February 2020 Natural Awakenings Charleston SC - Lowcountry Edition by Natural Awakenings Lowcountry

E E FR

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

VASCULAR Linda Carroll on SACRED VITALITY The Skills VESSELS Taking Steps in the That Make The Lifeblood Right Direction Love Last of Heart Health February 2020 | Lowcountry Edition | NALowcountry.com

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letter from publisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

his month, we focus on all things related to the heart. Sacred Vessels, the Lifeblood of Hearth Health,” on page 12, looks at the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD numbers have grown significantly as our culture has become more sedentary and disconnected from the natural world. The good news is only 15 percent of CVD cases are related to genetics. We can prevent and even reverse damage by adopting heart-healthy behaviors including diet, exercise and stress reduction. Our fit body department on page 15, “Vital Steps, the Path to Vascular Fitness,” emphasizes the need for aerobic exercise in keeping our blood vessels and arteries clear and flowing. Stress management is key to health in general and to cardiovascular health in particular. I recently watched Joe Dispenza’s Rewired series on Gaia, which I highly recommend. One of the things Dispenza talks about is heart-brain coherence. Prior to the 1990s, we assumed that it was only the brain that sent information and issued commands to the heart, but now we know that it works both ways. We have a heart brain, “an intricate network of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins and support cells, like those found in the brain. This heart-brain is composed of about 40,000 neurons that can sense, feel, learn and remember.” The heart can speak to and influence the brain when it is coherent; generating a stable, wavelike pattern. When the heart rhythm is coherent, the body, including the brain, begins to experience all sorts of benefits, among them greater mental clarity and intuitive ability. We can intentionally direct our heart to communicate to our brain and body in beneficial ways. When we experience sincere positive emotions such as compassion or appreciation, the heart’s rhythm becomes more coherent. This information is sent to the brain and the entire body, “neurologically, biochemically, biophysically and energetically.” You don’t have to be a master at meditation to achieve heart-brain coherence (although meditation has tremendous benefits and is healthy for mind, body, spirit and the world). Here is a quick coherence exercise courtesy of the nonprofit HeartMath Institute, dedicated to fostering heart-brain coherence to create a more compassionate and harmonious world. “Step 1: Focus your attention in the area of the heart. Imagine your breath is flowing in and out of your heart, breathing a little slower and deeper than usual. Suggestion: Inhale five seconds, exhale five seconds (or whatever rhythm is comfortable.) Step 2: Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling, such as appreciation or care for someone or something in your life. Suggestion: Try to re-experience the feeling you have for someone you love; a pet, a special place, an accomplishment, etc., or focus on a feeling of calm or ease.” I plan to try this when I feel stressed and don’t have 20 minutes to meditate. I hope you find this helpful, too. Just think what the world would be like if we all took the time to connect to our hearts. Wishing you a February full of heart, love and compassion for everyone, including yourself.

LOWCOUNTRY Edition

OWNER/PUBLISHER Toni Owen Conover SENIOR Editor Martin Miron

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national team CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne National Editor Jan Hollingsworth Managing Editor Linda Sechrist National Art Director Stephen Blancett Art Director Josh Pope Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2020 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.

Love,

Toni Owen Conover, Publisher 4

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

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 12 SACRED VESSELS

The Lifeblood of Heart Health

15 VITAL STEPS

The Path to Vascular Fitness

16 GOOD HEARTS START YOUNG

Boosting Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cardiovascular Health

17 DISRUPTING

DISPOSABLES

The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

18 LINDA CARROLL

on Skills That Make Love Last

20 HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

21 INTUITIVE AND

HEALING ARTS GUIDE

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 843-821-7404 or email Publisher@NALowcountry.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NALowcountry.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Submit Calendar & Ongoing Events to: NALowcountry.com. Deadline: the 10th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

22 PAIN RELIEF FOR PETS

Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

23 COACHES CORNER DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 15 fit body 16 healthy kids 17 green living 18 wise words

20 healing ways 22 natural pet 25 calendar 26 classifieds 27 resource guide

February 2020

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y art is all about love. It is tattooed on my body, and a part of every painting that I’ve done,” says cover artist Kim Bradshaw, a wedding officiant who loves to marry couples on local beaches. “I like acrylics because of their intense colors, and they are fast and flexible to work with.” The cover work, Sea of Love, is part of a collection by the same name that includes seahorses, turtles, kissing fish, manatees and mermaids. A Certified Florida Master Naturalist, Bradshaw is passionate about teaching others about nature and our role in protecting it. She and her husband volunteer with the nonprofit Turtle Time, helping patrol Southwest Florida beaches during nesting season to ensure that homeowners turn off beachfront lights, because sea turtle hatchlings are attracted to the artificial light rather than the moonlit sea they must reach to survive. Bradshaw studied art at Florida Southwestern State College. Her work has been exhibited at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs and also appeared on a Natural Awakenings cover 20 years ago. The artist and her photographer husband run a homeopathic company and live in Bonita Springs, Florida.

news briefs

Celebrating Irish Roots

n cooperation with the South Carolina Irish Historical Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the College of Charleston School of Irish Studies and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Lowcountry Irish Fest will take place at 1 p.m., February 23, at the Charleston Music Hall. Doors open at noon. The festival features The Byrne Brothers, SYR, Celtic Folk Rock Band, Legacy Irish Dance Troupe, Carroll Brown Band, The Bograts and Catherine Kinder & the Charleston Trad. The LowCountry Irish Fest is a musical and cultural gathering celebrating all things uniquely Irish in the South Carolina Lowcountry. From some of it’s founding fathers to plantation owners, laborers and pirates, the Irish have always played a key role in Charleston. The Charleston Music Hall is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Charleston. Known historically as the Tower Depot, it was designed by Charleston architect Edward C. Jones and completed in 1850 as a passenger station of the South Carolina Railroad. In 1995, the Bennett-Hofford Company transformed it into an arts venue. Admission is $25 for adults/$15 for students/$12 for kids 12 and under. Location: 37 John St., Charleston. Tickets are available at the Music Hall box office or online at Tinyurl.com/ LowcountryIrishFest. For more information, visit CharlestonIrish.com.

BHUUMI is the Sustainable Alternative to Google, Uber and more

he BHUUMI.com internet portal empowers and enriches its users. They can shop, search, meet, express, connect, listen, view, vote, share and much more for free. Founded in Charleston, BHUUMI entrepreneurs comprise a group of visionary philanthropists on a mission to revolutionize the business and social world. BHUUMI (Mother Earth in Hindi) is owned solely by its users and can never be bought or sold. BHUUMI Ride is a rideshare app with a difference, designed to empower its users, (drivers) to be successful entrepreneurs by working for themselves and their families while earning a respectful and sustainable livelihood. Drivers pay $1 to BHUUMI per ride, keep all profits and get paid as soon as the ride is completed. Passengers feel more secure because all BHUUMI entrepreneurs have a drivers ID and driver stickers they can view before entering their car. For more information, visit bhuumi.com.

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New Kundalini Yoga Class on Johns Island

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avan Ravi Sirona (Erin Sirona), will be offering weekly Kundalini Yoga classes along with meditations, healthy eating classes and more at Remedy Wellness on Johns Island, at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 to 10:15 a.m. Saturdays, beginning the second week of February. Classes are open level. Kundalini yoga is a powerful practice and technology. There are more than 9,000 kriyas (sets of postures, breathwork and meditation) that help balance the body and mind. The focus may include balancing the endocrine system, anxiety and depression; detoxing the liver; tuning up the adrenals; or many other aspects of health. This energizing and relaxing practice includes mantra (sound), mudras (hand positions), pranayama (breathwork) and asanas (postures).

It’s never too late to take your heart health seriously and make it a priority. ~Jennie Garth

Location: 3423 Maybank Hwy. To register, email PavanRaviSirona@gmail.com. February 2020

Use Pumpkin Seed Oil to Dodge Hypertension Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop hypertension than men their age, but taking pumpkin seed oil daily may head off that condition, report researchers from Marymount University, in Arlington, Virginia. In a blind study of 23 participants, women taking three grams of pumpkin seed oil for six weeks had significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, as well as better blood flow in their arteries. The oil “might be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in this population,” write the authors. 8

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Use Probiotics to Reduce Bone Loss and Newborn Infections Bone loss leading to increased fracture risk occurs in half of postmenopausal women, but new research from Sweden offers a deterrent: a combination of three Lactobacillus probiotic strains. A total of 249 healthy, early postmenopausal women over the age of 50 that took the probiotics for a year suffered no significant bone loss in the lumbar spine compared to a placebo group, report researchers at Gothenburg University. They had slight reductions in bone loss at the neck and no changes at the hip or upper femur. In a British Medical Journal-published study on probiotics that spanned 10 years and involved nearly 1,000 at-risk babies, researchers from the UK’s Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that newborns with gut infections were twice as likely to recover when given probiotics as part of their treatment in intensive care units, with sepsis rates reduced from 22.6 percent to 11.5 percent. The strains used were L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum subspecies infantis. The babies were suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis, a rare infection and inflammation of the intestines which can affect low-birthweight babies.

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Qigong, a traditional Chinese massage technique and movement practice, may offer hope for the one in 68 American children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Researchers at Portugal’s Oporto University reviewed 10 high-quality studies, all of which involved massage for children as young as 2, including two which also employed slow qigong movements and breathwork for older children. Previous studies have found that the qigong type of gentle massage practiced for 15 minutes daily by parents on autistic children helps the children tolerate touch, feel reassured by it and bond more deeply with parents that also feel less stress. The meta-study affirmed, “Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioral and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, as well as healthy physical behavior.”

Get Nutritional and Antifungal Benefits from Celery Researchers from Cameroon’s University of Buea studied the properties of nine local vegetables and found that celery, Apium graveolens, had some of the highest levels of antifungal properties, as well as high levels of nutritional lipids, protein, vitamin C, copper, zinc and phosphorous. Also scoring high in nutritional and antifungal value were the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, African or bush mango, sometimes used in the U.S. in weight-loss products.

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Practice Qigong Massage to Improve Autism Symptoms in Children

Stacy Barnett/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

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Try Mind-Body Options to Reduce Opioid-Treated Pain People suffering from acute pain often turn to addictive opioid treatments, but research from the University of Utah School of Social Work published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that certain mind-body therapies significantly reduce pain and the use of opioids. Reviewing 60 randomized, controlled, published clinical trials with more than 6,400 participants, researchers found that meditation/mindfulness, therapeutic suggestion and cognitive behavioral therapy all significantly reduced pain severity along with opioid use and misuse. Hypnosis also helped lower pain. Mind-body therapies proved effective at reducing short-term, acute pain from medical procedures, as well as chronic pain. Lead author and Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland pointed out that 82,000 Americans are projected to die from opioid overdoses in the next five years and noted, “If all of us—doctors, nurses, social workers, policymakers, insurance companies and patients—use this evidence as we make decisions, we can help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic.”

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February 2020

Seal Deal

global briefs UNESCO Adopts Resolution on Earth Charter

The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held last November, adopted a resolution that reaffirms the importance of the Earth Charter (EarthCharter. org) as an ethical framework for sustainable development. The Charter’s four pillars— respect and care for the community of life; ecology integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, non-violence and peace—have guided and underpinned UNESCO’s sustainable development work. Taking into account the current world situation and environmental crises, delegates felt it was time to act and that the Earth Charter provides the needed principles and values. Although it has no binding force, like previous UNESCO resolutions, its ethical foundation may surface in future battles in international courts.

Thump Thump

In 1969, there were only 100 South American fur seals and sea lions along the coastline of Lima, the capitol of Peru, but that has increased to more than 8,000 today, thanks to local fishermen that have realized over the intervening years that a balanced ecosystem benefits all. Once hunted almost to the point of no return for their pelts and because they ate so many fish, the sea mammals have slowly rebounded since Peru established its first marine protection area there in 1979, the Paracas Marine Reserve. Today, the Fishermen’s Union has defined these areas, in which each local fishing collective is dependent economically, and has assigned responsibility to that group for protecting those marine resources. Impetus for species protection is also being driven by the rise of tourism and artisanal fisheries. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which maintains a “Red List” database of species and the degree to which they are threatened with extinction, has also been involved. It also compiles a “Green List” to recognize global best practices for areabased conservation, a program working with marine reserves along the Pacific coast.

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Clear Thinking

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Fishermen Protect Endangered Sea Mammals

Trees Exhibit ‘Heartbeat’

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Soot Cities

Alaska Battles Air Pollution

Alaska, which has some of the most pristine environments in the U.S., also has some of the worst air quality in its cities. According to the American Lung Association 2019 State of the Air report (Tinyurl.com/StateOfTheAirPDF), Fairbanks ranked third and a section of Anchorage ranked 21st in cities with high levels of short-term particle pollution between 2015-2017, the latest years that figures are available. Although the numbers are poor, they still represent an improvement from the last air quality report. “Particle pollution is made of soot, or tiny particles that come from coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires and woodburning devices. These particles are so small that they can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, and can even be lethal,” warns Marge Stoneking, executive director at the American Lung Association in Alaska.

MarcelClemens/Shutterstock.com

Scientists have discovered that some trees raise and lower their branches several times in the course of the night, indicating a cycle of water and sugar transportation, but they didn’t know why. Plants need water to photosynthesize glucose, the basic building block from which their more complex molecules are formed. For trees, this entails drawing water from the roots to the leaves. Dr. András Zlinszky, at Aarhus University, Denmark, used a laser scanning technique to measure the exact location of branches and leaves of 22 tree and shrub species, and published his observations of substantial unexpected movement cycles. He says, “We detected a previously unknown periodic movement of up to 0.4 inches in cycles of two to six hours. The movement has to be connected to variations in water pressure within the plants, and this effectively means that the tree is pumping. Water transport is not just a steady-state flow, as we previously assumed.” Some might call that pumping action a heartbeat.

Valentina Razumovar/Shutterstock.com

Alex Yuzhakov/Shutterstock.com

Climate Check

New Label Verifies Carbon Neutral Products

Green Horizons

A Billion Trees in Eight Years

Marrying forestry to technology, the startup Flash Forest, in Toronto, is using aerial drones to plant trees 10 times faster than human planters with a goal of 1 billion trees by 2028. Since testing prototype devices last year, it has already planted several thousand trees across Ontario using pregerminated seed pods containing a mixture of species. The drones are capable of planting trees at just 50 cents per pod, or a quarter of the cost of typical planting methods. Funded partly by a Kickstarter campaign, the group will start planting trees in April, with at least 150,000 in the ground by the end of this year. At full capacity, one drone operator will be able to plant 100,000 seed pods per day. Flash Forest spokesperson Angelique Ahlstrom says, “Our goals are to have a significant and measurable impact on mitigating climate change in the next decade, while combatting deforestation and biodiversity loss on a global scale. We feel we are one of the only ways that the federal government will be able to fulfill its pledge to plant 2 billion trees in the next 10 years.”

Water Win

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Fresh H20 Comes to Kenya Town

A drought-plagued Kenyan region is using a new, solarpowered, desalination plant from the international nonprofit GivePower to obtain clean water. Before the plant’s arrival in the town of Kiunga, villagers had completely run out of clean drinking water and had to use dirty well water and saltwater from the Indian Ocean. The new solar water farm produces enough drinking water that’s cleaner than typical desalination plants for more than 35,000 people every day. GivePower has a mission of using renewable energy as a means of bringing water, food and energy to places that need it most. They plan on building similar facilities in other drought-prone countries such as Colombia and Haiti.

A new Climate Neutral product label is joining others like Fair Trade, 100% Organic and Made in America, and is closing in on a Kickstarter (Tinyurl.com/ CarbonNeutralKickstarter) funding goal to raise $100,000. The idea for the label was hatched by the founders of San Franciscobased backpack and camera equipment maker Peak Design and Brooklynbased Biolite, which sells sustainable energy products. Participating companies start by establishing baseline emissions, evaluating such factors as raw materials, the energy costs at their facilities, the amount that employees travel, and how and where their products are shipped. They work to reduce and balance them through greener strategies, switching to renewable power and investing in carbon offsets before they can display the label on their products. According to Climate Neutral, it only costs 12 cents to offset the carbon emissions required to produce a $120 running shoe. More than 40 brands have already signed up.

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SACRED VESSELS

by Julie Peterson

hen people think about heart health, what generally comes to mind is the fist-sized muscle that pumps and oxygenates the body’s lifeblood. However, the heart of the matter is not the pump itself, but the vascular system— the network of veins, arteries and capillaries that distributes blood to every cell in the body, delivering nutrients and eliminating waste. Each human adult harbors an astonishing 60,000 miles of blood vessels— enough to wrap around the planet twice. Keeping these hard-working vessels supple and open is the key not only to avoiding disease, but also to ensuring a long and healthy life. The alternative—arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries—can slowly and silently bring on cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can result in a heart attack, stroke, vision loss and cognitive decline. CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in four Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2035, nearly half the population—45 percent—is predicted to have some form of the disease. “A hundred years ago, we were farming the back 40 with a team of horses, eating what we grew. Kids don’t get out and ride bikes; they’re playing video games and eating crap. There’s very little doubt how we got to this problem,” says John 12

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Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, near Dallas. Yet, the nation’s number one killer, which can fester for decades without symptoms, is largely preventable and reversible. Only 15 percent of CVD is related to genetics; the rest is attributed to lifestyle, and the right choices can make all the difference. The key is to adopt heart-healthy habits before the body delivers a potentially fatal warning. “The initial presentation of heart disease can be an acute catastrophic event that results in death in half the men and two-thirds of the women. That’s not treatable,” warns Osborne.

Know the Risk Factors

The first step toward cardiovascular health is awareness. Important indicators of CVD risk include: 4 High blood pressure (over 140/90) 4 High cholesterol (over 240 mg/dL) 4 High triglycerides (over 200 mg/dL) 4 High blood glucose (over 140 mg/dL) 4 Obesity (BMI over 30) 4 Inflammation (hsCRP test above 2 ml/dL) 4 Physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes a day) 4 Smoking or vaping (any at all) 4 Chronic stress 4 Loneliness Any of these factors can increase the risk of CVD, but possessing a cluster of the first five comprises a condition called metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the potential for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes—itself a significant risk factor that can damage blood vessels, as well as the organs they support. “While diabetes is the seventh-lead-

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The Lifeblood of Heart Health

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ing cause of death in the United States, this figure belies the fact that most people with diabetes die of heart disease, kidney failure and other complications,” says Brenda Davis, RD, of Alberta, Canada, author of Kick Diabetes Essentials: The Diet and Lifestyle Guide. Metabolic syndrome, like CVD, has few obvious symptoms and is on the rise: Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have it, according to the CDC. The one distinct marker for the condition is an accumulation of fat around the waistline, characterized by a measurement of over 35 inches for women and 40 for men.

Take Action to Cut Risks

“When a disease is lifestyle-induced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle,” says Davis. “We’ve seen over and over again that it works.”

n Know the Numbers

CVD flies under the radar even though it’s increasingly common at younger ages. The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study in December 2019 stating that about one in four young adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, putting them at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and CVD. Lisa McDowell, director of clinical nutrition and wellness at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and team dietitian for the Detroit Red Wings, works with elite athletes of all ages and notes that they more likely know their favorite player’s jersey number than their own health numbers. “Learn what your blood pressure is, know your body mass index, get your cholesterol levels and triglycerides and your [hemoglobin] A1C. Know these numbers early on and, if there’s a problem, fix it,” she advises. While simple blood tests help monitor indicators for CVD, more sophisticated tests can be even more revealing. In 2018, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) jointly issued new guidelines for patients over age 50 to get a computerized tomogra-

phy (CT) scan to determine their calcium score. The procedure checks for hardening of the arteries and predicts the risk of a 10year future cardiovascular event. “This identifies people who have preclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of risk factors,” says Osborne. “It also helps people modify behaviors, because they are faced with a diagnosis.” Yale R. Smith, a Melbourne, Florida, M.D., who specializes in metabolic and functional medicine, utilizes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved protein unstable lesion signature (PULS) blood test. Recommended for patients in their 40s, it measures inflammatory biomarkers for the body’s immune system response to arterial injury and provides a chronological heart age and risk of a CVD event. “If you can show someone the future, it’s a wake-up call to make lifestyle changes to increase longevity,” Smith says.

n Eat for Heart Health

Perhaps the single most important change that people can make is diet. “But a lot of

people don’t want lifestyle medicine—they’d rather take a statin with their Big Mac,” says McDowell. Preventing or reversing CVD requires diligence, but it’s largely about eating real, whole food—and mostly plants. This means avoiding processed foods and consuming less salt, trans fats, saturated fat and cholesterol; and more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. “There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers,” says McDowell. Overcoming the urge to grab fast and easy foods requires education. “Everyone needs to learn how to read a food label and avoid foods linked to vascular disease,” she adds. Vegans have healthier cholesterol levels in their blood compared to vegetarians, which in turn have better levels than meateaters. Study-verified diets that lower CVD indicators also include the Mediterranean

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Some cardiovascular boosters:

Leafy greens flush out excess sodium and magnesium, and reduce inflammation. Berries improve circulation by boosting nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels. Pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure and reduces plaque formation. Walnuts, peanuts and almonds lower LDL, the “bad cholesterol”. Oily fish, chia and flax seeds with omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides. Soy with anti-inflammatory isoflavones helps dilate blood vessels. “We could eat tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy beans or even organic soy ‘veggie meats’ in place of red meat,” says Davis. Yogurt, kefir and other fermented probiotic dairy products help improve glycemic control, blood lipids, cholesterol and blood pressure. Supplements can be very helpful: Red yeast rice extract, much like a statin, significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL. Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, lowers blood pressure and combats the side effects of statins. Omega-3s in fish oil supplements reduce heart risk in healthy people and those already diagnosed with CVD risk. Nicotinamide riboside improves blood pressure and arterial health in those with mild hypertension. Garlic, fresh or in capsules, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

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diet, as well as two developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, which also addresses exercise and weight control. “I don’t believe that one diet fits everybody, but there’s a preponderance of evidence that the more plant compounds you get, the better off you are,” says McDowell.

n Move It

Sitting all day and then briefly exercising doesn’t provide the same benefit as moving periodically throughout the day. Take more frequent breaks from sitting, get up to move around for a couple of minutes

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every 30 minutes. Exercise strengthens the endothelium, the innermost of an artery’s three layers, and produces nitric oxide, which helps keep arteries open and healthy. Getting the blood moving lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and increases oxygen and nutrients to the body. Exercising outdoors provides additional benefits. Research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that exposure to green spaces helped prevent metabolic syndrome.

n Stress Less, Socialize More

Spending even 20 minutes outdoors in nature can do wonders for high blood pressure and cortisol levels, studies show. Walking or talking with a friend deepens social engagement, a key factor in lowering CVD risk: “Having the right tribe is crucial,” says McDowell. “If you’re with people who support you and make you laugh, you feel less stress.” Walking a dog outdoors gets three cardiovascular pluses—exercise, nature and sociability, as dogs tend to be tail-wagging ice-breakers. Further, merely stroking a pet lowers blood pressure. Apps like Headspace and Insight Timer make it easy to do meditation, which studies suggest may reduce overall CVD risk.

n Don’t Smoke

Not starting to smoke or vape at all is ideal for cardiovascular health, but quitting allows the body to begin to heal, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease after one year by 50 percent, reports the AHA; 14 years later, the risk is the same as a nonsmoker’s. “It’s not intuitively easy to make healthy decisions,” says McDowell. “We have to learn how to make good choices.” Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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march

fit body

VITAL STEPS The Path to Vascular Fitness I

by Marlaina Donato

brisk walk /Shutterstock.com

t is well-known that exercise combats cardiovascular disease by balancing blood pressure and managing blood sugar, but aerobic exercise, not resistance training, takes the prize for keeping the body’s thousands of miles of blood vessels more supple. A 2017 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that all-extremity exercise like brisk walking improves arterial flexibility in older individuals; even those with a sedentary history. Moving the body regularly also lowers stress hormones like cortisol that can ignite damaging vascular inflammation. A West Virginia University study presented at the 2016 Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego showed that aerobic exercise fosters healthy blood vessels in rats exposed to chronic stress. Combining aerobic exercise with good diet and paying attention to triglyceride levels all help to keep us young from the inside-out.

Step It Up

According to a 2015 study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine published in Experimental Physiology, walking just 10 minutes after prolonged sitting can restore blood flow in the legs and improve impaired vascular function. Results like these are another reason to get up and move. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, jumping rope and playing tennis are all excellent

options. “For blood vessel flexibility, any sort of sustained aerobic exercise helps. Find something you enjoy so that you’ll keep doing it in the long term,” says Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise. The Toronto-based, Outside magazine science columnist underscores that treadmills and walking outside foster equal benefits by increasing the heart rate. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise. Dr. Regina Druz, a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, explains, “This translates into 30 minutes a day, five times a week. A specific exercise program may be helpful for those with a medical condition, but for overall vascular health, any physical activity like walking or taking the stairs will do.” Druz also highlights the role of nitric oxide: “One of the most studied mediators of vascular health is [nitric oxide], which makes arteries flexible.” Research findings published in 2018 in the journal Hypertension spotlight the correlation between the number of daily steps and arterial plasticity through a technique called pulse wave velocity, which measures how fast blood travels from the

heart to the feet. The evidence suggests that 1,000 extra steps a day foster significant vascular improvement. Judy Heller, a walking coach and founder of Wonders of Walking, a fitness program in Portland, Oregon, concurs: “Moving throughout the day, not just once a day, is most important.” Heller is a firm believer in consistency. “My aunt lived to 107 and remained in her three-story house. Her words to me were, ‘Judy, don’t ever stop walking.’ Small changes yield greater rewards over time. We’re meant to move.”

Superfoods and Supplements

Nitric oxide, responsible for the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, is produced by exercising and helps to protect the smooth interior lining of the arteries from excessive plaque accumulation. Adding nitric oxide-boosting foods to an already healthy diet can give us an extra edge over vascular conditions like stroke and peripheral artery disease. “Beets, arugula, spinach and rhubarb are all good sources of dietary nitrate. They’re not miracle supplements, but if you make these foods a regular part of your diet, you’ll have a positive effect on your arteries,” says Hutchinson. Research by Florida State University published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that a one-cup daily serving of blueberries helps to protect the arteries from stiffness. Watermelon, rich in the nonessential amino acid L-citrulline, also packs a nitric oxide punch. Full-spectrum vitamin E is another good option, especially for addressing peripheral artery disease and reducing serum triglyceride levels that are often seen as secondary to “bad” cholesterol levels, but which low levels are vital to cardiovascular health. Druz cautions against using supplements as substitutes for healthy nutrition and exercise, and underscores the importance of dialing down stress, “I advise my patients to build stress resiliency, which involves recognizing and practicing stress response. This, along with nutrition and consistent exercise, will lower inflammation and help build stress resiliency.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. February 2020

professor of education, health and behavior studies at the University of North Dakota. Even simply walking to school in the morning for 10 minutes reduces stress in kids and curbs heart rate and blood pressure increases, a University of Buffalo study found.

Feed them well. About 91 percent of

GOOD HEARTS START YOUNG

Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular Health by Ronica A. O’Hara

e don’t often think of children as having cardiovascular problems, but evidence is mounting that many youngsters today—because of scant exercise, poor eating habits and excessive screen time—are on track to experiencing serious heart and circulatory problems later in life. “Instead of taking a wait-and-see approach by treating disease later in adulthood, we should help children maintain the standards of ideal cardiovascular health that most children are born with,” reports Julia Steinberger, M.D., director of pediatric cardiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, in Minneapolis, and lead author of a 2016 scientific statement on children’s cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association (AHA). In a March 2019 update, the AHA noted that fewer than 1 percent of children meet all seven criteria, or metrics, for ideal cardiovascular health; half of all children meet merely half the measures, which include physical activity, healthy eating, not smoking, attaining ideal body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose readings. Poor metrics in a child are linked to such adverse outcomes as heart attacks, heart failure and stroke in adulthood, advises Elaine Urbina, M.D., director of preven16

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tive cardiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, adding that poor metrics in teens are linked to fatty build-up in the neck arteries and arterial stiffness later in life. But starting in utero, crucial strategies can promote strong cardiovascular systems in kids. Children born to mothers with low vitamin D levels have about a 60 percent higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 6 and 18, reports a Boston Medical Center study in the journal Hypertension; vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may head that off. Other important strategies include:

Get them moving. Children should be

physically active at least 60 minutes a day, the AHA recommends, but among kids 6 to 11, only half of the boys and a third of the girls meet that guideline; by ages 16 to 19, merely one in 10 boys and one in 20 girls do. A review of 50 fitness studies in 28 countries involving 25 million children concluded that American kids today are about a minute and a half slower running a mile than their peers 30 years ago. “Aerobic exercises like running, swimming and cycling use the big muscles of the body and are excellent ways of stressing and strengthening the heart and lungs,” says study author Grant Tomkinson, Ph.D.,

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U.S. children have what is classified as a “poor” diet that’s heavy in simple carbs like desserts and sugary drinks, the AHA reported. It recommends feeding kids a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains and low in sodium and sugary foods and drinks. A 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of 2,142 children found that nine of 10 kids exceeded recommended sodium levels. A Cleveland Clinic study found that obese children eating a low-fat, plant-based vegan diet for four weeks began lowering their risk of heart disease by improving their weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.

Don’t smoke or vape. The risk

of a child developing carotid plaque in adulthood was four times higher if one or both parents smoked without taking care to limit the child’s exposure; when they did take care, the risk was still almost two times higher, according to an Australian study in the journal Circulation. Discouraging a teen from vaping is also critical to future health: New research from the University of Kansas School of Medicine shows that adults that vape are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease and depression compared with those that don’t vape or use any tobacco products.

Restrict screen time. Australian

6-year-olds that spent the most time in front of TVs, computers and video games had narrower arteries in the back of their eyes—a marker of future cardiovascular risk—reported a study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular. A study from Canada’s McMaster University found that kids with video game addictions sleep less, which in turn elevates blood pressure, lowers helpful HDL cholesterol and raises triglycerides. Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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healthy kids

green living

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Disrupting Disposables The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

by Yvette C. Hammett

On campus, Penn State provides bags of different colors for tailgaters with instructions for fans to separate recyclables in one bag and everything else in the other. That program was exported to Pocono. Michael is also working with PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, to develop alternative packaging. The University of Florida’s efforts began in 2012, when the campus freed itself from plastic bags, getting buy-in from Chick-Fil-A, Subway and other eateries that agreed to switch to alternatives. “We’ve been Styrofoam-free since 2012, as well,” says Allison Vitt, outreach and communications coordinator for the UF Office of Sustainability. “At the end of 2018, we officially switched over all to compostable straws.” They feel like plastic, but are certified compostable, she says. UF has engaged with Cupanion, a company that developed an app that has a “fill it forward” program, distributing money to clean-water charities worldwide. “Since 2016, we’ve been working

niversities, sports There is momentum, Two-pronged efforts arenas, restaubut it is challenging. by businesses and indirants and other viduals to divert plastics businesses are taking up ~Eric DesRoberts from the waste system the call to “disrupt disposand replacing them with ables” as part of a global effort to dramatiEarth-friendly alternatives will eventucally cut down on single-use plastics. The ally pay off, experts say, but it will be a environmental problems caused by those long and slow process. However, momenubiquitous throwaways have become a tum is building, spurred by consumer mainstay of news reporting, and studies on demand and a growing number of enhow best to reduce them through public terprising businesses, organizations and policy abound. A recent Canadian research academic institutions. paper in the Marine Pollution Bulletin At Penn State University, agriculexplores strategies such as bans, tax levies ture and biological engineering profesand education. Experts agree that it is not sor Judd Michael is working with sports just a litter problem, but a sobering matter facilities to lower both plastics use and of human and planetary health. littering; the initiative is working so As these plastics wind up in the oceans well that their approaches may be taken and landfills worldwide, they can languish up by other schools across the nation. virtually intact for up to 1,000 years, entan“One of my projects is with NASCAR’s gling and choking marine mammals and Pocono Raceway [also in Pennsylvania], terrestrial wildlife. Or, they break into toxic where the owners of the track wanted to microplastics that enter drinking water continue to make the venue more green,” supplies, eventually ingested by humans. he says. “There is zero waste in suites for Because plastics are made from petroleum, that track, and they are initiating a comtheir production also adds to greenhouse prehensive recycling program. They try gases that contribute to the climate crisis. to get tailgaters to participate, as well.” February 2020

~Dana Honn with them to reduce single-use plastic, rewarding people for reusing their bottles,” says Vitt. Interested students, staff and faculty are given a barcode sticker to scan on their phone each time a bottle is refilled at a campus retailer or water fountain. The app provides points that can be redeemed for monthly prizes. “It also shows you your personal footprint—your cumulative impact, like how many singleuse bottles you have avoided,” she says. On a smaller scale, Dana Honn and his wife Christina went completely plastic-free upon opening Café Carmo, in New Orleans. “We only had about a dozen seats, but determined to have as little waste as possible. Every year, we were able to build upon it,” he says. “A lot of local folks have really changed their perspective. We see a lot more customers coming in and saying they appreciate that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.” It’s a slow, but steady effort, says Eric DesRoberts, senior manager of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program. “We have worked with a number of restaurants talking about why it is important to be taking action to keep plastics out of the waste stream and out of the ocean.” More people are volunteering to clean up and cut back on plastics, and more businesses are asking the nonprofit, Washington, D.C.-based, environmental advocacy organization how they can do their part. “There is momentum, but it is challenging,” says DesRoberts. Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. Connect at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com. 18

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wise words

Linda Carroll on Skills That Make Love Last by Kajsa Nickels

sychotherapist Linda Carroll was drawn into the dynamics of couples’ counseling three decades ago when she saw how in her own marriage, petty disagreements could turn into full-blown arguments with the potential for deep wounds. She and her husband Tim worked on their issues by attending workshops across the country, including Imago therapy and PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), which were so effective that she developed a curriculum called Love Skills by combining those tools, her experience as a married person and counselor, personal training from consciousness pioneers and resources from ancient mythology and spiritual/religious traditions. She has co-taught the course with her husband for more than 25 years. Her first book, Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Everlasting Love, has been translated into several languages and details stages in romantic relationships. Her new book, Love Skills: The Key to Unlocking Lasting, Wholehearted Love, is a guide to developing a relationship toolkit.

What is the Love Cycles model?

It is based on the fact that feelings of love are seasonal. Like the seasons of the year, they are a natural progression of a relationship. If you understand the seasons, you

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can pass through them. All relationships are teachers. If we allow them to teach us, we become free to love deeper and better.

What is the most difficult Love Cycles stage, and why?

Each stage has its own unique challenges. For example, the first stage, the Merge, has a magic to it due to the chemical cocktail that floods your body when in the presence of your significant other. But this stage can be treacherous in that you can mistake your feelings for evidence that this is the “right” person for you. In the Power Struggle stage, feelings will have worn off and power struggles will start to show up. The third stage is Disillusionment. Differences between both of you really start to show up at this time. The fourth stage is the Decision stage. At this point, many couples find themselves wanting out. The key to making it through this stage is to remember that this, too, shall pass and to commit to working it out. It’s important to realize that life is not about getting an A+ at all times. Sometimes, we need to accept that a C- is okay; and if you do need to leave a relationship, it is possible to do it in a wholehearted way at best—at the least, to minimize damage. The fifth stage I call Wholehearted Love, a stage reached only through mindfulness and unconditional love. Because love has changing seasons, a couple will not stop at

photo by Le Studio NYC

A lot of local folks have really changed their perspective. We see a lot more customers coming in and saying they appreciate that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.

the fifth stage forever, but getting back to this state will become easier and easier as time goes on.

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What was your impetus for writing Love Skills?

I have been teaching the program for 25 years and drew from my almost 40 years as a couples therapist, many trainings all over the country and own life experiences in my relationship with my husband to compile the program. Most couples lack the skills to manage the troubles of life. There is a skill to every aspect of a relationship, especially in communication: listening, speaking, knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

Who is most likely to benefit?

The relationship you have with yourself is a core part of the Love Cycles model. If you do not have a good relationship with yourself, you cannot have a solid and meaningful relationship with another person. This is a couples’ book, although it can also be gone through by a single person if the partner is not interested in it. What I tell people is that you can only work on your part. If the other person doesn’t want to buy in or isn’t wholeheartedly on board—or at least partially willing—there is nothing that you can do about it. You need to be able to be okay and confident in yourself. You cannot change another person, but you can always change yourself.

What is one of the most important pieces of advice you have for couples?

I hope that couples come to realize that feelings of love are like clouds, always changing. A good relationship requires a skill set, which we practice whatever the feelings are. We are not born knowing how to love skillfully, but this skill set can be learned by anyone and will make you able to listen better and appreciate each other more. Kajsa Nickels is a freelance author who resides in northeastern Pennsylvania. Connect at FidelEterna45@gmail.com.

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rejuvenated tissue, offering hope to those with soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and even pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. A recent review in the British Medical Bulletin of 10 high-quality studies of dextrose prolotherapy in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee showed patients experienced significantly less pain and improved range of motion in both the short term and long term without adverse effects. Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment.

HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN The Promise of Regenerative Medicine by Marlaina Donato

omeday, medical science will allow us to infuse damaged or aging organs with new cells, or to manufacture made-to-order organs on a 3-D printer. These emerging techniques to revitalize worn-out body parts are on the drawing board in the field of regenerative medicine. However, for the injured college athlete

or the grandmother with compromised joint function, healing and pain relief can already be found in the form of prolotherapy and other non-invasive approaches that stimulate the body to heal itself. Injection therapies using dextrose or the patient’s own platelets or stem cells are being used to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and

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Controlled Inflammation

A type of regenerative medicine innovated by osteopathic physician Earl Gedney in the 1930s, prolotherapy induces low-grade, temporary inflammation with the intention of triggering connective tissue cells called fibroblasts in and around the injection site. “If you cut your arm or twist your ankle, various immune cells rush to the area to begin the repair process. This is a very basic comparison of what prolotherapy does with injections directed to specific anatomical points,” says Ross A. Hauser, M.D., founder of Caring Medical Regenerative Medicine Clinics, in Fort Myers, Florida, and Chicago. “Prolotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis because it helps correct the underlying reason why it has occurred, which is joint instability. The body overgrows bone as a long-term response in an effort to stabilize an unstable joint,” Hauser says. Naturopathic physician Brent Cameron, of Aurora Natural Medicine, in Gilbert, Arizona, suggests individualized treatment plans for best results. “My recommendations are very patientspecific, which is an important piece in prolotherapy.” Cameron says his patients are likely to start seeing relief in the first week. “In many instances, they experience complete relief and mobility after a series of treatments.” While Cameron attests to the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy, he is cautious with recommending it for people with systemic inflammatory conditions. “Someone with a history of joint-related

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healing ways

autoimmune response tends to mount stronger inflammatory responses. Other forms of regenerative medicine can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis [RA], but not in the inflammation-mediated way, like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.” One option, according to the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in Boca Raton, Florida, might be very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS), an emerging form of regenerative stem cell therapy. These have shown promise in dealing with RA and other autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine is ramping up its research into approaches that stimulate the body to repair itself, with numerous ongoing clinical trials utilizing different injection therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Power of Platelets

PRP injections are similar to prolotherapy, using platelets from the patient’s body instead of dextrose. “As blood flows through an injury site, the inflammatory chemicals trigger the platelets to release growth factors, which causes the torn fibers of the damaged

structures to heal,” says Fort Worth osteopath Gerald Harris, of Texas Prolotherapy and Neural Therapy. PRP is sometimes used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, which is typically applied in cases in which something needs to be replaced, to help fill in gaps in ligaments or tendons, Harris says. PRP injections have proven to be effective in easing chronic low back pain from damaged vertebral discs. An overview of research published in the Journal of Spine Surgery in 2018 found it to be safe, effective and feasible, with promising potential for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Harris says that people that wish to avoid surgery or cortisone injections can benefit from PRP, which can also be applied topically to treat non-healing wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers. Harris subscribes to the power of persistence. “Don’t give up. With proper treatment there is a strong likelihood that you can live a happy, healthy life free from chronic pain.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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natural pet

Pain Relief for Pets Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

B Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. ~Lao Tzu

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by Julie Peterson

rian Engler, vasive, involving the Prolotherapy offers an of Drexel Hill, injection of a sugar effective alternative to Pennsylvania, solution directly into surgery in a significant the affected area. The was asked to provide hospice care for a senior number of partial ligament body’s inflammation Akita. Tadao was tears or persistent joint response kicks in, reunderweight, weak, sulting in regrowth of pain issues. arthritic and had been new fibers in ligaments ~Judith M. Shoemaker severely neglected. He and tendons. needed a place to live Prolotherapy has out his remaining days in comfort. Even been around a long time. It was used to though Tadao was unstable with severely treat lame animals around 1350 B.C. Back limited mobility, Engler believed that the old then, a hot poker was used to induce the dog had more than a little life left in him. inflammation response. In the 1930s, injec Engler’s veterinarian tried prolotion of an irritant solution at the site of the therapy injection treatments for Tadao’s injury became the new method, and has joint pain and he soon became more since been shown in scientific studies to comfortable and gradually more active. “By facilitate the repair and regrowth of conthe time we completed the treatments, he nective tissue, ligaments, tendons, cartilage was able to get up and down with ease and and other joint-stabilizing structures. started cruising around the kitchen looking Modern prolotherapy has remained for snacks on the counter,” says Engler. basically the same for the last 80 years, Prolotherapy, short for proliferative although the injected irritant solution is therapy, isn’t just for dogs. Any animal modified according to the veterinarian, with a joint can receive the regenerative the type of animal and the injury. Every injection therapy, which relieves pain by vet uses a slightly different prolotherapy strengthening ligaments and tendons “cocktail”, which typically includes 50 supporting the joint. It’s minimally inpercent dextrose and possibly several other

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ingredients the practitioner finds useful, such as saline, vitamin B12, lidocaine and homeopathic combinations. Some vets also offer platelet-rich plasma or stem cells in the injection mixture. “Prolotherapy offers an effective alternative to surgery in a significant number of partial ligament tears or persistent joint pain issues,” says Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM, owner of Always Helpful Veterinary Services, in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. “It’s quite inexpensive and the success rate is very good. Many animals respond after just a few treatments.” Shoemaker typically does prolotherapy treatments in three- to five-week intervals until the joint heals. She also looks to correct the underlying issues of the problem. “Joints don’t get torn up with normal movement,” she says. Animals may have joint issues from falling, but other causes include overweight, long toenails or chiropractic issues. Prolotherapy stabilizes joints after an injury and achieves pain-free motion, but it’s only successful if the cause of the injury is remedied.

By the time we completed the treatments, he was able to get up and down with ease and started cruising around the kitchen looking for snacks on the counter. ~Brian Engler “Prolotherapy is a very important tool in integrative veterinary care, but it’s not a panacea, and it’s never a stand-alone treatment,” says Christin Finn, DVM, owner of the Canine Rehabilitation & Integrative Veterinary Center, in Kingston, Washington. “It’s part of a combination of integrative treatments based on what is best for your pet.” The right balance of treatments to help an animal feel comfortable could include laser therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, physical therapy, custom braces, prolotherapy or rest. Using prolotherapy in conjunction with other posture-correcting and integrative therapies is a win for pets and

their owners. Surgery is fraught with complications and expensive. When prolotherapy is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, animals can recover from injuries that may have been debilitating or even fatal. Ivey Sumrell’s Irish sport horse recovered from a severe injury. At 8 years old, Johnny was bitten on the neck by a stallion. “His neck became unstable and he had severe problems walking,” says Sumrell, of Tryon, North Carolina. “Ultrasound-guided prolotherapy was done three times to all of his neck joints.” Johnny was able to be ridden and lived to be 22. And Tadao, the dog that was expected to die in hospice care a year ago, is enjoying life. He’s now well-nourished and loved, and painlessly goes for walks and plays at the park. “Tadao is the poster child for what prolotherapy can do,” says Engler. Julie Peterson writes about health and environmental issues. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Living in the Present with Jackie McCullough – 11am-1pm. Living in the Present, instead of regretting the past and worrying about the future. We will practice skills to be our happiest and most joyful in 2020. Jackie McCullough is a Life Options Coach/Counselor who demonstrates how she learned to choose joy, peace and happiness instead of her lifelong fear, anxiety and depression. Youtube Search: Option Institute Breaking Patterns. Jackie’s info: JoyChoice.net and jackiementor@gmail.com. Donation. Unity of Charleston. 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566- 0600. UnityCharleston@msn. com. UnityChs.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 TTC Class: Massage Therapy Certificate – 5-9:30pm. Take this 650-hour course at Trident Technical College as a first step towards licensure as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the state of South Carolina. Upon completion of this program, candidates are eligible to take the national certification examination, MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) and apply for state licensure once receiving a passing score. $4,399. 843-574-6152. Tridenttech.edu/ce/programs/ catalog/massage.htm.

friDAY, FEBRUARY 14

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Usui Reiki Level 1 training – 9am. This course covers the history of Reiki, hand positions and protocol for the treatment of self and others, and plenty of time for practice. Level 1 attunement and comprehensive manual are included. Team taught by two Reiki masters! Scholarships available for veterans and their spouses. Please register here: PalmandLotus.com/reiki-training. Unity of Charleston Dances of Universal Peace – 7-8:30pm. This joyful, meditative practice is done with live music and open to ALL. Dress is casual. No experience or partner needed. Experience mantra meditation in movement. Easy to do circle dances with spiritual music from many of the world religions. Fun and energizing. Monthly on 3rd Saturdays. Donation. Unity of Charleston. 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-566- 0600. dancesofuniversalpeacechs@gmail.com. UnityChs. org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 TTC Class: Reiki Introduction and Reiki I – 9am-4:30pm. Learn the ancient healing art of Usui Reiki, a gentle and complementary energy modality. This class incorporates a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration and hands-on practice. Topics include treatments, origin and history of Reiki, the Reiki ideals and Usui hand positions. This course is state-approved for massage therapy CEUs. No books required for this course. Instructor is an Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher, and includes student demonstrations. $139. 843-574-6152. TridentTech.edu/ce/programs/catalog/massage.html Usui Reiki Level 2 training – 9am -5pm. This course includes the Level 2 manual, three symbols that strengthen and direct the Reiki energy, the Level 2 attunement and time for practice. Upon completion, students will have the skill and comfort level to start their own Reiki practice. Team-taught by two Reiki masters! $249. PalmandLotus.com/ reiki-training.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 TTC Class: Massage Therapy: Treating TMJ Dysfunction – 9am-2:30pm. Licensed massage therapists can learn specialty techniques for treating TMJ Dysfunction. Learn the anatomy and physiology of TMJ. Understand the causes of TMJ Dysfunction. Properly execute external and intraoral techniques to treat the TMJ. Use universal precautions as it pertains to intraoral work. Trident Technical College - Thornley Campus. Prerequisite: Must be a SC-licensed Massage Therapist. 843-574-6152. $99. Tridenttech.edu/ce/programs/ catalog/massage.htm.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 TTC Class: Reiki Usui/Holy Fire II – 9am4:30pm. Learn second-degree Reiki which focuses and intensifies Reiki energy. Review Reiki I material, receive Usui Reiki II symbols and explanation of their usage, and learn how to perform distant healing. Attunements and certificate are included. Students may want to minimize or eliminate consumption of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and sugar for three days prior to class. Prerequisite: Introduction to Reiki and Reiki I. Reiki I practitioners who did not complete their initial class with Trident Technical College will need to bring a copy of their Reiki I certificate to class. This course is state-approved for massage therapy CEUs. No books required. Instructor is an Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher, and includes student demonstrations. $235. 843-574-6152. TridentTech.edu/ce/programs/ catalog/massage.htm.

sunday Unity of Charleston Service – 10:30am. Are you more spiritual than religious? So are we! Do you believe in many paths to God? Then join us. Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843566-0600. Unitychs.org. Unity of Mt Pleasant – 10-11am. Unity is a Positive Path for Spiritual Living. We lovingly welcome people of all faiths and inspire them to live with Passion. Free. Unity of Mt Pleasant, 1470 Ben Sawyer, #7, Mt Pleasant. 843-814-1322. lleshay@ comcast.net. Rainbows End Gift Shop – 10:30am-1pm. Spiritual, metaphysical and inspirational books, crystals, jewelry, incense, tarot/oracle cards, and gifts. 843566-0600. unitycharleston@msn.com.

monday Complimentary Natural Female Hormone Balancing Consultations – 10am-4pm. With Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen. Free. Lime and Lotus, 925-F Wappoo Rd, West Ashley. Call to schedule: 843-214-2997. LimeAndLotus.com. ThetaHealing Technique w/ Maria Fink – 7-8:30pm. Every 1st & 3rd Monday. Identity subconscious limiting beliefs to change them into empowering ones. Clear stuck patterns or emotions. Feel new emotions and learn universal concepts through energetic downloads from the highest plane of creation. bliss Facilitators offer 150+ classes per month. Join us! 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. fluturasv@yahoo.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org Weekly Body Sculpting w/ Missy Michels – 11am -12pm. A weight bearing workout for all levels. We have balls, bands, mats & weights to share. You are encouraged to bring a water bottle or stop at the bliss hospitality bar to hydrate before class. bliss Facilitators offer 150+ classes per month. Join us soon! 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. spinchik40@ yahoo.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Complimentary First Session! Experience the healing power of Acupuncture – 10:00am-6:15pm. Daily through Saturday. We want everyone to come experience Acupuncture in our luxurious Zen lounge! What do you have to lose? In thirty minutes or less, experience healing, escape, relaxation and a balancing of your body. Call to book an appointment now! Free offer to local SC residents only. Residents outside of the local area will be charged $29 introductory rate. Modern Acupuncture -Belle Hall, 608 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant. 843-352-2298. Star Seeds Gathering – 7pm. Monthly on the 2nd Monday. Monthly gathering for the Star Seeds of Charleston to gather, share and co-create a space where it is safe for exploring multi- dimensional beings and polarities. 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

February 2020

tuesday Living and Wellness Class – 6-7pm. 1st Tues of the month. Learn Healthy Habits. Call to find out the topic of the month. Free. 1164 Northbridge Rd (West Ashley), Charleston. 843-270-9913. ChiroAnn@ yahoo.com. DrAnnJenkins.com. The Reiki Connection – 7pm. With Chrys Franks, Reiki Master/Teacher. Guided meditation followed by mini reiki sessions by certified practitioners. Love offering. (1st Tues for practitioners only) Unity of Charleston, 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston. 843-364-5725. UnityChs.org.

wednesday Complimentary Natural Female Hormone Balancing Consultations – 10am-4pm. With Dr. Stephanie Zgraggen. Free. Lime and Lotus, 925-F Wappoo Rd, West Ashley. Call to schedule: 843214-2997. LimeAndLotus.com.

thursday Reiki for Vets – 1-2pm. Free drop-in Reiki clinic for veterans and their spouse or caregiver. VAapproved volunteers will provide free 15-minute Reiki sessions to any disabled vet receiving services through the VA. No appointment necessary! Call or visit website for more information. Free. Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, 101 Naval Nuclear Power Training Command Cir, Goose Creek. 843-425-4906. Reiki4Vets@gmail.com. ReikiForVets.org. THRIVE Domestic Violence Support Group – 6-7pm. Connect in a safe, confidential forum with others who are experiencing or have experienced violence in their relationships. In an atmosphere of respect, safety and empathy, draw comfort and empowerment from those who understand. Facilitator: Sharon Steffan. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. 843-345-7061. Sharon@thrivesc.life. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

What a

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Holistic Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting – 6:30-8:00pm. Holistic Chamber of Commerce represents holistic professionals,practitioners, businesses and resource providers. We encourage and promote healthy living, and support those who make it possible. Please join the community every third Thursday of the month as we network, promote and heal. 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #118, Charleston, (843) 990-2641. wasc@holisticchamberofcommerce.com. holisticchamberofcommerce. com/wasc. Growing & Selling Microgreens w/ Tim Shaw – 6-7pm.2nd & 4th Thursday in the TASTING room. Discover the tasty health benefits of Microgreens and explore how simple they are to grow on your own. These miniature greens, herbs and other vegetables are packed with flavor and are a concentrated source of nutrients. Donations Appreciated. 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. tish@ blissspiritualco-op.org. blissSpiritualCo-op.org. Weekly Qi Gong w/ Mark Patterson – 7:108:10pm. Qi Gong has been used in China for over 4,000, years to cultivate energy, vitality, and over all well-being. Qi Gong increases your life force and vitality, super charges your immune system and helps reverse aging. All encouraged to join us! Donations Appreciated. 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant. theccnc@gmail.com. blissSpiritualCo-op.org.

friday Weekly Course in Miracles w/ Sara Walker –10:30am-12pm. Ongoing study for retraining the mind that is spiritual rather than religious in its perspective. The Course teaches a unique non-dualistic thought system dealing with universal spiritual themes. Facilitators offer 150+ classes per month. All welcome to try something new! Donations Appreciated. 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr. Mt. Pleasant. oldmagnolia1@gmail.com. blissspiritualco-op.org.

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Introductory Meditation Class – 9:30-10:30am. Every Sat at 9:30 am, come and learn a practical meditation technique and teachings on why it is effective in reducing anxiety and improving concentration. 20-min guided meditation included with gong. Free. 757 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston. 843-641-7663. Andrew@MeditateCenter.com. MeditateCenter.com. Compost Daze – 10am-2pm. Compost Rangers Compost Daze volunteer monthly workday every 2nd Sat of the month. Location will vary, so follow Compost Rangers on Facebook or visit CompostRangers.org and sign up for email reminders. Hemp Oil – 10:30-11:30am. Third Saturday of the month. Please join the green revolution. PrimeMyBody is a global health and wellness company that helps people to live wellness and create lifestyle. We formulate life-changing products with quality in mind, and that means using nothing but the best nature has to offer. Being healthy isn’t a fad or a trend... instead, it is a lifestyle. Free. bliss Spiritual Co-op, 1163 Pleasant Oaks Dr, Mt Pleasant.843-847-1927. Anah.PrimeMyBody.com. Simply Meditate – 10:30-11:45am. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Drop-in classes with guided meditations, suitable for beginners and experienced alike. Circular Church, 150 Meeting St, Charleston (classroom below Lance Hall). $10 or $5/students/seniors. MeditationInSouthCarolina.org. Charleston Theosophical Study Center – 3:455:45pm. Meets the last Sat of each month. We study metaphysical subjects including Reincarnation, Karma, Life after Death. Free. Otranto Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Rd, N Charleston, SC. 843899-0619. JoanHaye61@yahoo.com.

classifieds Acupuncture Practice Room Rental Beautiful, established acupuncture practice located in central Mount Pleasant. Seeking practitioners to rent, 1 or 2 treatment rooms. Practitioners can be newer or seasoned. Call Lisa Dunlevy 843 259-9889.

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Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NALowcountry.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

ANTI-AGING

CHARLESTON COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

Alternative Health Charleston

1307 Savannah Hwy, West Ashley 843-763-7200 FeelGreatCharleston.com

Michael Boggs, Health Consultant Charleston, SC 29405 843-408-0010 Alternativehealthcharleston.com

Voted best acupuncturist three years running. We treat most ailments, including stress, pain management, autoimmune issues, infertility, migraines, fatigue, allergies, diabetes and much more. Sliding scale payment option $20-$40 (return visits).

Got Vitality? More Energy. Better Sleep. A Whole New You. B E N E - F I T S O F REALNAD+*include AntiAging, Energy Production, Sports Performance and Addiction Recovery. Contact us to learn more about the importance of NAD.

ALTERNATIVE HOLISTIC MEDICINE Michael Bauerschmidt, MD

Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center 1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 360 Mt Pleasant SC 29464 843-388-5995 DeeperHealing.com Experience a refreshing MD consult at Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center where they take the time, dive deep to uncover root causes and focus on healing the body naturally. Dr. Michael Bauerschmidt, an expert in Functional & Environmental Medicine, offers state-of-the-art treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, a powerful cellular cleansing program, progressive allergy treatments, natural pain management, chelation and IV infusions. Dr. B is a leading expert on environmental toxicity and a compassionate professional who teaches tirelessly on how to live “well” in our modern world.

DR. PATRICK S. LOVEGROVE Merge Medical Center Mt Pleasant • 843-469-1001 MergeMedicalCenter.com

AMA board-certified MD specializing in family medicine, holistic internal medicine, Antiaging, Chinese medicine, naturopathy. Merge Medical Center … where modern thinking meets natural healing. Services include Primary Care, Weight Loss, Fatigue management, Bioidentical hormones, Colonics, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Chiropractic, IV vitamins, and Bemer therapy.

Ayurveda EARTHEN APOTHECARY

Jennifer Byrne MPH, CAP, LMT NAMA-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner 232A Ashley Ave, Charleston • 843-743-8373 Jennifer@EarthenApothecary.com EarthenApothecary.com Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of health and longevity. An Ayurvedic consultation can help you understand your unique constitution and identify how your system manifests imbalances. Individualized dietary, lifestyle and herbal recommendations are tailored to address any current imbalances. Call/email for scheduling.

beauty consultant YOUR GROOMING GURU

1319 Savannah Hwy, Ste C Charleston (in Artisans Inc Salon) 843-813-1838 YourGroomingGuru.com Your Grooming Guru, Barbara Brant-Williams, is an experienced hair-stylist, makeup artist and certified Organic Color Specialist practicing out of the Artisans Salon. Charleston’s go-to source for hair, makeup and beauty product knowledge. See ad, page 19.

bIOMAGNETIC THERAPY Paula McGuire

Mt Pleasant/Charleston 843-732-0293 • Paula@ireinst.com ireinst.com BioMagnetic Therapy can help create balance, restore vitality within the body and facilitate clearing of viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections; allergies; ADD; autism; autoimmune issues; heavy metal and other toxicity; chronic pain; infertility; herpes; MS; among other conditions. See ad, page 13.

LOTUS HOLISTIC MASSAGE

Abigail McClam, BA, LMBT 232A Ashley Ave, Charleston 843-724-9807•Abigail@LotusCharleston.com LotusCharleston.com Licensed holistic massage and integrative bodywork practitioner offering massage, aromatherapy, energy healing and breathing techniques to help individuals nurture health, restore balance, manage pain, trauma and injury as they learn to embrace their own body/mind wisdom.

CHIROPRACTORS ACCURATE CHIROPRACTIC

3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Ste 307 Mt Pleasant 843-971-8814 CoursonChiropractic@gmail.com MtPleasantChiro.com Holistic Family Care practice, offering a variety of techniques and therapies to help improve overall health and wellness. Proudly serving the Charleston area for 17 years.

Atlas Spine & Wellness Care

Dr. Rick DiGregorio 3400 Salterbeck Street #102 Mount Pleasant, SC 843-352-7941 • Drrick@aospinalcare.com AOSpinalCare.com Offering Atlas Orthogonal Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. A nonforce neck realignment procedure that uses a sound wave that is precise and safe. As well as Class 4 Laser Therapy and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 7.

COLUCCI CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Gina Colucci 1806 Trolley Rd, Summerville 843-875-5700 • ColucciChiropractic.com Serving the Summerville area for 29 years. Specializing in holistic care; weight loss and nutritional cleansing; pain management; bio-identical hormones; sugar detox; stress testing; chiropractic; peripheral neuropathy; detox footbaths; emotional (TBM/NET) and wellness care.

Dr. Ann Jenkins, Not Your Ordinary Chiropractor 1164 Northbridge Dr, Charleston (West Ashley) 843-270-9913 • DrAnnJenkins.com

Exclusive to the area: Whole Body Magnetic Therapy. Mention Natural Awakenings for a free one-hour session. Holistic family care. Relief of neck, back and emotional pain. Homeopathy and essential oils.

February 2020

ESSENTIAL OILS

CHURCHES Unity Church of Charleston Rev. Ed Kosak, Minister 2535 Leeds Ave, Charleston 843-566-0600 • Unitychs.org

Sunday Service: 10:30 am. Are you more spiritual than religious? Do you believe in many paths to God? Then please join us.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS WITH LISA BAYOREK Lisa Bayorek, Member #10796546 Charleston MYYL.com/LisaBayorek

Curious about essential oils? I would love to share Young Living with you! I offer classes on family wellness, chemical-free cleaning, business opportunities and more! See ad, page 20.

COACHING SHERRY KACHANIS

North Charleston 843-743-9488 SherryKachanis@gmail.com SherryKachanis.com

HEALTH FOOD STORES VITAMIN PLUS+

Transformational Coach and Shamanic Healer. Break through unconscious barriers to fully LIVE the LIFE you desire! Monthly Meditation/Shamanic Healing, Moon Ceremonies and Healing Retreats.

Herbs and Health Foods 119 N Goose Creek Blvd, Ste K Goose Creek • 843-797-3200 Best selection of herbs in South Carolina. Organic teas, spices, supplements, essential oils, wheat-free and gluten-free products. 10am-7pm Mon-Sat; closed Sunday.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Angel Muehlenkamp, MA Professional Counseling Summerville 843-327-1440 • LivingAngel777@gmail.com UniquelyuNow.com We are here to live in the fullness of who and what we truly are. Angel uses her unique ability to Connect to Source to assist you in moving beyond daily limitations. Open to a brand new way of living. Talk, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy; Quantum-Touch; Reiki; Intuitive Counseling; Art of God; Life Coaching; and Spiritual Counseling.

Change your water, change your life! Thomas P Meletis, Distributor 843-729-7837 • TPM13@aol.com Water is the single most important element that goes in our body. Drinking the right type of water may be the single most important piece in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Visit KangenDemo. com to see a comparison. View all eight machines at TopShelfWater.net. Financing at zero interest.

HEMP OIL PrimeMyBody Hemp Oil

DENTISTRY I SMILE MATHIS FERRY DENTISTRY Wendy S. Haefner, DDS 1571 Mathis Ferry Rd, Mt Pleasant 843-884-1215 • MathisFerryDentistry.com

Biological dentistry using IAOMT protocol. Natural products free of BPA and mercury. Mercury-safe filling removal. Now offering ozone therapy! See ad, inside back cover.

843-847-1927 AnaHaugsoen@msn.com Anah.primemybody.com/

Learn about our Endo-Cannabinoid System, Phyto-Cannabinoids and Hemp Oil! There is research on more than 250 conditions and cannabidiol. Hemp oil might be the most important product you add to your health regimen!

Integrative Medicine Lowcountry Wellness Center 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 201 Charleston 843-793-1353 info@lowcountry-wellness.com Lowcountry-Wellness.com

Holistic and Integrative Primary Care offered in an affordable monthly membership model. Bringing healthcare back to true patient driven care between you and Dr. Penni! See ad, inside front cover.

NA Lowcountry Edition

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Zenergy Healthcare

Tina Howard 669 Marina Drive Suite A3 Daniel Island, SC 29492 Phone 843-414-2984 • fax 843-414-2985 zenergyhealthcare@gmail.com ZenergyHealthcare.com Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in family/ functional medicine. Find the root cause of your issues. Primary care, prevention, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, digestive health, brain health, neurodegenerative conditions, fatigue, autoimmune Illness, mold exposure/illness, weight loss, environmental toxins.

INTUITIVE GUIDANCE CAROL COTTRELL, SPIRITUAL MEDIUM

By appointment only 517 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 843-324-6460 • Carol@CCottrell.com CCottrell.com Connect with passed loved ones to experience healing, love and guidance. Individual or group readings available in person or via Skype. Mediumship classes also available.

Light Activator Shield of Light

Renae Davidson 843-367-8829 renae.myislandtyme@gmail.com Shield of Light can help you move forward with ease and grace. Do you feel dormant, dull? Let us help you progress faster, becoming your own healer. Let us light up your DNA! Ask us how.

NUTRITIONIST JANA DAVIS, MS, RD, CDE

215 East Bay St., Suite 201-A Charleston, SC 29401 www.carolinagreenliving.com Online booking available 843-801-4686 CarolinaGreenLiving@gmail.com Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience. Private consultations, grocery store tours, public speaking. Owner of Carolina Green Living LLC, which focuses on teaching clients about avoiding toxins and other environmental factors that can impact health.

ORGANIC SALON & BOUTIQUE

Spiritual Hypnosis

COTTAGE AROMA BELLA DAY SPA

DR ALLISON BROWN, QUANTUM HEALING PRACTITIONER

2671 Ft Trenholm Rd, Johns Island 843-266-3619 CottageAromaBella.com

Relax and renew your mind, body and soul while enjoying our luxurious services. All treatments are tailored just for you using the finest all-natural products. See ad, page 6.

843-425-4906 allison.brown@drallisonbrown.com DrAllisonBrown.com In-person or online sessions available

Experience BQH, a heart and energy-based regression experience that is considered one of the most advanced healing modalities on the planet today. Connect directly with your Wisdom Team for purpose, guidance, and healing!

SALON INDIGO

732 S Shelmore Blvd, Ste 100 Mt Pleasant (Shelmore Village) 843-991-6835 Our experienced team of hairstylists and skin care specialist use 100 percent-certified organic products. We specialize in haircutting, coloring and make-up application. We sell All Nutrient™, Moroccan Oils, Dr. Hauschka™, 100% Pure™, iLike™ and many other boutique items.

reiki JOTI REIKI

SPIRITUAL LIFE COACH LAURA GRIFFITH GARLAND, PHD

Charleston Holistic Center 2366 Ashley River Rd, Bldg 8, Charleston 843-452-7996 DrLaura.Coach@gmail.com CharlestonReikiAndTarot.com Transform your life from the ordinary to the extraordinary by understanding how the aspects of your being interact and block your progress. Together, we can heal your past and find your true future. See ad, page 9.

1744 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Suite C Charleston, SC 29407 843-327-4761 maureen@jotireiki.com • Jotireiki.com Reiki Treatments and Classes plus Teacher Training mentorship programs. NCBTMB approved classes locally, nationally and internationally. Maureen has been a Usui Reiki Master/Teacher since 2003.

WATER NoWaterCompares.com

Johnny Zecopoulos, BSME 843-327-3726 Johnny@NoWaterCompares.com NoWaterCompares.info (for filtration) ThisWaterChangesLives.com (for Kangen ionizers) Your one-stop source for cleaner water through NSF/WQA certified filtration and/or healthier water through life-altering devices known as Kangen Water ionizers.

WOMEN’S HEALTH Dr Stephanie Zgraggen, DC, MS, CNS, CCN Lime and Lotus, LLC 925 Wappoo Rd – Ste F, Charleston 843-214-2997 Hello@DrZgraggen.com DrZgraggen.com

Painful periods? Hot flashes? Fatigue? Weight gain? Dr. Stephanie takes a holistic, individualized approach toward natural female hormone balance where she helps facilitate the healing process with simple, safe and effective therapies such as herbal medicine, whole food nutritional supplementation, and dietary and lifestyle modifications.

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WHY CHOOSE ZIRCONIA DENTAL IMPLANTS? •MORE BIOCOMPATIBLE •MORE AESTHETIC •NON-CORROSIVE •NON-CONDUCTIVE Are you missing one or more teeth due to injury, gum disease or decay? Have you considered getting a dental implant to restore your smile to its original luster? Not only do missing teeth affect your appearance, but they can also make eating uncomfortable and lead to bone loss. For these reasons, we recommend dental implants to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles and prevent further deterioration to the mouth and gums. Today’s dental implants are stronger and better than ever, and they also look completely natural. This advancement is thanks to the availability of zirconia implants, which originated in Europe and recently available in the US. They are quickly becoming the preferred material for patients and dentists alike, due to their safety, effectiveness, and appearance.

DR. JOANNA DOVER 3731 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29204 803-782-8786

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