Natural Health

REFLEXOLOGY Health at Your Fingertips

Page 2

natural health & beauty

BY MARTHA J. HENDERSON Design Editor

ERIC DUPLESSIS/The Pilot

Have you ever stubbed your toe so hard that your mind blanked out for a second?

Or, smashed your thumb and had the same mind-numbing feeling?

This is not a surprising reaction if you consider the science of reflexology, which says the brain is mirrored in certain spots on the feet and hands, specifically on the big toe and the thumb.

So the connection between stubbing your toe or smashing your thumb and having your brain blank out makes perfect sense to practitioners of reflexology, says Marianna Hopson, a licensed esthetician who includes reflexology as one of the spa services offered at her Southern Pines salon.

According to Hopson and other reflexologists, reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflex areas and zones in the feet, hands and ears which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body.

Manipulating and stimulating (applying pressure) these reflexes properly with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques can promote health in the corresponding organs through energy pathways, thus encouraging a physical change to the body and helping improve one’s health in a natural way.

Natural Health Practice Reflexology has been used as a natural health practice by many civilizations across the world for thousands of years.

The earliest form of reflexology originated in China as early as 5,000 years ago.

Modern-day reflexology was developed in the 1930s and ’40s by Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, who mapped the entire body into reflexes on the feet.

Ingham’s method is still followed today, along with other more recent methods.

Ingham’s “maps” and other charts detail how the body is reflected on the feet and

see REFLEXOLOGY, page 4

Aches? Pains? Injuries?

Making acupuncture part of your comprehensive treatment plan may help speed your recovery time and improve overall results.

The National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on Acupuncture notes the effectiveness of adding acupuncture to physician-prescribed treatment plans. Its effectiveness has been noted in chemotherapy-related nausea, arthritis, headache, pain, asthma and many other conditions.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call firstspa at 715-1811 About the practitioner: Kelsey Dixon, L.Ac., graduated from the University of Southern California with honors in neuroscience and philosophy and attended The New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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thepilot / november 2009

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Page 4

Reflexology From Page 2 hands, serving as a map for technique application to target health goals. While Hopson knows the maps by heart, she keeps several close at hand, in case she comes across something she needs to double check.

According to reflexology, the left foot and hand reflect the left side of the body and the right foot and hand, the right side. The spine reflex runs down the insides of the foot and hands, while the toes and fingers mirror the head and neck. The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition to the heart and lungs.

Halfway down the foot is the waistline of the body. The parts of the body and internal organs above the waistline are mirrored above this line, and those below are represented below it.

‘It’s Just Wonderful’ Reflexology can be a deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body, Hopson says. A popular alternative therapy, it promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet and encourages overall healing.

“Reflexology is like having a full body massage with just the ears, hands and feet. It’s like massaging all the organs of your body through these points,” Hopson says. “It is great for relieving stress. It releases energy and tension, and leaves your body feeling balanced. It’s just wonderful.”

As an esthetician, Hopson is trained and specializes in skin care, including facials, waxing for hair removal and other treatments. Studying and adding reflexology to her spa services was a natural fit, she says. “l had always been interested in skin care and different types of therapy,” Hopson says. “It all just came together with reflexology. I was taking continuing education courses as an esthetician, and my instructor taught us about reflexology. It was just so right. It’s nice to broaden your horizons.”

A graduate of Central Carolina Community College, Hopson has taken five classes in reflexology, including a medical and diabetes class.

Benefits of Reflexology Many health problems can be linked to stress. Primarily a relaxation technique, reflexology gently nudges the body toward better functioning, making it more capable of dealing with the stresses of daily living and those associated with illness.

Other benefits of reflexology include: Relaxation Pain reduction Rejuvenation of tired feet Improvement in blood flow Improved lymphatic drainage Reflexology is not a substitute for standard medical care, but can be used as a complement to medical therapy.

natural health & beauty sessions, Hopson does. She incorporates “Aromatherapy is very therapeutic.

Hopson says that a skilled practitioner another spa service, aromatherapy, Using essential oils during reflexology should be able to look at someone’s feet and know their health issues. These visu- choosing essential oils that are beneficial adds to the overall results,” Hopson says. to a client’s specific needs.

“For instance, one blend I use includes al signs of a person’s health can include cypress, which is detoxifying; dryness, wear, calluses, knobgeranium, a mood balancer; by toes or bunions. rose, a tonic to the nervous “I can tell what’s going on in system and an antidepressant; other parts of the body by a pinescotch, a pain reliever, person’s feet,” Hopson says. good for circulation; tea tree Hopson recalls a client who oil, an antiseptic; and ravensaid she had just recovered sare, an antiviral that boosts from a bout with bronchitis. the immune system.”

While performing reflexology In addition to reflexology on the client, Hopson says she and aromatherapy, Hopson felt a “pebble” in the area that offers a variety of spa services corresponds with the lungs. at her Southern Pines salon, “I asked her if she had being inside Natural Nails by Melody having trouble with her lungs, in Icehouse Square, 575-5 SE and she said she had ‘just Broad St. These services recovered from bronchitis,’” include Egyptian ear candling, Hopson says. “I told her that eyebrow and lash tinting, fullshe had almost recovered and service waxing, hot stone therthat we needed to finish off the apy, therapeutic facials/peels recovery.” and lymphatic drainage.

Hopson had the client Available by appointment breathe deeply while she only Tuesday through Friday, applied pressure to the “pebHopson can be reached at (910) ble” until she felt it disappear.

494-3885.

By targeting the area, Hopson Group rates are available for says reflexology was able to businesses who want to offer help her client recover fully. their employees the gift of The assessment of the visual relaxation. Special packages signs or the touch signs the and gift certificates also are reflexologist can feel as the available. pressure technique is applied, as well as sensitivity to techContact Martha J. Henderson nique application, allows the ERIC DUPLESSIS/The Pilot at (910) 693-2476 or by e-mail practitioner to target areas of Marianna Hopson describes reflexology as “wonderful.” at mjhenderson@thepilot.com. stress to provide relaxation specific to the individual.

When asked how often a person should have reflexology done, Hopson says, “Have it done once a week, once a month or every day. It’s healthy.

It’s not going to hurt you.”

Not Massage Reflexology shouldn’t be confused with massage. While massage targets specific muscles and connective tissues to change the soft tissue directly stimulated, reflexology promotes a response from an area far removed from the tissue stimulated.

Pressure, stretch and movement techniques are used methodically, working through the whole foot.

Reflexology shouldn’t be painful, Hopson says.

“One of the first things you learn, and that is stressed in medical/diabetic reflexology classes, is that you don’t rub too hard,” Hopson says. “This is not deep tissue massage. Reflexology uses firm pressure and should never hurt. Some areas might be tender or sensitive, and that means it is an area that needs to be addressed, but it shouldn’t hurt.”

During a reflexology session, only the footwear comes off, making reflexology a good therapy choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage. It also is a good choice for someone in a hurry who doesn’t want oil or lotion on their skin or in their hair.

Spa Services While some reflexology practitioners don’t use oil or lotion during their

thepilot / november 2009

Page 5

Tips for Relieving

In 60 Seconds or Less By the time you finish reading this story, you could have stared at the shapes of the clouds in the sky, enjoyed an indulgent snack or sent a long overdue e-mail to a close friend.

More importantly, that 60-second break could keep your mental health and wellness in check.

With 92 percent of Americans looking to “take a break” from their daily routine, according to a recent study, people need an escape, even if it’s brief.

Many individuals don’t realize how empowering a short break can feel — or how to go about setting aside the time.

“Finding time to treat the ‘you’ in yourself is important to maintaining a balanced life, especially during these hectic times,” says Stephanie Marston, lifestyle expert, speaker and accomplished author on topics surrounding life balance techniques. “Some people just need a little help getting started.”

Marston recently partnered with Kellogg Company to develop a list of these quick, stress-relieving tips as part of its launch for Kellogg’s Cinnabon Snack Bars.

Enjoying a sensible but indulgent snack is one of many simple ways to hit the reset button on the day. These short breaks can take place between meetings, waiting to pick up the kids or on the way to the next appointment.

Other relaxing “Cinnaminutes” include: Sing out loud to your favorite song while driving home from work.

Smell something refreshing like lavender.

Indulge by serving yourself your morning tea or coffee in a pretty cup.

Check out your favorite blog or Web site before diving back into your task.

Spend some time today rereading a book you loved as a child.

Post an inspiring quote on your computer or mirror, where you’ll see it every day.

Say or do something nice for someone you don’t know.

Skip down the aisle at the grocery store.

At least once a week, waste time without feeling guilty.

Play with children’s toys and crafts: clay, finger-paint, crayons.

Make a joy list.

“There are plenty of ways to combat stress,” Marston continues, “but no one is going to force a minute on you to relax.

Keep your mental health top of mind by writing yourself a note, scheduling time for breaks or even taping up this story at your desk as a reminder.”

The full list of Kellogg’s “Cinnaminutes” can be found at www.Kellogg Cinnaminutes.com.

Page 6

natural health & beauty

Mind-Body Connection Lecture Set The second fall lecture in the Healthy Living Series through the Sandhills Community College Center for Creative Retirement will be “Mind Body Connection: Is It All in My Head?”

This lecture will present a holistic approach to healthy living by focusing on the mind-body connection that influences health and disease.

Participants will learn effective ways to develop a self-care plan by Professor Bill Croft.

The class will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. in 208 Van Dusen Hall.

The registration fee is $25 (waived for those over 65).

Preregistration is required.

To register, call (910) 6953980 or come to the Continuing Education office in Van Dusen Hall on the campus at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst.

Go Clean and Green in the Laundry If there is one culprit in the household that sucks up an enormous amount of energy and has the potential to be a blight on the environment, it’s the laundry room.

Apart from an electrical furnace, a clothes dryer is one of the biggest electrical draws in the home, using an average of 4,500 watts of electricity. Washing machine energy use differs depending upon whether it’s a front-loading or toploading unit, but this appliance still uses a considerable amount of energy.

According to estimates, an average person does one load of laundry per week, weighing in at roughly 15 pounds.

Considering the average family contains four to five people, that’s around five loads of laundry a week, depending on the season of the year and how many sets of clothes are worn per day (active families may change clothes more frequently).

Therefore, it’s easy to see how doing laundry can impact the environment — and how making some simple green changes can do much to help the planet, especially when multiplied by all of the households out there.

Switch to cold water loads: It is estimated that 95 percent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water if you choose “hot” wash cycles. Washing your clothes in hot water instead of cold water for a year uses more electricity than leaving the refrigerator door open 24 hours a day for a year.

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There is no evidence that hot water cleans any better than cold water, especially when there are many detergents available today designed specifically for coldwater use. So skip hot water, which can shrink or discolor clothes anyway. Be green and save some green, too.

Avoid harsh chemicals: Laundry detergents are full of ingredients designed to scour clothing. While many break down readily in the environment, they may have lasting effects on aquatic life. Some ingredients in laundry detergents, such as colorants, may actually cause cancer or other ill effects in humans.

Today, there are a number of laundry detergents that contain safer ingredients for people and the environment. For very lightly soiled clothing, or items that just need refreshing, you may be able to go without detergent for the load.

Toss out dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners: These products, meant to soften clothes, are typically full of chemicals that are not great for the environment or people. For example, ingredients include alpha-terpineol, benzyl acetate, camphor, benzyl alcohol, limonene, ethyl acetate, pentane and chloroform. Some of these components have been known to impair respiratory function, cause headaches, cause skin disorders and contribute to cancer.

A better idea is to use baking soda or vinegar in the wash to naturally soften clothes (just don’t use vinegar at the same time as bleach because mixing these may cause toxic fumes). Some synthetics are naturally soft, negating the need for softeners anyway.

Other ideas include: - Rumor has it tossing a ball of aluminum foil into the dryer with clothes cuts down on static cling.

- Don’t dry clothes all the way; leave them a little damp to reduce static.

- Don’t mix synthetics with cotton clothes to reduce static.

Do larger loads: It is economical and better to wash a large load of laundry than to do several small loads where the machine is underfilled. However, when drying clothes, the reverse may be true.

Attempting to dry too many clothes at the same time may result in more energy use from re-running the dryer over and over.

thepilot / november 2009

Page 7

Natural, Whole, Organic?

Define, Understand And Conquer

BY DEBORAH SALOMON

Island and the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, and interned at the Beware: No matter how green the label, Duke University Center for Diet and Fitness. The former restaurant chef neither the FDA nor USDA has a firm developed Real Food in Fast Times, a regulatory definition or monitoring course she teaches in Charlotte and other process for “natural.” locations.

The FDA “policy” is that nothing O’Donnell’s rigorous personal regimen synthetic or artificial — like colors — has includes nutrient-dense seaweed been added to the product. The USDA (“calcium and magnesium, little flavor — statement is similar, requiring that the one piece is enough for a pot of soup”), product should not be more than almond and chickpea flours, chia (a seed) minimally processed and include an and quinoa (Peruvian super-grain), brown explanatory statement on the label. By rice syrup (a sweetener) and, whenever law, organic certification requires strict possible, organic meat and vegetables. verification and inspection.

She is concerned when shoppers become Scientific semantics get sticky on confused by labels and claims. controversial products like high fructose “After all, a chicken is ‘natural’ no corn syrup, which is derived from matter what you feed it,” O’Donnell says. “natural” corn but with chemical bonds As for the subjective term “healthy,” the broken and rearranged. People seeking chef notes that some certified organic healthier diets should realize that animal foods aren’t. fat, salt and sugar — even tobacco and The problem, of course, is separating the some toxins — start out as “natural.” whole wheat from the chaff in a superThis paints a gray area on the greenest market loaded with label.

10,000 choices.

Natural foods chef O’Donnell finds most Kathy O’Donnell is requirements at passionate in promotThe Moore County Farmers Nature’s Own in ing whole foods, true Market at Armory Field on Southern Pines, in the natural foods and Morganton Road in Southern natural foods section organic foods. She Pines remains open Thursday of local supermarkets, defines whole foods as mornings until early winter. at farmers markets provided by nature Collards and other greens, and online. Yes, they with all edible parts: squash, brussels sprouts, are more expensive. grains with bran and apples, pumpkins and other However, the unit germ, apples with fall crops are available. price of highly skin, if unwaxed. processed prepared Working together, foods can be far whole foods supply greater than simple, whole-foods substimost nutrients. tutes.

“Our society is sick because of the food “Whole” is O’Donnell’s password. This we eat,” says the slim, fit, energetic means dried beans, brown rice, barley, physician’s wife and mother of a toddler. oats, whole-grain flours like buckwheat “The Sandhills area has a lot of older and amaranth, and, of course, fruits and people with health issues that can be vegetables as they come from the earth, addressed by eating the right foods. We not sauced and breaded from a thricehave Stone Age bodies, but are eating wrapped microwaveable tray. high-tech foods, which disrupts internal That’s a mouthful for a person accusbalance.” tomed to commercial baked goods, O’Donnell, who lives in Southern Pines extruded cereal, canned soups and frozen and Chapel Hill, studied culinary arts at side dishes. Realizing this, O’Donnell Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Feature Writer

Farmers Market

ERIC DUPLESSIS/The Pilot

Natural foods chef Kathy O’Donnell visits the Southern Pines farmers market. suggests gradual implementation: Begin with something you enjoy and eat frequently — like pasta. Switch to whole grain, now available in popular brands, which is especially good with stir-fried vegetables and an Asian sauce. If grapes are your favorite fruit, buy fewer but only organic.

Give small children whole-grain finger foods like chickpeas, well-cooked beans, macaroni, sweet potato cubes. Start them on natural-style (no added salt or sugar) peanut butter before they develop a taste for hydrogenated.

Once a week, substitute a grain entree for meat, something like chickpeas, olives, roasted red peppers and quinoa. Throw a handful of barley into the stew and stuff the Thanksgiving turkey with brown rice, shredded vegetables, crumbled sage leaves and cubed oatmeal bread.

If you cannot afford organic protein fulltime, at least buy free-range chicken and hormone-free milk and cheese.

Read labels for ingredients, not just calories. Whole foods have fewer additives, which means that all calories provide nourishment.

Give yourself a year to change a habit.

O’Donnell suggests starting with

breakfast, since breakfast starts the day.

Switch from refined sugar to stevia, agave syrup or another less-processed sweetener. Plain oatmeal cooks quickly, can be reheated and holds off hunger for hours.

Whole-grain and sprouted grain toast, English muffins or bagels have more flavor than white.

Take a field trip. Next time you’re in Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte or Chapel Hill, visit Whole Foods or a comparable supermarket to see the possibilities. Investigate the natural/organic foods in local markets.

Some are intermingled with conventional; others are displayed separately.

Following this diet trend is no longer associated with a counterculture lifestyle.

“Natural” foods are a $50 billion industry in the United States. Organic grosses $25 billion.

Education makes the difference, O’Donnell believes.

“Most of the food we eat is made by scientists,” she says. And although it may provide quick gratification, the body knows better. “When the human body gets what it needs, it will feel satisfied.”

Contact Deborah Salomon at debsalomon@hotmail.com.

Page 8

Belly Dance

natural health & beauty

Shimmy Your Way To Fitness

BY MARTHA J. HENDERSON

belly dance is a stereotype.

At least 5,000 years old, belly We all know how it goes — you dance, which is the Western term for a traditional Arab dance make the decision to get off the couch and get in shape. Inspired, known as raqs sharqi (Oriental dance), is the world’s oldest you join a gym, lace up your continuously performed folk athletic shoes and jump on a dance. It is both a social dance stationary bicycle, treadmill or for fun and celebration and a stair climber. performance art.

And, you ride, walk or climb.

Oriental dance Then you ride, walk made its mostor climb some more noticed American … until your attendebut in 1893, at the tion starts to wander Chicago World’s and your inspiration Exposition, says begins to wane.

Sharifa Asmar, a While spending professional historian hours walking on a and educator, as well machine or climbing as an accomplished stairs that don’t go Sharifa Asmar dancer, instructor anywhere does get and choreographer. results, it also can get “Belly dance is very monotonous. loaded with negative connotaWhy not shake your fitness tions,” says Asmar. “Its real routine up a bit? Literally. name is Oriental dance, or raqs Belly dance lets you shimmy sharqi in its native Arabic. and shake your way into shape.

Oriental dance is a social dance And, it’s fun. and it’s not just for women. All ages do it. It’s a party dance.

Art Form and Exercise “At the World Expo, it was More and more Americans are learning what people around the mislabeled ‘belly dance’ as a world have known for thousands promotional gimmick and declared ‘scandalous’ by of years — belly dance is not Victorian society matrons,” says only a beautiful art form, it also is great exercise for women (and Asmar. “Much of what America associates with ‘belly dance’ are men) of all ages. inventions of Hollywood and Mention belly dance and most other fantasy industries. Little of people probably imagine an this image has anything to do exotic young woman with long, with the region or cultures from flowing hair dancing in a sexy, revealing costume. This image of see DANCE, page 9 Design Editor

“You dance for yourself, not for an audience,”

thepilot / november 2009

Page 9

Just Kick Up Your Heels and Dance

BY MARTHA J. HENDERSON Design Editor

Whether it’s belly dance or ballroom, shagging or square-dancing, dance is a great way for people of all ages and physical abilities to get and stay in shape.

Not only is it great fun, but letting loose and kicking up your heels also provides some terrific benefits for your health.

Research shows that dancing helps reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength and increase muscle tone and coordination.

A good cardio activity, dancing is a fun way to burn off calories. Because it is so easy to vary the level of physical exertion, dancing is a great activity for people of all ages.

Just Have Fun The most important thing for people who are beginning dancers is to just have fun, says Debby Hasson.

Owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Pinehurst, Hasson has been dancing since she was 5 years old. Classically trained at the Washington School of Ballet, she got into ballroom dancing when she was 19.

“Ballroom dancing is a lot of fun and it is good for the heart,” Hasson says. “It’s a fun activity to do together. I tell people that if

Dance From Page 8 where the dance comes.

“Most people are used to seeing a solo female performer, but raqs sharqi is a tradition of family celebrations and gatherings — a social dance, celebratory and fun for all. It is a traditional element of family parties and celebrations where the finest dancers are often aunts, grandmothers and the family men.”

Oriental dance includes Middle Eastern and many other regional dances.

Benefits of Belly Dance Asmar describes Oriental or belly dance as “the most welcoming dance for all women,” regardless of age, shape, size or physical abilities.

“Belly dance is about your ability and where you’re at,” Asmar says. “As long as your doctor says it’s OK, relax, have a good time and get comfortable with who you are.”

Belly dance is beneficial for the body, both mentally and physically. The dance style builds self-esteem. Dancers become more comfortable with themselves as well.

“Belly dance is a holistic approach to ‘I want to feel better,’” Asmar says. “It allows you to get control. It strengthens your body. I tell students you won’t see numbers change in your weight, but your

they are patient with themselves, I’ll be patient with them all day long.”

She says people get involved with dancing for many different reasons, including their health and for social activity. Her adult students include empty nesters, singles groups, couples preparing for weddings and those who just want to dance.

“We have had people lose weight and people with arthritis have their joints get better,” Hasson says. “The idea is to start slowly and keep moving.”

With both private lessons and group classes available, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio teaches ballroom dance to students of all ages, from 7 to 74 and older.

Taught by professionally trained and certified instructors, classes at the Pinehurst studio include foxtrot, waltz, tango, rumba, East Coast swing, West Coast swing, cha cha, mambo, Viennese waltz, meringue and samba.

Different Types of Dance Not sure what style of dance you might like? Experiment. Try different types of dance classes to see what will get your hips shaking and your feet moving.

If you take a class, give it some time before deciding you don’t like it.

Fortunately, there are a number of dance

clothes will fit better.

“I use every part of my body when I dance,” says Asmar, who has been dancing almost 28 years. “I tell my students to ‘stop worrying about my hips.’ I’m going to get more latitude from my hips because of how long I’ve been dancing.”

Because a dancer is on her feet throughout the dance, belly dance is considered a weight-bearing exercise; however, it is also a no- to low-impact aerobic workout. Belly dance uses abdominal muscles versus legs.

“When you move your hips and torso, you’ll discover muscles you forgot you had,” Asmar says. “Belly dance will build the muscles around your joints, not attack your joints. You’ll also become more flexible, wake up with more energy, move more gracefully and breath better.”

Other benefits of belly dance, Asmar says, include improved posture and coordination.

Because of belly dance’s no- to lowimpact nature, people with back and knee problems can do it. Asmar’s advice is to “never push your body to its limit.

“Have a good time. You’ll feel better, more relaxed, when you leave,” Asmar says. “It also helps drain tension.”

Belly Dance Class Asmar teaches belly dance classes in Aberdeen, as part of the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, and in Rockingham and Fayetteville. The hourlong Aberdeen class meets at 5:30 p.m.

Thursdays.

options available for those in the Sandhills who want to cut a rug.

In addition to Hasson’s studio, there are several other ballroom studios, as well as ballroom dance groups with locations across the county.

For those who like beach music, then the Carolina shag is for you. The shag is a slotted swing dance that shares many figures with “jitterbug,” East Coast swing and West Coast swing. It’s danced from the waist down, but it doesn’t use much hip action.

Feel like doing a do-si-do or allemande?

Square dancing is the answer for many Moore Countians. Definitely not a spectator sport, square dancing is a low-impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes that help keep the body in shape.

Not only does it provide a good aerobic workout, but square dancing also brings people together for fun and fellowship — even when learning how.

Whatever your dance preference, the point is to get up, get going and get moving.

For more information on dance in the Sandhills, check out the Arts and Entertainment calendar at thepilot.com or in Friday’s edition.

For more information about the belly dance class offered by the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department, call ((910) 944-5902.

Known for classic Egyptian-style dance, Asmar teaches classic American and Middle Eastern dance, which she describes as “traditional” belly dance.

“I provide a solid foundation for any style of belly dance,” Asmar says. “There are no surprises. It’s what you would expect, complete with traditional Arabic music.”

Classes are offered to students 15 years and up. Asmar knows one belly dancer who is 91 years old.

Because belly dance is about having fun while getting fit, Asmar says performances are not a requirement of her classes.

“You dance for yourself, not for an audience,” Asmar says. “There is no pressure. We just have a good time.”

Don’t worry that you don’t have something to wear. Students of belly dance wear yoga clothes, T-shirts, tanks — basically, comfortable, non-binding clothes. Hip scarves are optional.

However, Asmar says, it is good to wear something around the hips because it gives her a visual reference so she can better see the movement of students’ hips.

“You don’t need sequins to belly dance, but it adds to the interest,” Asmar says with a smile.

Dancing barefoot also is optional.

Students can choose to go sans footwear,

or they can wear dance slippers or other soft, flexible shoes. In Lebanon and Turkey, Asmar says, the custom is to wear high heels.

For more information about belly dance, check out Asmar’s Web site at www.sharifaasmar.com.

Asmar also directs Qarisma Dance Arts, a resource for Middle Eastern and North African dance, including performance, instruction, cultural and educational programs, and original productions.

Qarisma Dance Arts will be performing at the World Holiday Festival the weekend of Dec. 12 at the Crown Center in Fayetteville.

Discover New Things While Asmar recommends taking a belly dance class to learn the genre, she points out that DVDs are a great way for students to practice. FitTV’s “Shimmy,” a series that teaches belly dance, is another great way to practice.

“If you feel good between your ears, you’re going to feel good physically,” Asmar says. “And, when you feel good, you spend more time dancing, exercising and making better choices. I’ve known women who took up belly dance for exercise and then became serious addicts.

“Belly dance — you’ll discover new things about yourself.”

And, get in shape.

Martha J. Henderson can be reached at (910) 693-2476 or by e-mail at mjhenderson@thepilot.com.

Page 10

natural health & beauty

Natural Beauty Hair Cottage Offers Clients Simple Approach

BY HANNAH SHARPE Newsroom Intern

Looking for a great cut and color without the burden of harmful chemicals and hair damage?

Tucked away off Bennett Street in Southern Pines lies a local secret for enhancing natural beauty — naturally.

For the past five years, Hair Cottage has offered a variety of organic and natural styling products, including the Dikson Italian Hair Color line that allows clients the confidence of great color without excessive damage to their hair.

Dikson Italian Hair Color, provided by pioneers in natural haircare, Muster and Dikson, differs from other hair colors because the color enters the hair as a molecule, not as a pigment, providing better color penetration for longer-lasting color.

Muster and Dikson has offered its color line since 1975, but its spread to the United States has been a slow process.

Natural Alternatives Now, with the growing trend of using natural beauty products, more people are beginning to consider natural alternatives to their previously chemical hair color maintenance.

Every color in the Dikson line offers total gray coverage without color fading or damage to hair — a colorist’s dream come true.

All of the dyes are noncarcinogenic and contain two percent or less ammonia.

Hair Cottage owner and hairstylist Gina Anderson has personally used the color line for five years, along with providing it to her clients.

“Once I tried it, I was hooked,” she says. “I could just see the shine.”

Now all of the hairstylists at her salon use the color line on their own hair, giving clients the personal assurance of the product’s natural quality.

Wanda Pierce has been at Hair Cottage since May, but has spent 36 years working in the hairstyling industry. She used to be a color line educator for Muster and Dikson’s North America Education Center.

“Your clients can know what they’re getting,” Pierce says. “I think everyone’s hair feels better [after the color treatment]. It fills the hair with color.”

Anderson says most of her clients walk in the door looking for a color update.

“My whole day is mostly color,” Anderson says.

Anderson also says that the popularity of particular hair colors changes with the season.

Clients prefer pale blondes in the summer, but switch to warmer tones for fall and winter. This season, she has seen many auburns and golden colors.

One trait clients always seek when asking for color is dimension in the form of highlights or lowlights.

Future of Hair Care The ladies at Hair Cottage agree that natural products are the future of hair care.

The availability of more products that maintain healthy hair unleashes the ability to push the envelope on new styles.

“We can do it and still keep the hair healthy,” Pierce says. “I can’t imagine not using it at this point. I wouldn’t want to have do without it.”

Pierce adds that people are becoming more conscious of the ingredients found in the products they use.

“There are more organic- and naturalsavvy people, especially around this area,” Pierce says.

Pilot AH SHARPE/The PHOTOS BY HANN The use of natural hair color puts a new in t with a clien s rk wo n spin on the concept of natural beauty. rso de An r Gina Above: Salon owne oms at the Hair Cottage in Southern Products are formulated to enhance a ro one of three styling dle: Hairstylist Dawn Hardy puts the client’s natural beauty, rather than paint id m d an over it.

Pines. Top a client’s hair.

Diana DiStefano, of Pinehurst, has been finishing touches on

using the Dikson line on her hair with hairstylist Dawn Hardy at Hair Cottage for five years.

“I like the fact that it highlights. The gray in my hair gets golden, so it doesn’t look unnatural,” DiStefano says. “When the light hits it, you can see different shades. That’s normal hair!”

Hairstylist Lauren Presley McKenzie enjoys the benefit of not having to smell ammonia all the time when she is coloring clients’ hair. The dye has no odor at all. Some clients are sensitive to the smell of dyes and hair products.

Natural Ingredients Besides the natural color line, Hair Cottage also offers a variety of hair products that have natural ingredients.

Anderson highly recommends the JLife line of hair products, available at the salon.

JLife products contain few additives and have SPF protection. They are popular because sea moss is an essential ingredient that helps restore moisture.

Though Hair Cottage favors natural and organic hair products, Pierce says there is difficulty in buying products that are entirely natural because those products have a short shelf-life. Even products claiming to be entirely natural contain additives that preserve the product.

“You can’t always get totally natural,” Pierce says.

Different Perspectives The four women behind Hair Cottage vary in age and fields of expertise, giving customers the ability to choose a hairstylist they are comfortable with.

Pierce enjoys the collaboration among the different perspectives.

“We all stay pretty fresh with new ideas,” Pierce says.

Anderson opened Hair Cottage five years ago after renovating a building in Bradford Village.

“The building was pretty much dilapidated,” Anderson says.

She remodeled her salon to look chic with the feel of home so customers could feel comfortable and relaxed.

“It’s a cottage with a front porch and rooms that look like home. I like to keep it cozy and small and quaint,” Anderson says.

The salon has three rooms with four hair stations, giving each client more privacy with a hairstylist.

“The client likes that because they’re not sitting in one room hearing everyone’s conversations,” Anderson says.

Over the years, Hair Cottage has seen significant growth in clientele, thanks to its natural products and dedication to quality results.

However, Anderson isn’t looking to expand her allnatural business anytime soon. She and her hairstylists are more than happy to keep things simple and natural.

Hannah Sharpe can be reached at (910) 693-2485.

thepilot / november 2009

Classes Offered FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness-Southern Pines offers a variety of classes, including:

Aromatherapy Monthly Join Gayla Comer as she shares how to use essential oils to boost your immune system and lower your stress level. Class will include useful handouts and samples of various oils. Free.

Improving Life with MS Through Exercise 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 Learn about the benefits of exercise for individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). The workshop will help individuals find a variety of ways to improve their independent functioning, eliminate fatigue and decrease their risk of other problems associated with MS. Individuals will be able to participate as well as observe exercises that are known to help those suffering from MS. Registration required by Nov. 19.

Free.

Therapeutic Tai Chi With Lee Holbrook 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 10:15 a.m.

Fridays This ongoing gentle mind-body program is suitable for just about everyone. It includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing. Other benefits include reduced stress, increased flexibility and improved muscle, strength and balance.

First class is free before purchasing your Tai Chi program card. Just mention this story before attending a class.

The FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness-Southern Pines is located at 205 Davis Drive. For membership or program information, or to register for one of the classes, call (910) 692-6129.

Page 11

FirstHealth Mindfulness Program Helps Participants Address Stress, Anxiety Do you spend a lot of time dwelling on the past or thinking about the future? That doesn’t leave much time for enjoying the present, does it?

Often, when people feel overwhelmed by stress, it is at least partly because they can’t stop reliving what has already happened or fretting about what is to come.

The Mindfulness-based Stress Management Program offered by FirstHealth of the Carolinas teaches people how to relieve stress and anxiety by focusing on the here and now.

The next eight-week mindfulness program will begin March 1, 2010. Sessions will be held Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and there will be a one-day workshop on a Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Medicare and most major insurance cover group sessions. Admissions personnel verify health insurance coverage and discuss rates and payment options with you.

Elizabeth Manley, MSN, R.N., CS, a clinical nurse specialist with FirstHealth Outpatient Behavioral Services, teaches the mindfulness program.

“Anyone who considers himself or herself negatively impacted by stress is eligible,” she says. “Mindfulness training also can help people with a variety of psychological and medical conditions that are made worse by stress.”

Clinical studies have found that mindfulness-based stress management can be an effective component of treatment for conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue, high blood pressure, recurrent depression, sleep disorders, compulsive overeating and even heart disease and cancer.

“People often realize that their busy minds and physical tension — the manifestations of stress — are exacerbating their health problems,” Manley says.

Mindfulness involves various forms of meditation that enable a person to block

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out distractions and fully experience the present moment.

“The concentration and focus that this requires can give us our life back,” Manley says. “If we are preoccupied with other things and just going through the motions at any

given moment, then we’re not really experiencing the moment. Mindfulness is a way to have a quality of life that doesn’t include so much stress.”

Mindfulness is different from relaxation therapy in that the goal isn’t simply to

relax your body and let your mind go blank.

“The objective of mindfulness is to observe your thought processes and how you are being affected by your thoughts and then, over time, to be able to choose your thoughts,” Manley says. “This is not a quick fix. It requires daily practice and discipline.”

Manley has taught mindfulness-based stress management at FirstHealth since 1998. She took training for health-care providers with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the largest academic medical center-based stress reduction program in the country.

To learn more about the FirstHealth Mindfulness-based Stress Management Program or to apply to participate in the program that begins in March, 2010, contact Elizabeth Manley at (910) 715-5217. Preregistration is required, and registration for this program closes February 15, 2010.

Page 12

Beware of These Bacteria Hot Spots We’ve all have it drummed into our heads that we shouldn’t sit on public toilets because of germs, or that we should replace our toothbrushes every few months because bacteria grow on them.

But what about surprising places where germs congregate and multiply faster than fruit flies?

Here are some of the biggest bacteria hot spots: • Refillable liquid soap dispensers.

These range from basic plastic to ultrafancy models that match other bathroom accessories. And they’re much classier than a grimy bar of soap.

Unfortunately, they’re also a magnet for fecal bacteria. “[The bacteria] love to grow in the soap,” says Dr. Charles P. Gerba, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona. “In one study of soap dispensers, 25 percent had fecal bacteria growing in them, and one-quarter of the samples had E. coli growing in them.”

Your best defense? Use only nonrefillable containers if you like liquid soap.

• TV remotes. This makes sense — everyone in the household touches them, possibly multiple times a day. According to Dr. Gerba, one study showed that in homes with children suffering from the flu, 60 percent of the remotes harbored the influenza virus. Clean and disinfect remotes regularly.

• Cutting boards. Get ready for this one:

The average kitchen cutting board has 200 times more fecal bacteria on it than the average toilet seat. Surprised? The main culprit here is meat, which is often contaminated with fecal bacteria from animals (and unhygienic people who handle it). Home cooks often cut meat on cutting boards and then fail to do anything more than wipe them down.

They need to be disinfected regularly, ideally once a week. Try diluting one tablespoon of bleach with a quart of water, soaking the board for five minutes and rinsing it. Or mix one part vinegar with five parts water, and do the same.

• Sponges and dishcloths. Wipe down your kitchen table with a previously used sponge or cloth and you could be spreading germs around. Try throwing sponges in the dishwasher and/or microwaving them.

Cloths can be laundered in a bleach solution.

It’s probably best to simply replace your sponges and dishcloths regularly.

• Your purse. Yes, that purse you carry around from store to store is a surprising magnet for nasty little germs such as fecal bacteria. The worst offenders are women who place their purses on the floors of public restrooms — up to one-third of bags become contaminated this way.

But even if you don’t drop your bag, it still picks up bacteria wherever it’s placed.

Clean it with an antibacterial spray or disposable wipes, or wash it down with a soapy washcloth.

natural health & beauty

thepilot / november 2009

Page 13

Understanding the Importance Of Hydration For Seniors Water is vital to keep our bodies functioning properly. For seniors, getting enough water can be difficult since the ability to sense thirst lessens with age and the kidneys become less efficient.

Seniors need to be focused on getting enough water to keep the body running properly. Because seniors have thinner skin and can be affected by medications, the possibility of

Full Service Pharmacy Compounding Lab Nutritional Counseling Herbal Supplements

dehydration is greater for them.

Signs of dehydration may include: dry skin, dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue, headache, thirst, dizziness, weakness, increased body temperature, breathing and pulse rate, and difficulty breathing.

Consider these ways to help seniors get enough water throughout the day: Encourage eight 8ounce glasses of fluid a day, unless otherwise specified by a physician.

It is especially important for congestive heart failure and kidney disease patients to ask a doctor for appropriate levels of fluid intake.

Watch urine color and output. If urine is dark or output is low, seniors likely need more fluids.

Remind seniors not to wait until they

are thirsty to drink. Dehydration starts before people feel thirsty.

Liquid nutritional supplements provide both water and nutrients and may help meet multiple nutritional goals.

Drink a wide variety of fluids to stay hydrated. Juice, decaffeinated teas and coffee, broth-based soups, fruits like apples and oranges and vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes all offer fluids.

Add juice, a flavored drink mix or flavored ice cubes to a bottle of water.

Popsicles, water- or juice-based smoothies, frozen juice pops, Italian ices or sorbets are an unexpected treat that will help meet seniors’ water consumption goals.

For more information about senior nutrition or Comfort Keepers services, call (910) 2468000 or visit www.comfort keepers.com.

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Dr. Thomas P. McKay, Jr., D.C.

780 NW Broad Street Suite 400 • Southern Pines, NC 28387 Telephone: (910) 693-3700 • (910) 693-3709

Page 14

natural health & beauty

Tips for a Very Merry, Earth-Friendly Holiday For environmentalists or even regular Joes looking to do their part, the holiday season represents a great time to give back to the environment. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hectic nature of the holidays, it’s also easy to be environmentally conscious during this most busy of seasons.

What many people realize when they adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle is the relative ease of making such a change. All it really takes is a few tweaks here and there, and not a complete lifestyle overhaul, to get on the path to living ecofriendly.

The same can be said with behavior during the holidays, when a few minor adjustments to the standard holiday routine won’t make too noticeable an impact on holiday traditions, but will make a big and positive impact on the environment.

Tree Etiquette Christmas trees are a big and often beautiful part of the holiday season. An annual debate among tree lovers is which are better for the environment, real or artificial trees. Both have their ups and downs.

Initially, real trees would seem to be the more environmentally friendly option.

However, once the season is over, discarded trees become a large part of landfill material. In addition, some people fail to remove all of the plastic ornaments or lights from trees, and this can be environmentally hazardous. But live trees can be a boon to the environment if they are composted after the season and used for landscaping purposes.

Artificial trees, on the surface, appear less environmentally friendly. Such trees are made from plastic, and are therefore a product of oil, meaning they will

produce carbon emissions and other environmental contaminants. However, artificial decor can be reused every year.

Wrapping Paper Pointers Perhaps no part of the holiday season is more wasteful than the one-time usage of wrapping paper, ribbon, cards and bows.

According to Green Star, if every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. And approximately 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the U.S., providing enough waste to fill a football field 10 stories high.

But holiday aficionados need not remove the grandeur of holiday wrapping paper, bows and ribbons to ensure an environmentally friendly holiday. Instead, simply reuse wrapping paper, ribbons and bows from year to year. Cards can also be culled from last year and used as a decorative label for this year’s gifts.

Entertaining With an Environmental Tilt Holiday get-togethers with family and friends are an integral part of the season.

For party hosts, entertaining with an environmental tilt is easier than one might think. Work with vendors and sites that use linens and china to avoid disposable serviceware waste.

Plan food and beverages wisely so that there isn’t much left over. Reports indicate that more than 100 pounds of extra food per person is disposed of each year. Encourage people to take home leftovers if there are any, or donate it to places that feed the needy.

Provide busing to larger office parties or reunions, or simply encourage guests to carpool. When disposing of waste, be sure to recycle.

None of these suggestions will put a

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Reusing wrapping paper from year to year is one easy and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment each holiday season. host out, but each will make a positive impact on the environment and possibly encourage guests to go green as well.

Go Green With Gifts Gifting is another area in which to go

green. Instead of trinkets that might just end up in a clutter closet, give gifts that recipients will be sure to use, such as gift certificates to the movies or electronics stores. Make a donation to an environmental organization in a friend or family member’s name.

Come Live the Life You Want!

Nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of our residents for more than 50 years.

Participating in activities that enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is what makes you whole.

How do you define wellness?

A refreshing dip in the pool? Visiting with friends? Time in the chapel? Tai chi?

Golfing? A leisurely stroll? Reading a good book?

We have all that and more!

(910) 246-1008 www.sjp.org

St. Joseph of the Pines is the leading provider of senior living and health services serving the Sandhills region since 1948.

Nationally Accredited