Natural Awakenings Charlotte - August 2021 Issue

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F

E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

WATER SPORTS FOR A TOTAL BODY

WORKOUT

BES T WAYS TO PRESERVE THE GARDEN HARVES T

7 WAYS TO THINK YOURSELF HAPPY BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS TIPS

August/Early September 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com


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POWER UP FIDO

Five Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

SMILING CAN MAKE US HAPPIER UNLEASH YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL

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August/Early September 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

letter from publisher

Naming Norma

H

appiness” is the main theme of this month’s back-to-school issue, and it has come at a good time for me because I have an urge to

be happy. I’m tired of being bummed out. I think I’m just in a funk right now and there are many reasons why, but basically the world isn’t what I expected it to be by now. I’ve always had a hard time accepting reality when it is other than what I think it could or ought to be. All that being said, I don’t care anymore what could or ought to be. I just want to be happy, and on an ongoing basis too. So I intend to put the seven points given in this month’s feature editorial, “Think Yourself Happy: Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier,” to work. I’ve already named my inner critic Norma. (No offense to people named Norma; it’s just a name that came to me, and I bet it will change with time and practice.) I plan to talk to her in a loving way when she’s giving me a hard time. Reframing is something I’ve been doing for a while, but questioning assumptions is something I will work on. Finally, having gratitude for the many blessings in my life particularly resonates at this time.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

I wish you much happiness this August, and feel free to share your inner critic’s name with me at Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Making up inner critic names could be a fun event in itself.

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Shannon

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan 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. 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. 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. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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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 WATER SPORTS FOR A TOTAL BODY WORKOUT

Cool Ways to Stay Fit this Summer

14

16 PRESERVING THE HARVEST

Classic Ways to Store Garden Bounty All Year

18 THINK YOURSELF

16

HAPPY

Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier

22 BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS

Tips to Keep Kids Healthy

22

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 12 global briefs 13 health briefs 14 fit body 16 conscious eating 22 healthy kids 24 resource guide 26 gaston county

natural guide

26 classifieds

August/Early September 2021

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news briefs

CBD and Carolinas Cannabis Convention in Salisbury

M

y Green House CBD proudly presents the Carolinas Cannabis Convention, focusing on education, laws and small businesses in the hemp industry across the region. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 13 and 14 at NOAH Brands Inc., a hemp farm and processing facility, in Salisbury. The annual event is designed to create synergy and partnerships amongst existing and new industry businesses, plus showcase the amazing products crafted here in the Carolinas and neighboring states. There’ll be nearly 20 industry speakers from Colorado and within our region, providing educational seminars and farming tutorials. Vendors and a kids’ pavilion will also be present. “It is a great opportunity to learn more about cannabis,” says Kim DeLaney, founder of HaZi Enterprises Inc, the parent company of the event. “Specifically, the hemp that is grown locally and the many small businesses that are currently creating amazing hempbased products. With SB711 in the NC Senate, our community is curious as to how this bill may impact their health care and ability to obtain plant-based therapies.” Tickets start at $25. Free admission to vendor area on Saturday only. Kids under 12 are admitted free both days. Location: 225 Ridenhour Dr, Salisbury. For more information, call 866-HEMP-4NC or visit www.CarolinasCannabisConvention.com which includes vendor applications.

Donate Old Tech Gadgets This Back-to-School Season

T

he school year is upon us, and with it often comes new technology. For us to properly dispose of old technology devices while also supporting job seekers in our area, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is partnering with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste to host a free electronics take-back event from 9 a.m. to noon, August 28, at the Compost Central and Recycling Center in Charlotte. The collaborative effort ensures electronics are reused, if possible, prior to recycling. Residents are encouraged to bring and donate working devices such as computers, cell phones, gaming consoles and small appliances. Goodwill assesses and refurbishes them to provide access to low-cost electronics at its technology store, The GRID. The nonprofit uses proceeds from its 26-plus area stores to fund job training and employment services at no cost to the community. Any items that can’t be refurbished and reused are recycled responsibly, adhering to the strictest, current, environmental policies. Year-round, electronics can be donated at any Goodwill store or dropped off at any Mecklenburg County full-service recycling center. Location: 140 Valleydale Rd. For more information on Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, visit www.GoodwillSP.org and on how to reduce waste and recycle correctly, visit www.WipecoutWaste.com See ad, page 15.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Kings Mountain Preserve Offers Lunch and Learn Events

K

ings Mountain Preserve, a 38-acre nature preserve cemetery near Kings Mountain State Park, is presenting free “lunch and learn” events monthly every Thursday and the third Tuesday at 1 p.m. at various locations. Attendees will learn about the environmental and economic benefits of green burial and preplanning of funeral services that are provided at the preserve, one of only two conservation burial ground and funeral home combinations in the country and the only one on the East Coast, as well as the only conservation ground with an onsite Retreat Center. This month’s events will be on August 5 at Earth Fare Rock Hill (725 Cherry Road); August 12 at Earth Fare Fort Mill (2351 Len Patterson Road, Suite 103); August 17 at Trio Restaurant, (10709 McMullen Creek Parkway), Charlotte; August 19 at Earth Fare Ballantyne (12235 North Community House Road), Charlotte; and August 26 at Earth Fare South Park (721 Governor Morrison Street), Charlotte. Events will take place on the same Thursdays and Tuesday at the same locations in following months. Kings Mountain offers a variety of green burial options, plus a Retreat Center for weddings, funerals, meetings and retreats; a custom-built stone and wood cabin; an outdoor pavilion; the Kings Creek Chapel in the forest; a meditation and prayer chapel; two outdoor cooking and grilling stations; and three miles of hiking trails. For more information or to RSVP for any session, call 877-375-2495 or visit www.KingsMountainPreserve.com. See ad, page 21.


Elemental Healing Charlotte is for SALE! After 12yrs of providing a warm, welcoming space for healers and the community in greater Charlotte, EHC is passing the baton. Our growth has continued, and opportunities abound for someone to carry the torch.

Could it be YOU? Contact Robyn Albaum to schedule a confidential meeting: events@elementalhealingcharlotte.com 908-407-1000

The Healing Power of Oxygen Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a safe and non-invasive therapy that enhances the body’s natural healing process, stimulates stem cell production and strengthens the immune system

Effective Treatment for Both Insurance & Noninsurance Covered Conditions: • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Lyme Disease • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Autism • Fibromyalgia • Ulcerative Colitis • Diabetic wounds • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Radiation injury • Anti-Aging • Concussion • Stroke • Chrohn’s Disease • Sports Injury • Long COVID During your session you can: watch a movie, listen to music, sleep, meditate, or just plain relax

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Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute • 146 Medical Park Rd, Suite 110 Mooresville, NC 28117• NirvanaHbo.com August/Early September 2021

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Farm Fresh Carolinas Partners Elemental Healing Charlotte is for Sale lemental Healing with Funky Farmer Microgreens

T

he same top-quality microgreens that are being used by Charlotte’s top chefs can now be used in residential kitchens as well. Fresh, harvested microgreens can now be ordered and delivered to residences throughout the greater Charlotte area, either on their own or added to an organic produce delivery. On farmland that has been in their family for seven generations in Denver, North Carolina, the Funky Famers, Robb and Mitzi, use love and meticulous care in growing superior quality microgreens. All of their microgreens start from U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seeds, are grown in vegbeds made of sustainable bamboo fibers, and they never use harmful pesticides or chemicals to produce these nutrient-dense powerhouse greens. Further, their popular Sprout of the Week option is provided so that consumers can enjoy a different fresh microgreen with each delivery. For more information or to arrange for a delivery, visit www.FarmFreshCarolinas.com.

10

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

E

Charlotte (EHC) is currently for sale. EHC has been a “wellness collaborative” representing a variety of independently owned mental health and holistic practitioners and an event venue in the heart of the SouthPark/Dilworth area in Charlotte since 2009. A peaceful, positive, accepting and safe environment for all to benefit from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing services, it has also hosted many community events including the REFRESH Wellness Expo, as well as a wide variety of classes and trainings for practitioners and the public. With such an already established presence, the EHC brand is poised for exceptional growth that can expand far beyond its current presence. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are concerned now more than ever about their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being,” says EHC’s Business Development and Marketing Director Robyn Albaum. “The time is ripe for both new online and off-line offerings that encompass an impressive and comprehensive online directory of practitioners, online classes, trainings, events (big and small), conferences, webinars and more … all under the well-known and loved, EHC brand!” Albaum is the contact for all business queries. Location: 5200 Park Rd., Ste. 200-C. For more information, call Robyn Albaum at 908-407-1000 or email Events@ElementalHealingCharlotte.com. See ad, page 9.


Join in Celebrating Okra Charlotte’s Ninth Anniversary

O

kra Charlotte is celebrating its ninth anniversary throughout this month with many special events; free workshops; prize giveaways; specials on massages and yoga; exciting products at Gumbo Goods; and the opening of their new Holistic Healing Suite offering several new services. Okra has broadened its offering of various styles of yoga as well as massage and bodywork services and is offering considerable introductory savings on many of them as well as its health and wellness selection of innovative goods at Gumbo Goods, located next door. Location: 1912 and 1916 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte. For more information, call 704-266-1443 or visit www.OkraCharlotte.com. See ad, page 3.

kudos

D

r. Maeve O’Connor, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, FACP, and founder of AAIR (Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief) of Charlotte, was selected as one of North Carolina’s Best Doctors for 2021 by the Castle Connolly research firm for the eleventh consecutive year and also named Charlotte magazine Top Doctor for 2021 for the fourteenth consecutive year. The list Maeve O'Connor of this year’s honored doctors appeared in the July edition of Charlotte magazine. Every year, Castle Connolly surveys thousands of physicians nationwide by email and mail to ensure their list reflects the latest in quality care. After a doctor is nominated, their physician-led research team screens each one to confirm whether he or she meets Castle Connolly standards, evaluating them according to professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation and disciplinary history, case outcomes when available, training, clinical and interpersonal skills such as listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy and instilling trust and confidence. AAIR of Charlotte and new AAIR Aesthetics Institute of Rejuvenation locations: 1523 Elizabeth Ave., Ste. 200 (also Med Spa); 8810 Blakeney Professional Dr., Ste. 100 and 10926 S. Tryon St., Ste. D. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-910-1402 or visit www. AAIRofCharlotte.com.

Lake Norman’s Premier Spa & Wellness Center

August/Early September 2021

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global briefs

Bugs Matter

Soil Regulators Soft on Pesticide Use

Pesticides cause significant harm to earthworms and thousands of other vital subterranean species. These invertebrates, nematodes, bacteria and fungi filter water, recycle nutrients and help regulate the planet’s temperature. The most comprehensive review ever conducted on how pesticides Pick up magazines affect soil health, published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, monthly at: reveals that beneath fields of monoculture crops, a toxic soup of insecticides, Natural Awakenings herbicides and fungicides is wreaking havoc on the ecosystem. ppreciates the generosity The study recommends changes in how regulatory agencies like the U.S. of its distributors Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assess the risks posed by the nearly throughout the area. 850 approved pesticide ingredients. Presently, regulators ignore pesticide harm to earthworms, springtails, beetles and many other subsoil critters. The lease consider supporting EPA relies on one insect, the European honeybee, to represent the thousands of species that live or develop underground. The ongoing escalation of hese major distributors by pesticide-intensive agriculture and pollution are major driving factors in the hopping there and picking precipitous decline of many soil organisms that are critical to maintaining Natural Awakenings the magazine each month healthy soils. This contamination has been identified as the most significant from one ofappreciates the racks. the generosity driver of soil biodiversity loss in the last decade.

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

up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

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Charlotte Edition

sions related to agriculture. IATP European Director Shefali Sharma says, “Disappointingly, the assessment calls for more technological fixes such as feed additives and biodigesters to reduce agriculture’s methane footprint, rather than addressing the core of the problem. Untenable growth of animals in the food chain is spurred on by a powerful meat and dairy industry that bears no costs for this environmental debacle, but passes it on to farmers and consumers.” The report provides evidence that a new policy framework accounting for the factory farm system’s emissions and aiding a transition to more scale-appropriate agroecological systems of animal production that will be less harmful to people and the climate is needed, according to Ben Lilliston, IATP director of climate strategies.

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Awakenings of its distributors Thank you!Natural appreciates throughoutthe thegenerosity area. of its distributors Animal Alert Please consider the supporting throughout area. UN Methane Report Faults Big Meat and Big Dairy these major distributors by Natural Awakenings The United Nations Environment Programme and the Climate and Clean Air Please consider supporting shopping there and picking Coalition have released a Global Methane Assessment of emissions from appreciates the generosity these major distributors by agriculture and waste management. With livestock contributing fossil fuels, up the magazine each month of its distributors 32 percent and picking of the methane footprint, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade from onethere of the racks. throughoutshopping the area. (IATP) stresses the need to regulate and mitigate methane emissions up the magazine eachPolicy month Thank you! from global meat and dairy companies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Please consider supporting from one of the racks. Agency has also identified the factory farm system of hog and dairy operations these major distributors by Thank you! with liquified manure lagoon systems as responsible for rising methane emisshopping there and picking


local health brief

Avoid Air Pollutants to Protect Children’s Mental Health

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Breakthrough

Exposure to even moderate levels of traffic-related air pollutants during childhood results in a greater risk of mental illness by age 18, Duke University researchers report in JAMA Network Open. In the study, the psychiatric health of 2,000 twins from England and Wales followed into adulthood was compared to recorded levels of air pollution in their neighborhoods. Twenty-two and 84 percent of the twins, respectively, were found to have had exposure to nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter that exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Higher levels produced the most symptoms, including depression and anxiety. The effect, although weak compared to family history, equals that of other neurotoxicants known to harm mental health, particularly childhood exposure to lead. Previous evidence suggests that air pollutant exposures can cause inflammation in the brain and may lead to difficulty regulating thoughts and emotions. WHO estimates that nine of 10 people worldwide are exposed to high levels of outdoor air pollutants emitted by vehicles, waste disposal, power plants, factories and other industrial processes. Studies show increased hospital admissions for many psychiatric illnesses during poor air quality days in China and India. “Because harmful exposures are so widespread around the world, outdoor air pollutants could be a significant contributor to the global burden of psychiatric disease,” says lead author Aaron Reuben.

Sexual health is important but can often be embarrassing to bring up with your doctor. There are many causes of ED, and that is worth exploring to get the best treatment possible. One of the first things to do is get your testosterone levels checked. If the levels are under 400, it may be worth finding ways to maximize testosterone, even though it isn’t considered low until under about 250. Also check family history for vascular problems such as heart disease, strokes and hardening of the arteries. This could be a reason for ED and needs to be evaluated. Performance anxiety is a common cause of ED because once some men are unable to perform in the bedroom, anxiety can ruin the moment. Occasionally, sex therapy is warranted. Sensate focus or tantric yoga as a couple is also recommended to help turn the issue into fun with less pressure. There are meds for erectile dysfunction like Viagra and Cialis, but some men will experience headaches. Gainswave is a great option for natural treatments for ED without pharmaceuticals. Gainswave is a painless, regenerative treatment for men and is also starting to be used in women. It helps to create new collateral blood flow, and has the extra benefit of helping enlarged prostates and urinary flow. It comes in groups of six 20-minute sessions versus 12, depending on the severity of erectile dysfunction. P-shots, plus or minus additional exosomes from amniotic fluid (not from aborted fetuses), are a new trending treatment. The subject’s own platelet-rich plasma is used to inject growth factors and make the Gainswave even more effective.

satjawat/AdobeStock.com

health briefs

Avoid Sugary Drinks to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk andrii kovalAdobeStock.com

Getting teens to eat well can be an uphill battle, but new evidence shows its longterm importance. Drinking two sugary drinks per day from ages 13 to 18 increases by 32 percent the risk of colorectal cancer in women by age 50 when compared to drinking less than one such drink each week, Washington University School of Medicine researchers report in the journal Gut. The study used data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which tracked the health of nearly 116,500 female nurses from 1991 to 2015. Other drinks, including milk and unsweetened coffee, were associated with a decreased risk. Early-onset colorectal cancer rates have risen alarmingly in the last 20 years, causing the American Cancer Society to lower its recommended age for a first colonoscopy from 50 to 45.

Cammy Benton, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP, is owner of Benton Integrative Medicine and Medical Spa located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. C in Huntersville and 421B S. Sharon Amity Rd. in Charlotte (also Med Spa). For more information, call 704-775-6029, email BentonClinical@bimmail.com or visit www.BentonIntegrative.com. For more information on Gainswave, visit www.Gainswave.com. August/Early September 2021

13


fit body

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Water Sports for a Total Body Workout Cool Ways to Stay Fit this Summer by Marlaina Donato

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Charlotte Edition

W

hether it’s adrenaline-fueled kiteboarding or peaceful paddle boarding, getting active in the water helps to improve bone density, elevates mood and engages major muscle groups without stressing the joints. The highlight of a vacation might be rafting down a river, surfing at sunset or waterskiing on a mountain lake. Whether done regularly or occasionally, water sports offer a good workout disguised as play. While some water sports require a higher level of fitness, most are beginner-friendly and only require the willingness to try something new.

Core Adventures “Many lifelong skiers call waterskiing the fountain of youth. My friends who are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s that still ski are living proof,” says pro water skier Corey Vaughn, owner of Bum Pass Water Ski Club, in Bumpass, Virginia. “Waterskiing is one of the best total body workouts on the planet, yet you are having so much fun it never feels like a workout.” For Natali Zollinger, a raft guide, river surfer and whitewater stand up paddle boarder, it’s about trusting and working with the current: “Either rafting or

AwakeningCharlotte.com

paddling, our core has to engage way more than it would with other sports, and you’ll definitely notice the internal strength.” Based in Moab, Utah, Zollinger says that in only one week, paddling and kayaking produce noticeably more tone in the triceps and biceps, adding, “If you row boats, you’ll see the traps, shoulders and back muscles develop.” Stand up paddle board (SUP) yoga on the water, although seemingly placid, challenges the abdominals and cultivates balance. Christy Naida Linson, yoga instructor and owner of Prana Yoga Center and Aligned Flow Floating Studio, in Denville, New Jersey, says, “Paddling is excellent exercise for the core, back, shoulders, arms and legs. Postures are done in relationship to the current of the water and recruit many of the smaller stabilizing muscles.”

Getting the Feet Wet SUP yoga is accessible to both new and experienced students that can swim and are comfortable in the water. All postures can be modified to be done in positions lower to the board, such as kneeling, to make balancing easier. “A typical class is 90 minutes long and begins with instruc-


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tion on land. We go through paddle strokes and safety, how to get onto the board kneeling, transition to standing when feeling stable, paddle and stop,” says Linson. “The worst thing that happens if you lose your balance is that you go for a little swim!” Fitness requirements for river rafting can vary, depending on the type of trip and location. “Usually a couple months of ‘stair-stepper’ and some squats and lunges will do the trick,” says Zollinger. When it comes to gear, commercial trips offer the most freedom, especially for beginners, she says. “Normally, commercial trips pack all the gear that you need for basic camping, and all you have to bring is your personal gear like clothes, toiletries, etc.”

Waterskiing can be a challenge, but learning is easier with proper instruction, optimal equipment, an experienced, skilled boat driver and positive encouragement. “People tell me about Uncle Fred just throwing them behind the boat with a couple of old skis, telling them to hang on tight and then gunning the boat. This is not what I would consider best practices,” says Vaughn. A typical lesson lasts about 30 minutes, involves six to eight passes up and down the lake and includes technical guidance on body positions and timing. For optimal waterskiing, Vaughn prefers private lakes to avoid interruption in the rhythmic flow of skiing that can occur on busier lakes or bodies of saltwater due

to boat traffic, winds, tides and currents. Vaughn marvels when everything comes together; “There is nothing quite like the smile of a first-time skier when they get up [on their skis] and realize they are gliding across the water.” In the end, water sports are all about embracing possibilities.“It is a genuine joy to see people who may be new or doubt their ability come away feeling empowered,” says Linson. Zollinger passes on wisdom about time on the water. “The river continuously teaches me to be in the flow and appreciating the little things.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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levels can be increased with lemon juice. Vegetable pickles become acidic through the addition of vinegar. Heat-sealed jars are shelf-stable if the seals remain intact. Paul Fehribach, chef and co-owner of Big Jones, a restaurant in Chicago, gives canning tips in The Big Jones Cookbook. For pickles and preserves, he recommends using a simple canning kit with a tool to lift jars in and out of boiling water, a jar rack that sits in the bottom of a stock pot and Mason jars with new canning lids to hold the food. Both Paster and Fehribach suggest using professionally tested recipes. “Go to a reliable source, whether it’s a cookbook or a website, because there are some food safety issues. Recipes have been calibrated to have the right ratio of water and vinegar to vegetables to ensure it’s acidic enough,” says Paster. “Pickles are a great place to begin because they’re really hard to mess up.”

Preserving the Harvest Classic Ways to Store Garden Bounty All Year by Julie Peterson

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Refrigerator Pickling

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hether gardening, purchasing at farmers’ markets or ordering from a community supported agriculture farm, preservation techniques capture the bounty of the harvest and ensure availability of fresh flavors year-round.

Dehydrating “Dehydrating machines can be purchased for about $50, but an oven that goes down to a temperature of 150 or less will work,” says Brekke Bounds, educator at City Grange, a garden center in Chicago. Before dehydrating, consider the end use. Peaches or cherries can be cut into bite-size pieces. Roma or cherry tomatoes, sliced or cut in half and dried, can go in winter soups and stews. “Apple chips are super-easy,” Bounds says. “Core and slice with a mandoline, dunk in a lemon solution, sprinkle with cinnamon, dehydrate and store in an airtight jar.” Foods can be seasoned or marinated before drying. “We make zucchini bacon for vegan BLTs,” says Anthony Damiano, chef proprietor at Counter Culture restaurant, in Vero Beach, Florida. Dried herbs chopped in a food processor can be stored in airtight containers and used up to a year later as flavorful salad toppings or soup mixes.

Canning “One of my go-to methods is water bath canning,” says Emily Paster, author of The Joys of Jewish Preserving. “It’s a really safe and effective method of home preservation for highacid foods. Certain kinds of microorganisms, most specifically botulism, can’t live in a high-acid environment.” Fruits that go into jams and jellies are typically acidic enough, but 16

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The pickling process can be done without water bath canning, but the jars must remain refrigerated. The fun is in the quickness and variability of the recipes. Beyond traditional cucumber pickles, excellent pickles can be made with green beans, carrots, onions, cauliflower and green tomatoes. Brine can be dill, spicy or sweet. Damiano makes refrigerator pickles with a variety of local organic produce, including radishes, okra and other vegetables. The pickles are great for eating and can be used in salads and recipes like plant-based tostadas.

Fermenting “Fermentation is an essential part of how people everywhere make effective use of food resources,” says Sandor Ellix Katz, fermentation revivalist in Liberty, Tennessee, and author of The Art of Fermentation. “Fermentation produces alcohol, helps preserve food by producing acids and makes foods more digestible, more nutritious, more delicious and sometimes less toxic.” Cultures around the world developed fermentation techniques as a practical method to prevent food decomposition. Studies show that fermented foods and beverages provide beneficial probiotics

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conscious eating


to the gut microbiome. Anyone can give fermentation a try with ordinary kitchen tools—a knife, cutting board, mixing bowl and a jar. “Certain ferments, such as yogurt or tempeh, require specific temperature ranges,” advises Katz.

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Cold Storage Many fruits and vegetables freeze well, but a basement or backyard root cellar is a noelectricity, cold storage method. Items that store well in a root cellar include most root crops and firm fruits like apples and pears. “Root cellars use the natural, cool, moist conditions underground for fruit and vegetable storage. Earth-sheltered options work best for cooler climates where the ground temp is naturally cooler,” says Laurie Neverman in Denmark, Wisconsin, creator of CommonSenseHome. com. Those with no outdoor spot or cold basement room can still use cold storage. “Some crops like onions, garlic, potatoes, winter squash, apples and carrots keep well in dark, dry, cool room temperatures of about 55 degrees,” says Neverman. Food preservation methods extend the blessings of the harvest. A little preparation now will provide edible delights for months to come. Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

‘Clean the Garden’ Kimchi This easy kimchi recipe turns common garden veggies into a spicy probiotic ferment that’s loaded with good bacteria and health benefits. yield: 32 servings 4 Tbsp sea salt and 4 cups water 1 lb Chinese cabbage (napa or bok choy preferred, but other cabbage will do) 1 daikon radish or a few red radishes 1 to 2 carrots 1 to 2 (minimum) onions (or shallots or leeks) 3 to 4 (minimum) cloves garlic 3 to 4 hot red chilies to taste (seeds removed, dried is fine, nothing with preservatives) 2 to 3 Tbsp (minimum) fresh grated ginger root Prepare brine in a nonreactive container such as a glass bowl or large measuring cup. Mix water and salt, and stir thoroughly to dissolve salt. Cut up cabbage, radishes and carrots. (Add in other vegetables as an option.) Mix vegetables together and move them into fermentation vessel. Cover vegetables with brine. Use a fermentation weight or plate with a heavy object to weigh the vegetables down and keep them below the brine. (Mix more brine if needed to make sure vegetables are completely submerged.) Put a cloth over the fermentation vessel and wait for vegetables to soften (a few hours or overnight). Drain the brine from the vegetables, reserving it. Give the vegetables a taste. They should be salty, but not too salty. Sprinkle on additional salt, if needed, and mix; rinse if too salty. Mix the onion, garlic, chilies and ginger into the drained vegetables and blend well. Pack the vegetable mix into the fermentation vessel. Use the fermentation weight or plate to press it down until the brine covers the kimchi-in-progress. Add a little brine back, if needed, to make sure the vegetables are completely covered. Cover the fermentation vessel with a cloth and leave it on the counter for about a week. Taste test to check the fermentation. When happy with the flavor, the kimchi is done. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container to stop the fermentation. Recipe by Laurie Neverman at CommonSenseHome.com.

Food Preservation Resources National Center for Home Food Preservation: nchfp.uga.edu Ball & Kerr recipes and products for canning: FreshPreserving.com Complete Dehydrator Cookbook, by Carole Cancler The Pickled Pantry: From Apples to Zucchini, by Andrea Chesman Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables, by Mike and Nancy Bubel

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. August/Early September 2021

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THINK YOURSELF HAPPY Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier

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by Ronica O’Hara

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hat is happiness? Aristotle pondered it, our country’s founders encouraged its pursuit, but only now—thanks to the thriving field of Positive Psychology—have we learned more precisely how to attain and sustain it. In thousands of studies in the last two decades, researchers have watched babies share crackers, put Tibetan monks in brain scanners, asked college students to do kind deeds and explored databases, among other strategies. A major finding has emerged: Happiness is, to a great degree, in our own hands—or more exactly, our own minds. “You get to choose,” says trailblazing researcher Barbara Fredrickson, author of Positivity and Love 2.0 and a professor at the University of North Carolina. “No matter where your river of emotions flows today, over time and with continued effort and attention, you can change its course and location to live a happier, more positive life.” Using advanced brain imaging technology, neuroscientists and psychologists have discovered that the brain is “plastic” and malleable. When we change our thinking and actions in positive ways, brain neurons start rewiring themselves to make newfound happiness settle in, especially if our practices are repetitive. “Interestingly, changes can start quite quickly,” says neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, who has authored 10 books on the brain, emotions and spirituality, including Words Can Change Your Brain. “For those changes to become more fully ingrained, it can take a few months, but it does not necessarily require hours a day for many years.” A change in thinking shifted the behavior and life of John Peterson, a sales manager at a major West Coast auto retailer and 18

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editor of SafeDriveGear.com. “I was unhappy and miserable, so I decided to give gratitude a shot,” he recalls. “It was mechanical to start, but the reactions I got turned into a domino effect.” Instead of giving cursory thanks, he praised a co-worker’s kindness in handing him a daily cup of coffee; now they chat about their families. Instead of “keeping myself to myself,” he offered to help a neighbor he barely knew to clean gutters; now they’re “barbecue besties,” he says, adding, “I was kind of blown away at the incredible effect gratitude had on my life, both in improving my mental health and boosting my relationships. It was a real revelation to me!” Positive psychologists offer two major approaches: adopting habits that encourage happiness and clearing away the mental debris that blocks it. Many books and websites offer a wide range of theories, techniques and tips. “The most effective practices for you are the ones that you enjoy and are willing to do more often,” says Tchiki Davis, Ph.D., a Psychology Today blogger and founder of The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. The following are researchbased methods to enhance happiness:

1

Aim for a three-to-one ratio of positive to negative experiences

The difference between languishing and flourishing, says Fredrickson in her book Positivity, is constructing a life in which heartfelt positive experiences outnumber the negatives by three to one. Positive experiences that flow from feelings such as gratitude, serenity, hope, awe and love can be as simple as exchanging smiles with a passerby, patting a friend on the back, joking with a cashier, picking up something that someone has dropped or planting a


kiss on a son’s head. She emphasizes that the experiences must be authentic and heartfelt: acting “Pollyanna-ish” out of habit or pasting on a smile can actually make us feel worse, and positivity can turn toxic if it’s relentlessly turned on 100 percent of the time. “True happiness is not rigid and unchanging,” she says. When it comes to marriage, five positive interactions for every negative one is the “magic ratio” that makes it happy and stable, according to studies by renowned relationship psychologist John Gottman, author of What Makes Love Last. “Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures and small acts,” he writes.

2

Flip negativity by reframing experiences

Positive reframing involves shifting misery-making thinking to see the positive side of any situation. Canadian researchers reported in a 340-person survey at APA PsycNet that during the pandemic, reframing was the most effective mental health strategy; people practicing it gradually felt better, while people that vented, distracted themselves or disengaged from others fared worse. Reframing strategies include viewing a problem as a challenge, a learning opportunity or a way to help others; finding the higher purpose or divine order in a bad situation; exploring what the unexpected benefits might be; and finding humor in a situation.

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Berating ourselves for our shortcomings is a sure route to suffering, but applying self-compassion powerfully lowers the volume. It involves three elements: treating ourselves as kindly as we would a dear friend; realizing that making mistakes is intrinsically human so we’re not alone; and non-judgmentally facing our emotions without denying or indulging them, according to its major theorist, psychologist Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind. Numerous studies show that people that practice self-compassion have less selfdoubt and fewer negative thoughts, are less likely to feel anxious or depressed, enjoy better health and relationships and are more resilient and motivated to change. Another way to handle the inner critic is to transform it by befriending and chatting with it, a method used in voice dialogue therapy and in the Internal Family Systems approach. Jackie Graybill, a Seattle songwriter and piano teacher, calls her “mean girl” inner critic Brutista Dynasticus. “I’ll find myself responding to an inner thought like, ‘You look fat. Just how much weight have you gained over COVID?!’ with a recognition like, ‘Oh, Brutista, that wasn’t very nice. I may have some extra pounds, but this healthy body has gotten me through a freaking pandemic! Show a little respect, okay?’ This quiets her down because I’ve recognized her and addressed her, and I feel an inner sense of victory because I’ve brought a positive truth to bear. It’s a very empowering practice.”

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4

Clear away pain by questioning assumptions

Of our estimated 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, about 80 percent are negative and 95 percent are repetitive, says the National Science Foundation. Those noisy mental loops dampen our spirits by repetitively telling us that something regretful should not have happened in the past or is going to happen to blight the future. Few worries have real credence: A Cornell University study found that 85 percent of what people worry about never happens. Of the 15 percent of worries that did happen, 79 percent of people found they handled the problem better than they had expected or that they learned a valuable lesson from it. Cognitive behavioral therapists help clients to examine those beliefs and assumptions, challenge the dysfunctional ones and try out different interpretations to uncover the truth. Victor Blue, a Tampa transportation engineer, examined his difficult relationship with a tyrannical father by asking himself two questions that spiritual teacher and author Byron Katie suggests applying to any painful thought: “Is it true? Can you absolutely know it’s true?” Self-inquiring deeply, Blue realized he had a distorted view: His father had in fact loved him, but had lacked the capacity to show it with warmth or tenderness. “My father started with very little and saw a tough world and treated everyone tough,” he says. “And I came to realize that yes, I am able to father myself.”

5

Open the heart by deepening gratitude

Perhaps the most popular and direct approach to happiness is gratitude. Research shows that feeling and expressing thankfulness significantly boosts emotional well-being, makes us feel more connected and generous to others, and improves health and sleep quality. In one study, writing a few sentences of gratitude once per week for 10 weeks increased optimism and hope in participants; they even exercised more and had fewer doctor visits than those

writing about aggravations. Writing a thank-you letter to someone we haven’t appreciated enough in the past can induce a sense of well-being that lasts for at least six months, a University of Pennsylvania study found.

Quiet the noisy mind with 6 meditation, prayer and mindfulness Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, Newberg and other neuroscientists studied meditating Buddhist monks, prayerful Catholic nuns and mindfulness meditators. They found that each practice has its own distinctive pattern of brain activity, yet all three deactivate the brain regions that underlie mind chatter. That “default mode network” is constantly ruminating, nagging and making sure we avoid trouble. Sustained spiritual practices gradually turn down its everyday volume, which may explain in part the well-documented link between spiritual practices and well-being. Even brief meditations can have a quieting effect, counsels New York City psychologist and mindfulness teacher Loch Kelly, author of Shift into Freedom. In a quiet moment, he suggests, “Ask yourself, ‘What is here right now if there is no problem to solve?’”

up others with 7 Lift a positive outlook

The more we give with a full heart, the more happiness we experience, studies show—and the benefits radiate far beyond ourselves. Following nearly 5,000 people over 20 years, Harvard researchers found that one person’s happiness triggers a chain reaction up to three degrees away, lifting the spirits not only of friends, but friends’ friends, and their friends’ friends’ friends. Effects can last up to one year. It’s a vital way to help the world, says Fredrickson. “The happiness that you experience together with others has ripple effects, both biological and behavioral, that make whole communities healthier.” Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. August/Early September 2021

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healthy kids

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Back-to-School Wellness Tips to Keep Kids Healthy by Ronica O’Hara

are needing support or are feeling overwhelmed or concerned, they can always talk to you to work through the issue together,” she says.

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Reset bedtime creep

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fter a year dealing with the ups and downs of pandemic-era schooling, many parents are anticipating their children’s return to school with mixed emotions. “Families indeed have had a rough time in the pandemic, resulting in increased food insecurity, weakened social skills, splintered attention spans due to constant multitasking and arguments over screen time, yet many families also feel that they grew closer together as they coped with the adversity,” says Jenifer Joy Madden, author of How To Be a Durable Human. As we wave our children off to classes, we can draw on those hard-won, deeper ties by taking steps to ensure our children’s health and well-being. Here are some suggested strategies:

Hold a family sit-down Meet as a group to talk about schedules and logistics to make sure everyone’s commitments will work together, recommends Erika Beckles Camez, Ph.D., a licensed family therapist in Temecula, California. “Talk as a family about how everyone feels about going back to school and intentionally tell your student that throughout the year if they 22

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“During the summer, bedtime tends to creep later and later. Two weeks before school starts, begin to reset bedtime by reversing the creep by 15 minutes every few nights,” suggests Amber Trueblood, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Culver City, California, and author of Stretch Marks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 6 to 12 years of age sleep nine to 12 hours a night and teenagers 13 to 18 sleep eight to 10 hours. Getting enough sleep, it advises, leads to “improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health.” Sleep experts recommend not allowing kids to be on device screens beginning an hour before bedtime, and perhaps storing devices in another room.

Buoy them with breakfast According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, children that eat a complete breakfast have been shown to work faster, make fewer math mistakes and show improved concentration, alertness, comprehension and memory. “Get in the habit of a healthy breakfast that contains a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats and unrefined carbohydrates and fiber,” advises Amy


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Satisfy them with healthy snacks There’s a metabolic reason students head straight for the fridge when they get home—but it’s best if they can’t grab sweets. “Children need healthy, whole-food, nutritious snacks after school to fuel both their bodies and their brain,” says Uma Naidoo, M.D., a Harvard-based nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef and author of This Is Your Brain on Food. To support optimal brain development and help lower kids’ anxiety and hyperactivity levels, she suggests snacks rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B12 and D, and iron and folate, such as:

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Take allergy precautions About one in 14 U.S. children has a food allergy. Anisha Angella, an early childhood specialist and author of Easing Allergy Anxiety in Children, recommends taking special precautions with an allergy-prone child, including frequent handwashing; carrying an EpiPen for sudden, severe reactions that require an epinephrine injection; and not sharing foods. “Connect with their teachers,” she advises. “They want to help in any way, too. When a child sees an adult that supports their allergy safety in all environments, they feel comfortable, and that lessens anxiety.” “Readjusting from the pandemic will take patience and perseverance on the part of parents,” says Madden. “Having the family start simple wellness habits can help.” Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. August/Early September 2021

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Dr Michael Smith 1114 Sam Newell Rd, Ste A 704-486-2448 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.

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, back cover.

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 14.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

401 E Arrowood Rd Sundays at 9:30am UnityofCharlotte.org

Unity features a vibrant Sunday Celebration Service at 9:30 AM, with inspiring messages from a rotating slate of guest speakers. Unity supports your well-being, prosperity and spiritual journey.

DIRECTORY Find local businesses with ease at AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM August/Early September 2021

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SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE 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 10.

SUSTAINABILITY

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.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEALING PLATFORM

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

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

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.

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 23.

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

Ads@Awakening Charlotte.com

SPA 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.

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.

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline is the 9th of the month. FOR SALE 2010 SUBARU FORESTER – 170K miles, manual transmission, rebuilt Subaru engine, roof rack, bluetooth, well-serviced. 704-778-6863.

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Charlotte Edition

PLANT-BASED SUPPLEMENTS – Get Greens, Chlorophyll, Oil Blends, Electrolytes, Cleansers, Herbal Teas & More. All organic. See Special Offer for Free Samples. TerraLifeStore.com, 954-459-1134.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

5 ACRES IN MARION NC – Heavily wooded, lightly developed subdivision. 30 minutes to Linville Falls, 40 minutes to Asheville. 704-778-6863.


Dr. Tom O'Bryan Chief Health Off icer, KnoWEwell

"WE ARE TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE" Personalized. Diverse. Inclusive. Regenerative Whole-Health and Well-Being Benefits. It’s how KnoWEwell is transforming the future of healthcare. Award-winning. One global online destination for today’s trusted Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources, and ecosystem collaborating to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address chronic diseases and achieve WELLthier Living – Happy. Healthy. Abundant. PurposeFilled. Join the movement as we share knowledge and healing success stories, access to evidence-based resources, immersive learning opportunities from the experts, and help create meaningful connections.. Take control and optimize your health and well-being by visiting: KnoWEwell.com As a Natural Awakenings reader, receive 50% off your first year of membership. Individuals apply: NAPUB0221 Practitioners apply: NAPUB0221P

August/Early September 2021

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LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ESRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

Your Body Can HEAL Itself If Given the Proper Tools!

Specializing in: Digestive issues • Emotional Wellness Weight Loss • Chronic Pain Non-invasive Therapies: Laser Therapy, Electric Stimulation, Non Needle Auriculotherapy (to treat pain, addictions and internal disorders), Acugraph Scan to measure meridian imbalances and correct them Now Accepting NEW Patients Call today for a FREE consultation! To book your appointment,

Darryl Roberts N.D.

704-837-2420

Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor

In addition to firmly believing in our bodies’ natural ability to heal, Doctor Darryl is a dedicated father, passionate vegan chef and also hosts his own wellness-focused podcast, The Wholistic Truth.

Offering Virtual and IN Office Consultations

3315 Springbank Lane, Ste 102 • Charlotte, NC 28226 • DoctorDarrylND@gmail.com • DoctorDarryIND.com 28


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