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June always feels like a month full of energy and movement along the Gulf Coast. School is out, summer activities are in full swing and many of us are spending more time outdoors, reconnecting with family, friends and the natural beauty surrounding us. It is also the perfect time to focus on the men in our lives and the importance of supporting their health, purpose and well-being.
The theme of this month’s issue is Men Built to Thrive, and it is dedicated to our Gulf Coast Men on a Mission—leaders, practitioners, educators and entrepreneurs creating a positive impact throughout our communities. What makes this issue especially meaningful to me is that so many of these men have personally touched my life in one way or another.
Scalp Microneedling DiamondGlow
• Hormone Therapy
• Laser Hair Removal
• E D Therapy and more
Wesley Carpenter of Merrill Lynch has helped keep my husband and me on track financially through the years, with professionalism, wisdom and kindness. Dr. Douglas Brown has been both a mentor and friend and was instrumental in introducing me to the Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast franchise in 2021. My pastor and friend, Dr. Eric Hankins, continues to faithfully encourage me and our readers through his inspirational articles focused on spiritual health and hope. Dr. Daniel Bishop has helped keep me active and moving through physical therapy treatments for a recurring ankle injury. And Dr. Phillip Greer is my dentist, who always greets me with the same warm smile he helps create in others.
The remaining men featured in this issue have also become meaningful connections through our work in the natural health community. Each has taught me something valuable about healing, wellness and serving others with purpose and integrity. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to honor them in these pages.
Be sure to explore this month’s insightful articles, including “The Facts About Low Testosterone,” “Sleep Health for Men,” “The Resurgence of Rucking” and “Finding Meaning and Hope in Troubled Times.” We are also excited to feature not one but two Healthy Eats spotlights this month—Happy Olive and Graze Craze—highlighting the importance of knowing where to find fresh, healthy and naturally sourced local foods.
To our readers, I encourage you to take time to learn more about these extraordinary men and the work they are doing to improve the health and well-being of our Gulf Coast community.
Exomind DiamondGlow
Scalp Microneedling
Male Hormone Pellets
Acoustic Wave Therapy
To your health,
Michelle Smith, Publisher
Sustainable Men’s Fashion
by Natural Awakenings staff
The eco-conscious gentleman seeks to conserve resources, reduce waste and break free from consumerism. When building his wardrobe, he favors quality over quantity, rejecting fast fashion in favor of well-made garments, sustainable fabrics and timeless designs.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and acrylic are derived from fossil fuels, take centuries to biodegrade and release harmful microplastics during washing. They have no place in an evolved wardrobe. Better fabrics come from renewable sources grown without chemicals or pesticides, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo and responsibly sourced merino wool.
Look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, which ensures environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, including crop rotation for
soil health, a prioritization of rainwater over irrigation and fair wages for workers. This certification applies to all textiles made from at least 70 percent non-GMO certified organic natural fibers.
To replace leather—one of the least sustainable materials—innovative plant-based alternatives are emerging, such as Piñatex from pineapple leaves and wood pulp or mycelium-based fabrics made from mushrooms. Recycled polyester (rPET) from melted plastic bottles spun into yarn helps reduce landfill waste. Approximately nine bottles are needed to make one T-shirt.
TENCEL Lyocell, made with wood from responsibly managed forests, is produced with 50 percent lower carbon emissions and water consumption than similar fabrics. This soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and durable material is used in T-shirts, activewear, eco-friendly denim, tailored trousers and underwear.
Examples of Mindful Clothing Brands
Knowledge Cotton Apparel (KnowledgeCottonApparel.com) offers basic wardrobe pieces made with organic cotton, linen, TENCEL, wool, denim and corduroy.
Toad&Co (ToadAndCo.com) uses thirdparty-certified sustainable fabrics, aims to eliminate all plastic-based packaging by 2026 and purchases carbon offsets supporting global environmental projects.
MUD Jeans (MudJeans.com) rescues old jeans headed for the landfill and shreds, cleans and weaves new yarn for a fresh pair. Their methods save water and energy, avoid harsh chemicals and reduce CO2 emissions. Consumers can send old jeans for discounts on future purchases.
Tentree (TenTree.com) makes its products out of TENCEL Lyocell, organic cotton or recycled polyester, focusing on reducing wastewater and emissions. They also plant 10 trees for every item purchased.
How to Curate a Sustainable Wardrobe
Prioritize durable construction. Choose robust, tightly woven materials like denim and canvas for longevity. Look for metal zippers and secured buttons.
Maintain clothes for longevity. Air-dry to prevent heat damage and tumbling wear. Wash less frequently to preserve fabric integrity. Repair small holes or loose threads promptly. Avoid harsh detergents or fabric softener.
Choose core essentials. Concentrate on 15 to 20 high-quality, versatile items in neutral tones (navy, grey, beige, white, black) that can be mixed and matched for various occasions. Include a tailored blazer, dark jeans, solid-colored T-shirts, buttoned shirts, one or two knitwear pieces, neutral chinos, tailored trousers, white sneakers, loafers and a pair of boots.
Each month, a credentialed expert in natural or integrative health shares clinical insights, success stories or emerging evidence from their field. Professional Pulse offers an informed and inspiring look at the positive impact of holistic approaches to health and healing. If you would like to contribute evidence-informed stories from your practice—client successes, emerging research or innovative approaches that are making a difference—please email your name, credentials, area of expertise and a brief summary of your story idea. We would love to hear from you.
Positive Outcomes in Men’s Sexual Wellness Through Regenerative Medicine
For many men, conversations about sexual wellness, hormone changes and aging remain difficult to initiate, even with healthcare providers. Yet physicians working in regenerative medicine note these concerns are becoming increasingly common, particularly as more men seek solutions that address overall health rather than simply treating symptoms.
Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG, owner of The Scarlett Phoenix in Fairhope, says many issues affecting sexual wellness are connected to multiple aspects of health.
“Men are often told declining sexual performance is just part of aging,” Runnels explains. “But many of these issues are connected to circulation, hormones, inflammation, stress, metabolic health and overall wellness. When we address the whole picture, we often see remarkable improvements.”
Regenerative medicine therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), shockwave therapy, hormone optimization and lifestyle-focused care are gaining attention as nonsurgical approaches designed to support
erectile function, circulation, tissue healing and overall sexual wellness, often without long-term dependence on medication.
At The Scarlett Phoenix, Runnels offers advanced regenerative therapies including the P-Shot, shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction, hormone optimization, weight management and Priapus Toxin treatments.
Runnels says patients frequently report stronger performance, improved confidence, enhanced intimacy and increased energy after beginning treatment. Many men who previously relied heavily on prescription medications are able to experience more natural and sustainable results through regenerative therapies and lifestyle optimization.
A 2020 review published in Cells has shown promising evidence that supports PRP and regenerative therapies in improving erectile function and tissue healing, further validating the science behind these innovative approaches.
Runnels emphasizes that sexual wellness concerns are rarely caused by a single factor.
In her clinical experience, effective treatment requires a comprehensive evaluation of underlying contributors, including hormone balance, circulation, inflammation, sleep, stress and metabolic health.
As awareness surrounding men’s health continues to grow, Runnels believes more patients are seeking proactive approaches that support long-term wellness and vitality.
“Sexual wellness is deeply connected to emotional well-being, relationships and overall health,” she says. “When men feel better physically, it positively impacts every aspect of their lives.”
She adds that many men who previously felt discouraged by limited options are increasingly finding renewed hope through integrative approaches that combine regenerative therapies with hormone support and lifestyle optimization.
With more than two decades of experience in women’s health, hormone optimization, regenerative medicine and sexual wellness, Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG, brings a clinical focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of sexual dysfunction rather than masking symptoms. This integrative approach informs her care for men seeking evaluation and treatment of sexual and hormonal health concerns. Her practice, The Scarlett Phoenix, is located at 52 S. Section St., Ste. A, in Fairhope. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 210-4836255 or visit TheScarlettPhoenix.com. To review more medical research, visit PriapusShot.com/research. See ad, page 20.
ADHD and Learning Disabilities Share Genetic Origins
A 2025 study in Psychological Science looked at how shared genetic and environmental factors might affect the chance of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia (trouble with reading) and dyscalculia (trouble with math) at the same time. The scientists used data from the Netherlands Twin Register involving approximately 19,000 twins and 2,000 siblings, analyzing teacher-provided information and standardized test scores at ages 7 and 10.
The study showed that 77.3 percent of the children had only one of these specific conditions, but the risk for multiple conditions was two to three times more likely because the three conditions share similar genetic predispositions, not because one disorder causes another. The researchers noted that although these neurodevelopmental conditions are deeply connected, each condition should be assessed and treated separately because treating one condition is unlikely to automatically improve the others.
Curcumin’s Potential to Clear Cataracts
A 2025 systematic review in the European Journal for Integrative Medicine explored whether curcumin, a natural antioxidant and the main compound in turmeric, could help prevent or treat cataracts. A leading cause of blindness, cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, often because of damage from oxidative stress.
The researchers evaluated the results of 17 studies conducted on animals (in vivo), lab-grown cells (in vitro), or both. All the studies showed that curcumin helped prevent cataracts from forming or slowed their progress by reducing damage to fats in cells and by boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.
Potential Risks of Using Chatbots for Medical Advice
Concerns have been raised about the reliability of medical advice given by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. A recent study in Nature Medicine evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT Health, OpenAI’s free consumer health tool, launched in January 2026, which has millions of users. The researchers compared how well ChatGPT Health handled triage recommendations compared to the best advice from doctors. A total of 960 recommendations were evaluated.
The most dangerous failures happened at the extremes: When conditions were not urgent, 35 percent of ChatGPT Health’s responses recommended more care than necessary, and when conditions were emergencies, 48 percent of the chatbot’s responses failed to recommend urgent or immediate attention.
When it came to emergencies that are considered “gold standard”, ChatGPT Health did not treat them as seriously as it should have in 52 percent of cases. For example, it sent patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or impending respiratory failure to see a doctor in 24 to 48 hours instead of directing them straight to the emergency room. However, it did a good job with classic emergencies like strokes and anaphylaxis.
The researchers also found that context influenced recommendations. When a family member or friend minimized symptoms, the system was more likely to suggest less urgent care in borderline cases. Crisis support messages for suicidal thoughts also appeared to be inconsistent.
While curcumin seems promising, no human clinical trials have been conducted yet because it does not dissolve well in water, making it difficult for the body to absorb efficiently through the digestive system. The scientists believe that making curcumin easier to absorb will be the key to determining if it can be used to treat cataracts.
Greenland’s Ice Cap Melted 7,000 Years Ago
GreenDrill is a project co-led by the University of Buffalo to understand the Greenland Ice Sheet’s vulnerability to temperature changes by drilling to collect rock and sediment. The chemical signatures of these core samples provide data about the last time they were exposed to sunlight. Scientists have fewer such samples from under Greenland’s ice sheet than from the moon.
A GreenDrill study in Nature Geoscience reported that the Prudhoe Dome, a 1,600-foot-thick ice sheet in northwestern Greenland, completely melted about 7,000 years ago, much more recently than previously known. The findings suggest the ice cap is more sensitive to even modest warming than once thought and will help scientists better predict where melting may begin and which coastal areas face the greatest risk of rising sea levels.
Origins of American Gambling
A new study in American Antiquity suggests that Native Americans played games of chance using dice made with carved bone more than 12,000 years ago. These findings are more than 6,000 years older than the oldest known dice from the Bronze Age.
The objects, called binary lots, were different from the six-sided dice we know today. They were flat and slightly rounded, oval or rectangular, with two unique sides like the front and back of a coin. Players would toss them together and count how many pieces were facing up.
To determine if the ancient objects were binary lots, the researchers compared them to 293 sets of Native American dice recorded in a 1907 study of games played by North American Indigenous peoples.
Earth’s Spin Is Slowing
In a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, researchers explain how the warming planet is slowing Earth’s rotation and lengthening the day at a rate not seen for the last 3.6 million years. The length of a day changes over time due to the gravitational effect of the moon, shifting tectonic plates and other geophysical processes on the planet’s surface and in the atmosphere.
Scientists in the study developed a methodology to model changes in the Earth’s rotation over millions of years that included the repeated growth and melting of continental ice sheets from the ice ages. Using their technique, they estimate that our day increased the equivalent of 1.33 milliseconds per century from just 2000 to 2020 due to the redistribution of water from melting polar ice sheets and glaciers.
The researchers expect the Earth’s rotation rate to continue to decline through the end of the century. While a millisecond is very short, they point out that precise space navigation relies upon accurate information about the Earth’s rotation.
The not-so-empty nest: How to help adult kids achieve financial liftoff
When your children turn to you for financial support and a roof over their heads these tips from Merrill can help you give them the tools they need to move forward on their own.
Most parents have mixed feelings about achieving empty-nest status. They miss their kids but take great pride in knowing they have set them on the path to financial independence. So when a report comes out documenting an increase in “boomerang kids” young adults coming home to live with their parents there is cause for concern.
According to a 2024 Pew Research report, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” 57% of young adults aged 18–24 live with their parents up from 53% 30 years ago. Among 25- to 29-year-olds, 21% live with a parent, up from 16%. If they are not living with their parents, many get help with rent or mortgage payments: According to a Better Money Habits Bank of America survey, “2024: The State of Gen Z’s Financial Health,” 54% of adult members of Generation Z (18–27 at the time) do not pay for their own housing.
Clearly, for many parents, the empty nest is not so empty. Plus, according to the Pew report, 44% of young adults say they received some sort of financial assistance from their parents during the past year.1 Young adults face many financial pressures: inflation, student debt and high mortgage rates, among them. Fortunately, for many parents, helping the kids is not a burden. In the Pew study, only 36% of parents said doing so had adversely impacted their financial situation somewhat in the last year. 2 These not-so-empty-nesters are more likely to be focused on finding ways to help their kids stand on their own financially.
“Of course, you want to be there for your children when they need financial help,” says Bank of America’s financial gerontologist, Cynthia Hutchins. “But the most important thing you may be able
to give them is a refresher course in the financial basics.” Consider these ways to help your adult children establish better money habits.
Lend an ear and some budgeting advice
If your adult children are asking for help paying their bills, first ask them what financial pressures they are facing. “It can help to share the financial missteps you may have made when you were younger, as well as the financial lessons you wish you had known,” says Hutchins. Let your kids see that mistakes can be overcome if they stick to a well-thought-out plan. Encourage them to create a budget that prioritizes expenses, designating some things as “needs” and others as “wants.” Are your kids overspending? Suggest that before making any major purchases they ask themselves whether they have met their savings target for the month say, 20% of their paycheck.
Tell them about the trade-offs you made when you were starting out. Next, schedule time for them to talk with your financial advisor, who can offer perspective on the value of having a financial plan and ideas on how to pursue their financial goals, like saving for a down payment or going back to school.
Help out but attach strings
To encourage accountability, think about structuring your financial assistance in the form of a loan, Hutchins suggests. Put it in writing and agree on a repayment schedule. While the IRS requires you to charge interest on loans to family members, the minimum required rate is usually well below what traditional lenders charge. 3 If your financial support comes in the
form of a large gift (a down payment, for instance, or help paying off a student loan), consider positioning the gift as an early inheritance and adjusting your estate plan to avoid any potential sibling resentment.
Set limits on yourself and your kids
Before you commit to providing financial support, sit down with your advisor to assess your current income and expenses and discuss how you might lend a hand without losing momentum on progress toward your own goals.
When talking with your children, be candid about how much support you can offer and how long it can last. Consider limiting your financial contributions to help with essential expenses (car loan, yes; streaming services, maybe not so much) and only after they have personally covered as much as they can. You may want to give your adult child a deadline for moving out and explain that your life plans (retiring, relocating, etc.) cannot be put on hold indefinitely.
Above all, emphasizes Hutchins, “Never dip into money earmarked for your retirement, or you may end up being the one needing financial support.” Remind the kids they have 40 to 50 years of earning power ahead of them you do not. They will understand.
For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor
S. Wesley Carpenter in the Fairhope, AL, office at 251.990.2361 or wesley_carpenter@ml.com.
1 Pew Research, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” January 2024.
2 Ibid.
3 IRS.gov, May 2024.
Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).
Welcome to the 2026 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Men on a Mission feature, a biennial multimedia series highlighting a diverse group of men helping shape more proactive and innovative approaches to health and well-being across the region. Extending beyond the print issue to NAGulfCoast.com and the magazine’s social media platforms throughout June, this special section offers readers multiple ways to engage with the stories, perspectives and expertise shared by this year’s featured practitioners, professionals and community leaders.
Carefully chosen by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast publisher Michelle Smith—a board-certified functional medicine health and wellness coach—this year’s edition brings together individuals from a wide range of disciplines, including financial wellness, physical therapy, expert farm-fresh chefs, functional neurology, holistic and natural medicine and faith-based leadership. While their professional paths differ, they share a commitment to helping others build healthier, more balanced and purpose-driven lives.
Across the Gulf Coast, conversations surrounding wellness continue to evolve beyond symptom management alone, placing greater emphasis on prevention, resilience, education and whole-person care. The men featured in this year’s series reflect the growing shift through work that supports physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, spiritual connection and nourishing lifestyle choices.
More than a collection of professional profiles, Men on a Mission highlights educators, innovators and advocates whose work has positively impacted individuals, families and communities throughout the region. Through research, leadership, hands-on care and service-centered businesses, these practitioners help Natural Awakenings fulfill its mission of connecting, educating and empowering readers to live healthier and more fulfilled lives.
Readers are encouraged to explore this year’s Men on a Mission feature, discover new perspectives and connect with professionals and resources that support informed, intentional and life-enhancing approaches to well-being.
S. WESLEY CARPENTER MANAGING DIRECTOR
The Harty Carpenter Group, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Fairhope, AL
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and member SIPC. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. The Bull symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.
S. Wesley Carpenter is a wealth management adviser with The Harty Carpenter Group at Merrill Lynch, in Fairhope. He works with a select group of professionals, business owners and retirees, helping them build long-term strategies focused on wealth preservation and growth across their financial lives.
Carpenter is co-founder of The Harty Carpenter Group, one of the preeminent wealth advisory teams in the Southeast. Over the past two decades, he has built a team that emphasizes honest, upfront advice and highly customized planning. The group has been named to Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list for the past four years.
Carpenter has been recognized by numerous industry publications. He was named to Barron’s “Top 1,500 Financial Advisors” list from 2021 to 2026 and to Forbes’“Bestin-State Wealth Advisors” list for the seventh consecutive year in 2026. Earlier in his career, he was honored by Financial Planning magazine as one of the “Top 40 Advisors Under 40” in 2020 and 2021.
In addition to his advisory role, Carpenter serves as the senior resident director of Merrill Lynch’s Fairhope office, providing leadership, mentorship and oversight within the local market.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in commerce and business administration, with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics, from the University of Alabama.
Outside of work, Carpenter enjoys Alabama football, offshore fishing, golf and spending time with his wife, Aeana, and their two sons, Quin and Wells.
He is active in the community and has served in leadership and board roles with several local organizations including the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Coastal 150, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Leadership Initiative, Leadership Baldwin County, Business Council of Alabama, St. Lawrence Catholic Parish, the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, Mobile Touchdown Club, Red Elephant Club and the Sigma Nu Alumni Association. See ads, pages 10 and 36.
vadymvdrobot/123rf.com
Merrill Lynch, The Harty Carpenter Group 251-990-2361 • ML.com
DR. JIMMY STEGER ND, PhD, DNM
Dr. Jimmy Steger’s Wholistic Healthcare Mobile, AL
Naturopathy was the earliest known healing system. Before surgery and synthetic isolation of chemical substances, foods, water and whole herbs were used for a wide range of issues. Dr. Jimmy Steger employs natural medicine protocols in his wholistic approach to health care.
Dr. Jimmy Steger is a world-renowned naturopathic doctor, nutritionist and doctor of natural medicine with more than 45 years in natural medicine. As the president and CEO of J.S. Training Systems in Mobile, Steger offers a comprehensive approach to wholistic health care through his health club, martial arts training facility and wholistic clinic. He specializes in nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, iridology and professional training.
Steger’s clinic integrates naturopathy, orthomolecular medicine, nutrition, and herbal and homeopathic remedies to promote healing of body and mind. Customized nutrition is the cornerstone of his approach, which focuses on restoring the body’s optimal environment by correcting biochemical imbalances with natural substances, including vitamins, minerals and amino acids, to support patients’ long-term health.
Inspired by his grandfather, the first medical doctor in Arkansas, Steger’s interest in wellness began at age 5. By age 12, he had eliminated all refined sugar, white flour and junk food from his diet, a foundational step in his lifelong commitment to health.
Steger has authored three books: Nutrition Factor, Better Health Secrets and Nutrition and Disease. His global clientele—90 percent of whom consult with him online— seek his expertise for a variety of diseases. He employs a range of natural medicine protocols, starting with nutrition and extending to herbal medicine, homeopathy, iridology, CranioSacral Therapy, shiatsu and reflexology.
One notable case involved a patient facing a double-leg amputation due to gangrene. Through a stringent nutritional regimen, the patient experienced a remarkable recovery, regaining full health within 90 days.
Steger’s dedication to providing “real answers” to those who have had it with pharmaceuticals and are “sick and tired of being sick and tired” underscores his holistic approach to health care. “This is why I get out of bed in the morning: to help everyone have the best health possible,” says Steger.
Those interested in Steger’s programs are encouraged to call for a consultation to discuss their individual needs, ask questions and learn how the Steger Health Care Systems approach can benefit their overall health, naturally. See ad, this page.
Dr. Jimmy Steger’s Wholistic Healthcare 251-660-1240 • DrJimmySteger.com
DR.
J. DOUGLAS BROWN
DC, DACNB NEUROLOGY, FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Mind Performance Center Foley, AL
Specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and brain disorders, Dr. J. Douglas Brown provides a comprehensive approach to conditions such as dementia and treatment-resistant depression, with lifelong results, using the combined disciplines of dTMS BrainsWay and functional medicine to correct brain pathway imbalances.
Dr. J. Douglas Brown, a board-certified neurologist and diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, serves patients with a dedication to enhancing mental clarity and brain functionality. His passion for neuroscience led him to obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree in 1994 and further his studies in neurology in the late 1990s and 2000s, completing two fellowships in neurology. Within the last 15 years, Brown has completed additional fellowships in integrative psychiatry and functional medicine. By merging functional medicine, neurology, functional neurology and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), he has developed treatment approaches tailored to individual patients.
Brown was the first practitioner to introduce TMS therapy in Alabama, helping expand access to noninvasive therapies focused on improving brain function and neurological recovery. His practice integrates the ReCODE protocol developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen with Deep TMS technology from BrainsWay to support neural pathways and encourage the brain’s ability to adapt and heal.
Believing that effective neurological care requires a comprehensive approach, Brown combines functional medicine, neurological rehabilitation and nutraceutical support to address conditions such as anxiety, ADD, ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injuries, dementia and memory-related disorders. He treats a wide range of patients, from children experiencing developmental challenges to adults recovering from accidents, cognitive decline and severe mood disorders.
Rather than focusing on symptom management, Brown works to identify and address underlying neurological imbalances that may be contributing to diminished quality of life. He has helped patients regain cognitive function, improve mobility and restore independence, often after exhausting conventional options. His goal is to improve quality of life not only for patients, but also for the families and caregivers supporting them. “Medication may help manage symptoms, but true healing requires addressing the brain pathways and root causes involved,” Brown says. He continues to serve patients throughout Foley, Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores, plus nationwide through telemedicine. See ad, page 5
Mind Performance Center • 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
DR. ERIC HANKINS PhD, LEAD PASTOR
First Baptist Church, Fairhope, AL
Dr. Eric Hankins pastors a group of believers who are first loved and motivated to love first. Through compassionate leadership and faith-centered teaching, his mission at First Fairhope is to help individuals and families grow in purpose, hope and spiritual connection.
Dr. Eric Hankins has spent decades guiding individuals and families through faith-centered leadership, compassionate care and a commitment to spiritual growth. As lead pastor of First Baptist Church Fairhope, also known as First Fairhope, Hankins continues to make a meaningful impact across the Gulf Coast through ministry focused on discipleship, encouragement and community connection.
Raised in southwest Louisiana, Hankins felt called into ministry at age 18 and began serving churches while completing his education. His academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the years, he has served churches in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, bringing a steady, relationship-centered approach to pastoral leadership rooted in both biblical teaching and personal connection.
Since arriving at First Fairhope in 2016 following 12 years as pastor of First Baptist Church Oxford, Mississippi, Hankins has emphasized expository preaching, Spirit-led leadership and shepherding care for individuals and families. His ministry vision centers on helping the church fulfill what he describes as its “world-changing, disciple-making kingdom purpose.”
Beyond the pulpit, Hankins has also connected with audiences through podcasts as well as several inspirational articles published in Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast. His writing reflects the same thoughtful, grounded and encouraging perspective that defines his ministry and leadership style.
Married for 33 years to Janet, his middle school sweetheart, Hankins values faith, family and service above all else. Together they have three children and four grandchildren. Whether preaching, mentoring, traveling on mission trips or simply walking alongside members of the community through life’s challenges, Hankins remains passionate about helping others discover purpose, hope and deeper spiritual connection.
One guiding principle continues to shape his ministry: “If you please God, it doesn’t matter who you displease.”
DR. DANIEL BISHOP
DPT, OWNER
Bishop Physical Therapy & Complex
Spine Therapy
Daphne, AL
Helping patients restore mobility and reduce chronic pain through advanced physical therapy and integrative spine care, Daniel Bishop, DPT, specializes in nonsurgical approaches for complex spine disorders, orthopedic injuries, balance and vestibular conditions, concussions and long-term musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Dr. Daniel Bishop, founder of Complex Spine Therapy and Bishop Physical Therapy, is helping Gulf Coast patients rethink what is possible when it comes to chronic spine conditions and long-term pain recovery. A doctor of physical therapy with more than 23 years of experience, Bishop specializes in nonsurgical treatment approaches for complex spine disorders, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and sciatica.
His passion for healing is deeply personal. After suffering a traumatic car accident in high school that resulted in a spinal fusion and lengthy rehabilitation, Bishop experienced firsthand the challenges of recovery. That experience shaped his commitment to helping others avoid unnecessary surgeries and dependence on pain medications.
Bishop combines advanced physical therapy with regenerative and integrative techniques, including dry needling, high-intensity laser therapy, PEMF therapy, decompression, Advanced Postural Biomechanical Correction and lifestyle guidance. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring function, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.
Known for his compassionate and determined approach, Bishop has treated more than 20,000 complex spine cases. Many patients who arrive after exhausting conventional treatment options report significant reductions in pain, improved mobility and a renewed quality of life through his comprehensive care model. See ad, page 27.
Bishop Physical Therapy 251-626-7778
BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
DR. ROBERT WAYNE MASHBURN
HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER
Foley Thyroid Center @enrG Wellness, Foley, AL
Transforming lives and promoting lifelong health through a holistic, functional medicine approach, Dr. Robert Wayne Mashburn focuses on identifying root causes of illness and disease using testing and therapeutic tools.
Dr. Robert Wayne Mashburn is recognized for his expertise in applied kinesiology and his commitment to helping patients uncover the root causes of chronic health concerns. Using a functional medicine and holistic approach, he works with individuals who often continue experiencing symptoms despite being told that conventional testing shows little or nothing wrong.
By combining applied kinesiology with functional medicine principles, Mashburn evaluates a wide range of potential contributors to illness, including heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, chemical toxins and genetic factors. His goal is to identify underlying imbalances that may be interfering with the body’s ability to heal and function optimally.
Known for his thorough approach, Mashburn develops personalized wellness strategies tailored to each patient’s needs. One of the tools he incorporates into his care plans includes custom tinctures designed to support the body’s natural healing processes. He also emphasizes the importance of nutrition, lifestyle factors and targeted supplementation.
Many patients seek out Mashburn after years of unresolved symptoms and limited success through conventional medical channels. Individuals dealing with chronic fatigue, unexplained symptoms and persistent health challenges often report renewed hope and meaningful improvements.
Located inside enrG Wellness, Mashburn’s practice emphasizes whole-person wellness by considering the physical, emotional and environmental factors that may impact health. Through compassionate care and detailed evaluations, he continues helping patients pursue long-term wellness. See ad, page 37 Foley Thyroid Center @enrG Wellness 251-943-9355 • FoleyThyroidCenter.com
HUNTER HARRIS EXECUTIVE CHEF
Press & Co.
Daphne, AL
Creating a healthy and restorative atmosphere at Press & Co., in the heart of Olde Towne Daphne, Executive Chef Hunter Harris presents a cleaneating café and juicery experience centered around fresh, seasonal cuisine designed to feel both nourishing and satisfying.
Hunter Harris, executive chef of Press & Co., is known for creating ingredient-driven menus rooted in thoughtful sourcing, hospitality and health-conscious cooking.
At the organic-focused café and juicery in Olde Town Daphne, Harris leads the culinary vision behind a menu designed to make healthy eating feel both approachable and genuinely satisfying. From vibrant seasonal dishes to organic coffee, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices and house specialties, every detail centers on quality ingredients and intentional preparation.
Press & Co. proudly cooks using only avocado oil, focusing on clean, high-quality ingredients guests can feel good about. Harris is also known for accommodating a wide range of dietary needs, working closely with guests to create meals that fit their lifestyle without sacrificing flavor, experience or portion size.
Since Press & Co. opened in 2023, Harris has consistently created weekly specials to feature a new entrée and chef side. Guests have come to know Press & Co. for consistent quality and food that feels nourishing and craveable.
“I’ve always believed food should feel both nourishing and memorable,” Harris says. “We care deeply about where our ingredients come from and the experience guests have when they walk through our doors. Whether it’s locally sourced seafood, organic produce or freshbaked sourdough, every ingredient has a purpose.”
Today, Press & Co. continues to evolve as a reflection of what matters most to Harris: great food, meaningful hospitality, faith, family, community and health. His wife, Amber Harris, works alongside him as Press & Co.’s general manager. See ad, page 31
Press & Co. 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com
ERNIE FOUNDAS
EXECUTIVE CHEF, CO-OWNER
Suis Generis & Tiki Food Lab
New Orleans, LA Pearlington, MS
Ernie Foundas is the executive chef and coowner of Suis Generis restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Tiki Food Lab on the SG Tiki Farm in Pearlington, Mississippi. He is an expert in fermentation, zerowaste cooking and culinary farming.
Sharing knowledge of delicious healthy living is a primary mission of Suis Generis and the Tiki Food Lab. The Bywater restaurant features a weekly-changing menu loaded with beneficial microbe-rich foods. The Tiki Food Lab is a learning center and special events venue with cooking classes, farm tours and chef-curated tasting menus. Events focus on farm-fresh probiotic-rich foods, techniques to lower salt content and the creation of complex vegan “fish” sauces. Exotic ingredients from the SG Tiki Farm are cultivated and incorporated into an array of misos, koshos, jangs, soy sauces, tofu, wines, vinegars, and other lacto and amino ferments. These types of fermented foods nourish the microbiome and are easy to make at home.
Minimizing waste in times of high food costs is essential. Each weekly menu at Suis Generis dictates the next, driving innovation in fermentation, food preservation, and composting practices that minimize food waste and maximize resourcefulness. The zero-waste program and Tiki Food Lab provide an ideal platform for community outreach and education on kansha—respect for ingredients.
Probiotics are the rage. People pay big money for probiotic supplements manufactured by chemical companies. Suis Generis, through its Tiki Food Lab and Umami Research Center, produces a mind-blowing range of fermented foods bursting with microbiome-boosting probiotics. Food experiences can be booked on the Tiki Food Lab website, and private events can be scheduled by contacting Chef Ernie directly. A day at the SG Tiki Farm is like being swept away on a South Pacific vacation, right down the road. See Healthy Eats listing, page 30.
Suis Generis & Tiki Food Lab 504-338-2986 • TikiFoodLab.com
DR. PHILLIP GREER DDS, FOUNDER
Sweet Water Dentistry Fairhope, AL
For Dr. Phillip Greer, dentistry is about building trust, serving wholeheartedly and helping patients experience better health through compassionate care. As founder of Sweet Water Dentistry, he has created a practice that combines advanced dental technology with a relationship-centered environment inspired by faith, wellness and service.
A native of Mobile, Greer earned a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from Auburn University before pursuing his doctor of dental surgery degree at Meharry Medical College. His professional path was influenced by the late Dr. John Morgan, a respected Mobile Bay orthodontist whose mentorship and service-minded example inspired Greer to pursue dentistry and continue a legacy of compassionate care.
Established in 2012 and nestled along Sweet Water Creek, the practice was designed to feel welcoming, surrounded by natural cold-water springs that help create a serene, relaxing atmosphere. Greer believes patients should feel informed, comfortable and genuinely cared for. His team emphasizes preventive dentistry, patient education and long-term wellness while offering family, cosmetic and implant dentistry supported by continuing education in laser and CEREC technology as well as implantology.
Patients frequently praise the compassionate environment Greer and his team have cultivated. Online reviews highlight the friendly staff, calming atmosphere and how patients feel genuinely cared for throughout their visits. One reviewer described the office as “beautiful and peaceful,” while others noted how welcomed and comfortable they felt during treatment.
Beyond the office, Greer has participated in dental mission work throughout Latin America, serving communities in Mexico, Honduras and Peru. His faith also plays a central role in the philosophy of Sweet Water Dentistry, where kindness, gentleness and encouragement are woven into the patient experience.
Sweet Water Dentistry • 251-210-2773 SweetWaterSmile.com
DAVID POPE
LMT #3956, CO-OWNER
Holding Space Healing Arts
Daphne, AL
Holding Space Healing Arts provides therapeutic bodywork and nervous system regulation in Daphne that supports pain-free movement and sustainable strength. Each session is tailored to address stress, chronic tension, burnout and pain. Skilled touch, breath and presence are used to help clients reconnect.
For Holding Space Healing Arts co-owner David Pope, helping others reconnect with their bodies and move through life with less pain is both a profession and a calling. A licensed massage therapist and corrective exercise specialist with background in both personal training and yoga therapy, Pope brings a whole-body approach to wellness that blends movement, recovery and mindful healing.
Working alongside his wife and co-owner, Joni Waites Pope, they create a calming, supportive environment where clients can slow down, reset and focus on longterm well-being. Their Daphne studio emphasizes nervous system regulation, therapeutic bodywork and personalized care designed to meet people where they are.
Pope’s background reflects a lifelong passion for movement and human performance. A former athlete with a degree in natural science from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, he later pursued advanced training in massage therapy, corrective exercise and performance enhancement. His work today integrates deep tissue therapy, mobility training, breathwork and restorative practices aimed at improving strength, flexibility and recovery.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Pope tailors each session to the individual, whether supporting athletes, active adults or those navigating chronic pain and stress. His goal is simple: to help clients build sustainable movement, reduce discomfort and experience a greater sense of balance in everyday life.
Call for a consultation to ask questions and discuss goals. See ad, page17.
Holding Space Healing Arts 251-422-5101
@HoldingSpaceHealingArts
Stop Letting Bladder Issues Control Your Life
Many men deal with issues like bladder leakage, urgency, disrupted sleep from frequent bathroom trips, decreased confidence and pelvic weakness for years without ever talking about it. They brush it off as aging, stress or “just part of life.” The reality is these symptoms are common, but not something that must simply be accepted.
Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder that health deserves attention and that taking care of oneself is not weakness. Ignoring symptoms that affect daily life, confidence, sleep and comfort should not be the norm.
At enrG Wellness, in Foley, EmSella is among the most talked-about options for men seeking pelvic floor strengthening. The noninvasive treatment is designed to help improve bladder control, core strength and overall quality of life. It is performed fully clothed, is comfortable and requires no downtime.
Using electromagnetic technology, EmSella delivers thousands of powerful pelvic floor contractions in a single session, helping strengthen muscles that are often weakened by age, heavy lifting, prostate-related concerns or years of physical strain. Many men notice improvements in urgency, leakage, nighttime bathroom trips and confidence after completing a treatment series.
At enrG Wellness, the focus is helping clients feel stronger, healthier and more confident from the inside out. In addition to EmSella, the clinic offers hormone support, IV therapy, customized weight-loss programs, hyperbaric oxygen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) therapy, ozone and ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI) therapy, and targeted vitamin support designed to optimize energy, recovery and overall wellness.
“If you are tired of planning your day around the restroom, waking up multiple times at night or feeling like your body is not performing the way it used to, it may be time to take the first step toward feeling like yourself again,” says owner Janet Baker.
Location: 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley. For a free consultation or more information, call 251-943-9355 or visit enrGWellness.com. See ad, page 32.
A Proactive Approach to Women’s Wellness
Manja Podratz, a doctor of natural medicine at MANYA Whole Health & Wellness, offers hormone-balancing coaching based on functional labs, lifestyle changes and mindset coaching. She uses the DUTCH Complete test, sometimes paired with a GI-Map or hair tissue mineral analysis, to develop holistic health coaching programs that give women practical guidance for participating in their well-being, with a strong emphasis on prevention and compassionate one-on-one support that helps establish a sustainable lifestyle.
Focusing on imbalances caused by prolonged stress, emotional trauma or an overburdened metabolism can often help individuals fully recover through natural means. However, when medical care is needed, holistic health coaching can help bridge the gap between a one-sizefits-all standard of care and a more personalized, integrative approach that empowers clients to take a proactive role in implementing both their doctor’s recommendations and lifestyle changes.
Many women ask about hormone replacement therapy but rarely receive information on how to optimize their hormone metabolism. Simply adding bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) without supporting proper metabolic pathways can sometimes backfire. This is the gap the services at MANYA aim to fill, now with the addition of noninvasive monitoring through medical thermography.
For more than 60 years, medical thermographers have used infrared imaging to support wellness, empower clients and contribute to a more informed approach to health. Medical thermography offers a unique window into the body’s physiology, revealing subtle patterns before symptoms fully develop.
Thermal imaging helps reveal:
• Early physiologic changes that may need evaluation by a physician, giving clients a chance to act sooner rather than later.
• Thermal indicators of immune system stress, which can be supported through lifestyle and wellness recommendations.
• Patterns of inflammation that help clients and practitioners explore proactive, root-cause-focused wellness strategies.
• Noninvasive progress tracking without the risks of ionizing radiation.
When clients understand what their bodies are communicating, they can take meaningful, proactive steps toward better health.
Location: 109 Upham St., Mobile. For more information or to schedule an initial free 20-minute consultation, call 251-234-4771, email Manja@ DrManjaPodratz.com or visit DrManjaPodratz.com. See ad, page 24
If you’re dealing with chronic tension, stiffness, or pain that keeps coming back…your fascia—the connective tissue throughout your body—may be the missing piece.
fascia therapy designed to release tension, improve mobility, and support full-body wellness.
The Facts About Low Testosterone
What Every Man Should Know
by Marlaina Donato
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), available as injections, patches, gels, pills and implant pellets, was a global market worth nearly $2 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach nearly $3 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. Yet TRT is often misused for symptoms like fatigue or for athletic enhancement, when it is actually meant to treat clinically diagnosed low testosterone.
While this pivotal sex hormone is responsible for male puberty, sperm production and healthy libido, it also acts as a critical metabolic regulator and driving force behind physical energy, healthy muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production and mood regulation. When men experience a decline in performance—whether at work, in the gym or in the bedroom—it may be easy to assume that low testosterone levels are to blame, but the misuse or overuse of TRT places users at risk for undesirable side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the potential risks of TRT include: worsening sleep apnea; skin reactions, including acne; noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of an existing prostate cancer; enlargement of the breasts; a reduction of sperm production; and overproduction of red blood cells, which could lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. In addition, according to a 2018 study in the World Journal of Men’s Health, TRT can cause infertility.
Reaching the Correct Diagnosis
The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as a total blood serum level below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) on at least two separate early morning tests, accompanied by symptoms like low sex drive and performance, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat and depression.
“Many men are seeking TRT to treat nonspecific symptoms like general fatigue, weight gain or a slight dip in motivation—issues that are often the result of lifestyle factors, rather than low testosterone,” says Dr. Joel Fuhrman, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation and the author of several books, including Eat for Life and Eat to Live Cookbook. In light of the trend of TRT over-prescription and the considerable risks, Fuhrman stresses the importance of considering effective natural methods to restore hormonal balance.
Men can experience a decline in their testosterone levels for reasons beyond testosterone deficiency. “Thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, high prolactin [hormone], chronic stress, certain medications, opioids and antidepressants all suppress testosterone or mimic its symptoms. Run a full panel before assuming it’s your testosterone. You might be chasing the wrong problem,” advises Nelson Vergel, a hormone therapy researcher, men’s health educator and creator of ExcelMale.com, an online men’s health and TRT forum.
Vergel highlights the devastating effects of chronic unresolved stress, which “tells the brain to dial back testosterone production. It’s a survival mechanism; your body prioritizes threat-response
over reproduction. It makes sense in the short term, but it’s devastating long-term.”
Raymond Wohl, the medical director of Chicago Male Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, says, “A decline in performance, libido or confidence is often an early warning sign of underlying issues such as elevated stress, reduced blood flow, hormonal imbalance or metabolic dysfunction.” Men are often surprised to discover that improvements in energy, sleep, weight management and mood frequently accompany enhanced sexual performance. Wohl emphasizes, “Sexual health is not separate—it’s a powerful indicator of total wellness. We recommend TRT only after a thorough evaluation, including lab work, symptom analysis and lifestyle review.”
Functional medicine specialist and men’s health coach Dr. Andreas Boettcher, in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, also recommends a comprehensive approach. “You need to look at the full hormonal picture, including cortisol patterns across the day; levels of DHEA-sulfate, pregnenolone, estradiol and prolactin; thyroid function, including free T3 conversion; and insulin markers,” he explains, naming multiple hormones besides testosterone.
Addressing the gut-hormone axis—the network involving the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome and endocrine system—is also high on Boettcher’s radar. “Hormone metabolism, balance and excretion are deeply dependent on your gut,” he points out. “The gut microbiome influences the signaling of virtually every hormone in the body, but the gut-hormone axis is a two-way communication highway, and when it breaks down—through gut permeability, dysbiosis [imbalance of gut flora] or chronic inflammation, hormone balance becomes nearly impossible to achieve, regardless of what else you do.”
Boettcher attests that approximately 80 percent of men receiving hormonal support no longer need TRT once the underlying factors are adequately addressed. Given the right environment, he explains,
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the endocrine system begins production at levels that restore vitality, energy, lean muscle mass and libido. During his mid-to-late 40s, Boettcher quadrupled his testosterone levels without resorting to TRT or shortcuts. Now approaching 60, he maintains a single-digit body fat percentage, which he attributes to consistent daily choices. He asserts that men are biologically designed to be lean, strong and metabolically healthy well into the latter half of life.
Testosterone Disruptors and Supporters
Vergel reports that a significant portion of his patients that were convinced they had low testosterone turned out to have undiagnosed sleep apnea. “Just one week of sleeping only five hours a night drops testosterone by 10 to 15 percent in otherwise healthy men,” he says. “That’s not trivial. Everything else you’re doing—diet, training or supplements—gets undermined if you’re chronically sleep-deprived. Fix the sleep, and testosterone often comes back on its own.”
Psychological factors should also be considered. “Men who have carried unaddressed trauma for years often look hormonally like someone 15 to 20 years older with lower testosterone, lower DHEA [a testosterone precursor], disrupted sleep and blunted growth hormone,” says Vergel. “No dose of TRT fully compensates for an unresolved psychological load. You have to work both sides.”
Boettcher emphasizes the role of alcohol as an underestimated and significant contributor to hormonal anomalies. “Even moderate, consistent alcohol consumption impairs liver function, and your liver is the primary site of estrogen clearance,” he explains. “Disrupt that clearance and estrogen accumulates, testosterone declines and the hormonal balance tips in exactly the wrong direction.”
Boettcher also highlights the potential damage caused by Ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter medication. Over time, chronic use can damage the gut lining, impair nutrient absorption and disrupt the raw materials the body needs to produce hormones.
Before making a lifelong commitment to hormone therapy, Fuhrman believes that most men can significantly improve their bioavailable testosterone levels by reducing body fat. “Adipose tissue contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase, which converts your existing testosterone into estrogen. Losing weight keeps your natural testosterone in circulation.”
He recommends resistance training, specifically compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses and curls to trigger a metabolic and hormonal signaling environment. He also suggests a diet rich in green salads and vegetables, including broccoli, kale and arugula; polyphenol-rich foods such as beans to promote a healthy gut microbiome; and omega-3-rich nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia, flax and sesame seeds) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Vergel cautions against ultra-processed food and excessive sugar consumption, which contribute to abdominal fat accumulation. He emphasizes the importance of clean protein and healthy dietary fats. “Don’t fear fat,” he remarks. “Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, so olive oil, eggs, avocados and quality meat protein aren’t your enemies.”
Vitality at Any Age
Ultimately, feeling well enough to live life to the fullest is not exclusive to a fortunate few. Vergel asserts, “The men I’ve seen most vital in their 60s and 70s are the ones who didn’t accept decline as inevitable. They asked questions, found good doctors and stayed in the game.”
Wohl offers hope and inspiration, saying, “Aging is inevitable, but decline is not. Sexual health does not have an expiration date. With the right interventions, men can maintain, and often regain, high levels of vitality well into later decades. Our oldest patient is 84 and still thriving.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.
Sleep Health for Men
Foundational Habits for a Better Life
by Hannah Tytus
"Wherever you want to make improvements in your life, whether it is with your health, your job performance or your relationships—sleep can be part of that,” says Catherine Darley, ND, an integrative sleep specialist and founder of SkilledSleeper.com.
Better sleep enhances nearly every aspect of life, yet many men ignore the subject entirely. “There’s a lack of information about sleep health in men’s spaces,” Darley laments. “Subjectively, men have fewer complaints than women do about their sleep, but on some objective measures, men sleep worse.” Most people need between seven and nine hours of shuteye nightly, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 37 percent of men fall short.
Effects of Poor Sleep
Precipitous Aging: “Midlife men have higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea, which negatively affects heart health and significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack,” says Darley. “Alzheimer’s risk, arthritis and many physical and digestive complaints are worse when sleep is disordered. During sleep, the brain undergoes vital nightly maintenance, clearing beta amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. A way to hedge against dementia is to get good sleep now.”
Hormonal Issues: Hormones are linked to sleep quality. “During stage 3 sleep (also known as deep sleep) 75 to 80 percent of our
growth hormone is secreted, which supports muscle repair and recovery. Exercise improves your deep sleep, helping keep your muscle mass,” Darley explains. “Disrupted sleep from apnea, insomnia or irregular schedules can lower testosterone, causing issues like erectile dysfunction.” A 2020 study in Translational Andrology and Urology reported that older men with sleep disorders exhibited a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
Mental Health Strain: Poor sleep often leads to mental health issues. “Anxiety, loneliness, depression and suicidality are worse when a person isn’t sleeping well,” Darley asserts. Research supports this: a 2021 meta-analysis published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that enhancing sleep quality significantly improved mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety and rumination.
Relationship Difficulties: “Emotional intelligence is partly based on how well you’re sleeping,” says Darley, noting that a person that hasn’t slept well will struggle to identify a partner’s subtle facial expressions, making it hard to determine if they are happy or angry. “Sleep-deprived people are also much more self-centered in their moral reasoning, causing them to become less flexible, more rulebased and pedantic,” she adds. When these patterns become habitual, they can harm important relationships.
Driving Accidents: “Sleep affects your balance, coordination and reaction time,” Darley says. A sleep deficit can be particularly unsafe if someone is behind the wheel. “If you are chronically sleep-restricted, you’re driving impaired. Compared to drunk driving, drowsy driving is much more likely to be fatal.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes caused by drowsy driving often involve a single driver running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
Diminished Mental Acuity: Cognitive performance suffers when sleep is compromised, affecting everything from basic memory recall to complex problem-solving. According to Darley, even verbal fluency is affected, making simple conversations difficult and important dates easy to forget. Making matters worse, “We become unaware of how impaired we actually are,” she points out. “After several nights of poor sleep, we say, ‘I think I’m getting used to this,’ even though we are still impaired.”
Resetting Our Internal Clock
Most people adapt to sleep deprivation and may not realize what their true sleep requirements are. Darley suggests the “10 by 10 test”, which involves spending 10 hours in bed for 10 consecutive nights in a dark, quiet room to determine how much sleep the body naturally needs. “After discovering how much sleep your body needs, the next step is scheduling it into your life,” she counsels. “Consistency is crucial. Increased sleep variability relates to mortality.” Aim for consistent sleep with no more than a 30-minute variation in bedtime and wake time, and no more than a one-hour difference in total sleep duration throughout the week.
Our circadian rhythm is the body’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleepiness and alertness. It is primarily influenced by light exposure. Morning sunlight suppresses melatonin—the hormone that induces sleep—while darkness triggers its release. According to Darley, we suffer from what she calls a “darkness deficiency” that confuses the body’s sleep signals. “We’re suppressing our melatonin until bedtime with screens and LED light,” she explains.
To counteract this, she recommends creating a “sunset experience” at home by reducing light to the equivalent of 10 candles’ worth of yellow-hued light one to two hours before bed. The bedroom should be very dark, for which Darley offers a simple test. “If you can hold your hand out at arm’s length and see your fingers wiggling, that’s enough light to suppress your melatonin, keeping you awake,” she says.
Other habits support a healthy sleep rhythm. Exercise earlier in the day helps regulate the body clock. Sleep masks and blackout curtains can reduce light pollution in urban areas. Limiting alcohol and avoiding caffeine in the evening prevents disruptions. A cooler bedroom also promotes better sleep. There are about 60 sleep disorders, say Darley. If sleep does not improve after a month of these lifestyle adjustments, she recommends seeing a professional. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring the cultural underpinnings of health.
The Resurgence of Rucking
An Ancient Activity for Modern Fitness
by Zak Logan
Rucking, or walking with a weighted backpack, has ancient military origins dating back to the Roman Empire, when soldiers carried survival and fighting equipment over long distances. But even before recorded history, humans
have carried heavy loads to survive. More recently, rucking has become a popular workout, combining strength training with low-impact endurance, improving back strength and core stability without the need for heavy barbells or repetitive exercises.
Ruck walks, especially on varied terrain, promote heart health while being gentler on joints than running. It can enhance bone density, preserve muscle mass and support metabolic health without causing burnout. The rise of group ruck events, community meetups and local outdoor ruck clubs adds a social element, helping participants stay consistent and avoid the isolation common in typical fitness routines.
Reaping the Benefits
“Rucking sits in that sweet spot between cardio and strength training. Most cardio options give you one or the other. Rucking gives you both in a single session,” says Simon Michel, founder of Ruckaway, a gear company in Adelaide, South Australia. “Carrying a weighted pack activates muscles all over the body, which can preserve or even slightly increase muscle mass. Rucking burns meaningfully more calories than regular walking, and that gap grows significantly with more weight, a faster pace and hilly terrain.”
Rucking effectively challenges the lateral core-stabilizing muscles, including the quadratus lumborum, a key lumbar spine stabilizer. Stuart McGill, a leading expert in back pain and the chief scientific officer for BackFitPro, recommends rucking for chronic back pain due to its strengthening effect on the erector spinae muscles, which help maintain an upright posture. According to McGill, “Properly programmed rucking, which carefully manages distance, speed, load and rest intervals, can effectively address endurance deficit,” a common, but
often overlooked factor in back pain not caused by muscle weakness. In other words, rucking builds endurance while strengthening the core, hips and back, creating resilience in the spine.
Gearing Up
For beginners wanting to try rucking before buying official gear, Michel recommends using a sturdy backpack with heavy items such as textbooks, dumbbells or even bricks wrapped in a towel. “The main advantage of a dedicated rucking backpack is the built-in weight compartment designed to hold plates flat against your upper back, high between the shoulder blades, which is exactly where you want the load to sit,” he explains. “On a regular backpack the weight shifts around and hangs low, pulling you backward and straining your lower back.” Also, a proper rucking pack is made from materials that can withstand weights that would destroy a regular backpack over time.
For weight, Michel suggests iron rucking plates: “They’re flat, they don’t shift mid-ruck, and you add them incrementally as your fitness builds.” Good footwear is essential. He recommends trail runners or lightweight hiking boots for varied terrain, and high-cushioned trainers for pavement. Avoid flat gym shoes that offer no support under load.
Placing the pack load correctly is crucial. “If the terrain is uneven and undulating, then carry the load lower in the pack, tight to the lumbar spine,” says Michel. “For flat terrain, the load can be higher to balance the upper body center of mass over the hips.”
Building Endurance
The body needs time to adapt to carrying a load. Anyone with health concerns, including knee problems or osteoporosis, should consult a physician before rucking. Michel advises, “Start lighter [weight] and shorter [distance] than you think you need to, regardless of fitness level. Loading up too heavy too soon is how people get stress fractures.” For beginners, he suggests carrying about 10 percent of body weight. “If you weigh 175 pounds, begin with around 18 pounds. Early on, the goal is to nail your form and let your body adapt to the carrying load, not to max out,” he says. “Once three to four miles feels comfortable, add weight in increments roughly every two weeks.”
Rucking two times per week is a solid starting point, gradually increasing to every other day as the body adapts. Modern rucking pioneer Michael Easter argued in the book The Comfort Crisis that the human body evolved to walk, run and carry. McGill points out that carrying is a fundamental life task, whether it’s firewood or groceries. “Rucking is not a trend invented by a marketing department,” says Michel. “It’s just humans doing what humans have always done, with a bit more intentionality.”
Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic health and getting back to basics.
Smarter Summer Grilling
Making Barbecue More Flavorful and Healthy
by Maya Whitman
Summer would not be the same without dinner on the grill. For many Americans, backyard barbecuing is revered as an art form. In recent years, the classic menu of sizzling meats and charred corn on the cob has expanded to include healthier options such as plant-forward burgers, gut-friendly marinades and anti-inflammatory approaches that lower smoke points and use antioxidant-rich herbs and spices to reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds.
Despite some evidence of an increased risk for colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer from high consumption of barbecued, well-done and fried foods, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2018 highlights an increase of good gut bacteria from grilling (and roasting) compared to less heat-intense forms of cooking. Swapping out bottled sauces with
questionable ingredients for healthy homemade marinades, avoiding blackened meats and embracing a broader food spectrum will lower health risks while satisfying every palate.
Mouthwatering Enhancements
“Rather than only sticking with the typical hot dogs or burgers at your next barbecue, try introducing some creativity into the mix,” recommends Anne Mauney, a registered dietitian in Washington, D.C., and founder of the FannetasticFood.com recipe blog. “One of my favorite grilled meals is shrimp skewers with chimichurri [made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes]. The chimichurri does double duty as a marinade and sauce, and it’s incredibly fresh and delicious.”
One of her favorite things to do is to serve proteins on ample salads, such as her Summer Grilled Corn and Peach Salad With Chicken on a bed of spring mix lettuce. The corn, peaches and chicken are all grilled, and the lightly sweet dressing (and marinade) is made with honey, lime and fresh cilantro.
For traditionalists that love grilled burgers, Mauney suggests adding chopped red bell peppers or shallots to healthier, leaner meats like grass-fed ground beef, turkey or chicken. She also likes introducing finely diced mushrooms into a beef burger patty to increase nutrient density (fiber plus vitamins) while making it more tender and juicy.
Meatless Options
Plant-based chef Julia Dunaway, in Azle, Texas, is influenced by her mother’s Japanese heritage and cooking style, which included grilled ingredients and an unforgettable homemade teriyaki sauce. Dunaway’s black bean burger cooked on the grill, griddle or grill pan, is topped with cashew cheese sauce and the usual burger toppings on a whole-grain bun. “This burger, served with grilled vegetables and even grilled potato slices, is better than any meat-heavy cookout,” she asserts.
David Tuthill/Shutterstock
Other grilled favorites include Tex-Mex vegetable fajitas, large marinated mushrooms, zucchini and corn on the cob. Grilling eggplant sprinkled with cumin, asparagus with fresh garlic and stone fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines with cinnamon or ground cloves are delicious ways to pile anti-inflammatory goodness onto summer plates.
Healthy, Flavor-Boosting Hacks
According to Oncology Nursing News, grilling meat at high temperatures or over an
open flame can produce cancer-causing substances called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To reduce the risk of carcinogen formation, cooking over indirect heat is recommended. Eating charred meat should be avoided. Marinating meat for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking can also keep the surface of the meat from getting too hot. Adding antioxidant- and polyphenol-rich herbs like basil, rosemary and mint along with citrus juices or vinegar will provide great flavor, as well as disease-fighting nutrients.
When brushing ingredients with oil, avocado oil is recommended for its health benefits and high smoke point. Olive oil is also nutrient-dense, flavorful and anti-inflammatory. Dunaway’s favorite marinade replaces oil with tahini, a sesame-seed paste, and incorporates plenty of herbs and spices with vegetable broth to keeps vegetables moist throughout grilling.
“I use a gas grill with a large grilling surface, making sure it is very clean. Heating the grill on high for several minutes and cleaning the grates is essential. The marinated vegetables and tofu won’t stick on a clean grill,” Dunaway explains. “Once clean, reduce the heat to medium to avoid charring, while still getting a light grill mark. Just plan to cook the vegetables on a lower heat for a longer time so they are tender and cooked throughout.”
Jazzing things up with probiotic-rich sides, including colorful slaws and fermented kimchi or kraut adds another healthy, tasty dimension. Swap everyday potatoes for sweet potatoes and drizzle with a tangerine vinaigrette for a different twist on potato salad or toss chickpeas with kalamata olives and feta. Creative pairings are the heart of a good grill, and the sky’s the limit.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
ALL-PURPOSE FRESH GINGER, CILANTRO AND CHILE PEPPER MARINADE
This marinade is ideal for use with vegetables and meats either on the grill or in the oven.
YIELD: ⅓ TO ½ CUP
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 limes, juiced
2 Tbsp liquid aminos or tamari
2 Tbsp maple syrup
¼ tsp smoked salt
1 dried whole chili pepper, halved
1 large raw garlic clove, crushed
2 raw shallots, quartered or chopped
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
THE BEST BLACK BEAN BURGERS
YIELD: 8
BURGERS
1 cup oats
1 cup walnut pieces
1 cup red onion, finely chopped
⅔ cup cremini mushrooms, chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup carrots, diced
2 Tbsp jalapeño peppers, chopped
3 cups home-cooked black beans (or 2 cans, rinsed and drained)
Combine all ingredients in a glass measuring cup or small bowl and stir well. Marinate meats for up to 24 hours or vegetables for half an hour. Grill as usual.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp seasoning blend (such as Kirkland Signature No Salt Seasoning)
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
Pulse the oats and walnuts in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots and jalapeño peppers until lightly browned. Add a little water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the beans to the walnut and oat mixture in the food processor along with the ground flaxseeds, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning blend, soy sauce and salt. Pulse a few times. Use a silicone spatula to distribute the ingredients and pulse again once or twice. Keep some of the beans chunky.
Remove the mixture from the food processor, add the cooked brown rice and mix well with the spatula. Divide into 8 patties using a ½ cup measuring cup. Place the patties on a cleaned grill, on indirect heat (medium), and cook for 10 minutes on each side.
Serve on whole-grain buns with any desired toppings such as lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, avocado and condiments like ketchup or mustard.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway.
Julia Dunaway
New Africa/Shutterstock
GRILLED
FAJITA VEGETABLES
AND TOFU WITH MARINADE
YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
MARINADE
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp Mexican oregano
1 tsp red chili powder
VEGETABLES
2 portobello mushrooms, stems removed, sliced into strips
1-2 bell peppers, sliced into large pieces
2 cups zucchini or summer squash, sliced
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1 white or sweet potato, baked or steamed ahead and cooled, sliced
Jalapeño peppers to taste
Other in-season vegetables, especially eggplant and okra
1 16-oz block of super-firm tofu
Mix the marinade ingredients and place in a large measuring cup.
Place the vegetables (except the baked potatoes) in a shallow baking dish or gallon-sized plastic bag and add about half of the marinade. Allow the vegetables to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Cover the block of tofu with the remaining marinade, reserving a quarter cup to be used later. Place the marinating tofu in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then cut it into 8 slices.
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (high heat will burn the vegetables). Grill the tofu 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Grill the vegetables on one side for 3 to 4 minutes or until grill marks appear, then turn them over and reduce the heat to low.
Brush the vegetables with the reserved marinade and close the grill or cover the vegetables with a dome lid or foil tent. Continue grilling the vegetables until they are tender but not burned, basting them a couple more times with the remaining marinade.
Serve the grilled tofu and vegetables on a large platter with flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa and beans on the side.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway.
SashkaB/Shutterstock
Bon Appétit!
A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets
BALDWIN COUNTY
BB'S HEALTH FOODS
Personalized guidance through living right for your blood type. 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL BBsHealthFoods.com
COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET
Experience the bounty of Baldwin County. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com
CROOKED CARROT FARMS
Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com
FIA FARMS & CSA
Your local produce box subscription. Enjoy better food with less effort. 850-943-0033 • Contact@FiaFarms.com FiaFarms.CSAWare.com/store
MCKENZIE FARM
Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com
OHANA POKE
Featuring fresh, delicious Hawaiian-style, custom-made poke bowls. Eat in or carry out. 561 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 102, Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • OPFairhope.com
Coast Alabama/Mississippi
OX KITCHEN
Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • TheOxKitchen.com
Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center FairhopeHealthFoods.com
THE HAPPY OLIVE
Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com
MOBILE COUNTY
CHICKPEAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
Amazingly delicious home cooking options and more for the entire family! 850 Blackburn Dr., Mobile, AL 251-264-2461 Chickpeas-Mobile.com
GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE
Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards & Boxes, Stress-Free & Delivered to your door! 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-408-9551 • GrazeCraze.com
SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE
Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL FairhopeHealthFoods.com
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS
2026 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
BLUE DOG BISTRO
Where Brunch Happens on the Coast. 8829 Lorraine Rd., Ste. 100, Gulfport 1801 Government St., Ste. A, Ocean Springs 228-447-4023 • BlueDogBistro.com
BY THE FIG AND THE OLIVE
Breaking barriers by breaking bread
“A party without food is just a meeting!” 3670 Groveland Rd., Ste. C, Ocean Springs 228-697-5843 • FigAndTheOlive.com
TIKI FOOD LAB & SUIS GENERIS RESTAURANT
Exotic food experiences including fermentation processes, healthy living classes, farm tours and private parties.
5167 Florida Blvd., Pearlington, MS
3219 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 504-338-2986 • TikiFoodLab.com
Brooke Lark/unsplash
Elevating Everyday Meals With The Happy Olive
At The Happy Olive, flavor and function come together to support both culinary creativity and heart health. The Fairhope specialty shop features premium extra-virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, with curated pairings designed to elevate everyday meals.
June’s featured pairing highlights peach white balsamic vinegar and chipotle ol -
ive oil. The peach white balsamic delivers bright, fruity flavor with a crisp balance of sweetness and acidity, making it ideal for summer salads, grilled vegetables and marinades. Paired with the smoky heat of chipotle olive oil, the combination creates a bold yet balanced flavor profile perfect for seafood, chicken, roasted vegetables and Southwestern-inspired dishes. As an added bonus, the pairing of the month is always offered at 10 percent off.
To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com
Beyond flavor, olive oil remains a cornerstone of health-forward eating. Guidance from the American Heart Association emphasizes unsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil, as part of overall dietary patterns that support cardiovascular wellness while encouraging reduced intake of saturated fats and ultra-processed foods.
The Happy Olive also extends its offerings to downtown Mobile at The Urban Emporium.
Location: 314-B De La Mare Ave., Fairhope. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 251-929-0711 or visit HappyOlive4.com. See Healthy Eats listing, page 30.
For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/category/conscious-eating
Fresh Connections Through Grazing-Style Catering
After years devoted to family, caregiving and navigating profound personal loss, Jamie Kocher found an unexpected new beginning through food-focused entrepreneurship. The new owner of Graze Craze officially acquired the franchise in Mobile on January 1, bringing a passion for hospitality, community and connection to the growing catering business.
Originally from Louisiana, Kocher earned degrees from both Auburn University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before building a diverse career that included interior design, cosmetics sales and banking. Having lived throughout the Southeast, she says her experiences— and the relationships formed along the way—helped shape her people-centered business approach.
While researching franchise opportunities, Kocher discovered Graze Craze, known for its visually appealing charcuterie boards and grazing-style catering. Although a Mobile location already
existed, the opportunity unexpectedly came full circle when the former owner decided to sell.
Today, Kocher leads an all-women staff with a strong emphasis on teamwork, encouragement and community involvement. She credits both the franchise support system and the previous owner’s guidance for helping make the transition successful.
Graze Craze offers customizable catering for corporate events, private gatherings, celebrations and casual lunches, with options designed for groups large and small. Kocher’s vision is to become a go-to catering resource throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties while expanding involvement in local festivals, fundraisers and community events.
Looking ahead, she hopes to open additional Graze Craze locations in Baldwin County and Mississippi within the next two years.
Location: 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 251-408-9551 or visit GrazeCraze.com/locations/mobile-al. See Healthy Eats listing, page 30
Hope Triumphs in Troubled Times
by Eric Hankins, Ph.D.
Are these troubled times? While most people would reply, “Absolutely,” a better comeback might be, “Compared to when?”
The evidence is overwhelming that there has never been a financially wealthier, physically healthier or more geopolitically peaceful time in the history of the world, especially for those of us in the West. But while the times are not as troubled as we think, people most definitely are.
Indeed, troubled souls in circumstantial ease is the great problem of our time. Material prosperity was supposed to deliver us from our anxiety, but it seems to have had the opposite effect. Our crisis is unquestionably a spiritual one, not situational. It is a crisis of the heart, not of the pocketbook.
Meditation is undoubtedly one important practice to help us turn inward and explore the source of trouble “in here,” not “out there.” Psychotherapy sparks the right con-
versation about meaning as the core issue for human flourishing. The longing for real meaning, however, must have a source outside of ourselves.
We are unable to create meaning on our own for two reasons. First, there is too little of us and too much of everything else for us to extract an existential plotline. Second, meaning has to be shared in order to be experienced.
The idea that utopia is on the other side of people finding and living their own meaning does not unify us; it separates us. The good
news is that there is a source of ultimate meaning, although it comes from a very strange place: the cross of Christ.
The content of that meaning is strange too: the willing acceptance of one’s incomprehensible suffering as not only good but redemptive. Suffering is neither to be avoided nor sought; it is simply inevitable. What is not inevitable or constrained is one’s attitude toward it. The way of Jesus is a yes to suffering as an act of faith that such suffering is not meaningless (the great fear of our current culture) but so full of meaning that it cannot be defeated.
When one’s entire life becomes a meditation on this truth, light shines in the darkness; hope triumphs in the troubles.
Dr. Eric Hankins is lead pastor at First Baptist Church, Fairhope, located at 300 S. Section St., in Fairhope. For more information, call 251-928-8685 or visit FirstFairhope.org
Finding Meaning and Hope in Troubled Times
A Conversation With Jeffrey Rubin
by Sandra Yeyati
Jeffrey Rubin, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst and a pioneering expert in meditative psychotherapy, which integrates Western psychotherapeutic modalities with Eastern meditative traditions. In practice since 1978, he treats patients in New York City and North Salem, New York. Rubin is an international lecturer and keynote speaker, as well as a faculty member at The American Institute of Psychoanalysis, The Object Relations Institute and the C.G. Jung Institute of New York. An author of eight books and numerous articles, his latest works include Meditative Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis: Pathways to Healing and Transformation and Psychotherapy Case Studies: Escaping the Prison You Didn’t Know You Were In.
Courtesy of Jeffrey Rubin
What are the strengths and weaknesses of psychotherapy?
In most schools of Western psychotherapy, the emphasis is on identifying and addressing what is wrong with people. In my book The Good Life I explain that we need a double focus—not just looking at what challenges us, but also exploring our untapped potential.
Psychotherapy is a search for meaning and self-awareness, as well as an inquiry into relationships as a vehicle for self-transformation. These are its strengths. In therapy, relationships tend to be carefully described and understood, looking into the complexities and obstacles.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of meditation?
Even if you practice with 100 people, meditation offers less insight into relationships compared to psychotherapy. It doesn’t focus on meaning. A woman once told me in therapy, “I don’t want to travel to Tibet to learn about Buddhism,” then paused, “I said ‘don’t’—is that a Freudian slip? Maybe I’m going to Tibet only because my boyfriend wants to go.” A meditation teacher would dismiss her slip as a glitch, while a psychotherapist might see it as symptomatic. As an adult, you have to learn to distinguish between symptoms and glitches, and one of the dangers of meditation is that you often stay on the surface of things.
As for strengths, meditation teaches you to greet the present moment freshly with minimal biases, minimal expectations, maximal openness and the innocence of a child. Meditation also reduces self-criticism, and fosters self-compassion and acceptance.
What is meditative psychotherapy?
It is what I call the marriage of mindfulness and meaning. You need to be present and centered like a meditative discipline teaches, while also willing to investigate and inquire into things.
Analyzing your feelings is difficult if you’re emotionally reactive. Meditation allows you to explore emotions, delve deeper, form thoughts and notice details. I call this “expanding inner space.” Inner space is not a place, but a capacity that you develop to become centered, reflect and broaden your perspective. Once you cultivate this capacity, psychotherapeutic investigation becomes easier.
What symptoms are you seeing more often in therapy sessions?
Greater alienation, powerlessness and loneliness. People are overwhelmed, foggy-headed and frazzled. As we face relentless tough news cycles, economic uncertainty and social divisions, people act like pinballs in a machine, ricocheting off walls and lashing out with road rage and impatience towards loved ones.
I think we’re seeking cotton-candy self-care. People watch Law and Order reruns and isolate themselves because they’re overwhelmed, so anything becomes too much. They seek quick routes to peace, but it’s like empty carbs for the spirit. Tastes good, and the next second, you’re hungry for more.
The alternative is to sit with the uncomfortable feelings, which is a trainable ability. As we learn to sit with more discomfort, we become more patient and tolerant, allowing us to eliminate adversarial relationships and form closer connections with less friction and meanness.
How can we learn to handle difficult emotions?
I call it equanimity training. Equanimity means accepting whatever happens with a calm, matter-of-factness. I’m okay if there’s pleasure; I’m okay if there’s pain. In The Art of Flourishing, I wrote about our obsession with happiness. Although it’s nice that people are trying to cultivate positive emotions, eliminating discomfort reduces our tolerance for tough times.
To expand your tolerance for uncomfortable feelings, start by focusing on less emotionally triggering things in your meditation practice. For example, learn to master sitting with increasingly uncomfortable sounds. Begin with a pleasant sound—hear it, let it wash over you. If your mind wanders, gently return your attention to the sound without judgment. Once you can do that, move to a neutral sound. Hear it. Let it wash over you. After mastering that, progress to an irritating sound, and eventually move to more challenging ones like a crying baby or a police siren.
Apply this practice to all five senses to develop presence, concentration and equanimity. Whether you’re observing a beautiful flower or a war-torn village, the skill set remains the same. You’re not numbing yourself; you’re experiencing without clinging or attachment. Simply let it wash over you and remain open to the next moment, greeting the present with freshness. You can then apply this to your emotions. If you’re scared, sit open to the experience, let it touch you and let it wash over you. This is a concrete way of calming ourselves.
What
self-care measures do you recommend?
People have to live in two worlds simultaneously. They have to recognize what’s wrong and continue pursuing what they value. Keep chasing your passions, spending time in nature, connecting with life-spirited people and supporting older relatives. Stay active and eat healthy. Prioritize quality rest and strive for a meaningful life.
Sandra
Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/RubinWW or scan the QR code.
Developing Minds in a Digital World
Helping Boys Navigate What They Are Not Ready to See
by Christina Connors
The internet was not designed for children. And yet, for many boys today, it is where they are forming their earliest ideas about identity, relationships and what it means to be a man, often without a trusted adult anywhere nearby. According to the American College of Pediatricians, a 2022 survey of teens found that 54 percent had seen pornography by the time they were 13, and 15 percent had been exposed to it prior to age 11.
Unlike the previous generation, this is not simply curiosity at play. The content itself has changed dramatically, and boys are not just stumbling upon things. Young people are being pulled in by algorithms designed to keep them watching.
Effects on the Brain
Dr. Yasmine Saad, a psychologist and founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City, wants parents to understand that the real issue is not just what a boy sees, but also what happens inside him in response. “His nervous system is activated,” she explains. “The emotional centers of the brain light up quickly. But the part of the brain responsible for making sense of what he’s seeing, regulating impulses and contextualizing the experience is still developing. So what happens is not just exposure. It’s an unprocessed emotional imprint.” He may feel curiosity, excitement, confusion and shame simultaneously, without internal tools to decode any of it.
According to Tara Beall-Gomes, a psychotherapist, certified school counselor and founder of Grit and Grace Recovery, who specializes in treating sex addiction and betrayal trauma, “The adolescent brain is wired for reward, not regulation. What may begin as curiosity can evolve into compulsive patterns as the brain starts to associate arousal with artificial stimulation, rather than connection.” A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry underscores this, finding that the consequences of underage pornography exposure may parallel post-traumatic symptoms, affecting the developing sense of self and how boys understand bonding and connection.
Why Boys Are Especially Vulnerable
Saad points to something deeper than brain chemistry: “Boys,
especially during development, are navigating identity through action, performance and exploration. They are naturally drawn to novelty and experiences that help them answer, ‘Who am I?’ Digital environments capitalize on this. They amplify intensity, dominance and performance-based versions of masculinity, while stripping away emotional context entirely.”
Beall-Gomes adds a clinical dimension: “Pornography teaches connection—false, of course—without connection. Youth are learning about intimacy from a screen that removes emotion, consent and mutual respect. Whether the behavior is occasional or more compulsive, the relational impact can be significant and long-lasting.”
Responding Without Shame
Boys often encounter this content not at home, but on a friend’s phone, in a gaming chat or through a social media link. While parents cannot control every environment, they can control what happens next. Saad cautions, “If the response a child receives is panic, punishment or shame, he learns ‘this part of my experience is not safe to share.’ Instead, guide him toward understanding what happened together.” She suggests starting the discussion with comments like, “Sometimes we come across things we’re not ready for. What did you notice or feel when you saw it?”
Beall-Gomes says, “You do not need the perfect script. You just need to stay calm and stay curious. Let him know he is not in trouble. When kids feel safe, they talk.” Her suggested openers include, “Have you ever come across anything online that felt confusing or uncomfortable? What do you think healthy relationships are supposed to look like? What questions do you have about what you’ve seen or heard?”
Building Discernment
“What we want to build is inner clarity,” Saad asserts. “Discernment is the ability to ask, ‘What am I seeing? What is this making me feel? Does this align with who I am?’ This is a skill that develops through relationships. When children feel safe to share, they learn to trust their internal signals instead of suppressing them.”
Schools can create language and awareness. Mentors and father figures can model emotionally grounded masculinity. But Saad suggests, “Boys are not just learning from what they are told. They are learning from what they see embodied. The experience is not the problem. What remains unprocessed becomes the problem.”
For those already concerned about a child’s exposure or patterns, Beall-Gomes offers, “You have not missed your opportunity to help. With the right guidance, youth can build healthy relationships, restore emotional connection and develop a more grounded sense of self.”
Christina Connors is a burnout prevention specialist, keynote singer and author. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
A
Take Control of Your Health Today!
Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.
Acupuncture
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC Patri ck Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Offering 25 years of combined experience in successfully treating a variety of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, headaches and tinnitus. See ad, page 27
Beauty & Aesthetics
CŌR WELLNESS
1506 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 104, Foley, AL 251-424-1100 • BaldwinGYN.com
For over 30 years, Dr. Judy Corbett and staff at CŌR Wellness (formerly Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics), have served the Gulf Coast community to bring innovative, state-of-the-art technology and services to enhance wellness and beauty. Check us out online or visit our wellness studio. We look forward to personalizing your wellness journey. See ad, page 4
W E L L N E S S
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 32
TMAC’S
HAIR STUDIO
Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334
TMACsHairStudio.com
A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 33
Brain Therapy
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder
112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our unique approach is non-invasive and merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation, and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine, to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory or behavior issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients. See ad, page 5
Breast Screening
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com
FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 37
CBD Health & Wellness
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 29
Dementia Help
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 5
Depression Relief
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 5
You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.
—Robin Williams
Detox Spa
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL
251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 33
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 32
Farmers Market
MCKENZIE FARM
17558A S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-278-4669 • MckenzieFarmMarket.com
Locally grown, fresh from the farm. For more than 50 years our mission has been to provide the Fairhope community as well as our distributors with fresh produce direct from our family farm. See Healthy Eats listing, page 30
Food & Nutrition
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB's. See ad, page 19
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE
SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 29
PRESS & CO.
Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com
Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plantbased, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats listing, page 30. See ad, page 31
VIRGINIA’S
HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL
251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, back cover.
Functional Medicine
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success. See ad, page 23
HILLSTAR HEALTH
Tara Miller, Functional Medicine
Nurse Practitioner
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Tara Miller addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine— a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 27
ROOT CAUSE HEALTHCARE & FITNESS
Donna Alsop DHA, MBA, RN, Holistic Nurse Coach, Functional Medicine Practitioner 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL • 251-234-6777
RootCauseHealthcareAndFitness.com
Functional medicine clinic focused on uncovering and addressing root causes of chronic illness. Offering peptide therapy, personalized wellness plans, memberships and holistic treatments to help patients achieve long-term health and vitality. Our clinic provides individualized medical care, lifestyle coaching and nutritional support, guiding patients toward optimal wellness through science-backed therapies. See ad, page 25
Health Holiday
KEEP ALIVE TOURS
Samuele Pitzalis, Health Tour Operator Whatsapp: 0031-6-11334511
Info@KeepAliveTours.com
KeepAliveTours.com
Healthy aging success formulas, experienced in compact group tours on Sardinia, Italy, in co-creation with inspirational Alabama health motivators. For tour dates, visit KeepAliveTours.com.
Aprille Williams is a brand consultant for multiple wellness brands. Shop natural, organic foods, vitamins and supplements anytime, anywhere. Enjoy a wide variety of trusted brands— protein drinks, bars, meal replacements, electrolytes, super greens, even skin care—available 24/7 to support energy, balance and healthy living. To purchase: Linktr.ee/awaffiliates_106109.
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 19.
EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS
Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness
Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10+ years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education, and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skincare using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 35
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com Facebook.com/GoodLifeHealthCoach
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success. See ad, page 23
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 33.
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Infrared Sauna
HILLSTAR HEALTH
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346
HillstarHealthAL.com
Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 27
In-Vitro Imaging
PEAK A BABY IMAGING & BOUTIQUE
9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-201-8815
PeekABabyImaging.com/OurStudio.html
Family-owned prenatal imaging studio offering advanced 3D, 4D, HD Live and 8K imaging, gender reveal experiences and SneakPeek Clinical Gender DNA testing in a supportive environment where families can bond and create lasting memories. In addition, a curated selection of baby and children’s clothing and gifts create a joyful and meaningful experience for expectant families
Lymphatic Drainage
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com
Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 37
moting optimal circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid through frequencies that align with the body’s natural rhythms, it helps to decongest and detoxify, restoring balance. See ad, page
Massage Therapy
JUBILEE HEALING ARTS
Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com
HOLDING SPACE HEALING ARTS
Joni Pope, LMT #6676
Nature School
THE FAIRHOPE ORGANIC SCHOOL
8 Marietta Dr., Fairhope, AL 251-928-9347
David Pope, LMT #3956 1203 HWY 98, Ste. 2-E, Daphne, AL 251-487-6546
Instagram @holdingspacehealingarts
A sanctuary for nervous system regulation and deep embodiment, guiding you from survival into a “felt” sense of safety. Joni offers Thai yoga massage, Reiki and energy work, meditation and breathwork. David offers corrective exercises, performance enhancement and behavioral change. See ad, page 17
Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.
Since 1907, the Fairhope Organic School has nurtured children through holistic, child-led discovery, artistic expression and nature immersion. Our campus offers foundational early learning, youth enrichment classes, summer camp, and after-school programs in a nature-rich environment where curiosity thrives and a lifelong joy for learning takes root.
Instagram @becoming.whole.pelvicfloorpt Pelvic floor specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Laura Shaw brings data-driven and compassionate care directly to you, serving women across every stage of life. From pregnancy and postpartum recovery to chronic pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, painful intimacy and more, she addresses the whole person - body, mind and life circumstances—with nuanced, individualized treatment in your own home.
Personal Growth
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, MA Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912
HypnoByMaryBeth.com
MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Physical Therapy
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY & COMPLEX SPINE THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling, high intensity light therapy, shockwave, PEMF and joint alignment. See ad, page 27
Plant-Based Food
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 29
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, back cover.
Quantum Therapy
QUANTUM ENERGY WELLNESS BED
Thermography Advantage
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
Raise your voltage with the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed. Featuring full body grounding, personalized frequency therapy, infrared radiant energy, Quantum Light Energy Antenna Technology and magnetic polarization. Improve cellular function and blood flow, stimulate ATP production, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation and more. See ad, page 37
Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.
—Van Morrison
Regenerative Medicine
THE SCARLETT PHOENIX
Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG
52 S. Section St., Ste A Fairhope, AL · 210-483-6255
Instagram @thescarlettphoenixmd
Women deserve to feel empowered at every stage of life. OB/GYN and genitoplastic surgeon, Dr. Runnels offers comprehensive, concierge-level regenerative and aesthetic gynecologic care, combining advanced therapies and decades of expertise to restore sexual function, alleviate suffering, and help women achieve optimal health, vitality and quality of life.
See ad, page 20
Sexual Health
THE SCARLETT PHOENIX
Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG
52 S. Section St., Ste A Fairhope, AL · 210-483-6255
Instagram @thescarlettphoenixmd
Women deserve to feel empowered at every stage of life. OB/GYN and genitoplastic surgeon, Dr. Runnels offers comprehensive, concierge-level regenerative and aesthetic gynecologic care, combining advanced therapies and decades of expertise to restore sexual function, alleviate suffering, and help women achieve optimal health, vitality and quality of life.
See ad, page 20
Vitamins and Supplements
EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS
Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness
Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10+ years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education, and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skincare using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 35
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 29
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, back cover.
Weight Loss
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 32
Wellness Studio
INTEGRITY WELLNESS AND DEFENSE (BELLA SUNDRIES WELLNESS STUDIO)
3602 Old Shell Rd., Ste. A, Mobile, AL 251-631-0427
BellaSundriesWellness.com
Embark upon your healing journey. Offering a wide spectrum of services for mental, physical and spiritual well-being all together in one place. Decades of dedicated practice and experience. See ad, page 17
Mark Your Calendar
ChickPeas
Mediterranean Grill VEGAN BUFFET
First Saturday every month
June 6, 2026 • 6-9pm July cancelled
August 8, 2026 • 6-9pm
Join us daily for Ms. Ramona’s fine Mediterranean home cooking, and once a month for the Vegan Buffet. A variety of fresh vegetables, perfectly seasoned and lovingly prepared.
850 Blackburn Dr. Mobile, AL 251-264-2461 • Follow on Facebook
Mark Your Calendar KEEP ALIVE TOURS WELCOMES ALABAMA TO Sardinia, Italy
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Rejuvenate mind, body and soul on a 6-day journey of transformation and self-empowerment, along the 8 Limbs of Yoga, in the beauty of Sardinia. Imagine what life is like when you are liberated from worries, struggles and pain points.
Keep Alive Tours is a Dutch Tour Operator with ties to Alabama WhatsApp: 0031-6-11334511 • Info@ KeepAliveTours.com • KeepAliveTours.com
Tiki Food Lab & Learning Center
Executive Chef Ernie Foundas fosters a daring “food lab” focused on umami research, zero-waste cooking and teaching probiotic-rich fermentation techniques.
Food Experiences & Classes: 6/13 Miso Making - See how miso is made & how it can make food tasty & nutritious + 8 course dinner $125
6/20 Fermented Beverages - Learn about fermented beverages to make at home, including tepache, wine, vinegar & more + 6 course dinner $100
7/11 Buggy Business - Zack Lemann joins chef Ernie for an evening of entomophagy. Learn about the history and future of eating bugs and why they are an important sustainable protein + 6 course dinner $100
7/25 More than Kimchee - Kimchee making class & preserved fruits. Two techniques that allow you to preserve and utilize food scraps in cooking + 6 course menu $100
5167 Florida Blvd. Pearlington, MS Book and see the full schedule at TikiFoodLab.com or Instagram @sgtikifarm Mark Your Calendar
