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HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
LIVING A SIMPLER LIFESTYLE with a Lighter Footprint Fall Fruits Shine in Savory Dishes Healthy Breast Basics Cannabis and Canines
October 2021 | Columbia Edition | ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com
October 2021
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Columbia Edition
ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com
October 2021
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Contents 13 DUPRE CATERING
Gourmet Food with a Southern Flair
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16 CANNABIS AND CANINES
How Cannabidiol Benefits Dogs
18 HEALTHY BREAST BASICS
Lifestyle Choices to Lower Disease Risks
20 LESS STUFF, MORE JOY Ways to Live Simpler and Lighter on Mother Earth
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24 FALL FRUITS FOR SAVORY DISHES
Fresh Approaches to Autumn Flavors
26 WATER SCARCITY WOES A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse
28 MICHAELEEN DOUCLEFF
on Ancient Teachings for Modern Parenting
30 WALK ABOUT
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Simple Steps to Well-Being
31 THE QUIET POWER OF INTUITION
32 TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
What They Need to Know from Those They Trust
DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 12 health briefs 14 global briefs 15 eco tip 16 natural pet 18 healing ways 24 conscious eating
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26 green living 28 wise words 30 fit body 31 inspiration 32 healthy kids 36 calendar 37 natural directory
Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events at ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings. com or email to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 803-309-2101. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. October 2021
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
COLUMBIA EDITION
letter from publisher
Lucy, Footballs and Bullying …
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reetings readers! October has arrived, which usually
PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs signals cooler temperatures, picture-perfect sunsets, and EDITOR Sara Gurgen the transition into the much-anticipated holiday season. I DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella love this time of year. Fall season is a favorite to many; however, it Billy Briggs is also recognized annually for something very serious that, over ONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams C Kristi Antley
the course of time, has become an ever-increasing problem in every way—bullying. October is officially recognized as National SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs Bullying Prevention Month. In schools, homes, the workplace, and in general, bullying has reached such an alarming level of WEBSITE Kristina Parella impact that the need to act to reverse the disturbing trend and resulting statistics is urgent Billy Briggs and necessary. I absolutely loved the Peanuts cartoon and comic strip series—a classic loved by millions CONTACT US even today! Written and illustrated by Charles Schulz from 1950 until the year 2000, the very PO Box # 2812 popular series focuses almost entirely on the social network and circle of young children, Columbia, SC 29202 where adults do exist but are largely unseen and unheard. Charlie Brown, the main character Email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com (although Snoopy is my favorite), is cast as a nervous, unassuming, unpopular, socially awkAnnette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 ward young boy trying to navigate his way through a tough world littered with social challengWebsite es. It seems that he can’t do anything right. In Charlie Brown’s mind and based upon his life ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com experiences, he just can’t win or succeed at anything—even when attempting to kick a simple football held in place by his supposed “friend” Lucy. Yep! Lucy is Charlie Brown’s kryptonite— SUBSCRIPTIONS always popping his fragile balloon of budding self-confidence and positive self-image, leaving Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address. him flat on his back every time he attempts to kick the football. And she doesn’t stop there. Lucy can always be counted on to offer an unflattering comment toward Charlie Brown, whom NATIONAL TEAM she refers to as “blockhead,” with impeccable timing. There’s no winning with her, especially CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman for Charlie Brown. Is Lucy evil? I don’t think so—particularly not in her mind. She considers COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne her relationship with “blockhead” to be a good one, in which she benefits much. However, I’m Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo sure that in Charlie Brown’s mind, Lucy is an insurmountable wall of fear and anxiety that he Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert just can’t break through or climb over. The reality is that she’s sabotaging Charlie Brown’s suc Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs cess—one demoralizing stunt or comment at a time. I still enjoy all of the Peanuts classics, but Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy sadly, I must admit that what Charlie Brown was subjected to was nothing short of bullying. National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell The good thing is that the constant bullying by Lucy never led to any very serious consequenc Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan es, but of course, it’s just a cartoon and not real life. We all know (especially parents of kids subjected to bullying) that this is NOT always the case in reality. The impact and effects can be Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 very devastating, debilitating, far-reaching and long-lasting. In some cases, the results can be Naples, FL 34103 unimaginable. Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 Consider the words of American politician and former labor lawyer Linda Sanchez: “When NaturalAwakeningsMag.com so-called child’s play turns hostile, and a child becomes a victim, it is time to act. Rather than © 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. build character, bullying can cause children to become anxious, fearful, unhappy, and even Although some parts of this publication may be cause them to be physically sick.” The statistics are clear that “Lucy” is hard to prevail against. reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior In a nationwide study, about 20 percent of students ages 12 to 18 reported having experienced permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed bullying. In addition, 19 percent of students in grades nine through 12 reported being bullied locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please on school property within the 12 months preceding the survey. Moreover, nearly 30 percent of call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. young people admitted to bullying others when asked. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in Readers and parents … “Lucys” are everywhere doing serious damage—maybe even the articles and advertisements, nor are we affecting the lives of those you know and love. Please educate yourself, understand the warning responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the signs, learn the facts, and most importantly, find ways that you can help your loved one break appropriate use of any treatment. free from Lucy’s grip and live bully-free. It is difficult, but not impossible. Learn more at StopBullying.gov or StompOutBullying.org. Saying “no” to bullying,
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Columbia Edition
Annette Briggs, Publisher
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community news
Preorder Christmas Trees from Gardener’s Outpost Now!
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he holiday season is approaching, and soon enough, Midlands area residents will be shopping for Christmas trees. Gardener’s Outpost, a popular local and sustainable garden center conveniently located just off Devine Street, is selling grade-A Christmas trees to the community. Customers can put in their Christmas tree preorders from a beautiful, high-quality line of Fraser fir trees, starting this month. These classic trees are cut on the same day that they are to be shipped to ensure quality and freshness. States Randall Isherwood, owner of Gardener’s Outpost, “My trees can be ready and available for customers to take home within eight hours of being cut at the farm and shipped to my location.” Coming in various sizes, the trees can be preordered to guarantee the best-looking tree for one’s home. Due to their popularity, shoppers are encouraged to preorder in advance. Gardener’s Outpost will also carry a beautiful and fresh line of poinsettias and wreaths.
Cost: Varies; call for details. Location: Gardener’s Outpost, 709 Woodrow St., Columbia. Times: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday by appointment only. For more information or to preorder, call 803-252-0041 or visit GardenersOutpost.com. See ad, page 8.
SCWF Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary
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ime to celebrate a great organization with a greater cause! On Wednesday, October 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a bang! The evening celebration will be held at Central Energy, located at 2030 Gregg Street, in Columbia. Central Energy is a modern, flexible event space that includes some of Columbia’s only indoor/outdoor social space, with a stage that can open to the lawn for seamless flow during events. Guests will be able to navigate between the indoor and outdoor setting while enjoying an oyster roast, heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a live band, and very special guests, including SCETV’s Rudy Mancke! As a note, masks will be worn by event staff and encouraged for guests indoors when not eating or drinking, unless required by local ordinances. Cost: $75. For more information, call 803-256-0670 or visit scwf.org.
SCSM Hosts Virtual Crafty Jammies Night
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n Tuesday, October 12, starting at 6:30 p.m., the South Carolina State Museum (SCSM) is hosting its special bedtime story and craft time virtual event with some favorite literary characters in attendance. October’s special guest will be Penelope the dinosaur. Participants will also have the opportunity to create spooky lanterns. Craft materials needed include orange and black paper, pencils, tape, glue sticks and scissors. Preregistration is required, and spots are limited. For more information and cost, call 803-898-4921 or visit SCMuseum.org. October 2021
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community news
Lexington and Richland Counties Host October Recycle Event
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t’s time to recycle! On Saturday, October 16, from 8 a.m. to noon, the counties of Richland and Lexington are hosting a recycling collection event at Irmo High School, located at 6671 Saint Andrews Road, in Columbia. The list of acceptable items includes shreddable paper, cooking oil, scrap metal, tires, household electronics and more. Additional event sponsors include the town of Irmo, the city of Columbia, Irmo High School, and Keep the Midlands Beautiful. For more information (including a complete list of acceptable items and guidelines), contact Laura Anne Hunt at 803-785-3325 (ext. 6) or LHunt@Lex-Co.com. Also visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.
KMB Hosts Spotless Service Saturday in October
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n Saturday, October 23, from 9 a.m. to noon, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is hosting its Spotless Service Saturday event. The cleanup area will address Lexington County, from Fish Hatchery Road (Highway # 321) to Sandhills Parkway. KMB started the Spotless Service Saturday initiative to address highly littered areas in Columbia, with monthly cleanups hosted by its teams of volunteers. Cleanup locations rotate each month in the three regions that KMB serves: Richland County, Lexington County and the city of Columbia. KMB provides all supplies, including trash bags, litter grabbers, safety vests and gloves. KMB advertises the events, and the organization’s staff is on-site to supervise and participate. Residents from Lexington and Richland counties are encouraged to participate. Groups are welcome. For more information, call 803-733-1139 or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org.
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Applications Due for Champions of the Environment Grants
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pplications for Champions of the Environment Grants are due by Friday, October 15. Champions of the Environment is sponsored by Dominion Energy, International Paper and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Each school year, environmental projects are awarded grants worth up to $2,500 by Champions of the Environment. Smaller awards are also available for runner-up projects. The grant partnership also supports educators through virtual environmental education resources and the Palmetto Environmental Education Certification Program. K-12 teachers and educators are encouraged to help protect the natural world and boost environmental awareness by becoming champions. For more information, contact Champions of the Environment Coordinator Amanda Ley at Leyah@dhec.sc.gov.
ICRC Hosts Halloween at the Park
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n Friday, October 22, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its Halloween at the Park event at Crooked Creek Park, located at 1098 Old Lexington Highway, in Chapin. Kids will have the opportunity to trick or treat on ICRC’s outdoor trick-or-treat park trail from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Following the trickor-treat activities, participants will enjoy an outdoor movie featuring Disney’s Coco. This is a great, safe and fun event for the whole family. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the movie. Cost: $5 (in advance), $7 (at the door). For more information, call 803-345-6181 or visit icrc.net/event/halloween-park-2.
Bodied Beauty Lounge: Expert Body Transformation
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odied Beauty Lounge, located at 3201 Broad River Road, in Columbia, is the premier body sculpting lounge in Columbia, with high-quality, luxe services that help to build an amazing body naturally with no downtime. The professional staff members of Bodied Beauty Lounge are knowledgeable and friendly experts in the areas of nonsurgical/noninvasive body sculpting. They are certified in laser lipo, ultrasonic cavitation, radio-frequency skin tightening, nonsurgical Brazilian butt lifts, wood therapy, yoni steaming and much more. “We are here and ready to help you achieve body goals in less time, and at affordable prices,” states owner April Glenn James. For more information, call 803-479-3351 or visit BodiedBeautyLounge.com. See Natural Directory Listing, page 37. October 2021
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community news
ICRC Hosts Its Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
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ime to carve ‘em up! On Saturday, October 23, from 3 to 6 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its pumpkin carving contest at Saluda Shoals Park (East), located at 6071 Saint Andrews Road, in Columbia. Those interested are asked to register online in advance at icrc.net by Thursday, October 21. Pumpkins will be displayed along the trick-or-treat trail at Leo’s Landing Playground. Cost: $3 (for the pumpkin). For more information, including the complete list of contest rules, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/ event/pumpkin-carving-contest-0.
ICRC Hosts Halloween Zumbathon for Meals on Wheels
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n Saturday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) will host its Zumbathon charity event at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Dance, fitness and fun lovers are welcome to come join some of Columbia’s hottest Zumba instructors as they lead the groovy group in shape-sculpting dance for a great charitable cause. Open to all ages; costumes are encouraged. Proceeds will benefit ICRC’s Meals on Wheels program and help feed seniors in our community. Cost: $10. For more information or to register, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net/event/halloween-zumbathon-1. See ad, next page.
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus
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kudos
The University of South Carolina Developing Catalysts
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he University of South Carolina’s Catalysis for Renewable Fuels Center is currently developing catalysts that allow fuels to be produced from renewable sources. Catalyst technology is quickly emerging as a pivotal component for the transportation industry as the nation (and world) move toward less dependence on imported oil and carbon fuels. Led by professor of chemical engineering director John Regalbuto, the Catalysis for Renewable Fuels Center focuses on synthesizing inorganic catalysts for converting biomass to biofuels and synthesizing electrocatalysts for solar fuels and fuel cells. Kudos to the University of South Carolina!
Irmo Middle School Teacher Receives Educator of the Year Award
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eventhgrade science teacher and certified Green Steps Team Leader Will Green was recently recognized as the Educator of the Year by the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. Teaching at Irmo Middle School, Green established a Monarch and Milkweed habitat along with the assistance of his seventh-grade students. The awareness in and around the local community that Green has generated by narrowing the focus to one specific species of concern and utilizing student-led projects as part of the sustainable effort and process is a worthy model for others to follow. Green has also led professional development events for teachers on how to integrate Monarch and Milkweed education into teaching curriculums.
Coming next month
THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE
Conscious Dying plus: Brain Health
Kudos to Will Green! October 2021
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Drink Green Tea to Ward Off Flu Green tea, a staple of Japanese culture now enjoyed in many American homes, contains compounds called catechins that have significant antiviral activity against influenza, report researchers from Thailand’s University of Phayao in the journal Molecules. They analyzed eight studies involving 5,048 people and found that gargling or drinking green tea reduced the risk of influenza by 33 percent in randomized controlled trials and by 48 percent in longitudinal cohort studies. 12
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Poor sleepers can cut their health risks by exercising more, reports a new study of 380,055 middle-age people in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Both physical inactivity and poor sleep are independently linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death, but Australian researchers found that more exercise lowers the consequence of poor sleep. People that ate better, drank less alcohol and were more physically active also tended to sleep better. The lower the sleep score, the higher were risks of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke. Those at the bottom of the scales with both poor sleep scores and little physical activity had a 57 percent higher risk of death from any cause. People that were younger, female, thinner or better off financially tended to have healthier sleep scores, as did those that ate more fruits and vegetables, spent less time seated, had no mental health issues, never smoked, didn't work shifts, drank less alcohol and were more physically active. blue bird/Pexels.com
Early exposures to certain foods shape preferences that endure through adulthood, studies show, which is why research from the University of Kansas Medical Center and the University of Buffalo has raised concerns about the added sugar prominent in many baby formulas, especially cows’ milk formulas. The researchers tested 97 infants and 44 toddlers that were either breastfed or given various formulas for up to 15 months. The infants given formulas with added sugar had significant weight gain compared to infants that were breastfed or given formulas without added sugar. The sugar in formulas was found to be almost double the amount of sugar in breast milk. The researchers theorized that the added sugar not only raised the risk of weight gain, but also made it likely the children drank a greater amount. “Efforts by policymakers and pediatricians to educate mothers on lower-sugar options when breastfeeding is not feasible may enhance preventive measures of childhood obesity,” write the authors.
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Avoid Infant Formulas with Added Sugar
Exercise More to Counter Risks of Poor Sleep
Consider Barberry to Reduce Diabetes Markers Barberries (Berberis integerrima), the tart, red fruits that grow on bushes, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for digestive issues, and now evidence has emerged from Iranian researchers that barberry extract can help lower Type 2 diabetes markers. For eight weeks, 30 patients were given 1,000 milligrams of barberry extract daily, along with the standard anti-diabetic medication metformin, while another 35 patients were given only metformin. Afterwards, fasting blood sugar levels were significantly lower among the barberry group as were HbA1c levels, which measure blood sugar levels for two to three months. petra kopásková/Pexels.com
health briefs
business spotlight
Dupre Catering
Gourmet Food with a Southern Flair by Kristi Antley
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erve a gourmet meal at your next event without stepping foot into the kitchen! Fully enjoy time with your guests by allowing Dupre Catering to take care of the details with full-service catering—from setup to serving and cleanup—all done with a smile. Or perhaps you have a party of six to eight and need catering on a smaller scale; Dupre Catering takes pride in hosting intimate get-togethers and parties as well as weddings, anniversaries, life celebrations, corporate functions, social club meetings, galas, and birthday and graduation parties. Make weeknight meals at home with the family easy with a delivery of Simply Dupre’s home-style prepared meals. Family owned and operated in the Vista area of Columbia, Dupre CaterDupre Percival ing is there to make life easier for you. Founded on Dupre Percival’s passion for people, food and food service, the company creates extraordinary experiences and memorable events for every occasion. The owners and staff realize how important food and beverages are to the success of an event. They offer a wide range of options to accommodate you and your guests’ dietary needs and taste buds. Committed to excellence in service, each menu is designed according to the vision of the client with the highest standards of taste, quality and creativity. Percival and his son, Robert Percival, both manage the business with the expertise and hard work of an incredible staff to guarantee that guests are both impressed and satisfied when they leave the catered venue. Finding that perfect venue can also prove challenging; Dupre Catering has several picturesque locations in Columbia, known as Senate’s End, nestled between a wooded ravine and the Congaree River, for weddings or other monumental events. Overlooking the historic Gervais Street Bridge, in the Vista, the property is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Columbia—a convenient location for residents living in Lexington, Irmo, West Columbia, Forest Acres or on the University of Columbia campus. A natural photogenic environment with great amenities, such as ample parking, hotels close in proximity and vibrant shopping areas, make this location very desirable and comfortable.
The holidays are almost here, and Dupre Catering knows how it feels to miss the fun because the host is cooking, preparing, serving or cleaning. Ready-to-serve meals are an easy way to focus on your family while still providing quality nourishment to your loved ones. Main dishes and sides serve 12 to 15 people each and can be customized to fit your needs. Pickup is available at Senate’s End or The Market Restaurant, also operated by Dupre, at the S.C. State Farmers Market, and delivery is available upon request. Some favorite holiday menu options are: • Pot roast and gravy • Pit-cooked glazed ham • Herb-butter roasted turkey • Sweet potato casserole • Baked macaroni and cheese • Country-style green beans Take a few minutes today and call to order Dupre’s Family Feast for the holidays or browse their website for other amazing menu options. Dupre Catering is located at 316 Senate St., in Columbia. For more information or to place an order, call 803-351-2130 or visit DupreCatering.com. Also visit Instagram.com: @ DupreCateringAndEvents or @SenatesEnd, or Facebook.com: @DupreCateringEvents or @ SenatesEnd. See ad, page 32.
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global briefs
BOTTLE Battles
Bright Future
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The investment bank Lazard states that production costs for solar energy dropped by 90 percent between 2009 and 2020. Today, electricity from large-scale solar plants costs an average of $.037 per kilowatt hour (kWh). New coal-powered plants cost three times as much; $.112/ kWh, with natural gas at $.059/kWh, nuclear at $.163/kWh and wind at $.04/kWh. New, more efficient solar panels will lower costs even further. Christian Breyer, a professor of solar economy at LUT University, in Finland, says, “We’re going to see solar power plants all over the world. In some places, wind power is still a bit cheaper,” depending on available sunlight. Experts estimate that photovoltaic plants with a total capacity of around 60 million megawatts (MW) will be needed to supply the entire world with electricity. That’s 70 times more than all of today’s existing solar capacity. The industrial sector needs a lion’s share of that energy. Starting in 2022, several Bayer Group chemical plants will run on 100 percent green electricity from a 590 MW solar power plant in southern Spain. For the energy-intensive steel industry, low-cost energy availability is a decisive factor when planning the location of new mills. Aluminum plants, car factories, cement manufacturers and data centers are all powered by solar farms.
A more sustainable approach for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used in single-use beverage bottles, clothing and food packaging, has been found by Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) consortium, which includes the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the UK University of Portsmouth. A paper, “Techno-economic, life-cycle, and socioeconomic impact analysis of enzymatic recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate),” in the journal Joule, shows that enzyme-recycled PET has potential advantages over conventional, fossil-based methods across a broad spectrum of energy and carbon impacts. The concept could lead to new opportunities for PET recycling and create a mechanism for recycling textiles and other materials also made from PET that traditionally are not recycled. PET ranks among the most abundantly produced synthetic polymers in the world; roughly 54 percent is used in the manufacture of clothing and carpet. “From all the plastics that were produced since the 1950s, less than 10 percent of it has ever been recycled,” says Avantika Singh, first author of the paper. “Most waste plastics end up in landfills.” BOTTLE is addressing plastic pollution by developing energy-efficient, cost-effective and scalable recycling and upcycling technologies; and formulating modern plastics to be recyclable by design.
Never Again
Forever Chemicals Banned in Maine Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed “forever chemicals”, are a class of 9,000 ubiquitous compounds found in fracking wells, food packaging, cookware, cosmetics and dental floss. They are resistant to degrading and accumulate in the environment and our bodies. In lieu of federal regulation, the state of Maine has enacted a wide-ranging ban on the use of all PFAS by 2030 for all purposes unless considered unavoidable. Chemical & Engineering News calls this action a world first. Lawmakers hope this precedent will motivate manufacturers and others in the industry to move to safer alternatives that don’t include toxic chemicals. European countries Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden are also considering restrictions on the use of PFAS.
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Using Enzymes to Recycle Plastic
Global Industry Turns to Solar Energy
eco tip
Buy Nothing
Neighborly Groups Share More and Waste Less CONSIDER THESE FACTS: The average American creates almost five pounds of solid waste per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Only 26 percent of Americans know most of their neighbors. Americans, with 4 percent of the world’s children, throw away 40 percent of the world’s toys. Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark, neighbors on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, realized there was a simple way to change these trends. They created the first local Buy Nothing group in 2013, which has grown to 4 million members in 44 countries. In 2020, Clark and Rockefeller co-authored The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan: Discover the Joy of Spending Less, Sharing More, and Living Generously. GIVE OR GET GOODS People can join a local Buy Nothing group through Facebook. The groups provide a free platform to give, ask, borrow and lend items. It’s also a place to thank others in the community. Just about any item or service can be exchanged, as long as it’s legal. Food is commonly shared among group members. Clothing, toys and equipment for children are popular, too. Gifts of self, including talent and time, are also allowed. For example, members can offer to spend time with elderly neighbors or do yard work for them. As the name implies, nothing may be bought or sold in the group. Once a group gets too big, usually more than 1,000 or 1,500 members, it is split into smaller neighborhood groups. People can only belong to one Buy Nothing group. IN GOOD FUN Giving an item away to the first person that replies to a post is discouraged. Buy Nothing administrators ask givers to keep a post active long enough for many members of the group to see it and state their interest. The giver is also encouraged to be creative in how they select the person that receives the item or service when multiple people are interested. Popular methods include asking people to post cute pet photos or share a joke. These threads enhance the amiable nature of the groups. Exchanging items through a Buy Nothing group results in neighbors getting to know each other, diverts tons of discarded items from landfills and decreases pollution of waterways. To find a local Buy Nothing group, visit BuyNothingProject.org or BuyNothingapp.com. October 2021
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natural pet
Cannabis and Canines How Cannabidiol Benefits Dogs
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truck with severe arthritis, Topper, a 7-year-old Ibizan Hound, was in such pain he could hardly walk. He had to be carried outside to eat or use the bathroom, and medication wasn’t working. On a friend’s recommendation, his owner, Christy Moore, of Florence, Arizona, gave him cannabidiol (CBD). “Within three days, he could walk on all four legs and I was crying tears of joy,” she recalls. “It was the miracle we needed.” Topper is among the thousands of furry family members that have found relief with CBD, one of 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis (hemp) plants. Success stories abound of how CBD has helped dogs overcome anxiety, reduce seizures and even beat cancer. Cannabinoids, including CBD and the psychoactive compound THC, are substances that mimic the naturally occurring chemicals produced in all vertebrates. Receptors for these endocannabinoids are found throughout the body, especially in the brain, nervous system and immune system, as well as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, intestinal tract, muscles, bones and both the reproductive and circulatory systems. They act as master regulators that signal other systems when to speed up or slow down, working to stabilize the body and return it to homeostasis. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant affect these same receptors, each in slightly different ways. Unlike THC, which is toxic for dogs at prescribed human 16
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dosages, the most significant, documented side effects of CBD are diarrhea and changes in some liver enzyme values after several weeks. The main concern with CBD is that it inhibits cytochrome P450, a chemical in the body responsible for metabolizing most drugs. That means CBD could affect the effective potency of a prescribed drug.
What Research Shows While thousands of reports on CBD’s effect on laboratory animals and humans have been published, only a few have been conducted with dogs or cats. Still, CBD seems promising for arthritis, anxiety, itchiness and possibly seizures, cancer and other maladies. ARTHRITIS: In a Cornell University study, some dogs were initially so decrepit that their owners considered euthanasia, but after just days on CBD they were trotting around and even climbing stairs. A Baylor University study found similar improvement. ITCHINESS: An Australian study found CBD reduced itchiness, inflammation and skin lesions by 51 percent after eight weeks of treatment. An American study also found CBD
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by Caroline Coile
significantly reduced reports of itchiness. CANCER: Cannabinoids are reported to induce cancer cell death and prevent metastasis. A Cornell University study found that CBD along with a standard chemotherapy drug reduced cancer cell proliferation in vitro more than the chemotherapy drug alone. Anecdotal reports from veterinarians have claimed CBD shrunk cancer cells or put dogs into remission. BEHAVIOR: Despite those reports, no controlled study has shown CBD to be more effective than prescription medications in reducing anxiety. A University of Kentucky study found physiological measurements of anxiety in response to noise were not significantly different for CBD versus a placebo, and were worse compared to trazodone (a drug commonly prescribed for anxiety). A University of Western Australia study found shelter dogs with aggressive tendencies exhibited less aggression toward humans after two weeks of taking CBD. SEIZURES: Many anecdotal reports hail CBD’s success in combatting seizures in dogs, but the single controlled study delivered only moderate results. A Colorado State University study found CBD only worked with some dogs, and it reduced, but didn’t eliminate, seizures. OTHER: Evidence from laboratory animals supports CBD’s effectiveness in promoting bone healing, fighting infection, treating inflammatory bowel disease, slowing degenerative myelopathy, quelling nausea and relieving pain.
Choosing Wisely Broad-spectrum products work better than isolated CBD because they use the whole cannabis plant. Choose those with third-party certificates of analysis of potency and testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins or pesticides. Avoid human edible products that often contain ingredients such as xylitol that are toxic to pets. Aim for about 0.1 to 0.2 milligram per kilogram of a dog’s weight, given twice daily by mouth. Work up gradually, but beware that more is not always better with CBD, because sometimes the response is biphasic—it doesn’t work if they get too little or too much. Discuss CBD with a veterinarian, but realize that not all of them are familiar or comfortable with the subject. CBD, like many supplements and drugs designed for humans and used on canines, is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Overall, the evidence is compelling that CBD can help some conditions. The endocannabinoid system is the largest system in the body and the least explored. CBD is not a miracle drug, but it may be the miracle our four-footed friends need. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is an award-winning writer of 34 books, thousands of magazine and web articles, and an app, All About Dogs. Learn more at CarolineCoile.com. October 2021
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healing ways
Healthy Breast Basics Lifestyle Choices to Lower Disease Risks by Sandra Yeyati
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ne in eight women in the United States develops breast cancer in the course of her lifetime. “Notably, only five to 10 percent can be blamed on inherited gene mutations, and merely 13 percent of women with breast cancer have a first-degree relative with a history of disease,” says Kristi Funk, a board-certified breast surgeon in Santa Monica, California, and medical director of PinkLotus.com. “It’s empowering to realize that the causes for the vast majority of breast cancer are under our control in the choices we make every day.” “Whenever you lift fork to mouth, you move closer to cancer, or farther away,” says the author of Breasts: The Owner’s Manual—a vegan proponent. “Plants, legumes and whole grains provide nutritional armor for your cells, decreasing cancer risk. They release molecules that scavenge free radicals, eliminate carcinogens, prevent and repair DNA damage, identify and destroy harmful cells, inhibit the supply of blood to tumors, stimulate the immune system, regulate hormone metabolism and reduce inflammation.” Funk recommends regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, soy, ground flaxseed, berries, matcha green tea, mushrooms, turmeric, aloe vera, garlic, onion, chives and cacao. Functional doctor Elizabeth Boham, the medical director of Dr. Mark Hyman’s UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, proposes a balance of animal and vegetable protein, as long as the animal sources are good, like eggs, salmon or grass-fed beef without antibiotics. “Organic, non-GMO soy like tofu or edamame may decrease a woman’s risk of breast cancer, but avoid bad soy that’s added
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to processed food, including soybean oils and soy lecithins,” she advises. “I also suggest cutting back on dairy for women at high risk of breast cancer because it naturally contains growth hormones, which may cause things to grow in our body that we don’t want to grow.” Citing a clear association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk, Boham recommends eliminating or moderating drinks to no more than five a week. She also highlights the importance of seven to nine hours of sleep and relaxation techniques to improve stress response. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. “Our body fat is where hormones get turned into estrogen, which has been associated with an increase in breast cancer,” Boham says, adding that 35 grams of fiber per day will feed healthy bacteria in the gut which helps eliminate used-up estrogen and other toxins. “Avoid xenoestrogens, too, which can act on the estrogen receptor, such as BPA in plastics and store receipts, parabens in skincare products and pesticides and herbicides on lawns and in non-organic foods.” Boham suggests eliminating refined and processed carbohydrates like bread, white rice and cookies, which cause blood sugar to spike and the body to produce insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar after every meal. “Over time, people develop insulin resistance, causing it to produce even more insulin to do its job. Those high levels of insulin can encourage cancer growth,” she explains. Carlos Garcia, M.D., director of the
Utopia Cancer Center (UtopiaCancerCenter.com), in Oldsmar, Florida, and author of Cancer is a Symptom, uses liver and gallbladder flushes, colonic irrigations and coffee enemas to help the body purge toxins. “Gut flora imbalances compromise the immune response and nutritional absorption. Yearly colonic irrigation with recolonization is essential in the prevention of disease,” he explains. Some women experience breast tenderness or pain and lumpy, bumpy breast tissue; having dense breasts can increase breast cancer risk, Boham says, noting that too much caffeine or an iodine deficiency can exacerbate these symptoms. She recommends consuming less coffee and more iodine-rich foods like nori, kelp powder or seafood. According to Boham, there isn’t enough good research to say that we should never wear underwire bras, but good lymphatic flow and circulation to the area is important and can be facilitated with daily movement, exercise and sweating to remove stuck toxins and support the detoxification system. Boham says many women find their breast cancer during a self-exam. “Know your own body. If something looks or feels different, if you feel a lump that shouldn’t be there or see a shift in the skin, a dimpling or a pulling, have it checked. It’s often nothing, but you could find the cancer early, which makes all the difference in the world.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.
October 2021
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Less Stuff, More Joy Ways to Live Simpler and Lighter on Mother Earth
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by Ronica O’Hara
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hen holistic wellness coach and personal trainer Sergio Rojas saw his contract with a trucking company terminated by the pandemic, he and his wife Krista turned it into an opportunity to step away from a life of too much stuff and over-scheduled activities. “When life gets too complicated and there’s too much going on, you get stressed and irritated easier,” he says. “You don’t feel connected to yourself.” The couple sold their 4,200-square-foot house in Dubuque, Iowa, along with 85 percent of their belongings and spent eight months living out of suitcases exploring the southeastern United States and Latin America with their 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. “We wanted our kids to see what it’s like to downsize, to live with less,” says Rojas. After considering Vancouver and Miami, they settled in the Atlanta area in a townhouse half the size of their Iowa home not far from extended family. “A simpler life lets you focus on what’s important,” he says. “We have deep, deep conversations with our kids, and dinner can be a two-and-a-half-hour experience, with a game of cards and singing songs.” Not everyone moves in such dramatic fashion toward a simpler lifestyle, but thanks in part to the lessons of COVID-19, intentionally living with less is gaining currency across the country. “The pandemic gave us an uninvited sample of a more minimalist and simple life, and we have all become acutely aware of what feels good to let go of and what’s really important to us,” says minimalist blogger Ema Hidlebaugh, of MinimizeMyMess.com.
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According to research from the multinational consulting firm Accenture, the pandemic made consumers more mindful of purchases, more conscious of food waste and more interested in sustainable, local options. Other polls found that two out of three Americans adopted more eco-friendly habits during the pandemic, and that 52 percent are open now to living in a van. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for simpler living; each person crafts what best fits their values and needs. Three common strands have emerged: minimalist simplicity—living with less clutter and busyness; ecological simplicity—living with the sustainability of the planet as the priority; and conscious simplicity—driven by deep personal and spiritual values. The approaches can overlap, yet each has its unique flavor. None has an end stage: All are dynamic explorations and encourage continual experimentation and growth. With time, they often merge together. In an in-depth study published in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, people living long-term minimalist lifestyles reported spending more time with family and friends, volunteering, engaging in pro-ecological behaviors, making sustainable and ethical purchases, and choosing to spend money on experiences rather than material objects. They described their mental space as a feeling of clear-headedness, spaciousness and lightness, and some said that stripping back to minimal possessions enabled them to strip back to their true identity. Moving toward simplicity often starts with a decision—sometimes thrust upon us—to reconsider how to spend our energy.
“Whatever you own, owns you,” counselled pacifist, mystic and environmental activist Peace Pilgrim in the 1980s—a sobering thought, given that the average American household is estimated to hold 300,000 separate items, from T-shirts to coffee cups. As one woman told her, “I’ve just realized I’m working my fingers to the bone to provide a home for my furniture!”
Minimalist Simplicity
Minimalism involves “owning less, practicing sufficiency and improving the quality of life by not indulging in consumerism,” says Aniruddha Pangarkar, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, whose study on the topic appeared in the Journal of Business Research. “By practicing minimalism, consumers can achieve life-goals through experiencing well-being, satisfaction, happiness and peace.” A 2019 YouGov survey reported that 17 percent of Americans describe themselves as minimalists, 23 percent would like to become one and 31 percent have no interest in the idea. Historically, minimalism in America goes back to the Quakers and Henry David Thoreau’s writings, but it gained new life in 2014 with Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She says holding each object and asking, “Does it spark joy?” If it doesn’t, thank it and toss it, she advises. After her Netflix series ran in 2019, thrift stores reported a dramatic upswing in donations. Because research suggests that clutter is linked to depression, fatigue and higher levels of stress, decluttering alone can be life-changing. Journalist Ellen Pober Rittberg, of Brooklyn, moved into a one-room studio when she downsized from her house. “I could have chosen a one-bedroom apartment, but it would have meant more places to put things that I probably didn’t need to acquire,” she says. Asking if something “sparks joy” can also be applied to everything from friendships to jobs to food and finances, whittling away what is not essential. As millennials are discovering, renting instead of owning a home frees up weekends for fun instead of home repairs. Using Lyft or Uber and mass transit saves money otherwise spent on car loans, repairs and gas. Spurning designer brands opens up funds for trips to Yellowstone or Iceland. “Even though everyone embraces minimalism differently, each path leads to the same place: a life with more time, more money and more freedom to live a more meaningful life,” advise Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus in their top-rated blog TheMinimalists.com, which has 20 million followers. “Getting started is as simple as asking yourself one question: How might your life be better if you owned fewer material possessions?”
Ecological Simplicity
This green approach means “to choose ways of living that touch the Earth more lightly and that reduce our ecological impact on the web of life,” writes eco-activist Duane Elgin in his seminal book Voluntary Simplicity. Half a century ago, the Whole Earth Catalog kicked off the movement with its Earth-centered living strategies. Today, thousands of websites and books offer stepby-step ecological advice, recycling has become commonplace, electric cars are the hottest sellers and according to the National Retail Federation, 70 percent of American consumers value sustainability in products. October 2021
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Conscious Simplicity
Deeply held values, not money and possessions, shape this form of simpler living, sometimes called soulful or conscious simplicity. Its focus is on life-enhancing experiences, inner growth, spirituality, natural health, creativity, nurturing relationships and social action. Owning bling has little allure. “With conscious simplicity, we can seek lives that are rich with experiences, satisfaction and learning, rather than packed with things,” writes Elgin. Sometimes passion is the driver. Alex Honnold, the renowned rock climber profiled in Free Solo, lived in a van for 10 years while scaling Yosemite’s El Capitan and other formidable peaks. He donates one-third of his income to global solar power initiatives. Millennials like him are finding stuff less enticing: The Harris Group reports that 72 percent of them say they would rather spend money on experiences than material things. A study from San Francisco State University found that the happiness of buying something new like a car or a laptop fades over time, while spending money on an experience provides joy long after the experience has ended. Deeply held values can mandate a simpler life. Ross Martinie Eiler found his calling 15 years ago when he read about the voluntary poverty of the Catholic Worker Movement, which offers hospitality to the homeless in 178 centers worldwide. “It struck me as an authentic way of living that’s true to the beauty and goodness of the religion,” he says. Today his life is built around the Bloomington, Indiana, Catholic Worker community. He, his wife Andrea and their four children live communally in four houses with other members and guests, sharing meals, belongings and easy-going conversations with the homeless. He tunes pianos part time for money, half of which he donates to the community. For fun, he pounds the keys in a rollicking boogie-woogie band. The committed communal life isn’t always easy. “Every day there’s a new challenge that needs a new approach. Against my will, I’ve been forced to become a better person,” he chuckles. “I have little money on paper—I’m probably in the bottom 10 percent—but I don’t need anything. And yeah, I feel it’s very right for me.” Denver-based health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
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Lowering our impact on the planet means living more simply with less. Among other strategies, this means going without household plastics or lawn chemicals; gardening and buying local produce in season to lower shipping emissions; choosing equipment and clothes made to last many years; and reducing energy consumption at home, work and on the road. Sustainable living can be as simple as using a personal mug when ordering a latte or as complex as joining a stockholders’ rebellion to force sustainable corporate policies. It also can mean returning to the simpler practices of yesteryear, such as line-drying clothes and bonding more closely with the natural world. For Barbi Gardiner, owner of The Outdoor Apothecary, in Plainfield, Connecticut, embracing a simpler, sustainable lifestyle after leaving a high-pressure job meant “adopting a do-it-yourself attitude” that included starting a permaculture garden, composting, raising chickens, foraging and cooking wild food, and creating healing remedies from homegrown and foraged herbs. “Nature is the medicine for what ails us,” she says.
Living Lighter Checklist Some Ways to Up Our Game in Simpler Living MINIMALIST SIMPLICITY
ECOLOGICAL SIMPLICITY
CONSCIOUS SIMPLICITY
n Buy only what we truly need
n Eat more plants, less meat
n Spend on experiences, not stuff
n Prune clothes and books
n Grow our own food
n Minimize shopping online
n Declutter, category by category
n Compost food scraps
n Repair, don’t replace
n Go plastic-free in the house
n Detox social media accounts
n Purchase for quality, not quantity
n Conduct a home energy audit
n Scale back TV and cable
n With each new purchase, give
n Install solar for home energy
n Savor nature with a daily walk
n Use green cleaning supplies
n Plant trees locally
n Save water with toilet and
n Volunteer often
n Choose paperless receipts n Digitalize books and movies n Use a budgeting app to
lower expenses n Reduce food waste n Go slow: slow food, slow fashion n Consider moving into a
smaller space n Unsubscribe from catalogs
and retail emails n Give away clothes not worn
for a year n Re-examine social commitments n Use reusable tote bags
for shopping n Eliminate duplicates n Drive less and walk, bike and
ride mass transit more
shower eco-devices n Air-dry clothes n Switch to an electric or
hybrid vehicle n Buy quality clothes in
natural fabrics n Recycle whenever possible
n Commit to a cause n Use holistic medicine
practitioners n Take a personal growth course n Meditate or pray daily n Explore yoga, tai chi or
a martial art
n Buy pre-used items
n Take up a creative pursuit
n Use reusable bags and
n Explore the local area
food containers n Make DIY beauty products
and cleaners n Volunteer for local eco-activities n Boycott products that
endanger wildlife
n Sign petitions or organize drives n Get involved in a worthy cause n Invest to delegitimize fossil
fuels and deforestation n Donate to worthy environmental
or social causes
n Campaign for environmental
policies and candidates
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away something old
and offline
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conscious eating
Fall Fruits for Savory Dishes fresh approaches to autumn flavors by April Thompson
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ove over, summer berries and stone fruits—‘tis the season for a cornucopia of fall fruits, including crunchy apples, chewy figs and tart pomegranates. By taking a page from the playbooks of orchard chefs, home cooks can flex the unique flavors and health powers of these autumn delights with savory mains and sides. Fall fruits boast many healthful properties, from the apple’s plentiful soluble fiber and vitamin C to heart-healthy lycopene and beta-carotene found in orange-skinned persimmons. Pears are also loaded with pectin, which helps lower cholesterol, fight diabetes and promote gut health. Opting for light, savory preparations of fruit such as seasonal salads and soups over sugary desserts makes them an even healthier choice. Healdsburg, California, restauranteur Kyle Connaughton creates dishes highlighting different fruit varieties for his restaurant’s 11-course menu, which changes daily. “This region was actually known for its heirloom apples and cider-making long before it was known for wine. We have these incredible
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heirloom fruits, including experimental varietals from the 1800s that no one even knows what they are. So many varietals got lost in the quest to grow fruit bigger and faster,” says Connaughton, who runs SingleThread Farms with his wife Katina. Their 25 acres include an heirloom fruit orchard, olive trees, beehives, grapevines and chicken coops that supply fresh ingredients to their three-Michelin-star restaurant. “Some pear varieties are very crisp and dense, and poach and roast well, whereas other soft-skin varieties are better pureed into drinks or sorbet,” says Connaughton. He creates dishes that celebrate all of the season’s bounty, and in California, fall brings persimmons and Dungeness crab. “Persimmons have a fibrous texture that don’t blend well into sauces and don’t freeze well for things like sorbets, which we like to make with other fall fruits like pomegranate. We prefer to use them in savory dishes, like a first course of cold steamed crab with persimmon.” The orchard also grows Asian pears, which SingleThread Farms tends to use raw, often paired with raw fish. “Asian pears are very crisp, but not incredibly sweet, with an undertone of acidity. It has the watery crunch of a jicama that makes a nice backdrop for raw fish dishes like sashimi,” says Connaughton. While the restaurant’s innovative menu focuses on small bites in curious combinations, the Connaughtons frequently have a simple family meal before the dinner service. In autumn, they will often toss together a salad featuring local goat or blue cheese; bitter chicory, frisee or radicchio greens; roasted fall hazelnuts or walnuts; and figs, persimmons or pomegranates from the orchard, served with a vinaigrette made with pomegranate molasses and macerated shallots. The pink-fleshed, mountain rose apple, an autumn specialty of the Hood River Fruit Loop region of Oregon, often makes its way into salads at the dinner table of Katrina McAlexander, a third-generation farmer and owner of Grateful Vineyard, in Mount Hood. This 51-acre orchard and vineyard, brewery, winery and tasting room boasts more than 500 fruit varieties, including 150 kinds of apples alone. Grateful Vineyard hosted the cooking competition show Top Chef this year for a Fruit Loop challenge, with competitors coming up with savory dishes such as pear risotto and scallops with an apple shallot relish. McAlexander’s fall salads often feature fennel, herbs and arugula, topped with croutons made from leftover pizza dough. Pears and apples from the orchard also get pickled, a nod to McAlexander’s Swiss heritage. One of the vineyard tasting room’s signature dishes is an orchard pear pizza, with Anjou pears, caramelized onion and other savory ingredients on a base of olive oil and a long-ferment crust. The kitchen also uses pears in a vegan ceviche, tossing them with red onion, tomato, cucumber, cilantro and lime. As the weather starts to shift, fruit adds a nice dimension to warming soups for chilly fall days. Adding cooked apples or pears to classics like puréed carrot or squash soup provides an extra dose of sweetness and fiber; sneak in fall greens like kale for even more nutrients. Fruits also help fill out hearty grain bowls alongside fall veggies like carrots, arugula and sweet potato, particularly paired with nutty grains like farro. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
Salad: ⅓ cup walnuts 1 cup uncooked barley 1 cup cooked chickpeas 2 green Anjou pears, divided ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes ¾ cup crumbled feta ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 handful baby arugula
Salad: A few handfuls of arugula A few handfuls of spinach ½ pear, sliced into thin slices 2 Tbsp chopped pecans ¼ cup cooked lentils ¼ cup pomegranate seeds ¼ cup feta or goat cheese
Dressing: 3 Tbsp red onion, minced ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ⅓ cup olive oil 2 tsp maple syrup 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp pepper Cook barley according to package instructions. Drain. Toast walnuts in a small skillet. Let cool. Add minced onion in a small bowl with the vinegar and let marinate while you prep the salad.
marina gorskaya/AdobeStock.com
Pear and Lentil Salad
Dressing: 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard ¼ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp maple syrup ¼ tsp cinnamon Salt and pepper
Image courtesy of USA Pears
marina gorskaya/AdobeStock.com Image courtesy of USA Pears
Pear Barley Salad
Pour a desired amount of dressing onto the salad and toss. Store the rest in the fridge. Recipe by Maria Roberts (@spinach4breakfast), courtesy of USA Pears.
Chop 1-½ pears and save remaining half for fanning and decorating the salad. Add cooked barley, chickpeas, pear, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, parsley and feta to a large bowl. Mix the remaining dressing ingredients with the vinegar and red onion, and whisk until combined. Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss to coat. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
marina gorskaya/AdobeStock.com
Recipe by Brittany Mullins (@eatingbirdfood), courtesy of USA Pears.
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green living
By 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in areas of water stress as people will be unable to access the water they need. Climate change, population growth, agricultural demands and mismanagement of water resources all contribute to the growing water crisis. The world’s population will rise to 9.7 billion by 2050, leaving even more people in water-stressed conditions. An estimated 60 percent of all surface water on Earth comes from river basins shared by separate nations and almost 600 aquifers cross national boundaries. In places where water is already scarce, this can lead to geopolitical conflict.
A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse by Jeremiah Castelo
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ater scarcity is a legitimate concern. It is true that the hydrologic cycle, the process in which the Earth circulates water throughout its ecosystems, is a closed-loop cycle that neither adds nor takes away water. In theory, the amount of water on Earth will always remain the same. But problems occur when the hydrologic cycle is disrupted, causing some regions to grow arid while others get constant floods. The human activities that disrupt that process include the building of dams, the industrial pollution of waterways, the paving of roads, excessive drilling and bottled water privatization. Here are 10 of the most alarming water scarcity facts that the world is currently facing.
Annually, 1.6 million people die from waterborne diseases. Of the 5 million people that become ill from bad water, most are children. Water privatization causes harm. When corporations site water bottling operations in developing countries like India and Bolivia, they significantly deplete supplies needed by local farmers. In the U.S., when a struggling public water or electricity utility sells their rights to a private corporation, household water and sewer services typically become, respectively, 59 percent and 63 percent more costly. In the U.S., 2.1 trillion gallons of clean water is lost each year due to poor infrastructure, including old, leaky pipes and broken water mains. David Le France,
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Water Scarcity Woes
One in three people worldwide does not have access to a toilet. Around 2.3 billion people lack access to even basic sanitation services, forcing them to either practice open defecation or use pit latrines and buckets. Fecal contamination in the water supply is a major cause of deadly waterborne diseases such as hepatitis A, norovirus and E. coli.
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Three in 10 people on Earth currently do not have access to safe and clean water. According to the World Health Organization, 2.1 billion people do not have access to a safely managed water source. An estimated 263 million people must travel over 30 minutes to access water that isn’t clean, and 159 million still drink from untreated surface water sources.
CEO of the American Water Works Association, estimates that repairing America’s water infrastructure will be a trillion-dollar program. Due to divided efforts in governmental decision making, adequate policies and budgeting are often difficult to come by. Often, water burdens fall upon women, some of whom walk four miles a day just to fetch water that is likely contaminated. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, it takes about six hours to carry a 44-pound container of water from a source that often has the potential to make them sick, according to the Global Water Institute. One-third of the world’s largest aquifers are water-stressed. Underground aquifers are naturally replenished through rainfall and surface water, but a deficit occurs when more water is pumped out than replenished. Eight of the biggest aquifers, including those in Saudi Arabia, northwestern India and Pakistan, are not being replenished at all. Meeting the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for the water crisis will cost $114 billion per year. Attaining these critical goals will be time-consuming, expensive and may face political division. Yet the cost of not doing so is also high. Addressing healthcare needs due to water-related diseases and poor sanitation costs $260 billion globally each year. Water scarcity is real. To ignore it or to assume that it is only a problem of the developing world is to be blind to the reality that the rest of the world is experiencing. Excessive water consumption and poor water management are factors that can be controlled. Supporting clean water initiatives will certainly help the movement against the global water crisis. Finally, educating ourselves and raising awareness is a task we should all take on.
Water Scarcity Solutions
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Save Water Limit the use of water and of washing machines. Take short showers instead of full baths. Educate Empower people to help by showing them how to prevent and mitigate water scarcity problems now and in the future. Recycle Water Learn about and employ available technologies to recycle rainwater and other water used at home.
Support Water Conservation Allocate money and time to help water conservation efforts around the world. Improve Farming Practices Farming and irrigation practices and technologies need to become more efficient.
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Use Fewer Chemicals in Farming To ensure clean water and reduce water shortages, farmers need to de-
crease their use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which leads to groundwater pollution. Improve Sewage Systems Improving sewage systems in underserved areas will help to provide clean drinking water and prevent disease and water scarcity. Better Water Distribution Infrastructure To prevent severe water shortages in times of drought, efforts are needed to connect poor people in developing countries to public water supplies. Support Clean Water Initiatives Donate money, time and skills to organizations worldwide that are working to bring clean water to areas that don’t have it. Source: Conserve Energy Future at Conserve-Energy-Future.com.
Jeremiah Castelo is the founder of World WaterReserve.com, which publishes information on water scarcity and purification methods. This article is excerpted and reprinted with permission. October 2021
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wise words
Michaeleen Doucleff on Ancient Teachings for Modern Parenting by Julie Peterson We’ve lost this social support and structure. Parents have to look for guidance from parenting “experts” online and in books. Unfortunately, these experts offer a narrow view of parenting styles, tools and methods.
What was the catalyst that led you to travel the world with a toddler to research parenting methods?
N
ational Public Radio (NPR) science correspondent Michaeleen Doucleff literally searched the world to learn how to be a better parent. She learned how to raise kind and helpful children, and detailed the journey in a book, Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. Doucleff learned the basics of parenting from experiences gathered with her 3-year-old daughter among the Maya in the Yucatan, the Inuit above the Arctic Circle and the Hadzabe in Tanzania. The hunter-gatherer parents that she encountered convinced Doucleff that modern parenting needs to be overhauled and that there is a path to healthier families. 28
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What is wrong with
21st-century parenting?
Western parents have, in many ways, forgotten how to relate to children in a way that’s calm, peaceful and cooperative. We don’t really know how to cooperate with them or teach them how to cooperate with us. Instead, our relationship with kids centers around control. I think this is a major reason for the epidemic of depression and anxiety among American children. They have little autonomy, but they also feel disconnected from the parents because they don’t know how to cooperate with them. At the end of the day, kids are lonely. For tens of thousands of years, parents learned how to be moms and dads from older people who lived in their homes or nearby.
ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com
When my daughter Rosy was 2 years old, my husband and I were really struggling as parents. Rosy was having a lot of tantrums, which often included hitting and biting. I read a ton of books and blogs, and everything I tried seemed to make her tantrums worse. Then NPR sent me to a tiny Maya village in the Yucatan for a story about children’s attention. While I was there, the moms and dads showed me this whole other approach to parenting and relating to children, which is super gentle, calm and peaceful. There’s no yelling, arguing, bickering or even nagging. The children are respectful to their parents, kind to their siblings and very helpful. I tried out a few of the elements with Rosy and I was stunned at how well they worked.
How did you choose the Maya, Inuit and Hadzabe communities?
In general, these three cultures excel in aspects of parenting with which Western culture really struggles. The Maya parents are incredibly skilled at raising helpful and cooperative children. Inuit parents have these wonderful and sophisticated tools for teaching children … how to control their
anger and other types of emotional regulation. And the Hadzabe families are world experts at raising confident, self-sufficient kids. The childhood anxiety and depression common in the United States is essentially nonexistent in these communities.
When did you notice a positive change in your parenting and relationship with your daughter?
Many of the tips and ideas in Hunt, Gather, Parent changed Rosy and our relationship right away. For example, when I started including Rosy in household chores and cut back on the “child-centered” activities, her behavior improved essentially overnight. She needed more connection, more responsibility and more ways to contribute. Other parts of the book involve mind shifts or changes in my own behavior. Those took longer to have an impact on Rosy. But I was the slow one. Once I changed, she immediately followed.
Why will ancient methods of parenting from huntergatherer families, what you coined “TEAM parenting,” work for parents everywhere?
These methods are about the parent-child relationship, which is the same around the world, especially when children are young. The TEAM [Togetherness, Encouragement, Autonomy and Minimal interference] parenting method is a way of relating to children that’s independent of the surroundings or environment. For example, in Tanzania, a 5-year-old girl learns to cooperate by helping her mom gather baobab pods or carrying a jug of water back from the river. In San Francisco, Rosy is learning to cooperate and be helpful in the same way by being included in household chores. She rinses dishes, scrambles the eggs, carries a small bag of groceries to the car at the supermarket. The details are different from place to place, but the concept is the same. Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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Horning says that people may not realize how walking a dog conditions their own bodies. With natural surfaces like grassy or gravel trails and dirt paths, “there are so many neurobiological adjustments you’re making,” he says. Every nature walk provides an opportunity for our bodies to practice balance and sharpen its reflexes.
fit body
Foundation Fundamentals
WALK ABOUT Simple Steps to Well-Being by Laura Paisley Beck
P
eople that wear a fitness watch get a little buzz on the wrist as a reminder to get more steps in each hour, but many ignore the simple opportunity that exists to exercise upright for free anytime and anywhere. “Yes, we take walking for granted,” says Alexia McClerkin, a Houston chiropractor whose clients include professional and elite athletes. “Most people only walk as far as it takes to get to their car.”
Sitting is the New Smoking
According to On Your Feet America, Americans sit 10 hours or more each day, and that sedentary habit is considered hazardous to our health. It may contribute to climbing obesity rates in the U.S., currently at 44.5 percent among those ages 40 to 59. Today’s most common preventable diseases are directly linked to obesity, the key word being “preventable.” Walking briskly daily has proven to increase metabolism, lower both blood pressure and resting heart rates, and burn calories. Other benefits include improving mobility, equilibrium and stamina. Benjamin Horning, a Laguna Hills, California, chiropractor and author of A Kid’s Guide to a Healthy Spine, says, “I’m a big believer that movement is life. I recommend that if you can move, get moving. Walking is a good starting point. If you can walk instead of drive, go for it. If you’re stuck indoors, schedule 15-to-20-minute walks in your calendar.” It’s important to put it in the calendar because, he says, “You have to make it real.” McClerkin recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of brisk walking a day to increase blood flow throughout the entire body, especially the legs.
Oh, the Places to Go
In the U.S., dogs and humans face similar obesity statistics with similar obesity-related health issues like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Taking dogs out for brisk walks helps prevent and reduce those risks. 30
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“Proper shoes make a world of difference,” McClerkin says. They can help prevent plantar fasciitis, hammertoe and many other causes of pain and discomfort. Anya Jensen, of AnyasReviews.com, a shoe review website, suffered painful foot health issues and discovered the life-changing results of wearing “barefoot” shoes, which have a flat sole and high flexibility. Now she makes it her mission to educate others that fashion doesn’t have to compromise health. “Walking was an important part of my health journey,” she says. “The feet literally are your foundation when you’re walking. Walking in pointed-toed shoes, you’re missing out on so many benefits for your physical health.” Jensen walks with her kids daily in nature and is proud of their mobility. “With the kids, we need a destination and we pack snacks,” she says. “I like how the world has opened up to us because we’re prepared. We’re wearing the right shoes. We can encounter hills, rocks or the right tree.”
Heads Up
McClerkin and Horning both ask patients to be mindful of their limitations when taking on a new physical activity and to be careful to prevent injuries when adding brisk walks to a daily routine for the first time. “Too heavy a walk on cement and other hard surfaces like roads can cause shin splints,” McClerkin says. “Walk on a track to prevent injuries from an uneven surface.” “Just be responsible,” says Horning. “Walking is so beneficial. The basics of health just can’t be ignored or taken for granted.” Humans walk upright on two feet, unlike any other animal on Earth. Walking allows us to connect with our bodies and environment in a very special way, something we can take advantage of instead of taking for granted. Let’s go for a walk. Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach out at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.
inspiration
The Quiet Power of Intuition lbert Einstein considered knowledge secondary to intuition and inspiration, and modern visionaries like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg have all endorsed the practical magic of gut feelings. The rest of us that have had that unexpected hunch to take a chance in business or get off the highway via a different exit than we first planned are in good company. Intuition—once a key factor in our ancestors’ ability to survive and later reduced to a New Age curiosity—is now a subject of research in the military, which has renamed it “sensemaking”. Beneath the clatter of modern living, the quiet voice within each of us is alive and well, an often-ignored superpower. Intuition gives us the opportunity to leave the comfortable shore of left-brain reasoning to dive into immediate somatic response. This sixth sense in our everyday toolbox can enable us to not only endure, but prosper. Research has shown that believing in the value of intuition and trusting gut feelings in business pays off. In the 1970s, parapsychologist Douglas Dean and John Mihalasky, an engineering professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, tested 385 American CEOs on their intuitive capacities. Eighty percent of the individuals with the highest scores had previously increased company profits twofold within five years. Out-of-the-blue flashes of “knowing” usually come without warning and can dissolve like a flake of snow under the glare of too much analysis. This sense can also warp and prove unreliable during extreme emotional states like anger or fear. Being aware of subtleties and trusting the energetic current beneath the surface invites more accurate and fruitful results. Cultivating internal knowing is a wise investment that can also quell frazzled nervous systems in the process. Adopting simple habits and activities can dial down the fight-or-flight stress response and make room for the inner voice. We might wonder how we know if it’s our fear or our desire talking, and the answer is simple: Listen to feelings, not thoughts. Other suggestions include:
prostockstudio/AdobeStock.com
A
by Marlaina Donato
n Meditation or meditative movement like dancing or repetitive, mindful activities like n n n n
kneading bread or painting Creative projects like scrapbooking or journaling Spending quality time in nature Dialing into our everyday senses Taking a social media sabbatical for more unplugged downtime
Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and a visionary recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. October 2021
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What They Need to Know from Those They Trust by Sandra Yeyati
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s scientists have been predicting, climate-related fires, floods and drought are becoming commonplace. Our children are seeing and hearing about them on social media and the news or living through them in their own neighborhoods. Kids have questions. They’re afraid, anxious and angry about inheriting these problems. “We’re living a climate emergency, so we should talk about it honestly with our children whenever they ask us. They deserve to hear it from trusted messengers, the people they know and love, such as parents, guardians and teachers,” says Harriet Shugarman, the New York City author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action, who trained with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project and founded the online community ClimateMama.com.
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Fostering a Love of Nature
For our youngest children, “You want to be calming and reassuring, engendering a sense of safety and love of nature. This is the time to go outside and connect with the many delights of our world,” says integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport, the San Francisco author of All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change, an illustrated book for 8-to-12-year-olds published by the American Psychological Association. United Kingdom-based children’s book author Catherine Barr offers a gentle and enjoyable way to develop love and concern for nature in her 10 Reasons to Love picture book series that showcases endangered animals. “When talking to children that young, it’s important to present climate issues in positive ways, encouraging kindness, inclusivity, empa-
thy and understanding,” says the former Greenpeace campaigner. “Young children are so impressionable. It’s best to empower them with hope than scare them unnecessarily.” Still, Shugarman notes, “It’s not too young to say that we turn off lights when we leave a room to save energy. Sometimes our kids think that fruit comes from the grocery store. We should remind them where it really grows.”
Learning the Facts Together
According to Davenport, as kids reach 9 and beyond, they tend to be mentally and emotionally capable of processing more complex concepts and emotions. This is the time for parents to present vetted, science-based facts as objectively as possible. “There’s a tendency to want to either sugarcoat or over-dramatize. We flip from ‘It’s not so bad; it’ll be fine’, to ‘It’s too late; there’s nothing I can do.’ Neither of those views are helpful or accurate,” she explains. Barr recommends that parents stick to the facts and encourage curiosity. “Parents shouldn’t feel that they have to have all the answers. It can be a journey of learning with your children to look something up together,” the author of The Story of Climate Change advises. “It’s also a good idea to empower kids to challenge grownups. A child can start a conversation at the dinner table by asking, ‘Where did this fish come from?’ or ‘Could we grow our own carrots?’ or ‘Are we recycling?’”
Building Resiliency
Davenport’s book toggles between the presentation of environmentally triggered realities and calming, reflective exercises such as journaling or deep breathing. “The idea is that when you hear difficult news or have a difficult experience, you go back and forth between talking about or processing it and something that helps you regulate or calm your nervous system,” she explains. This approach helps to build resiliency, which Davenport defines as the capacity to stay present, open-minded, open-hearted and clear in the face of life’s challenges.
Finding Hope in Action
“We can give our kids hope by pointing to people that are working to address the climate crisis, including the uprise of youth voices, as well as efforts to save animal species, build resiliency in cities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Shugarman. “It’s also critical that parents show their kids that they care about the crisis and are doing things like reducing energy use, driving electric cars, voting for pro-climate candidates and supporting climate education in schools.” “People think you have to talk about how awful the world is going to be, but I think you can turn that upside-down and offer a strong, positive message of hope,” says Barr. “We need to help kids understand that the choices they make and the things they do can lead to a more sustainable, fairer way of living.” “According to climate scientists, if we don’t do anything, we’re in big trouble, and if we intervene and make significant changes, we’re still going to feel impacts, but it’s not too late,” says Davenport. “Encourage kids to become part of meaningful change. Our actions make a difference.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. October 2021
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Nature’s Virus Killer
not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA22. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL
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Advertorial
A RAY OF HOPE IN CHAOTIC TIMES By Monte Leach and Marc Gregory
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ven in these chaotic and perilous times, there is reason for hope. Humanity finds itself at a major crossroads: Do we choose the path of selfish separatism and inequality based on greed and competition, leading to the destruction of ourselves and planet Earth; or the path of cooperation and sharing leading to global peace and prosperity? Here to help us make the correct choice stands a group of Teachers unparalleled in their enlightenment and wisdom, unequaled in their ability to love and to serve. They are the Masters of Wisdom. At their head stands a being of the most extraordinary compassion and insight: Maitreya, the World Teacher. As the one awaited under various names by all major religious traditions, and as a Teacher for all humanity, Maitreya is here — along with the Masters of Wisdom — to guide us safely into the future. The existence of these great Teachers was first made known in the West in the late 1800s by Helena Blavatsky, who lived among the Masters of Wisdom in the Himalayas for three years. In the early 20th century, Blavatsky’s work was continued by Alice A. Bailey, and, more recently, by British esotericist and artist Benjamin Creme. All three of these authors and educators were trained by, and worked directly with, the Masters of Wisdom. According to the Ageless Wisdom tradition, as it is known, these highly advanced Teachers have lived in the remote areas of the world through the ages, helping and guiding humanity from behind the scenes. Through his work over many years, Benjamin Creme made it known that at this critical time for humanity and the planet, the Masters of Wisdom,
headed by Maitreya, are coming forward now to live among us and teach us directly.
The path to peace and justice Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom are teachers in the broadest sense of the word. They have attained mastery over themselves, and as enlightened individuals devote all their time and energy in loving service to humanity. They are not here to establish a new religion, but to show us how to live together in peace. This is simpler than we imagine, Maitreya has said. The key is an equitable sharing of the Earth’s resources among all the world’s people. Through sharing we lessen global tensions, generate greater trust and cooperation among the nations — and begin to build a world where all have the basic necessities of life and live in balance with the environment. Unless we share the world’s resources, there will never be economic and social justice in the world. Without justice, no peace. Without peace, little hope for the future, as we have weapons that can destroy all life on Earth — weapons that almost surely would be used in any future widescale conflict. With the future of the planet at stake, what will it take for us to abandon competition, conflict and division, and begin to manifest the grand ideals of sharing, justice and peace? What’s needed is a change of attitude, a change of consciousness — above all a change of heart in humanity. It is that which Maitreya and the Masters of Wisdom can inspire.
It is a monumental task to be sure. Fortunately, we have the help of monumental figures living among us now — a circumstance, according to the Ageless Wisdom tradition, that has never before taken place in recorded history. This group of enlightened teachers, as they touch the hearts of people everywhere, will galvanize us into action, helping us to lead our leaders toward the creation of a just and peaceful world. In the millions across the globe who are increasingly voicing their concerns for the health of our planet and demanding change in our political, economic and social systems, we see this needed change of mind and heart already beginning to take place. At this crossroads for humanity, the path ahead is up to us. Maitreya has said, “Sharing and Justice, Brotherhood and Freedom are not new concepts. From the dawn of time mankind has linked his aspiration to these beckoning stars. Now, my friends, shall we anchor them in the world.” For free information: Share-International.us 888-242-8272 info@share-international.us
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DOWNLOAD! In The World Teacher for All Humanity, Benjamin Creme discusses the extraordinary ramifications of Maitreya’s appearance and teachings. Awaken to a world of infinite possibility if we’re all willing to share! bit.ly/world-teacher 35 October 2021
calendarofevents To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted by October 12 (for November issue). Costs $20 for 35 words each month. Call ahead before attending events to avoid any cancellations or changes. AARP Ride@50+ Program–8:30am-6pm. Monday-Friday. Free rides for seniors and those in need. Rides must be within Richland and Lexington counties. Riders must call 855-955-1926 to book a ride with a 48-hour notice. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376-6293 to schedule an appointment.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 Backyard Saturdays–Raccoon Appreciation Day–10am-noon. Families experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Fun activities, crafts, stories and cool biofacts. Ages 7 and under. Cost: $5 parking. Leo’s Landing Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, RKennerly@icrc.net. Soggy Doggy Day–11am-2pm. Canines enjoy a fenced-in version of Saluda Splash. Cost: $3 per dog, barking lot members free, $5 parking. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.
SATURDAYS OCTOBER 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Saturdays–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 International Observe the Moon Night–8:309:30pm. We will discuss moon science and exploration, and observe deep space objects. Cost: $2. Meet at field below Leo’s Landing, Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803772-1228, icrc.net.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Saluda Shoals Foundation Blood Drive–10am3pm. Save lives and support Saluda Shoals. The Blood Connection will donate $20 to the Saluda Shoals Foundation for every blood donor. To schedule an appointment, visit Donate.TheBloodConnection.org, and search for sponsor code 6952. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.
Pumping 101 Class–10am-noon. With Jordan Black Peacock. Cost: $80. Location TBD. Info: 803-630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail. com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 Jubilee! Circle’s Halloween Open Mic–7pm. Open mic at 8pm. Open mic participants are welcome to bring their own microphone for sanitary purposes. Cost: Suggested $10 donation covers food and beverages. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 Sleepy Hollow–ICRC Children’s Theatre–Oct 29, 7:30-9pm; Oct 30, 3-4:30pm & 7:30-9pm; Oct 31, 3-4:30pm. Adapted from Washington Irvine’s classic tale, this spooky show is alive with hilarious action and fun. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for this outdoor theater experience. All ages. Cost: $8. Melvin Park, 370 Epting Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113. To purchase tickets: icrc.net.
planahead FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Reiki Certification–10am-3pm. Six-month program begins with Reiki 1 on Nov 5-6. With Joy Lee Connor, LMT, who has 30 years of experience in reiki and is a teacher of A Course in Miracles (ACIM). Cost: $2,200, includes training in Reiki 1, 2, 3/Mastership and ACIM principles. Watch introduction on YouTube with Connor. Info: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@ BellSouth.net.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Lamaze Childbirth Class–9am-4:30pm. With Jordan Black Peacock. Cost: $200. Location TBD. Info: 803-630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@ gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Infant CPR Class–10am-noon. With Jordan Black Peacock. Cost: $80. Location TBD. Info: 803630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com. Newborn Care Class–1-3pm. With Jordan Black Peacock. Cost: $80. Location TBD. Info: 803630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.
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Breastfeeding/Lactation Basics–1-3pm. With Jordan Black Peacock. Cost: $80. Location TBD. Info: 803-630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@ gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.
ongoing events sunday A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:306pm. Every Sunday. Study group via Zoom/phone. ACIM-OE is unedited and available as a free phone app. Donations are accepted. Watch introduction on YouTube with Joy Lee Connor, LMT. Info: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@ BellSouth.net.
monday COVID-19: Self-Defense Beyond the Vaccine, Part 1–6:30pm. Every Monday. Virtual class via Zoom. Cost: $20. Info: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.
tuesday Original Origins Healthy Living Virtual Support Group–6:30pm. First Tuesday. Free. Must register to attend. Info: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.
saturday Virtual Zumba–8am. Every Saturday. Join licensed Zumba instructor Shaunita Grase via Zoom. Cost: $5. Info/register: ShaunitaGrase.Zumba.com. COVID-19: Self-Defense Beyond the Vaccine, Part 1–11am. Every Saturday. Virtual class via Zoom. Cost: $20. Info: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.
Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your modus operandi and change your world. ~Annie Lennox
naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com.
ACUPUNCTURE
CHIROPRACTIC
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CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC
William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com
Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 9.
AESTHETICS EXPECT CLARITY AESTHETICS
Angie Jewell 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste G, Columbia 803-348-8962
Our carefully crafted and customized holistic care plans include Environ skin care products, which utilize science to deliver real skin benefits, paired with treatment room modalities, such as PBM, LFS, RF, microcurrent, facial/ear reflexology, facial sculpting massage, and gua sha, to help our clients reach their skin goals. Consistent and positive results include luminous, smooth, taut skin with even skin pigmentation. It’s time to expect clarity! See ad, page 7.
AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE
4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com
Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, pages 3 and back page.
BODY SCULPTING BODIED BEAUTY LOUNGE
3201 Broad River Rd, Columbia 803-479-3351 • BodiedBeautyLounge.com
A premier body-sculpting lounge with luxe services to build a baddie body naturally with no downtime. The expert staff members at Bodied Beauty Lounge are very knowledgeable and friendly—specializing in the areas of nonsurgical/non-invasive body sculpting, certified laser lipo, ultrasonic cavitation, radio frequency skin tightening, non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, wood therapy, yoni steaming and much more. We are here and ready to help you achieve your body goals in less time and at affordable pricing. Come #GetBodied today!
Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com
Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.
DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC
Goodbye Junk. Hello Relief.
Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com
Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 19.
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FLEX CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com
With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic i n d u s t r y, o u r t e a m i s knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good old-fashioned know-how, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!
Connect with us naturally!
October 2021
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COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY
Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com
All disease begins in the colon. Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 37.
ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com
ENDOMETRIOSIS
MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS
Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm
Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 18.
ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC
120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com
Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 29.
INVODRIP VITAMIN BAR
HAYLI’S HERBS LLC
Master Herbalist HaylisHerbs.com Online Herbal Consultations for the Symptoms of Endometriosis
Living with endometriosis can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. I put together herbal combinations specific to your individual needs to help combat and potentially
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HEALTH FOOD STORE
HEALTH & WELLNESS
A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.
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eliminate the symptoms of endometriosis. Please visit HaylisHerbs.com for more information and to schedule a free 15-minute pre-consultation.
160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia Book@INVODrip.com 803-830-7212
At INVODrip, we care about your overall wellness. Our goal is to increase your energy levels, help meet your weight-loss goals, and ensure you’re well hydrated— not just with water, but also by incorporating the vitamins,
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minerals and electrolytes your body craves. The absorption rate of our vitamins and minerals surpasses any oral supplements you may have taken. Give us a call today to book your drip now. See ad, page 21.
ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com
Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 38.
HOLISTIC FOOT CARE ELEVATE FOOTCARE
Geneva Holiday, MSN, WCC, RN-Bc 160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia ElevateFootCare.com 803-373-2299
Elevate FootCare recognizes the importance of caring for your feet. All services are provided by a board-certified and registered foot care and wound care nurse who cares about the health of your feet. “My goal is to help those with diabetes, thick toe nails, poor circulation, or anyone who is unable to complete the basic maintenance of their feet. We come to your home or you can visit us in West Columbia,” says Geneva Holiday.
SWEET FEET FOOT CARE
Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com
Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Gel manicures available. Call today to learn more about our services. See ad, page 11.
INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS
Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips.
Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 5.
INSPIRED HEALTH
Dana Nairn, MD, FIAHM 3700 Forest Dr, Ste 200, Columbia 803-676-1030
Are you ready to take charge of your health? Dr. Dana Nairn is a fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and board certified in integrative holistic medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Nairn is excited and looking forward to partnering with you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 15.
PROHEALTH CENTER
500 Plaza Cir, Ste J, Clinton, SC 864-681-0555 MyProHealthCenter.com
Our integrative approach offers traditional and holistic health and wellness services. We don’t believe in just treating symptoms, but rather getting to the root of the problem. Our practitioners customize patient care through functional medicine specifically tailored to each individual. At our clinic, you are not just a patient number … you become part of our ProHealth Center family. We serve all of South Carolina. See ad, page 4.
Don’t make the process harder than it is. ~Jack Welch
LOCAL RETREAT JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Healing Minster at Springhill AtONEment Center 803-447-6499
Retreat to the trees! Come and experience 100 beautiful acres near Chapin, South Carolina. Joy Lee Connor invites you to bathe in the forest and “ground” in the peaceful fields of Earth. Breathe in love, heal your mind, and nurture your spirit. We are often overwhelmed by body pains and emotions. Experience mind and body transformation while being loved, forgiven and released. Your energy field will be restored and balanced, allowing you to feel lighter and burdenfree. Joy offers instruction in reiki, Touch for Health, meditation, yoga, meridian movement, and selfcare—both online and in person. Private or small groups are available. Call Joy today!
ORGANIC FARM ASYA’S ORGANIC FARM Sumter, SC 803-463-2968 SCFOrganicFarms.com
Asya’s Organic Farm is owned by young entrepreneur Asya Harris. Harris began working on her parents’ farm at the age of 6. This driven young business woman currently markets herbal teas, supplements and essential oils. Her product lineup also includes gemstones, natural minerals and healing crystals. Products can be purchased online from Etsy @SCFOrganicFarms and on her business Instagram account @Asya_Organic_ Farm. See ad, page 10.
PREGNANCY/LACTATION CAPITAL PARENT AND BABY SPECIALTY SERVICES
J. Black-Peacock, BS, IBCLC, LCCE, CPST, CBD 1421 Calhoun St, Columbia 803-630-3454 • ParentAndBabysvcs.com
Columbia’s premier pregnancy, birth and postpartum service provider. Our pregnancy services include classes/education, birth preference planning, and prenatal lactation consultations. Our birth services include birth doula services (with traditional, last-minute or virtual services available). Our postpartum services include newborn/postpartum doula services, lactation services, and education/ classes. Car seat checks, installations and education are also available. See ad, page 19.
SPIRITUAL ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-spiritual-seekers
Eckankar is the path of spiritual freedom. It is an active, creative practice to help you unlock a deeper level of spirituality. The ECK teachings can help you find answers and give you the tools to prove spiritual truths to yourself while experiencing life as a spiritual adventure. Join us at 10 a.m. every
second Sunday at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Call Dee at 803-749-2459.
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Justin Williams 803-467-8322 Justin.Williams2@gmail.com
Justin is an intuitive counselor and energy worker. He power cycles, overhauls and unblocks energy fields from afar to remove negativity from your life while jumpstarting your career, relationships, money and general blessings. Justin also provides distance house cleansings to produce a peaceful home and comfortable environment tailormade for abundance and success.
SUSTAINABLE WEDDINGS FLOWERS BY TUPELO GROVE EVENTS
Denyse Croft Nodden 1004 12th St, Cayce 803-730-5096 • TupeloGroveEvents.com
We offer completely local sustainable wedding design options, including: locally grown seasonal flowers, foraged greenery and reusable nonperishables. No plastic is used. Clean up is composted afterward, not trashed. See ad, page 10.
THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC
120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com
Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 29.
PALMETTO THERMAL IMAGING
Mobile Thermography Unit Heather Terry, Certified Thermographer 864-681-0555 • 803-924-0813
Thermography is a noninvasive, radiation-FREE and pain-FREE thermal scan of the body. This exclusive technology uses a clinical imaging procedure to create a map of the body’s infrared patterns. It is a valuable tool for alerting your healthcare provider to changes that could indicate early stages of disease. Heather Terry travels to multiple locations in South Carolina. Call today to schedule your session. See ad, page 4.
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE
4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com
At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, pages 3 and back page.
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