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Seeing Earth From a New Perspective

Foundational Benefits of Childhood Music

Igniting the Body, Mind and Soul of a Youngster

Beyond Snoring The Overlooked Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Life After a Cancer Diagnosis

Every Healing Journey is Unique

How Healing Works GULF COAST AL/MS EDITION

OCTOBER 2026

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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2026/2027 EDITORIAL CALENDAR November Rooted in Gratitude December Living Generously

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News Briefs

Feature Story

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Health Briefs

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Publisher ’s Letter

How Healing Works

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I’m writing this with a busted nose, which feels like a fairly onthe-nose way (pun very much intended) to start an issue about how healing works. 2025 Natural Living Directory

We talk about healing as though it is a single moment. A diagnosis resolved, a wound closed, a problem fixed. But more often, healing is a process, one that unfolds in its own time, at its own pace, in ways that do not always look like progress while they are happening. Jyn Sage, Publisher

This issue looks at how healing works, and what it takes to actually get there.

We travel to the Hancock County Marsh, where a living shoreline is teaching us something about resilience, much like this month’s Green Living feature on rewilding our own backyards, one native plant at a time. We also sit down with space philosopher Frank White, whose conversations with astronauts return again and again to the same realization: Seen from far enough away, there are no borders, only one connected, living planet. Jen Killgo, of Jubilee Healing Arts, shares how Signature Intuitive Medical Massage responds to the body in real time. Donna Alsop, FNP, FMP, of Root Cause Healthcare & Fitness, considers what happens when the bloodwork looks clean, but something still is not right—a question echoed in our Healing Ways section, which examines the hidden causes behind sleep apnea. Magdalena Sage, DMA, offers guidance for singers, teachers and everyday speakers on caring for one of our most overlooked instruments: the voice—a fitting companion to our Healthy Kids feature, which looks at how music shapes a growing mind. Carolyn Olson, of Thermography Advantage, brings a gentler, noninvasive option for tracking women’s health over time, paying attention to what changes and what doesn’t. Our feature on life after cancer picks up that same attentiveness, looking at survivors rebuilding trust with bodies that already fought hard.

GULF COAST AL/MS EDITION

APRIL 2025

Find additional articles online at NAGulfCoast.com. Explore local businesses and events, recipes and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

Read them online at NAGulfCoast.com

Fairhope Health Foods marks 51 years of serving this community, a milestone that, in its own way, tells us something about healing too: Like building a legacy, healing takes time. And Earth’s Creations & Wellness and Sunflower Café both remind us that what we put into our bodies can be its own quiet form of care. Healing is rarely loud. It asks for attention, patience and the willingness to meet things as they are, not as we wish they were.

Finding Answers in the Darkness

Before I let you go, one more thing. I’m in the very early stages of planning something new for our community: an expo bringing local practitioners, businesses and residents together in one place. There’s no venue yet, no date, nothing set in stone. But some things need people involved from the start, not once every detail is decided. If you’d like to contribute, participate as a vendor or simply show up as a guest, I’d love to hear from you now while it’s still taking shape. However healing finds you this month, whether it’s something as small as nursing a busted nose or something considerably bigger, I hope these pages offer something useful along the way. ~ Jyn Sage

How Dogs and Cats Bounce Back

October 2026

Mind Performance

Contents 7 Tracking Change Without Radiation 10 Green Halloween

18 A Bushel of Goodness 22 Life After Cancer 26 Power of Music for Growing Minds 28 Decoding Sleep Apnea

30 Creating a Wildlife Habitat at Home 32 Homeopathy vs. Herbal Medicine 33 Straightening Up

34 What We Can Learn From Astronauts

Departments 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 16 18 4

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Professional Pulse Gulf Coast Green Living Local Spotlight Local Briefs Event Spotlight Health Briefs Eco Tip Global Briefs Masters of Bodywork Healthy Eats Conscious Eating

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22 Feature Story 26 Healthy Kids 28 Healing Ways 30 Green Living 32 Homeopathy 33 Fit Body 34 Wise Words 36 Community Resource Guide 38 Classifieds

Discover NATURAL BEAUTY rooted in nature. Professional Pulse 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.

The Voice Is an Instrument

Vocal Care for Singers, Teachers and Everyday Speakers

he vocal folds are delicate, rapidly vibrating tissues, and when they’re pushed too hard for too long, the effects can range from mild fatigue to lasting injury. According to Magdalena Sage, DMA, who teaches performing arts, including choir, band and theater, at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science and specializes in voice and vocal coaching, vocal strain is rarely caused by one factor alone. High vocal intensity, pressed phonation, in which the vocal folds are brought together with excessive force, and shouting all increase the impact stress on the vocal folds each time they meet, Sage explains. Long stretches of talking, teaching, singing or performing without breaks give the tissue little chance to recover, and poor breath support can compound the problem. Dehydration, respiratory infections, allergies, smoke and dry air can all contribute to swelling, and so can gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux in susceptible individuals. Age-related tissue changes, hormonal shifts, certain medications, and neurological or systemic conditions can affect how the folds move and recover as well. Sage compares vocal-fold healing to recovering from a minor soft-tissue injury elsewhere in the body. “The body repairs the tissue naturally, through inflammation, rebuilding damaged cells and gradually reorganizing the tissue,” she says. Hydration keeps the vocal folds working smoothly, and rest with reduced vocal load gives irritated tissue time to recover, though Sage notes that the need for complete silence varies depending on the situation. Correct breath-

work can ease unnecessary throat tension, good posture can reduce strain on the neck and throat, and adequate sleep and nutrition supply the energy tissue needs to repair itself. These habits create favorable conditions for healing, she adds, but they can’t repair structural injuries such as a hemorrhage, polyp, cyst or significant scarring. One common misconception, according to Sage, is that whispering is always gentler on a strained voice. In practice, whispering for extended periods can increase tension and vocal effort rather than relieve it. “My philosophy is to listen to the voice rather than fight against it,” Sage says. “When someone is experiencing vocal fatigue or loss, I see that as the body communicating that something needs attention. The goal isn’t to force the voice back, but to create the conditions for it to recover and then gradually build a healthier, more sustainable way of using it.” For everyday vocal care, Sage recommends staying consistently hydrated, avoiding the urge to push through fatigue or speak over background noise, and building in regular quiet periods throughout the day. Paying attention to tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders can help, and so can taking a few slow, relaxed breaths before speaking or singing. Consistent sleep,

balanced nutrition, stress management and efficient breathing technique further reduce unnecessary strain, she says, while limiting smoking and excessive alcohol supports long-term vocal health. “If you’re experiencing hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, recurrent loss of your singing range, pain with speaking, increasing effort to produce your voice or repeated throat clearing, it’s worth having an ear, nose and throat doctor or laryngologist evaluate you rather than treating it solely with home remedies,” Sage advises. She views vocal health as a long-term investment. “We only have one voice for a lifetime, so it’s important to protect and care for it,” she reflects. “Our voice is a precious gift, one that cannot be replaced.” Magdalena Sage, DMA, provides vocal coaching, voice hygiene education and performance consultation in Mobile. For more information, email MaggiSage7@gmail.com. October 2026

Gulf Coast Green Living

Lessons From the Marsh

What Coastal Restoration Teaches Us About Healing by Jyn Sage

long the western edge of the Mississippi Sound, where Hancock County meets open water, the marsh has spent decades losing ground. Storm surges, boat wakes and steady erosion have gradually eaten away at vital coastal habitat. For a long time, the standard response was engineering brute force: build a concrete seawall. But rigid seawalls eventually fail. When a heavy wave hits a hard barrier, that energy bounces straight down, scouring away the seafloor until the wall undercuts and collapses. That is why project managers at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and regional partners took a different approach along the Hancock County Marsh. Instead of a hard wall, they built a living shoreline. Stretching nearly 6 miles near St.

Joseph’s Point, the project uses low-profile breakwaters made of stone and recycled oyster shells, paired with planted native marsh grass (Spartina alterniflora). The system works by managing energy rather than resisting it. When a wave rolls in from the sound, the breakwaters disrupt its force and slow its momentum. As the water settles, sediment drops to the bottom. Native marsh grasses then push their roots into that fresh mud, locking it into place while oysters filter the surrounding water. Instead of cracking under pressure, the shoreline absorbs the blow and rebuilds. Similar projects operate across our regional water system, from Bayou La Batre’s Lightning Point, in Mobile County, to restoration sites across Harrison and Jackson counties.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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They demonstrate that coastal restoration relies on creating the conditions for a system to heal itself. This dynamic offers a quiet lesson for personal health. Resilience is often misconstrued as rigidity—building thicker walls or attempting to absorb life’s storms through sheer willpower. But rigidity usually ensures that when a force is strong enough, we break. Functional resilience operates like a living shoreline. It relies on establishing breakwaters—healthy boundaries, supportive community connections and quiet routines— that soften life’s rougher waves before they reach our core, giving us the structure and space to rebuild. For more information, visit mdeq.ms.gov or masgc.org.

Local Spotlight

Tracking Change Without Radiation B

Olson, a certified thermographer and certified lymphatic specialist, opened Thermography Advantage in Mobile in 2009 after discovering the technology during a nursing continuing-education seminar. What began as a professional discovery grew into a career built around offering Gulf Coast residents a gentler alternative for tracking their health over time.

ask questions and understand what the results mean in the context of their own health. “It’s about prevention, awareness and giving women confidence in their wellness journey,” adds Olson.

cottonbro studio

reast cancer continues to affect women at high rates, and many are looking for gentle, noninvasive ways to stay attentive to their health. For more than 15 years, Carolyn Olson has offered women along the Gulf Coast exactly that through Thermography Advantage, building her practice around advocating for noninvasive options when it comes to women’s health.

After a brief absence, Thermography Advantage is back in Mobile at a new location: 1010 Schillinger Road South, Suite A. The return brings the practice back within reach of the Mobile community it has served for years. With its established Foley location at 314 East Laurel Avenue, Unit 4, Thermography Advantage once again has a home on both sides of Mobile Bay. For more information, call or text 251-623-2225, email ThermographyAdvantage@hotmail.com or visit ThermographyAdvantage.com. See ad below.

Thermography Advantage

Thermography, formally known as digital infrared thermal imaging, uses an infrared camera to capture patterns of heat and blood flow in the body. It involves no radiation, no compression and no physical contact. “Thermography puts screening decisions back in women’s hands; you can order your own scan without a referral,” Olson says. “It tracks inflammation in the body, which can be an early warning sign before disease develops.” At Thermography Advantage, scans can address physiology related to breast health, inflammation, vascular issues, autoimmune conditions, the lymphatic system and myofascial issues. Appointments typically run 30 to 45 minutes, and scan options include breast, upper body with breast, breast plus a specific region of interest and full-body imaging. Men can benefit from thermography as well. The practice uses an FDA-registered infrared camera, and every scan is interpreted by a thermography-certified medical doctor. Clients receive their report by email, along with the option of a phone consultation with Olson to go over the findings, a chance to October 2026

Local Briefs

Event Spotlight

Elderberry Syrup, Reimagined

Earth’s Creations & Wellness, in Grand Bay, is featuring its Organic Elderberry Syrup this month, a recipe developed with families and year-round wellness in mind.

Owner Alex Scott built the formula around organic stinging nettle leaf, traditionally used to support the body during seasonal allergy challenges, and organic mullein leaf, valued historically for respiratory and lung support. Rather than refined sugar or honey, the syrup is sweetened with blue agave, which has a lower glycemic index than table sugar and produces a slower rise in blood glucose. Each serving contains about 2,300 milligrams of elderberry. “My goal is to bring clean, quality products to families and make them available to everyone,” Scott says. “Knowing every ingredient I give my own family is extremely important to me, and I want our customers to have that same transparency,” she adds, noting that all ingredients are clearly listed on the company’s labels. Earth’s Creations & Wellness products are available online and at select retailers throughout the Gulf Coast. For more information, email EarthsCreations.7@gmail.com or visit EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com. See ad, page 9.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms Plenty of people walk into Root Cause Healthcare & Fitness, in Daphne, feeling like something is off, even though routine testing hasn’t fully explained why. That gap between test results and how someone actually feels is exactly where functional medicine starts looking.

A clear bloodwork panel doesn’t always mean nothing is happening beneath the surface; it can simply mean there’s more of the picture left to see. Even people with similar symptoms can need different care, since the hormones, gut health, stress levels and sleep patterns shaping how they feel don’t always look the same from person to person. That’s why care often calls for looking at several factors together, rather than chasing one number in isolation. Donna Alsop, FNP, FMP, evaluates each patient through a detailed health history and individualized lab assessment, with care that may include targeted supplementation, nutrition and lifestyle changes, thyroid optimization or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available. “Symptoms are often signals that deserve a deeper look,” Alsop says. “My approach is to ask why those symptoms may be occurring and work with each patient to develop an individualized plan that supports better health over the long term.” Location: 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne. For more information, call 251-234-6777, email RootCauseHealthCareFitness@Outlook.com or visit RootCauseHealthcareFitness.com. See ad, page 23. 8

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

NAGulfCoast.com

51 Years of Healing

This month, Fairhope Health Foods has something to celebrate. They have built a legacy over the past 51 years, and a legacy, like healing, takes time. Rather than one big anniversary event, the celebration will unfold across the entire month, with expanded discounts and free in-store samples open to the public. In five decades, the shelves have changed as much as the science behind them, but the store’s approach to serving the community hasn’t. Owner Lynnora Ash ties that continuity to this month’s October theme: How Healing Works. “It’s about more than products or a single approach to wellness; it’s about the ongoing relationship between people, their health and their community,” she explains. “This milestone represents not only how far Fairhope Health Foods has come, but the trust our community has placed in us along the way.” That loyalty shows up in the customers themselves, Ash says. “One of the greatest honors is seeing generations of families walk through our doors: parents, children and even grandchildren. To us, our customers are more than customers; they are part of our health food store family.” Fairhope Health Foods is located at 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, in Fairhope. For more information, call 251-9280644 or visit FairhopeHealthFoods.com. See ad, page 21.

New Hope for Hereditary Baldness

GLP-1 Patients Need Dietary Guidance

Alex Malt/shutterstock

J.P. Morgan Global Research estimates that 10 million Americans were being treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) weight-loss drugs in 2025 and forecasts that the number of patients will increase to 25 million by 2030. These drugs suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, resulting in a reduced calorie intake of 16 to 39 percent. However, research suggests that up to 40 percent of weight loss may come from lean body mass, including muscle. A systematic review of 12 studies in Obesity Reviews points out the lack of dietary advice and support for GLP-1 patients. As they eat less, these patients may not get enough protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, potentially leading to muscle loss, fatigue, impaired immune response, hair loss and osteoporosis. Muscle loss increases the risk of injuries and falls.

The review’s authors advise GLP-1 patients to consult a dietitian at the start of treatment and focus on nutrient-dense, high-quality foods to maintain lean muscle mass while avoiding saturated and other fats. They also suggest that small, frequent meals may alleviate side effects like nausea. The authors emphasize the need for further research to determine the necessary information and support for patients, as well as how the drugs affect eating habits, appetite, well-being and quality of life, to establish dietary care best practices alongside weight-loss drugs.

Deadly Mold Threatens High-Risk Patients

For 20 days, groups of mice were treated with a biodegradable, non-toxic deoxyribose hydrogel; minoxidil; or a combination of both. Minoxidil, sold as Rogaine, is an approved topical hair loss treatment. After the treatment period, researchers measured hair regrowth, length and diameter, comparing results to untreated mice. The treatment groups achieved 80 to 90 percent hair regrowth, suggesting that deoxyribose might be as effective as minoxidil in enhancing the blood flow to hair follicles. Mice treated with the combination showed similar results to those receiving only one form of treatment. Additional research is needed to understand how deoxyribose works before testing it on humans.

Earth’s Creations & Wellness

New Africa/shutterstock

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invasive mold diseases (IMDs) are rare infections caused by mold spores inhaled or entering the body through cuts or contaminated medical equipment. While harmless to most, the spores pose a risk to the elderly, cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems. Doctors are not required to report IMD cases to the government.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology reveals that a basic sugar could be the next treatment for hereditary-pattern baldness, which affects up to 40 percent of men and women. Deoxyribose, a natural component of DNA, was found to accelerate fur regrowth in mice while researchers were studying its effects on wound healing. Intrigued by this finding, the researchers tested deoxyribose on male mice experiencing testosterone-driven hair loss.

Patsachol S/shutterstock

Health Briefs

The CDC recently published findings from a surveillance study on IMD cases in Atlanta-area hospitals over a five-year period. Researchers identified roughly 450 cases, with a third of the patients dying in the hospital. These results are crucial for informing hospital administrators about IMD prevalence and urging doctors treating high-risk patients to pay special attention to this potentially life-threatening condition. October 2026

Eco Tip

Green Halloween

es, twigs, dried flowers, pinecones, acorns, moss and fallen leaves. These often compost naturally at season’s end. Seasonal flowers add color and vibrance.

by Natural Awakenings staff

alloween can generate a surprising amount of waste, from candy wrappers and disposable decorations to single-use costumes and plastic treat buckets. Fortunately, a few thoughtful choices can greatly reduce environmental impacts while preserving the fun and tradition. These small changes can collectively foster healthier communities. Opt for sustainable Halloween costumes. Avoid throwaway plastic outfits. Instead, create do-it-yourself costumes by swapping with friends, shopping the closet or visiting secondhand stores. Even household items can inspire super-creative looks. Rethink the trick-or-treat container. Skip buying new plastic pumpkins each year.

Choose decorated canvas tote bags, reusable fabric buckets, small wicker baskets, repurposed pillowcases or other upcycled containers. Make smarter treat choices. Select treats with minimal packaging to reduce litter, such as bulk candy for parties and non-food gifts like Halloween erasers, temporary tattoos, pencils, bookmarks or seed packets. Prioritize candies in compostable cardboard boxes or recyclable foil; fair-trade chocolate bars wrapped in paper; or locally made treats to avoid long-distance shipping. Decorate with natural materials. Use natural, biodegradable decorations to minimize waste. Great options include real pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales, branch-

Create home decor with upcycled or reusable materials. This can become a cherished family tradition. Use reclaimed glass jars and bottles, old cardboard boxes, tin cans, recycled paper, fabric scraps, paint, shells, dried beans, paper bags or bedsheets to craft themed lanterns, garlands and spooky characters. Avoid hazardous decorations. Some outdoor decor unintentionally harms wildlife. Artificial spider webbing is particularly dangerous, trapping birds and small mammals. It is especially unsafe when strung from trees in bird flight paths or where animals forage. Animals might even ingest the material inadvertently. Avoid glitter-covered decorations that shed microplastics, polluting the soil and waterways. Single-use plastic decor and disposable inflatables made from non-renewable fossil fuels are also problematic because they break into persistent microplastics that contaminate ecosystems.

Rawpixel.com/shutterstock

Dispose of pumpkins naturally. At the end of the holiday, instead of throwing pumpkins into the trash, leave them outside for wildlife; donate them to local farms, zoos and animal shelters; or compost them.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Practice good habits with outdoor Halloween lights. Use LED lights, which are safer, last longer and consume 80 to 90 percent less power than incandescent lights. LEDs are also safer than candles. Unplug cords when not in use. Turn off outdoor lights late at night to save energy, prevent fire risk and extend the lifespan of the bulbs. Save seasonal decor for next year. Keep reusable items for the following Halloween, including decorative baskets, ceramic pumpkins and fall-themed signs. This saves money and reduces waste.

Global Briefs

Avocado flowers possess both male and female reproductive parts, opening and closing in distinct male and female phases. To boost pollination success, many farmers cultivate different varietals like Hass and Bacon together because their male-female cycles are on opposite schedules. Until now, farmers could only determine the avocado variety once the plant matured and began flowering, which could take up to 15 years.

In a 2025 study in Frontiers in Marine Science, researchers announced the discovery of Physalia mikazuki, a new species of Portuguese man-of-war off Japan’s coast. These carnivorous creatures rely on winds and currents to drift across the water, using their tentacles to trap, paralyze and kill small marine prey. Their sting can be fatal to humans. Until now, man-of-war were observed in the subtropical waters off Okinawa and the warm temperate waters of Sagami Bay. However, the new species was found on Gamo Beach, in northeast Japan. Scientists believe that rising water temperatures have created an expanded habitable zone, posing safety risks for bathers and ecological concerns for fishermen.

VicaTs/shutterstock

In a research article published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, scientists reportedly sequenced the DNA of different avocado varieties and identified the gene that controls the sex-switching and flowering rhythm. This genetic marker allows breeders to identify a seedling’s flower type immediately instead of waiting for the plants to mature and flower, dramatically improving their ability to develop new avocado varietals.

Man-of-War Threatens Beaches

briannadignard/shutterstock

Avocado’s Secret Gene

New Frontier in Sustainable Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries dominate modern society due to their high energy density, light weight and rechargeability, powering smartphones, electric vehicles and large energy storage systems. However, they come at a high cost because of their rare-earth mineral components and the environmental damages associated with mining them.

An additional bonus to leaving natural water inside sodium vanadium oxide is that the battery continues to function effectively within saltwater environments and is able to desalinate the seawater. Future systems might be able to provide cost-effective, dual-function units that provide sustainable energy storage and clean drinking water.

To offer a sustainable and ethical alternative, scientists are developing sodium-ion batteries, which are less expensive and use abundant sodium instead of scarce lithium. Although they function similarly, with charged sodium particles moving between two electrodes, they store less energy and degrade faster than lithium-ion models. wasanajai/shutterstock

Researchers at the University of Surrey, in England, discovered that sodium vanadium oxide performs significantly better when its naturally occurring water is left inside the battery instead of being removed during manufacturing. This simple modification nearly doubled the battery’s charge capacity, quickened charging and maintained stability over 400 charge-discharge cycles. October 2026

MASTERS OF YOGA & BODYWORK

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e Healing Arts

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Targeted Manual Therapy

holding space

How Signature Intuitive Medical Massage Supports Natural Healing

herapeutic massage is often delivered through standardized routines or rigid intake forms. Signature Intuitive Medical Massage combines technical anatomical training with real-time body reading and proprioception to evaluate client needs during each session. Instead of focusing on a preassigned concern, this method— created by Jubilee Healing Arts owner Jen Killgo—uses clinical assessments to determine which specific techniques and manual tools will be most effective in the moment. Physical alignment, tissue tension and movement restrictions offer feedback that guides care. “Rather than treating someone based on a predetermined routine, I treat a person as they walk through my door,” says Killgo. “My assessments determine which tools and techniques will be most beneficial.”

Rooted in Gratitude Coming in November

Identifying structural tension patterns in one’s own body allows a practitioner to conceptualize manual solutions that restore balanced function. “When someone has a complaint, I key into the pain in my own body to determine what would make it feel better,” Killgo explains. “Firsthand structural understanding ensures a responsive approach to care.” By prioritizing real-time assessments, individualized manual therapy can offer targeted support for structural balance, mobility and overall quality of life. Jubilee Healing Arts is located at 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, in Daphne. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 251-616-4201, email Jen@JubileeHealingArts.com or visit JubileeHealingArts.com. See ad, page 12.

October 2026

MASTERS OF YOGA & BODYWORK

BALDWIN COUNTY ALABAMA SHORES CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Zack Byrne, offering chiropractic care, rehab, massage therapy and spinal decompression. 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL 251-269-6219 • AlShoresChiro.com FASCIA HEALTH AND WELLNESS Christy Tadlock, LMT and fascia specialist, treating pain and mobility through fascia therapy and one-on-one coaching. 368 Commercial Park Dr, Fairhope, AL 833-393-2798 • @FasciaHealth

HOLDING SPACE HEALING ARTS Joni Pope, LMT, and David Pope, LMT, offering Thai yoga massage, reiki, energy work, breathwork and corrective exercise. 1203 Hwy 98, Ste 2-E, Daphne, AL 251-487-6546 • @HoldingSpaceHealingArts HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY Cleansing far infrared sauna sessions with a hydrating collagen shower, ionic foot detox and Himalayan salt therapy. Ask about packages. 217-B Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 • PeakAlkalinity.com JUBILEE HEALING ARTS Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263, offering intuitive massage for lasting healing without the “no pain, no gain” mentality. 28170 N Main St, Ste C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com

MOBILE COUNTY INTEGRITY WELLNESS AND DEFENSE (BELLA SUNDRIES WELLNESS STUDIO) Offering a wide spectrum of mental, physical and spiritual wellness services, all in one place, with decades of experience. 3602 Old Shell Rd, Ste A, Mobile, AL 251-631-0427 • BellaSundriesWellness.com

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST ADVERTISE your business here.

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Peak Alkalinity

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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October 2026

Healthy Eats Guide

Bon Appétit! Brooke Lark/unsplash

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 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com See ad, page 27. 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 and Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com

OHANA POKE Featuring fresh, delicious Hawaiian-style, custom-made poke bowls. Eat in or carry out. 561 Fairhope Ave, Ste 102, Fairhope, AL 251-725-9385 • OPFairhope.com OX KITCHEN Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily. Approachable, not intimidating. 365 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • TheOxKitchen.com PRESS & CO. Eastern Shores newest organic café. Breakfast. Lunch. Juice. Smoothies. Coffee. 711 Belrose Ave, Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com See ad, page 17.

FIA FARMS & CSA Your local produce box subscription. Enjoy better food with less effort. 850-943-0033 • Contact@FiaFarms.com FiaFarms.CSAWare.com/store

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. Next door to Fairhope Health Foods. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL 251-929-0055 • FairhopeHealthFoods.com See ad, page 21.

MCKENZIE FARM MARKET Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558A S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com

THE HAPPY OLIVE Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave, Fairhope, AL 251-929-0711 • HappyOlive4.com

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MOBILE COUNTY GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards and Boxes, Stress-Free and 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. Located inside Virginia’s Health Foods. 3055A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • VAHealthFoods@yahoo.com See ad, page 19.

Do you offer whole foods, locally sourced, vegan, gluten-free or all-natural ingredients? Be a part of our Mobile/ Baldwin County or Mississippi HEALTHY EATS GUIDE Call/text 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com

Your October guide to local healthy food on the Gulf Coast

Nourishment With Heart

t Sunflower Café, inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile, functional nutrition starts with sourcing. The cafe partners with an organic and health-focused distributor that supplies more than 30,000 health food retailers nationwide, along with local farmers for its greens and microgreens. Every ingredient is organic or non-GMO, an approach the cafe has built its menu around. That menu includes a rotating daily special alongside longtime favorites like the Turkey Avocado Melt, still the top seller, and a purple sweet potato soup known for its deep color and savory-sweet flavor—perfect for fall. The tempeh bacon BLT and tofu salad are also popular choices this season, offering plant-based alternatives to traditional egg and chicken salad. The cafe also accommodates a wide range of dietary needs. Protein options include seafood, tofu, tempeh and Tofurky, alongside gluten-free wraps and breads, vegan cheese, and gluten- and dairy-free dressings and sauces. Seasonal produce shapes the menu as well; fall offerings include butternut squash soup and roasted root

vegetables, while pumpkin soup appears when ingredients allow. For cafe manager Mateo Pereda, the goal goes beyond the menu. “It might sound a little cheesy, but making food with love makes sense to me here because this is food I actually care about,” he says. “It’s

To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com.

food I can feel good about eating every day. It’s stress- and regret-free because it still tastes good.” Virginia’s Health Foods & Sunflower Café is located at 3055 Dauphin St., in Mobile. For more information, call 251-479-3952 or email VAHealthFoods@yahoo.com. See ad, page 19.

For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/category/conscious-eating.

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Conscious Eating

A Bushel of Goodness Enchanting Ways to Enjoy Apples by Marlaina Donato

ened turnover, this timeless fruit is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Everyday Superfood

Apples are more than just a fall favorite—they are a powerhouse of health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, apples are packed with inflammation-fighting antioxidants that help protect against lung, colorectal and certain breast cancers. Their fiber aids digestion, supports a healthy

Apples are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that promotes heart health. Eating just two apples a day may even help reduce high cholesterol. “One medium apple contains four to five grams of fiber, much of which is found in the skin,” says Ronald Weiss, a dual board-certified physician, botanist, farmer and founder of Ethos Farm Project, in Long Valley, New Jersey. “The soluble fiber, called pectin, acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. Pectin produces short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the colon, reduce inflammation and support a healthy digestive tract.” Weiss notes that every apple is a healthy choice, but different varieties offer slightly different nutritional profiles because of their unique polyphenol content. Deeply colored apples often contain higher levels of antioxidants like anthocyanins, while tart varieties such as Granny Smith are slightly lower in natural sugars and high in beneficial poly-

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othing beats the first crisp bite of a blushing Macintosh or the cozy aroma of an apple cobbler bubbling in the oven on a cool October day. Autumn is the perfect season to celebrate the nearly 100 apple varieties grown in the United States. From tossing matchstick-thin slices of Pink Lady into a fresh salad and shredding a Golden Delicious for a tangy slaw to blending a Granny Smith into a bright dressing or savoring a warm, lightly sweet-

weight and studies show that eating apples regularly may lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

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phenols. For the greatest health boost, enjoy apples with the skin on, where much of the fiber and antioxidants live.

with onions and herbs to complement fish or vegetarian curries. Woodier, a cooking instructor and the owner of Glenfiddich Farm Cookery & Gardens, in Leesburg, Virginia, loves to incorporate apples into chutneys, sauces, butters, jams and jellies.

While apples shine in classic desserts, they are also a versatile star in everyday meals. “I make a cabbage slaw with apples all year long. It’s great on tacos, as a side dish or a big salad for crowds,” says Amy Pennington, a Seattle-based cook, urban farmer and author of Apples: From Harvest to Table. Once a self-professed apple skeptic, she fell in love with seasonal heirloom varieties at her local farmers markets. One of Pennington’s favorite indulgences is a festive breakfast of potato latkes (pancakes) topped with homemade applesauce and sour cream served with a glass of champagne. Her apple chutney with ginger, cayenne and Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon and clove is a flavorful partner for cheese boards or sandwiches. And for a fun winter treat, she suggests homemade apple

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Sweet and Savory Magic

chips made by slicing apples thinly, brushing them with honey water and dehydrating them until they are crisp. Olwen Woodier, a cooking instructor, farm owner and author of The Apple Cookbook: 125 Freshly Picked Recipes, enjoys tossing halved, cored apples into the roasting pan alongside onions and peppers with chicken, pork tenderloin or other roasts. She also adds diced apples to stews and sautés apples

For preservation, freezing is a simple alternative to canning. Woodier recommends blanching fresh slices or cored apples for one minute before placing them in the freezer. “Applesauce, baked goods, readyto-bake pies or whole apples can all go in the freezer,” she says.

Healthy Goodness

From orchard to table, apples offer endless ways to nourish the body and delight the senses—proof that the old saying holds true: an apple a day really can keep the doctor away. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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October 2026

Conscious Eating GRILLED TUNA OR TOFU WITH APPLE CHUTNEY

Heat an indoor grill to medium-high or outdoor grill to high with racks positioned about 4 inches from the heat.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Grill the tuna for 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare. Grill the tofu for about the same time or until nicely browned to the chef ’s liking.

4 tuna steaks or 8 thick slices of solid tofu pressed with a clean towel to release water ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or chopped fine 2-4 large garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp brown sugar Salt and black pepper to taste 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil Store-bought or homemade apple chutney

Serve with apple chutney. Recipe courtesy of Olwen Woodier. Excerpted from The Apple Cookbook © by Olwen Woodier, photography © by Leigh Beisch, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

Place the tuna steaks or tofu in a single layer in a large dish. In a bowl, combine the marinade of vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the tuna or tofu. Turn to coat both sides and leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes. AI image/ChatGPT

Remove tuna or tofu from the dish, discard or reheat the marinade in a small saucepan for serving with the tuna/tofu. Return the tuna or tofu to the dish and drizzle with the olive oil and sesame oil. Turn to coat both sides.

EASY APPLE BAKE YIELD: 4 SERVINGS 4 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced in ¼-inch pieces 2 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp allspice ½ Tbsp lemon juice

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Preheat oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spread the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Recipe courtesy of Dr. Ronald Weiss/Ethos Primary Care.

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APPLE CHUTNEY YIELD: 2 TO 2 ½ CUPS 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (wash hands immediately after) 4 medium apples of choice, peeled, cored and diced 1 medium red or white onion, diced 4 large garlic cloves, chopped ½ cup apple cider vinegar ⅓ cup honey

Serve at room temperature or cold. Recipe courtesy of Olwen Woodier. Excerpted from The Apple Cookbook © by Olwen Woodier, photography © by Leigh Beisch, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

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Combine all chutney ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes until apples are tender.

October 2026

Feature Story

Life After Cancer

Rebuilding the Foundation and Finding Purpose

“Our body is an incredible and miraculous self-healing biological organism, but it needs the correct support and nourishment,” says Sally Wellbeloved, a women’s cancer coach, holistic health advocate and survivor in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. “We need to come into right relationship with our physical body.”

The Healing Journey by Marlaina Donato

cancer diagnosis can be frightening, and the treatments that follow—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery—are often grueling. But there is hope. The American Cancer Society estimates that 18.6 million Americans were living with a history of cancer last year. Many survivors emerge with a renewed outlook, embracing experiences that nurture the body, mind and spirit. Even after treatment ends, lingering effects can shape daily life, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, nerve discomfort, emotional ups and downs, fear of recurrence, and changes in body image and physical function. According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, long-term wellness for cancer survivors often relies on smarter nutrition, restorative sleep, regular exercise, stress management and meaningful social connections.

Wellbeloved knows firsthand what it means to rebuild after triple-negative breast cancer. Learning to listen to her body became essential. “I have learned to honor my body’s needs, and this was only possible when the noise in my head could settle down,” she explains. “It has been quite the process and taken me a long time to decondition that way of being and living.” Her approach combines a plant-based, organic diet with targeted supplementation based on bloodwork and genetic testing. She also prioritizes a return to the natural rhythms of life—slowing down after sunset, avoiding devices at least three hours before bed and embracing deep, restorative sleep. To manage stress and heal emotional wounds, she recommends meditation, yoga, dancing, walking in nature, swimming in the ocean and equine-assisted therapy. She also uses emotional freedom technique, which combines cognitive focus with fingertip tapping on specific body meridian points, as well as somatic therapy, which uses awareness of physical sensations to help heal emotional pain. For Wellbeloved, finding purpose is a lifeline. “This is the most fundamental thing that pulls us forward and inspires us—that thing you have always wanted to do, but thought you couldn’t or weren’t good enough,” she says. Her advice is to move toward that dream day by day. “Just take one, small step,” she emphasizes. “This is what got me through my darkest time and became my mantra.”

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Moving Forward With Strength and Confidence

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At Wellness House, in Hinsdale, Illinois, Jadyn Chipman helps survivors rebuild through movement. As the center’s exercise and stress-management programs manager, she oversees fitness classes, yoga, walking groups and other forms of movement modalities, helping participants safely regain their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance in a supportive environment while also learning transformative lessons they can carry into everyday life. “The end of treatment can be a major transition,” Chipman explains. “Our movement programs are designed to meet people where they are in their cancer journey. Mentally, exercise can reduce stress, improve mood and restore confidence and a sense of control. On a deeper level, movement can bring joy, connection and a renewed sense of possibility.”

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ROOT CAUSE

Chipman is excited about the growing understanding that quality of life is an important part of cancer care, both during treatment and beyond. She has witnessed how exercise, good nutrition, stress management and integrative therapies can empower people to take an active role in their recovery and well-being.

Healing Through Creativity

For some, recovery comes through creativity. Melissa Greene, a writing coach in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, founded her program Write From the Heart after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as a way to process grief and fear. “Writing has helped me through life—no, saved my life–and I wanted to share what I understood about my own process,” says the published poet, lyricist and short story writer whose career spans 40 years.

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Her stream-of-consciousness writing workshops create a welcoming and genial space where students can safely explore their memories, thoughts and feelings on the page. Although they are welcome to read what they’ve written in class, sharing is optional, and laughter is encouraged. “I discovered that writing begins from a deep longing to express, not rules or technique, and that humor and whimsy play a huge role in relaxing the nervous system,” she notes.

October 2026

Feature Story

Some of Greene’s workshops specifically cater to cancer patients and survivors at various medical centers in Pennsylvania. For a 2020 clinical study published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, she taught creative writing to participating cancer patients at the Penn State Cancer Institute. The researchers found that this type of creative intervention had a positive effect on the participants’ mood.

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“Students may choose to write about the cancer experience, or not,” says Greene. “But, whatever their topic, we are all there to listen, care, support and understand. Writing becomes a tool of comfort, courage and hope that they can reach for throughout recovery and beyond.”

Making Peace With New Emotions

For breast cancer survivor Karen Villagran, an emergency medical technician in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, healing meant looking inward. Before her diagnosis, she had dedicated her life to helping others, but found it difficult to extend the same empathy and nurturing to herself. “My nervous system was stuck on survival mode for decades,” she reflects. “I feel that my cancer diagnosis wasn’t the beginning of fear; it was the culmination of it.”

The Scarlett Phoenix

The pain of multiple surgeries and treatments prompted her to address deep childhood trauma and unresolved emotional pain. “I had to change my vocabulary of how I spoke to myself, how I felt about myself and how I treated myself,” she explains. With the help of therapy, daily meditation and hypnotherapy, Villagran began to rewire her brain and make new neural pathways. “Physical recovery saved my body, but emotional recovery is what’s finally teaching my nervous system that the danger has passed,” she asserts. “Cancer stopped me from rushing through life so I could finally live.”

Prioritizing Cancer Screenings

Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving outcomes for many cancers. Primary care physicians can determine appropriate screening schedules tailored to the personal and family medical history of their patients. Most private insurance plans and Medicare cover routine, evidence-based screenings with no out-of-pocket cost. The American Cancer Society provides guidelines for early detection of breast, colon, cervical, endometrial, lung and prostate cancer. Visit Cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelinesfor-the-early-detection-of-cancer.

Finding Inspiration Online

• Ulman Foundation (UlmanFoundation.org) offers cancer support programs and services for adolescents and young adults. 24

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• Livestrong Foundation (Livestrong.org) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals affected by cancer. Their CancerFit and exercise oncology resources help survivors rebuild strength, endurance and confidence after treatment. • Brave Like Gabe Foundation (BraveLikeGabe.org) inspires people to share their cancer stories, while also working to find treatment for rare cancers. • Team Phoenix (AuroraHealthCare. org/services/cancer/cancer-support/ team-phoenix) empowers women to become proactive in their cancer survivorship, redefining themselves as athletes through the joys of exercise and living well. • American Cancer Society Voices of Hope (ACSResources.org/voicesofhope) features cancer survivors and caregivers that speak about their cancer journeys in order to inspire others.

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• Cleveland Clinic (My.ClevelandClinic. org/departments/cancer/patient-education/art-therapy) helps cancer patients tap into their emotions through personal expression and creative experiences with guidance from professional art therapists. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com. October 2026

Healthy Kids

Power of Music for Growing Minds How Rhythm, Melody and Movement Support Child Development by Christina Connors

rom the first lullaby to the school choir solo, music has always been an integral part of childhood. It shows up in car rides and bath time, in marching bands, bedroom dance parties and the quiet hum of a parent rocking a baby to sleep. It feels so ordinary that it is easy to overlook how extraordinary it actually is. Research consistently demonstrates that musical experiences are not just entertaining; they serve as building blocks for the development of a child’s brain, body and heart.

Young Brains Inherently Respond to Sounds

When a child sings, claps, plays an instrument or simply sways to a beat, multiple regions of the brain simultaneously light up. Emily Bevelaqua, a licensed and board-certified music therapist in Connecticut, explains that regular engagement with music fortifies the pathways connecting the brain’s right and left hemispheres, thereby supporting growth across every area of development.

A recent study published in the journal eLife used brain imaging and motion tracking to monitor infants as young as 3 months old. The researchers found that babies can process the structure of music almost from birth. However, the drive to physically move in response to it, the initial little bounce or sway, does not emerge until closer to their first birthday, as the brain’s auditory and motor pathways mature and establish connections. This serves as a poignant reminder that musicality is already at work long before a child can consciously hold a rhythm.

Music Provides Developmental Advantages

Bevelaqua points out that music enhances working memory and pattern recognition—

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The emotional and social benefits of music are equally profound. It provides children with a safe and structured space to explore self-regulation and emotional expression. Group singing, movement and playing instruments naturally enhance prosocial behaviors, including teamwork, cooperation, impulse control and turn-taking. According to Baker, music can serve dual purposes: It

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Barbara Baker, a registered music therapist and preschool music educator with more than four decades of experience, describes this phenomenon as full sensory engagement. “Learning to play even a simple song asks a child to read notes, feel rhythm and coordinate their hands, all while building the same memory, attention and eye-hand coordination skills they will learn in the classroom,” she asserts.

two foundational skills for reading, language and mathematics. “Music also supports the executive functions that children rely on to focus, plan and adapt,” she remarks. “Because it is so flexible, music can be tailored to whatever a child is working on, whether it involves counting, storytelling or simply sitting still for a few more minutes.”

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can be an energy booster that encourages dancing and laughter, or a calming presence that helps a child settle down and relax. Songwriting, even a simple improvised tune, can become a genuine outlet for self-expression.

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Music and movement are natural partners in supporting coordination, balance and motor development. Whether a child is drumming, marching to a beat or dancing freely in the living room, they are practicing timing and body awareness in a way that feels like play rather than work.

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Children Benefit From Early Musical Experiences

According to Baker, “It is never too early to expose children to the wonders of music. From infancy through listening and gentle movement in a parent’s arms, followed by toddler-age group participation and eventually, a structured, teacher-led program, children can build the early musical skills that support learning any instrument down the road,” she explains.

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Kids Respond To Encouragement Rather Than Pressure

Both experts concur that the goal is exposure, not perfection. Families can cultivate a love for music by playing a variety of songs at home, attending live performances, participating in group music or movement classes, and allowing a child to have a say in the instrument or activity that captivates their interest. Finding a teacher that shares a compatible personality is as crucial as selecting the right instrument. The benefits of music stem from active participation, rather than hitting the right note every time. Children do not need to become proficient musicians to experience the positive effects of music on their brains, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. They simply need the chance to sing, move and make a little noise. Christina Connors is a professional singer, a burnout prevention specialist, and CEO and executive director of Soulful Forest, Inc. Learn more at SoulfulForestInc.org. October 2026

Healing Ways

Decoding Sleep Apnea

sleep disruption can trigger inflammatory and neuroendocrine responses, resulting in sympathetic dominance, where the body remains in a heightened state of alertness instead of resting.

The Importance of Airway Health

Hidden Causes and Overlooked Symptoms by Zak Logan

leep apnea is a common, yet often undiagnosed, sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide. In the U.S. alone, 30 million people suffer from it, but 80 percent remain unaware, putting them at risk for serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and depression. While obstructive sleep apnea caused by structural airway problems is the most prevalent form, central and complex sleep apnea, which are neurological in origin, also pose significant health risks over time.

Signs and Symptoms

Contributing Factors

Several factors may contribute to sleep apnea, such as poor posture, habitual mouth breathing and chronic systemic inflammation. According to Amy Dayries, an integrative dentist in Roswell, Georgia, obesity is a common companion of sleep apnea, however individuals of healthy weight can also be affected due to their specific airway anatomy, jaw or craniofacial structure, enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, age, family history or other factors. She also notes that chronic

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Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe, but all types share a common problem: compromised oxygen levels due to disrupted breathing, which prevents deep, restorative sleep. Symptoms vary and may include sporadic snoring, mouth breathing, fatigue de-

spite adequate sleep, headaches and brain fog. Treatments like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) are often prescribed, but a proper diagnosis is essential to explore all treatment options, including lifestyle changes.

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A narrow airway or jaw development problems may often be overlooked. Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric chiropractor and family health educator, emphasizes that the airway is a foundational, not just specialty, concern. “The airway is a neurologically controlled system involving the tongue, palate, jaw, throat and diaphragm, all coordinated by the brainstem and cranial nerves running through the upper neck, including the vagus nerve,” he explains. From a dental perspective, Dayries highlights oral or craniofacial features that require further screening such as a highly arched palate, significant dental crowding, a relatively small or retruded lower jaw that sits too far back relative to the upper jaw, enlarged tonsils or a large tongue. Research published this year in Frontiers in Allergy suggests that histamine-induced chronic nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis can worsen or even trigger obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea in Youngsters

Children and teenagers experience sleep apnea differently than adults. “Instead of loud snoring and obvious daytime sleepiness, it involves sweating during sleep, especially around the head and neck; picky or slow eating; gagging on certain textures; fatigue that gets written off as typical teenage behavior; falling grades; anxiety; depression; irritability; difficulty focusing; headaches; or getting sick often,” explains Ebel, who recommends getting a nervous system evaluation from a trained pediatric chiropractor.

Seek Professional Guidance

Dayries suggests seeking professional help if poor sleep becomes persistent and is accompanied by loud or habitual snoring, wit-

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enrG Wellness

nessed pauses in breathing, nighttime choking or gasping. Dentists can play a crucial role in screening for signs and risk factors, and may refer patients for further medical evaluation. They can also collaborate with sleep physicians to treat adults with custom oral appliances that gently move forward and stabilize the lower jaw during sleep, keeping the airway open. This type of oral appliance therapy can be particularly beneficial for adults that cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternative. Ebel notes that while airway-focused dentists or orthodontists can assess palate width, jaw position and tongue restriction, other health practitioners can also help identify the deeper root cause of the problem. Sleep physicians or pediatric ear, nose and throat doctors can order sleep studies and evaluate tonsils and adenoids. Myofunctional therapists can retrain tongue posture and orofacial muscle function, while neurologically focused chiropractors can assess brainstem and autonomic nervous system function, which often occurs underneath or upstream of all those other layers.

Tara McLellan

Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep

Changing habits can significantly impact sleep apnea. Ebel recommends breathing through the nose, sleeping on the side or back, rather than the stomach, and using a pillow that fills the space between the ear and shoulder without pushing the head forward. Dayries suggests avoiding large meals shortly before bed, limiting caffeine and alcohol, especially later in the day, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. By understanding the hidden causes and overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea, individuals can take proactive steps toward better breathing and sounder sleep, ultimately improving their overall health and well-being. Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to natural healing and getting back to basics. October 2026

Green Living

Creating a Wildlife Habitat at Home Healing the Land, One Yard at a Time by Tom Whittle

abitat destruction and invasive species are major drivers of wildlife decline in the United States, but this trend can be reversed. Homeowners can make a real difference by letting part of their yard go wild, rebuilding the web of life that sustains all living things.

“Don’t worry about the whole planet, figure out what you can do to influence the little piece of the Earth that you live on,” advises Dr. Douglas Tallamy, a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware and co-founder of Homegrown National Park, an initiative that urges individuals and businesses to restore native habitats in their own spaces.

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A 2022 study in Landscape and Urban Planning shows that residential gardens with native plants can significantly improve habitat connectivity for pollinators and other wildlife, even in densely populated areas. While public parks are the cornerstone of wildlife conservation, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) estimates that more than 83 percent of the land in the lower 48 states is privately owned, so individual landscaping choices hold the power to protect wildlife.

Tallamy identifies four key responsibilities for every landscape: support pollinators, manage the local watershed, sequester carbon and support a viable food web by selecting plants that share solar energy with other organisms. Replacing a small patch of lawn with native trees, shrubs, ground cover and flowering plants accomplishes all four objectives. “Even a patio container with a plant to support pollinators makes a difference,” Tallamy remarks. “It’s about adding more resources to the landscape wherever possible.”

Prioritize Native Plants

Native plants are the backbone of a wildlife-friendly yard. They evolved alongside local insects, birds and animals, providing food and shelter that ornamental imports rarely match. For example, native oaks support more than 1,000 caterpillar species, which in turn become critical food for nesting birds. Use the NWF keystone plant locator to find the best native plants for specific ecoregions or zip codes: nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/ Why-Native/Keystone-Plants-by-Ecoregion. 30

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bees and wasps, which are among the most effective pollinators.

Globally, humans have introduced more than 37,000 invasive species, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. The 2023 Invasive Alien Species Assessment reported that non-native animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms contribute to 60 percent of all extinctions. “If everyone controlled invasive plants just on their property, we would reduce the invasive population by shrinking the annual rain of seeds from these plants,” says Tallamy, adding that this process may take a few seasons to yield results because many seeds lie dormant for a year or more.

Layer the Landscape

Design the yard in layers to mimic natural ecosystems by grouping plants of different heights, root depths and types. Canopy trees offer nesting and shelter, mid-story shrubs provide cover and foraging, native perennials feed pollinators and ground cover shelters insects and small animals.

• Leaf litter and brush piles provide overwintering habitats for fireflies, salamanders, toads and dozens of beneficial insects. • Standing dead trees (snags) are critical to certain bird species like the woodpecker, which carves out cavities for feeding or nesting purposes. Cut snags to about 15 feet to keep the home safe.

Preserve Some Wild Areas

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recommends leaving parts of the yard untouched. Letting nature grow wild saves time and money while helping local wildlife thrive. Allowing dead flower stalks and seed heads to stand through winter provides food for sparrows and finches when ground insects and fresh vegetation are scarce. Skip aggressive fall cleanups of dead leaves to protect moth pupae, ground beetles and overwintering butterflies. Even small patches of unmowed grass shelter ground-nesting bees.

Eliminate pesticides and herbicides. Insecticides kill beneficial species along with pests, disrupting the food web. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warns that about 75 percent of global food crops and nearly 90 percent of wild flowering plants rely on insect pollinators. A 2019 review in Biological Conservation found that insect populations worldwide are plummeting due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Choose organic, natural products and techniques to control pests and weeds, and always read labels before applying any product.

Embrace the Natural Process

Reversing biodiversity loss does not require acreage or expertise. It begins with a handful of native plants and the willingness to let nature reclaim a small corner of the world just outside the door. Tom Whittle is publishing manager of Natural Awakenings.

tmac’s hair

Reduce Harmful Practices

Limit outdoor lighting to protect nocturnal insects like moths and fireflies, which are essential pollinators and serve as prey for other animals.

Add Wildlife-Friendly Features

Enhance the yard’s habitat value with simple additions: • Bird baths provide fresh drinking and bathing water. Clean them weekly to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Bat boxes mounted on trees or poles and facing south/southeast attract bats that eat thousands of insects per night. • Bee hotels made from bundled hollow stems provide nesting spaces for solitary

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• Birdhouses sized for local species offer critical nesting sites.

October 2026

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stroll down the natural health aisle may reveal bottles of herbal and homeopathic remedies sitting side by side on the shelf. Although they may seem similar, these two therapeutic systems have distinct origins, preparation methods, concentrations, dosage philosophies and ways of working in the body. Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytotherapy, harnesses the power of plant parts like leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds to prevent and treat illness. The chemical compounds found in the herbs interact with human physiology and can be studied pharmacologically and clinically to understand their effects on biological processes. While some homeopathic remedies are derived from plants used in herbal medicine, others come from minerals, chemicals and even animal sources. Homeopathy operates on the principle that “like cures like”. It uses highly diluted natural substances to encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms.

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Before embarking on herbal or homeopathic treatments, it is important to consult all members of a patient’s whole health care team to ensure that potential interactions are managed and the best integrative care is supported. Athena Eamon is a researcher and parent with nearly two decades of experience studying and using homeopathy, integrative health and whole-person wellness. Underwritten by Grato Health, in operation since 1987, dedicated to advancing health and wellness through natural, holistic solutions that support the body’s ability to heal.

Fit Body

Straightening Up Exercises to Improve Posture and Well-Being by Tom Whittle

ad posture in adults often starts in childhood. A 2020 study published in iScience surveyed nearly 600,000 children and found that 65 percent had incorrect posture, with a higher prevalence in girls and kids over 10 years old. Contributing factors may include carrying heavy backpacks, especially when slung over one shoulder, excessive screen time, lack of exercise, stress and being underweight. As we

age, poor posture can lead to pain, soreness and stiffness throughout the body, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery, in New York City. Simple changes can make a big difference. Regularly check that the ears are aligned above the shoulders and the shoulders are over the hips. Stand tall with the shoulders pulled back, chest open and stomach slight-

ly pulled in. Take frequent breaks from the phone, computer and TV to move around. Rick Richardson, a doctor of physical therapy at the Physical Therapy Center of Excellence, in Bedminster, New Jersey, suggests that daily exercises to loosen tight muscles and strengthen core and back muscles are essential for maintaining body alignment. Here are his recommended stretching and strengthening exercises. As muscles become stronger, incorporate light weights into the strength poses. Always consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting a new exercise program. Tom Whittle is publishing manager of Natural Awakenings.

STRETCHING EXERCISES

While seated, hold the side of the chair with the right hand and grab the top of the head near the ear with the left hand. Gently pull toward the left shoulder, holding for 30 seconds. Keep the neck muscles relaxed throughout the stretch. Switch hands and repeat. Perform two or three sets on each side.

While seated, hold the side of the chair with the right hand and rotate the head 45 degrees from the right arm. Grab the top of the head with the left hand and pull the nose toward the left armpit. Keep the neck muscles relaxed throughout the stretch. Switch hands and repeat. Perform two or three sets on each side.

While lying on the back, tuck the chin toward the spine to create a double chin, holding for three to five seconds. Avoid nodding or lifting the head during the stretch. Perform 10 to 15 reps, two to three times a day.

With toes on the floor and chest on an exercise ball, hold the body straight with arms out to the side in a T-position and palms down. Raise the arms from the floor to shoulder height and hold for one to two seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once or twice daily.

With toes on the floor and chest on an exercise ball, hold the body straight with arms out to the side and elbows bent down. While maintaining bent elbows, raise them to shoulder height and hold for 1 to 2 seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 reps, once or twice daily.

With toes on the floor and chest on an exercise ball, hold the body straight with arms out in a Y-position and thumbs pointing up. Raise the arms overhead and hold for one to two seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once or twice daily.

With toes on the floor and chest on an exercise ball, hold the body straight with arms out to the side and elbows bent down. While maintaining bent elbows, raise them to shoulder height and then rotate the forearms and hands to shoulder height. Hold for one to two seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once or twice daily.

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STRENGTHENING EXERCISES

Wise Words

What We Can Learn From Astronauts A Conversation With Frank White by Sandra Yeyati

rank White is an educator, space philosopher, author and communications consultant. His acclaimed book The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution, first published in 1987, features interviews with numerous astronauts and introduces the term “Overview Effect” to describe the transformative experience of viewing Earth from space. The Kennedy Space Center recognizes him as “one of the most influential space philosophers of our time,” acknowledging the global adoption of his concept to illustrate humanity’s interconnectedness. White cofounded and leads The Human Space Program, a nonprofit that champions sustainability, ethics and inclusivity as humanity expands into the solar ecosystem. He is a professor and dean at Kepler Space University and serves as SpaceTech and AI curator for Intro-act, a financial technology company that connects investors with companies seeking funding.

Another common theme is noticing how thin the atmosphere is and realizing how lucky we are to be alive. Only about 37 percent of Earth is land where we can live comfortably. We inhabit a tiny sliver with just enough atmosphere to sustain us, underscoring the fragility of our lives. Seeing Earth full of life against the dark backdrop of the universe, without any evidence of life elsewhere, evokes a feeling of gratitude for our existence. Lastly, there’s a sense that all of life on Earth is connected, and, again, that we’re all in this together. The metaphor of Spaceship Earth is extremely helpful because astronauts emphasize that we are all crew members. There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We all need to contribute to keep the spaceship functioning.

White graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and is a Rhodes Scholar. He earned a master’s degree in politics from the University of Oxford. For nearly two decades, he worked for Harvard University in development communications.

What is the Overview Effect, and what inspired you to develop the concept?

What common themes or emotions have astronauts shared with you?

While maps and boundaries are useful, the astronauts come back understanding that we’re fighting and killing each other over borders that exist only in our minds, not on Earth. 34

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The Overview Effect is defined as the experience of seeing Earth from a distance, highlighting its wholeness against the backdrop of the universe. Astronauts emphasize that Earth is our only home, likening it to a spaceship, where, as they said, “We’re all in it together.” This feeling of oneness and unity aligns with the teachings of sages, philosophers and spiritual leaders over the centuries.

How have astronauts shared the overview perspective with all of us back home?

Are you planning to go to space?

The Artemis II mission this year stood out with its joyful, human and relatable astronauts and Christina Koch’s Earthset photograph as they flew around the Moon. Commander Reid Wiseman, whom I had interviewed in 2019, said, “We wanted to bring the world together, and I think we did.”

The Overview Effect can be summarized in three words: truth, love and identity. It’s the truth of our situation. We’re on a moving spaceship, and many astronauts return with great love for Earth, shifting their identity from “me” to “we”.

The Apollo missions in the 1960s began the process of bringing the Overview Effect down to Earth. The iconic 1968 Earthrise image showed our planet full of life and intelligence against the universe’s blackness and the Moon’s barren surface, emphasizing how precious our planet is and giving the environmental movement a huge boost, according to historians.

What is the thesis of your book The Cosma Hypothesis?

I am. My main goal in going is to amplify the Overview Effect. While realizing this lifelong ambition is important to me personally, disseminating the message is even more crucial. The Overview Effect is fundamentally about Earth. I love Earth and believe it’s the best planet we have. We had to leave the planet and look back at it to grasp the reality of our situation and consider doing things differently—to love and appreciate it.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings. To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/WhiteWW or scan the QR code.

The Cosma Hypothesis proposes a new philosophy of space exploration for people to debate and discuss. Initially, the rationale for space exploration was focused on how we can benefit, what we can exploit—a mindset that persists today with talk of mining asteroids for precious metals. I support that effort, but I want it to be balanced with a non-exploitative approach, as well. Fairhope Organic School

I propose that our role is to bring life, intelligence and self-awareness to other parts of the universe because we are part of a living, conscious and intelligent ecosystem. In the book, I also announce the founding of a nonprofit, The Human Space Program, which promotes these principles.

What projects is The Human Space Program undertaking?

One of our projects is the Overview Round Table for Youth, which immerses young people in a virtual reality space station orbiting Earth where they can engage in weekly projects to improve the world. Participants have quests and seek help and advice in a supportive environment. Another project involves building a computer model to test assumptions about future space evolution. We will be able to examine the costs and trade-offs of space-based solar power, for example, which involves collecting solar energy from orbit and beaming it to Earth. Or we can look at the consequences of establishing a human community on Mars. Computer modeling is better than arguing about things.

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October 2026

Community Resource Guide 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.

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Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC Patrick 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 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 29.

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

1861 Old Government St, Mobile, AL: 251607-6666 2101 Hwy 98, Daphne, AL: 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 31.

J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorders 112 W Section Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787 • MindPerformanceCenter.com Our unique approach is noninvasive 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 4.

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is noninvasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 4.

Depression Relief MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER

Breast Screening THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile, AL, and Foley, AL • 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA-registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are noninvasive 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 7.

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J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorders 112 W Section Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787 • MindPerformanceCenter.com

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J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorders 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 4.

Functional Medicine GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com 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. Michelle Smith offers guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.

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 29.

ROOT CAUSE HEALTHCARE & FITNESS Donna Alsop DHA, MBA, RN, Holistic Nurse Coach, Functional Medicine Practitioner 9930 Milton Jones Rd, Daphne, AL 251-234-6777 RootCauseHealthcareFitness.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 23.

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Health & Wellness Performance EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS

Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook @EarthsCreations TikTok @EarthsCreations.7 Instagram @EarthsCreationsAndWellness Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10-plus years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education and the power of whole foods. We handcraft smallbatch, all-natural remedies and skin care using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 9.

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KEEP ALIVE TOURS

Samuele Pitzalis, Health Tour Operator WhatsApp 0031-6-11334511 Info@KeepAliveTours.com KeepAliveTours.com Ancient healthy and happy aging inspiration, experienced in compact group weeks on Blue Zone cradle Sardinia, Italy. Ninety-plus weeks of experience. Check for English-spoken weeks on KeepAliveTours.com.

May the start of October remind you: you are worthy of new beginnings.You are worthy of finding joy in this season, no matter what is still unknown.

Infrared Sauna HILLSTAR HEALTH

28720 Hwy 98, Ste 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com Infrared light therapy offers many standalone 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 29.

In-Utero 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, AL, and Foley, AL (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 • ThermographyAdvantage.com Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certif ied 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 7.

VINTAGE ROOTS LYMPHATIC THERAPY

Amber Crouse, BC-CLTP-HHP 251-949-2893 VintageRootsLT@gmail.com VintageRootsLymphaticTherapy.com Electro-Assisted Lymphatic Therapy is a noninvasive treatment designed to stimulate the proper flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid, enhancing immune function at a cellular level. By promoting 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 30.

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8 Marietta Dr, Fairhope, AL 251-928-9347

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FairhopeOrganicSchool.org

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. See ad, page 35.

Thermography Advantage Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile, AL, and Foley, AL • 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 7.

ADVERTISE any opportunities here. Distributors Wanted Natural Awakenings Coast is hiring independent contract distributors for monthly routes in Baldwin County, Alabama, and Mississippi. Responsibilities include delivering magazines, stocking display racks, removing back issues and identifying prospective locations. Candidates must have a reliable vehicle and active auto insurance. Compensation includes per-stop pay, a gas stipend and referral incentives for adding new locations. To apply, email Publisher@ NAGulfCoast.com. Advertising Sales Representatives Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast seeks independent contract sales representatives to sell print and digital advertising. This remote position offers flexible hours and performancebased commission earnings. Dedicated company email and phone services are available for a monthly fee. To apply, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com.

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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.

Services ADVERTISE any services here. LIVE NUTRITIONAL BLOOD ANALYSIS to Eat Right For Your Blood Type. BBs Health Foods, 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley. 251923-5700. BBsHealthFoods.com. Call for an appointment or stop by the shop.

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Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG 52 S Section St, Ste A Fairhope, AL • 210-483-6255 Instagram @thescarlettphoenixmd Dr. Runnels provides concierge-level regenerative medicine and sexual wellness care for both women and men at every stage of life. Combining advanced therapies and decades of expertise, she helps restore sexual function, improve vitality, alleviate age-related concerns, and empower patients to achieve optimal health, confidence and quality of life. See ad, page 24.

Sexual Health THE SCARLETT PHOENIX

Alexandra Runnels, MD, FACOG 52 S Section St, Ste A Fairhope, AL · 210-483-6255 Instagram @thescarlettphoenixmd Dr. Runne‑ls provides concierge-level regenerative medicine and sexual wellness care for both women and men at every stage of life. Combining advanced therapies and decades of expertise, she helps restore sexual function, improve vitality, alleviate age-related concerns, and empower patients to achieve optimal health, confidence and quality of life. See ad, page 24.

Vitamins and Supplements 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 27.

EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS

Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook @EarthsCreations TikTok @EarthsCreations.7 Instagram @EarthsCreationsAndWellness Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10plus years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skin care using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 9.

Nothing is more real than the masks we make to show each other who we are. —Christopher Barzak

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40-plus years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; and more. See ad, page 21.

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VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 251-479-3952

Comprehensive health food store specializing in vitamins and raw herbs, with a wide range of teas, natural cosmetics and other natural products. See ad, page 19.

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