Natural Awakenings Charlotte - November 2021 Issue by Shannon

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

GOOD-MOOD HOLIDAY FOOD Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health Mindful Strategies for Anxious Teens Tips for Buying Sustainable Furnishings HOW TO DIE WELL

November/Early December 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

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GOOD-MOOD HOLIDAY FOOD Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

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Mindful Strategies for Anxious Teens

November/Early December 2021 | Charlotte Edition | AwakeningCharlotte.com

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Tips for Buying Sustainable Furnishings HOW TO DIE WELL

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Find additional articles online at AwakeningCharlotte.com. Go to the homepage and explore local businesses, recipes, and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

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SACRED DANCE

Moving into Divine Energy

HEALTHY BRAIN STRATEGIES

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

HONORING THE LOSS OF A PET

HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE AwakeningCharlotte.com/ Businesses

Simple Ways to Grieve and Hea

DAVID CROW

on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

CALENDAR

Check out the latest events at AwakeningCharlotte.com/ Calendar

November/Early December 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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

EDITORIAL Jane Aylward Allison Gorman Randy Kambic Martin Miron

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

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

letter from publisher

Happy Fall!

K, that title would have been more fitting for last month’s publisher’s letter, but back then fall was the last thing on my mind, what with the very

warm weather. This week has been more “fall like”: cold at night, cool in the mornings and warm later in the day. The cooler weather and the vivid colors have me feeling happy. I’m compelled to get outside as often as I can for a hike, a bike ride, or just a quick walk. This weather also has me thinking about the holidays and how they will be here before we know it. If you’re thinking about that too, not to worry—we’ve included a local gift guide in this issue, and you’ll see one in the December issue as well. At a time when many news outlets are warning consumers to shop online early this year because of supply-chain problems, we have healthy and sustainable gift options that are available now from businesses right here in the Charlotte area . Please take a look at our guide on the back cover; you may be inspired by a gift you hadn’t considered giving before, and you may even be tempted to buy a gift for yourself. Go ahead, it’s a wonderful time of year—and a nice excuse to treat ourselves too. Wishing you a November of outdoor activities and treating yourself to something special,

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.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed with soy-based ink.

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Shannon

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 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.

15 KINGS MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

Green Burials for the Charlotte Area

16 DYING WELL

Four Steps to a Good Death

18 EAT WELL TO FEEL WELL

Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

20 MINDFULNESS FOR STRESSED TEENS

School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

22 ECO-DECOR 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.

FOR THE HOME

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 15 business spotlight 18 conscious eating 20 healthy kids 22 green living 24 resource guide 26 gaston county

How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

natural guide

26 classifieds

November/Early December 2021

news briefs

Benton Integrative Continues to Grow and Adds New Practitioner

ew practitioner April Parker, PA-C, at Benton Integrative Medicine, in Huntersville, is taking appointments for direct primary care (DPC). For a limited time, non-members can schedule a one-time $99 DPC appointment with April to determine if Benton Integrative Medicine is right for them. She specializes in direct primary care and represents the “country doctor” persona that the practice is known for as she loves family medicine and helping people achieve better health. The direct primary care membership model comes with many benefits including various modalities that are not available with other healthcare systems. Members receive exclusive access and discounts for nutrient and musculoskeletal injections, IV nutrient therapy, thermograms, lifestyle health coaches and April Parker men’s health. Members can round out their overall health with The Skin Center at Benton Integrative Medicine that offers the latest treatments to boost confidence and help toward feeling great inside and out. All forms need to be completed and returned before appointments. A $50 fee will be incurred for any forms filled out afterward. One-time visit cost for non-members: $99, includes lab results. Location: 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-775-6029. Other Benton Integrative location: 421 B South Sharon Amity, Charlotte, 980-207-0575, where The Skin Center at Benton Integrative Medicine is also based. Also visit www.BentonIntegrative.com and www.TheSkinCenterAtBIM.com. See ad, page 2.

Carolinas Natural Health Center Relocates, Adds Dr. Cole

arolinas Natural Health Center recently relocated about eight miles away from its previous office to 6404 Bannington Road, Suite A, in Charlotte and has also added Dr. Jill Cole, NP, to its team of practitioners. Cole is a long-time friend and colleague of the center’s owner and Naturopathic Physician Dr. Michael Smith, and the new, larger office fits their growing staff and provides a welcoming, more convenient and easier-to-access facility for their practice members. As an expert in natural medicine and internationally recognized for her work in creating effective wellness programs, Cole brings valuable insights to practice members and the community. Originally from Massachusetts, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health science and fitness, served as assistant managing editor for the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry at the UniverJill Cole sity of Massachusetts Medical School and worked as a respected personal fitness trainer before finding her true calling as a naturopathic physician. Cole earned her naturopathic medical degree at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, in Arizona, where she was a licensed primary care physician. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-486-2448 or visit www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com. See ad, page 13. 8

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Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow

he Natural Awakenings online national readership survey allows us to better serve readers. “Your participation takes just five minutes and will give us a better understanding of what you need and how well we’re delivering on your expectations,” says founding CEO Sharon Bruckman. “We’ll also use your responses to help guide the direction of future development.” One participant, selected at random, will receive a $100 Visa gift card. With the interests and welfare of readers in mind, Natural Awakenings provides information and resources for living a healthier, happier life. Publishing in more than 50 communities nationwide, Natural Awakenings is one of the country’s most widely read healthy living magazines, with a loyal monthly readership of over 1.3 million. Visit www.NaturalAwakenings.com/survey to participate. See ad, page 8.

In today’s rush, we all think too much , seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just being. ~Eckhart Tolle

Your Thoughts

Count!

Plus your “2 Cents” could win you a $100 Visa gift card!

We Want to Hear from You Share your ideas in our Natural Awakenings Reader Survey.

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ORGANIC FOODS, PRODUCTS AND SUPPLEMENTS

When it comes to food allergies we think outside the shell.

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local health brief

Lose Weight with Small Calorie Reduction A reduction of just 200 calories a day combined with aerobic exercise four times a week produced greater weight loss and better heart health in obese, sedentary adults than exercise alone or a 600-calorie reduction plus exercise, reports a new study in Circulation. Researchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tested 160 adults ages 65 to 79. Those that combined exercise with 200 fewer calories a day lost 10 percent of their weight, about 20 pounds, over five months. They had a 21 percent average increase in the aorta’s ability to expand and contract, a key indicator of heart health. Measures of aortic stiffness did not change significantly for the exercise-only group or the 600-calorie-reduction-plus-exercise group. Weight loss was similar for both calorie-reduction groups, even though one group consumed nearly three times fewer calories per day. mentatdgt /Pexels.com

Flowers Can Alleviate Holiday Blues

health briefs

Darryl Roberts, ND, is a practitioner at Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information, call 704 837-2420, email DoctorDarrylND@gmail.com or visit www.DoctorDarrylND.com. 10

Charlotte Edition

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Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise The right kind of exercise can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research from the University of Delaware. An article published in the Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research reports that when 48 children between 6 and 12 years of age were taught new words before swimming, they scored 13 percent higher on a test of the words than children that did CrossFit-like exercises or colored pictures. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt says that exercise is known to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein she describes as the “Miracle-Gro of the brain.” Swimming made a difference, she says, because it is an automatic movement, while the CrossFit exercises were new to them and required mental energy. yulianto poitier/Pexels.com

The pandemic has created a great degree of emotional stress, and the uncertainty of how to get back to normal makes the holidays harder to navigate. Using nontoxic flower essences is one way to change our body frequency and lose the blues. Thousands of practitioners around the nation use flower essences with their clients or patients with great success. The subtle vibration, or energy, of flowers has been known for hundreds of years and has become more popular in the last few decades. Everything in nature has its own vibration that makes each animal, plant or raindrop unique. Putting these vibrations to work is as simple as introducing it to another vibration and observing the result. Flower essences show us that specific flowers hold the vibration to change frequency. For a person that is sad on the inside but covers it up with a smile, a few drops of agrimony under the tongue from a tincture prepared by a practitioner can help to combat those unbalanced emotions in a short period of time without the need for medication. Someone that has gained weight and is embarrassed or has fears of what others will think produces a very specific frequency. A combination of flower essences such as crab apple (for those with low self-image) and mimulus (for those with specific fears) can be made into a tincture for clearing this emotional state.

Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline

trang doan/Pexels.com

Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more, reports new research published by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers followed more than 78,000 people in their late 40s and early 50s for 20 years, asking them what they ate and to evaluate their cognitive skills. They found that those foods with more flavones, such as yellow or orange fruits and vegetables and some spices, reduced cognitive decline the most, at 38 percent—the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age. Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. “The people in our study who did the best over time ate an average of at least half a serving per day of foods like orange juice, oranges, peppers, celery, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, apples and pears,” says study author Walter Willett, M.D., a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “And it’s never too late to start, because we saw those protective relationships whether people were consuming the flavonoids in their diet 20 years ago or if they started incorporating them more recently.”

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Love Bugs

global briefs

The Food Revolution—Miniaturized

Bye-Bye to a Nasty Pesticide

aquir/AdobeStock.com

After a multiyear effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological damage in children, including reduced IQ, loss of working memory and attention deficit disorders, can no longer be used on food. EPA Administrator Michael Regan cites the action as an overdue step to protect children and farmworkers from dangerous consequences of the pesticide. “EPA will follow the science and put health and safety first.” The ruling will take effect in February 2022. Patti Goldman, an attorney for Earthjustice, says, “Chlorpyrifos will finally be out of our fruits and vegetables.” The pesticide has been sprayed on crops such as strawberries, apples, citrus, broccoli and corn since 1965. Up until 2000, it was used to kill ants, roaches and mosquitos. The Natural Resources Defense Council notes that it will still be allowed for other uses such as cattle ear tags.

It may come as a surprise to most Americans, but people have been eating insects (entomophagy) for thousands of years, and they are part of the diets of more than 2 billion people. The United Nations predicts that this rapidly growing industry could be worth $6.3 billion by 2030, so bug-based products may soon appear in local stores. Although Western food markets have excluded insects in favor of animal-based protein, insect-based foods offer many health and environmental benefits, especially in light of the pressures from climate change. Insects produce 80 times less methane than cattle and use less space, feed, water, housing and maintenance. One pound of beef requires 1,850 gallons of water, one pound of chicken uses 500 gallons and one pound of crickets requires one gallon. Nestlé and PepsiCo are conducting research and development forays into the field, and smaller, nimble startups are making plans to introduce new products. Names to watch include Mighty Cricket, Illegal Oats, Jiminy’s, Aspire (Exo Bar), BeoBia and FarmInsect. Public acceptance is expected to be gradual. egor kamelev/Pexels.com

Kid Safe

Tree House Knock On Wood

courtesy of Svenskt Tra

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. The foundation is cement, but multistory wooden structures of 13 floors and higher are possible. Using timber has environmental benefits in the form of lowered carbon emissions. Mathias Fridholm, director of Svenskt Tra (Swedish Wood), an industry organization, says, “Wood is in many ways an excellent material for building in dense cities, because we can prefabricate all the elements in factories instead of on-site.” Prefabrication speeds construction and reduces truck traffic. CLT is not only strong and light, it is breathable; it holds heat, but doesn’t need plastic layers to manage moisture like concrete, which also requires sand, a non-renewable resource that requires drudging seabeds. Managed forests are renewable and serve as a carbon storage facility. Anna Ervast Oberg, a project manager at Swedish real estate developer Folkhem, advises that just changing the structure of a building to wood from concrete would result in an immediate 50 percent reduction in emissions. “What we have to do now is to stop the emissions, very fast. This gives us a hint of where we should be focusing, where we can make the biggest difference.” 12

Charlotte Edition

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Take Your Next Step To

Better Health STOP

Placing Band-Aids On Symptoms

START

Treating The Underlying Cause Digestion Disorders Autoimmune Diseases • Diabetes Anxiety/Depression • Women’s Health Wellness and Prevention

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Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA23. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

business spotlight

Kings Mountain Preserve with Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service by Randy Kambic

roviding green burials for the greater Charlotte region, Kings Mountain Preserve with Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service, conveniently located just 20 minutes from Kings Mountain State Park, is the first conservation burial and funeral home combination on the East Coast and is widely regarded as the most beautiful cemetery offering the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective means of burial in the area. Prior to its opening in October 2020 as an alternative to traditional ceremonies in the area, the nearest conservation burial ground was two hours away. Terry Robertson, owner of Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service, a funeral home in Charlotte; Kings Mountain Preserve; and Celebrating Lifes Memories, a business dedicated to organizing and sharing pre-arrangements with family members, has been in the death care industry for nearly 30 years and has been involved in nearly all aspects of funeral service. “My story began 20 years ago, when I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma of the neck,” says Robertson. “The Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at M.D. Anderson gave me a 30 percent chance to live another five years. He surmised that my cancer was due to my exposure to formaldehyde, a carcinogen found in the chemicals used for embalming. At the time, I owned a business which provided embalming

services to various funeral homes. I nearly died during treatment but was lucky enough to live. This near-death experience changed my life and my view on traditional practices and offerings to families. Twenty years later, I am proud to offer a natural alternative to the traditional offering in the Charlotte region.” Products and services offered at Kings Mountain Preserve, with Marty Layden serving as director, include green burials (bodies which have been embalmed, metal caskets or vaults are not accepted); burial

of cremains in various sections where ferns, wildflowers and trees literally grow out of the cremains; pet burials; outdoor services in their 1,600-squarefoot pavilion; receptions in their pavilion Cabin and Retreat Center, the latter which includes outdoor cooking area, meditation chapel, accommodations for six overnight guests, picnic area with fire pit, picnic tables, horse shoe pits, corn hole and swings; miles of hiking trails; and a venue for conferences. Due to their combined services, they can serve a family from the moment of their loved one’s passing until the conclusion of the burial and service. While green burial grounds are prevalent on the West Coast, many people on the East Coast may have never heard about green burials. They completed their picnic area last month which will be a great addition for their clients. They also offer weekly Lunch & Learn events at Charlotte-area Earth Fare locations and the Trio Restaurant in Pineville. Location: 321 Indian Springs Rd. Blacksburg, S.C. For more information including a Lunch & Learn schedule, to register (requested) for events or to make an appointment, call 877-375-2495, email info@KingsMountainPreserve.com or visit www.KingsMountainPreserve.com. See also www.THRobertson.com and www.CelebrationgLifesMemories.com. See ad, page 11. November/Early December 2021

by Ronica O’Hara

n his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs looked for a long time at his children, his sister and his wife, then moved his gaze to the space behind them. “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” he gasped. No one can know for certain what he was experiencing, but his words point to the deep, mysterious potential of our final hours—the awareness of which can transform our life long before its end. “An awareness of dying, of death, can wake us up to life. It helps us live a life that’s rich and full and meaningful. When we deny the truth of dying, we live less wholeheartedly, less completely,” says Frank Ostaseski, founder of the pioneering San Francisco Zen Hospice Project and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully. The pandemic has 51 percent of us thinking more about our own mortality, a survey shows. The subject of death has been slowly opening up in America: TV programs like Six Feet Under and Alternative Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America present dying and grief more realistically; thousands of small conversational gatherings called “death cafes” are being held each year; people are designing their own funerals and choosing green burial sites; and the field of “death doulas” is emerging to help families navigate the legal and emotional shoals. Half a century after the release of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal book On Death and Dying, palliative care to ease pain is offered by two-thirds of American hospitals, and Medicare funding for end-of-life hospice

Charlotte Edition

care has grown tenfold over the last two decades. Yet for many, death remains the last taboo—85 percent of us have not discussed our last wishes yet with loved ones. Thousands of studies in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology have found that when reminded subconsciously of death, people tend to drive faster, drink harder, smoke more and get meaner to out-groups in attempts to lower their anxiety. But when we look death squarely in the face, that anxiety recedes, the research concludes. Gratitude, self-honesty and the humility of recognizing our place in the larger whole are also proven antidotes. With less fear, we are better able to take the proactive, concrete steps that ease our passage—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Although death has its own ways and means, these four processes can make it more likely we will die as we would like to.

Defining What We Value “Deeply consider what your priorities in life are,” says Tarron Estes, founder and CEO of The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, which has trained more than 6,500 doulas since 2013. “Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?” She recommends Stephen Levine’s book, A Year to Live, for exercises and meditations for that process.

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“Don’t wait until the time of your dying to discover what it has to teach you,” advises Ostaseski, who has sat beside more than 2,000 hospice patients in their last hours. “When I’m with dying people, the things that are important to them are not their spiritual beliefs, but are more about relationships—‘Am I loved? Did I love well?’ Those two questions are useful inquiries now. They help us to discover where value and meaning can be found.” By applying our values to the dying process, we can start sorting through options. Do we want to die at home or in a hospital? What medical procedures will we accept or decline? What measures do we want to be taken to sustain our life? Who do we want to be at our side? And what do we need to say before that time?

Having Important Conversations As daunting as the prospect of an end-of-life talk with family and friends may seem, it can start with simple words like, “I want to talk with you about something important to me.” Without spelling out our desires, death can become inadvertently medicalized: Nine in 10 of us say we want to die in our homes, but only two in 10 do. “The default systems are all to treat, treat, treat, until someone finally says, ‘No,’ so many people end up on a high-tech conveyor belt to the ICU,” says award-winning journalist Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life. Among people that undertake such talks, 73 percent describe the experience as positive, reassuring and productive.

nikkizalewski/AdobeStock.com

Four Steps to a Good Death

nikkizalewski/AdobeStock.com

A downloadable Conversation Starter Guide (TheConversationProject.org) provides practical guidance for these critical conversations.

Attending to Medical and Burial Decisions Taking care of business—the

paperwork aspects of death known as advance directives—spares loved ones from having to make tough decisions later. A last will and testament precludes pain and infighting among family and friends. A living will specifies what treatments are wanted under what conditions. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if a patient is not capable. A Do Not Resuscitate order approved by a doctor means emergency medical workers are less likely to give CPR, which frequently causes trauma and broken ribs in elderly or frail patients. Either cremation or a burial can be decided upon; environmental options such as a forest burial in a wooden casket can be explored. Local hospice options can be surveyed in advance; nonprofits generally are rated better than profit-making groups.

Opening to the Spiritual Process

Whether or not we have religious beliefs to carry us through waves of loss and sorrow, death can spur spiritual insight. “In dying, we withdraw from our outer circles and come into the inner circles of our lives—the relationships that matter most to us,” says Ostaseski, who has worked four decades with hospice patients. “There’s a growing silence that has us becoming more contemplative and reflective. Our sense of time and space changes and we enter into a kind of free flow. The boundaries we have lived by begin to dissolve, and we start to feel ourselves as part of something larger—not as a belief, but as a natural occurrence. Often people realize themselves to be more than the small, separate self they had thought themselves to be.” Joan Tollifson, a Zen-trained spiritual teacher and author of Death: The End of Self-Improvement, concurs, “When the future disappears, we are brought home to the immediacy that we may have avoided all our lives. With no future left to fantasize about, the focus of attention may finally be fully on right Now, the

only place where our life ever actually is. Really getting that ‘This is it,’ there may be a sudden recognition of the absolute preciousness and wonder of every simple ordinary thing and of the people around us, just as they are, with all their flaws and foibles. Old grudges and resentments often melt away, and love shines through. “All the things which may have been part of our self-image—independence, physical strength, cognitive sharpness, good appearance and so on—have either disappeared or are rapidly collapsing, which invites the discovery that none of that really mattered, that what we truly or more fundamentally are is not dependent on any of that. “The greatest gift we can give to a loved one who is dying,” says Tollifson, is to “simply be present, listen, follow your heart, trust the process. Everything else will follow from that. There’s no right or wrong way.” It can be difficult to know what to say to a loved one near the end, but hospice workers recommend five phrases that have deep healing potential, even if a person seems unconscious: “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” As Butler points out, the first four phrases can be said any time in our lives.

Increasingly in hospice care, loved ones are encouraged to sit with the body after the death, touching it, sharing stories, perhaps gently bathing it and dressing it in favorite clothes. “Touching the body, feeling the coolness, makes the death real to the family,” Ostaseski says. “Research shows that people that went through that process still grieved, but they were able to be with the emotion and not be overwhelmed by it.” “Facing the reality of death—as hard and heartbreaking as that can be—can free us to truly live life,” said Jobs. After his terminal cancer diagnosis, he told Stanford students in a commencement address, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Free Online Class

A Good Death for Yourself and Others

gentle, fun exploration of ideas, tips and thoughts on what a good death is and how to achieve it for yourself and others—will be led via Zoom by L. Leigh Love of Bright Star Studio and the Funky Buddha from noon to 1:00 p.m. on November 17. This free class features practical components of a “Good Death” as well as tips, thoughts, tools and resources for the many aspects of this transition—physical, practical, emotional, mental and spiritual. “We can never start early enough planning for our death,” says Love, a spiritual teacher healer, certified intuitive counselor, reiki master teacher, advanced pranic healer, certified life coach and mind-body medicine practitioner. “When the time comes for ourselves, we wish we had done more. When the time comes to help another, we wish we knew more.” There’ll also be time for discussion, sharing and Q&A. The class will be recorded and offered on the website the following week. For more class information, call 828-450-4424, email Leigh@BrightStarStudio.net or visit www.tinyurl.com/GoodDeathClass. Also visit www.BrightStarStudio.net. November/Early December 2021

conscious eating

Eat Well to Feel Well thanksgiving fare that boosts mental health by Christy Ratliff

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

jchizhe/AdobeStock.com

cross America, people of all ages are struggling with mental health issues. Nearly one in five people is living with a mental health condition, and the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression is skyrocketing, reports Mental Health America. According to the organization’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report, suicidal thoughts are increasing among both adults and children, and 9.7 percent of youth is experiencing severe major depression compared to 9.2 percent last year. The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has only exacerbated these mental health challenges. The hope and help we seek may be as close as our own kitchen. Accumulating research shows that a diet rich in highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing or worsening various mental health conditions. But a nutrient-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; nuts, seeds and legumes; whole grains, fresh herbs and spices; fish and olive oil, may help to support and enhance mental health. We can start this Thanksgiving by serving up healthier, nutrient-rich options to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness. “The gut/brain connection helps us understand the food/ mood connection,” explains Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of the national bestseller This is Your Brain on Food. “The enteric nervous system—that is, the nerves supplying the gastrointestinal tract—totals over 100 million neurons and communicates directly with the brain, or central nervous system, by way of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our ‘rest-anddigest’ response. “It’s also vital to note that the gut contains the highest number of serotonin receptors, and the gut itself produces all the neurotransmitters that are also made in the brain, including serotonin, often called the happiness hormone. In turn, these neurotransmitters are implicated in sound mental health or potential problems when they are deficient.” “What we eat affects mental health in many ways,” adds Amy Spindel, a functional holistic nutritionist in Plano, Texas, and founder of FoodWithThoughtNutrition.com. “Nutrient deficiencies can cause poor neurotransmitter production. Insufficient vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 can be implicated in depression and anxiety symptoms, as they are all needed for various stages of neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin, dopamine and GABA.”

“Traditional sugary, high-carbohydrate foods promote unstable blood sugar and selectively feed inflammatory gut microbes,” Spindel says, suggesting that we skip the typical foods many of us associate with the holidays such as pecan pie, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole and canned cranberry sauce. “Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body to scramble in an attempt to re-regulate glucose, which may mean spikes of cortisol or adrenaline, as well as insulin. The end result can be depression and anxiety from excessive stress hormones and a glucose-starved brain.” But making such changes, particularly during the holidays, isn’t easy. “If the thought of changing up the traditional Thanksgiving menu gives you pause, you are not alone—and this is why I believe in adding in habits (and in this case, dishes) which have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our brain, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle in our lifestyle,” advises Naidoo. “As a nutritional psychiatrist, I feel that we are more emotionally nurtured by a feeling of abundance in ‘adding’ new Thanksgiving dishes than thinking about this as ‘excluding’ foods,” she notes. “For example, tossing a fresh, folate-rich spinach and arugula salad with bits of antioxidant-rich strawberries, crisp

crisis in America with positive thinking alone, we can minimize our feelings of powerlessness and despair by making small but significant dietary changes—not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

photo by Christy Ratliff

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

photo by Christy Ratliff

Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing

photo by Christy Ratliff

jchizhe/AdobeStock.com

roasted chickpeas and omega-3-rich olive oil adds color, flavor and a plethora of mood-nourishing ingredients to the dinner table. Even adding extra veggies to existing dishes, such as allicin-rich garlic to green beans or extra celery and fresh herbs to stuffing, adds in powerful phytonutrients with gut-loving fiber.” “Thanksgiving favorites that are ample in neurotransmitter-producing nutrients include turkey, shellfish, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, asparagus, leafy greens, oranges and green beans,” Spindel adds. While it’s true that we cannot control a global pandemic or solve the mental health

Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios

Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies Here’s a creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays while also being mindful of mental health.

1 medium, fresh goat cheese log (about 11 oz) ¼ cup roasted pistachios, chopped ¼ cup honey (this recipe calls for 2 Tbsp; others call for ¼ cup) 1 to 2 Tbsp fig spread Healthy selection of whole-wheat crackers, vegetable chips, etc.

¾ cup softened butter ½ cup organic brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 1½ cups flour ½ cup cornmeal 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ½ cup raisins (Other versions of this recipe include nuts and dark chocolate pieces.)

Spread chopped pistachios on a small plate. Roll goat cheese in pistachios to coat sides and top. Transfer to a serving tray and sprinkle whole pistachios on top and around the cheese. Drizzle honey over and around cheese log. Warm fig spread for 5 to 10 seconds in a microwave. Drizzle spread over cheese log or half of cheese log, as desired. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or chips.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Using a wooden spoon, mix butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Add flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add raisins. Mix well. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Makes about 2 dozen small cookies.

Courtesy of Susan Randall. For more information, visit SimpleHealthyKitchen.com.

Courtesy of La Potosina. For more information, visit IndigenousFoods.wordpress.com.

1 loaf bread, toasted (whole wheat (WW) or half WW, half French bread) ¼ cup unsalted butter 2 cups celery, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped (to taste) 3 Granny Smith apples, chopped, with skin on ¼ cup sage leaves, chopped ¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped 1 to 2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 2½ cups reduced sodium vegetable or chicken broth 2 eggs 1 to 2 tsp salt to taste (may substitute nutritional yeast or fresh dill) Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a large, 2-to-3-inch-deep casserole or baking dish. Toast bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside. Melt butter in a large pan. Add celery, onion, garlic, apples and fresh herbs. Stir to mix and cook until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add bread cubes and apple/vegetable/fresh herb mixture into the egg mixture. Add broth and salt (or nutritional yeast or fresh dill) and mix well. Spoon stuffing into prepared casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more or until golden-brown crust forms. Remove from oven, uncover and cool. Courtesy of Buzz Spence. For more information on fresh herbs for emotional health, visit MotherEarthLiving.com. November/Early December 2021

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healthy kids

Mindfulness for Stressed Teens School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills by Erin Lehn

een stress levels often rival those of adults, concludes data collected by the American Psychological Association in 2017. This is especially true these days with the influx of social media expectations, political unrest and a global pandemic to contend with. Other daily pressures—such as relationship turmoil, bullying, academic challenges, unstable home lives and mood disorders—can add to the stressors. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder many teens often tune out and turn toward their devices, getting fixated on other people’s lives or compulsively recording their own experiences, but not fully living them. A wealth of research has demonstrated that one of the most beneficial ways to help teens navigate the ups and downs of these tumultuous years is through mindfulness education. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2009 was one of the first studies that provided evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment of adolescents. 20

Charlotte Edition

Since then, there has been no shortage of research findings proving its benefits. “In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being keenly aware of your life, in the present, versus the automatic tendency to ruminate about the past or worry about the future,” says Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of Stressed Teens, a Campbell, California, business that has been disseminating mindfulness-based programs tailored to adolescents since 2004. “It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment.” “Mindfulness is a practice in the art of aligning your energy, mindset and emotions,” says Tris Thorp, the San Diego-based author of Healing Your Heart and a Chopra Center-trained leadership coach. “When teens acquire the skills to better navigate what’s happening in the moment, they’ll have more opportunity available to them because they’re calm, centered and grounded.” “The best moments come when a teen realizes their own wisdom, sees it emerge and is able to grow stronger as a result,” says Jem Shackleford, head of curri-

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cula for Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a leading nonprofit provider of mindfulness training for schools in the U.K. and internationally. According to Biegel, a regular mindfulness-based practice helps rewire the brain when people focus on pleasant, beneficial and positive experiences. “For survival purposes, our brains are naturally wired to the negative, aka ‘negative selection bias’,” she says. “Thankfully, we can train our brains to be more tilted to the positive. In fact, just thinking of a positive memory for 12 seconds can create a benefit for your well-being.” While there are multiple approaches to weaving mindfulness practices into a school setting, here are two highly effective practices. n Certify teachers in mindfulness training so they can deliver the materials directly to their students. “MiSP curricula are produced by educators that have many years of experience of what works in the classroom. They are also long-term mindfulness practitioners, giving them a unique perspective of

how mindfulness can be used and taught effectively in school,” says Shackleford. n Implement a school-wide approach. Stressed Teens offers online mindfulnessbased groups and one-on-one therapy and coaching sessions for teens, as well as professional instructor certifications and the Whole-School Mindfulness-Centered Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. This approach, in which an entire school participates for a calendar year, is especially beneficial because everyone is going through the program at the same time. “Typically, schools complete two lessons per week to fit the curriculum into one semester or one lesson per week to spread learning over two semesters,” Biegel says.

While teens can learn and practice these techniques alone, a whole systems approach that involves the family, school and community has been shown to have the biggest impact. “A teenager with a mindfulness practice can have a beneficial effect on other members of the household. However, there needs to be support from every angle in a teen’s environment for it to be sustainable,” says Thorp. “There’s so much evidence-based research and measurables that demonstrate how impactful these programs are in schools and communities. There’s a clear reduction in acting out, reduced conflict, and more participation and engagement.”

“Think of the ripple effect of possible benefits if the whole community and systems a teen are in are also learning and practicing mindfulness,” says Biegel. “Mindfulness-based methods also include and affect positive human values like gratitude, kindness, generosity, self-care, compassion and acceptance. Youth, parents and educators can all benefit from that.” For more information, including free mindfulness-based resources, visit StressedTeens.com, MindfulnessInSchools.org and TrisThorp.com. Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

Don’t JUST Recycle,

Recycle

right!

ONLY RECYCLE THESE SIX ITEMS

PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS

SMALL & CLEAN CARDBOARD

CARTONS

METAL CANS

PAPER

GLASS BOTTLES

No Plastic Bags

WipeOutWaste.com

November/Early December 2021

green living

Eco-Decor for the Home How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

brizmaker/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

hile comfort and beauty are clear priorities when shopping for furnishings, sustainability and health should be, too. By asking the right questions and doing a little up-front research, consumers have the power to appoint their sanctuaries with non-toxic, ecologically responsible items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) (SustainableFurnishings.org), 80 percent of the environmental impact of any product comes from the materials used to make it, so it’s vital to ask about all of the material components in a piece of furniture.

Sustainably Harvested Wood Because it is long-lasting and sturdy, wood can be an excellent, eco-friendly material. The most important consideration is that it hasn’t contributed to deforestation. SFC Executive Director Susan Inglis recommends third-party certification to confirm that wood was sustainably harvested in ways that preserve the forest’s ecosystem and benefit nearby communities. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org) issues one of the industry’s most coveted independent certifications. Reclaimed wood is another Earth-friendly option. “Perhaps the tree was cut down decades or centuries ago and made into a building, and now it’s being used to make a piece of furniture,” explains Inglis. A third sustainable choice is wood from a plantation that was 22

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

established more than 25 years ago. “While it is not sustainable to convert natural forests to plantations today because you’re losing biodiversity, wood from long-established plantations is considered sustainable,” she says, adding that in those settings, new trees are planted to replace those harvested.

Non-Toxic Textiles According to Inglis, the most environmentally sound textiles are made of natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool, which are long-lasting and can be recycled into new textiles. Synthetic fibers are petroleum-based and much less desirable. Textile manufacturing practices can also be environmentally problematic. “Look for certification that they’re not polluting waters or using toxic dyes,” says

Volatile Compounds and Unhealthy Chemicals The SFC has identified five classes of chemicals commonly found in furniture that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and immune impairment: volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde found in paints and finishes; flame retardants; fluoridated chemicals used in performance fabrics; antimicrobials; and polyvinyl chloride, known as PVC or vinyl. Inglis recommends that consumers ask about the potential presence of these chemicals when shopping for furniture and avoid them if possible.

Recycled Plastic Recycling plastic to make furniture is trending, and that’s a plus, according to Inglis. “The best thing would be to avoid making anything out of plastic,” she says. “Plastic is a huge environmental problem, and our use of it continues to go up, especially in the COVID era. Only a small percentage of it is being recycled, leaving a

lot of it to break down into microparticles, unfortunately. So, making things out of our plastic waste is good.” Robinson, on the other hand, refuses to use any plastic in her handmade, all-natural furniture. “Plastics are a non-biodegradable, petrochemical product,” she says. “They’re polluting everything. The plastics industry is so insidious. Anything we can do on any front to pull away from petrochemicals in every aspect is good.”

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors throughout the area. Pick up magazines monthly at:

Price and Durability

“Well-made furniture can get expensive,Natural Awakenings but you’ll have to replace cheap furniture appreciates the generosity because it’s not built to last. What’s cheap in of its distributors the beginning is expensive in the end, because throughout the area. it’s not taking into account the cost of having to replace it or the cost of cleaning up an environment that gets more and more Please filled with consider supporting junk,” says Robinson, who also recommends these major distributors by looking for well-made vintage pieces that shopping there and picking can be restored and brought back to life. Natural Awakenings up the magazine each month “I recommend that you spend the most appreciates racks. the generosit budget you have on a quality product, from one of the Natural Awakenings Thank you!of its distributors because that sofa, if it’s made well, can be appreciates throughoutthe thegenerosi area. reupholstered over and over again,” says of its distributors Robin Wilson, a New York City designer and Please consider the supportin throughout area. founder of Robin Wilson Home. “By keeping these major distributors b that sofa, you’re being eco-friendly to the Natural Awakenings Please consider supportin world because it is not going into a landfill. ” shopping there and pickin appreciates the generosity Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

major distributors upthese the magazine each mon of its distributors and pickin from onethere of the racks. throughoutshopping the area. up the magazine each mo Thank you!

Please consider supporting from one of the racks. these major distributors by Thank you! shopping there and picking up the magazine each month from one of the racks. Thank you!

brizmaker/AdobeStock.com

Aimee Robinson, owner of EcoBalanza, an organic furniture boutique in Seattle. She points to the Global Organic Textile Standard (Global-Standard.org) as a reliable organization which identifies producers of natural fibers that are organically grown without pesticides, while also considering the social and environmental impacts of their production systems.

November/Early December 2021

community resource guide

BLUE SKIES FAMILY MEDICINE

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. COLONICS

ACUPUNCTURE EMPOWER LIFE CENTER

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

HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

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

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.

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 immunology patients. Dr. O’Connor is one of only three specialists nationwide to complete the University of Arizona Fellowship of Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 9.

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.

DENTISTRY KEMPTER HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

CBD STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com

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.

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 11.

CHRONIC & DIFFICULT CASES

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

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

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

BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

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

Affordable convenient Direct Primary Care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 2.

AwakeningCharlotte.com

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

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING 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 21.

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.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 421-B S. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness. See ad, page 2.

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 13.

HOMEOPATHY CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 6404 Bannington 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 13.

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.

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.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN 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 4.

CAROLINAS NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Dr Michael Smith 6404 Bannington Rd, Ste A 704-486-2448 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 13.

NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH CONSULTING HEALTHY SOLUTIONS FOR ALL

Michelle Tonkin, ND 877-955-HEAL HealthySolutionsForAll.com

15+ years’ experience with Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Online health store with discounts and free shipping on all orders $50+. Call today for a free 10-minute consultation.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ACID-REDUCING

MINERAL BASED MultiforceHealth.com Info@MultiforceHealth.com Achieve the right balance between alkalinity and acidity to support immune system and optimum health. Manufactured under pharmaceutical standards. Vegetarian, Gluten and soy-free and available in 3 natural flavors. See ad, page 2.

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 2.

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.

Natural Awakenings Charlotte - November 2021 Issue

Articles inside

Shop Local & Give the Gift of Healthy Living

green living

healthy kids

conscious eating

Dying Well: Four Steps to a Good Death

business spotlight

global briefs

health briefs

local health brief

news briefs

letter from publisher