Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ January 2010

1natural awakenings January 2010

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

feel goodlive simplylaugh more

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINEHealthcare’s Holistic Future

With Dr. Andrew Weil

TOP 10 FOODSTo Keep You Young

ANTI-AGINGBREAKTHROUGHS For Healthier, Longer Lives

FREE

JANUARY 2010 West Michigan Edition | www.NaturalWestMichigan.com

2 West Michigan Edition NaturalWestMichigan.com

Join our family of publishers ...

be your own boss and make a difference in your community

Little Rock/Hot Springs, AR

Mobile/Baldwin, AL& Emerald Coast, FL

Denver, COBoulder, CO

Hartford County, CT

Phoenix, AZ

Fairfield County, CT Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FLNew Haven/

Middlesex, CT

Melbourne/Vero Beach, FLJacksonville/

St. Augustine, FLMiami &

Florida KeysFt. Lauderdale, FL Naples/Ft. Myers, FL Orlando, FLNorth Central FL

Palm Beach, FL

Tampa/St. Petersburg, FLTallahassee, FL Florida’s

Treasure CoastSarasota, FL

Peace River, FL& Portland, OR

Atlanta, GALouisville/Metro, KY

Lexington, KYNew Orleans, LA

San Diego, CA

Ann Arbor, MI

Grand Rapids, MI Wayne County, MI Asheville, NC Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC Southern Coast, NC

Monmouth &Ocean, NJSomerset -

Middlesex, NJ

New York City, NYLong Island, NY

Rockland/Orange, NYSanta Fe/

Albuquerque, NM

Oklahoma City, OKCincinnati, OH

Tulsa, OK

Bucks County, PA Lehigh Valley, PACharleston, SC Rhode Island

East Texas

Richmond, VA Southwestern VAMadison, WI

Tucson, AZ

Portland, OR

Upstate, SCColumbia, SC &Grand Strand, SC

Austin, TX Houston, TX San Antonio, TXPuerto Rico

Toronto, Canada

Augusta, GA

Chattanooga, TN& Knoxville, TN

Nashville, TN

Westchester/Putnam, NY

Northeast, PA

Greater Oakland/Macomb, MI &

Greater Genesee, MI

Charlotte, NC

Morris County, NJ

Central Missouri

Birmingham, AL& Huntsville, AL

HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY PLANET

APRIL 2009 Location-Edition | www.website.com FREE


EARTHDAYApril 22

celebrate

GREENJOBS

ways to work for the planet

exercise that translates to real lifefunctionalFITNESS

HEALTHFULHERBS

the people’smedicine

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

For more information call 239-530-1377 or visit us online at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly lifestyles.

You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security in the franchise market of your choice.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system designed to help you successfully publish your own magazine.

Our Family Tree Is Growing StrongBecome a new Natural

Awakenings franchise publisher in the market of your choice,

or purchase one of the existing magazines currently for sale:

Birmingham/Huntsville, AL; Denver, CO; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ; and

New York City, NY.


contents

advertising & submissions

NaturalWestMichigan.com

How to AdvertiseTo advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: [email protected]. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.

News Briefs & Article suBmissioNsEmail articles to: [email protected]. Dead-line for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Sub-mit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.

cAleNdAr suBmissioNsSubmit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

wHere to PicK uP NAturAl AwAKeNiNGsIf you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email us at: [email protected]

and much more online...more...healthbriefs, globalbriefs, news, articles, archives, calendar, classifieds, natural directory & more!

8 globalbriefs

11 healthbriefs

14 wisewords

18 consciouseating

20 fitbody

26 healthykids

31 naturalpets

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Join our family of publishers ...

be your own boss and make a difference in your community

Little Rock/Hot Springs, AR

Mobile/Baldwin, AL& Emerald Coast, FL

Denver, COBoulder, CO

Hartford County, CT

Phoenix, AZ

Fairfield County, CT Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FLNew Haven/

Middlesex, CT

Melbourne/Vero Beach, FLJacksonville/

St. Augustine, FLMiami &

Florida KeysFt. Lauderdale, FL Naples/Ft. Myers, FL Orlando, FLNorth Central FL

Palm Beach, FL

Tampa/St. Petersburg, FLTallahassee, FL Florida’s

Treasure CoastSarasota, FL

Peace River, FL& Portland, OR

Atlanta, GALouisville/Metro, KY

Lexington, KYNew Orleans, LA

San Diego, CA

Ann Arbor, MI

Grand Rapids, MI Wayne County, MI Asheville, NC Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC Southern Coast, NC

Monmouth &Ocean, NJSomerset -

Middlesex, NJ

New York City, NYLong Island, NY

Rockland/Orange, NYSanta Fe/

Albuquerque, NM

Oklahoma City, OKCincinnati, OH

Tulsa, OK

Bucks County, PA Lehigh Valley, PACharleston, SC Rhode Island

East Texas

Richmond, VA Southwestern VAMadison, WI

Tucson, AZ

Portland, OR

Upstate, SCColumbia, SC &Grand Strand, SC

Austin, TX Houston, TX San Antonio, TXPuerto Rico

Toronto, Canada

Augusta, GA

Chattanooga, TN& Knoxville, TN

Nashville, TN

Westchester/Putnam, NY

Northeast, PA

Greater Oakland/Macomb, MI &

Greater Genesee, MI

Charlotte, NC

Morris County, NJ

Central Missouri

Birmingham, AL& Huntsville, AL

HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY PLANET

APRIL 2009 Location-Edition | www.website.com FREE


EARTHDAYApril 22

celebrate

GREENJOBS

ways to work for the planet

exercise that translates to real lifefunctionalFITNESS

HEALTHFULHERBS

the people’smedicine

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

For more information call 239-530-1377 or visit us online at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly lifestyles.

You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security in the franchise market of your choice.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system designed to help you successfully publish your own magazine.

Our Family Tree Is Growing StrongBecome a new Natural

Awakenings franchise publisher in the market of your choice,

or purchase one of the existing magazines currently for sale:

Birmingham/Huntsville, AL; Denver, CO; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ; and

New York City, NY.

14

31

14 A CONVERSATION WITH SHAKTI GAWAIN AuthorandCounselorin ProsperityConsciousness by Ellen Mahoney

18 NATURAL DEFENSE Top10WholeFoods toCounterAging by Gary Null

20 MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE AUniversal AntidotetoAging by Katy Bowman

22 ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE by Lisa Marshall

24 BREAKTHROUGHS IN ANTI-AGING ResearchHelpsUsLive LongerandHealthier by Lisa Marshall

22

1826

26 GUARDING AGAINST AUTISM

HowEnvironmentalToxinsMayContributetoAutismSpectrumDisorder

by Brita Belli

32 YOGA DAY USA

20

24


letterfrompublishers

ThisfirsteditionoftheNewYearisded-icatedtoourloyaladvertisers,without

whomthismagazinewouldnotbepos-sible,andtoourthousandsofenthusiasticreadersoldandnew.ItwasjustayearagothatKyleandIbecametheproudnewownersofNatural Awakenings–WestMichigan.Now,herewearecelebratingourfirstanniversaryaspublishersintheNewYearandlookingforwardtomany

moreyearsfulloftheblessingsyousharewithusdaily. Wecherisheveryoneofouradvertisers;yourongoingsup-portisresponsiblefornurturingthiscommunityconnectionsovi-taltothehealthofourlocalnaturallivingcommunity.Wecannotthankyouenough.Wehope,knowandpraythatyourbusinessesareontheriseandexpect2010willbethebestyeareverforallofus. Wearegratefulforeveryoneofourreaders,whoarerespon-sibleforourgrowingcirculationfor3½yearsandcounting.Weregularlyhearfrommanyofyouandfeelhumbledbyyourwordsofappreciationandprogress.SometimesIlayinbedatnightovercomewithamazementthatKyleandIareabletoputthismagazineoutthereeverymonthandatthenumberofpeoplewhoenjoyandbenefitfromthisgift.Welovehearingyourheart-warmingstoriesofhowthismagazinehaschangedlives. WeareexcitedtoseemoreandmoreindividualscatchingontoNatural Awakeningsandjoiningourfamilyofreaders.Moreofyoucontinuetopickupourfreemagazineeachmonth;weknowbecausewekeepprintingmorecopiesandstillrunout!That’swhenIdoahappydanceinouroffice,rejoicinginthehungerfornatural,healthysustainablelivinginWestMichigan.Wearehereforyouwithguidance,resourcesandtheconnectionstolocalex-pertsyou’relookingforonyourjourneyofbecomingahealthier,happieryou. SothankyouoneandallforbeingapartofourNatural Awakeningsfamily,nowthreemillionstrongacrossNorthAmer-ica.Togetherweareapowerfulphenomenon.Here’stoagoodyearforallofus.

HappyNewYear,

AmyandKyle

Subscriptions are availableby sending $30 (12 issues)

to the above address.

© 2009 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be repro-duced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed lo-cally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled newsprint with soy based ink.

PublishersKyle & Amy Hass

EditorsMaryAnn LawrenceS. Alison Chabonais

Linda Sechrist

Design & ProductionInteractive Media Design

Scott Carvey

PrinterNewsweb

Natural Awakenings484 Sunmeadow Dr. SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508

Phone: 616-656-9232

[email protected]

COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

Natural Awakeningsis locally owned and operated.

contact us


newsbriefs

Some Benefits of Colon Therapy are:• Remove toxic waste from ones body• Eradicate constipation• Removes stomach bloat• Increases ones energy

Colon HydroTHerapy

Mary a. delange C.C.T. C.M.T.

P: 616.456.5033 E: [email protected]

Therapeutic Massage

A Weekend of Storytellingand Deep Listening

TheLeavenCenterinLyons,Michiganwelcomesspeaker,writingconsultant

and story artist Jenifer Strauss January29-31.“LetAStoryBeTold:AWeekendforWomentoExplore,Create,TellandWriteOurStory”isaweekendofstory-telling and deep listening. Strauss willguideparticipantsthroughherpersonalnarrativemodelcalledTurningPoints™,aseriesofexplorativeandoverlappingstorytelling activities that lead to thetelling (and writing) ofTurning Pointsthathavecausedgreatlearning,growth,

andchange.Afour-dayretreatforwomenwritersfollowstheworkshopwithspecialpackagepricingavailable. StraussisaformereducatorandfounderofStoryBeToldProductions. In affiliation with Cygnus Storytelling, she hasproduced“TellingStories:AStorytellingHandbook,”andtheCD“UTellATale:StoriesToldThrough-U,”producedfortheInstituteonMediaandtheFamily’searlychildhoodprogram.Thisfall,Straussreleased“MichiganLegendsandLore,StoriesfromShoretoShore.” Cost for the weekend is $190. A limited number of par-tial scholarships are available. To register contact Karen D. Bota at The Leaven Center, 989-855-2606. Leaven.org. See ad page 21.

Enjoy the Liberating Freedomof Anusara YogaExpressionsofGraceYogainGrandRapidsinvitesstudents

atalllevelstoanAnusaraWeekendWorkshopwithMosesBrownJanuary22-24. “Yoga offers you insights into the favorable use of yourphysical,vital,emotional,mentalandspiritualenergies,”saysBrown.“AnusaraYogaoffersyoutheopportunitytoembodythisphilosophyaspracticeeverydayintheworld,infullrelationshiptotheworldofformandinfullrelationshiptoabsoluteessence;toupliftthecommonandordinaryandtoliveinastateofjoyfilledamazementandlivinginawaythatkeepsyoufeelingexcited,connected,vibrantandalive.” Brown is a certifiedAnusaraYogaTeacher andTeacherTrainerwhohasbeenteachingnationallyandinternationallysince1991.Histeachingscreateanapproachthatisphysicallydynamic,mentallystimulatingandtherapeutic.Brownbringsfocus,concentrationandmindfulnesstohisclasses,weavingthemtogetherwithplayfulness,joyandfun. Expressions of Grace Yoga is located at 5270 Northland Drive NE, in Grand Rapids. Register at 616-361-8580 or Expres-sionsofGraceYoga.com. See ad page 17 & 20.

360 Massage & Holistic Care Celebrates Anniversary

360MassageandHolisticCarecelebrateitsfirstyearanniversary.Establishedbymedicalmas-

sage therapists Nichole Caudle and CarlyStarin, the practice specializes in medicalmassage,nutritionconsultations,ionicdetox/

cleanses, herbal medicine and Reiki treat-ments.BothCaudleandStarinsharedthesame

visionofhavingaplaceforpeopletoreceiveholisticheathservicesandaplacethatwouldempowerthecommunitytobetheirownadvocatestowardstheirhealthcare. Today, 360 Massage and Holistic Care also employsmassagetherapistDanielSmithandKevinCollins,amassagetherapistinternintraining.Overthepastyear,360Massagehasworkedcloselywithareacompaniesandthoserepresentingfitnessandactivelifestyles.CaudleandStarinsaythisyearthemassageclinicwillexpanditsherbalproductslineandwillmakepurchasingavailableonline. 360 Massage and Holistic Care is located at 1514 Wealthy Street SE, Ste, 210, in Grand Rapids. 616-242-0034. 360massage.com. Follow 360 on Facebook for special events and discounts See ad page 28 & 30.

Joe Reilly Helps Us “Touch the Earth” in New CDMichigansingerandsong-

writerJoeReillyoffersamusicalcollageofspirituallybasedearthjusticeinhisnewCD“TouchtheEarth.”Reilly’smuch anticipated fifth soloalbum follows the success-ful debut of his children’sCD, “Children of the Earth,”released in the fall of 2007.Featuring several Michiganartistsandahandfulofmusi-calgenres,“TouchtheEarth”staystruetoReilly’sstyleandmusicalmessage–musicthatstrengthenscommunitywhileembracingdiversity,inspireslistenerstoexperiencetheinter-connectionwitheachother

Jenifer Strauss

Joe Reilly


andtheirenvironment,andinvitesthemtolookdeeperandtoconnectwiththepositiveaspectsintheirownnature. Likehis“PlantingGardens”releaseof2006,“TouchtheEarth”showcasestruegenrediversity,takinglistenersthroughanintriguinglandscapeofrock(KeepItEasy,Cor-nersOfMyMind,HealAllSides),hip-hop(LittleTomato),country(Mama’sSong),eco-rock(TreeMeditation,TouchtheEarth),andmeditativeballadry(SanghaSong).Reilly’shonestandpowerfulvoiceandconsistentmessagehavetheuniqueabilitytopulltheeclecticmixtogetheraswellastobringpeopletogetheracrossdiverselinesofrace,class,gender,age,religion,abilityandmusicalgenres. More at JoeReilly.org

Christmas Tree RecyclingTheGrandHavenJayceeswillbeouton

January9intheTri-CitiesareapickingupChristmastreesforrecycling.Treesmustbelaidatthecurbnolaterthan8a.m.ContactTony Mausen at 616-846-2942 or JeremyDicksat616-516-2453formoreinformation.

Reflexology ClassJoinnationallyknownand

respected Reflexology in-structorAnnalise Evensonfora30-hourhandreflexol-ogy class January 14-17 atPersonalPalette,493E.8thStreet, in Holland. HandReflexology is a powerfultoolforhealthandwellness.Costtoattendis$300andisopentoeveryone,butspaceis limited, so reserve yourspotnow. To register, contact W. Perry Dickinson at 616-340-6865 or [email protected]. See ad page 9.

Insight Meditation SeriesJoinCascadeYogaStudio’s

StephanieSquibbforayearofInsightMeditation.Stepha-nie’smeditationseriescoversavarietyoftopicswithafo-cusonhomepractice.Classmeets the thirdThursday ofeverymonthatCascadeYogaStudiobeginningJanuary21,2010.Costfortheentireseries,whichincludesemailsup-portfromStephanie,is$144fortheyear.Studentsarealsowelcomeonadrop-inbasisat$15aclass.Topicsfortheseriesincludefocusonbreath,bodysensation,and feeling tone; mind process; content process; reality;walkingmeditation;compassion;mettameditations;joyandequanimity;forgiveness;andbirthanddeath. Cascade Yoga Studio is located at 5060 Cascade Rd. SE in Grand Rapids. Please call 616-464-1610 to register or for more information or visit CascadeYogaStudio.com. See ad page 16.

Farmers Market OpenAll Year RoundThe Sweetwater Local Foods Market isMichigan’sfirstfarmersmarketthatexclu-sivelysellslocallygrownanimalproductsandfruitsandvegetablesraisedinamannerthatenhancesbiologicaldiversity,buildssoilhealthandpromotesanimalwelfare.Their message is, “Healthy. Humane.Homegrown.LocalfoodyoucantrustattheSweetwaterLocalFoodsMarket.” Sweetwater Local Foods Market islocated indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, HarveyStreet,1/2milesouthofLakesMall(exitUS31atPontalunaRoad,inMuskegon.)Winterhoursare9am-1pmeveryotherSaturdayfromJanuary9ththroughMay. Check out our website SweetwaterLocalFoodsMarket.org.

Stephanie Squibb


Peace on Earth Begins At BirthTheFriendsofMichiganMidwiveshaveaprimarymissionofeducating and informing the public about the profession ofmidwifery and theMidwivesModelofCare.Checkout theirnewwebsiteFriendsofMichiganMidwives.com.Theyalsohavefundraisingitemsforsalesuchasalovelycalendarspotlightinghomebornbabiesaroundthestate,aswellasgreatt-shirts. For more information, FriendsofMichiganMidwives.com

Free Winter Appreciation Guided Snowshoe Events

ThreeWestMichi-gan snowshoe

events hosted byEcoTrekFitnesswillbeheldthismonth.All three are opento EcoTrekkers andthose who RSVPbefore each event.

Bringyourownsnowshoesortakeresponsibilityforyourownrental. Snowshoe Event #1 - SEGR & SWGR EcoTrek SeriescombowithKym&Bridget.SaturdayJanuary1611a.m.atPalmerPark,127552ndStreet,inWyoming.Bringadishtopassforapotluckafterward. Snowshoe Event #2 -NorthKentCountyEcoTrekSerieswithTerri.SundayJanuary172to3:30p.m.atPickerelLake,6001Ramsdell,inCannonsburg. Snowshoe Event #3-LakeshoreEcoTrekSerieswithCari,SundayJanuary241:30to3:30pmatHoffmasterStatePark,6585LakeHarborRoad,inNortonShores. Eventswillbecanceledifthereisn’tenoughsnoworifthereareblizzardconditions. RSVP 616-291-2851 or [email protected]. See ad page 12.

1st AnnualNatural Living DirectoryThisletterinvitesyoutobe

apartofNaturalAwak-enings 1stAnnual NaturalLiving Directory forWestMichigan, coming March2010. This special annual di-rectoryofNaturalAwaken-ingsmagazinewillserveasahandyreferenceguideforconsumers to keep at theirfingertipsallyearlongwhensearching for the productsand services they want tolive a healthier and moresustainablelifestyle. ThisAtoZdirectorywillfeatureaglossarytoeducateourhealthconsciousreadersabout the benefits of various natural health modalities,sustainable products and more. Consumers trust NaturalAwakeningsinformationanditsfeaturedadvertisersbecausewe offer refreshing and educational editorial on naturalhealthandgreenliving.NaturalAwakeningsalsoprovidestheresourcesthatsupportHealth,Fitness,SustainableLiving,PersonalGrowth,andCreativeExpression.ThisDirectoryisamustforbusinessesthatofferhealthyproductsandsustain-ableservices.Don’tmissoutonthisimportantissue! Natural Living Directory prices:$119.00percategorylistingincludes5headerlines,a35worddescriptionandaphotoorlogo.Asecondcategoryis50%offor$59.50andathirdcategoryisFREE. Early Registration Rates–$99forthefirstlisting.SpecialpricingendsFebruary5th,2010.

CallNaturalAwakeningsat616-656-9232fordetails,examplesandtoreserveyourspaceinourNaturalLivingDirectory.


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that works for all.

globalbriefs

Accommodating All

Call to Expand the Meaning of Universal Health CarePractitionersofalternativetherapiesintentoninfluencingthehealthcarereformprocesscontinuetopetitionCongresstothinkofhealthcareasmorethanjustmedicalcare—andtoallowinsurancecompaniestoprovidecoveragefortheirholistictreatments. In2007,asurveyof18majorHMOsandinsuranceprovidersrevealedsignsofprogress:14ofthemcoveredatleast11of34alternativephysicaltherapies,themostcommonbeingchiropractic,acupuncture,massagetherapy,biofeedbackandnaturopathy.Coveragevariesbystate,butexpertsexpectin-surancepolicieswillfollowdemand.Estimatesputcurrentannualspendingoncomplementaryandalternativetherapiesat$33billion. PresidentObamahasexpressedwillingnesstoatleastconsideraroleforsomealternativetherapiesinuniversalhealthcare,buthassetatoughstan-dard.HetoldatownmeetinginMissouri,“Myattitudeisthatweshoulddowhatworks…Iwillletthescienceguideme.”

Lobby to retain the people’s right to choose their own health care at HealthRev-olutionPetition.org. News sources: Time.com; SixWise.com

Micro-VolunteeringDevoting Idle Moments to Good DeedsOnline“crowdsourcing,”sousefultoWikipedia.orgingatheringinforma-tionforitsfreeencyclopedia,issettobenefitothertypesofnonprofitsaswell,thankstoaniPhoneapppilotedbyTheExtraordinaries,outofSanFrancisco.Theideaistogetpeopletovolunteerwheneveritisconvenient.Currently,on-demandvolunteerssimplytapintoparticipateinanonprofitprojectsuchastaggingphotosformuseumsorphotograph-ingneighborhoodplayareastohelpcreateanationwidemapofplay-grounds. Astheprogramexpands,peoplewhowanttodomorecanfindoutwhenandwheretoshowuptosup-portalocalcommunityprogram.TheExtraordinariesenvisionsmart-phonevolunteersnationwideeventu-allytranslatingdocuments,tutoringstudents,collectingcitizen-scientistdataandevenreportingpotholesandothermunicipalproblems.Downtheroad,volunteersmightevenreadthroughcongressionalbillstouncoverhidden“pork,”orhelpfact-checknewsreports. “Ifyoucanimaginethepossibil-itiesofwhat100,000peoplewithafewminutescando,”saysCEOJacobColker,“it’sreallyincredible.”

Source:TheChristianScienceMonitor


Earth Victories

Props for North America’s Green Youth LeadersSixof125NorthAmericanyouthapplicantswhoarespearheadingprogramssuccessfullytacklingenvironmentalproblemshavebeenrecognizedbyEarthIslandInstituteaswinnersofits10thanniversaryBrowerYouthawards.Thenonprofitorganizationsup-portsthoseunderage23whoarecreatingsolutionstoprotectthehealthofoursharedplanet.ThelatestwinnersareAlecLoorz,AdarshaShivakumarandHaiVoofCalifornia;RobinBryanofMani-toba;DianaLopezofTexas;andSierraCrane-MurdochofVermont. The2009youngleadersareresponsiblefor,amongotherachievements,saving1millionacresofborealforest,helpingtopreventpermittingfor20newcoal-firedplantsandfivecoalminingapplicationsformountaintopremoval,andtransformingfoodpurchasingacrosstheUniversityofCaliforniasystemtonutritiousandsustainableproducts.Todate,atotalof61awardrecipientshaveraised$1.4millionforenvironmentalcauses;trained3,000youthsinadvocacy;organized32,000youthsinenvironmentalprojectsandinvolvedthousandsmoreadultsin3,300eventsandactions;held500lobbymeetingswithelectedofficials;helpedtopasseightbills;implemented20university-wideenvironmentalpolicies;andproduced20documentaryfilms.

Hospital Food

New Culinary Institute Supports a Nutrition Revolution ChefFrankTurnerandthefirstCulinaryInstituteforHealthCare,atMichigan’sHenryFordWestBloomfieldHospital,areprov-ingthathospitalfoodcanbehealthy,nutritiousandtasty.There,theytrainchefsfromaroundtheworldinrecipessuchasveggiehummus,roastedpears,carrotraisinslaw,maple-glazedspaghettisquashandparsleyvinaigrette.Appropriatespiceshelpregulateinflammationandbloodsugar.Specialtydishesaddressdietaryneeds,fromgluten-freeanddiabetictocardiovascularissuesand

foodallergies. Despitethreedecadesofresearchshowingthatfresh,well-preparedfoodispackedwithnaturaldisease-fightingnutrientsthathelpspeedhealingandpreventillness,there’slongbeenadisconnectwhenitcomestohospitalfood.A2003articleinthejournalNutritionreportedratesofundernourishmentinsomeU.S.hospitalsashighas41percent,butthetideseemstobeturning. In2008,Dr.RonaldM.Davis,immediatepastpresidentoftheAmericanMedicalAssociation,calledonhospitalsto“buymeatandpoultryraisedwithoutnontherapeuticantibiotics,usemilkproducedwithoutrecombinantbovinegrowthhormonesandreplaceunhealthysnacksfoundinmanyvendingmachineswithhealthychoices.”ThenonprofitcoalitionHealthCareWithoutHarmhassecuredpledgesfromhospitalsin21statestoservelocallyproducedorganicandchemi-cal-freefood.WilliamNotte,pastpresidentoftheAmericanSocietyofHealthcareFoodServiceAdministrators,reportsthatmosthospitalsnowbuyfresherandlessprocessedfood,becausepatientsaredemandingit.

For more information, visit HenryFord.com/food revolution.

30 Hour Hand

Reflexology Class with

Annal nson ise EveNationally k uctor from nown Instr

New York January 4th17th 1

at Personal Palette

493 E. 8 St th

Ho 3 lland, MI. 4942

Cost $300.00 To reserve your spot

Contact W. Perry Dickinson [email protected] ~ 616‐340‐6865

Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses,

Pain Relief, Hormone Issues, as well as Detoxing Foot Baths, Body Balancing

& Biofeedback Scans.

Call Clara: 616.698.6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

Weight Loss Special!Detoxing Foot Bath

$25 (regular $40)


healthbriefsJanuary is Thyroid Awareness Month and January 5-11 is National Folic Awareness Week

Natural Pressure ReliefGlutamicacid,themostcommon

aminoacidinvegetables,andwhichaccountsforalmostaquarteroftheproteininvegetables,alsohelpsreducebloodpressure.Eatingavegetable-baseddiet,suggestsanewstudypublishedintheJournal of the American Heart Association,couldhelpcounterthecurrentmassivepublichealthproblemofhighbloodpres-sure,forwhichdiagnosisanddrugtreat-mentisofteninadequate.

Folic Acid UpdateFolicacid,orfolate,aBvitaminfoundin

manyvegetablesandwholegrains,isknowntoreduceneuraltubedefectsininfantswhentakenduringpregnancy.Butnow,astudyattheUniversityofSouthernCaliforniahasdiscoveredthatmentakingadailyfolicacidsupplementof1milligramrantwicetheriskofprostatecancerthanthosewhotookaplacebo.Manyfoodsarealreadyfortifiedwithfolicacid,sayexpertsinaBMC Public Healtharticle,andtakingthevitamininsupplementsmayresultin“overdosing.”

Source: BioMed Central, 2009

Keeping Our Thyroid HealthyThethyroid,oneofthemostim-

portantglands,influencesmanybodyfunctions,includingmaintain-ingenergylevels,sleepandmetabo-lism.Tofunctionproperly,itneedstherightnutrients,foremostamongwhichisiodine,abasicbuildingblockofthyroidhormones. AccordingtotheCentersforDis-easeControlandPrevention,iodinedeficiencyisontheriseintheUnitedStates,andchoosingfoodswiselyiscrucial.Seavegetables,suchaskelp,wakameandnori,theseaweedusedformakingsushi,aregoodsourcesofiodineandmanyotherkeymineralsthatsupportthyroidhealth. Zinc,ironandcopperareessen-tialtoproducingthyroidhormones,andantioxidantslikevitaminsA,CandEarenecessaryforneutralizingphysicaloxidativestress,aconditionthatoftenoccursalongwithpoorthyroidfunction.Selenium,atracemineralneededonlyintinyamounts,isreadilysuppliedinfoodslikeBrazilnuts,peanuts,fish,eggs,parsley,oatsandmushrooms,aswellasthenotedseavegetables.Source: Adapted from Womento-Women.com.

Surfing the Web Boosts Brain PowerCrosswordpuzzles,moveover,becauseanew

studyfromtheUniversityofCaliforniaatteststhat“Googling”orotherwisebrowsingtheInternetlightsupthebrainlikeaRomancandle.WhenstudyparticipantsperformedWebsearcheswhileundergo-ingMRIscans,theyshowedanimprovedefficiencyincognitiveprocessingandinthewaytheirbrain

encodesinformation.Thisheldtrueevenformiddle-agedandolderindividualswhohadminimalcomputerexperienceandwhoperformedInternetsearchesforonlyashortperiodoftime. Internetsearching,itappears,engagesacomplicatedbrainactivitythatexer-cisesandimprovesthebrainwhenitcomestolanguage,reading,memory,visualabilities,andreasoninganddecision-makingprocesses.Thegoodnewsisthatwenowhaveanewwaytokeepourbrainsfiredupandthatourbrainscontinuetolearnandremainsensitivetofreshstimulationatanyage.

Source: National Library of Medicine (nlm.nih.gov)


www.EcoTrekFitness.com616.291.2851

program info, schedules and costs all found at

www.ecotrekfitness.com

DON’T LET THE WINTER COLD KEEP YOU INSIDE!unique outdoor group workoutsWe know you’ll love the fresh-air workout...

bring this ad for $2 off your 1st session!EXPIRES 1.31.10

click SIGNUP tab at ecotrekfitness.comSESSIONS ALL OVER WEST MICHIGAN

. . . there’s one near you!

Vinegar Slims and TrimsGoodold-fashionedvinegar,anindispensibleingredientin

zestysaladdressingsandtangypickles,islivinguptoitsage-oldreputationinfolkmedicineasahealthpromoter.Accord-

ingtoresearcherswiththeCentralResearchInstituteoftheMizkanGroupCorporation,inJapan,thiskitchenstapleisanaturalfatfighterthatmighthelpuscontrolourweight.Theresearchersshowedthatmicefedahigh-fatdietandgivenaceticaciddevelopedupto10percentlessbodyfatthanthecontrolgroup;aceticacidisthemaincomponentfoundinallvinegars.Thestudyresultsalsosuggestedthatvinegarslenderizesbyturningongeneswhichproducespecificproteinsthatbreakdownfattyacidsinthebody,

therebypreventingfataccumulationandweightgain.

Source:JournalofAgriculturalandFoodChemistry,2009

Nature’s New aNtibioticManuka honey, from New Zealand, kills common Staphylococcus bacteria, reports a study pub-lished by the Society for General Microbiology. Staphylococcus is responsible for many infec-tions, and scientists now hope to use this honey as a first-line treatment for bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics.

Why the HeartLoves GrapesNewresearchfromtheUniversity

ofMichiganCardiovascularCentersuggeststhateatinggrapes,afavoritefallfruit,cansignificantlyenhancethesimpleblood-pressureloweringimpactthatcomesfromdiningonavarietyoffruitsandveg-etables.Thebenefitmaycomefromgrapes’naturallyoccurringantioxidants.Ourheartcells,likeothercellsinourbody,alreadymakeaprotectiveantioxidantcalledglutathione,afirstlineofdefenseagainstoxi-dativestressandheartdisease;buthighbloodpressurelowersthelevelsofglutathione.Grapes,ontheotherhand,thescientistsdiscovered,actuallyturnontheglutathione-regulatinggenesintheheart,givingnaturalantioxidantpowerasignificantboost.

Source: University of Michigan Health System, 2009.


Thecrazypaceoflifeintoday’ssocietycantakeatollonourhealth.Addtothattheverystressfuleconomictimes

wearelivinginanditisnosurprisethatstressrelatedhealthproblemsareincreasing.Themostcommonsymptomsofstressareheadaches,fatigue,muscletension,lossofsleep,irritabil-ityanddigestivetrouble.Chronicstressisalsoamajorcauseofweight gain. Many studies continue to showus thatwearegrowingaroundthewaistlineinAmerica.Managingyourstresslevelsandultimatelythechemicalsyourbodyproducesinresponsetostresscanhelpyouloseweightandgainhealth. Chronicstress,whetherphysicaloremotional,causesthereleaseofmanydifferentchemicals inyourbodywhichareprimarilysecretedbytheadrenalglands.Theseglandsarethestresshandling glands.Theyproducea varietyof hormonesandneurotransmitterstohelpushandlethestressinourlives.Adrenalglandscanbecomefatiguedinresponsetolongtermstress; this thencauseschemical imbalances that contributedirectlytoweightgainandincreasecravingsforfoodsthatarehighinsugar,saltandfat.

Cortisol and EpinephrineCortisollevels,whichdirectlyaffectmetabolism,areresponsibleformaintaininghealthybloodsugarlevelsbetweenmealsandhelpingtobreakdownfatwhenweexercise.Whenwedon’thavehealthylevelsofcortisol,westorefatinsteadofbreakingitdown.Thisfatwillendupprimarilyinthebelly.Epinephrine,anotherstresschemical,isalsorequiredinbreakingdownfat.Itisverydifficulttoloseweightwithouthealthyamountsofbothofthesechemicals,whicharethefirstlineofdefenseforourbodiesinstressfulsituations.Cortisolandepinephrinetendtobecomeimbalancedfirstandformanypeoplearethereasonforweightgainintimesofstress. Cortisolalsohasadirecteffectonhealthyhormonelevelsinwomen.Estrogenandprogesteronebalance iscrucial foroptimalmetabolicrate.Ifawomanisinanestrogendominant

state,shewillstoremorefatandactuallydiminishheramountof free thyroidhormones,whichwill further slowdownhermetabolism.Womencanbecomeestrogendominantinmanyways.SyntheticHRTandbirthcontrolpillsaswellasenviron-mentalexposuretoestrogensfoundinfoodandothersourcescause estrogen dominance. Excess cortisol production candepleteprogesteronelevelsandcauseestrogendominance.

Dopamine and SerotoninDopamineandSerotoninlevelsarealmostalwaysdiminishedinpeoplewhoaredealingwithlong-termstress.Thesechemi-cal imbalancesareknownby increasedcravings;especiallyforcarbohydrates.ThebodyreleasesSerotonininresponsetoeatingcarbohydrates,whichiswheretheterm“comfortfood”comesfrom.WhenSerotoninisreleased,wefeelgood.Dopa-mineisreleasedinresponsetodrinkingalcohol,whichalsomakesusfeelgood.Itiseasytoseehowlowlevelsoftheseneurotransmitterscanleadtoweightgain.

Testing Hormone LevelsFortunately,wenowhave theability to test for the levelsofthesechemicalsinthebody,throughsalivaandurinetesting.Ifyouaredealingwithtiredadrenalglandsandyouhavebeenunabletosuccessfullyloseweight,therearesolutions.Oncethechemicalimbalanceshavebeenidentified,wecannaturallyandsafelyrebalancethemandgetyouonapathtohealthyweightmanagementandincreasedenergy.Theprocessissimpleandbenefitscanbefeltinaslittleas2-3weeks.Healthyadrenalglandswillimprovethequalityofyoursleep,energylevelsandmoodaswellashelpyoureachandmaintainyouridealweight.

To find out more about these tests contact Dr. Karla Parkhurst, DC, Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden Ave, Holland, Michi-gan at 616-392-9500. Visit: ParkhurstChiropractic.com. See ad page 27.

Lose Weight, G a i n H e a l t h byDr.KarlaParkhurst,DC


Incontrast,thoselivinganelegant-lysimplelifemaynotbemakingalotofmoney,butifthey’rerightwheretheywanttobeinlife,theyoftenexperienceadeepsenseofsatisfactionandpeaceofmind.

Can anyone arrive at a place of ongoing, conscious prosperity?

Eachofusmovesthroughmanystagesonourroadofself-discovery;it’salife-longprocessofgrowthanddevelopmentandwearrivethereatdifferenttimes.Thisiswhatlifeisreallyallabout—thediscoveryofwhat’smeaningfultousandhowwecanlivethelifethat’smostsat-isfyingtousonalllevels.I’veobservedthatanimportantpartofmostpeople’ssatisfactioncomesfromactivitiesas-sociatedwithbeinginnatureorsinginganddancing,creatingspacetorelaxandtakinginthebeautyoflife.

What’s the secret to boosting our joy and love for life?

OneofthemostimportantthingsthatI’vefound,formyselfandothers,istounder-standthatweallreallydohaveawisepartinsideofusthat’sourinnerguidance.Youcancallitmanydifferentthings.Thewisdomwithinsurfacesinanintuitivewayanddoesn’tnecessarilydependonknowingthingsintellectually.It’sasensethatsomewheredeepinside,thereisanunderstandingandconvictionofwhat’sjustrightforus.Thiscanserveasaguid-ingforceonahighlypracticallevel.

ShaktiGawainisco-founderofNewWorldLibraryandaninter-nationallyrenownedpioneerin

thefieldsofpersonalgrowth,visual-izationandprosperityconsciousness.Hermanybest-sellingbookshavesold6millioncopiesin30languages.For20years,shehashelpedthousandsofindividualsdevelopgreaterawareness,balanceandwholenessintheirlives.Today,shecontinuestogivetalksandleadworkshopsthroughouttheworld.

What is “prosperity consciousness?”

Mostpeoplethinkprosperitymeanshavingmoney,andthatthemoremon-eyyouhave,themoreprosperityyouhave.Moneyispartoftheprocess,buttrulyexperiencingprosperity,Ibelieve,hastodowithdiscoveringandsatisfy-ingourheartandsoul’sdeepneedsanddesires.Prosperityisanexperience,afeelingoffulfillmentorrichnessinyourlife,notsomethingyoucancount.

So, how is money related to indi-vidual and community prosperity?

Ifyoulookatpeopleintheworldwhohavemillionsorbillionsofdollars,somearedoingcreative,interestingandpurposelyhelpfulthingswiththeirmoney.Buttoooften,peoplebecomesolelyhunguponthemoneyfactoranddon’tendupdoingmuchthatreallysatisfiesthem.They’renotfeelingassafeandsecure,assuccessfulandfree,astheyhopedtheywould.

A Conversation with Shakti GawainAuthorandCounselorinProsperityConsciousness

by Ellen Mahoney

wisewords


How can we stay “up” if we are unemployed, underemployed, or otherwise overwhelmed by economic hardship?

Well,ifwetrytostay“up,”we’reoftennotallowingourselvestoseewhat’strulygoingonunderneath,andthiscanbeaformofdenial.What’sgoingonunderneathcanbescarytolookatifwe’rereallyfeelingfrightened,sadorupset,butit’simportanttolookatthesethings.Ithastodowithbecomingmoreconsciousandmoreawareofourfeelingsandthoughtsonaday-to-day,moment-to-momentbasis.It’snoteasy,butit’swhateverypsychologicalandspiritualprocessistryingtohelpustodo,becomemoreconsciousofwhat’sgoingoninsideofus. Oncewedo,wecanseewhatisholdingusbackandtakestepstohelpourselvesfeelbetter.Insteadofdeny-ingwhat’shappened,wecanembraceitandfigureoutwhatcanbedonetomakeitbetter.Gettingoutinnature,meditationandtalkingtosomeoneyoufeelcomfortablewitharewaystonur-tureyourselfandheal.Ialwayswouldurgeyoutodowhatfeelsrightforyou.

For more information visit ShaktiGa-wain.com.

Ellen Mahoney is a writer and teaches writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Email [email protected].

Pay attention to your body. The point is

everybody is different. You have to figure out what

works for you.

~ Andrew Weil


YogaMaster

sof

Call to be a part of this exclusive directory

616.656.9232

NEW 2010 Winter Classes!

Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, & more

Visit our website for details

825 Western Avenue231.668.4181

www.MuskegonYoga.com

Muskegon Yoga Center

www.CascadeYogaStudio.com5060 Cascade Road SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546616.464.1610

classes for all levelsvariety of yoga styles

classes 7 days a week -morning, noon, and evening

12-month meditation series begins in January!

Take time forthe journey

New classes begin

January 4955 Cherry S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI 49506(616) 776-0836

for schedule & registration

www.gryoga.comLakeshore Yoga Center

616-844-1900 www.lakeshoreyoga.com

Sent --->12/15/2009

Take the Ultimate

Detox Yoga Challenge12 classes & 4 saunas in 4 weeks!

Success earns 12 additional classes and 1 massage!

Call for Details

Partnering with The Gleason Center’s Detox Program


www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com5270 Northland Drive NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-8580

Practice Yoga Overlooking Versluis Lake

yoga with a view

Yoga’sMindfulness Helps Control WeightNew,long-termresearchbytheFred

HutchinsonCancerResearchCentershowsthatmiddle-agedpeoplewhoprac-ticeyogagainedlessweightovera10-yearperiodthanthosewhodidnot,independentofotherphysicalactivityandchangesindietaryhabits.Thedifferenceisthatyogateachesmindfuleating. Theresearchersfoundthatpeoplewhowereawareofwhytheyateandstoppedeatingwhensatisfiedweighedlessthanthosewhoatewithoutthatawareness.Yogacultivatesmindfulnessinanumberofways,startingwithbeingabletoholdachallengingpose.Apractitioner’sabilitytobecalmandobservantduringphysicaldiscomfortteacheshowtomaintaincalminotherchallengingsituationsaswell,suchasdecliningtoeatwhenwe’renothungryoreatingextrafoodwhenittastesespeciallygood.Satisfactionalsocomesinawarenessofhowfoodlooks,tastesandsmells.Theresearchersconcludedthatmindfulnessappearstobeastatethatcanaugmenttheusualapproachestoweightloss,suchascountingcalories,limit-ingportionsizeandnoteatingwhenemotionallyupsetordepressed.Addingyogapracticetoastandardweight-lossprogrammaybothmakeitmoreeffec-tiveandpromoteeatingbehaviorthatishealthyandempowering.

HEALTHYLIVING

HEALTHYPLANET

feel good

live simply

laugh more

Natural LivingDirectory 2010

$99Call 616.656.9232 today to reserve your space!

Attract New Customers!Join Our 1st Annual Natural Living Directory for West Michigan

(offer expiresFeb. 5, 2010)


consciouseating

(goodcholesterol).Consequently,onionsarebeneficialinpreventingheartdiseaseandstroke.

4. Garlic Knownhealthbenefitsofgarlicareexten-sive.The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistryreportsthatgarlicinhibitscardiacarterycalcificationandreducestheamountsoffreeradicalsinthebloodstream,helpingtoreduceplaquedepositsinthearter-ies.ResearchbytheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenteralsoatteststhatgarliccontainsanti-inflammatorycompoundsthathelpprotectagainstconditionsoftenassociatedwithag-ing,likeasthmaandarthritis.

5. LegumesAlltypesofeveryday

legumesareanexcellentsourceofcholesterol-loweringfiberandenergy-

boostingproteinandiron.Noonebean

hasanadvantageovertheothersinprovidingvitalnutrients.Lentilsarehighinfiberand,accordingtoastudypublishedinNutrition Reviews,helptomanagebloodsugar.Blackbeansarerichinanthocyanidins.Kidneybeans,filledwiththiamin,worktoimprovefunctioningofneurotransmittersessentialformemory,notestheNationalInstitutesonAging.GreenbeansarerichinvitaminK,essentialtobonesup-port.Garbanzobeansprovidehighamountsofmineralsthataidinmetabolizingcarbohydrates,fatsandproteinsandstrengtheningtoothenamel,asstudiedbyDr.LydiaBazzano,aprofessoratTulaneUniversitySchoolofPublicHealthandTropicalMedicine.AccordingtoresearchbytheNationalInstitutesofHealthandothers,fiber-richlegumesplayanimportantroleinthepreventionofgallstones,increasedcardiachealth,regulationofbloodsugar,low-eredtotalcholesterollevels(aswellasincreasingbeneficialHDLcholesterol)andprotectionfromcancers,especiallycolorectalcancer.

Today’sbattleagainsttheeffectsofagingbuzzeswithhypeaboutacai,goji,noniandmangosteen.Butwhataboutthefoodsmostpeopletypicallyeat?

Itturnsoutthatmanyanti-agingfoodscanbefoundinevery-daykitchens,andunlikesomeothersolutions,theycankeepuslookingandfeelingyoungerandimproveourall-aroundhealthwithoutbreakingthebudget.

1. Oranges Loadedwithantioxidants,orangesarealsopackedwithvitaminC,fiberandfolateandsig-nificantamountsofvitaminsAandB1,potassiumandcal-cium.AccordingtostudiesbytheAustralianresearchgroupCSIROandothers,orangeshelpboostimmunity,lowercholesterolandreducefreeradicaldamageandoxida-tivestress.

2. Blueberries Oneofthemostexcitingnutritionalpropertiesofblue-berriesistheirabundanceofanti-oxidantscalledanthocyanins.Studies

publishedintheJournal of Neurosciencesuggestthatthesepowerfulphytonutrients

neutralizefreeradicaldamage,enhancethehealthofallbodytissues,protectthe

cardiovascularsystem,guardthebrainagainstoxidativestress,andimprovebrain

function,includingmemory.

3. OnionsThemorepungenttheonion,thegreaterthehealthbenefits.StudieslikethosefromCornellUniversityhavefoundthathighonionconsumptionlowersbloodsugarlevelsanddecreasestotalcholesterol,whileincreasinglevelsofHDL

NAturAl defeNsetop 10 whole foods to counter Aging

by Gary Null


6. Shiitake Mushrooms Thesefungiareagoodsourceofironandlentinan,apolysac-charidethatstudiesattheIizu-kaInstitute,inJapan,suggestactivatesourimmunesystem’stumor-fightingTcells.

7. Tomatoes Tomatoesareloadedwithhealthyvitaminsandtraceminerals.Theyarealsoagoodsourceoflycopene,whichstudiesfromtheAmericanAssociationforCancerResearchhavelinkedtotheprotectionofDNAfromdam-age,preventionofheartdiseaseandprotectionagainst

cancers,includingcolorectal,breast,endometrial,lungandpancreatic

types.Tomatoesarealsorichwithcarotenoids,whichresearchbytheCochraneHepato-BiliaryGrouphasassociatedwithprotection

fromheartdiseaseandcan-cer,improvednightvisionand

regulationofbloodsugar.

8. Leafy GreensCalorie-for-calorie,greensareamongthemostnutrient-packedfoodswecaneat.Spinach,kale,arugula,Swisschard,cabbage,collardgreensandwatercressareallsolidsourcesofpowerfulnutrients.EatingavarietyofleafygreenshasbeenshownbyKatherineTucker,Ph.D.,withtheJeanMayerU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureHumanNutritionResearchCenteronAgingatTuftsUniversity,tohelpimprovebonedensity(aproblemareawhenaging),increasenightvision,lowerbloodpressure,boostenergy,increasecirculatoryhealth,protectagainstmaculardegen-eration,andworktopreventavarietyofcancers.

9. SoyAlthoughsoyisalegume,itdeservesseparatemention,becauseofitsextensiveandwell-researchedhealthbenefitsanduseinawiderangeofforms.Soyoffersahighconcentrationofmolybdenum,atracemineralthatplaysaroleinthreeenzymesystemsinvolvedinmetabolizingcarbs,

fatsandproteinsandtryptophan,anaminoacidessentialforgrowth

andnormalme-tabolism,aswellasiron,fiber,phos-phorus,omega-3

fattyacids,magne-sium,copper,vitamin

B2andpotassium.

10. Whole GrainsWhilemostAmericansknowthatwhole-grainbreadsandpastasarehealthierthanthosemadewithrefinedwhiteflour,wemightincludemanygrainsotherthanwheatinourdiet,inordertofighttheeffectsofaging.Spelt,forexample,providesribofla-vin,whichresearchfromtheMicronutrientInformationCenterwiththeLinusPaulingInstituteshowscanpromotehealthyskinandgoodvision.Barleycanhelpwithsleepregulation.Milletcanhelpreducetheriskofaheartattackandlowerbloodpressure. Withalltheseexamplesoftrulygoodeatingrightinourownkitchen,thereisnoreasonnottostartimprovingourdietrightnowtopavethewayforalonger,healthierlife.

Gary Null has written 70 books, booklets and audio CDs on health and wellness, nutrition and alternative medicine. His syndicated radio talk show, NaturalLivingwithGaryNull, is the longest-running continuously airing health program in America, and now also airs on the Internet. Null owns a di-etary supplement company and a health foods store in New York City. For more information visit: GaryNull.com


5270 Northland Drive NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-8580

Practice Yoga Overlooking Versluis Lake

yoga with a view

expressionsofgraceyoga.com

JANUARY SPECIALS:

New Students - 12 Week Session

for $99~ That’s a $45 Savings! ~

All Students - 2nd Class

at Half Price!These specials cannot be combined with any other offer.

Visit our website for class details,upcoming workshops, and more!

www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

fitbody

Haveyouevercomparedthebenefitsofawalkaroundtheparkwithtakingananti-

inflammatorymedication?Howaboutcorrelatingagameofhopscotchwithhighbonedensity?Manyofusareverycompliantwhenfollowingadrug,herb-alorvitaminprescription,butwhenourhealthcarepractitionerrecommendsexerciseasatreatment,wetoooftenacceptthatinformationwithashrug.Itjustdoesn’tseemascritical.Yet,justaschemicalsmayaffectspecificbodytissues,sododifferentmachines,move-mentsandmodesofexercise. Ahealthybodyisafine-tunedmechanism,circulatingessentialblood,lymphandelectricalimpulsesefficiently.Whilewemayacceptthebeliefthatourcirculationinvariablydegradesaswegetolder,itisre-allythatwemovelessandallowourmusclestotighten.Musclesarethemainforcegeneratorsinthebody,sup-portingthecirculationoffluidsandaf-fectingthenumberofcaloriesburned;constrictionofmusclescontributestoadecreaseinboth. Anyone,atanyage,canturntoexerciseformovement’snatural,richsupplyofanti-agingproperties,butbeawarethatnotallexerciseisequal.Itisvitalthatweselectthebestprogramforus,onethatgivesuswhatweneedtomaintainahealthy,youthfulbodywith-outcausingproblemslikeastressedim-munesystemanddegeneratingjoints.

Anti-aging PrescriptionnSave your joints and stretch.Humanmuscletissuedoesn’tchangemuch

overalifetime;ananatomicalsciencejournal,Muscle & Nerve,reportsthatunderamicroscope,scientistscan’ttelliftheyarelookingat18-or80-year-oldmuscle.Whattheycanseearetheef-fectsofinflexibilityandtensionaroundthejointsthatcausesthemtoweardownandageus.Thesolutionistofindayogaorstretchingclassorhomevideoandattendtoitatleastafewminuteseveryday.

nTake a daily walk.Getthosearmsswingingandkeepyourlegsextended,inordertostretchbehindthekneeswhilewalking.Althoughonelongwalkisgreatforendurance,researchfromtheAmericanCollegeofNutritionshowsthattwoormoreshorterwalkstakenthroughoutthedaymaybeevenbetterforweightloss,cardiovascularhealthandoverallmetabolism.

nUse it or lose it.Preventingthelossofyourabilitytogetdowntothefloorandthenstandbackupagain.Thisisatough,whole-body,strengthgeneratingworkout.Repeatit10timestofeelaninstant,healthfulincreaseinbodyheatandbreathingrate.

nChoose a lighter activity.MultiplestudiesfromMedicineandScienceinSportsandExerciseshowthatthemanybenefitsoflighteractivityincludeanimprovedimmunesystem.Accord-ingtotheAmericanCollegeofSportsMedicine,acorrelationexistsbetweenheavyexerciseandupperrespiratorytractinfection.Walkingisoneexampleofalighterexercisethatmeetsyourwhole-bodymovementneedswithoutcompromisinghealth.

movement as medicine

A Universal Antidote to Aging

by Katy Bowman


nFind a good exercise teacher.A2009studypublishedinClinical Rehabilita-tionthatcomparedtheeffectivenessofunsupervisedversussupervisedexerciseprograms,foundmoredesirableimprove-mentsinbalance,functionalmobility,flexibilityandstrengthinthegroupthatmetregularlyinaprivatesessionorgroupclassformat.

nPay attention to alignment.Justasyouwouldn’tcontinuetodriveyourcararoundwithpoorwheelalignmentandexpectoptimumperformance,soproperalign-mentofyourskeletoncanhaveaninstantimpactonthehealthofalltissues.Findanalignmentspecialistwhocanpointoutafewofyourposturalanomalies,andworktogethertoimprovethem.

nMinimize exercises that can wear down joints.Artificialwalkingpatternscausedbytreadmillsandothercardiomachinessig-nificantlyincreasethetensioninthejointsofthehipsandknees.Rather,chooseanaestheticallypleasingwalkingpatharoundtheneighborhoodoroptforanindoortrackor,ininclementweather,thelocalmall.

nMens sana in corpore sano.Ahealthymindinahealthybodyisthegoal.Ac-cordingtotheGerontologicalSocietyofAmerica,consistentexerciseatmidlifemayreducetheoddsofdementiainolderadult-hood.Makeexercisetimeadailyhabitinyourownandyourfamily’sschedule.

Movementisn’taluxury.Thehumanbodyrequiresdaily,hourlymovementtooptimizelongevity,aswellasyouthfulstrengthandflexibility.Itdoesn’tcostmuchtotakeawalkortostretchyourarms,legsandspinethroughouttheday,andthedividendsaremagnificent.Startbyincorpo-ratingone“prescribed”anti-agingactivityatatime,untilyouhavearichandwelldevelopedhabitoftakingyour“movementvitamins.”Itisabsolutelypossibletofeelmoreenergeticandvitalnowthanyoudid10yearsago,ifyouchoosewell.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, has a master’s degree in kinesiology and is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA. She has created the AlignedandWell™ DVD series to educate people about how their bodies work, so they can make informed deci-sions. Learn more at KatySays.com and RestorativeExercise.com.

January 2010 Events

A retreat and study center nurturing the relationship between

spirituality and social justice

in Lyons, Michigan (midway between Grand Rapids and Lansing on the banks of the Grand River) 989/855-2606 n [email protected]

Visit us on Facebook!

TheLeavenCenter

January 11-13 n “Just” Preaching: Igniting a Passion for the Common Good, with Barbara Lundblad. January 14-15 n Individual Silent Retreat at the Leaven Lodge (self-directed). January 29-31 n Let A Story Be Told: A Weekend for Women to Explore, Create, Tell and Write Our Story, with Jenifer Strauss.January 31-February 4 n A Four-Day Retreat for Women Writers (self-directed).Register online at www.leaven.org.

natural ad jan2010.2.indd 1 12/11/2009 10:37:55 PM


Integrativemedicine,athoughtfulblendofconventionalmedicine,commonsensepreventionandmodalitiesoncedubbedalternative,suchasacupuncture,medita-

tion,breathworkanddietarysupplements,hascaughtonwidelyfromcoasttocoastinthepastdecade,bothamongconsumersandonce-skepticalhealthcarepractitioners.TheAssociationofAmericanMedicalCollegesreportsthat113ofthenation’s126medicalschoolsnowincludediscussionofcomplementaryandalternativetherapiesinconventional

medicalcourses.Seventy-sevenofferstandaloneelectivesinsuchapproachesastraditionalChinesemedicineandmind-fulness-basedstressreduction.Asofthisyear,eightmajormedicalschoolsrequirethatstudentstakepartina250-hourintegrativemedicinecurriculumaspartoftheirresidency.AccordingtotheAmericanHospitalAssociation,16percentofhospitals,includingmedicalfacilitiesatHarvardandDukeuniversities,nowfeatureintegrativemedicinecenters.Ofthosethatdon’t,24percentplantooffertheminthefuture.

by Lisa Marshall

Asatie-dye-clad,free-spiritedmedicalstudentofthe’60swithafascinationforbotanicalremedies,Chinesemedicineandmind-bodyhealing,youngAndrewWeilquicklydevelopedadistastefortraditionalmedicineaspracticedintheWest.“Iwasdismayedatthelackofconnectionwiththenaturalworld,thecompleteignoranceaboutbotanicalsandtheutterabsenceofinterestinanymind-bodyconnection,”recallsDr.Weil,whograduatedfromHarvardMedicalSchoolin1968asamedicaldoctor,withnointentiontoeverpracticemedicine.“Ilefttherecompletelyunpreparedtohelppeoplestaywell.Igotverydiscouraged.”

Now,40yearslater,thisbestsellingauthor,internationallyrenownedphysicianandfounderoftheArizonaCenterforIntegrativeMedicinehaschanneledhisdiscontentintoaction.Weilisamongthosepioneeringaburgeoningnewkindofmedicinethatmanyinsistholdstheanswertoournation’shealthcarewoes.

HeAltHcAreenvisioning the future of


InFebruary2009,theInstituteofMedicine,onceleeryofallthingsalternative,heldamomentoustwo-daysummit,IntegrativeMedicineandtheHealthofthePublic,inviting600policymakersandpractitionerstoexplorewherethisnewformofmedicineistakingus.Dayslater,acongressionalhealthcommit-teewascallingonWeil—onceadarkhorseamonghismedicalcolleagues—fortestimonyabouthowtofixthenation’scrumblinghealthcaresystem. Hisanswer:Stopfocusingsomuchonmakingourcurrentsystemmoreaccessibleviainsurancereform,andinstead,createanewsystem. “Whatwehaveisnotahealthcaresystematall;itisadiseasemanagementsystem,”advisesWeil.“Makingthecur-rentsystemcheaperandmoreaccessiblewilljustspreadthedysfunctionmorewidely.Whatweneedisanewkindofmedicine.”

Integrative, Not AlternativeMaryGuerrera,amedicaldoctoranddirectorofintegrativemedicineattheUniversityofConnecticutSchoolofMedicine,stressesthatintegrativeisnotjustanotherwordforalternative. “Alternativemedicineindicatessomethingtobeusedinplaceof.Integrativeisatermthathasemergedinthepastdecadetoreflectabringingtogetherofthebestthatconventionalandalternativemedicinehavetooffer,”saysGuerrera,whowentontostudyacupunctureandholisticmedicineaftercompletingherconventionalmedicaltraininginthe‘80s. Sheexplainsthatbecauseonepersoncan’tbeanexpertineverything,integrativemedicinehingesontheideaofteamcare.Forinstance,acancerpatientmightseeherspe-cialistsforchemotherapyandsurgery,andthenbereferredtoanacupuncturistfortreatmentstohelpwithnauseaorpainmanagement,aswellasanutritionisttohelpherre-storelostweight.Apatientgoingintosurgerymightpracticemindfulness-basedmeditationbeforehand,whichhasbeenshowntohastenhealingtimes,decreasehospitalstaysandthus,savemoney. “Integrativemedicineisteam-based,collaborativecare,”Guerreraexplains. CardiologistMimiGuarneriismedicaldirectorandfounderoftheScrippsCenterforIntegrativeMedicine,amulti-disciplinarycenterthatofferscareforpeoplewithheartdisease,pain,weightmanagementneeds,cancer,diabetes,stressandwomen’shealthissues.Shenotesthatthecenterreceives3,500patientsamonth,manyofwhomarriveseekingrelieffromcostlydrugsorsurgeries. “Onepatientcametomewhohadjusthadabypass.Hewas330pounds,sufferedfromsleepapneaandwas

diabetic.Hehadalltheriskfactorsforheartdisease,”saysGuarneri.Sheenrolledhimina$2,800,three-monthweightlossandexerciseprogram(coveredonlyinpartbyinsurance).“Helost168poundsandhewentfromtaking

16drugstothree.Justwiththatsingleindividual,thesystemsavedenormousamountsofmoney.”

Money TalksIn1997,afteryearsofquietlyteach-ingandpracticingintegrativemedicineinArizona,WeilwaspropelledfromrelativeobscuritytothecoverofTimemagazine.Hehassincebecomeago-toresourceforbothlawmakersandotherdoctorsseek-inghealthcareadvice.Weilbelievesthatmoney,orlackthereof,madeithappen.“Noamountofideologicalargumenteverchangedanything,”hereflects.Inthiscase,“Itwaswhenpocketbooksstartedgettingsqueezedthatpeoplestartedpayingattention.Thingsaregoingtogetalotworse,andwhentheydo,thewisdomofwhatwearedoingwillbecomeevenmoreapparent.”DuringcongressionaltestimonybeforetheSenatecommitteeonhealth,education,laborandpensionslastFeb-ruary,WeiljoinedheartphysicianandhealthguruDr.DeanOrnishandothersinrattlingoffastunninglistofstatistics:

TheUnitedStatescurrentlyspends16percentofitsgrossdomesticproductonhealthcare,morethananyothercoun-tryintheworld,yetitshealthoutcomesareranked37thintheworldbytheWorldHealthOrganization.In2006,insur-ancecompaniescovered1.3millioncoronaryangioplastyprocedures,atroughly$48,000each,and448,000coro-narybypassoperationsatacostof$99,000.Yet,thingslikenutritioncounseling,exerciseprogramsandstress-reductionclasses,whichstudiesshowcouldpreventasmuchas90percentofallheartdisease,aretypicallynotcoveredbyinsurance. That,remarksWeil,needstochange,andhe’soptimis-ticthatitwill. “Weneedtotransformmedicinesowearenotsode-pendentonthesehigh-techexpensivesolutionsforevery-thing,”concludesWeil,whooutlineshisplaninhisnewbook,Why our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform the Future.“Weneeddoctorswhoknowwhenandwhennottousethemandwhoaretrainedtouseotherkindsofinterventions.That’sthegreatpromiseofinte-grativemedicine:Itcanbringeffective,lower-costtreatmentsintothemainstream.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer in Colorado; connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

“Noamountofideologicalargument

everchangedanything.Itwaswhenpocket-booksstartedgettingsqueezedthatpeople

startedpayingattention.Thingsaregoingtogetalotworse,andwhentheydo,the

wisdomofwhatwearedoingwillbecomeevenmoreapparent.”

~Dr.AndrewWeil


FivehundredyearsafterexplorerPoncedeLeonroamedtheWestIndiesandFloridainsearchofavigor-restoring“fountainof

youth,”wehaveyettocomeupwithawaytoturnbacktime.Butaccordingtophysiciansandresearchersatthecuttingedgeofanti-agingresearch,we’relearningalotabouthowtokeepthesignsofagingatbay. “We’reseeingatonofcompellingresearchlatelyonhowtoslowdowntheclockandlivebetterandlonger,”saysDr.AndrewWeil,anin-tegrativephysicianandauthorofHealthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being.“Happily,mostofuswillnothavetoagethewayourparentsandgrandpar-entsdid.” Inthepastdecade,breakthroughresearchhasradicallychangedourunderstandingofwhyourbrain,organsandskinageandwhatwecando,eatorapplytoslowtheprocess.Here’salookatsomeofthelatestscienceandthetechnolo-giestogrowoutofit.

Workouts for the Aging BrainPerhapsthegreatestfearofanagingBabyBoomerisnotflabbyabsorwrinklingskin,butrather,thespecterofawitheringbrain.Byage40,reportstheAlzheimer’sAssociation,two-thirdsofusexperienceoccasionallapsesofmemory.Byage65,

20percentsuffermildcognitiveimpairment.Oneineightseniorswillsufferdementia.Fordecades,scientistsassumedthebrainwas“hardwired”byaroundfifthgrade,withafinitenumberofneuralconnectionsthatinevitablyat-rophyovertime,stealingourcognitivesharpness.Itturnsouttheywerewrong.“Whatwehavelearnedinthepastfewyearsisthatyoucanliterallyexerciseyourbrainandaddinnewcircuitry.Youcanrewireit,”saysProfessorAndrewCarle,directorofthePrograminAssistedLiving/SeniorHousingAdministration

atGeorgeMasonUniversity,inFairfax,Virginia.Theconcept,calledneuroplasticity,hasspawneda$265millionbrain-gameindustry,accordingtoconsultingfirmSharpBrains.Morethan700seniorhousingfacilitiesnowfeaturecomputerbraingames,and“braingyms”arepoppingupincitiesnationwide.Suchgamesaretypicallyeitherdown-loadableprogramsforahomecomputerorastandalonegameconsole.Theychallengehand-eyecoordination,auditoryprocessing,memoryandtheabilitytomultitask.Typically,theprogramadaptsastheuserplays,throwinginnewchallenges. Whynotjustreadabookordoacrosswordpuzzle?“Thesearealreadywell-troddenneuronalpathways,”saysCalifornianeuroscientistHenryMahncke,Ph.D.,vicepresi-dentofresearchforbraingamepioneerPositScience.“Weknowfrombrainimagingstudiesthatifyouhavesomethingthatyouarealreadygoodatandyoudoit,notmuchnewlightsupinthebrain.”

ANti-AGiNGBreakthroughs in

Research Helps Us Live Longer and Healthier

by Lisa Marshall

“What we have learned in the past few years is that you can

literally exercise your brain and

add in new circuitry. You can rewire it.”

~ Andrew Carle


Bycontrast,one2006studyof2,800seniors,publishedinThe Journal of the American Medical Association,foundthatthosewhoengagedina10-sessioncognitivetrainingprogram,withafour-sessionboostertrainingat11and35months,hadlessdifficultywithdailylivingthanthecontrolgroup.More,theystillshowedheightenedcognitiveabilitiesfiveyearslater. A2009study,publishedintheJournal of the American Geriatrics Society,showedthat487seniorswhospentanhouraday,foreightweeks,usingPosit’sbrainfitnessprogramperformedbetteronmentalacuityteststhanthecontrolgroup. Justwhichgameisbestremainsamatterofdebate.CurrentoptionsareonthetableatDakim.com,GamesForTh-eBrain.com,PositScience.comandVigorousMind.com. “Westillhaven’thadastudycomparingthis$500braingametothis$100braingametohavingsomeonewhoneverdidcrosswordpuzzlesstartdoingcrosswordpuzzles,”relatesCarle.Hisadvice:Findanewintellectualchallengethatweenjoyenoughtodoregularly.

“Probablythebestsinglefactorinallofthisistheextenttowhichthegamesgetused,”headds.

Anti-aging Supplements Whenitcomestotheagingofor-gans,muchresearchinrecentyearshasfocusedaroundthefreeradicaltheory.Inessence,asourbodyisexposedto

food,airandsun,itthrowsofftoxicbyproducts,calledfreeradicals,thateatawayatcellwalls,causingdisease.Inouryouth,wehaveabuilt-insystemofantioxidantsthatmopupfreeradicals. Inotherwords,“Likeanewcar,wehavethisremarkablearrayofcatalyticconverterstocleanupthebyproductsofburningfuel,”ex-plainsJoeMcCord,Ph.D.,apioneerinantioxi-dantresearchfromtheUniversityofColorado-Denver.“Butasweage,ourcatalyticconverterswearout.” Initially,testtubestudiesshowedthatsimple,nutritionalantioxidantslikevitaminsCandEcouldneutralizefreeradicals.Thisledtoa21stcenturyboominsingle-antioxidantsupplements.Butitturnsoutthattheireffectisminimal,“likeafirefighterwithonebucket,tryingtoputoutahousefire,”McCordsays. Instead,heandotherscontend,weneedtopromptthebodytoproducemoreofitsownantioxidants.Severalnutri-ents,includingsulforaphanefrombroccoli,curcuminfromturmeric,anthocyaninsfromberries,licoriceandshallots,andtheherbsmilkthistleandashwaghanda,havebeenshowntodothat.Now,supplementcompaniesarerollingoutanarrayofnewproducts,includingProtandimbyLifeVantage,aprod-uctthatcameoutofMcCord’swork,andGliSodin,byIsocell,aimedatboostinginternalantioxidantproduction. One2006trialconductedattheUniversityofColoradoshowedthatwhen29peopletookProtandim,biochemicalmarkersofoxidativestressdeclinedby40percentafteronemonth.Anotherstudy,publishedintheProceedings of the

National Academy of Sciencein2007,foundthatacombi-nationofsulforophaneandcurcuminreducedskincancerinmice. Meanwhile,researchersareexploringanothercom-pound,resveretrol,containedintheskinsofredgrapes,ber-riesanddarkbeans,foritsabilitytoslowagingbyactivatinggenescalledsirtuins. One2008studybytheNationalInstituteonAgingfoundthatmicefedresveretrolhadbetterbalanceandmotorcoordination,plusbone,heartandeyehealth.Humantrialshavebeenscarce,butseveralareongoing.Inthemeantime,hundredsofresveratrolsupplementshavehitthemarket,andsomedoctorssaytheyareconfidentinitssafetyandalreadytakingitthemselves. “Basedonthescience,Idon’tthinkthereisadownside,”saysPitts-burghneuroscientistandphysicianJosephMaroon,authorofThe Longev-ity Factor,publishedthisyear.Healthy Skin Dr.ValorieTreloar,aMassachu-settsdermatologist,saystheantioxidanttheoryhasspurredahostofnewtopicalproducts,madewitheverythingfrommarinepinebarkandgreenteatoacaiorgogiberry,allpotentantioxidants.“Oneoftheadvantagestousingittopicallyisthatyoucangetahigherquantityoftheactivemoleculeintheskin,assumingitisinaformthatpenetratesthroughtheepidermis,”sheexplains. Also,keepaneyeoutfornewtopicalomega-3fattyacidandtopicalprobioticsaimedatmaintainingapropermicro-

bialbalanceontheskin.Oneofthemostradicaltopicalskincarebreakthroughs,fromNuSkin,isalineofAgeLocproductsthatnotonlytriplecollagenproductionwhiledramaticallydecreasinganage-causingenzyme,butnowalsoactontargetedgroupsofgenesthatregulatehowweage.Ineffect,itresetsthegenestoyouthfulactivity.Numerouscompaniesarealsoexploringthe“beautyfromtheinside-out”concept,craftingeverythingfromantioxidant-richskinhealth

shakestocandychewsmadewithcocoaantioxidants.OnerecentstudyintheJournal of European Nutritionfoundthatwhenwomeningested329milligramsofcocoadaily,theflowofbloodandoxygentotheskinnearlydoubled. “Inthepastfewyears,wehaveseensomereallygood,well-designedtrialsshowingthatinternalnutrientscanmakeadifference,too,”remarksAlanLogan,adoctorofnaturopa-thyandauthorofYour Skin, Younger. Weilsaysheseesthewealthofnewanti-aginginnova-tionsasintriguing,butnotesthatoneothercriticalfactorforhealthyagingofteneludespeople:Toacceptgrowingolderandallthewisdomandexperienceitbrings,withoptimism,ratherthandread. “Thedenialofagingiscounterproductive,”hesays.“Toagegracefullymeanstoletnaturetakeitscoursewhiledoingeverythinginourpowertodelayandpreventdisease.”

“To age gracefully means to let nature take its course while doing everything in our power to delay

and prevent disease.”

~ Dr. Andrew Weil


WhentheresultsofanautismstudywerepublishedinthejournalPediatricsinOctober2009,thefig-ureswereshocking—oneinevery91U.S.children

wasreportedtohaveautism.Thatwasupfromonein500adecadeago,withboysfourtimesaslikelytoacquirethedisorder. Behaviorsofautisminclude:failuretorespondtostimuliormakeeyecontact;speechdelays;compulsivebehaviorlikehead-shaking;stackingobjectsorintenserepetitionofdailyactivities;andextremenoisesensitivity. Foryears,researchintothecausesofautismhasre-volvedaroundgenetics.Evenastherateofautismamongthenation’schildrencontinuestoriseatanastonishing10to17percentayear,researchhasbeenslowtoshiftitsfocustootherfactors—namely,environmentaltoxins.

The Chemical Connection Newautismresearchismakingthecasethatenvironmen-taltoxinssuchasmercury,lead,polychlorinatedbiphenyls(PCBs),flameretardantsandpharmaceuticaldrugs—includ-ingantidepressantsinuteroorantibioticsininfancy—maybeaggravatingapre-existinggeneticcondition. YetJamesAdams,headoftheAutism/Asperger’sRe-searchProgramatArizonaStateUniversity,remarksthat,“Thereisstillextremelylittlemoneyoutthereforlookingintoenvironmentalissues.” Adams’ownresearchhasdiscoveredacorrelationbetweenheavymetalexposureandautismseverity.Inonestudy,Dimercaptosuccinicacid(DMSA),amedicationusedtotreatleadpoisoning,wasadministeredtochildrenwithautism.Theresearchersfoundthatchildrenwithautism“dumpedthreetimesasmuchmercuryastypicalchildren,”reportsAdams,suggestingthattheirbodiescouldnotprop-erlyexcretethetoxin.Inanotherstudy,thebabyteethofchil-

drenwithautismwerefoundtocontaintwicethemercuryasthoseoftypicalchildren. Adams’findingshavealsouncoveredonecommonthreadinthemedicalhistoryofchildrenwithautism:heavyuseoforalantibioticsininfancy.Heexplainsthatantibiot-icsdisruptthegut’sgoodflora,furtherdiminishingthechild’sabilitytoexcretetoxins.Suchtreatmentsareprimarilyusedforrecurringearinfections,butasDr.JerryKartzinelreportsinhisbook,Healing and Preventing Autism(co-writtenwithceleb-rityautismtreatmentadvocateJennyMcCarthy),thosefrequentearinfectionsare,“themostcommonmarkerforimmunesystemdysfunction...inbabiesandveryyoungchildren.”

A New ApproachAgrowingnumberofdoctorslikeKartzinelandresearcherslikeAdamsaresubscribingtotheprotocolssetoutbyDefeatAutismNow!(DAN),aprojectofthenonprofitAutismResearchInstitute,whichsupportsabio-medicalbasisforautismanditstreatment.DANpractitioners,accord-ingtothegroup’sdescription,“donotregardpsychotropicdrugsasthebestoronlymeansoftreatingautisticpatients.”Instead,theylookfortriggersthatmayag-gravateapre-existinggeneticcondi-tion.Theseincludeeverythingfrom

GUARDING AGAINST

How Environmental Toxins May Contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Brita Belli

healthykids


vaccinestoenvironmentaltoxins,likemercury,infish,arsenicindrinkingwaterandleadinairpollution;overuseofantibiot-icsandover-the-countermedicinesinearlyinfancy;andadietheavyinwheatanddairythatcontributestogutinflammation. Thisholisticviewofautism’scausesalsoextendstothepotentialrangeoftreatments.Thesemayincludechelationtherapy(removingheavymetals),gluten-andcasein-freediets(removingwheatanddairy),administeringsupplementswithomega-3fattyacidsand/orhyperbaricoxygentherapy(inwhichoxygenisadministeredinapressurizedchamber). “Thepresumption,”advisesRichardLathe,amolecularbiologistandauthorofAutism, Brain, and Environment,“isthatenvironmentaltoxicityhasincreasedenoughthat,com-binedwithchildhoodvaccines,[industrial]productionandfishconsumption,ithasledtoanincreaseintotalexposuretoheavymetals.” Consequently,theseconcernedresearchersarepointingoutclearstepsthatparentscantaketominimizetheirownandtheirchildren’stoxicexposures,startingbytakingpre-cautionsduringpregnancy,minimizingexposuretomercurybyavoidingfishlikesharkandswordfishandlimitingcon-sumptionofalbacoretuna.Pregnantwomen,counselsLathe,shouldalsobesuretotaketheproperprenatalvitamins,suchascalcium,sothatthefetusisnotdrawingmineralsfromthemother’sbones,whereheavymetalsarestored. “Thebodylocksheavymetalsawayinboneandfat,”explainsLathe.“Duringpregnancy,thatstuffisrecycled[insupplyingnourishment]tothechild.” It’salsoimportanttoavoidexposurestotoxicchemi-

calsviacleaningproducts,bothduringpregnancyandafterbirth.Homemadesubstitutes,usingingredientslikedistilledwhitevinegarandbakingsoda,aresafe(andcheap)alter-natives. Otherchemicalculprits?Plasticcontainersandbathtoyscanleechchemicalswhenheated,cleanedorusedforteeth-ing.Carseatsandcribmattressesmadewithflameretardants,aswellastoyswithleadpaint,carrytoxins. A2005studyfromthenonprofitwatchdogEnvironmen-talWorkingGroupfoundanaverageof200industrialchemi-calsandpollutantsinumbilicalcordbloodsamplesfrom10babiesborninU.S.hospitalsaroundthecountry.Ofthese,thereportsaid,“180causecancerinhumansandanimals,217aretoxictothebrainandnervoussystemand208causebirthdefects...inanimaltests.” Forchildrenwhomayhaveanunderlyinggeneticpredispositiontoautism,thechemicaloverloadstartsearly.Increasingitthroughallergy-triggeringdiets,anoverloadofantibioticsand/ormercury-containingvaccinescouldhavedangerous,long-lastingconsequences.Informedparentsknowtotakeprecautionsearlyandoften.

Resources: Autism Research Institute at DefeatAutismNow.com; Environmental Working Group at ewg.org; Pediatrics published study at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/peds.2009-1522v1.

Brita Belli is the editor ofE–TheEnvironmentalMagazine.

www.lswellnesscenter.com 616.392.9500 372 Garden Avenue ~ Holland

Addressing Women’s Midlife Changes Naturally

Doctor Directed, Non-Drug Solutions to help with Weight Gain, Hot Flashes,

Insomnia and Mood SwingsFREE Seminar Thursday, Jan. 19 • 6:30 PM

Please call to reserve your place.

Secrets to Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle & Permanent Weight Loss

Doctor DirectedLearn the 5 Pillars of Health and regain your energy & vitality!

FREE Seminar Thursday, Jan. 12 • 6:30 PMPlease call to reserve your place.

Your Partner in Wellness


Massage Therapy Effective In:

Mastersof MassageRelieving Back PainBoosting Immune SystemReducing AnxietyLowering Blood PressureTreating Migraines

Decreasing Carpel Tunnel SymptomsEasing Post-Operative PainAlleviating Side Effects of Cancer


Call616.656.9232

to be a par tof this

exclusivedirectory!

For more information about advertising and how

you can participate, call

616-656-9232

TheFebruaryissueofNatural Awakeningswillhaveeveryonesmilingandsinging,laughingandloving.

Lookforourmostlight-hearted

issueever.

Coming in February

LAUGH MORE


with indoor air quality being at such a premium these winter months, from time to time, it is important to get some fresh air into your home. set some spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or a couple drops of your favorite essential oil in a dish and set inside the windowsill. This will give you a natural air freshener and provide that very important air exchange. — Natural Home Cleaning Service, LLC Sherri Geysbeek

Although hundreds of books have been written on the topic of weight loss,eachclaimingdifferentthings,thebasicproblemliesintheomissionorover-

consumptionofspecificnutrients.Belowarethreeimportantthingstokeepinmindwhendecidingonyourapproachtoweightloss. Eat good carbohydrates.Don’tbesoquicktojumponthe“nocarb”bandwagonandsacrificegoodhealthforatrimmerwaist.Thesinglemostimportantpieceofthenutritionpuzzle,55percentofahealthydietshouldconsistofthecarbohydratesfoundinfruits,vegetablesandwholegains.Carbohydrates,oneofthebestsourcesofnutrients,areresponsibleforgivingourbodytheenergyitneedstobreath,think,move,digestfood,keepourheartbeating,etc. Eat fat.Essentialfattyacidsareyourfriends.WithoutpolyunsaturatedfatsknownasOmega3—therewouldbenohealthynervoussystem;somevitaminswouldnotbeabsorbedorstored;andlosingweightwithoutcertaintypesoffatactuallyslowsdowntheprocess. Polyunsaturated fatsare important toweight loss.Youcanobtainenough ifyoueat12ouncesoffattyfish(especiallysalmonandsardines)everyweek.TheNationalInstituteofHealth(NIH)recommendsatotalof650milligramsofDHA/EPA(typesofomega-3)combined.Fishoilsupplementsarethebestsource.Ifyouareavegetarian,flaxseedandflaxoilcanbeused,butarenotasreadilyusablebythebody. Do Strength training.Cardiovascularexerciseisgoodatkeepingtheheartandlungsstronganditdoesburncalories,butonlywhileyouaredoingit.Ifyouonlydocardioanddon’tdostrengthtraining,youwillgettheundesirableresultofburningupyourmuscle,notjustyourfat.Yourmuscleislikeafurnaceinyourbody.Inordertokeepafurnaceburning,youneedtogiveitfuel.Thefuelofmuscleisfood.Therefore,themoremuscleyouhave,thehotterthefurnace,themorefuelitwillconsume(intheformofcalories).Toburnmorecaloriesalldaylong,notjustwhenyouexercise,includestrengthtraining.Foreverypoundofmuscleyougain,youwillburn50morecaloriesperday(justsittingaround).Ifyoudon’tknowwheretobegin,hireapersonaltrainerwhocandesignasafeandeffectiveworkout. Keep things in moderation. Keep things inmoderation. Foodcanbeyourfriendratherthanyourfoe.Geteducatedonthesubjectofgoodnutritionandyourdreamsofobtainingandmaintainingahealthyweightcanbecomeareality.

Written by Heather David, HHP, CPT of Shoreline Natural Wellness. Heather has been successfully helping individuals to loose weight for more than 10 years. For more information, call Heather at (231) 750-2525. See ad page 6.

TIP...

Weight LossM y t h s E x p o s e d


naturalpet

Topetlovers,thedisparitybe-tweenhumanandcaninelifespansseemsunfair.Effortstohelp

dogsstayhealthynotonlykeepsthemaroundlonger,butpaysdividendsinalsokeepingtheminasyouthfulshapeaspossible.

Know When Your Pet is “Old”AccordingtoDr.JohnnyHoskins,inGeriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat,thecanineagethatqualifiesasseniordependslargelyonthebreedandsize.Thisveterinariannotesthatdogsweighinglessthan20poundsareseniorsatnineto13years,whilegiantdogsof90poundsormoreareoldstersbetweensixandnineyears.Smallerbreedsusuallylivelonger.

Schedule Regular Wellness ExamsComprehensivegeriatricexamshelpidentifyearlydiseasesorotherproblems.Includeanevaluationoftheteeth,heartandlungs,

by Debra A. Primovic

abdominalpalpationandinspectionoftheearsandeyes.Monitoringweight,checkingforparasites,bloodworkandurinetestsareoftenrecommended.Anysymptomsofconcernmayrequiread-ditionaltests.

Watch for IllnessBecausedogsaregoodathidingillnessuntilitistoolate,regularhomeexamsarevital.Bealerttosuchthingsaschangesinwaterconsumption,urina-tionpatternsandactivitylevels;poorappetite;weightgainorloss;coughingordifficultybreathing;vomitingordiar-rhea;andskinlumpsormasses.Ifyoususpectaproblem,don’tdelay—getyourvet’sevaluation.

Control YourDog’s WeightObesitystressestheheart,whichcanleadtoproblemsinthebrain,lungs,liverandkidneys.Overtime,life-threateningconditionscandevelop.

Keep Close TabsOutdoor,free-roamingpetsgenerallyhaveshorterlivesthanindooranimals.Keepdogsonleashesorinfencedyards.

Monitor the EnvironmentKeeptrashandpoisonsoutofapet’sreach.Ingestingevenasmallamountoftoxicsubstances,suchasantifreeze,ratpoisonorslugbait,cancauseseriousillnessordeath.

Provide Good NutritionFeedyourdogahigh-quality,low-fat,high-fiberdietandminimizetreats.Dis-cussthemeritsofsenior-formulafoodwithyourvet.

Encourage Daily ExerciseExercisestrengthensjointsandmuscles,providesmentalstimulationandhelpsmaintainahealthybodyweight.

Spay or Neuter Your DogSpayingandneu-teringreducetheriskofpotentialhealthproblemsrelatedtothere-productiveorgansanddiminishthedesiretowander,whichlessensthechanceofbeinghitbycars.

Offer Mental StimulationProvideyourdogwithtoys,gamesandqualitytime.Mostpetsarenevertoooldtoplay,andit’snevertoolatetoteacholddogsnewtricks. Followingthese10tipswillgofarinkeepingawell-favoredcaninecom-panionforeveryoung.

Debra A. Primovic, a doctor of veteri-nary medicine, also holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing. She works as a staff veterinarian at the St. Louis Animal Emergency Clinic, in Missouri, and serves as managing editor of PetPlace.com, an online resource for pet health and wellness.

How to Keep a Dog Forever Young


Eachyear,thousandsofAmericansyoungandold,flexibleornot,athletesandcouchpotatoes,cometogetherathundredsofdesignatedyogaeventstostretchbody,mindandspiritonYogaDayUSA.In2010,itwillhappenagain,onJanuary23.

YogaAlliance,anonprofitorganizationdedicatedtoimprovinglivesthroughyoga,orchestratestheoccasioninyogastudios,communitycentersandparksaswellasonbeachesacrossthecountry.Inthespiritofkarmayoga,orservicetoothers,hundredsofalliance-registeredyogateachersandschoolswillhostfreeorlow-costworkshopstoraiseawareness,changelivesandaddresstheneedsoftheirlocalcommunities.YogaAlli-ancePresidentandCEOR.MarkDavisnotesthatmanyoftheday’sworkshopswillraisefundsorin-kinddonationsforlocalcharities.

SeeYogaDayUSA.orgforacompletelistingofevents;localeventsinourcommunityarealsolistedbelow.

11th AnnualYoGA dAY

DETOX YOGA7:00amSatyaYogawww.SatyaYogaCenter.net269-857-7289MicheleAdrianse

BACK TO BASICS 8:00-9:15amCascadeYogaStudiowww.CascadeYogaStudio.com616-464-1610

POWER TO PEACEFUL YOGA8:30amSatyaYogawww.SatyaYogaCenter.net269-857-7289MicheleAdrianse

VINYASA9:30-10:45amCascadeYogaStudiowww.CascadeYogaStudio.com616-464-1610

usA

YOGA-LATES (Yoga+Pilates)10:00amSatyaYogawww.SatyaYogaCenter.net269-857-7289MicheleAdrianse

YOGA FOR EVERY-BODY10:00amTheArmentaStudiowww.LauraArmenta.com616-550-8244LauraArmenta

DONATION YOGA10:00amTheStudioatWFCwww.TheStudioWFC.com616-531-3026MargeWilcox

GENTLE YOGA 11:00am-12:15pmCascadeYogaStudiowww.CascadeYogaStudio.com616-464-1610

GENTLE FLOW YOGA12:00-1:00pmLakeshoreYogaCenterwww.LakeshoreYoga.com616-844-1900PamFenton(Schap)

‘TASTE OF’ TAE KWON DO12:00pmSatyaYogawww.SatyaYogaCenter.net269-857-7289MicheleAdrianse

CANDLELIGHT YOGA6:00pmSatyaYogawww.SatyaYogaCenter.net269-857-7289MicheleAdrianse

Take Your Workout OUTDOORS This Winter! by cari Draft, ace certified Personal trainer

Itdoesn’ttakelongforthewinterdoldrumstorollalonginJanuary,andmanypeopleinWestMichigantendtohibernate,

whilegainingweightintheprocess.Make2010yourwintertoskipthesweaty,crowdedgymsofJanuary“resolutioners”andfindyourwaybackoutsidetostayfit! Snowboarding,downhillandcross-countryskiing,snow-shoeingandiceskatingare theobviousoptions,butwhat ifyou’renotathleticallyinclinedandwanttostaycurledupbythefireplace?Youhavechoices.Grabyourneighbor,yourcof-feebuddyoryourdog&kids,wearsomelightlayersandheadoutsidetoplay!Toteasledalong,andtransformanysmallslopealongyourpathintoyourownsleddinghill.Ifyou’rewalkingwithafriend,pushyourselvestopickupthepacewithoutlos-ingyourabilitytocarryonaconversation. Setupbefore-workoutdoor“playdates”withyourneigh-bors,andsticktotheplan!Thereisstrengthinnumbers,andifyourfriendsarecountingonyoutoshowup,youwon’thitsnoozetostaycozyinbed.Workingoutinagroupprovides

support,accountability,andstructure.Youcan’tletyourgroupdown,andconsistencyisbeneficialforanexerciseroutinetobesuccessful. Groups give a sense of play to exercise and may evenremindyouofsportsyouplayedasakid.Whenit’sFUNtoworkout,it’llbesomethingyoulookforwardtoandcontinue. Don’tworryaboutgettingallthehigh-endtechgeartowearrightaway,juststartoutwithafewlightlayers.Investinsomequalitywater-resistantfootwearwithsometraction,remembertokeepyourheadandhandswarm,andyou’llbe ready toroll.SoonyouwillrealizehowmuchyouenjoybeingoutsideinMichiganinthewintertime,anditwillmakemoresensetostartcollectingmoreexpensivetechnicallayerstowear.Theinvestmentwillkeepyououtdoors,enjoyingthiswinterparadiseyoulivein!

Cari Draft is the owner and founder of EcoTrek Fitness, a company offering unique outdoor group workouts all over West Michigan. Visit ecotrekfitness.com. See ad page 12.


Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

fridAY, JANuArY 1New Years Day Yoga - 9:00am. Grateful for the old~Excited for the new. Full practice with private journaling. $15.Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

The Coptic Center Welcomes the New Year - 6:00pm. Join us New Years Day evening as Coptic Center director John Davis shares inspiration and blessings for personal & planetary ascension. Love Offering. TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

moNdAY, JANuArY 4Free Yoga Classes - Jan 4- Jan 9. New to yoga? Try out a free class! No need to sign up but space is limit-ed so come early. Visit www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com for details. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

tuesdAY, JANuArY 5Home Care & Trigger Point - 6:15-7:15pm. Bring a partner and learn in this hands on workshop how to decrease pain and stress in your life. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden St, Holland. 616-392-9500.

wedNesdAY, JANuArY 6Global Warming: Changing Course - 7:00-8:00pm. Every Wednesday through 2/3. Sharon Rydzewski, a member of the Northwest Earth Institute, will facilitate a five-week course for people interested in global warming and personal change. Free. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids. 616-988-5400.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress & discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation & energy healing from Healing in America-trained heal-ers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796.

fridAY, JANuArY 8Free Health Consultations - 10:00am-2:00pm. Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Master Herbalist. Haelen Holistic Treatments, 147 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids. 616-446-6906.

Partner Yoga - 6:30-8:30pm. A unique practice that can strengthen relationships by fortifying trust, communication and intimacy. Limited to 12. Call to RSVP. $35/couple. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cas-cade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

Restorative Workshop - 7:30-9:00pm. Come into balance through a restorative yoga practice. Allow yourself to release muscular tension as well as emo-tional & mental stress. Creating a calm & healing environment, Marro is known for her clear & caring instructions. $20. Limited to 8 Pre-register at Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.

sAturdAY, JANuArY 9Introduction to Tai Chi - 1:00-2:00pm. With In-structor Gretchen Barr. $10. www.thestudiowfc.com.

The Studio at WFC, 933 52nd St. Kentwood. 616-531-3026.

Get Off the Sugar Roller Coaster - 1:30-2:30pm. With Wellness Coach Barb Badolati. East healthier, lose weight and balance your energy. Free. Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.

EcoBuns-Cloth Diapering with Kellie Rosen-berg - 3:00-4:00pm. 8,000 diapers is the average number changed from birth to potty. Learn how it can save you money, save the earth, and save baby’s sensitive skin. No more pins and rubber pants! Register at [email protected] or call The Body Center in Holland. 616-403-8864.

suNdAY, JANuArY 10Eckankar Worship Service - 10:00-11:00am. All are welcome to join “Am I worthy of God’s Love,” at this monthly celebration. Free. Meeting Room, 76th & 131-Motel 6, 7625 Caterpillar Ct, Grand Rapids. 616-752-8460.

Basic Belly Dancing - 12:30-1:30pm. This class is perfect for the recreational dancer - the “starting from scratch” first time adventurer - and absolutely NO experience is required. $75/Full 5-week ses-sion. [email protected] to register or call Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642.

moNdAY, JANuArY 11Just Preaching: Igniting a Passion for the Common Good - 1:00pm-4:00pm on 1/13. Just preaching calls us to new ways of living. Union Theological Seminary professor, author & preach-er Barbara Lundblad will offer strategies to create sermons that make hope as tangible as despair. $275. Partial scholarships available. The Leaven Center, Lyons. www.leaven.org or 989-855-2606.

Abraham-Hicks Meeting - 6:45-8:45pm. Open to the public. This is a meeting facilitated for people to share the information and ideas of the Abraham teachings. The Law of Attraction. Held at The Body Center’s Studio, TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

tuesdAY, JANuArY 12Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & CFS-related Fibromyalgia Support Group Meeting - 1:00-2:30pm- Help, Hope & Positive Support Through Education for Patients & Healthcare Professionals. Be Fragrance Free. Cost-Free. The Peter M. Wege Health & Learning Center, 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-531-7088.

Anniversary Open House - 6:00-8:00pm. One Year Anniversary Party Open House for all exist-ing & new practice members. Chair Massages, Raffle Prizes, Food and Give-A-Ways. Open to the public. Chirofit Wellness Center, 2249 Wealthy St SE Suite 240, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2348.

Health Workshop - 6:15pm. Learn the 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW to be the healthiest you’ve ever been. Space is limited; call to reserve your spot today. Morea Chiropractic, 388 N 3rd Ave Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474.

5 Secrets to Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle & Permanent Weight Loss - 6:30-7:30pm. Learn the 5 pillars to maintaining a healthy lifestyle & permanent weight loss to regain your energy & vitality. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S Church St, Zeeland. 616-392-9500.

Conversation with God Study Group - 6:30pm. A discussion about the messages of CwG as written by Neale Donald Walsch. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

GR Men’s Spiritual Roundtable - 6:30-8:30pm. And 1/26. On ongoing bi-monthly gathering held on the second & forth Tuesdays of the month. Do you have questions about your spiritual path, alternatives to the prevailing fundamental religious dogma? Fa-cilitated by Ray Farrell. Free. Nature’s Spiritual Con-nection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Denise Iwaniw - 7:00-8:30pm. Please register at The-BodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

wedNesdAY, JANuArY 13Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00 pm. Relax to guided meditation, and re-ceive energy healing from local healers while church chaplains pray over your prayer requests. Donation. Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 So. Washington, Douglas. 269-857-8226.

tHursdAY, JANuArY 1430-Hour Hand Reflexology Class - through 1/17. Join Annalise Evenson, a nationally known and respected Reflexology instructor. Class is open to everyone. Space is limited-RSVP required. $300. Call W. Perry Dickinson. Personal Palette, 493 E. 8th St. Holland. 616-340-6865.

Individual Silent Retreat - 9:00am-5:00pm on 1/15. Self-directed. The time is yours to make of it what you choose. Meditatively walk the 20 acres of meadows and woods, sit and write beside the Grand River, read, or simply catch up on much-needed rest. $25-$75. The Leaven Center, Lyons. www.leaven.org or 989-855-2606.

Have Lunch on Us - 11:45am. Learn the 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW to be the healthiest you’ve ever been. Held at Jazzy Café. Call to reserve your spot today! Morea Chiropractic, 388 N 3rd Ave Ste L, Fruitport. 231-865-7474.

Guided Meditation Group with Jeannine Proulx - 7:00-8:30pm. Join Jeannine, as we use the tool of story to access the inner regions of the mind, body and soul to find the answers to the questions in life. $15. Ages: 8 & up. Register at TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

fridAY, JANuArY 15Compass Readings with Heidi - 10:00am-3:00pm. Compass Readings are done by Heidi with a computer program that reads your body’s frequency and need for vitamins and supplements to support your health. Receive a computer print out. ½ hour appointments are $20. Call for an appointment! TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

Fire of Transformation Practice - 6:30-8:30pm. This challenging practice is for experienced Anusara yoga students. Taught by Mimi Ray. $18. Expres-sions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

calendarofevents


sAturdAY, JANuArY 16Get Fit AM Routine - 9:00-11:00am. A mix of activities and socializing. Light breakfast. Free. Chirofit Wellness Center, 2249 Wealthy St SE Suite 240, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2348.

Free Snowshoe Event - 11:00am. SEGR & SWGR EcoTrek series combo. Bring your own snowshoes. Bring a dish to pass for potluck following event. RSVP to [email protected] or call 616-291-2851. Palmer Park, 1275 52nd St, Wyoming.

Feng Shui Workshop - 1:00-4:00pm. Bring your home layout and create organization, harmony and balance for your home and life. With Jenna Boyd. $55. Register at MuskegonYoga.com or call Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.

Musical Movement with Jeannine Proulx - 2:30-3:30pm.Taught by Child Care Specialist, Singer/ Songwriter Jeannine Proulx, who combines her love of music with her expertise in child develop-ment ages 0 to 6 years old. Register at TheBody-Center.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

Community Meditation Gathering - 6:00-8:00pm. An ongoing open meditation class held on the third Saturday of every month. Facilitated by Danielle Alandt. Free with offering appreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connection, 615 Lyon St, Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Riding the Wheel with Jessica Hanselman - 6:30pm. Using the energy of the four seasons to enhance personal healing & spiritual development. Jessica will share how using the energy of Winter can be used to accelerate your efforts toward your personal growth. $20. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

suNdAY, JANuArY 17Free Snowshoe Event - 2:00-3:30pm. North Kent County EcoTrek series with Terri. Bring your own snowshoes. RSVP to [email protected] or call 616-291-2851. Pickerel Lake, 6001 Ramsdell, Canonsburg.

moNdAY, JANuArY 18Meditation Monday - 6:30pm. Enjoy a relaxing evening of meditation to reconnect your body, mind and spirit. All levels welcome $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Complimentary Lecture - 7:00-8:30pm. The Gleason Center offers information on relief for allergies, sleep and weight issues, hormone imbal-ances. Presented by Dr. Dan Gleason. Call with questions & to reserve your seat. The Gleason Center, 19084 Fruitport Rd., Spring Lake. 616-846-5410.

tuesdAY, JANuArY 19W.A.P. Cooking Prep Class - This Presentation will Teach you how to Create a Meal Plan and Prep a Week of Menus Taught by Chef Jackie White. www.PureFood2U.com. Contact Gil at Nourish-ing Ways of West Michigan. Grand Rapids. 616-309-9147

Holland Free Health Clinic - 9:00am-1:00pm. Health and Wellness Screening. Free. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. 99 West 26th, Holland. 616-392-9500.

Free Community Workshop-Fibromyalgia - 6:00pm. and 1/26. Sponsored by the Foundation of Wellness Professionals. Gain an understanding of the causes of the syndrome and learn non-drug approaches. Free event and seating is limited, so please call to RSVP. Peak Performance Chiro-practic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888.

Addressing Women’s Mid-Life Changes Natu-rally - 6:30-7:30pm. Learn effective solutions to safely and naturally overcome mid-life PMS or Menopausal symptoms utilizing bio-identical hor-mones. Free. Call to register. Courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S Church St, Zeeland. 616-392-9500.

Finding Balance, Releasing Stress - 6:30-8:30pm. Modeled after the Stress Reduction Program at U-Mass Medical Center. Reduce stress & find balance with meditation, yoga & breath. Register online or by phone. Free. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Infant Massage - 6:30-7:30pm. And 1/26. Infant massage plays a significant role in baby’s growth and development. It helps promote better sleeping, relieves discomfort from colic, teething & distress. Taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. $45 includes manual & oil. Baby Beloved Inc. 555 Mid Towne, Ste 100, Grand Rapids. 616-977-5683

YIN Circles - 6:30pm. A course where you learn how to use your feminine energy in positive and active ways. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

wedNesdAY, JANuArY 20Feng Shui Basics for Design Professionals - 6:00-7:30pm. What is Feng Shui & how can it enhance my work? We’ll teach basic Feng Shui & green tips for creating a balanced environment that promotes healthy, harmonious living and working environments. Eden Environments, 5747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-5000.

tHursdAY, JANuArY 21Insight Meditation Series - Join Stephanie Squibb for a year of Insight Meditation. Meets the third Thursday of every month January 21, 2010. Cost for the entire series is $144 for the year. Students are welcome on a drop-in basis at $15/class. Cas-cade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress & discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided medita-tion & energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Center for Unlimited Possibili-ties, 14998 Cleveland St., Spring Lake. Space is limited; reservations a must. 269-929-6796.

fridAY, JANuArY 22Free Health Consultations - 10:00am-2:00pm. Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Mas-ter Herbalist. Haelen Holistic Treatments, 147 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids. 616-446-6906.

Winter Bridal Show - 5:00-9:00pm, & 1/23 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Bridal Exhibits for engaged couples to plan their wedding day. Save time with one stop shopping. Visit KohlerExpo.com. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-532-8833.

Liberating Freedom of Yoga Workshop with Moses Brown - 7:00-9:00pm. Sat 10am-1pm & 3-5pm, Sun 9:30am-12:30pm & 2:30-4:30pm. Mo-ses is a certified Anusara Yoga Teacher who brings a mindful & playful approach to his teaching. $180 for full weekend, or $35-$50 for individual sessions. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Partner Yoga - 7:00-8:30pm. with Barb Badolati and Warren Mosley. $35/couple. Register at Mus-kegonYoga.com or call Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.

suNdAY, JANuArY 24Free Snowshoe Event - 1:30-3:30pm. Lakeshore EcoTrek series with Cari. Bring your own snowshoes. RSVP to [email protected] or call 616-291-2851. Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores.

moNdAY, JANuArY 25Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle - 6:30pm. A place where you can connect with others & find your center again. $15. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

MomsBloom Volunteer Training - 6:30pm. Of-fering support to families who have a baby. If you enjoy helping moms and babies, please come to our free training. Contact Angie for more information. Women’s Health Center, 555 Midtowne, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9788.

tuesdAY, JANuArY 26YIN Circles - 6:30pm. A course where you learn how to use your feminine energy in positive and active ways. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Spiritual Wellness - 7:00-8:30pm. Every 4th Tuesday. Minster Denise Iwaniw’s latest year long workshop. Denise brings an evening of spiritual well being & food for the soul covering a various topics each month. $15. TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

Decompression Open House - 6:00-7:00pm. Learn about Spinal Decompression and how this treatment can alleviate pain in your life. Call to register. Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic, 364 Garden St, Holland. 888-567-3391.

Stretching - 7:00-8:00pm. Learn how simple stretch-ing routines can relieve stress; improve heart health, balance, flexibility and strength. Call to register. Free seminar courtesy of Parkhurst Chiropractic. Ultimate Fitness, 91 Douglas Ave Ste 140, Holland. 616-392-9500.

tHursdAY, JANuArY 28Free Community Workshop-Reduce Toxins & Lose Weight - 6:00pm. Sponsored by the Foundation of Wellness Professionals. Workshop participants will learn how to get rid of impurities absorbed in the body. FREE event and seating is limited, so please call to reserve your seat. Peak Performance Chiro-practic, 4150 East Beltline Ste 4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888.

fridAY, JANuArY 29Natural Awakenings Puerto Rico - January 29-31.


ongoingevents

bodies and styles. $5. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Cole-man – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

tuesdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 7:45-9:00am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:15-10:30am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Hula Hoop with Kortney Quizena – 5:15-6:05pm. Learn to play & slim your waist! Teens & adults welcome. Connect with your inner child. Walk-in’s welcome. Register at TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Yoga-Advanced – 5:45pm. Must have com-pleted Level 1&2 to attend. Moving deeper into your practice and in to the awareness of the core. Back bends, inversions and arm balancing. Using awareness of core, organic & muscular energy to deepen the poses & strengthen core. Invocation. SmilingLotusY-oga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.Power to Peaceful Yoga – 6:00-7:15pm. All Levels. A practice meant to stimulate, relax and renew. Vinyasa style yoga followed by restorative poses, ending with meditation. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

wednesdayHalf-Off BioMeridian Assessments – State-of-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 merid-ians in the body with take-home color coded charts to assess health progress. Call for an appointment. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.Winter Detox Program – 7:00-8:30pm. Led by Dr. Dan Gleason. $50 plus cost of supple-ments. Discounts available. Call to reserve. Held at Christ Community Church, 225 E.Exchange St., Spring Lake. 616-846-5410.Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Luding-ton. 231-852-0849.

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

Take a healthy vacation and the annual health expo. Visit www.na-pr.com.

Night at The Circus - 6:30-9:30pm. Kids will flip and entertain at this circus training. Members $20, Nonmembers $25. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

Stillpoint Breathing & Mindshifters Expe-riential Workshop - 6:30-8:30pm. Experience the breath’s ability to reduce stress and remove limiting patterns. Access suppressed thoughts and feelings so they can be examined and healed. Come prepared to look deeply within. $150. Pre-register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-784-4507.

Let A Story Be Told: A Weekend for Women to Explore, Create, Tell and Write Our Story - 7:00pm-1:00pm on 1/31. Join speaker, writing consultant and story artist Jenifer Strauss for a weekend of storytelling and deep listening us-ing Turning Points™ to explore life moments that have caused great learning, growth, and change. $190. Partial scholarships available. The Leaven Center, Lyons. www.leaven.org or 989-855-2606.

108 Hour Anusara Yogatm Immersion Pro-gram - Jan 29-31, Feb. 26-28 , Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm & 1:30-4:30pm. Designed to provide a good foundation of practical under-standing of Anusara Yogatm for all students & is a requirement for those students who wish to enter into Anusara Yogatm Teacher Training. $495/ both weekends. FromTheHeartYoga.com 616-336-9642.

sAturdAY, JANuArY 30Stillpoint Breathing & Mindshifters Experi-ential Workshop - 11:00am-5:00pm. Experi-ence the breath’s ability to reduce stress and remove limiting patterns. Access suppressed thoughts and feelings so they can be examined and healed. Come prepared to look deeply within. $150. Pre-register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-784-4507.

Holy Yoga Introductory Workshop - 1:00-3:30pm. With Andre Daley, CYT, RYT. $20. www.thestudiowfc.com. The Studio at WFC, 933 52nd St. Kentwood. 616-531-3026.

Yoga on The Ball - 1:30-3:00pm. Freedom & Mobility in the Hips & Lower Back. 3:30 - 5 pm, Ease & Extension in the Shoulders, Neck & Arms. Release tension & pain, increase range of motion in this relaxing practice. $30/each, $50/both. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 North-land Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Cartwheel Clinic - 2:00-4:00pm. Learn a cart-wheel in just two short hours. Members $20, Nonmembers $25. Gymco, 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids. 616-956-0586.

suNdAY, JANuArY 31A Four-Day Retreat for Women Writers - 7:00pm-1:00pm on 2/4. Self-directed. This retreat is for women who desire a place of quiet and beauty in which to write with abandon. You will be in charge of how you spend your days. In the evening there will be occasion to share. $215. The Leaven Center, Lyons. www.leaven.org or 989-855-2606.

sundayAwakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Commu-nity Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Christ Community Church – 10:00am. Gathering service with traditional and con-temporary music and progressive message encouraging all to expand their consciousness. Childcare available. 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Unity Church of Peace Sunday Service – 10:00am. Presenting uplifting and vibrant spiritual messages in warm and accepting atmosphere. Your ministry grades 1-12 & nursery. [email protected]. Unity Church of Peace, 6025 Ada Dr, Ada. 616-682-7812.Bhakti Yoga: Salutations with Prayer, Meditation, Intention – 10:00-11:15 am. All Levels. An inspiring Sunday morning practice with mindfulness movement, Vinyasa style. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Discus-sion – 4:30-5:00pm. Based on the writings of a Buddhist teacher. Meditation-5:00-6:00pm. Two 20min periods of sitting & 10min of walking. No fee-Donations accepted. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-774-4136.Vinyasa Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Vinyasa flow is a physically challenging practice & prior experience is required. Heat is 82-85deg. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.The Coptic Center Sunday Series – 6:00pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and the piano music of Karen Lauck as we explore Universal Truths. TheCopticCenter.org. Love Of-fering. The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

mondayPilates-Yoga Mix at Noon – 12:00-12:55pm. Pilates and yoga are systems of integrated exercise. Enjoy the benefits of these comple-mentary disciplines to feel strong, centered, energized, and focused. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Yamuna Body Rolling with Marcella Clark – 5:30-6:30pm. Release trapped joints & cor-rect muscle imbalances limiting range of mo-tion. Improves your posture & more. 8 week series $80. Register at TheBodyCenter.us - 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Community Yoga Half Price Mondays – 6:00pm. This popular class is an excellent in-troduction to yoga, as well as a continuing practice for the advanced. All poses are modified to fit all


YogaCore – 9:00am. A perfect balance of core strengthening & yoga in a fun and fresh way! Yoga & Core like you’ve never experienced before. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Lighten Up & Shine – 1:00pm-3:00pm. Based on Brain Gym & vision circle movements. With Rebecca Kirk, M. Ed, Licensed Brain Gym instructor. $14/class. Contact [email protected] or The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-774-4136.Yoga After School – 4:30-5:30pm. Back to Basics classes at a New time. Particularly convenient for teachers & first shift staff. Re-juvenate yourself and journey the river within. $12. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Road Suite G, Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Discover the Benefits of Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Increase flexibility, decrease stress, connect with the mind, body, and spirit for over all well-being! Good for all ages & abilities. $50 for an 8 session punch card. Metro Health Village, 2093 Health Dr, Wyoming. 616-252-7117.Feldenkrais Awareness Through Move-ment Class – 6:00-7:00pm. Reconnect with your ability to move, regardless of age. New classes begin 1st week of January. Visit Body-WorkbyJudith.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison Street, Ludington. 231-510-5800.General Anxiety Support Group – 7:00-8:30pm. General Anxiety Support Group is open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends & family members. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614.Yoga with Ginjah Knuth – 7:15-8:30pm. Stretches for flexibility. Standing poses for balance, strength and energy. Seated poses for a healthy back. 8 week series = $80. Register at TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.Shambala Meditation Group – 7:30pm. Sitting and Walking meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Free. Beginners welcome. Instruction provided. Sacred Space, 58 E.Beltline, Grand Rapids. 616-452-2115.

thursdayInsight Meditation – Every 3rd Thursday beginning 1/21. Stephanie’s meditation series covers a variety of topics with a focus on home practice. Entire series-$144/year. Students are

also welcome on a drop-in basis at $15 a class. Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade Rd. SE in Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm. 3rd Thursday. Join other environmental enthu-siasts for casual networking and drinks. For more Info visit GreenDrinksGR.org contact WMEAC at 616-451-3051. Grand Rapids.Open Studio Nights – 5:00-7:00pm. Artists & other textile/fashion design enthusiasts inter-ested in working with us to create re-fabricated items from our luxurious fabrics are invited to participate in an open gallery of discussion & design. Clothing Matters, 141 Diamond SE, Grand Rapids. 616-742-2818.Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit Whit-eRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

fridayYoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the ba-sics. Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. Gentle back bends, inversions and arm balanc-ing introduced. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class – 9:30-10:30am. In ATM lessons, stu-dents engage in precisely structured movement explorations that involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. $40/5 week series. New classes begin 1st week of January. Con-tact Body Work by Judith, 121 E Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-510-5800.Belly Dancing with Alessandra – 5:30-6:30pm. Get out of your busy routines & learn to Belly Dance. Helps you tone your body. Dress comfortably and get ready to shimmy! $80/8 week series. Register at TheBodyCenter.us, 650 Riley St., Holland. 616-834-2596.

saturdayNaturopathic School of Ann Arbor – Open House. Classes, diploma programs, full spectrum of natural healing arts. Hands on experiential mentored setting. Meets specific weekends, lodging offered. NaturopathicScho-olofAnnArbor.net. 734-769-7794.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market – Winter Hours: Saturdays from 9am-1pm 12/12, 12/19/, 12/26. We will be open every other Saturday from January till May beginning 1/9/10. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon. Detox Yoga – 7:00am - 8:15am. A practice specifically sequenced aiding in cleansing and strengthening major detoxification systems through sweat, breathe, movement, and thought awareness. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Yoga-Beginning – 9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. Focus on awareness and strengthening the core. Modifications made for those with limitations. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Luding-ton. 231-852-0849.Yoga-Pilates – 9:00-10:00am. Beginning 1/9. Strengthen and tone your muscles, improve posture, increase flexibility and balance, unit-ing of body and mind for an overall sense of well-being. $50 for an 8 session punch card. Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming. 616-252-7117.

Join our Natural Awakenings group on facebook and we’ll

directly alert you of upcoming happenings and events.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.


BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIESCURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAG-AZINES – For sale in Asheville NC, Birmingham/ Huntsville AL, Denver CO, Mobile AL, Morris County NJ, and New York City, NY. Call for details 239-530-1377.

FOR SALEHouse, Barn & 7 acre Farm on Lowell schools bus line. 2,500 sq. ft. Rustic cedar sided New England saltbox with cedar sided 2-story barn. 4-bedrooms, 2 ½ baths. Large country kitchen with island and walk-in brick fireplace, wide pine plank floors, wood ceilings & beams. Living/family room has large stone fireplace $289,000. More land available. Call 616-443-8446.

RENTALOPPORTUNITIESFully furnished office space with massage table for rent. Space is avail-able at hourly or daily rates. Contact The Collective at 616-446-6906 or [email protected] for more information.

classifieds

ACUPUNCTUREsAmir rAJANi, mdMedical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907www.mmpc.com

Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHPRACTITIONER

out of the Blue inc.Nancy Despres RN, MBE351 Cummings NWGrand Rapids, MI 49534616-453-4215www.OutofTheBlueInc.net

Out of the Blue help others find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy, nutritional supplements and hair mineral analysis.

BODYWORK

wHolistic KiNesioloGYHeAltH services, llcBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic & LaStone Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad, page 8.

BOOKSTOREiNdiGo’s ANd mYstic’s BooKeXcHANGe & more4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids616-447-8298www.Iambemore.com

Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, spirituality, music, handcrafted book accessories and other gift items. There are also book groups, classes & seminars held monthly. See ad pages 10 & 15.

thenaturaldirectory...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michigan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

cHiroPrActic cAre

dYNAmic fAmilY cHiroPrActicDr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050

Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living

a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

cleANiNG serviceNAturAl Home cleANiNG service, llcEffective, Environmentally Friendly Results Sherri Geysbeek616-887-1504

Residential and Commercial Green Cleaning. Bonded and Insured. Serving all of West Michigan. [email protected]

coloN HYdrotHerAPYHArmoNY ‘N HeAltHMary De Lange, CCT., CMT.1003 Maryland Av., N.E.Grand Rapids616-456-5033www.harmonynhealth.net

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holistic approach colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 5.

tHe BodY ceNter-HollANdMarcella Clark, CMMT, CCHTKristy Hardinge, CCHT, I-ACT member650 Riley Street , Ste AHolland, MI 49424616-834-2596

Gentle, effective and professional colon cleansing designed to drop toxin levels and improve nutrient absorption. Get relief from bloating and constipation, fatigue and arthritis pain. Warm, secure environment. www.TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 19.

Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:00-10:15am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Donation Yoga – 10:00am. Yoga should be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation. This class is taught on donation-basis, donation meaning “the act of giving.” At the end of class, there is an urn provided for your donation, suggested at $12 per class. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.Free Pilates Mat Work Class – 10:45-11:45am. Beginner & intermediate levels. Bring your own mat. RSVP required. Body-Mind Pilates Studio 6504 28th St, Ste H, Grand Rapids. 616-516-6832.Kids Yoga – 12:30-1:15pm. With Barb Bad-olati. $38 for 6 weeks. Register at Muskego-nYoga.com or call Muskegon Yoga Center, 825 Western Ave, Muskegon. 231-668-4181.


HeAltH HuttGrand Haven - 616-846-3026Muskegon - 231-739-1568North Muskegon - 231-744-0852www.HealthHutt.net

Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free foods, books, natural body care and more. Open 7 days a week. See ad, page 15.

NAture’s mArKet1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.com

Full service natural food store with all natural/organic deli. Offering organic and natural groceries. Gluten-free products. Organic and local produce. Supplements and natural body care products. See ad, page 12.

utoPiAN mArKetPlAce8832 Water St., Montague231-894-9530www.UtopianMarketplace.com

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 36.

Holistic HeAltH ceNters

tHe HeAliNG ceNter352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 14.

HomeoPAtHYBoB HuttiNGA352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 14.

coloN HYdrotHerAPYtriciA e. GosliNGHolistic Care Approach3368 Beltline Ct NEGrand Rapids616-481-9074

Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 13 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.

couNseliNG

dAN elliNGer, mA, llPsupervised by Psy. D. Mark MahacekHealing Ground Wellness Center857 Summit, Muskegon, MI. 49441231-755-3832

Stress Management, Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) practitioner helping to identify & let go of ‘stuck’ emotional patterns. 30 years of counseling experience, a holistic health care approach & setting. Affordable & confidential.

Holistic couNseliNG servicesDeborah Jandle, L.M.S.W346 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids616-862-3296www.DeborahJandle.com

Providing services that emphasize balance in mind, body and spirit in order to improve problems related to mental health, family issues or addictions. Insurance accepted, including Priority Health.

JANice de lANGe, PH.d1514 Wealthy St. SE, Grand [email protected]

A mind-body-spirit approach for trauma and abuse recovery, PTSD, low sense of self-worth, panic & phobias, anxiety, depression, relationships. EMDR & Energy interventions.

PriscillA sANders The Body Center650 Riley Street, Ste AHolland, MI 49424616-836-1819. www.LearnToStressLess.com

Licensed clinical master social worker specializing in stress management. Workshops are offered at “Learn To Stress Less”, on site at the Body Center Studio. Workshops focus on learning about and experiencing modalities that create relaxation and relieve stress. See ad page 19.

deNtistrY / HolisticdeNtAl HeAltH & wellNess ceNterDr. Kevin P. Flood DDS4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids616-974-4990www.FloodTheDentist.com

Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia. See ad page 40.

eNerGY HeAliNGAmA deus®Beth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 www.Ama-Deusenergy.com

Ama Deus healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 21.

esseNtiAl oilsBe YouNG esseNtiAl oilsClara Vander Zouwen616-698-6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, Mineral make-up. Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings. See ad page 9.

HeAltH educAtioN ceNtertHe wellNess forumSue Scharf, Director830 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids616-942-7907www.WellnessForum.comAn international organization committed to health and wellness through education. Learn to make a healthy lifestyle easier through classes, workshops and cooking demos.

HeAltH food storesAffordABle NutritioNJoel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison616-667-1346

Certified Nutritional Consultant – member AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. Nutritional counseling, weight loss, sports nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/lectures. Select high quality vitamins and supplements.


HYPNotHerAPYBranden wilson, BAs, cHt, cPNlPCertified Hypnotherapist,American Board of Hypnotherapy Certified Practitioner NLP, Society of [email protected]

Your phobia gone in an hour or less or its FREE. Eliminate unwanted habits and compulsions. Resolve inner conflicts, change your limiting beliefs, and achieve your goals. Transform guilt, shame, and grief.

KiNesioloGYwHolistic KiNesioloGY HeAltH services, llcBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 8.

mAssAGetHe BodY ceNter-HollANdThe Team650 Riley Street, Ste AHolland, MI 49424616-834-2596

Our Massage Team offers several techniques and modalities. From Ahh-Shiatsu, a firm Sports Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Detox, Hot Stone, Rossiter-Joint

Mobility, Reiki Healing, to using Oils and Aromatherapy to nurture. See ad page 28.

midwiferYBirtH soNG midwiferY servicesYolanda Visser CM, CPMGrand Rapids 616-458-8144www.BirthSongGR.com

Homebirth services since 1982. Committed to facilitating natural birth, bonding, strengthening the

family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.

full circle midwiferYservice, iNc.Patrice Bobier CM, CPMHesperia - 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth. Over 1200 births attended. Offering midwifery care that maintains a family-centered

safe birth experience. Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways.

Home BirtH PArtNers, llcSusan Wente, CNM, Dr. PH231-652-3247www.HomeBirthworks.comThis regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with 28 years experience – over 3000 births attended. Providing pre-natal, home birth and postpartum care. Gynecological and Doula services available.

reiKireiKi HAusPaula Bojsen Holland: 616-392-1138www.ReikiHaus.comOffering quality Reiki classes & treatments at affordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher & Gendai Reiki Shihan. All levels, Reiki Master classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden. Learn pure Japanese Reiki.

retreAt ceNtertHe leAveN ceNterLyons, Michigan989-855-2606www.leaven.org

A place of beauty on the banks of the Grand River where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit. Offering workshops, retreats, rental space year-round. See ad page 21.

sAloNAestHeticA imAGe GrouPSally Ann Loew2312 28th St SE Ste CGrand Rapids, MI. 49508616-299-1796

Full Service Salon featuring an Exclusive Organic Hair Color that

uses only certified organic ingredients, contains absolutely no ammonia, yet still produces vibrant color while avoiding the itchy scalp and the toxic odors.

sKiN cAretrAcY’s fAces dAY sPA - Holistic sKiN cAre7610 Cottonwood Dr., Ste 107 Jenison, MI 49428616-667-9690 or 616-204-3402www.TracysFaces.com

Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers a holistic relaxing experience with natural products for skin care & hair removal from head to toe. We offer Dermalogica & Elina Elite product lines. See ad page 28.

Sent --->12/15/2009

Gentle Healing YogaGentle Healing Yogawith Pam Fentonwith Pam Fenton

Order at lakeshoreyoga.com

Filmed in Grand Haven, Michigan

An ideal DVD

for anyone new

to yoga and those

dealing with health

issues.

$20

sustAiNABledesiGN ceNter

edeN eNviroNmeNtsDenise Hopkins, AIA, LEED AP5747 28th St. SE Grand Rapids 616-956-5000www.EdenEnvironments.com

Enrich your home and work environment with beautiful, healthy, sustainable design and products. Architecture, interior and landscape

design, flooring, paint, cabinets, counters, furniture, accessories. Styled by nature, designed to nurture.

Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ January 2010

Documents

Transcript of Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ January 2010