Natural Awakenings Magazine, March 2010 issue

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET Green Living/Building Integrative Medicine Organic Food Buy Local Be Fit Love

March 2010

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Local Heroes

Local People Helping Others

Gardening Tasks for the March Garden

Gainesville/Ocala/The Villages ~ www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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Awareness is critical.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Rasmussen College

2221 Southwest 19th Avenue Road, Ocala, FL 34471

During National Patient Safety Week, March 8 - 13, 2010 8:00-11:30 AM Session - $25 Includes breakfast, snack, gift bag w/patient safety awareness materials.

Speakers Helen Haskell and Mary Mannix 11:30-4:30 PM Session - $25 Includes boxed lunch by Honeybaked Ham, snack, gift bag w/patient safetyawareness materials.

Speaker Dr. Sanjaya Kumar

6-10 Evening Session - $35 Includes dinner, Speakers Horst Ferrero and Rosemary Gibson from the Sebastian Ferraro Foundation, world premiere of the play

Day Session - $50 Evening Session $35 Book all three sessions for a discount - $75 Includes 3 meals, all sessions, play, reception, gift bag and patient safety awareness materials.

Speakers and event schedule subject to change.

the Diana Brookins Story post-theatre reception.

Safety begins with

Knowledge.

To register or for information: mothersame1@aol.com • kimlynette@aol.com • 352-598-2879 • 2913 SW 16th Pl Ocala Fl 34474 Checks or money orders should be made payable to Mothers Against Medical Error. 501 ( C ) 3 BOOTH SPACE AvAiLABLE. CALL 598-2879 TO inquiRE.

Find us on Facebook: Mothers Againstmederror

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March 2010

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find top-quality news and information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green building and living, organic food, the “buy local” and “slow food” movements, creative expression, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

14 Conscious Eating

Salt of the Earth

by Dr. Rallie McAllister

Publisher Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Regional Editors Diane Childs Kim Marques, Calendar National Editors Sharon Bruckman S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design + Production Stephen Gray-Blancett Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Advertising Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Corporate + Development Larry Levine John Voell II

16 Homegrown Heroes

Inspired to Make a Difference

by Linda Sechrist

20 Heroes in Haiti Barrels of Hope

by Mary Alford

Contact Us Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 1140 Anthony, FL 32617 352-629-4000 Fax 352-351-5474 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com Subscriptions Mailed subscriptions are available for $36/year.

Natural Awakenings Gainesville/Ocala is published every month. 20,000 copies are distributed to health food stores, medical offices, fitness facilities, public libraries, restaurants and cafes, and other locations throughout North Central Florida. If you would like copies delivered to your location, please email or call us.

22 Gardening in

Natural Awakenings does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in its articles or advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products or services contained herein. In the case of health-related articles and ads, to determine whether a particular product or service is appropriate for you, consult your family physician.

March

by Jo Leyte-Vidal

24 Kim Sandstrom

Copyright ©2010 Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted if that permission has been obtained in writing.

Patient Safety Activist

by Carolyn Blakeslee

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NewsBriefs

6

PublisherLetter

HealthyCommunity 10 The Green Council

Hello, friends,

GlobalBriefs

11

HealthBriefs

12

LocalHeroes

21

Guys Who Fix Stuff

CalendarofEvents

27

ClassifiedAds

34

ResourceGuide

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On the cover: Kim Sandstrom.

Photo courtesy Cindi Williams, www.Cindi-withaneye.com.

See interview on Page 24 and ad on Page 2.

Advertising & Submissions how to advertise n To advertise with us or request a media kit, please call us at 352-629-4000, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com, or email GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com. n Deadline for ads: the 14th of the month. n For your convenience, our media kit is online at www.

GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Design services available. n Advertisers are included online at no additional charge and receive other significant benefits. For details, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/growyourbusiness.html.

Editorial submissions n For submission guidelines, please visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/services.htm. n Email articles, news items and ideas to: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com. n Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. calendar submissions n Visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com /news.htm. n Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.

This issue was a lot of fun to work on. It’s always inspiring to read about people who are getting things done on behalf of others, and this “Local Heroes” issue provided inspiration in spades. Besides a story on people around the nation who are activists (see p.16), we bring you a report on Gainesville’s “Rain Barrel” project (p.20), the area’s new Green Council (p.10), and patient safety activist, Kim Sandstrom (p.2 and p.24).

I have to admit, the most fun was the article on p.21, about contractors and repair people. By putting together this article—which, by the way, I want to be a permanent fixture—I’m not getting mad, I’m getting even.

In early February, I took “Toaster,” my Scion xB, into a local tire shop for an alignment. Well, after 45 minutes, the guy came out with the dreaded clipboard and informed me the car didn’t need an alignment, but needed a whopping $1,393.22 worth of work including four new tires. EPIC FAIL: one of the tires IS brand-stinkin’ new.

I’d caught them red-handed and I was furious. In this economy, we ought to be helping each other, not ripping each other off.

Instead of pointing directly to the bad guys, I decided to take a different approach, and sent out a Facebook invitation and an email to our list inviting people to recommend the Good Guys. I decided to surprise these people with a positive mention in this and future issues to help them, help you, and help our local economy by supporting the Good Guys who are doing a genuinely good job. The guidelines for your future nominations are also on p.21.

As I write this, it’s late afternoon on a Friday. For the first time in many weeks, my windows are open. I sincerely hope the cold has passed once and for all. I’m chafing at the bit to get my vegetable, flower, and herb garden started, and am especially looking forward to starting my crop of basil. Enjoy your spring!

Love, Carolyn

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March 2010

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NewsBriefs Compost USA Controversy

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he 38-acre Compost USA is in trouble with its neighbors and regulators for making a stink. The facility is near Ocala in Santos, at 4400 S.E. 73rd Street.

When the facility began operating in September 2008, it was processing wood and horse-farm refuse and turning it into compost. Compost USA has the capacity to handle half of the 500,000 tons of horse-farm bedding and manure generated in Marion County. A permit to accept processed sludge was granted in May 2009, and this seems to be when the problems began. The county Zoning Dept. and the Dept. of Environmental Protection have both notified the facility to correct the odor problems by the end of February 2010.

According to the EPA fact sheet on composting processed sludge (biosolids), “Limitations of biosolids composting may include: odor produc-

tion at the composting site; survival and presence of primary pathogens in the product; dispersion of secondary pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus, particulate matter, other airborne allergens; and lack of consistency in product quality with reference to metals, stability, and maturity.”

Sources: Ocala Star-Banner, www.ocala.com/article/20100215/ ARTICLES/2151008/1402/ NEWS?p=1&tc=pg; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa. gov/owm/mtb/combioman.pdf.

Unexpected Benefits of the Cold Winter

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hile the prolonged cold has displeased most of us in Florida this winter, and has destroyed an estimated 5% of citrus crops, two unexpected benefits have occurred.

First, Progress Energy rates are unlikely to increase after all, as the company seems to have put the Levy County nuclear plant on hold.

The energy company’s CEO, Bill Johnson, said, “In Florida, it’s not at all clear that the current atmosphere is conducive for an investment of this type and size, particularly if it raises electric rates in the near term.” During the fourth quarter of 2009, the power company experienced a decrease of approximately 6,000 customers. “At a minimum,” Johnson said, “if we move forward with the project [it] will be on a slower schedule with much less spending in the near term.”

The second unexpected benefit of the cold is that the population of invasive, dangerous, non-native reptiles such as pythons has declined, both in the Everglades and in populated areas such as Miami-Dade County. No one knows how many pythons inhabit the Everglades and other rural areas, where unwanted pets are routinely released, but there are many fewer today than before the cold snap hit. “We might have lost maybe half of the pythons out there to the cold,” said Scott Hardin, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s exotic species

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coordinator. “Iguanas [too].” Adult green iguanas are usually four to six feet long.

Although they receive less press than pythons, non-native fish have infested the Everglades as well. The cold weather has killed thousands of them, including the Mayan cichlid, walking catfish and spotfin spiny eel.

“Lots of freshwater fish died,” Hardin continued; “no way to estimate that.”

Nonetheless, pockets of warm water will allow some of these fish to survive and perhaps repopulate the Everglades in the coming years.

Sources: Florida Trend, St. Petersburg Times, Orlando Sentinel.

Spring’s Green Convergence

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rones’ Cradle Conserve will present Spring’s Green Convergence April 3 from 9 to 3. Featured vendors include a solar exhibit, rain barrels, Gainesville Farm Fresh, local growers, edible landscapes, livestock exhibits,

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

bokashi composting, Florida School for Holistic Living, Crones’ Cradle’s own Heritage Experience, and farm and garden tours. Organically grown vegetable and herb seedlings, workshops on organic gardening, cooking for the garden with recipe cards and more will be offered. $1/person.

For additional information and workshop schedule, please visit www. cronescradleconserve.com or call 352595-3377.

Sing for Your Soul

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auren Lane Powell has been teaching people to sing since 1989 and believes vocalizing is not some mysterious gift given to a chosen few.

“Singing makes me happy and keeps me young and healthy. Toning eases pain and stress and releases toxic emotions. Speaking as well as singing with the true, authentic voice helps me live in my center in a consistent state of peace and grace,” she says.

Powell will be in the area March 21-24 at Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar

Road, Ocala (www.unityocala.org) and will present the following: Harmonies of Healing, Sunday, March 21 from 1-3:30 pm; Spirit of Money, Monday, March 22 from 6:30-9 pm; Vibrations of Forgiveness, Tuesday March 23, 2:30-5 pm; Toning Circle, Wednesday, March 24 6:30-9 pm.

For more information, visit www. singforyoursoul.com or contact Unity at 352-687-2113.

The Creative Self

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n Saturday, March 13 from 10 to 3, the OakBrook Life Enrichment Center will host a workshop with mystic healer and spiritual entertainer, Germain Marque Kolack. He will present powerful techniques to allow participants to express the creative self, transform upset and body aches into peace and health, and deepen the connection with Spirit during challenging times. $20/person.

For details and reservations, email oakbrooklec@earthlink.net or call 352629-3897.

March 2010

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NewsBriefs Spring Gardening Festival

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he 16th Annual Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14.

More than 140 vendors will be there, offering plants and flowers, garden décor, and equipment.

Seminars include “Growing Local, Eating Local,” Saturday at 10 am; “Identification and Solutions to Common Lawn Problems,” Saturday at noon; “Environmental Benefits of Utilizing Native Plants,” Saturday at 2; “Florida-Friendly Landscapes,” Sunday at 1 pm; and “Dooryard Fruit Production,” Sunday at 3.

In-garden talks include “Vertical Vegetable Gardening,” Saturday at 9:30; “Micro-Irrigation and Rain Barrels,” 10:30 Saturday; “Composting

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and Mulching,” 11:30 Saturday; “Dealing with Root Bound Plants,” 12:30 Saturday; and “Butterfly Gardening,” 1:30 Saturday. Sunday’s talks are “Pest Control Tactics” at 1 pm, “Growing and Using Herbs” at 2, and “Hydroponics” at 3 pm.

Hours are 8-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. $1/person, free/age 12 and younger. Location: Marion County Extension Service, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala. For more information, visit www.marioncountyfl. org/IFASextension.htm.

Growing Ideas

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e are sharing this Facebook post with you from Maryland’s “Grow It Eat It” group.

“Kids plucked your last nerve?

Kids who plan, plant, and tend food gardens eat more fresh produce. A small section of ground or a container will do. Try theme gardens: Pizza

Garden, Omelet Garden, Dessert Garden, Green or Fruit Salad Gardens.

Create a Moon Garden of flowers that only bloom at night. A Teepee of bamboo branches with flower or vegetable vines are a favorite with kids. Be creative—get inspired!”

May 22-25 Qigong Revolution

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igh-powered breathing techniques, Qigong exercises, and food-based healing will all be taught during a four-day workshop in Orlando May 22-25.

Event organizer Jeff Primack says, “Thousands of people harnessing healing energy creates a massive group energy. Nowhere will the energy be stronger than in Orlando May 22nd.

This is the largest Qigong event ever to occur in the United States and has been praised by experts of yoga,

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qigong and naturopathic medicine.”

During his 14 years as a full-time Qigong practitioner, Jeff Primack has healed himself of chronic disorders and has helped tens of thousands of people discover for themselves the same ways to maximize their own healing potential.

The Qigong Revolution will be held May 22-25, 2010 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Jeff Primack and 100 certified instructors will teach all three levels of Qigong healing and breathing applications. $99/person; advance registration required. For more information or to register, call 800-298-8970 or visit www.Qigong.com.

March Workshop

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nner Bonding, Breathwork and Joy is the name of a workshop to be offered March 11-13 in Ocala. The three days will cover releasing the past, loving yourself in the present, and reaching for the stars.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

For more information, call Shelley at 1-877-346-1167, or visit www.

RadiantLifeCounseling.com/floridaworkshop.htm (see ad on the right).

ville’s Community Design Center (300 E. University Ave.) on Wednesday, March 10, 6-8 pm. Refreshments will be served. $10/Chapter members, $15/ non-members, $5/students. For more information, visit www.usgbcheartfl.org.

Alachua County Mobility Plan

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he U.S. Green Building Council, Heart of Florida Chapter, will present a session about the Alachua County Mobility Plan. This is a recent update to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which includes multiple strategies to effectively link Land Use and Transportation Planning into a cohesive framework. Bus Rapid Transit and other tools for achieving compact Transit Oriented and Traditional Neighborhood Developments will be covered.

The session will be presented by Jonathan B. Paul, AICP, Concurrency and Impact Fee Manager with Alachua County. CEUs are being sought for LEED APs who attend this session.

The event will be held at Gaines-

March 2010

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HealthyCommunity

The Green Council

Q

by Carolyn Blakeslee

uick, translate this: “The Green and Sustainable Development Council is forming to engage Ocala/ Marion County leaders in the creation of a community sustainability initiative resulting in a positive impact on the environment and local economy.”

What, exactly, does that mean?

After the February 5th roundtable at the Marion County Chamber, attended by about 40 people, I can gladly report it means several significant programs and benefits: • during the next two years, the training of at least 665 people in new “green” jobs such as solar energy installation, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and more. For more information, visit www.clmworkforce.com/. The URL to the specific jobs document is www.clmworkforce.com/docs/PathwaysOutofPovertyGrant.pdf. Classes begin in March • training jail residents in organic farming with many benefits including their potential self sufficiency • expanded educational programs at CFCC to offer “certifications in our own back yard.” The well known LEED and Solar Installation Technician certifications are already offered, but several more certifications, equally sophisticated, are in the works. To see a list of courses that are already being offered, visit http://www.cfcctraining.com/stimulus.htm • the continued and expanding services provided by the county’s Agricultural Extension Office, including classes (energy consumption reduction, Gardening for Dummies, and many more) and certifications in pesticide and fertilizer application. The office is also involved in soil stewardship, water quality and management, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, soil testing, and making available to the community University of Florida research information • a new facility to be placed west of the Ocala Airport that will convert horse-farm waste into on-the-grid energy serving more than 3,000 homes • the involvement of local businesses in training people and upgrading buildings in energy-efficient and sustainable ways • energy retrofits of existing buildings to attract new businesses and create new jobs • partial loan guarantees to local banks to help further these efforts.

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These lofty projects, all already in motion, will indeed help create a healthier community, both in terms of our physical facilities and our economic health.

The consensus is that “sustainability” should be costeffective, common sense, and available to everyone. For example, trash reduction makes sense simply because the disposal of trash creates a second expense after the cost of purchasing whatever product generated the trash. This is just one more reason to buy fresh organic food from farmers’ markets: you won’t have any boxes, wrappers, plastic, or other packaging to throw away.

Another concept discussed was “economic gardening,” or helping green business that are ready to expand. The Council is considering a recognition program which would offer an online directory and various awards.

Ken Whitehead, director of Marion County’s Solid Waste department, cited the cooperative arrangement with the G2Energy company. A plant at the Baseline recycling/ landfill facility is now converting methane into power and revenue—enough power for 3,000 homes, and $200,000/ year revenue to the county. In addition, he reported that the recycling rate for the state of Florida is an average of 27%, but that in Marion County the 18 recycling centers help county residents achieve a higher-than-average 37% recycling rate. Trash can be creatively dealt with in three ways: recycling, diversion, and reuse. Finally, solar panels on closed landfills are being considered, possibly through a partnership with a private company, similar to the partnership the county has with G2Energy.

For more information about the Green Council, contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, 352-629-8052 or visit www.ocalacc.com.

Photo: Cindi Williamson, www.Cindi-withaneye.com.

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

GlobalBriefs

Virtual Ivy

E-colleges Do Work

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recent study by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has found that many types of online education for a college degree are better at raising student achievement than face-toface teaching is. The big difference, researchers report, is the time spent on task, or flexibility in absorbing content.

Able to set their own pace, students often study longer or visualize a problem differently; concurrently, professors

are forced to design better instructional techniques.

The most effective learning, the study concluded, occurs when a school combines e-learning with classroom teaching. Yet for many students, online learning is what they can afford in time or money. The hope is that the e-college trend may help burst the bubble of rising tuition costs, which now average more than $25,000 a year for a degree in a private, bricks-and-mortar institution.

In the past decade, the number of university students worldwide is up by nearly half to 153 million. The need to have a leg up in the global knowledge economy is reportedly prompting ED plans to create free, online courses for the nation’s 1,200 community colleges—which teach nearly half of our undergrads— to make it easier for them to learn basic job skills.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

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Staying Real

Community Banking Expands

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ustomers tired of robotic answering machines, low CD rates, overdraft fees and megabanks’ lack of personal relationships often turn to a local bank. More than 8,500 community banks—98 percent of all banking institutions—offer a comforting antidote to the “too big to fail” promises of surprisingly vulnerable supersize institutions. They quietly continue to conduct neighborly business in 50,000 U.S. locations. According to the Small Business Association, they also provide 35 percent of all loans less than $1 million. The FDIC notes that almost 93 percent of all banks in this country manage assets less than $1 billion, with nearly 40 percent having less than $100 million.

“Community banking is coming back to basics,” says Bruce Jensen, who, after 33 years of service with the larger financial institutions, left to establish Town and Country Bank, in St. George, Utah. “In the end, it is about customer convenience and understanding customer needs and goals.”

It’s easy to shop for the right bank starting with the Community Bank Locator at the Independent Community Bankers of America website, icba.org. Verify that it is FDIC insured at fdic.gov/deposit/index.html and compare rates at BankRate. com. Then, call and visit to assess how management educates clients and how the bank’s style matches one’s own personal values and needs.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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HealthBriefs Shining the Spotlight on Our Successes

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ometimes we may feel doomed to repeat our mistakes, but not if we learn to look to our successes rather than our failures, suggests research from The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It hinges on the fact that, “We have shown that brain cells keep track of whether recent behaviors were successful or not,” explains one of the scientists, and that when a behavior was successful, brain cells became more finely tuned to what is being learned. Failure, on the other hand, appears to produce little or no change in the brain, nor does failure appear to trigger any improvement in behavior.

In their study, the researchers worked with monkeys, giving them trial and error tasks on a computer screen while monitoring their brain activity. When a monkey answered correctly, a signal lingered in its brain, neurons processed information more sharply and effectively, and the monkey was more likely to get the next task right as well. It may help explain the longtime saying, “Success breeds success.”

Pencils for Better Vision

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here’s another way to see better than just cleaning your glasses when they’re dirty, suggest optometrists at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

We can apply their no-cost, at-home approach, called pencil push-up therapy.

The simple exercise, when practiced regularly, the doctors say, can improve visual acuity and performance at school and work. How does it work?

Visually follow a small letter penned or pasted on a pencil eraser as you move the pencil closer to the nose. The goal is to be able to keep the letter in focus until it touches the nose.

The exercise appears to help with a common condition known as convergence insufficiency, which may affect up to 20 percent of the population. The condition refers to someone who can’t cross their eyes. If left unattended, it can affect their reading skills and cause headaches and eye strain. In-office professional vision therapy also can help, but the do-it-yourself exercise works well.

Wrinkles Be Gone Researchers in Germany suggest that high-intensity visible light from light emitting diodes (LED) applied daily for several weeks resulted in “rejuvenated skin, reduced wrinkles and a more resilient complexion.” They see such treatment as a potential alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery for easing facial wrinkles.

Source: American Chemical Society

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New Study Says Dreams Tune Up the Brain

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o Freud, dreaming provides a playground for the unconscious mind; to Jung, it is a stage where the psyche’s archetypes act out primal themes. Recent theories hold that dreams help the brain to consolidate emotional memories and to work through current life problems.

Now, in a new paper published in the journal Natural Reviews Neuroscience, Dr. J. Allan Hobson, a psychiatrist and sleep researcher at Harvard, argues that the main function of rapid-eye-movement sleep, or REM, when most dreaming occurs, is physiological.

The brain is warming its circuits, anticipating the sights and sounds and emotions of waking, tuning the mind for conscious awareness. “It’s like jogging; the body doesn’t remember every step, but it knows it has exercised. It has been tuned up,” says Hobson. “It’s the same idea here.” The theory might help explain why people forget so many dreams.

Hobson co-authored another paper with Ursula Voss, of J.W. Goethe-University in Frankfurt, in the journal Sleep, where scientists found that lucid dreaming, one of many examples of a mixed mental state, has elements of both REM and waking awareness. In a lucid dream, Hobson explains, “You are seeing the split brain in action. This tells me that there are these two systems, and that in fact, they can be running at the same time.”

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White Tea Tops Herbal Charts

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n a recent test to evaluate the health properties of extracts from 21 plant species, white tea considerably outperformed them all. “We were testing very small amounts, far less than you would find in a drink,” says Professor Declan Naughton of Kingston University, in London, one of the UK’s leading specialists on inflammation. “The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation that is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers, as well as wrinkles.”

Evidently, the properties of white tea go beyond high levels of antioxidants to also block the activities of enzymes that break down elastin and collagen. Naughton explains that elastin supports the body’s natural elasticity, which helps lungs, arteries, ligaments and skin to function. It also helps body tissues repair wounds and stops skin from sagging. Collagen, a protein found in connective tissues, is also key to skin strength and resilience.

Eight of the other plants and herbs analyzed also help protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen associated with age-related wrinkling.

After white tea, bladderwrack performed well, followed by extracts of cleavers (Galium aparine, also called goosegrass) rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.

Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Celery as Nutrition Staple

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oted author and natural health advocate Dr. Andrew Weil sees celery as a versatile kitchen staple. A biennial plant, celery is in the same family as carrots, dill and fennel.

Its versatility lands it in soups, stews, stirfries and salads, plus it’s good spread with natural nut butter.

This crunchy green has long been associated with dieting, due to its natural diuretic effects and low calorie count. Rich in potassium and natural sodium, Weil cites its important role in regulating fluid balance in the body and stimulating urine production, not to mention that celery is a good source of vitamins C and K. Its active compounds, pthalides, may even help lower blood pressure.

Always seek out organically grown celery, advises Weil, as pesticides are commonly used on conventionally grown varieties.

Nature Walks Yield Indoor Smarts

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ehavior and health experts at the University of Michigan have found that walking outside in parks or in nature helps improve attention span and memory performance by 20 percent. The researchers, who published their findings in Psychological Science, believe the results may also be relevant to people suffering from mental fatigue.

“Interacting with nature can have similar effects as meditating,” reports Marc Berman, a psychology researcher at the university. He adds, “People don’t have to enjoy the walk to get the benefits,” although they do tend to find spring and summer walks more enjoyable.

Study participants exhibited increased levels of alertness, satisfaction and mental tranquility after spending just one hour interacting with nature. They reported that their levels of stress had decreased significantly and they felt more in control of their mind. Similar benefits did not accrue from urban walks.

Source: DrWeil.com www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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ConsciousEating

SALT OF THE EARTH

Tasty Treat

by Dr. Rallie McAllister

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mericans love the taste of salt, and most of us eat far too much of it.

On average, we consume 10 grams daily, the amount in two teaspoons, and double the 5 grams/day recommended by the World Health Organization.

All of this mindless salt consumption is wreaking havoc with our health. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal confirmed that high salt intake elevates blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Because it increases the amount of calcium we excrete in our urine, it also tends to weaken bones and make us more vulnerable to osteoporosis, according to research at the University of California, San Francisco.

Although table salt contains two elements—sodium and chlorine—it’s the sodium that’s responsible for most of the negative effects, which become worsened by the typically low levels of potassium in many diets.

“Sodium and potassium must be balanced for good health. Americans need to increase their potassium as much as they need to decrease their sodium,” advises nutrition specialist Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., a certified nutrition specialist and author of The Most Effective Ways to Live Longer.

“Fortunately, fruits, vegetables and whole grains aren’t just low in sodium; they’re also rich in potassium.”

We can dramatically curb our salt consumption both by eating more plant foods and limiting processed foods, which account for an average 77 percent of our daily sodium intake. Another 12 percent occurs naturally in meats, grains and produce. Only about 11 percent comes from the salt shakers on our tables.

“If we cut back on foods that come out of cans and boxes with bar codes, we’d have more wiggle room with table salt,” says Bowden. Then, it’s vital to pick salt wisely.

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When used conservatively and creatively, finishing foods with natural salts can make nutritious eating more enjoyable. According to purveyors of natural salt products, these can deliver 50 or more trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and iodine, all within the bounds of good taste.

“Good salt has a tremendous impact on the flavors of various foods,” explains Dave Joachim, author of The Science of Good Food and founder of Chef Salts, a line of premier seasoning blends.

“It can intensify some flavors, including sweet and savory, or umami, while diminishing others, such as bitter and tart flavors. That’s why a salt rim on an organic margarita glass works so well—salt suppresses the tartness of the lime and brings out its subtle sweetness.”

With a mind-boggling variety of culinary salts available, choosing just the right one can be a challenge. “Each type of salt has unique qualities,” advises Joachim. “Differences in color, flavor, and texture are created by the mineral and moisture content of the salt, the size and shape of the crystals and even the harvesting methods used.”

Each also stands in stark contrast to common table salt, which is 99.7 percent sodium chloride that has been heat blasted, stripped of other minerals and chemically treated to re-infuse iodine content. Yes, iodine is essential for good health; it is important for the production of thyroid hormones and critical for pregnant women, observes Jim Roach, a medical doctor and founder of Midway Center for Integrative Medicine in Midway, Kentucky. He reports that as more people shy away from their old salt standby, “Americans are getting less iodine than 30 years ago.”

But another way to meet the body’s basic iodine needs is with natural salt, as well as sea vegetables such as kelp, wakame and nori, the seaweed used for making sushi.

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But another way to meet the body’s basic iodine needs is with natural salt, as well as sea vegetables such as kelp, wakame and nori, the seaweed used for making sushi.

While remaining mindful of our overall sodium intake, we can take wide-ranging pleasure in experimenting with many varieties of natural salt.

Salt Varieties Following are seven favorites that turn up time and again. n Black salt or kala namak is a pearly, pink-grey mineral salt from India, characterized by a strong, sulfurous taste. n Celtic sea salt, harvested from the salt flats of Northern France, is marked by a mellow flavor with a hint of sweetness; its crystals may be white, pink or grey. n Fleur de sel, the “flower of salt,” is considered the premier quality grey sea salt, with fine crystals, a crisp texture and a delicate flavor and aroma. n Grey salt, or sel gris, comes from evaporated sea water off the coast of Brittany, France; its unrefined crystals are purple-grey in color and have a fresh, light flavor. n Hawaiian black lava salt comprises a blend of sea salt and volcanic charcoal, prized for its dramatic color and smoky flavor. n Hawaiian red sea salt contains alaea, a volcanic clay that enriches the salt with iron oxide and gives it a distinctive pink color and mellow flavor. n Himalayan salt, a full-flavored salt, has traces of iron that give its crystals a soft pink glow. Once a year, Nepali workers harvest this salt from an ancient fossilized seabed.

While savoring salt in sensible quantities, remember that “We eat with our eyes, too,” says Joachim. “We can appreciate the beautiful crystal structures of the different kinds of salts. They’re astonishingly varied—large flakes and tiny grains; pyramids and delicate, flat chips. Like snowflakes, there’s an endless variety.”

Rallie McAllister is an M.D. with master’s degrees in public health and environmental health. She publishes as an author, syndicated columnist and co-founder of MommyMDGuides.com, a free website providing tips from integrative physicians who are also mothers.

Editor’s Note: For more information on natural salts, visit http://www.thenibble.com/ reviews/MAIN/salts/salt-glossary. asp and http://www.saltworks. us/salt_info/si_gourmet_reference. asp. Italian sea salt reportedly has more iodine, magnesium, potassium, and other trace minerals than any other type of salt.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

15

HOMEGROWN

HEROES INSPIRED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by Linda Sechrist

“I

f not me, who; if not now, when?” may well be the mantra of today’s conscious citizen activists, who feel led by an inner spirit to decisively achieve positive change in their communities.

In The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism, pioneering author, scholar and mystic Andrew Harvey inspires readers to become sacred activists and to participate in radically transforming the world. Awakened to our divine purpose, Harvey proposes, we each can become an effective and practical agent of change for social justice and sustainability. He urges us to find the particular focus that ignites our individual passion. In doing so, we will come to understand that, “Service is the road to profound and lasting joy.”

Natural Awakenings has met scores of joy-filled travelers throughout our nation who have chosen this action-oriented path, becoming an inspiration to others far beyond those they help.

Among them are these five “Homegrown Heroes,” who daily choose to shelter the homeless or abandoned, feed the hungry, advocate for Adam Bucko

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“Service is the road to profound and lasting joy.” ~ Andrew Harvey, sacred activist animals and energize the economy.

Seeing the world with eyes of compassion, they are making a marked difference.

Adam Bucko, Activist for Homeless Youth During the 1970s and early ’80s, Adam Bucko, co-founder and managing director of The Reciprocity Foundation, lived in Poland under a communist regime that denied its citizens freedom of speech and opportunities for self-actualization. Dissatisfied, Bucko immigrated to the United States at age 17 and, in his quest for a purpose-filled life, spent time in several monasteries here and in Thailand and India.

One day, on his way to following a detached life of contemplation and prayer in a monastery in India, Bucko encountered a homeless child who lived on the streets of Delhi. The brief but meaningful interaction became for him a transformational experience. “It made me realize that while meditation left me peaceful, it put me in a sort of spiritual coma,” says Bucko, “and up until then, I was only feeling the edges of my life.”

The momentary collapse of an invisible, protective buffer between these two different worlds broke Bucko’s heart wide open. “It allowed me to understand that the pain of others was also my pain, and that my desire for spiritual liberation from the world ultimately prevented me from making true spiritual progress,” he explains. Bucko’s second insight was equally significant: The goal of spiritual work is not just to experience God but also to bring God’s presence into the world, so that we, as well as the world, can be transformed.

Today, this former monk is the spiritual driver of the Reciprocity Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit that enables homeless and high-risk youth and young adults to permanently exit the social services system and start meaningful, sustainable careers in the creative economy of fashion, design, marketing and public relations. Bucko, who is also a trained sociologist and veteran homeless youth program coordinator, says the foundation aims to

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build a national network of programs.

Expanding from its current base in New York City, he has his sights set on cities such as Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Austin, Texas.

Contact The Reciprocity Foundation, 100 Church St., Ste. 1604, NY, NY; 347-546-2670; ReciprocityFoundation. org.

McCabe Coolidge

Karen Day and McCabe Coolidge, Activists for Feeding the Hungry

While the recession whittles away at household budgets, Karen Day and McCabe Coolidge work to expand the ancient tradition of gleaning in their Floyd, Virginia community. They explain that in biblical times, the edge of a farmer’s crop was left unharvested to provide food for the poor. Through their Portable Produce project, begun two years ago, overplanted crops, as well as bruised or marked produce that can’t be sold, find new purpose.

During growing season, the qualifying produce picked and donated by local farmers graciously appears on the doorsteps of Coolidge’s Wildfire Pots pottery studio. There, volunteers separate and deliver it, along with donated freshly baked breads, to individuals and families who are without transportation. Surplus fruits and vegetables are canned or frozen. The project has already doubled in size, now regularly serving 60 recipients.

Impressed by the enthusiasm of the 100 community volunteers who have eagerly joined the effort, the duo explains their modus operandi in simple terms: “We pay attention to a problem and address it.” That’s evident in Day and McCabe’s initiation of three more local projects underway in the past five years to help feed the hungry of all ages: Healthy Snacks for Hungry Kids, Souper Douper Soup Circles and a local chapter of Empty Bowls, a national initiative. “We’re all about addressing problems when they are small, so that only small, manageable solutions are necessary.”

McCabe cites Dorothy Day (18971980), who started a soup kitchen in New York City in the 1930s as his inspiration, as well as Catholic Workwww.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Karen Day

ers Communities, where he was active in the 1980s. Karen Day’s activism began with an internship at Faithful Fools Street Ministry in San Francisco, inspired and co-founded by Rev. Kay Jorgensen, a Unitarian minister.

Contact Portable Produce, Wildfire Pots, Winter Sun-302, S. Locust St., Floyd, VA; 540-357-5657; PlentyLocal. org.

Susan Eirich, Animal-Human Interaction Activist

Susan Eirich, Ph.D., has been in love with animals for as long as she can remember. Her motivation for rescuing them, however, arrived unexpectedly. First, an unforgettable, scrawny kitten was dropped off at a farm she was renting in Kentucky; then, she made friends with a wolf-hybrid dog that led her to Jean Simpson, a wild-animal trainer who shares her deep connection with animals.

Together, the two women established Earthfire Institute, a 40-acre wildlife sanctuary and retreat center on the western slope of Grand Teton National Park, near Driggs, Idaho.

“Earthfire was built to expand our sense of connection with all living beings,” says Eirich, “and to contribute to what we believe is the unfolding story

of the transformation in humanity’s relationship to the community of life.”

Grounded by her daily interaction with foxes, bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, buffalo, badgers and other animals cared for at the Institute, Eirich seeks to help her own species share in the indescribable beauty of the human/animal eye-toeye and heart-to-heart connection that she and her small staff experience. A moment-to-moment spiritual practice of communing with nature and listening in the silence for something larger gifts Eirich with an ability to give words to thoughts and ideas that come from a deep inner place. “The directive that comes from the silence within is different and evolves in a way that I wouldn’t plan for if I was only working from the intellect,” she explains.

One of the best stories that poignantly conveys the sacred animal/human interaction experienced at Earthfire involves Thunder, a 17-year-old wolf that lay unconscious for several days in the wildlife garden, beyond the sight of other wolves, ready to slip away to the spirit world. The vet knelt beside Thunder and stroked his fur as he gave a merciful injection. In the second that the once strong and regal wolf died, as his soul passed from his body, all 30 wolves at Earthfire gave up their grieving howl.

“The vet was shocked to feel the

sound resonate within his body,” recalls Eirich. “Even though Thunder’s pack was nowhere near the garden, they felt his passing and wanted to say goodbye and wish him well on his passage. This

Susan Eirich

March 2010

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is what it’s like for humans and animals to live in a quiet, meditative space where, undisturbed, we can feel their essence and they can feel ours.”

Contact Susan Eirich, Earthfire Institute, P.O. Box 368, Driggs, ID; 208-4560926; EarthfireInstitute.org.

“When the inner joy Mother Teresa spoke of, the joy of compassionate service, is married to a practical and pragmatic drive to transform all existing economic, social and political institutions, a radical and potentially all-transforming holy force is born.

This radical holy force I call sacred activism.” ~ Andrew Harvey, author and activist

Debbe Magnusen

Debbe Magnusen, Activist for Abandoned Babies

Debbe Magnusen felt bereft after hearing about an abandoned baby found suffocated in a trash bag close to her Costa Mesa home in California. As a compassionate woman who had already fostered more than 30 drug-exposed babies while raising two biological children, Magnusen chose to channel her anger and frustration into constructive action.

“As a foster mother, I had always hoped that unwanted babies would be brought to me,” she recalls. “But it didn’t occur to me until that moment that no one knew where I was or that I wanted to rescue their newborn.”

The insight led her to create a 24/7 crisis hotline in her Orange County living room in 1996. Within 12 hours, she received her first call, from a frantic, frightened woman who had hidden her pregnancy from everyone she knew. To date, Project Cuddle has helped rescue 663 unwanted babies. “No baby deserves to die before having a chance to live,” says Magnusen, who understands the desperation of girls and women who can be in labor while still denying that they are pregnant.

This tireless activist imagines herself in the place of every abandoned child and is inspirationally refueled each time she sees a newborn baby

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crying safely in a hospital. “For me, God is in every person,” says Magnusen, whose biggest lesson from Project Cuddle, now operating nationally, is the grace to be nonjudgmental. “I’m alive,” she maintains, “so that I can unconditionally love every scared girl or woman [who comes to me] through her ordeal.”

Contact Debbe Magnusen, Project Cuddle, non-crisis 714-432-9681 or info@ProductCuddle.org; crisis hotline 888-628-3353.

Troy Von Otnott, Political Activist for Sustainable Business

As a child growing up in New Orleans, Troy Von Otnott recalls members of his family embracing politics, interfacing with politicians and working on public policy issues.

The lively discussions and debates sparked his curiosity about the political process and eventually led him to visit the halls of power in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., for a firsthand understanding of how democracy works. He remarks: “Although we live in a free enterprise society, government still controls how we function in life, particularly from a business standpoint.”

In his native city, politics is considered a contact sport, vigorously discussed around dinner tables. “We play for keeps,” explains Von Otnott, “and unlike other larger regional cities, the business community doesn’t run this city, the politicians do. If you want to get anything done, you have to under-

stand how to function inside the political system.”

A self-described “half capitalist, half environmentalist,” Von Otnott sells solar products and avidly promotes the renewable energy business via his New Orleans-based South Coast Solar Company. A longtime political activist for clean energy, he has been actively involved with his state’s development of its renewable energy industry.

Von Otnott speaks monthly to groups around the state, encouraging his audiences to engage in the political process by demanding that sustainable business practices become the cornerstone of Louisiana public policy.

“Citizens must learn to hold their political candidates accountable and let them know that renewable energy is an important industry that can generate the kind of jobs that can’t be exported,” he advises. In the end, he reflects, support for renewable energies supports the betterment of Troy Von Otnott mankind.

Troy Von Otnott, South Coast Solar, LLC, 733 St. Joseph St., New Orleans, LA; 504-529-7869; SouthCoastSolar.com.

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s we begin a new decade, let us see new opportunities to take fresh action on the issues we are most passionate about. With our collective vision and potential, we can go far in meeting today’s challenges and making the type of impact that Robert Kennedy envisioned in 1966: “Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he or she sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest of walls of oppression and resistance.”

Linda Sechrist is a freelance writer and the editor of Natural Awakenings magazine in Naples, Florida.

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Coming in April

GREEN

LIVING Direct Steps to Becoming a Sacred Activist 1.

Write down one thing that has made you feel grateful to be alive today. You will discover that this reminds you of how blessed you are just by being alive in a world full of ordinary wonders.

2.

Write down—just off the top of your heart—10 things that are sacred to you.

In the act of writing, you will start to be inspired by your deepest values, beliefs and sources of emboldening joy.

3.

Think of someone who has hurt or betrayed you, and make a commitment to work on forgiving him or her. Imagine this person in front of you, surrounded by light, happy and well. Pray for this person to realize his or her life’s purpose.

4.

Read a short text from any of the world’s spiritual traditions that inspires you with the love-wisdom of the prophets and mystics who know God directly.

5.

When the text you have chosen starts to light up your spirit, pray a short prayer that aligns you with the pure deep love that is longing to use you as its instrument in the world.

6.

Make a real commitment to a spiritual practice. If you do not yet have a practice, start now with a simple meditation. Over time, this meditation will awaken you to your own deepest sacred desire to see all beings consciously living in harmony, and to your sacred courage to express this desire in action.

7.

Strengthened by prayer, practice and inspiration, turn now to your life and the people in it. Everyone, especially in a time like ours, has friends who are grieving or ill or looking for a job or in financial difficulty. Commit now to ringing one of them up and asking him or her what you could do to make the burden easier.

8.

Make a commitment to skip one meal in the coming 24 hours and send a check for the money you would have spent on it to a reputable organization dealing with world hunger.

9.

Make a commitment to keep small change in a pocket so that you can always give something to one of the thousands of homeless on America’s streets.

10. There are people around you who are suffering. Make a commitment to find out who they are and what they need, and invite six of your friends to make a commitment with you to begin supplying it. In acting like this, you will be helping to animate the heart of your community.

11. Make a commitment today, even if you are experiencing financial difficulties, to tithe between five and 10 percent of what you earn to a cause of your choice. Over time, tithing will give you a great and healing sense of being useful. The cause you are helping will become increasingly precious and personal to you until you will wish, naturally and simply, to do more.

Source: The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism by Andrew Harvey www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

A GREEN LIFE STARTS WITH A GREEN HOME. Look for eco-home tips and resources plus other ideas for living more sustainably.

See the April edition of Natural Awakenings.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

352-629-4000 March 2010

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Local Heroes Helping Haiti “Barrels of Hope”

by Mary Alford

Local non-profits and businesses focused on sustainability are seeking community support for a program to build rainbarrels for the earthquake victims in Haiti, and fill the rainbarrels with supplies to begin rebuilding permanent structures.

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Rainbarrels collect water from the roof, are screened to keep insects out, and have a spigot.

group of people in Gainesville have banded together to create “Barrels of Hope.” This is a project both to teach local citizens how to build and utilize a rainbarrel, and then to deliver those rainbarrels, filled with supplies, to the earthquake victims in Haiti.

Water distribution has long been a problem in Haiti, and many Haitians utilized concrete cisterns, which were damaged and contaminated by the earthquake. Bottled and distributed water has provided immediate relief, but creates waste and is not a long-term solution. The rainbarrels can be utilized by a family or group of people, will last for many years, and will arrive in Haiti doing double duty: they are filled with supplies to begin building permanent structures.

Each rainbarrel can be delivered independently and will contain enough materials to begin building what is known as an earthbag house. These dwellings are constructed by stacking sandbags to create walls, with barbed wire in between the layers to keep the walls stable. Some examples of earthbag houses can be found on the earthbag blog at http://earthbagbuilding.wordpress.com/. These structures have already been utilized in Haiti, they are relatively quick and easy to build, they can utilize some of the concrete waste from the disaster and, in the future, can be plastered over and roofed to provide permanent structures.

Currently, the plan is to provide a rainbarrel with a few hundred sandbags, a small shovel, tarps to provide a roof and collect rain into the barrel, and an illustrated guide to constructing the temporary shelters as well as how to transition these shelters to permanent structures. Other items that may be added to the barrel include crank radios or solar lights, as well as something beautiful—a small picture, a scarf, anything to bring a small An earthbag house under construction in Haiti. amount of beauty and hope into their new homes.

Maphaus Charles, a 21-year-old Haitian studying green construction in Gainesville, agrees. “These are good tools to help the people of my country rebuild in a sustainable way.”

Maphaus hopes to take his new knowledge back to Haiti to help rebuild. Some of his family members were affected by the earthquake. He has only recently talked to his mother; his family’s home was damaged, and she is unable to stay in her home for safety reasons. She is currently sleeping on a friend’s porch.

Other friends and neighbors were not so lucky.

If you are interested in helping with the Barrels of Hope project, please visit the fan page on Facebook (Barrels of Hope), send an email to barrelsofhope@gmail.com, or call 352-3393899.

Finished earthbag house in Haiti. Materials are not being provided for this level of finish; the goal is to Mary Alford is an environmental engineer and LEED AP (visit provide quick emergency shelter that can transiwww.sustainabledesigngroup.com). She is president of the tion to permanent structure. This building was still Heart of Florida USGBC, the local chapter of the U.S. Green standing in Haiti after the earthquake, when other Building Council. buildings around it were in rubble.

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Local Heroes: Guys Who Fix Stuff

by Carolyn Blakeslee

I

n early February, I took my Scion into a local tire shop for an alignment. I wasn’t sure what it needed, really—I’d bought it used 18 months ago, and hadn’t had a balance, rotation, or alignment done during that time. And with a new tire on it, it needed something (I didn’t know what) because the tire noise was significant.

After 45 minutes, the guy came out with the dreaded clipboard and informed me the car needed a new powersteering serpentine belt, an alternator serpentine belt (I don’t think the Scion even has a “serpentine” belt where the alternator is concerned), two struts, two shocks, four tires, and an alignment after the tires were put on. Epic Fail: Not only was one tire brand-new, the power-steering belt had just been replaced as well. The upshot was, they wanted to rob me of $1,393.22 (and their line items didn’t even add up right). Then they had the gall to charge me for the estimate.

Obviously, this made me furious. In this economy, we ought to be helping each other, not ripping each other off.

Instead of pointing directly to the bad guys, I decided to take a different approach, and I sent out a Facebook invitation and an email to our list inviting people to recommend the Good Guys. I decided to surprise these people with a positive mention in this and future issues to help them, help you, and help our local economy by supporting the Good Guys who are doing a genuinely good job.

minutes later he told me my compressor was going out, but there was no need to replace it yet, as a new one would be hundreds of dollars and mine likely had several years of use before it would completely die. He didn’t charge me a dime and was very nice and polite.

—Heather Gunn Jim Thompson Plumbing, Anthony, FL. This company has solved many plumbing issues for us including broken pipes underground, broken pipes aboveground, indoor and outdoor leaks, removing a bladder tank that was badly rusted and about to stop functioning properly, and more.

—Carolyn Blakeslee To recommend someone, please send in the name of the company and/or individual with your full name and a brief story of why they are a “Local Hero” to you. The fine print: You may not nominate yourself, you may not nominate a relative, and you may not be a minister. (Reason: once I received a recommendation from a minister and I tried the recommended shop­. The shop treated the minister fine, but not me. Who’s going to rip off a minister?) Send via email to GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and post a recommendation there.

Scott Proctor, Proctor’s Air Conditioning and Heating. He has solved numerous issues on our aging farm at minimal expense. He is bright, experienced, and concerned that the final product is safe, effective, and working 100% right.

—Carolyn Blakeslee —Seconded by News Talk WOCA: “Scott Proctor is a good man! He’s great at what he does.”

Mike Ciraco, Ciraco Electric, Ocala. This company staved off a likely house fire due to the faulty wiring job done by the former owner of my home. We were experiencing brownouts and even partial-circuit blackouts, and frankly I was fearful. A team of two came to the house and the man in the attic hollered to the man on the first floor, “Shut off the main, NOW,” so obviously it was really a serious issue, but they had the problem fixed within two hours. They’ve also done other work for me including installing ceiling fans and various lights. Quick, responsive, and reasonable.

—Carolyn Blakeslee Try Adam’s Water in Ocala. They have been in business 40 years, and they make sure you are happy with the end result.

—Sandye Peterson There’s a really nice honest mechanic down in Belleview on 441 just before the bridge. The name of his shop is Gregg Smith Automotive. My A/C was acting funny and he had me pull into his garage so he could check what was up. A few www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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Gardening in March

by Jo Leyte-Vidal

O

h my, it is distressing to look out the window and see the brown landscape caused by last month’s freeze. Some of our favorite plants are sticks with dead leaves.

Hopefully you have been able to look the other way and not touch anything until now. Only after March 15 is it time to cut back and remove the dead material and prune your landscape plants in preparation for spring growth.

The trees should be pushing out new leaves and the turf shooting up new blades.

Now that the plants are waking up from their winter sleep, they need their first fertilization.

Fertilize your lawn with a fertilizer that has the numbers 15-0-15 using a well calibrated spreader. The label will give you directions for proper application. The first fertilization of the season works best as an application of half slow-release and half water-soluble fertilizers. The slow-release will feed the turf for 3-6 months and the watersoluble will give it the jump start in growth. The addition of a pre-emergent in this application will prevent most weed seeds in the ground from germinating. This will help eliminate many early weeds. Before you do anything, read the label on the bag to make sure the pre-emergent is safe for your type of grass—if not, you take a chance on killing your whole lawn.

While fertilizing your flower beds,

pull emerging weeds, move the mulch, work in the fertilizer, and then add some fresh mulch. The best depth of mulch for most plants is two inches. When it comes to mulching trees, do not let the mulch touch the tree’s bark—otherwise, you risk fungus growth.

Now is the time to plant new citrus trees. When trees are planted as they are just coming out of dormancy, success is more likely. This is shown with the emergence of new leaves.

Wait until next spring to fertilize trees

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you plant now. The new tree needs time to develop a root system before it pushes out top growth. Be sure to keep it sufficiently watered—three times/week is the recommended schedule for watering a newly planted tree during its first few months.

Do not water during the heat of the day, as the water will heat up from the sunlight and scald your plants.

Your spring vegetable garden should be ready for warm weather transplants of tomato, pepper, squash, lettuce cucumber, endive and parsley. Since our last frost date is March 15, be prepared to cover plants with a row cover or cloches made of gallon milk jugs with their bottoms removed.

Cleaning up dead plant material gives us the opportunity to make more compost. Use the dead leaves, grass clippings, selected kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed egg shells. Do not add meat, milk, or bread to your compost, because they will draw vermin and cause odors.

Compost does not smell bad. Two inches of compost should be mixed into your garden beds a couple of weeks before each planting. The compost will feed your soil and the micro-organisms that in turn release the nutrients the plants need.

Cruise the garden centers and plant your rainbow of annuals. It is exciting to walk among the tables and take in all that color that will wake our landscape from its winter sleep. Planting large masses of similar color or type annuals is more dramatic in the landscape than a few here and there.

Jo Leyte-Vidal is a Master Gardener with Marion County. For information on the Extension Service, visit www. marioncountyfl.org/ifasextension.htm.

For information on becoming a Master Gardener, visit http://www.marioncountyfl.org/CountyExtension/pdf/ Ag_MasterGardenerBrochure.pdf.

Photographs, top to bottom: Passionflower Zebra butterfly Shrimp plant

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Aspartame, by any other name ...

Well, you know.

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jinomoto, the company that manufactures aspartame (as well as MSG), is rebranding it as AminoSweet.

Aspartame is made of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. The chemist who combined it found that the new product had a sweet taste.

Natural News (www.naturalnews.com/028151_aspartame_sweeteners.html) reports, “Despite the myriad of evidence gained over the years showing that aspartame is a dangerous toxin, it has remained on the global market with the exception of a few countries that have banned it.

In fact, it continued to gain approval for use in new types of food despite evidence showing that it causes neurological brain damage, cancerous tumors, and endocrine disruption, among other things.”

While amino acids are arguably natural, isolated amino acids such as phenylalanine aren’t necessarily “good” by themselves. According to www.sweetpoison.com/phenylalanine.html, phenylalanine is a neurotoxin. The site’s author recommends never consuming amino acids unless in combinations of eight or more.

Footnote: to date the company has obtained only the domain name www.aminosweet.info. Both the dot-com and the dot-net version are evidently being held by domain names buy/sell companies, Namesco and NameSecure.

—C.B.

We don’t just talk about the environment— We respect it.

At Natural Awakenings, we know the cost of glossy coatings on a magazine’s pages: n 33-54% increase in energy consumption, wastewater, air pollution emissions, solid waste n Coated paper is very difficult to recycle (the quantity of waste clay coating removed nearly equals that of the usable paper fiber) n The sealant coating/varnish commonly contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) n Inks that often contain heavy metals and VOCs n Higher costs to print, resulting in higher costs for advertisers —Sources: Buy Recycled Business Alliance; Turning the Page by the PAPER Project partnership; Magazine PAPER Project (CoopAmerica.org/programs/woodwise/publishers/ magazines/index.cfm For more information, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/WhyRecycled.pdf Join our family of “green” readers and advertisers. Call 352-629-4000. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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Local Hero, Kim Sandstrom Patient Safety Activist Profile by Carolyn Blakeslee

S

ix years ago, Kim Sandstrom was the mother of six active children ranging in age from 8-24. This energetic, artistic and athletic family were well-known in their community of Hillsboro, Oregon, a thriving small city near Portland. She established a repertory theatre company, HART, that has since grown to regional theatre status (visit www.hart-theatre. org).

Kim’s oldest daughter, Diana, was an actress like her mom and helped build the theatre company.

They worked on theatre projects together—and, though Diana had issues that face many young adults, she was optimistic at age 24 that she was finally headed in the right direction and would someday work professionally in theatre again.

In the midst of her adult renewal of a good job, going back to church with her family, and reconnecting with her old friends, Diana also announced that she was pregnant, that she and the father would probably not last, and that she wanted the baby.

Kim supported her daughter’s decisions. Things were calming down for Diana, and the mother/ daughter relationship was blooming as an adult relationship. Kim and Diana attended church together, Diana sang again at fundraisers for the theatre, and Kim was there for Diana’s first experience of hearing the baby’s heartbeat. There was a lot of hope for the whole family.

On Palm Sunday, 2004, Diana was in church with her family. Suddenly, Kim looked over at her daughter and knew something was very wrong. They rushed out of the church and to the local hospital just blocks away. Diana had a gallstone—this attack was worse than anything that had ever happened to her. She had surgery—but within two days, it was clear that something had gone terribly wrong.

The surgeon allegedly had out-of-town trips and couldn’t be reached. In their small town, three weeks went by before this case was taken seriously. By that time, it was

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too late. The open wound left inside during the surgery had destroyed her entire lower gastrointestinal tract. When the surgeon opened up Diana, her intestines fell apart in the surgeon’s hands.

The surgeon collapsed when she realized what had happened to her patient. Three other surgeons were called in to repair the damage, and the repair was the equivalent of having two gastric bypass surgeries and a rebuilt intestinal tract.

Diana was now 17 weeks pregnant and her baby was moving. For the next three months, in two hospitals, she had nine PICC lines in order to feed her and the baby and give medications. She endured 10 surgeries, 100 doctors, and finally, she contracted MRSA (methycillin resistant staph aureus) in her heart valves from her central line. She was concious throughout, and asked for the doppler frequently to make sure her baby was all right. When the pain was at its worst, family members requested the baby heart monitor be played often to keep Diana’s will to live alive.

In her 29th week of pregnancy, the doctors told Diana and Kim that the baby would have to be delivered right then. Diana was in liver, kidney and heart failure and would die if the baby wasn’t born.

On July 17th, 2004, Julia Belle Brookins was welcomed into the world by extended family from all over the country who flew in to support Diana. Many were from central Florida, as the family had, and still has, ties to Ocala, Crystal River, Homosassa and Cedar Key. Julia Belle was named after four family matriarchs, and she weighed a little more than two pounds at birth.

On Saturday, July 25th, despite a brief improvement after delivering her baby, Diana died.

For Kim, life changed forever. She did not want to walk into the future without her firstborn, her only daughter, her friend and artistic soulmate.

Soon all the arrangements were made and Julia Belle’s

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future became the priority. Kim and her then-husband, John Sandstrom, adopted baby Julia Belle and decided to move to central Florida to live near Kim’s family.

Even during those dark and terrible days, Kim knew she had to keep her promise to Diana, that she would do everything in her power to share Diana’s story in an effort to make lasting positive changes in healthcare safety for patients.

Kim’s first mission was to work to defeat an Oregon ballot measure that would reduce medical malpractice caps from $500,000 to $250,000.

Only eight weeks after Diana’s death, Kim distributed flyers and put a poster on the side of her car with Diana’s picture, urging voters to defeat measure 32. It was defeated by only 35 votes. Soon after, Oregon Right to Life awarded their highest honor to Diana, the Spirit of Life award, for her courage and her bravery in giving Julia Belle life at all costs.

During the ensuing years, Kim’s feelings about health care have changed, and she has become much more holistic, natural, and preventive in the way she seeks care for herself and her family.

Mothers Against Medical Error (MAME)

After Diana’s death, Kim joined forces with Helen Haskell of Mothers Against Medical Error. Helen had lost her young actor son, Lewis Blackman, at age 15 from a simple cosmetic surgery in South Carolina.

The two grieving mothers have written articles, toured with Consumers Union, attended Patient Safety summits in Washington, DC, have had speaking engagements about their children, and helped create a powerful national patient safety movement. Helen, as the national president of Mothers Against Medical Error, appointed Kim Florida representative.

As an archaeologist with an extensive background in science, Helen was able to use her scientific and analytical skills to help create many new protocols for hospitals and healthcare providers. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Kim, on the other hand, was an artist, actress, writer and director and wanted to use her talents to honor her daughter and to raise awareness.

So while Helen worked on one side of things, Kim quietly began to write the script of the play, “Damselfly,” named for a type of beautiful dragonfly that is extraordinarily colorful and more sparkly than most. “Damselfly” is an intimate retelling of Diana’s life and concludes with an epilogue that includes Helen’s son Lewis.

The world premiere of “Damselfly” is the centerpiece for an event called “The Next Decade: National Patient Safety Progress Expo” hosted

by Rasmussen College on Saturday, March 13th. Local actors James Cowan, Cameron and Annie Miller, Melanie Underbrink, Brittany, Trinity, Alex and Jaqcui Ferko, and Brittany Renee make up the cast, with Kim playing herself.

The March 13th event will feature a day of speakers, vendors, demonstrations, patient safety bookstore, free massages by Rasmussen College massage-certification-training students, gift bags, breakfast and lunch. The evening will feature a reception, dinner, and the play. Special guest speakers in the evening include Horst Ferrero, father of Sebastian Ferrero of the Ferrero Foundation; Helen Haskell; Woods Foundation writer, Rosemary Gibson; Mary Mannix of Restorative Practices; and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, author of the book Fatal Care.

The day event is $50 and is allinclusive. The evening reception is $35 and includes dinner, speakers and the play, and admission to the entire event may be purchased for a discounted $75. Partial scholarships are available to survivors of medical error.

Monroe Regional Medical Center is a featured sponsor along with Natural Awakenings Magazine, Rasmussen College, Golden Flake, Consumers Union, Marion County Tourism Bureau, and Little Black Mask Designs.

Mothers Againstmederror is also on Facebook; MAME is dedicated to all who have suffered adverse experiences due to poor healthcare practices. MAME’s commitment is inclusive and isn’t limited to those whose

children have been injured or killed due to medical errors. Their Facebook profile says, “We are working on our roll-call at our patient safety expo and we would like to include your loved one’s name. Please send a message or leave as comment and we will record the names of our children and others.

This will be displayed and read prior to the premiere of ‘Damselfly.’”

To secure a vendor space or to buy tickets for the March 13 event, call 352-598-2879 or email kimsandstrom@aol.com.

Photo: Kim with husband Simon Hawksey, Thanksgiving 2009. Kim works at the Arnette House and was the organizer of the Gingerbread House competition to benefit the Arnette House—her good natured husband agreed to be the Gingerbread Man. They both took quite a bit of ribbing because of the red pompom!

Photo by Cindi Williams, www.Cindiwithaneye.com.

March 2010

25

TheMarketplace 4 Arrows Ranch ORGANIC Meats

 Grassfed Angus Beef  Heritage Pork  Free-Range Heirloom Turkey  No antibiotics, hormones, or animal byproducts fed  Pickup available in Marion County / We also ship

4 Arrows Ranch / Citra, FL 352-595-8387 / grassfedgourmet@aol.com www.thegrassfedgourmet.com

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www.backinbalancemassagetherapy.com

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CalendarofEvents Wednesday, March 3

“Wake Up and Dream” w/Maria Shamaya Clemente, 7:15 pm, Love Offering, OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352629-3897.

March 5-14

Amrit Method of Yoga Level II Immersion (Teacher Training Part 1). Full Certification: $3,495/includes meals, accommodations, and manual. Part 1 Only (Immersion): $2000. Part 2 Only: $1,495. Prerequisite: Amrit Method of Yoga Level I Immersion. Offered only in alternating years. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs, www.amrityoga.org, 352-685-3001.

A very happy Ocala resident won the Mongoose bike in Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Holiday Giveaway contest.

Congratulations to Alan J. Hickey.

Saturday, March 6

Metaphysical Fair, 10-4 pm. Mystic Glenn, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-401-1862.

Sunday, March 7

Ballroom Dancing w/Stanley and Marilyn. $25/couple, $15/individual.

4 Classes total. OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala.

352-629-3897.

Plow Days, 10-3 pm. Crones Cradle, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra, 352-5953377, www.cronescradleconserve.com Wednesday, March 10

U.S. Green Building Council presents the Alachua County Mobility Plan w/Jonathan B. Paul, 6-8 pm. CE credits being sought for LEED APs who attend. Gainesville’s Community Design Center, 300 E University Ave, Refreshments served, $10/Chapter members, $15/non-members, $5/students. www. usgbcheartfl.org.

Thursday, March 11

Psychic Mediumship Demonstration w/Jan Marshall. 7:30-9 pm, $25.

Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39 Ave, Gainesville, www.ifsk.org 407673-9776. Private readings available.

March 11-13

Inner Bonding, Breathwork and Joy, releasing the past, loving yourself www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

27

CalendarofEvents in the present and reaching for the stars. 1-877-346-1167, www.RadiantLifeCounseling.com/floridaworkshop.htm.

March 12-14

Couples Beach Getaway & Workshop, Fri 7 pm–Sun 2 pm. Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of “Tantric Sex for Busy Couples.” $595/couple.

Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. www.IntimacyRetreats.com, 1-877-282-4244.

Saturday, March 13

Express Your Creative Spirit w/Ger-

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main Marque Kolack, 10-3 pm, $20 suggested love offering, OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897.

Mediumship Development w/Jan Marshall. 10-4 pm, $100. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39 Ave, Gainesville, www.ifsk.org 407-673-9776.

Private readings available.

National Patient Safety Expo, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Rasmussen College, 2221 SW 19th Avenue Rd., Ocala.

352-598-2879. ... Continued on Page 30

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Intuitive Touch Reiki and Massage Therapy Specializing in Therapeutic/medical and relaxation massage, intuitive Reiki sessions and lymphatic drainage

Susan Domfort LMT/COTA Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Certified in Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage MA #53889 MM #22664

1294 SE 24th Road Ocala, Florida 352-804-7617 Now accepting PIP and BC/BS insurance for medically necessary massage.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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CalendarofEvents Saturday, March 13 (cont’d)

Spiritual Connections Psychic Faire, 11-5. $3/person. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St., Gainesville. 352-332-7153.

“Opening the Heart with Crystal Tones Singing Bowls” Workshop with Sharron Britton. 1-4 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, FL, 386-454-8657.

March 13-14

The 16th Annual Marion County Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival, 8-5 pm Sat, 9-4 pm Sun, $1, free/age 12 and younger. Marion County Extension Service, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala. www.marioncountyfl.org/IFASextension.htm.

March 19-21

Yoga Therapy I: The Marriage of

Yoga and Body Psychology w/Kamini Desai, $395/includes meals and accommodations. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. info@amrityoga.org, 352685-3001, www.amrityoga.org.

March 19-28

Gainesville Environmental Film and Art Festival, The Hippodrome, Gainesville, FL. Shirley Lasseter, Film Festival Co-Director 352-215-9918; http://gefaf.org.

March 20

Life in Balance Holistic Health Fair. Free. 11 am-5 pm. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, FL, 386-454-8657.

Sunday, March 21

Harmonies of Healing w/Lauren Lane Powell, 1–3:30 pm, $25 suggested Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www.unityocala.org.

Monday, March 22

Spirit of Money w/Lauren Lane Powell, 6:30–9 pm, $25 suggested Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www. unityocala.org.

Tuesday, March 23

The Vibration of Grief & Forgiveness w/Lauren Lane Powell, 6:30–9 pm, $25 suggested Love Offering.

Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala.

352-687-2113, www.unityocala.org.

Green up Your Clean Up, Susan Ranew, 12-1:30 pm. Ocala Christian Women’s Club’s March luncheon, Ocala Hilton, SR 200. $16 inclusive, call 352-299-5147 by Mar 19 for reservation.

Wednesday, March 24

Toning Circle, w/Lauren Lane Powell, 6:30–9 pm, $25 suggested Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113, www. unityocala.org.

March 26-28

Couples Beach Getaway & Work-

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CalendarofEvents shop, Fri 7 pm–Sun 2 pm. Join Richard & Diana Daffner, authors of “Tantric Sex for Busy Couples.” Connect with your beloved on a soul level. $595/ couple. Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. www.IntimacyRetreats.com, 1-877282-4244.

The Yoga of Recovery, $295/includes meals and accommodations.

Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. info@ amrityoga.org, 352-685-3001, www. amrityoga.org.

Saturday, April 3

Spring’s Green Convergence, A Sustainability Festival, 9-3 pm. Crones Cradle, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra, 352595-3377, www.cronescradleconserve.com.

Ongoing Events Sunday

Celebrating Community and Inspiring Message – Science of Mind and Spirit, Meditation 9:45 am, Celebration /Message 10:30 am, Youth and Children’s Celebration 10:30 am, OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897. www.olec.org.

Guided Meditation and Spiritual Lesson, 10 am. Nursery & Child Care during the service. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

Hatha Yoga Classes w/Marilyn, Chair Class & Regular Yoga, OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala.

Call for times and prices 352-369-0055.

Tuesday

A Course in Miracles, Noon–1:30 pm, also 6–7:30 pm, Love Offering.

Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

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CalendarofEvents Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Beginners’ Yoga, 7-8:30 pm, w/ Lori Hunt. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, 352-378-5746, www. tfioh.com.

Wednesday

Hypnosis and Meditation Group, 6-7:10 pm w/Matthew Brownstein.

A Course in Miracles Study Group, 7:15-8:45 pm w/Matthew Brownstein.

Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, 352-378-5746, www.tfioh.com.

Meditation and Visioning, 6 pm, followed at 7:15 pm w/speaker, book study, drumming, or film. Love Offering, OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-6293897.

1st & 3rd Wed, Easy Speaker’s Toastmaster Club Meeting, 6-7:30 pm, Free for guests. Positive people improving communication and leadership skills! Cal’s Restaurant, CR-25, Belleview. 352-804-9006, www. easyspeakerstmc.freetoasthost.info.

2nd & 4th Wed, Study Group at 1:30 pm. Lady Lake Library, Lady Lake.

352-629-3897.

Thursday

On Top of the World Farmers Market. 9 am-1 pm weather permitting.

Circle Square, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala, 352-427-3982, www.circlesquarecommonsfarmersmarket.com.

The Citra Grower’s Market opens on March 11, 4-7 pm. Growers and artisans welcome. Citra Community Center, Hwy 318. 352-595-3377.

Friday

North Magnolia Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 834 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala, 352-207-4551.

Saturday

Farmstead Saturdays. Free, 9 am-3 pm. Crones Cradle, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352-595-3377, www.cronescradleconserve.com.

Basic Hot Yoga, a 100-minute, all-level class. Noon. Big Ron’s Yoga, 519-D NW 10th Ave, Gainesville. 352367-8484, www.bigronsyoga.com.

Yin Yoga uses long, passive holds to work in the deep, dense connective tissues. 100 minutes, held in a warm studio. 2 pm. Big Ron’s Yoga, 519-D NW 10th Ave, Gainesville. 352-3678484, www.bigronsyoga.com.

British Medium Jan Marshall Demonstration Thursday, March 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m., $25 Workshop Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., $100 Private readings by appointment Held at Unity of Gainesville 8801 N.W. 39th Avenue

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the Seed t n Pla Grow your business naturally with Natural Awakenings

Call 352-629-4000 or email GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com to discuss an advertising package to suit every budget.

Mind, Body & Spirit Crystals & Gemstones Celtic Jewelry Books & CDs Candles, Incense & Oils Herbs & Sage Statuary & Altar Items Tapestries Dragons & Fairies Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards Readings & More

Mystic Glenn 3315 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala In Chelsea Square (352) 401-1862 www.mystic-realms.com

Monday-Saturday 10-6:30 Metaphysical Fair Saturday, March 6 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2010

33

Classifieds Business Opportunities

Currently Publishing Natural Awakenings Magazines.

Birmingham/Huntsville, AL; Boulder, CO; Denver, CO; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ. Call for details 239-530-1377.

Couples Retreats

Romantic Vacation/Workshops: Florida, Mexico.

Create Magic in Your Relationship. Deepen Intimacy, Discover Tantra. Brochure. 1-877-282-4244, www.

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Dietary Supplement

Cherokee Colloidal Silver Water. 1-Liter, 10ppm of Silver Mineral (99.99%). $25.00/bottle + S&H. Call 1-866-994-2385. Credit cards and money orders accepted.

Workshop

Inner Bonding, Breathwork and Joy Workshop-March 11, 12 and 13th in Ocala, Florida. For more information, see ad on page 9, call Shelley at 1-877-3461167, or visit www.RadiantLifeCounseling.com/floridaworkshop.htm

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Topical ointment guaranteed to increase a woman’s sexual responsiveness and sensation. Womaninvented and woman-made. All natural, safe, and it smells wonderful, too! $29.95 + $5 shipping. Call 352-286-1779 or visit www.JoyOil.com.

Ads: Per-issue cost is $25/up to 30 words, $1/each additional. Fax ad with credit/debit card number + exp. code to 352-351-5474, or scan/email same to Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

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Our Family Tree Is Growing Strong 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.

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CommunityResourceGuide ... Connecting readers to leaders in holistic health care and green living services in our community.

To be included here, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com, call 352-629-4000, or email Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

These attractive, full-color ads cost as little as $66 per issue, and include two FREE Calendar listings per month (a $30 value).

Colonics Aaron Perry, AP, LMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Focusing on your health and well being, I integrate acupuncture, massage, homeopathy, colonics and NAET (allergy elimination) to enhance your quality of life.

Medicare, Insurance accepted.

Gentle Waters Healing Center 352-374-0600, Gainesville info@gentlewatershealing.com The therapists at Gentle Waters Healing Center will assist each individual with detoxing using colon hydrotherapy, Far Infrared Sauna, and/or Aqua Chi Lymphatic Drainage. We also carry probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other products for overall health. Proud sponsors of Barley Life Nutritional Products. Call Dawn Brower for more information or visit www.gentlewatershealing.com. MA41024, MM15426.

Holistic Medicine Hanoch Talmor, M.D. Gainesville Holistic Center 352-377-0015 www.betterw.com We support all health challenges and the unlimited healing potential of God’s miracle: your body.

Chelation, Nutrition, Cleansing, Homeopathy, Natural Energy Healing, Detoxification, Wellness Education and more.

Nelson Kraucak, MD, ABCMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Look into Holistic Integrative Medicine for your health.

Chelation is a holistic approach for heavy metal toxicity and is believed to benefit those with heart disease. Neurotherapy, acupuncture, and many other services available.

36

William M Stankosky, DC Ocala Chiropractic Clinic 519 S. Pine Avenue Ocala, FL 34471 / 352-629-6794 Dr. Bill Stankosky helps people not only eliminate health problems, but prevent them. We address the three causes of all health problems: trauma, stress and toxicity. Services include chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and nutritional testing and supplementation.

By removing the effects of trauma, eliminating the effects of stress and removing toxic chemicals, we get results with problems no one else has helped. Let us help you and your family, too.

Holistic Psychotherapy Diane Alther, LCSW, RN, CHt Traditional and Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher Ocala and Dunnellon locations / 352-425-1992 www.emdrtherapistnetwork.com Combining conventional counseling with body, mind, energy therapies including EMDR, EFT, hypnosis, full wave breathwork, meditation and Reiki to facilitate change and mental and emotional balance.

Life Coaches Cynthia Christianson, M.A., CCC Inner Relationship Coaching Body Felt-Sense Therapy / 352-374-7982 www.AvantiCoaching.com www.KeepMovingForwardBlog.com The process of self-improvement starts with a healthy inner relationship. If you feel stuck; want a way to handle overwhelming emotions; release blocks or addictions; release self-criticism; increase self-love and acceptance; make clear and centered decisions, then let the wisdom of your body teach you what it feels like to be happy.

Kim Marques, CHt, Reiki Master Teacher www.ItsAllPerfect.com 352-804-9006 in Ocala Change your vibe, change your life!

Free Info and Spiritual Energy by appointment. Embrace the mind, body and spirit with hypnosis, energy sessions and training, spiritual guidance, Life Wise workshops and support groups, meditation, Goddess Weight Loss, attraction power kits and more.

Massage Angelic Hands Massage Therapy Saradna Mazur / Patricia Smythe 352-331-9612 / 1315 NW 21st Ave, Chiefland and 1033 NW 106th St, Gainesville Medical/Deep tissue massage, acupressure, vibrational energy healing. Reiki Master. 25 years experience. Worker’s Comp and PIP insurance accepted Two locations: Gainesville and Chiefland. Call for an appointment today! MA28525.

Back in Balance Massage Therapy Meryl Lowell, LMT, Ocala 352-622-9339, 352-427-8525 www.backinbalancemassagetherapy.com Therapeutic massage and Reiki for pain relief and relaxation.

As a massage therapist, my goal is to empower my clients in creating increased awareness, healing and balance in their lives. I have a special interest in working with cancer patients/survivors. MA55987.

Tiara L. Catey, LMT Center for Balance 1705 N.W. 6th St., Gainesville 352-642-4545 / www.tiaracatey.com Relieve pain, manage stress and cultivate joyful relaxation by including massage as an essential part of your self-care practices.

Relaxation and therapeutic massage ($60/hour), shiatsu ($60/ hour), lomilomi ($80/hour), includes aromatherapy. Holistic approach. Some insurance accepted. Visa/MC. NYC massage education. See www.tiaracatey.com for details. MA41831.

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CommunityResourceGuide Clark Dougherty Therapeutic Massage Clinic 850 N.E. 36th Terr., Ocala 352-694-7255 / www.ClarkDougherty.com Offering a variety of therapeutic massage techniques for pain relief, improved flexibility, and other wonderful benefits. PIP and WorkComp always accepted, also group/private insurance in some instances. All credit cards accepted.

Gift certificates are available now for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with 25% discount on a second session. MA27082, MM9718.

Stuart Feinman Healing Springs Massage Therapy www.healingspringsmassage.com 352-812-3853 / ambrosia108@yahoo.com Quality mobile therapeutic massage. Home, hotel suites, or office. Licensed professionals. Relaxation, pain management, stress reduction, increased range of motion, and personalized yoga therapy. MA49878.

Traditional Thai massage Ariela Grodner LMT 900 N.W. 8th Ave., Gainesville arielasthaimassage.com / 352-336-7835 Ariela offers an ancient massage modality known in the west as Thai Massage, sometimes referred to as “lazy man’s yoga.”

It is a fusion of yoga and the martial arts in a massage modality. Call to reserve an appointment or to find out about classes held locally.

Flying Horse Healing Arts Valerie Macri, LMT MA54723 Ocala / 877-762-4535 toll-free www.flyinghorsehealingarts.com Rejuvenate body, mind and spirit with a therapeutic massage. Deep tissue, Energy balancing, Reiki, Aromatherapy.

Holistic stress and pain relief for you and your horse.

Neuromuscular Massage By Design 1920 S.W. 20th Pl., Suite 202, Ocala 352-694-4503 Offering neuromuscular massage, craniosacral release therapy, ETPS acupuncture. Most insurance accepted, as well as PIP and WorkerComp. 20% discount for prepurchase of four or more sessions. Referrals from physicians and chiropractors accepted. MA22645.

37 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

MTT

Rolfing

Sandra Wilson, MTT, MCHt Meridian Tapping Techniques 352-454-8959 www.SandraWilson.org Prime yourself for success!

Remove the blocks keeping you from your goals. Eliminate anger, guilt, grief, and fear quickly and easily. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

Carol L. Short / Certified Advanced Rolfer™, Craniosacral Therapist Gainesville and North Central FL / 352-318-0509 Rolfing® is a system of body restructuring through systematic manipulation of muscle and fascial tissues. It promotes the release and realignment of long standing patterns of tension and dysfunction, bringing the body to greater balance, mobility, vitality, and ease.

A holistic approach to mobility, vitality and balance. MA16337/MM18921.

Personal Fitness Hip Moves Fitness Studio Rona Bennett, BS, CPT Holistic Health, Personal Fitness Coaching 708 N.W. 23rd Ave., Gainesville www.hipmoves.com / 352-692-0132 An intimate fitness studio focusing on creativity and holistic health. Classes and private lessons in Belly Dance, Yoga, Pilates, and Personal Training.

Rental space available.

Piano Services Hendrix Piano Service 352-895-5412 / Serving north central Florida Tuning, repairs, cleaning, fine maintenance of your acoustic piano.

Playing services including accompaniment, weddings, other church services, concerts. Call today!

Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas Edison

Publishing/Editing Diane Childs Editing, Writing, Consulting, Research 352-375-1120 / Gainesville editordiane@cox.net Impress agents, publishers, customers or employers with professionally written books, articles, marketing materials or resume. Nonfiction or fiction.

Specialties: query letters, book proposals, autobiography, personal growth, health, spirituality, novels.

Invest in yourself!

Reach an estimated 65,000 readers per month with your ad in Natural Awakenings Magazine.

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February 39 Printed on recycled paper to protect the 2010 environment February 2010 39

Supreme Science Qigong Foundation ~ 4th Annual National Event

Qi Revolution in Orlando <PQ[ Q[ *QOOMZ <PIV AW] +W]TL 8W[[QJTa 1UIOQVM $99 for 4-Days of AMAZING Qigong Healing

“Massive Group Energy” Assembles for High-Energy Yoga & Qigong Techniques QIGONGÊHEALINGÊ&ÊBREATHINGÊAPPLICATIONSÊÊ(Level-1)ÊÊSatÊ&ÊSun *ÊBreathÊEmpowerment:ÊFeelsÊlikeÊÒHummingÊEngineÓÊinsideÊabdomen!ÊInitiatesÊQiÊflow. opleÊ *ÊEmptyÊForce:ÊÊYourÊenergyÊfieldÊbecomesÊsoÊpalpableÊ-ÊitÊfeelsÊlikeÊsolidÊmatter.ÊÊÊ ,000Êpe d 5 Ê1 r e v e O *ÊSpiralÊ&ÊPressÊonÊQi:ÊSubtleÊmovementsÊareÊtheÊREALÊKEYÊtoÊharnessÊQi-Energy. perienc haveÊex tÊenergyÊofÊ *ÊCloudÊHands:ÊÊÊBeautifulÊpracticeÊforÊstrengtheningÊLungsÊandÊopeningÊchest.Ê nges inar theÊstro *ÊEarthÊHands:ÊÊÊStrengthensÊtheÊhips,Êlegs,Ê&ÊtheÊreproductiveÊcenterÊofÊtheÊbody. hisÊsem Êt t Êa s e *ÊAroundÊtheÊWorld:ÊÊRotatingÊatÊwaist,ÊspheresÊofÊenergyÊareÊformed.ÊUsedÊbuildÊQi. theirÊliv *ÊPushÊHands:ÊÊEnergyÊisÊprojected.ÊQiÊgentlyÊ"pushes"ÊtheÊbodyÊassistingÊmovement. *ÊNaturalÊWalkingÊQigong:ÊÊAllowsÊusÊtoÊ"GenerateÊHealingÊQi"ÊwhereverÊweÊwalkÊinÊdailyÊlife.Ê *ÊInternalÊQigongÊMeditation:ÊÊUsesÊtheÊ"willÊpower"ÊtoÊdrawÊQiÊintoÊtheÊ5ÊmajorÊorgansÊforÊhealing.

ADVANCEDÊBREATHINGÊAPPLICATIONSÊÊ(Level-2Ê&Ê3)ÊÊMondayÊ&ÊTuesday *ÊTumoÊBreathing:ÊÊPressurizesÊQiÊtoÊflowÊstrong.ÊPulsationÊofÊBloodÊ&ÊQiÊflowsÊdownÊarmsÊ&Êlegs. *ÊWujiÊStyleÊQigong:ÊÊÊLearnÊ7ÊWujiÊMovements.ÊÊAÊÒMAGNETICÊDANCEÓÊofÊQi.ÊÊCreateÊyourÊownÊform.Ê *Ê9-BreathÊMethod:ÊÊULTIMATEÊBreathingÊpractice.ÊBlissfulÊwaterfallÊofÊQiÊremovesÊstressÊ&Ênegativity!Ê *ÊAdvancedÊ9-Breath:ÊÊTakesÊEnergyÊtoÊdeepestÊpossibleÊlevels.ÊÊWeÊbecomeÊPUREÊSPIRITUALÊVIBRATION.Ê *ÊHealingÊOthersÊw/9-BreathÊMethod:ÊÊCapableÊofÊTrueÊMiracles.ÊRecipientsÊexperienceÊÒFlushÊofÊEnergyÓ.Ê InÊ thisÊ seminarÊ youÕllÊ alsoÊ receiveÊ in-depthÊ trainingÊ inÊ Food-Healing,Ê theÊ artÊ ofÊ usingÊ specificÊ foodsÊ toÊ reverseÊ specificÊ diseases.Ê MillionsÊ worldwideÊ haveÊ reversedÊ theÊ worstÊ diseasesÊ withÊ foodÊ alone.Ê YouÊ willÊ learnÊ thisÊ wisdomÊ inÊ preciseÊ detailÊ &Ê shareÊ itÊ w/others.ÊÊ

ÒIÕveÊbeenÊaÊpractitionerÊofÊReikiÊsinceÊ1983.ÊIÊloveÊReikiÊandÊfindÊyourÊQigongÊhelpsÊmyÊpracticeÊtremendously.

IÊFEELÊtheÊenergyÊmoreÊpowerfullyÊnowÊthanÊIÊeverÊthoughtÊpossible!ÊÊ-ÊRev.ÊOjelaÊFrank,ÊAuthor,ÊReikiÊMaster

OrlandoÊConventionÊCenterÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊMayÊ22nd-25thÊÊÊ May 22nd & 23rd is (L-1) • May 24th is (L-2) • May 25th is (L-3) All three levels for $99!

SeatingÊisÊLimited.ÊÊÊCEUÕsÊAvailable.ÊÊ(800)-298-8970ÊÊwww.QiRevolution.com

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