankinson reports an encouraging sign in men’s wellness. “We are seeing more men in the studio who are less concerned with a particular body look and more interested in mental and physical wellness,”

explains Hankinson. Feeling good just may be starting to take precedence over appearance, even among men in their prime.

Hankinson shares that regular exercise, which includes strength and aerobic training, is as significant to mental as to physical health. He explains that strength training puts a load on muscles and limbs; a higher than normal aerobic activity elevates the heart rate.

One of the ways that the body adapts to the increased demand is to ramp up production of testosterone, natural growth hormones and endorphins. “It’s the law of natural compensation,” he says. “Frequently, men who are taking medicine for depression and other physical problems can ease off of it,” when they engage in a program of regular exercise. “I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s like putting money in the bank and getting compounded interest.”

Investing in a healthy lifestyle also reaps lots of perks, like better self-esteem, increased confidence and longevity. “Feeling better,” Hankinson continues, “naturally creates a chain of positive events, which often entails motivation to eat better.”

His clients start with a nutrition plan. Ongoing fitness programs are a fusion of strength and resistance training, which includes free weights, machine weights, bands, Pilates, yoga, boxing and kickboxing, in addition to working with a personal fitness coach.

“Having a coach to monitor your progress and answer your questions when you reach a plateau or want to overcome obstacles is no different than having a financial advisor whose expertise you seek out to develop a long-term investment plan,” says Hankinson.

“It sure beats reading a how-to book or watching an exercise DVD.”

Tools for Functional Fitness The majority of Fitway’s male clients desire enhanced levels of functional fitness. This translates into a program that enables them to work without getting hurt on jobs that require lifting or repeated movements, or to actively participate in their favorite sport.

As a triathlon athlete, Greg Spindler understands that functional fitness and quick physical recovery are two essential tools for an athlete who wants to realize his maximum potential. Both for himself and as the owner of Carolina Structural Energetic Therapy, in Greer, massage has always been Spindler’s recovery tool of choice.

Spindler, a former construction worker, specializes in cranial structural energetic therapy, which works with the structure of the body as it relates to the cranial component as well as the core of the body, where the tailbone and hipbones meet. “If there is not enough integrity or strength in these areas, there will be instability in multiple other

areas,” advises Spindler, who points out that the compensation rule applies throughout the body. For instance, a discrepancy in the length of the legs can cause the hip muscle to work too hard; or, if the knee is rotated in, then the foot is potentially rotated outward, which can cause a collapse of the arch.

Generally, athletes simply want to get better faster; Spindler’s male clients want to get out on weekends and do what they love—run, bike and hike, play tennis, golf or racquetball, or participate in various other sports. “In the past, many men saw massage as only a spa or feel-good thing, but I am seeing an attitude change in my clients.” He acknowledges that, “We’re coming out of a no-pain/no-gain society, in which it was considered sissy to get a massage.

To be a man, men were expected to suck up the pain. Now, it’s more about reaping the rewards of being proactive in taking charge of one’s own health matters.”

Spindler estimates that a number of his male clients are outside-the-box thinkers, who are taking the initiative in order to find answers that differ than those they were brought up with.

Even though some clients still initially seek him out for pain relief, rather than maintenance and prevention, he is happy to see them walk through the door.

“I might be their last resort, because they’ve tried everything else,” says Spindler, “but when they realize the buck stops here, they generally become regular clients and refer their friends, family members and other athletes.”

It turns out that these days, real men write their own health plan, with the assistance of health professionals.

Sometimes, the plan even makes it into their Daytimer.

Contact Dr. Roger Jaynes at Augusta Street Clinic, 1521 Augusta St., in Greenville, or call 864-232-0082. Visit AugustaStClinic.com.

Contact Brody Hankinson at Fitway Personal Training Studios at 2 locations-Seneca 864-985-1850 and Greenville-East 864-335-8811 or visit MyFitWay.com.

Contact Greg Spindler at Carolina Structural Energetic Therapy, 107 Memorial Dr., in Greer, or call 864-8773500. Visit GregSpindler.com.

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calendarofevents Note: Dates are subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm dates and times of events. How to submit: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Please help by following the format as seen below and email listings to Publisher@UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com.

Non-advertiser calendar entries are subject to space availability.

saturday, JUNE 6 National Trails Day – Get out and explore all the wonderful trails and parks the Upstate has to offer.

SouthCarolinaParks.com.

First Saturday Markets in Travelers Rest – 8am.

Farmers’ market featuring local growers, an art market from 9am-1pm, special offers by the downtown merchants on everything from coffee to footwear all day, a Gourd carving class at Trillium Arts from 9am-1pm (reserve a space), live music and beer at the Cafe at Williams Hardware starting at 5:30pm, and a gallery opening at Trillium Arts at 7pm. Bike or walk, and enjoy the Swamp Rabbit Trail that runs throughout downtown Travelers Rest. More information: 414-1966 or 834-2388.

Spring Native Seed Collection Trip – 9am-4:30pm.

Native Plant Society. Tour country roadsides in Pickens and Greenville counties and see many native grass and wildflower species. Collect seeds of oat grass, needle grass, ragwort, and other native perennial forbs and grasses with mature seed. Enjoy the outdoors and learn about native grasses and perennials. Travel back roads, and eat lunch at a local restaurant. Free. Meet at the vans in the courthouse parking lot in Pickens. To register: 979-8034 or Catboyz@nctv.com. SCNPS.org.

Tree Walk with Trees Greenville – 9:30–11am. Scott Carlson, ISA Certified Arborist with Schneider Tree Care and Trees Greenville Board Member, will lead a tree ID walk. Learn about the trees that make up our regional native forest. Free. Meet at the Bell Tower at Furman University, Travelers Rest. 313-0765.

For more information on what to bring and where to meet, TreesGreenville.org.

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The Professors of Soul – 8pm. Hear classic soul, R&B, and other dance music. Cost: dinner and drinks. Burgundy Blues Jazz Club, 134-A N Main St, Anderson. 349-6500. BurgundyBlues.com.

sunday, JUNE 7 Hot Vinyasa Yoga Class for Newcomers – 10:45am.

Yoga with heat promotes overall detoxification and physical changes. Special for newcomers: $20 for a week’s pass or 2 cans of food donation. 90 Degrees Yoga, 115 Pelham Rd, Ste 11, Greenville. 631-8706.

90DegreesYoga.com.

Sunday Cinema: The Shift – 2pm. The first feature film by best-selling author, Dr. Wayne Dyer. The story of the most important moment of one’s life— when you stop striving and start arriving. It’s the choice made to move toward a life that gathers up the pieces of one’s best, most fulfilled, most loving self.

Start living a life rich with meaning and begin playing the music one came here to play. $5 suggested offering, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Unity Church, 207 E Belvue Rd, Greenville.

292-6499. UnityChurchOfGreenville.org.

tuesday, JUNE 9 Positive Psychology Coaching Class – 6-8pm.

Seven phone sessions thru June 25. Coaching strategies for developing a positive inspired lifestyle using the empowered self. Prerequisite basic course in coaching and knowledge of the Insight Transformation process. Life Coaching Institute, 211 Century Dr, Ste 215A, Greenville. Number for phone sessions given upon registration. 282-8989.

LifeCoachingInstitute.net.

tHURSday, JUNE 11 Furry Friends Day – Support a local animal organization by bringing in 2 cans of pet food and receive 15% off total purchase. Sale and other offers excluded. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville. 864-297-1105.

Bioenergetic Testing – 7pm. Dr. Jaynes will be discussing the history of Bioenergetic Testing as well as new developments in research concerning the testing and the use of natural therapies in treating common illnesses. Free. Earth Fare, 3620 Pelham Rd, Greenville. 232-0082. AugustaStClinic.com.

FRIday, JUNE 12 Chiropractic & Nutrition Screening – 2:305:30pm. Dr. Mike of Palmetto Clinic of Chiropractic will provide both spinal screenings and nutritional information to the public, including scheduling a free, private consultation as desired. Free. Migun of Greenville, 215 Pelham Rd, Ste B104 at Pelham Commons, Greenville. 242-1160. MigunOfGreenville.com.

Saturday, JUNE 13 Art & History Walking Tours – 10am-2pm. Tours begin at 11am. A day to discover the Pendleton Street Art district and historic West Greenville on foot. Tours starting at Shortyz Café in the West Greenville Plaza and ending at Coffee to a Tea. Free.

Shortyz Café, 1225 Pendleton St, Ste 8, Greenville.

373-9836.

Biofeedback for Proper Nutrition – 12-4pm. Find out exactly what nutritional supplements one’s body needs to function at its best every day. Jean Squires offers a simple biofeedback analysis of one’s body’s nutritional needs. Please call or email to sign up for a time slot in advance. $10/15-minute sessions. Migun of Greenville, 215 Pelham Rd, Ste B104 at Pelham Commons, Greenville. 242-1160.

MigunOfGreenville.com.

Cazbah Int’l Wine Fest: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Greenville – 7pm. Wine bottles will be popping during this fundraiser, where more than 100 wines from around the world will be sampled all along Trade Street in downtown Greer. Tickets $25 in advance, $35 at the event. For tickets, call: The Cazbah in Greenville, 241-9909; Make-A-Wish Foundation, 250-0702; or Vino 100, 236-8604.

Monday, jUNE 15 Children’s Art Camp: “Arts and Agriculture: Not everything comes in a box!” – Children will explore themes of “growing things” through projects that will include dyeing natural fibers with vegetables, spinning and weaving fiber, creating projects from seeds and gourds, creating a book and writing a story, and performing an original play.

They will meet a local farmer, an angora bunny and an alpaca. Trillium Arts Centre, 319 S Main St, Travelers Rest. 864-834-2388. Sign up online at TrilliumArtsCentre.org.

Yoga Summer Camps for Kids – 4-6 years.

Includes creative movement and flow; character development, alignment, safety in movement, art activities and emotional awareness. Yoganize, 2105 Old Spartanburg Rd, Greer. For more information and to inquire about camps for older children, contact Karen at 325-6053. Yoganize.com.

tuesday, JUNE 23 Digestive Health Seminar – 6:45pm. Jeff Thomas, CN, with National Institute for Nutritional Education, will discuss the importance of proper digestive health, and the many problems that individuals face. Complimentary lite vegetarian supper will be served. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville.

Call to reserve seating: 297-1105.

Story Tellers Guild Meeting – 7pm. Clemson Area Story Tellers (CAST) welcomes storytellers of all ages. CAST promotes and celebrates the art of storytelling, from novice to professional, dedicated listeners, and all those with an interest in the oral tradition. Free. The Arts Center (formerly known as Morrison Annex), 212 Butler Rd, Clemson. 6534932. ClemsonAreaStoryTellers@yahoo.com.

THURSDAY, jUNE 25 Thankful Thursday − Express gratitude by bringing in two canned goods or other nonperishable foods for local charity and receive 15% off one’s total purchase.

Sale items and other offers excluded. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville. 297-1105.

Retrain Your Brain: Live Stress Free – 7-8pm.

Learn a simple way that really works to release the

stress that’s causing one to search for such a solution.

Fran & Tova created Stress Release Technology 14 years ago in order to heal themselves. Stress Release Technology has created similar results in every single person. It is always successful. Free. Migun of Greenville, 215 Pelham Rd, Ste B104 at Pelham Commons, Greenville. 242-1160 or 561-3978. MigunOfGreenville.com. StressReleaseTechnology.com.

friDAY, jUNE 26 Motowne on Main – 8:30pm. The Professors of Soul perform classic soul, R&B, and other dance music. $5. Motowne on Main, 516 N Main St, Mauldin. 349-6500. MotowneOnMain.com.

saturDAY, jUNE 27 What is Pain? Seminar − 1:30pm. Presented by Dr. Paul Cosman. Many people are dealing with pain, taking NSAIDS, Celebrex, etc., and not getting to the root of the cause of the pain. Identify what may be the cause, and discuss possible remedies to help the body heal. Be Natural Wellness and Weight Loss Center, 300-G E Blackstock Rd, Spartanburg.

574-5468. BeNaturalShop.com.

wednesday, JUNE 17 Interior Feng Shui Workshop – 6-8pm. With Daniela Brueckner of The Door to All Wonders.

Enhance every aspect of one’s life with Feng Shui. $22. Kimah Healing Arts Center, 2112 Augusta St, Greenville. 232-3739 or 593-1829.

saturday, JUNE 20 Reiki I & II Class – June 20-21. 9am-6pm. An intensive class in Greer. For details or to register, call Diana 905-4407 or visit KnowThyselfHealingCenter.org.

Consciousness Workshop – 9:30am-6pm. With Nuclear physicist Thomas Campbell, author of My Big TOE Trilogy (MyBigTOE.com), takes participants on a journey of self-empowerment and discovery with this interactive experience exploring the origins and inner workings of consciousness. $95. Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St, Asheville.

For details: 704-451-4987. MBTEvents.com.

Migun at Whole Foods Market – 12-4pm. Relax while shopping. Migun of Greenville will be giving away 10-minute thermal massages and sampling other Migun products for the public at Whole Foods Market. Free. Whole Foods Market, 1140 Woodruff Rd, Ste 200, Greenville. Sign up: 242-1160 or 3352300. MigunOfGreenville.com.

Free Chiropractic Adjustments – 1-4pm. Dr. Rob Bousquet of The Joint McBee Station will be offering free chiropractic adjustments on a firstcome, first-serve basis with the purchase of one $15 Healthy Lounge service, hi-tech Massage, or Oxygen Session. Learn about 2 downtown Greenville businesses dedicated to improving one’s health and wellness both quickly and affordably. Healthy Lounge, Riverplace, river level, Ste 203, Greenville.

250-2811. HealthyLounge.com.

June 2009

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ongoingcalendar Note: Dates are subject to change.

Please use contact information to confirm dates and times of events.

How to submit: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Please help by following the format as seen below and email listings to Publisher@ UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com.

Non-advertiser calendar entries are subject to space availability.

Meditation in Action: Practices to Help Shift Your Inner State − 3:30-5pm. First Sunday each month.

Especially for those who have trouble with, or can’t find time for seated, close-eyed meditation. Contact a deep state of calm while in the midst of activity; learning to do this makes it easier to switch from unpleasant states of mind and heart to more positive ones during the course of the day. Class includes aerobic movement, Qi-gong, singing, vocal & body percussion, with brief moments of mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation, accompanied by live music. $10. North Main Yoga, 10 W Stone Ave, Greenville.

241-0870. YogaForTheMindAndHeart.com.

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Upstate South Carolina

Walk–Downtown Greer – 7:45am. All levels welcome, please bring water. Free. Meet at Kim’s Fabric’s, 228 Trade St, Greer.

Yoga Classes − 8:30am, all levels; 10:30 am, healing yoga therapy. Daily classes for all levels available on an ongoing basis. $80/10 classes. Yoganize, 2105 Old Spartanburg Rd, Greer. Contact Karen, 864-325-6053. Yoganize.com.

Yoga – 9am. Basic Yoga posture to develop strength, balance and flexibility. Increases focus and releases tension. Eastside Family YMCA, 1250 Taylors Rd, Taylors. 292-2790. YMCAGreenville.org.

Nia Dance Class – 5:30-6:30pm. Nia is a dancefitness class created from healing arts, dance arts, and martial arts, designed to remind us how to recapture the youthful feeling of joy in our bodies. Nia is low impact, conditions the heart, and increases muscle tone, bone density, flexibility, grace, and strength. $12 or 5/$50; first class free.

Kimah Healing Arts Center, 2112 Augusta St, Greenville. 430-7469.

Zumba – 6:45pm. Latin dance with a focus on core work. Peak Fitness, 1440 Pelham Rd, Greenville. Call Sabrina 281-0777. PeakFitnessClubs.com.

Nia Dance Class – 10am. Nia is a dance-fitness class created from healing arts, dance arts and martial arts, designed to remind us how to recapture the youthful feeling of joy in our bodies. Nia is low impact, conditions the heart, and increases muscle tone, bone density, flexibility, grace, and strength.

Free introductory class kicks off 6-week session. $65/members; $85/non-members. Life Center, 875 W Faris Rd, Greenville. 430-7469. GHS.org.

Farmers’ Market – 3-7pm. Fresh, local, and sustainably grown produce, meat, eggs, milk, flowers, and much more. Whole Foods Market parking lot nearest 1140 Woodruff Rd, Greenville. For more info: 335-2300. WholeFoodsMarket.com/Stores/ Greenville.

Walk–Downtown Greer – 5:45pm. All levels welcome, please bring water. Free. Meet at Kim’s Fabric’s, 228 Trade St, Greer.

Pants X Change – 6:30pm. A 12-week weight management system. Meets at Absolute Wellness, 122 Memorial Dr, Greer. 477–0115.

Migun 101: New Migun Bed Owner Class – 7pm.

Second Tuesday each month. How to better use and maintain one’s Migun investment. Talk to the experts (and other new Migun owners) about how to get the most from one’s Migun bed. Ask all the questions having a Migun bed at home, office or practice has generated. Migun of Greenville, 215 Pelham Rd, Ste B–104, Greenville. 242–1160.

MigunOfGreenville.com.

Zumba – 7pm. Dance one’s way to fitness with this Latin-themed class. Eastside Family YMCA, 1250 Taylors Rd, Taylors. 292-2790. YMCAGreenville.org.

Senior Day – Seniors 60 and above receive 10% off total purchase. Sale items excluded, not to be combined with coupons. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville. 297-1105.

Ionic Foot Baths − 11am-3pm. Detox the body with an ionic foot bath by Jan King. $30 for first timers; walk-in or call for appointment. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville. 297-1105.

True Water Sampling − 11am-5pm. First Wednesday each month. Sample alkalizing True Water.

Sampling Special: Buy 1 gallon, get second gallon 15% off. All Natural Health & Beauty Center, 101 College St, Simpsonville. 963-2882. NaturalFarmacy.net.

All–Natural Meat Demos – 3:30-5:30pm. Weekly tastings featuring all-natural meats. Whole Foods Market, 1140 Woodruff Rd, Greenville. 335–2300.

WholeFoodsMarket.com/Stores/Greenville.

Greenville Wednesday Walkers – 6pm. Walk from the parking area to Liberty Bridge, through Falls Park, and on to Cleveland Park and back. $0.50/person. Meet at the traffic circle near the Governor’s School. Park in the public parking lot between County Square and the Governor’s School.

This is a large group and people walk at different paces and distances. Walk is generally between 3 and 4 miles total.

Nia Dance Class – 7pm. See Tuesday listing. Life Center, 875 W Faris Rd, Greenville. 430-7469.

GHS.org.

Indoor Rowing Classes − 7:30am and 9:15am.

Unique way to get a full-body and cardio workout; any age and fitness level welcome. Rates vary; call for options. Greenville Indoor Rowing, 1901-D Laurens Rd, between Monterrey’s Mexican and Zaxby’s in Olde Town Ctr, Greenville. 281-1505 or 498-8608. GreenvilleIndoorRowing.com.

Fishy Friday – 3:30-5:30pm. Regular tastings of recipes, and learn how to prepare seafood dishes.

Whole Foods Market, 1140 Woodruff Rd, Greenville. 335–2300. WholeFoodsMarket.com/Stores/ Greenville.

Main Street Jazz – 5:30-9:30pm. Music series featuring blues, oldies, jazz, and soul music. Free admission. Hyatt Regency Plaza Deck, 220 N Main St, Greenville. 235–5525.

Walk/Run Club – 7am. Led by Fitway Fitness Coaches. All levels of fitness welcome. Free. Meet at the Fitway parking lot, 103 Regency Commons Dr, Greer. 335-8811. MyFitway.com.

Yoga – 9am. $10; 5 classes/$40; first class free.

Unity Church of Greenville, 207 E. Belvue Rd, Greenville. 292–6499. UnityOfGreenville.org.

Walk–Downtown Greer – 7:45am. All levels welcome, please bring water. Free. Meet at Kim’s Fabric’s, 228 Trade St, Greer.

Zumba – 10am. Dance one’s way to fitness with this Latin-themed class. Eastside Family YMCA, 1250 Taylors Rd, Taylors. 292-2790. YMCAGreenville.org.

Downtown Alive – 5:30-8:30pm. Music series featuring local, regional, and national entertainers. Free. Piazza Bergamo, Main St, Greenville.

235–5525.

Pants X Change – 6:30pm. A 12-week weight management system. Meets at Absolute Wellness, 122 Memorial Dr, Greer. 477–0115.

Music in the Woods – 6pm. Every Saturday thru August 29. Solar-powered community event.

Families, friends, and pets invited. Free with $2 park entrance fee. Paris Mountain State Park Amphitheater, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville. 363-8666.

SouthCarolinaParks.com.

Working With Children – Greg Spindler, LMT of Carolina Structural Energetic Therapy, will work with Autistic children (ages 9 & under) free of charge in between his regular clients daily (ex-

cluding Sundays and some Saturdays). A program designed to help children who have issues through gentle cranial decompression; health issues can be improved. Please call ahead to check available appointment schedule. Carolina Structural Energetic Therapy, 107 Memorial Dr, Greer. 877-3500.

GregSpindler.com.

Paris Mountain State Park – 8am-6pm. Open daily. Fishing, canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals, seasonal availability, picnic areas and playground, interpretive hiking, and biking trails. Admission fee. Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville. 244-5565. SouthCarolinaParks.com.

Jones Gap State Park – 9am-6pm. Open daily.

Hiking, waterfalls, fishing, birding, and camping available. Pets allowed on leash. Admission fee.

Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta.

836-3647. SouthCarolinaParks.com.

Fresh Local Veggies Available – 10am-6pm, MonSat. Fresh local veggies, eggs, honey, and bison meat from Carolina Buffalo Company. The Wild Radish, 161 Verdin Rd, Greenville. 297-1105.

Upcountry History Museum – 10am-5pm WedSat; 1-5pm Sun; closed Mon; prearranged group tours only Tues. Common threads, uncommon stories. Heritage Green, 540 Buncombe St, Greenville.

467-3100. UpcountryHistory.org.

Special Exhibition: Michael McDunn and Renato Moncini –11am-5pm Tues-Sat. Opening night: Saturday, June 6 at 7pm. Featuring the fine woodwork and furniture of McDunn and the paintings of Moncini. Trillium Arts also always displays and sells the work of local artists. Trillium Arts Centre, 319 S Main St, Travelers Rest. 834-2388. TrilliumArtsCentre.org.

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.

- Celia Thaxter

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.

- Margaret Atwood

June 2009

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inspiration their bodies while running, while shortdistance runners sometimes experience a phenomenon called ‘tipping’, in which they feel that they are rising into The Hidden Side of Sports the air and becoming extremely light as they run. More dramatically, an athlete

by Steve Taylor might feel a sudden inrush of strength and energy, as if they’ve made contact he connection between sports with a huge, normally inaccessible, and spirituality might seem hard energy reservoir inside themselves. to see at first, but the desire for

Russian weightlifter Yury Vlasov spiritual experience is one reason why describes a state of being he often people play sports. experiences during competitions: “At

Renowned psychologist Mihaly the peak of tremendous and victorious Csikszentmihalyi has observed that effort, while the blood is pounding in sports are an effective way of generatyour head, all suddenly becomes quiet ing the state he calls “flow.” This occurs within you. Everything seems clearer when our attention is completely and whiter than ever before, as if great absorbed in an activity, spotlights have been turned Sports seem and awareness of our suron. At that moment, you to have the roundings and our selves have the conviction that fade away. Chaotic thought power to generate you contain all the power chatter gives way to inner spiritual states. in the world.” peace and a sense of being

Advanced practitioners energized and more alive than usual. of martial arts like judo and karate are

For a sportsperson, flow may lead traditionally expected to smash bricks to a state of being ‘in the zone’. Everywith their bare hands or knock over opthing clicks, and they shift to a higher ponents with the lightest of touches, perlevel of performance, capable of ashaps without touching them at all. The tounding feats. Without trying hard, evprerequisite for these feats is the ability erything seems naturally and inevitably to cultivate a state of intense absorption, perfect. Time moves slower, giving them which enables them to tune in to a more more time to anticipate others’ actions subtle and powerful form of energy. and to better position themselves.

Sports can even—if only rarely

New age writer David Icke, once —take sportsmen to a state of true a professional soccer player, regularly samadhi, a mystical state of union with experienced this state. As a goalkeeper, the cosmos. Climber Richard Byrd dea player once fired a shot from close scribes his mystical experience explorrange that looked unstoppable. He ing the Arctic Circle: “Out of the silence notes, “All was like a slow-mo replay [came] the strain of a perfect chord, and everything was quiet, like some the music of the spheres, perhaps. It mystical dream, until my hand made was enough to catch that rhythm, contact with the ball. Then, everymomentarily be a part of it. In that thing zipped back into conscious instant, I could feel no doubt of time; I landed and bounced on the man’s oneness with the universe.”

Spirit Zone

T

floor and the noise erupted, as if someone had turned off the mute button.”

Paranormal experiences are not uncommon amongst athletes. Many distance runners have reported glimpsing inside

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Upstate South Carolina

Steve Taylor is the author of The Fall: the Insanity of the Ego in Human History and the Dawning of a New Era, commended by Eckhart Tolle and Colin Wilson. His website is stevenmtaylor.com.

communityresourceguide WHOLE FOODS MARKET ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greer Ruth Kyle, L. 106 Memorial Dr. 864-877-0111 • Greer

Has great results with acute and chronic pain, migraines, frozen shoulder, sciatica, back pain, stress; specializes in orthopedic issues and more, in an educational tranquil environment.

Upstate Colonics, LLC

Certified Colon Hydrotherapist with associated detox such as massage, ionic footbath, far infrared Bio-Mat, slimming/detox wraps, and ear-candling. Clean professional office. Disposable supplies. See ad, page 24.

Imagine a farmers market: fresh produce, meats, a fish market, a gourmet shop, a European bakery, the corner grocery store, and eat-in café, all rolled into one. Taste new foods, exchange ideas and learn about the issues important to the local food community and the environment. Monthly calendar of events. We want to be your neighborhood supermarket.

FENG SHUI

HOLISTIC CENTER

607 NE Main St. 864-963-4466 • Simpsonville UpstateColonics.com

ALKALIZING WATER

The Door to All Wonders

ALL NATURAL HEALTH & BEAUTY CENTER 101 College St. 864-963-2882 • Simpsonville NaturalFarmacy.net

We provide proven alternative health & beauty products, preventive health programs & integrative hair care services including exclusive TRUE WATER. Serving the Golden Strip for over 15 years. See ad, page 24.

CHIROPRACTOR FRANZ FAMILY SPINAL CARE 205 Bryce Court (off Woodruff Rd in Woodruff Place) 864-987-5995 • Simpsonville FranzFamilySpinalCare.com

NUCCA (upper cervical chiropractic) is a gentle, non-invasive technique that can help to restore body balance and optimal health, with no cracking and popping. We fix the problem, rather than frequently and/or continually treat the symptoms.

Exclusive NUCCA Chiropractors in South Carolina.

See ad, page 25.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Internal Fitness 400 S. Main St., Mauldin 864-757-1269 or 864-386-1942 Internal-Fitness.net

Offering Colon Hydrotherapy, Infrared Sauna for fat burning, Massage, Ion Foot Detox, and Body Magic garment. Phyllis Woods, Nat’l Board and advanced level certified through I-ACT since 2003.

1140 Woodruff Rd. 864-335-2300 • Greenville WholeFoodsMarket.com/stores/greenville

hEALING WITHIN / HEALING WITHOUT, LLC

Daniela Loga Brueckner Feng Shui Consultant 864-593-1829 Learn how applying Feng Shui principles revitalizes and balances energy; brings good fortune and health.

When Chi moves smoothly, life becomes prosperous, vigorous and strong. See ad, page 24.

HEALTH FOODS Earth Fare − The Healthy Supermarket 3620 Pelham Rd. 864-527-4220 • Greenville EarthFare.com

Earth Fare offers a fantastic selection of products including local organic produce, naturally raised meats, seafood, supplements, natural beauty products, and a beautiful eat-in café, deli, and juice bar. Check out our event calendar for upcoming happenings!

Market For Life

Margaret Griffin 2801 Wade Hampton Blvd., #15 864-268-9255 • Taylors Natural foods, bulk foods/herbs, nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, books, health and beauty aids, pet supplies. We specialize in customer service! Special orders welcome.

The Wild Radish

Joanne Therese Schmidt Asyra Body Scan, Reiki, Nemenhah Medicine Woman 864-380-0628 • Greenville

Frustrated? Doing all the “right” things yet still don’t feel well?

Call for an Asyra body scan and get started on your path to wellness. By appointment.

Willow Wellness Center Jan Posey, CBT, CNHP 309 Jones Rd. 864-233-3033 • Taylors JanTheMother@aol.com

Giving you the tools to take charge of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Offering therapies and classes, including quantum biofeedback, voice remapping, Reiki, and reflexology.

See ad, page 19.

HOMEOPATHY Augusta Street Clinic Dr. Roger Jaynes, DC, DNBHE 864-232-0082 • Greenville RogerJaynes@yahoo.com AugustaStClinic.com

Bio-energetic testing to show any energy imbalance, vitamin or mineral deficiency, and identify environmental allergies. We offer a variety of services at affordable rates. See ad, page 30.

LIFE COACH Life Coaching Institute

Jodi Harris & Gigi Perry 161 Verdin Rd. 864-297-1105 • Greenville Vitamins and supplements, goat’s milk and cheeses, raw juice bar, Sami’s wheat/gluten-free products, vegan/spelt baked goods, pet wellness, monthly healthy living classes. See ad, page 25.

Dr. Dianne Greyerbiehl 864-282-8989 • Greenville LifeCoaching@att.net LifeCoachingInstitute.net We are a coach-counseling center specializing in inside out deep change. The result … being the person or organization you can be. See ad, page 25.

Want to reach readers who are health and wellness focused?

Learn how to list your services in the Community Resource Guide. Call us at 864-248-4910

June 2009

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MASSAGE/BODYWORK Know Thyself Healing Center Diana Charles, LMBT #5923 864-905-4407 • Greer KnowThyselfHealingCenter.org

Restoring balance to body, mind, and spirit with Therapeutic Massage, Energy Bodywork, Ionic Foot detox, and herbs. Offering Reiki and Karuna Reiki classes, all levels.

Tai Chi Massage

June Lordi, LMBT 864-877-0037 • Greer Rita Cunningham, LMBT: 864-451-9295 27 years experience in stress and pain reduction, and rehabilitative massage therapy.

Tai Chi/massage instruction. Work with athletes, maternity, infants, elderly, and medical referrals. License #4599 and #5999

PAIN/STRESS REDUCTION Migun of Greenville 215 Pelham Rd., Ste B-104 864-242-1160 • Greenville MigunOfGreenville.com

Migun means Beautiful Health! 30-day FREE trial of the relaxing Migun thermal massage system to reduce pain and stress in your life. Call today! See ad, page 31.

Migraines?

Fibromyalgia?

Irritable Bowel?

Allergies?

General Malaise?

Anti-Aging?

PERSONAL FITNESs Fitway Personal Fitness Studio

Private 1-on-1 Coaching 864-985-1850 • Seneca 864-335-8811 • Greenville-East MyFitWay.com Gain astounding results in private, focused setting. TRAIN SMARTER, NOT HARDER using integrative system approach, 24/7 access, initial health assessment, nutrition & wellness program, strength training, yoga, pilates, and boxing. See ad, page 23.

POOL SERVICE Bruce’s Pool Service Bruce Rowland, Owner 864-884-2804 Spartlog1@Hotmail.com

Bruce’s Pool Service is going GREEN! Call me for chlorine alternatives, and energy-saving pool equipment. Ask about liners, covers, and pool service. Certified pool operator.

RAPID RECHARGE Healthy Lounge

Downtown Greenville, Riverplace 864-250-2811 HealthyLounge.com It’s almost impossible to grab needed “me time” these days. Our solution: RAPID RECHARGE (hi-tech massages, oxygen sessions, all-natural recovery shakes, and elixir tonics). See ad, page 19.

RESTAURANTS Coffee To A Tea

54 Lois St. 864-350-6506 • Greenville CakeSquaredGreenville.com All-natural, chemical-free coffee, tea, and pastries. Also available are freshly baked breads, art breads, gluten-free, sugar-free, and other “special diet” items.

Everyday Organic

Call for Bioenergetic Testing:

(864)-232-0082

Dr. Roger Jaynes 22 years experience Augusta Street Clinic 1521 Augusta St. Greenville, SC 29605

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Upstate South Carolina

121 State Park Rd. 864-498-9194 • Greenville Everyday.Organic@Hotmail.com Our new restaurant serves food made from only organic ingredients with a sustainable approach. Open Mon-Sat, 11am-3:30pm. Something for everyone.

Shortyz Cafe

1225 Pendleton St., Suite 8 864-269-7454 • Greenville ShortyzCafe@gmail.com Located in the heart of Greenville’s Art District.

Stop by soon for a delicious, healthy breakfast or lunch. Also open for dinner every first Friday.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION Carolina Structural Energetic Therapy

Greg Spindler, LMT SC#4609 107 Memorial Dr. 864-877-3500 • Greer GregSpindler.com Treating acute and chronic pain, using advanced, soft-tissue releases to achieve quick and longlasting results.

classifieds RIVER COMMUNITY − Deland, FL. Wildlife abounds at this beautiful St. Johns riverfront community. This 3/2/2, 1,872-sq.-ft. home is custom-built, poured solid block with steel rods in walls and hurricane ties. The great room features front bay window, new entrance door, cathedral ceilings and fireplace. Double French doors w/built-in mini-blinds leads you to your finished Florida room with new tile flooring and insulated east-west windows. Large kitchen/dining room combo has tons of counter space plus breakfast bar and built-in oven. Community has extras such as fishing pier, boat dock access, and clubhouse with pool; only $300/year community fees. Seller open to contributing to buyer’s closing costs. Price has been reduced to $169,900. View online MLS: V4616950. Contact Donna at 386-747-0332.

CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES − For sale in Atlanta, GA; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ, and Sarasota, FL. Call for details 239-530-1377.

HELP WANTED FARMERS NEEDED – To participate in City of Easley’s Farmers’ Market. Cost is $5 per booth, per day. Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. In front of City Hall, 205 N. 1st. St., Easley.

Beginning May 16 to the end of September. For more information, call Lisa Garrett at 855-7900, ext. 7200.

NURSE PRACTITIONER – For wellness center environment. Flexible hours. Will pay for bio-identical hormone class attendance by compounding pharmacist. $600/month rent. Acupuncture of Greer. Call and ask for Ruth: 864-877-0111.

OPPORTUNITIES SINGLES GOING GREEN (SGG) AND SINGLES HOLISTIC GROWTH (SHH) – Meet other singles at this new monthly singles event.

All ages welcome. Location to be determined in the Greenville area. More info: 215-754-8104 or RideATrain4Fun@yahoo.com.

• MORE

&

REDUCED CHRONIC PAIN

•

•

LOWER CHOLESTEROL

MIGUN OF GREENVILLE

IMPROVED SLEEP

MIGUN means beautiful health!

•

•

•

SENSE OF PEACE

•

IMPROVED ELIMINATION

HELP WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE

864-242-1160 www.migunofgreenville.com REDUCED ANXIETY

•

Brody Hankinson Founder of Fitway Personal Training Studio, Seneca & Greenville-East

215 Pelham Road • Suite B104 Greenville, SC 29615

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I wish all of our advertising helped us achieve Return on Investment like this!

HELP WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Gigi Perry & Jody Harris Co-Owners of The Wild Radish, Greenville, SC

•

“We are amazed at the exposure and far-reaching effect the magazine has on so many customers visiting our store. It has been extremely well worth the price of the ad many times over.”

far infrared therapy combined with the principles of massage, chiropractic, & acupressure • come in for your free trial • you have nothing to lose, but the pain

LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

Angela Toplovich Upstate Colonics, LLC, Simpsonville, SC

•

“Natural Awakenings is truly WONDERFUL! With the very first issue my business has GROWN! I have had 11 new clients from the ad!

Absolutely AMAZING!”

IMPROVED DIGESTION

•

REDUCED STRESS

HELP WITH ARTHRITIS

USERS REPORT :

In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.

- Aristotle

*Results may vary.

To Advertise Call 864-248-4910

June 2009

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Connecting communities...

creating a better world.

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

FREE

HEALTH ISSUE

Reaching 2.5 million readers each month, Natural Awakenings magazines are now serving more than 60 communities across the country.

• Birmingham, AL • Huntsville, AL • Mobile/Baldwin, AL • Little Rock/Hot Springs, AR • Phoenix, AZ • Tucson, AZ • Boulder, CO • Denver, CO • Hartford County, CT • Fairfield County, CT • New Haven/Middlesex, CT • Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL • NW FL Emerald Coast • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL • Melbourne/Vero Beach, FL • Miami & Florida Keys • Naples/Ft. Myers, FL • North Central Florida • Orlando, FL • Palm Beach, FL • Sarasota, FL

• Tallahassee, FL • Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL • Florida’s Treasure Coast • Atlanta, GA • Augusta, GA • Lexington, KY • Louisville-Metro, KY • New Orleans, LA • Ann Arbor, MI • Grand Rapids, MI • Greater Genesee, MI • Greater Oakland/Macomb, MI • Wayne County, MI • Central Missouri • Asheville, NC • Charlotte, NC • Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC • North Carolina Southern Coast, NC • Somerset-Middlesex Counties, NJ • Morris County, NJ • Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM • Long Island, NY

• New York City, NY • Rockland/Orange Counties, NY • Westchester/Putnam Counties, NY • Cincinnati, OH • Tulsa, OK • Portland, OR • Lehigh Valley, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC • Upstate, SC • Chattanooga, TN • Knoxville, TN • Austin, TX • East Texas • Houston, TX • San Antonio, TX • Richmond, VA • Southwestern, VA • Madison, WI • Puerto Rico

special

MEN’S

clean cool cars leaner and greener

flexitarian

almost vegetarian

SPIRIT ZONE

the hidden side of sports

JUNE 2009

Upstate South Carolina Edition | UpstateNaturalAwakenings.com

For information about how to publish a Natural Awakenings in your community call 239-530-1377.

Currently publishing Natural Awakenings magazines for sale: Atlanta, GA Mobile, AL Morris County, NJ Sarasota, FL