Natural Awakenings Charlotte - April 2021 Issue

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ISSUE

HEALTHY

PLANET

LOCAL EARTH DAY EVENTS

CLIMATE CHANGE WHAT A WARMING PLANET MEANS TO YOUR HEALTH

GREEN

PROFILES Charlotte Area Eco-Friendly Businesses

THE BENEFITS OF PLANTING TREES

NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors

April/Early May 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

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FR

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ISSUE

HEALTHY

PLANET

LOCAL EARTH DAY EVENTS

CLIMATE CHANGE WHAT A WARMING PLANET MEANS TO YOUR HEALTH

GREEN

PROFILES Charlotte Area Eco-Friendly Businesses

THE BENEFITS OF PLANTING TREES

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NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors

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ECO-ATHLETES

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

HEALTHY HOME

How to Detoxify a Living Space

CREATE A NURTURING NEST HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE AwakeningCharlotte.com/ Businesses

SHERYL DEVORE

on Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

CALENDAR

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FEATHERED FRIENDS

The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

April/Early May 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHARLOTTE EDITION PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca AD DESIGN Helene Leininger

EDITORIAL Allison Gorman

Randy Kambic Martin Miron Jeanette Watkins

CONTACT US P.O. Box 456 Cornelius, NC 28031 Ph: 704-499-3327 • Fax: 866-632-9118 AwakeningCharlotte.com Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by emailing Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com

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letter from publisher

Thanks for Taking the Stairs

I

don’t usually read the sports section of the Charlotte Observer, but the other day I stumbled upon an article that piqued my interest. It was about the Appalachian State basketball program. App State isn’t known for basketball, but this year fairly new coach Dustin Kerns led them to the NCAA tournament. The last time the Mountaineers went to the Big Dance was 2000.

What caught my attention was Kerns’s mantra: “Take the stairs.” In other words, he says, there are no shortcuts to winning. The analogy he gave in his interview was that 95 percent of people see a stairwell and an elevator and go for the easier option. But if you want to win, you should expect it to be hard. So you need to “take the stairs.”

April is always our Earth Day issue, and in recent years we’ve included a special Earth Day events calendar as well as Green Profiles—writeups on local businesses and organizations committed to reducing our collective carbon footprint. After reading the article about App State, it occurred to me that these businesses and organizations are “taking the stairs” too. I’m sure doing things the eco-friendly way is not the easiest way to execute a business or get consumer buy-in. That was even truer just a few years ago, when some of these businesses were getting started.

There are also many organizations and businesses in our area working to address the inequalities that have been exposed during the pandemic. Many have been focusing on these difficult issues for years, and we all benefit from their hard work. So to all these organizations and the people involved, thank you for being part of the small percentage willing to take the stairs.

Wishing you opportunities this April to advance a cause that’s important to you. And happy Earth Day month!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 50 healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

18

14 THE BENEFITS OF

14

PLANTING TREES

More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

15 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY With Live and Virtual Events

18 CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH

The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

22

22 SPRING CLEANING THE BODY

Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

24 NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors

26 BREATHE EASY

Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for ads: the 9th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for editorial: the 9th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events on AwakeningCharlotte.com.

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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 earth day events 16 green profiles 22 conscious eating 24 healthy kids 26 healing ways 28 resource guide 30 gaston county

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natural guide

April/Early May 2021

7

news briefs

Ahlara’s Healing Center Expands with Hypnotherapy and Akashic Records

A

s a way to provide clients with the latest and most intensive alternative medicine techniques, the Ahlara Healing Center, in Mooresville, is offering both hypnotherapy and Akashic Records readings.

Hypnotherapy, a type of alternative medicine in which hypnosis is used to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility, features positive suggestions and guided imagery to help individuals deal with many concerns and issues. Areas that can be focused on include: experience a past life memory; meet guides, angels, councils and Higher Self; experience life between lives; reconnect with loved ones on the other side; experience energy, vibration and healing; imprint or overlay soul memories; or experience a future life progression.

Sessions are available by appointment with Sandra Harris who is accredited thru Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment.

Akashic Records, offered by Lorraine Meyer, is a compendium of all universal events, thoughts, words, emotions and intent to have occurred in the past, present or future encompassing all entities and life forms, not just human. Founder of Healing Arts Pathway with vast experiences with Akashic Record readings, breathwork, reiki and sound healing, she also leads meditation classes and offers private counseling.

Theta, crystal energy and sound healing events are also held.

Location:155 Joe Knox Ave. For more information or to register for a session, event or class, call 704-662-0946 or visit AhlaraInternational.com. See ad, page 21.

Charlotte Sustainability Awards to Benefit Sustain Charlotte

C

elebrate Earth Day by helping Sustain Charlotte honor smart growth and sustainability leadership across the Charlotte region at Charlotte’s premier sustainability networking event—the tenth annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards presented by Duke Energy. The fun and engaging event will take place virtually from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on April 22, Earth Day. This year’s nominees are leading the way toward sustainability and smart growth, and by their actions, inspire others to do the same. There’ll be the awards ceremony honoring local businesses, government agencies and nonprofits; networking opportunities; a raffle; and welcoming remarks by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

All proceeds from the event will help further Sustain Charlotte’s mission to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Sustain Charlotte is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, engaging and uniting citizens to solve Charlotte’s sustainability challenges.

Cost: $25 per individual. For more information or to register, visit SustainCharlotte.org/ awards. See CRG, page 29.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

SoulCollage® Classes Resume in Charlotte

S

oulCollage with Certified SoulCollage Facilitator and Professional Counselor, Margaret Wyche, is resuming in-person classes with a maximum of eight attendees at Elemental Healing Charlotte. State guidelines are followed, assuring participants are socially distanced and wear masks for everyone’s safety at the sessions from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

“SoulCollage offers a creative and playful collage process to help us better understand ourselves, so we can find our own solutions,” says Wyche, owner of Elemental Healing Charlotte, a lifelong creative arts guru. “With no creative talent required, SoulCollage allows one to explore their life, inner wisdom and intuition in a unique, stress-free way.”

Using images from magazines and other printed media, individuals create their own cards based on what they’re naturally guided and drawn to. They are then guided in how to interpret them which frequently reveals in-depth insights.

In 2010, SoulCollage® Evolving: An Intuitive Collage Process for Self-Discovery and Community won a Nautilus Book Award for Personal Development/Psychotherapy.

Location: 5200 Park Rd., Ste. 200-C, Community Movement Room. For more information or to register, call 704-807-3635 or email MWyche3@icloud.com or Events@ ElementalHealingCharlotte.com. See ad, page 11.

Earth Day Event at Kings Mountain Preserve

Eco-Friendly Home Design for New Construction and Remodels

ings Mountain Preserve, in Blacksburg, South Carolina, will present its first annual Earth Day Festival from noon to 6 p.m. on April 24. The free, family, fun event will provide attendees the opportunity to check out their newly opened preserve along with enjoying live music by the West End String Band.

The preserve has joined with the Robertson Funeral and Cremation Service, in Charlotte, to become the East Coast’s first combination Conservation Burial Ground and Funeral Home.

“This unique combination allows us to provide the most economical and environmentally friendly services for your loved one from the moment of their passing until the conclusion of the burial,” says Kings Mountain Preserve’s owner Terry Robertson.

“The beauty and majesty of the Kings Mountain Preserve cannot be overstated,” he adds. “It transcends what is offered through traditional cemeteries by offering a final resting place amongst the trees, wildflowers, ferns and meadows of Kings Mountain Preserve. Access to these areas is provided with approximately three miles of scenic hiking trails. Native stones which can be engraved mark the graves.”

n 2021 with a renewed interest in healthy homes and the environment, it can mean looking to change the appearance of one’s residence and doing it in a way that’s easy on the Earth. Claudia Josephine Design, a Charlotte area business, offers sustainable, eco-friendly design work to help clients achieve a look that reflects their taste and lifestyle while choosing finishes that complement the architecture of their home.

Claudia Ricciardone offers general consultations and full-service interior design, including residential new construction and remodels.

She is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, a Certified Green AP, and a Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert.

Location: 321 Indian Springs Rd. For more information and to schedule a tour or a consult, call 877-375-2495, email info@ KingsMountainPreserve.com or visit KingsMountainPreserve.com.

See ad, page 25.

Special Timely Offer by A Greener Clean

A

Greener Clean, a Statesville-based, Christian woman-owned and -operated maid service focuses on helping busy people get back their free time, all while cleaning with environmentally friendly processes. They are offering a spring special through May 30 to make it more affordable for new customers to experience their service which utilizes non-toxic products and the power of probiotics to realize a “true clean” without the use of harsh chemicals.

In time for spring cleaning, new bookings for bi-weekly customers will be able to have their initial cleaning at the same price as a “maintenance” clean (over a $150 value) plus mention Natural Awakenings for a free Enviro Mist application ($50 value).

Enviro misting is a fine fogging treatment that leaves a coating of good probiotics on surfaces after a regular cleaning. “The good bacteria crowds out any bad that might be on surfaces such as bathrooms, door knobs and sofas,” says owner Gloria Paul.

Spring special offer effective through May 30. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-765-2035, email info@ AGreenerClean.net or visit AGreenerClean.net. See ad, page 6.

I

For more information, call Claudia Ricciardone at 860796-3415, email Claudia@ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com or visit ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com. See CRG, page 28.

Join us in celebrating

EARTH DAY

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health briefs

tKomporAdobestock.com

Hypertension is a global disease that particularly affects people in low-income communities, but a new study by the UK University of Nottingham suggests that beetroot juice may be a practical solution for people with high blood pressure that have little access to diagnostic help or money for medication. Researchers divided 47 people between 50 and 70 years of age in Tanzania into three groups. For 60 days, one group drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice and folic acid; another was given nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo; and the third drank nitrate-depleted beetroot juice. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 10.8 millimeters (mm) Hg (mercury) in the nitrate-rich plus folic acid group and 6.1 mm Hg in the nitrate-rich and placebo group. Studies have shown that the high level of nitrates in beets is converted by the digestive system into nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nanocurcumin, and the third a placebo. After eight weeks, both types of curcumin significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels. They also boosted antioxidant levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced C-reactive protein levels, indicating less inflammation. The nano-curcumin, however, produced even better results in five of those indexes, leading the authors to conclude that the effects of curcumin on the nano formula may be more conducive for cardiac patients due to its high bioavailability. Nano-curcumin is made through a process that encapsulates the herb, allowing it to be metabolized better.

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Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure

In updated 2020-2025 dietary guidelines, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have endorsed the specific use of certain supplements, noting that under-consumption of some nutrients among Americans is linked to health concerns. The guidelines advise that infants being fed breast milk exclusively or partially should be given a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day beginning soon after birth and perhaps continuing for more than a year. Women that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a daily prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. Pregnant or lactating women that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are advised to talk to their healthcare provider about supplementation to ensure that they get adequate amounts of iron, vitamin B12, choline, zinc, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The guidelines also state that some older adults may require vitamin B12 supplements, noting concerns over the amount of the vitamin absorbed from food.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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B12 and Prenatal Supplements Gain Official Nod

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O Re c n l y E m yc l e Bot pt y & J tles ugs

April is Plastic Bottles & Jugs Recycling Month

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Your Business

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Small, in-Person Classes Socially Distanced, Masks required 2nd Saturday each month 1:30 - 4:30pm *no experience required, all supplies included

To advertise in Natural Awakenings Charlotte, call

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Elemental Healing Charlotte 5200 Park Rd., Ste. 200-C. Charlotte

Register: 704-807-3635 / mwyche3@icloud.com April/Early May 2021

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Charlotte Edition

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World Watchers

Deforestation, which contributes to warming the planet, is a key factor behind the 40 percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the beginning of the industrial age. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in 2018 was 407.4 parts per million, higher than it’s been in almost 1 million years. Avoiding deforestation is much better than conducting reforestation efforts after the fact, and should be a key global climate change mitigation strategy, says Jennifer Alix-Garcia, a researcher at Oregon State University.

The Global Land Analysis and Discovery System (GLAD), founded in 2016 by the University of Maryland’s Department of Geographical Sciences, is based on highresolution satellite imaging from the NASA Landsat Science program. Subscribers can access data via a free interactive web application, Global Forest Watch. So far, forest loss has declined 18 percent in African nations where GLAD provided alerts when detecting deforestation activities.

Previously, government agencies and other groups had to use reports from volunteers or forest rangers.

sarah brown/Unsplash.com

Deforestation Alert System Mitigates Climate Change

Freedom of Information

Access Expanded for Scientific Papers

A two-year, openaccess project organized by more than 20 organizations, including Wellcome, in London, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Seattle, and Dutch NOW—some of the world’s largest research funders—began requiring in January that scholarly papers published from the work they fund be made immediately available for public reading at no charge. The initiative, Plan S, may usher in the end of journal subscriptions and allow anyone to read scientific literature. Plan S has already prompted several titles, including Nature, to offer open-access publishing for the first time.

image courtesy of PlanS.org

75 ANNIVERSARY! th

global briefs

Healthcare with a holistic approach NorthEast Internal & Integrative Medicine combines traditional primary care with evidence-based, alternative medicine therapies to promote wellness.

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13

eco tip

nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) (ArborDay.org) and Eden Reforestation Projects, the initiative has already planted more than 3 million trees, offsetting 5 million miles of vehicle carbon emissions.

The Benefits of Planting Trees Planting more trees can slow down climate change. Science magazine reports, “The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation.” The Arbor Day celebrations this month make it an apt time for taking actions that benefit both urban areas and open spaces.

More than 166,000 square miles of forest habitat—approximately the size of California—in the tropics and subtropics have been decimated in the last 13 years, and about 2.7 million square miles of forest worldwide remain threatened, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Some major ways to take action include: Avoid buying products linked to deforestation.

Pressure lawmakers to make supply chains sustainable while balancing the need for regulation with the concerns of farmers and businesses. Urge policymakers to enact zero-deforestation policies

14

Charlotte Edition

thanamatAdobestock.com

More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

and bolster the rights and control of forests for local communities and indigenous people, says the WWF. Donate spare change. By joining Plant Your Change for All (PlantYourChange.com), all debit or credit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the balance applied toward planting trees. Working together with the

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Become a member of the ADF and receive 10 free trees, along with tree nursery discounts; help to qualify a community to receive the Tree City USA designation; or get involved with National Arbor Day, generally celebrated on the last Friday in April, but observed on different days in some states. The organization’s website includes ideas for conducting virtual celebrations if local chapters are not holding public events due to the pandemic.

Also consider participating in other ADF programs such as the Alliance for Community Trees and NeighborWoods Month.

Support the planting of city trees.

According to a recent study from the U.S. Forest Service reported in Treehugger.com, the nation’s urban canopies, currently home to approximately 5.5 billion trees, provide roughly $18 billion in annual benefits via the removal of pollution from the air, carbon sequestration, reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency in buildings.

earth day events

gizele/AdobeStock.com

Celebrate Earth Day 2021 with Live Events and Virtually The COVID-19 pandemic may be with us for some time, but there are still many ways to participate in the 51st anniversary of the global environmental movement. The Biden administration will host world leaders at an Earth Day 2021 global climate summit on April 22. Many important environmental events have occurred on Earth Day since 1970, including the 2016 signing of the Paris Agreement, as Earth Day continues to be a momentous and unifying day each year. Be a part of this historic climate summit by taking action to restore the Earth.

These local Earth Day events will take place nearby or in a digital format.

Taking a pledge to go pesticide-free, committing to reducing meat from our diet or organizing an online community climate discussion are other ways to honor the cause safely from home.

For more information, visit the Earth Day Network at EarthDay.org.

Please call ahead to confirm date, time and if virtual or live event.

MONDAY, APRIL 5

Earth Day, Every Day Live Webinar Series – 6:30pm. Every Monday through April 26. Cocreated by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, and supported in part by Union County Board of Commissioners. It connects the community with fact-based guidance that empowers people to improve their own well-being, while also contributing to a safe, healthy environment. Virtual Event. Free. Register in advance: envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13

Pollinator Gardening in the Piedmont – 6:308pm. Join our virtual Earth Day event for homeowners and learn the benefits of creating a pollinator garden using native plants of the piedmont region. Virtual Event. Free. CharlotteWildlife.org/ community-programs.html.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

Anne Springs Close Greenway Earth Day Weekend – Apr 16-18. Join us for events all weekend including a recycled art competition, campfire snack demonstration, guided hike/history, try archery, kayaking, master gardener presentations, fairy house/gnome home building, fire starting and more. 2573 Lake Haigler Dr., Fort Mill, SC. Free for members, $5 parking for non-members.

ASCGreenway.org/event/earth-day-weekend/.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

Earth Day Meck County Confidential Paper Shredding Event – 9am-12pm (or until trucks are full). Residents are encouraged to bring up to 3 banker boxes of their confidential papers to be shredded. 140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte. Free.

MeckNC.gov/LUESA/SolidWaste/Disposal-Recycling/Pages/Full%20Service%20Facilities.aspx.

Nurtured By Nature Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Earth Day Event – 9am-12pm. Low-key class which may include slow/meditative walking through the woods, pausing for observation, breathwork, inspirational readings/storytelling, meditation and journaling. 2900 Rocky River Rd., Charlotte. Free. anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/111507?o nlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

MONDAY, APRIL 19

Ballantyne Earth Day – 12pm daily Apr 19-23.

Events will focus on sustainable living, health and making an impact on the local community.

Check back for finalized events for the week of Earth Day like fitness classes, virtual learning opportunity and family movie night. Virtual and on-site. 15801 Brixham Hill Ave., Charlotte.

Free. GoBallantyne.com/event/ballantyne-earthday/2021-04-19/.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

Nature Scavenger Hunt - Earth Day – 1-3:30pm.

Stop by anytime, grab your scavenger hunt kit and explore the habitats around Eastway. 3150 Eastway Dr., Charlotte (meet in parking lot of Eastway Regional Recreation Center). Free. anc. apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/ activity/search/detail/111426?onlineSiteId=0&fr om_original_cui=true.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22

19th Annual Earth Day Event at Organic Marketplace – 10am-4pm. Join us in honoring the Earth and enjoy samples, spin to win specials, Earth Day bags (while supplies last) and special product discounts throughout the store. 1012 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia. Free. 704-864-0605.

OrganicMarketplaceNC.com.

Earth Day Seed Giveaway at Mallard Creek Recreation Center – 10am-12pm. Celebrate by planting green beans, register in advance, drive through and pick up packets of seeds and planting instructions.

2530 Johnston Oehler Rd., Charlotte. Free. Must register in advance: anc.apm.activecommunities. com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/1118 96?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.

Earth Day Preschool Story Time at Mallard Creek Recreation Center – 10:30-11:30am. We will dig right in by reading the book “Jo MacDonald Had a Garden” in this virtual gathering and then make a craft. Virtual Event. Free. Must register in advance: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/111891?onlineSiteId=0 &from_original_cui=true.

Celebrate Earth Day at Bette Rae Thomas – 11am12pm. Participants should bring an old t-shirt to make a shopping bag and register in advance. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte. Free. BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

980-314-1111. anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/111913?o nlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true City of Belmont Virtual Earth Day Celebration – 12pm. Join the panel discussion for great environmental information from local experts and chances to win prizes. Virtual Event. Free. Facebook.com/ events/129284775694519.

Earth Day Recycle Right Meck County Webinar – 12-1pm. An interactive presentation and dialogue with Mecklenburg County residents on how to Recycle Right. Typically, 40 minutes with 15 minutes for questions. Virtual Event. Free. Registration required to receive participation link: bit.ly/ RecycleRightApr22.

Happy Earth Day at Stevens Creek Nature Center – 1-3pm. Create your own Earth, make a pledge, or develop and play on tin drums as we honor the world we inhabit. 15700 Thompson Rd., Mint Hill.

Free. anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/111451?onlineSite Id=0&from_original_cui=true Charlotte Sustainability Awards – 6-7:30pm. Help Sustain Charlotte honor smart growth and sustainability leadership across the Charlotte region at Charlotte’s premier sustainability networking event.

Welcoming remarks from Charlotte Mayor, Vi Lyles.

All proceeds from the awards help Sustain Charlotte further their mission to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable, and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Virtual Event. $25. SustainCharlotte.org/Awards.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24

Celebrate Earth Day Shred & Recycling Event – 8am-12pm. Protect yourself from identity theft, limit of 3 cardboard banker boxes per vehicle and all shredded documents will be recycled. Free Electronic Recycling, Goodwill Recycling will handle all data destruction. Accepting electronics, any brand, any condition. Tube TV’s not accepted. Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E. Long Ave., Gastonia. Free.

CityofGastonia.com/events-keep-gastonia-beautiful.html.

Earth Day Festival at Kings Mountain Preserve – 12-6pm. Come listen to great music from West End String Band, tour the dogwoods and enjoy nature at the Preserve’s first annual Earth Day Festival. 321 Indian Springs Rd., Blacksburg, SC. Free. 877-3752495. KingsMountainPreserve.com.

April/Early May 2021

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green profiles Conscientious businesses providing products/services to help us reduce our collective carbon footprint.

A Greener Clean

We believe in being good stewards of God’s creation. Reusable cloths, lambswool dusters, eco-friendly laundry detergent, washable shoe covers, toxic free cleaning chemicals, and hybrid company vehicles to save on fuel and emissions represent our commitment to the environment. Giving customers more free time through nontoxic, healthy-home cleaning services and while reducing our carbon footprint is our mission. Serving the Lake Norman area. Call today to see how we can help you.

For more information, call 704-765-2035, email Info@AGreenerClean.net or visit AGreenerClean.net.

The Patio Farmer

The Patio Farmer is a small business that tailors services to help YOU grow food at home (and reduce your carbon footprint), no matter how much (or little) space you have.

Erin (owner/farmer) has years of experience growing food in all spaces and LOVES teaching individuals and community groups. Book a consultation, join or host a class, sign-up for Plant Club (monthly subscription program) or place an order for home delivery to begin (or continue) your food-growing journey. The Patio Farmer is here to help!

Location: Serving Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston and surrounding counties. For more information, email ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com or visit ThePatioFarmer.com.

For The Love Of Dutch

For the Love of Dutch feeds, nourishes and nurtures your pet with natural food. Our ready to serve, handcrafted, small batch stews are made with fresh, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced meat from local farms. We love pets - and we love caring for them with socially responsible practices. We honor this commitment by supporting local farmers and sourcing less beautiful, nutrient-rich produce and less talked about organ meat to save food waste. Our BPA Free and FDA approved packaging is 100% recyclable (Recycle No7 pouch and labels).

Location: Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas. For more information, visit ForTheLoveOfDutch.com, email Hello@ForTheLoveOfDutch.com or call 704-576-7916.

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Kings Mountain Preserve and Retreat Center

As the Charlotte area’s only Conservation Burial Ground, Kings Mountain Preserve is proud to offer the most environmentally sensitive method of burial in our nation.

Bodies cannot be embalmed, and any containers must be 100% biodegradable. No concrete vaults or metal caskets are permitted. In addition, a Green Burial avoids producing an average of 534.6 pounds of harmful carbon dioxide per cremation. Facilities include an outdoor pavilion and chapel for ceremonies in nature, as well as a retreat center that sleeps up to 6.

Location: 321 Indian Springs Rd., Blacksburg, SC. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 877-375-2495 or visit KingsMountainPreserve.com.

Sustain Charlotte

Sustain Charlotte’s mission is to inspire choices that lead to a healthy, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come.

We promote smart growth by collaborating with local neighborhoods, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to solve challenges to the long-term social, economic, and environmental health of our community.

Affordability, livability, and access to essentials goods and services without a car are key areas for which Sustain Charlotte advocates. We invite you to become a member today.

Location: 1100 S. Mint St, Charlotte. For more information, visit SustainCharlotte.org.

Mecklenburg County Compost & Mulch: Completing the Circular Economy with Yard Waste

Spring is compost and mulch season! Did you know your curbside yard waste (leaves and brush) is upcycled into high quality gardening products? Recycling yard waste saves landfill space, remains local and is affordable. Mecklenburg County has high quality compost available in conveniently packaged 1.25 cubic foot bags and delivery is offered for bulk compost and mulch from our external partner, C&N Restorations. Reduce your carbon footprint with upcycled yard products available at the Compost Central and Foxhole Full-Service Centers.

Locations for bulk pick-up: 140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte; 17131 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte. For more information, visit MeckMulchMadness.com. For delivery, call C&N at 704-858-7617.

Farm Fresh Carolinas

Farm Fresh Carolinas utilizes local farms and delivery logistics throughout the greater Charlotte area to deliver fresh, organic produce to your door and reduce our collective carbon footprint in the process! Customers may utilize our reusable bag and package recycling programs. Food is not wasted – Farm Fresh donates leftover and damaged food to local food banks or to local farms for livestock feed. Enjoy flexible options ranging from curbside and co-op pick-up to delivery to residences and workplaces. Sign up for Farm Fresh deliveries today.

Location: Serving Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, York and N. Lancaster counties. For more information, visit FarmFreshCarolinas.com.

Organic Marketplace

A Zero Waste and Refill Shop based in Charlotte. Our mission is to empower our community to a healthier, simpler and more sustainable lifestyle by changing our consumption habits.

Owner, Valerie, offers a curated selection of non-toxic and eco-friendly alternatives for your home and your body. Get your refills of shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap and more delivered right to your doorstep.

Register for our free Introduction to Zero Waste class online. Small Changes make Big Impacts! Contact us today and reduce waste.

Over the last 28 years, Organic Marketplace has sought to be at the forefront of business practices that lessen our collective carbon footprint. Raised beds in the rear of the store for fresh organic produce for Sprouts cafe as well as to beautify the environment. Our landscape has always been chemicalfree with an emphasis on pollinator friendly plants. Packaging waste is addressed with our bulk foods, herbs, and culinary spices department.

Plastic bags were discontinued seven years ago to combat plastic pollution in our Oceans.

Location: Serving Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. For more information, email Contact@ekologicall.com or visit ekologicall.com.

Location: 1012 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia. For more information, call 704-864-0605 or visit OrganicMarketplaceNC.com.

ekologicall

Home Improvement Contest – Reusable Materials Check out submissions from our local area…

Homeowner covered a problematic ceiling with leftover wood flooring from past projects.

Prunings from Crape Myrtles and Bamboo are turned into a landscape barrier at this area home.

Contest deadline is April 15. For more information or to enter contest, visit AwakeningCharlotte.com.

April/Early May 2021

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

by Sandra Yeyati

G

lobal warming is not just threatening polar bears far away in the Arctic, and its effects are not somewhere in the distant future. With every new wildfire, hurricane and flash flood, people are understanding that the warming of the planet poses dire consequences for human health right here, right now. It’s personal, and while some sectors of the population are unfairly and disproportionately impacted, we are all in harm’s way.

This is no time to panic, say climate and public health advocates, but rather a moment for preparation, adaptation and mobilization. Prospects are hopeful as we tackle new realities together and evolve our conversations about climate change so we can build resilient, thriving communities. The good news is that many of the individual and policy changes we need to make are exciting opportunities for positive transformation and justice.

Health Threats in Our Midst

usgs/Unsplash.com

The warming of the planet is becoming more noticeable. “That historic two weeks anywhere in the United States where it’s the heat wave of high summer is now six weeks to two months,” says Jay Lemery, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado and co-author of Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health.

“There are parts of the Middle East now where you can’t be outside and meaningfully cool your body during certain parts of the day.”

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“With warming, we’re seeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, extreme precipitation, flooding and sea level rise, all of which have health consequences,” says Surili Patel, director of the Center for Climate, Health and Equity at the American Public Health Association. “With rising temperature and heat waves, we’re seeing heat stroke, dehydration, diarrheal disease, cardiovascular distress and respiratory illnesses. Extreme weather like wildfires, hurricanes and flooding cause direct injuries, as well as vector-borne illnesses (Lyme disease carried by ticks or dengue fever and malaria by mosquitoes), mold and harmful algal blooms that happen when it’s really hot, but also show up in places that otherwise wouldn’t have because of the combination of heat and flooding.”

Lemery notes that incidences of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases are moving higher in altitude and latitude, affecting historically naive populations that have not had levels of disease immunity, the infrastructure or cultural habits to protect them. “These are huge killers worldwide, and we’re seeing more and more of that,” he says.

“When you have a warmer winter, spring starts earlier, trees bloom early and pollen season starts early too, and longer exposure to pollen increases your risk of having an asthma attack,” says Professor Amir Sapkota at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, adding that the Northeast is heavily impacted by this phenomenon.

“Here in Colorado, in the summer heat, we have these huge swaths of wildfire smoke hanging over Denver, and people come in to the emergency department.

Their inhalers aren’t working anymore, and they’re having chest pain and shortness of breath when they’re on oxygen at baseline,” says Lemery. “These are people normally able to walk across a parking lot with their walker and their oxygen, but now they can’t. We see this all summer long, and we admit them for asthma exacerbation, shortness of breath and COPD (i.e., emphysema), but what we don’t write down is that the air quality is the worst it’s been all year, or that it’s the hottest day of the year.”

“Air pollution contributes to climate change, but it also gets into your lungs and irritates them, exacerbating chronic respira-

tory illnesses, and can even lead to a heart attack,” says Jennifer Roberts, director of the Path of Positive Communities program at EcoAmerica, noting that the biggest culprits are carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants, diesel fuels and ground-level ozone, which is created when pollution reacts to heat and sunlight.

“With sea level rise, things are flooding more often and we get septic tanks overflowing, sending fecal matter into our drinking water supplies and exposing us to diarrheal diseases. We also see offices and industrial sites getting flooded and, whether it’s paint, fertilizers or other toxins, those get into our water and it’s very unhealthy,” Roberts says.

The Most Vulnerable Among Us Certain segments of the population are more at risk. “Lower socioeconomic groups are suffering more from extreme heat events.

The urban heat island effect, which unfortunately correlates very well with poorer neighborhoods, means that they’ll have heat waves seven to 10 degrees hotter in their neighborhoods than surrounding places with more green space,” Lemery says. “You see the public health infrastructure less robust to be able to attend to communities of color—like you saw with COVID. There are also physiologic vulnerabilities. Climate change affects the very young, the very old and the very sick much more because of their preexisting vulnerabilities, and then we have geographic vulnerabilities— people who live on the coast without sea walls or in flood plains.

As sea level rise proliferates, and that data is really straightforward,

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The experts agree that it’s important to frame climate change as a public health issue because it brings a sense of urgency to act. “If it isn’t a crisis, if it isn’t something we’re seeing every day on the front page, then you forget about it. And when you forget about it, the funding doesn’t come,” says Patel, whose work focuses on underprivileged communities that need special attention and funding.

Sapkota advocates for the development of early warning systems so that local health departments can anticipate and adapt to impending extreme weather events, directing resources to the most impacted and vulnerable communities. In some cases, moving people out of flood plains and vulnerable coastal areas through eminent domain might be needed.

Lemery believes that doctors are in a prime position to counsel their patients on preventive measures against climate hazards with “credible messaging repeated over and over again with clarity and no hedging: Wear a mask. Stay indoors during high-heat events. Don’t let children play outdoors when the air quality index is at a dangerous level.”

There are many ways to mitigate threats.

As experts point out, we know what to do, and it’s just a matter of putting our attention and resources on their implementation. “One of the biggest ways is let’s remove the sources of harmful spewing pollution—move away from coal, oil and gas—and invest in clean sources of energy, which will also create jobs in these new industries,” says Patel.

Another big step would be to promote mass transit and active transportation— walking and biking—over individual, gasguzzling vehicles. Patel advocates for local investments in bike lanes and sidewalks that encourage the switch. Both Lemery and Roberts express excitement about clean-running electric cars as potential game-changers in transportation.

Planting trees and vegetable gardens are easy, community-building solutions. “Trees are very beneficial to everything from shade to water filtration to producing oxygen

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and taking up carbon,” says Roberts, who adds that much can be done to restore and protect streams, ponds and lakes from the ill effects of pollution and development.

“You get volunteers to clean up the gunk and increase regulations for developers to keep stuff out of the waterways.”

Eco-Anxiety and Making Positive Change Jessica Schiff, a second-year master of science student at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, struggles with eco-anxiety—the depression, anxiety or dread associated with climate change. She says, “It impacts the decisions I make for my life and the future, just trying to think about overall impacts. Where is my food coming from? Do I want to have kids or adopt? Should I live in the suburbs or the city because of transportation and fossil fuel consumption? This all adds a layer of unease or uncertainty about the future. Sometimes I look at Greta [Thunberg] and how far she’s taken things, and feel guilty about not taking things to such an extreme. Is it hypocritical for me to care about climate change but still eat meat occasionally or take a plane to explore the world?”

Schiff deals with eco-anxiety by taking action. “We’re not going to reverse climate change at this point, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take steps to slow it down or reduce emissions. There are many small things we can each do, like biking or walking instead of taking a car or bus and reducing our use of plastic. It’s a process. You can’t do it overnight, but if you make a lot of small changes, and if everybody makes small changes, that has a bigger effect.”

Roberts acknowledges the power of small, individual actions, but stresses that we should not let the big polluters off the hook. “We need to continue to press for policy changes, holding polluters accountable, passing regulations based on protecting human health and climate, requiring cleaner cars and buildings, and more.

That’s the only way we will get to the scale of change needed to truly bring global warming to a halt.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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conscious eating

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area.

Pick up magazines monthly at:

Natural Awakenings ppreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area.

Spring Cleaning the Body Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

by April Thompson

A

s we shake off the sluggishness of winter, many of us feel an urge to “spring clean” our bodies with a detox or cleanse. Yet health experts say such programs should help jumpstart new healthy habits and not necessarily be seen as a short-

term fix.

“The air we breathe, the water we drink, the cosmetics we use, the materials we build with and most notably, the food that we eat, are loaded with chemicals that are toxic to our metabolism,” says Alejandro Junger, a Los Angeles cardiologist, author and founder of CleanProgram.com. “The systems in the body designed to clear toxicity are overwhelmed, lease consider supporting and this leads to the imbalances and damage that is at the root of most diseases today.” hese major distributors by Detoxification functions are performed by many different organs and tissues, including hopping there and picking intestinal flora, the immune system, the nervous system and the liver, so its imbalances Natural Awakenings can manifest in diverse ways, according to Junger. “Symptoms of detox imbalance include the magazine each month appreciates the generosity sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, rashes, lack of energy and libido, autoimmune disorfrom one of the racks. ders, inflammation and cancer.”

Natural Awakenings Thank you!of its distributorsWhile some health professionals say that detoxes are unnecessary because the body is appreciates throughoutthe thegenerosity area. capable of cleansing itself, others make a compelling case for the need to help it along, of its distributors given our heightened exposure to manmade toxic elePlease consider the supporting throughout area. ments. Information of varying repute swirls around these major distributors by offering approaches ranging from juice the internet, Natural Awakenings Please consider supporting shopping there and picking cleanses to total fasts. appreciates the generosity

major distributors by upthese the magazine each month of its distributors and picking Everyday Toxin Cleaners from onethere of the racks. throughoutshopping the area.

up the magazine eachSimple month dietary strategies can help sweep out Thank you!

She also recommends foods high in fiber that can bind to toxins and bile, and transport them out of the body through the stool. Berries, green tea and turmeric are also helpful for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; even water facilitates the excretion process, supports the lymphatic system and replenishes fluids lost through sweat. Using a water filter and eating organic foods when possible also reduces incoming toxins, she says.

Healthy smoothies are a great way to get water, fiber and easily digestible nutrients into our

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Please consider supporting toxins, explains Robin Foroutan, an integrative from one of the racks. these major distributors by Thank you! dietitian and nutritionist in New York City. She shopping there and picking points to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, up the magazine each month broccoli, collards and kale, which promote cytochromes P450, a family of enzymes from one of the racks. critical in helping toxins clear the body.

Thank you!

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Fasting (occasionally for a prolonged period, such as three days without food) and intermittent fasting (abstaining from food for a shorter period, such as 16 hours per day on a regular basis) are great tools for deeper detoxification, says Junger. “Digestion takes energy and resources from the detox functions, so eating less, eating less often and allowing time for digestion to stop so that detox can intensify is crucial.”

For a comprehensive detox, experts recommend working with a health practitioner to assess toxic burdens and develop a personalized plan. Russell Jaffe, a physician in Ashburn, Virginia, crafts a detox program based on four self-assessments, including digestive transit time, urine pH, hydration levels and vitamin C levels.

Jaffe claims our bodies are burdened by excess acid, rendering them less resilient to stress and resulting in fatigue, illness and infection risks. “When we enjoy a diet rich in greens, fruits, vegetables, minerals and antioxidants, our cells become more alkaline and more resistant to everyday stress,” he states.

Experts emphasize that a short-term program must be part of a longer-lasting lifestyle and diet shift. “It is not enough to do periodic detoxes if you go back to old habits. I offer these programs as a jumpstart in hopes that participants feel so much better that they never want to go back to what they were doing and eating before,” says Junger.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Sweet Mango Smoot Sweet fruit paired with spinach for an extra dose of fiber, vitamins and super-green-detoxifying antioxidants won’t change the taste of this beloved fruit smoothie.

1 cup fresh or frozen mango 1 to 3 cups spinach ¼ cup packed mint ½ cup coconut water ½ cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp chia seeds 1 serving dairy-free protein powder Handful of ice Skin and chop mango. Wash spinach. Remove mint leaves from their stems and rinse them with water. Place all ingredients in a blender.

Blend on high until smooth (30-60 seconds). Pour and serve immediately. Sprinkle chia seeds on top if desired.

photo by kaitlyn noble

Deep Detox

Detox Delights

Recipe by Kaitlyn Noble of the Clean Program.

Vegetable Yum Soup Soups help provide the body with nutrient- and fiber-rich vegetables in an easy-to-digest format, while soup broths help supply water for detoxification and a sense of satiety.

Yield: 4 to 6 Servings 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 stalk lemongrass, minced ½ tsp crushed red pepper ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped 5 to 6 cups vegetable stock 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 3 Tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté garlic, ginger, lemongrass and crushed red pepper. Stir in the mushrooms, sweet potatoes and bell pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the stock, bring to boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the coconut milk and soy sauce, and stir. Serve sprinkled with cilantro or parsley (optional).

photo by kaitlyn noble

body at the same time, according to Junger.

“When using a good, clean, protein powder in addition to fruits and leafy greens, healthy fats such as nuts, and coconut or cashew milk, a smoothie can provide us the nutrients needed to support our energy for hours,” he says. Adding herbs like mint or holy basil (tulsi) and spices like turmeric and cinnamon elevate both flavor and healing. Liquids such as celery juice provide highly concentrated nutrients and hydration, but lack the fiber of a blended drink.

Both juices and smoothies give overtaxed digestive systems a needed break.

Source: Russell Jaffe, The Joy in Living: The Alkaline Way. April/Early May 2021

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healthy kids

Nature to the Rescue Kids Come Alive Outdoors

image courtesy of Meraiko

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s Angela Hanscom of Barrington, New Hampshire, watched her preschool daughters at play, she realized that a surprising number of their friends had problems with balance, coordination and muscle weakness, conditions she was attuned to as a pediatric occupational therapist. Teachers told her that compared to past years, young children were falling out of chairs and bumping into each other and walls more often—all evidence of poor proprioceptive skills, the “sixth sense” ability to feel and position the body in space.

Hanscom also realized that almost none of the children played outdoors, which “fascinated and scared” her. Nationwide, even before the lockdowns and online schooling 24

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brought on by the pandemic, the average child spent seven hours per day looking at screens and only seven minutes per day playing freely outdoors. Recent studies show that today’s children have poorer hand grip strength, slower running speeds and lower cardiovascular fitness levels than previous generations. Meanwhile, a growing body of research finds that spending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier and more functional.

Hanscom’s solution was to establish TimberNook, camps in which children from 18 months to 14 years of age are encouraged to explore natural settings in imaginative, largely unstructured, minimally supervised play. Now in its eighth year, 38 TimberNook-affiliated camps are located in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia. Hanscom’s book, Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, has garnered more than 300 fivestar reviews on Amazon.com.

“Children thrive physically, mentally and emotionally when they are given frequent outdoor play experiences, especially with other children. When children do not get enough of these opportunities, it comes at a great cost to their development,” she says.

Journalist Richard Louv, author of the seminal Last Child in the Woods, agrees.

“The scientists who study the human senses no longer talk about five senses, they list conservatively nine or 10, and some believe that humans have as many as 30 senses,” he says. “Yet today, children and adults who work and learn in a dominating digital environment expend enormous energy blocking out many of the human senses—including ones we don’t even know we have—to focus narrowly on the screen in front of the eyes. That’s the very definition of being less alive. What parent wants his or her child to be less alive? Who among us wants to be less alive?”

That dawning realization is motivating parents and teachers to find ways to get their children actively involved with nature in ways that open their senses while also moving their bodies. This often means hitting the local trails and nature preserves, sometimes with binoculars, bug jars, bird and plant guides and a

scavenger list in hand. “‘Hiking’ can be a bit of a drag to young children, but ‘exploring’ (while still hiking) helps open their minds to the beauty and wonder of the outdoors,” says Tanya Gray of Woodstock, Georgia, a homeschooling blogger at TwoPineAdventure.com.

To improve kids’ hearing, Lilach Saperstein, an Israeli audiologist who hosts the podcast All About Audiology, asks children to close their eyes and describe only what they hear. “The wind, the rustle of leaves, a running water stream, crickets, birds, their own breathing, the swish of their sleeve or pant—this is a great way to introduce mindfulness, as well.”

To awaken sight, sound and smell, Boston plein air artist Diana Stelin hands kids paper and art supplies out in nature. “Allowing kids to sit with sounds around them and with smells of various seasons makes them truly feel part of our grand universe.

It also allows their minds to quiet down and reset, making them pay more attention to detail, to their inner landscapes and to people around them.”

To engage the sense of taste, Malorie Thompson, editor of TheVeganInsider.com, takes her children foraging for edible plants on treasure hunts on a trail or around their Northern California neighborhood. She says, “Bonus activity: use the foraged food to make a meal afterward!”

Most of all, nature should be both physical and fun. “Point excitedly at the full moon, shout at it and say hello. Pick up leaves and chestnuts and rocks and create beautiful art together. Stop to smell the twigs and flowers and roll on the grass—who can make it faster down the hill? Make sandcastles and animals. Tie colorful ribbons on tree branches. Look for the shapes of animals in the clouds,” says Milana Perepyolkina, of Salt Lake City, who wrote about forest bathing in Gypsy Energy Secrets.

“The only way to get your children to be excited about nature is for you to be excited about nature first,” she notes.

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Family Time in the Woods Richard Louv, a prominent nature writer and a co-founder of The Children & Nature Network (C&NN), offers 500 ways for families and communities to connect to the natural world in his book Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life. Here are more wise words.

Be a hummingbird parent. One parent says, “In the range from helicopter to neglect—I probably fall a bit more toward helicopter. In fact, I call myself a hummingbird parent. I tend to stay physically distant to let them explore and problem-solve, but zoom in at moments when safety is an issue (which isn’t very often).” Notice that she isn’t hovering over her kids with nature flash cards. She stands back and makes space for independent nature play—albeit not as free as she experienced as a child; this play is important, nonetheless.

Create or join a family nature club. Nature clubs for families are beginning to catch on across the country; some have membership lists of 400-plus families. The idea is that multiple families meet to go for a hike, garden together or even do stream reclamation.

We hear from family nature club leaders that when families get together, the kids tend to play more creatively—with other kids or independently—than during singlefamily outings. C&NN’s Nature Clubs for Families offers a free downloadable guide on how to start your own.

Get the safety information you need. Become familiar with good resources for safety tips in the outdoors, including those with information on how to guard against ticks.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cdc.gov. AudubonPortland.org offers tips on living with a variety of urban wildlife.

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healing ways

Breathe Easy

Common remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants bring their own share of afflictions, including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness. “By undertaking natural therapy for allergies, however, one can avoid and mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of allergies with no need for medication,” says Carrie Lam, M.D., an integrative and functional medicine doctor in Tustin, California. “Instead of loading up on drugs, you can take care of yourself in a more natural way and avoid nasty side effects.” Here are some non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

A

by Ronica O’Hara

s the one in five Americans suffering from allergic rhinitis can miserably testify, the fragrant breezes of spring aren’t much fun when they bring on sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose. The fifth-most common chronic disease in the country, allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—is aggravated in spring by rising pollen levels, but can occur year-round from exposure to mold, household dust mites, pet dander and vehicular air pollution.

Probiotics: In a 173-person, double-blind study, a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterum bifidum G9-1 and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2 lowered hay fever symptoms and improved participants’ quality of life during allergy season, report University of Florida researchers in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Read labels to locate these strains in yogurts, kefirs and supplements.)

laura negrato/AdobeStock.com

Sublingual Immunotherapy: To desensitize the body, small amounts of specific allergens in the form of tablets or liquid drops are placed under the tongue, making it a gentler and safer process than allergy shots. Numerous studies have shown it to be safe and efficient in the treatment of respiratory tract allergies, reports JoAnn Yanez, ND, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). After getting a diagnosis and a first dose from a health practitioner, the tablets or drops can be taken at home.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Quercetin: Found naturally in apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, red wine and black tea, this antioxidant inhibits the release of histamine and hampers the IgE antibodies formed during allergic reactions. As a 400-milligram (mg) supplement, it takes about a month to kick in.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): When freeze-dried as an extract or used as a tea, this prickly roadside weed is a nontoxic

natural antihistamine. In one study, 58 percent of participants found that 300 mg per day relieved their symptoms.

Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in such foods as tuna, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oil can help reduce symptoms, research suggests. In a Japanese study, eating fish lowered respiratory symptoms for women, while fast food and sugary drinks worsened respiratory stress.

Nasal Rinse: Using a neti pot with saline solution to rinse allergens out of nasal passages provides quick relief for stuffy, runny, irritated noses. In one study, people using them reported a 64 percent improvement in chronic sinus symptoms and a better quality of life. An ancient Ayurveda technique popularized by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, the pots cost about $20 in pharmacies. Nasal sprays, although easier to use initially, aren’t as effective, studies show.

Unpasteurized Honey: “Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby flowers, which can make you less sensitive when you’re exposed to them outdoors,” says chiropractor and nutritionist Josh Axe, Nashville-based author of Ancient Remedies. A Malaysian study of 40 hay fever sufferers found that high doses of local honey, taken along with an antihistamine, reduced sneezing and nasal decongestion more effectively than the antihistamine alone.

Acupuncture: Based on established research, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recommends acupuncture for hay fever patients that want to avoid pharmaceuticals.

Homeopathy: To stimulate the body’s natural healing process, homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of herbs and other substances. Although it’s best to work with a homeopath, two helpful remedies commonly found in health food stores are Allium cepa 30C, for watery eyes, sneezing and a runny or irritated nose; and Kali bichromicum 30C, for persistent sinus congestion with thick nasal discharge.

Anti-Allergen Cleaning: Simple steps recommended by AANMC to lower airborne allergens include using a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the vacuum cleaner; replacing AC filters frequently; changing out of clothes and showering when coming in from the outdoors to rinse off pollen; leaving shoes outside; changing the air filter in the car; and avoiding toxic inhalants with synthetic ingredients like perfumes, body sprays, scented candles, room sprays, air fresheners and dryer sheets.

Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Non-Invasive Treatment for

Food Allergies

O

by Maeve O’Connor

ral immunotherapy (OIT) or oral desensitization for food allergies is a non-invasive medical treatment guided by a board-certified allergist resulting in a lifetime freedom from food fear and stress for the patient. The immune system is retrained to tolerate food proteins/allergens through regular eating of small amounts of food.

OIT dates back to medieval times, when kings would ingest tiny bits of arsenic to protect themselves from being poisoned, and has been studied in modern clinical trials for more than a decade. Allergy shots, used since 1911, are a form of immunotherapy and desensitization called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), with a strong track record of safely desensitizing people from environmental allergies.

OIT has a better than 85 percent success rate in clinical trials of patients with a documented Ige-mediated food allergy. Two contraindications are previous eosinophilic esophagitis or uncontrolled asthma. An allergist must approve the protocol and 84 percent of patients have insurance coverage for this treatment.

The key to understanding OIT is that there is low level of allergen an allergic person can safely eat without a reaction. It’s invisible to the body. Then it’s raised slightly and the body still doesn’t react. The threshold of tolerance is gradually increased over time. The immune and digestive systems adapt as they are meant to do.

According to the Food Allergy Support Team (fastoit.org), more than 80 percent of patients treated with OIT can safely consume foods that once threatened their health. The lifechanging results experienced by successful OIT patients has given both parents and children new hope and inspiration.

Maeve O’Connor, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI, FACP, is the founder of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief of Charlotte, an OIT specialist and a board member of Food Allergy Support Team (FAST). For appointments or more information, call 704-910-1402, email Info@AAIRofCharlotte.com or visit AAIRofCharlotte.com.

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community resource guide

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE EMPOWER LIFE CENTER

Camilo Sanchez, L. Ac, MAOM 704-542-8088 EmpowerLifeCenter.com

COLONICS HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

28 years of experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine and integrated health. Specializing in identifying and correcting the root cause of your health concerns.

P ain c onditions, digestive disorders, stress, women’s health and chronic disorders. Classes in authentic Qigong, Tai Chi and Taoist yoga.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

ALLERGY

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

AAIR OF CHARLOTTE

Elizabeth, Blakeney, Steele Creek 704-910-1402 AAIRofCharlotte.com Dedicated to the progressive treatment of allergy, asthma and i m m u n o l o g y p a t i e n t s . D r.

O’Connor is one of only three specialists nationwide to complete the University of Arizona Fellowship of Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 19.

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRx.com/CBD

Charlotte’s CBD experts.

CBD consultations available with a licensed Pharmacist ($50 per ½ hour). Consultation fee applied to any CBD purchase. Professional grade CBD products available in store and online. See ad, page 14.

CHRONIC & DIFFICULT CASES HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad, page 4.

Charlotte Edition

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRx.com

Charlotte’s most experienced & trusted compounding pharmacy. Skilled pharmacist can prepare custom medications to meet needs of the individual patient. Specializing in women’s & men’s health as well as veterinary medications.

See ad, page 14.

DENTISTRY

Local Christian owned toxin free maid service covering Iredell and parts of Mecklenburg. Our probiotic cleaner will leave your home sparkling and truly clean.

Call or email today for estimate.

Free EnviroMist with first appointment. See ad, page 6.

RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

140 Valleydale Rd • 980-314-3880 17131 Lancaster Hwy • 980-314-3845 MeckMulchMadness.com Supports a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again.

Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create highquality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price. See ad, page 11.

SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415 ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com

Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional and beautiful interiors. Certified Green Accredited Professional.

Maria Killam True Colour Expert.

KEMPTER HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

CBD

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Our principle service is Colon Hydrotherapy, but we also offer a wide variety of other services. We o ff e r b o t h t r a d i t i o n a l a n d alternative therapies to assist clients in achieving optimal health, wellness and balance.

A GREENER CLEAN LLC

704-765-2035 Info@AGreenerClean.net AGreenerClean.net

3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation.

See ad, page 13.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & MEDICAL SPA

421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte 16415 Northcross Dr, Ste C, Huntersville 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

Charlotte’s only Integrative MD offering membership based direct primary care. Also safe and natural therapies and skincare as well as healing for mind, body and spirit at MedSpa. See ad, page 2.

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE BLUE SKIES FAMILY MEDICINE

Katherine Weeks, MD, FAAFP 363 Williamson Rd, Ste 103, Mooresville • 704-663-7819 BlueSkiesFamilyMedicine.com

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Monthly fee model supports timely/higher quality appointments at lower overall costs as well as transparency and clear expectations. Ideal for small businesses and individuals with co-op or catastrophic plan coverage. Call for meet-thedoctor appointment.

GARDENING THE PATIO FARMER

Charlotte, NC • ThePatioFarmer.com ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com @thepatiofarmer on IG and FB Confidently grow food at home with Consultations, Installation and Maintenance Plans. Also, check out Plant Club for in-depth gardening know-how. Contact us today and start enjoying food from your own plants.

HEALTHY PET FOR THE LOVE OF DUTCH

Charlotte • 704-576-7916 Hello@ForTheLoveofDutch.com ForTheLoveofDutch.com Nourish your pet the natural way. Ready-to-serve, handcrafted food for your dog made with fresh, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced meat from local Carolinas farms. See ad, page 2.

HOMEOPATHY CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy—a power system of natural medicine that stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal, without side effects. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, eczema, auto-immune disease, hormonal imbalance, and much more. See ad, page 19.

HYPERBARIC THERAPY NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER KATIE SUTTON

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound & vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation– in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

Sheila Kilbane, MD 2201 Park Rd, Ste B 704-626-6771 • SheilaKilbane.com Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified integrative pediatrician who specializes in finding the root cause of illness including reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain and more.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

Marty Bacher, Spiritual Leader UnityofCharlotte.org 704-523-0062 Unity features a vibrant, joyous Sunday Celebration Service at 10:30am with terrific music, inspiring messages and a warm, welcoming spiritual community. Offering classes and workshops throughout the week with activities that support your health, wellness and spiritual journey.

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE NATURAL DOCTOR DARRYL ROBERTS, ND

Haas Wellness Center 3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 • DoctorDarrylND.com DrDarryl@HaasWellnessCenters.com Heal. Recover. Thrive. Modern wellness for a modern world.

Specializing in emotional and digestive disorders with children and adults using non-toxic treatments. Call today for a free consultation. See ad, page 21.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com Diabetes, Depression, Digestive Disorders, ​A llergies, Autoimmune disease, A ​ nxiety,​ ​ ADHD. C h a r l o t t e ’s o n l y d o c t o r specializing in homeopathy. We focus on treating YOU to uncover the cause of your health condition and empower you to better health!​ See ad, page 19.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev. David Hulse, Spiritual Leader 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a Spirit-Guided, HeartCentered, Christ-Conscious, Loving Family providing an empowering, universal, Christ-centered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Sunday Service 11:15 am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

See ad, page 13.

AKASHIC RECORD READINGS

Charlotte, NC • 704-236-1413 AmyGrayCunningham.com Amy@AmyGrayCunningham.com

The Akashic Records are like a Google search for your soul. Call today and rediscover who you are at soul level, clear negative karmic patterns and begin living the life you truly desire. See ad, page 20.

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

A nonprofit organization working to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Become a member today.

VETERINARIAN ATRIUM ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Kim Hombs, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CTui-Na 6520 McMahon Dr 704-542-2000 AtriumAnimalHospital.com Comprehensive holistic/ integrative animal medicine practice in the Charlotte region.

Alternative vaccine approaches, double certified acupuncturist and herbalist, cold and class 4 laser, TCM food therapy, Tuina, animal rehabilitation with underwater treadmill.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net Developer of the "40 Day Transformation" system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

April/Early May 2021

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gaston county natural guide Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living. To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

SPA

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEALING PLATFORM

Amber Pederson, DC, CFMP 29 E Woodrow Ave, Belmont 704-755-4088 • HealingPlatform. com Info@HealingPlatform.com

HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Offering traditional and alternative therapies seven days a week to help you achieve optimal health, wellness and balance. Colon hydrotherapy, massage, far-infrared sauna therapy, energizing foot spa and yoni or v-steam.

We empower people to take control of their health by educating and providing tools that enable clients to implement simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies. In person and virtual visits.

ORGANIC MARKET & SUPPLEMENTS ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketplaceNC.com 9am -7pm M/F, 9am-6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products. See ad, page 9.

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Charlotte Edition

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email

Ads@Awakening Charlotte.com

KnoWEwell.com

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April/Early May 2021

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Enter To Win!

Home Improvement Using Repurposed Materials

Contest

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ESRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

Our Home Improvement contest is for you, our readers.

Enter to win by re-purposing products for a home project. (at least 50% of the project needs to be repurposed).

Items that have been collected from second-hand and thrift stores, neighbors and from your own garage, basement or closets are eligible!

Open to residents of Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston AND Surrounding Counties. Deadline is April 15.

Prizes include:

• Virtual Interior Paint Color Consultation (valued at $225) complements of Claudia Josephine Design • Two tickets to the 2021 Charlotte Sustainability Awards (virtual event) on April 22 complements of Sustain Charlotte Register at tinyurl.com/RepurposedHomeContest now.

Complete your entry when project is finished by emailing project details to Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

Winners will be announced in the magazine and on AwakeningCharlotte.com

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