May/June 2009 NATURAL AWAKENINGS

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NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com May / June 2009

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GARDENING with your children

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

Top 10 new jobs The best (green!) careers in the emerging economy

Fitness

Healthy Eating

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bundanc Events A Calendar

May / June 2009

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. Our mission is to provide information designed to improve readers’ quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural healing, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression, and products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

DEPARTMENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Gardening with Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

newsbriefs

by Ted Fisher

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A Voice for the Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

globalbriefs

The Guardian Ad Litem Program

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Ginger for Thy Stomach’s Sake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

healthbriefs

by Carolyn Blakeslee

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Invisible Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

fitbody

21

Removing Toxins that Lurk Within . . . . . . . . . . 22

12

by Suzy Cohen

inspiration

Green Collar America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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New Jobs, Sustained Economic Recovery

naturalpet

by Brita Belli

19

Sustainable Career: Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . 29

eventscalendar

Tapping for Your Pet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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by Carla Burkle

consciouseating

On Manhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

37

Wife, Mother, Goddess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

wisewords

by Diana Daffner

42

Spring: A Time for Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

resourceguide

by Sandra Wilson

43

What Story Are You Believing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

by Cynthia Christianson

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise, please call 352-629-4000 or e-mail Carolyn@NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

Deadline for ads in the July/August 2009 issue is June 9th.

For your convenience, our media kit, including sizes and rates, is online at www.NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

Design services available!

Advertisers are included online at no additional charge.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS For submission guidelines, please visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

E-mail articles/News Briefs to Info@NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

Deadline for articles to be considered for the July/August 2009 issue is June 1st.

News Briefs deadline is June 9th.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS E-mail calendar listings to Info@NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

Deadline for calendar events in the July/August 2009 issue is June 9th.

May / June 2009

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publisherletter Hi, friends, Well, I believe the economy is recovering. The newsmongers are still working hard to convince us otherwise—I guess they think fear sells— but here are a few signs.

The first sign has to do with restaurants. For the last couple of years, you didn’t need to make a reservation or call-ahead to dine out—you could just walk into most places and be seated right away. Now, there are lines and waits at restaurants again.

Second, I’ve heard people say so. A couple of issues ago, when we were delivering the magazines to our distribution locations, we asked our business-owner friends, “How are you doing?” Back in the winter time, they looked like frightened deer in the headlights, waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. When we ask folks that question now, they smile a little, look halfway surprised, and say, “We’re doing all right!”

I would like to encourage everyone to continue to support each other.

Please patronize our advertisers—besides being The Best in the area when it comes to holistic health and green services, they are responsible for bringing Natural Awakenings to you. I sure have fun putting this magazine together, and I hope you have fun, and derive healthy benefits, from reading it.

Shop local. Do business with the independents—the people at the farmers’ markets, the organic farm nearby, that fabulous café in your neighborhood, our wonderful local and regional theatres. Grow your own food, and have fun with the kids doing so (see p.14) and enjoy the exercise while you’re at it (see p.12). Give back to the community (see p.16), and think ahead—align your career, education, job hunt, or business with the emerging green economy. Love one another (see p.39), think wonderful thoughts (see p.42), and treat yourself to some fresh starts this spring (see pp. 13, 40, 41).

If you would like to be involved with this magazine, please let me know. We are always glad to open up new distribution sites, so if you want to have NA in your store, just say the word. And, we’re seriously considering going monthly. What do you think?

With love,

Carolyn

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Publisher Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Regional Editors Diane Childs Kim Marques, Calendar National Editors Sharon Bruckman S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design + Production Suzzanne Fil Advertising Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Corporate + Development Larry Levine John Voell II Contact Us Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 1140 Anthony, FL 32617 352-629-4000 Fax 352-351-5474 www.NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com Info@NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com Subscriptions One-year, First Class mail subscriptions are available by sending $18 to the address above.

Natural Awakenings NCFL is published every two months. 20,000 copies are distributed to health food stores, medical offices, fitness facilities, educational and spiritual centers, public libraries, restaurants and cafes throughout North Central Florida.

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.

To determine whether a particular product or service is appropriate for you, consult your family physician.

Copyright ©2009 Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted if that permission has been obtained in writing.

newsbriefs SHARE Florida Food Network

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Projects Watch Turning Horse Manure into Energy

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ere in north Central Florida, known as “The Horse Capital of the World,” visitors see beautiful horses, rolling hills and pristine, expansive barns.

But those clean fields and barns come at a price. On a large Thoroughbred horse farm, a manure-hauling service can cost hundreds of dollars per year per horse.

Other farms spread their shavings, manure and urine across their fields and hope for the best, or let the piles of waste accumulate and eventually decompose.

Piles of shavings and manure are known to generate heat, so the possibility of using it as renewable energy exists. And in February, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association in Ocala received, with its partner, Texasbased MaxWest, a $2,500,000 grant from the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to do just that.

The plan is to build a plant that would convert 100,000 tons of stall, organic and yard waste into electricity, with a relatively tiny amount of byproduct left at the other end that would be mostly ash. The 50,000 tons of stall waste to be handled would comprise about 10 percent of Marion County horse farms’ output.

According to the Ocala Star-Banner, the plant would cost $35,000,000 to build and MaxWest would borrow the funds to do so.

—Source: News services and the Ocala Star-Banner

HARE Florida, a not-for-profit food cooperative, now has two host sites in Gainesville, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, N.W. 43rd Street, and Holy Trinity Church downtown at 100 N.E. 1st Street.

In Marion County, members are served by locations in Anthony, B e l l e v i e w, C i t r a , Dunnellon, Ft. McCoy, Orange Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Springs, and seven locations in Ocala.

Sumter County’s SHARE is in Bushnell at 221 W. Noble Avenue.

SHARE is open to everyone; there are no eligibility or income requirements.

Participants can purchase good quality meats and produce at 50% of the normal

cost. Participants are also asked to volunteer two hours per month, either at the host site or elsewhere in their communities.

The program is sponsored by Cornerstone Family Ministries and TECO Energy. SHARE’s first 10 years yielded, 4,400,000 volunteer service hours, 2,500,000 food packages delivered, and an estimated $53,000,000 in community savings.

Orders are placed during three “registration” times each month. One Saturday each month (called D-Day), the food is distributed at the host sites.

Each month, the basic $18 package includes several pounds of meat and produce. Additional “specials” can be purchased as well, ranging from prepared foods to additional meats and produce.

For more information call 352-3761771 or visit shareflorida.org.

May / June 2009

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newsbriefs Florida Folkkeepers Workshop Series

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orth Marion County’s ecological preserve and organic farm, Crones Cradle, is sponsoring a series of folklore workshops to explore and learn the many skills, techniques, and pastimes that the pioneers utilized to tame, settle and cultivate Florida. Workshops will be held monthly.

The first workshop day, Saturday, May 9, will feature three two-hour workshops and one all-day workshop. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., participants will have a choice of “Fire Building the Early Way” (no matches) with Willie The Losen ($10), or “Children’s Workshop, Weaving with Bamboo Frame Looms” with Calesa Remington ($5 fee includes looms to keep), or the “Wild Foods Foraging and Surviving” session ($10) offered by Lee Solomon. The workshops will be repeated from 1-3 p.m. The all-day $25 workshop, “Soap Making for Modern Times,” will be given by Janis Brown from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with a one-hour brown-bag lunch break.

Future workshops will include axecrafting, building dwellings, candle making, cooking on an open fire, coopering, finding water in the woods, flint knapping, leather working, making furniture, crafting tools, tracking, weaving with native materials, and more.

Ideas and/or instructors are invited to submit workshop ideas and/or to teach a workshop.

Pre-registration is required. Call 352-595-3377 or email catcrone@aol.com to reserve your space.

The Farm Stead Saturdays continue every week as well, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the whole family.

Crones Cradle Conserve is located in Citra at 6411 N.E. 217th Place, just off CR 318, 6.4 miles east of U.S. Hwy. 301. Visit cronescradleconserve.com for more information.

A BOLD Look at Birth

“B

irth,” a play by Karen Brody, is coming to Gainesville as part of BOLD, an arts-based movement inspiring communities to create mother-friendly childbirth options.

Proceeds will benefit ICAN (International Caesarean Awareness Network) of Gainesville and the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery.

The play and accompanying birth fair and talkback sessions will take place at the Thomas Center, 302 N.E. 6th Ave., on June 11 and 12 at 6:00 p.m., and June 14 at 1:30.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15 ($10/students).

For more information, visit boldgainesville.com/bold.htm.

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newsbriefs Magnolia Farms CSA

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ive Oak-based Magnolia Farms, an organic CSA farm, is now offering weekly drop-offs in Gainesville and Ocala.

CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a membership-based, work-share cooperative arrangement. Highquality organic food is produced on the farm, and workshops are offered in areas ranging from cooking with organic foods, healing with raw foods, growing shitake mushrooms, to soap making. Tours and other events can be arranged. A gift shop offers handmade items.

There are many advantages to buying your food from a CSA. First of all, the groceries

available in the supermarket are transported an average of 1,500 miles, and pesticides and preservatives are used to grow the food and to preserve the food during its transport. In contrast, your local CSA is typically a family-run farm rather than a huge “produce factory.”

With a CSA subscription, each season offers several weeks’ worth of baskets of seasonal vegetables and other products. Farm shares for eggs, goat products, fresh bakery items such as pie and bread, and hormone- and antibiotic-free turkey are also available.

For more information, call 386-364-6450 or visit magnoliafarms.org.

Alternative Wholistic Health Care “To Achieve Optimal Health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology” Michael Badanek, Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition and Promoter of Alternative Complementary Medicine.

28 Years of Clinical Practice in Marion County Florida FREE SEMINARS on Alternative Health Care. See Web-sites for dates, times and locations of Seminars Same day emergency appointments Courtesy consultations available (352) 622-1151 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite B Ocala, FL 34470 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com

Yoga Retreats

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mrit Yoga is offering a 10-day retreat with Yogi Amrit Desai and senior staff at the Amrit Yoga Institute, on Lake Kerr in the Ocala National Forest. Participants will learn to expand the therapeutic impact and increase the transformative power of yoga. May 29-June 7, 2009; $2,000 includes program, lodging, meals and materials.

A four-day intensive workshop for women will teach participants to actively experience their creative life forces. Using Amrit Yoga, breath work, meditation and guided visualization, participants will free themselves from limits on creativity, release self-sabotaging beliefs and fears, and move into the experience of free-flowing energy through painting, writing and dancing.

Limited to 25 women; no prior yoga or painting experience required. June 11-14, 2009; $450 includes program, lodging, meals, art supplies.

For information on both programs, visit amrityoga.org, email info@amrityoga.org, or call 352-685-3001.

TOTAL MIND AND BODY WORKOUT

May / June 2009

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newsbriefs Mother’s Day Celebration

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n Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., a Mother’s Day celebration will offer attendees a free crystal gift as well as free mini-sessions. A few special items will also be on sale.

On June 13, aura photography will be offered from 11-6 with Dan and Janis Ainsley for $20 per picture or $30 for before-and-after pictures. Readings will also be offered for $20 each.

High Springs Emporium, 660 N.W. Santa Fe Blvd., High Springs, 386-4548657.

Reiki for Animals

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nimal companions can bring love and joy into our lives and Reiki is a great way to give back that gift. Reiki is a safe and non-invasive process that can help your animal by diminishing pain, discomfort, stress, or emotional anxiety and generating a sense of well-being. Animal sessions can also generate communication and insight of behavior problems or health issues.

Horses love Reiki too, as they are very responsive and sensitive to energy.

It is easily observed by the horse’s body language during the treatment that the horse goes into a deep state of relaxation.

For more information call Reiki Master Kim Marques at 352-804-9006 or go to ItsAllPerfect.com. Training workshops are also available.

Tantra Retreats

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ichard & Diana Daffner, CS, M.A., creators of Tantra T’ai Chi and authors of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples: How to Deepen your Passion in Just Ten Minutes a Day, will host both a weekend and one-day Tantra Retreat for couples.

The one-day retreat will be held Saturday, May 30 at the You Health Center in downtown Orlando, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The weekend retreat will be held June 5-7 at the Caliente Resort and Spa in Land O’Lakes (visit CalienteResorts.com).

Both retreats will offer couples an opportunity to explore and enhance their love relationship through teachings that are presented in an uplifting, supportive and fun atmosphere. The Daffners utilize both ancient and modern understandings

of intimacy to guide couples to connect with their partner physically, emotionally and spiritually. Workshop practices are derived from many years of training, teaching and certification in Tantra, T’ai Chi, massage, Reiki, Aikido, meditation, sexuality counseling and, perhaps most importantly, the laboratory of their own 24-year marriage.

Pre-registration is required. The one-day fee is $199/couple, and the weekend retreats are $595/couple.

Other upcoming weekend Intimacy Retreats will be held on Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota) May 22-24 and June 19-21, and Pompano Beach (Ft. Lauderdale) July 10-12. For more information, visit IntimacyRetreats.com or call 941-349-6804.

Thai Massage Certification

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90-hour accredited five-level workshop in traditional Thai Massage is coming up. The course, to be held at the Florida School of Massage, will be taught by Ariela Grodner, a local instructor who offers trainings nationwide and in India.

Course Level I will be held September 18-20, and advanced classes will be held in subsequent months.

For more information, visit arielasthaimassage.com.

EFT Tapping Circle

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FT Practitioner Carla Burkle invites you to join her at the facilities of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Classroom 4 for “Tapping the Void: an EFT Tapping Circle.” There is a fee of $10 to attend, and the circle meets every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. The Fellowship is located at 4225 N.W. 34th Street Gainesville.

For more information, call 352283-3909 or visit carlaburkle.com/ events.

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globalbriefs Survey Surety

Underwriters Laboratories to Verify Gren Products

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survey by Cone Inc., of Boston, found that 34 percent of adult consumers said they are more likely to buy green-leaning products in the current economic climate; 44 percent said their environmental shopping habits have not changed because of the economy. Only 8 percent said they were less likely to buy Earth-friendly products due to the downturn.

Now, Underwriters Laboratories is parlaying its 115-year track record in evaluating the safety of millions of products to its new UL Environment mark, which will be use to reliably designate environmentally sustainable products. Their independent auditing, testing and validation of manufacturers’ claims, as well as a separate certification that products meet industry-accepted environmental standards, will “help industries and the public make sense of green claims, while helping manufacturers maintain transparency and credibility in the marketplace.”

Grid Parity

Solar Could Rival Fossil Fuel in Five Years

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Buzz Update Bu

Feds Not Serious About Bee Die-off

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oneybees are critical to production of some 130 food crops, adding $15 billion to their value. Last winter, U.S. beekeepers surveyed by the Agricultural Research Service reported a total loss of 36 percent of their honeybee colonies, up 13.5 percent from the previous winter. It’s been more than two years since Florida beekeeper Dave Hackenberg first alerted authorities to the mysterious disappearance of bees, now known worldwide as Colony Collapse Disorder, but promised research funding has failed to materialize.

One suspected culprit is a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, marketed since the 1990s. Banned by France, Italy, Germany and Slovenia, they are still used on 120 U.S. crops. Studies show that neonicotinoids impair bees’ navigational and foraging abilities.

Entomologist Kimberly Stoner, with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, notes that standards here differ from those in Europe, where countries operate under a policy of precautionary principle. “It says that when there is enough data to have a serious suspicion of harm, you can go ahead and act, without having to have absolute proof of harm,” says Stoner. “It puts the burden of proof more on people who market pesticides to show that the claim is unfounded. Here, you have to show proof of harm.”

—Primary Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and Palm Beach Post.

e’re confident that we’re not that far away from a tipping point, where energy from solar will be competitive with fossil fuels,” says Ray Kurzweil, who participated in a 2008 National Academy of Engineers panel reporting on the future of solar power.

“I personally believe that we’re within five years of that tipping point.”

To do that, the cost of electricity produced by rooftop solar panels needs to fall by half, from about 32 cents per kilowatt hour today, including subsidies, to about 15 cents per kwh by 2012, according to a report by FBR Capital Markets. When such “grid parity” arrives, a sharp surge in residential solar panel use is expected, driven by a desire to lower utility bills.

In 2009, enough solar panels will be sold in the United States to generate 330 megawatts of power, FBR projects.

But the country could well see a 20fold rise in solar panel sales by 2013, enough to power 3.5 million homes using two-kilowatt rooftop solar arrays.

As one think tank pundit put it, “In five to seven years, the idea of building a home without solar energy on it will be as silly as building without plumbing.”

—Source: The Christian Science Monitor

May / June 2009

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healthbriefs

Move Over, Meat!

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new study released by the United States Agricultural Research Service reports that, as people age, plant foods help preserve valuable muscle mass.

Vegetables, in contrast to meat, counteract acidosis in the body, a condition that may break down muscles.

Sleeping on It Helps Us Learn

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leep helps the human mind learn complicated skills and recover learning we thought we had forgotten from the previous day, concludes a new study by the University of Chicago. Howard Nusbaum, professor of psychology at the university, explains that “Sleep consolidates learning by restoring what was lost over the course of a day and by protecting what was learned against subsequent loss.”

Researchers tested their theory by asking 200 college students to learn a new video game containing a rich, multisensory virtual environment, in which players had to use both hands to deal with continually changing visual and auditory signals.

The volunteers, most of whom had no previous gaming experience, were divided into three groups, each trained and tested at different times of the day. The groups that were allowed to get a good night’s sleep before being tested again the next morning achieved the highest performance scores.

Pectin Power

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cientists have found a possible new explanation for why people who eat more fruits and vegetables have higher resistance to the spread of cancer. The answer lies in a simple fiber, called pectin. Pectin, found in all fruits and vegetables and known for its jam-jelling qualities, appears to bind to and inhibit galectin 3, a protein in the body that plays a role in all stages of cancer progression.

—Source: Norwich BioScience Institutes, 2008

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Wormwood Fights Cancer

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esearchers at the University of Washington have discovered that a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua L), an ancient herb used in Chinese medicine and in Asian salad dishes, is more than 1,200 times more specific in killing certain kinds of cancer cells than currently available drugs. The finding heralds the possibility of a more effective chemotherapy drug with minimal side effects.

—Source: University of Washington, 2008

Conquering Cravings

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ravings for sweets can thwart any diet, but new research suggests that we can get cravings under control by taking a short, brisk walk.

Walking, like any other exercise, has been shown helpful to people trying to manage dependencies like alcohol and nicotine, and the same seems to hold true for food cravings.

—Source: University of Exeter, 2008

healthbriefs

Breakfast Power

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ecent findings of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health’s project, “Eating Among Teens,” confirms that adolescents who eat breakfast daily enjoy a healthier diet overall and are more physically active than peers who skip breakfast.

Hormone Therapy Linked To Brain Shrinkage

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wo new studies report that hormone therapy—a still commonly prescribed form of postmenopausal treatment—may slightly accelerate the loss of brain tissue in women 65 and older, beyond what normally occurs with aging. “This is not what we expected to find,” reported one of the researchers.

The investigating scientists, using MRI scans to look for increased volumes of brain lesions among women who had taken hormone therapy, discovered their brain volume had shrunk in two critical areas: the frontal lobe and the hippocampus. Both of these areas are involved in thinking and memory skills. Loss of volume in the hippocampus is also a risk factor for dementia. More than 1,400 women ages 71 to 89 participated in the study.

—Source: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, 2009

The 100-Calorie Diet Trap

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hronic dieters are alerted to beware of products labeled “mini packs,” warns a study in the Journal of Consumer Research. The 100-calorie food packages are marketed to help people control their calorie intake, but appear to be typically over-consumed by individuals constantly trying to manage their food intake and their weight.

—Source: University of Chicago Press Journals, 2008.

May / June 2009

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fitbody

Gardening as Exercise

by Carolyn Welty

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beautiful yard flowing with flowers or a hearty vegetable garden can double as a comprehensive gym. Those who love to garden actually appreciate the tiredness of certain muscle groups at the end of a day’s work. They see the benefits of their efforts with each satisfying gaze at their landscape. An added bonus to this strenuous workout is that it requires no membership fee or transportation cost.

Exercising begins with a quick step out the door and a simple stretching routine.

Consider this: Gardening turns any yard or garden into the equivalent of a running track. Walking behind and pushing a lawn mower is similar to treadmill activity. Raking mimics a rowing machine. Turning compost even resembles the lifting of weights.

Other useful exercise machines include post-hole diggers, shovels, trowels and wheelbarrows.

“If you garden on a regular basis, you’re probably getting a healthy dose of exercise,” writes Dan Hickey, a former editor of National Gardening. “Gardening uses all of the major muscle groups—the muscles that do most of the calorie burning.” For instance, the typical calories burned in 30 minutes of digging, spading or tilling is slightly more than 200.

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In order to maximize calorie consumption and fitness benefits from gardening, Jeff Restuccio, author of Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way, recommends employing “…simple techniques, such as bending your knees while raking, or placing a crate that requires you to step up and down as you move from one flower bed to the next.” This Tennessee-based author and martial arts expert also advises using exaggerated movements to achieve

Raking mimics a rowing machine. Turning compost even resembles the lifting of weights. Other useful exercise machines include post-hole diggers, shovels, trowels and wheelbarrows. maximum range of motion.

The complete range of benefits from gardening, according to Dr. William Haskell, professor of medicine at Stanford University, extends to improving overall health, including lowering blood pressure and slowing osteoporosis, which he says is, “all good news for gardeners.”

More support for the physical benefits from gardening comes from research at Virginia Tech, headed by Diane Relf, an environmental horticulture specialist. Her studies show that yard work is much more than a valuable hobby or a way to have fresh vegetables for salads. “Gardening is moderate, and sometimes strenuous, exercise that incorporates many important elements of accepted regimes, such as stretching, repetition, movement and resistance principles, [all] while expending calories.” Citing more good news, she adds, “Unlike many exercise options, you can become involved with what you are doing and still take time to smell the roses.”

Keeping roses and other green, growing plants in good health proves to be a consistently effective way to divert the mind from stressful issues and ease into a state of mental relaxation.

Rewards include a healthier life and lovelier appearance for the gardener, as well as the garden.

—Primary Source: VirginaTech.edu

inspiration

Spring Clean Your Life

by Tom Francescott

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pring is a perfect time to cleanse, let go and give ourselves a muchneeded rest—physically, mentally and emotionally. As a naturopathic doctor, I daily see how toxic overload on all these levels contributes to people’s health issues.

Emotionally, detoxification helps us uncover and express hidden frustrations, grief, fear, and anger, and replace them with forgiveness, love, joy and hope. Physically, taking a break from environmental toxins in our food can leave us feeling energized, renewed and protected from disease.

I recommend getting back to basics. Here are 10 simple things anyone can do at home to start saying goodbye to toxins.

Wake-Up Drink.

First thing upon waking, on an empty stomach, drink a cup of hot filtered or spring water with the juice from half of one lemon and two pinches of cayenne pepper. Lemon stimulates digestion; cayenne enhances circulation and blood flow.

Contrast Shower.

Follow every hot shower with a 60-second cold rinse. The contrast stimulates circulation, the immune system and our ability to expel toxins through the skin. As pores tighten, we feel invigorated and ready for the day.

Shake It Up. Jump on a trampoline for 3 to 5 minutes. This stimulates the whole body, particularly the lymph drainage system. This is helpful for those prone to allergies or cysts.

Fever Baths.

Take a warm bath in the evening and add a cup of Epsom salts to soothe,

relax and detox. Increase benefits by drinking 2 or 3 cups of hot tea while bathing, to work up a sweat.

Try this recipe: Simmer some fresh ginger slices in water, tossing in one tablespoon of dried yarrow flowers.

Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink.

Yarrow and ginger have been shown to stimulate sweating, which helps the body release toxins.

Take a News Break.

Observe a news fast for 3 to 7 days to limit toxic thoughts, which can undermine health. Also avoid emotionally disturbing information from the Internet, magazines, movies, newspapers, radio and television.

Replacing these stressful exposures with relaxing activities rests mind and body.

Spend Time in Nature.

Take a break from routine by venturing out to a favorite spot in nature. Bring a journal and start listening to your body; record what it is telling you. Surrounding yourself with nature’s negative ions (which act positively on mood) will help you de-stress and encourage the body’s inherent wisdom to come forward.

Drink Detox Tea. For at least one week, try limiting all beverages to just water and herbal teas. This eases stress on the kidneys, helps flush retained fluids in cells and helps purify the blood and liver.

I suggest drinking 6 to 8 cups a day of this special tea to crowd out less healthy beverages, reduce appetite, maintain a state of fullness and cleanse liver and kidneys. In a quart of water, combine 2 tablespoons of each of the following and gently simmer the tea: burdock root, yellow dock root,

dandelion leaf and root, licorice root, fennel and ginger. Multiply the recipe proportionately to make larger batches.

Drink it throughout the day.

Change Food Routines.

Many unknowingly consume foods we have allergic reactions to or that increase toxin levels, causing symptoms like arthritis, headaches, water retention and fatigue. Common culprits are gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn and sugar. I suggest taking a break from all of these foods, or at least one that is predominant in your diet.

Often, if we simply eliminate foods that contain gluten (wheat, oats, rye, barley and spelt) and replace them with brown rice, millet or quinoa products, we can change eating habits while increasing variety.

Detox Dinner.

For seven nights, prepare a simple meal of liver-detoxifying steamed vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, artichokes, beets and onions, along with a four-ounce portion of protein, simply prepared with a bit of olive oil.

Consider wild fish, organic lean meats or lentils for primary protein sources.

Clean Up Surroundings.

Uncluttering and organizing our home and work environments helps clear out stagnant energy and frees us physically and emotionally. Let go of unused papers, clothes and boxes.

This creates space and welcomes new energy.

Just as we tune up our cars, we must also regularly cleanse our bodies.

As we cleanse our bodies, we cleanse our environment.

Tom Francescott is a naturopathic doctor, teacher, lecturer and founder and director of Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center, in Rhinebeck, New York, where he specializes in science-based detoxification. He is also founder of the natural pharmacy, Dr. Tom’s Tonics.

Visit DrFrancescott.com.

May / June 2009

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healthykids

Gardening with Kids

by Ted Fisher

Whether kids have access to a large yard or only a windowsill planter, young gardeners’ inborn curiosity encourages them to discover nature’s cycles firsthand, while learning respect and concern for Earth’s larger ecology. Gardening not only instills lifelong appreciation for the beauties of nature, but fun, hands-on activities develop delicious skills of creativity, self-discipline and even self-sufficiency.

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hile we can’t run out and raise a rainforest in a day, a childhood head start on understanding the environment in one’s own garden can seed a lusher future. A backyard plot of just four by four feet will serve. Be sure to provide pathways or stepping stones for access, and then plant a rich mix of flowers and vegetables. If the family doesn’t have access to land, a container garden on a balcony, patio or deck can produce abundant flowers and vegetables; often, it makes caring for the garden even simpler.

An important tip: Although a child’s garden of any size may not be as neatly tended as a parent’s or grandparent’s, give the choicest garden spot to the child.

Lots of sun and good soil will aid in the success that cultivates interest.

To begin, invite one or more youngsters to help prepare the soil, turning over dirt with a small shovel or trowel. Break up clumps by hand or by stomping on them. Digging holes is a favorite kids’ pastime.

Next, choose easy-to-grow plants. Select as many different types as will fit well into the allotted space. Carrots, fast-growing radishes and bite-sized cherry tomatoes are good vegetable choices.

For flowers, choose some that can be used as cut flowers or as special gifts for Mom, like zinnias, marigolds, snapdragons or salvia. For a spectacular touch, also plant a few sunflowers, which not only can tower up to 10 feet tall, but supply edible seeds.

Include herbs such as basil and parsley for garden grazing. Yummy fragrances come courtesy of lemon verbena, rose-scented geraniums and pineapple salvia.

Some plants are just for touching, like perennial lamb’s ears, with their soft, fuzzy leaves, in silvery shades of green.

Starting from seed that the family has selected together from a catalog provides a wondrous learning experience. Small children find large seeds such as corn, beans, pumpkins, zucchini and sunflowers easy to handle and plant. Colorful annual bedding plants such as petunias, pansies or periwinkles are also excellent choices for a ready-made start to the season.

Use the seed packet, stapled to a stake with a child’s name written on it, for easy identification. Bedding plants picked out together at a nursery usually come with a plant tag, as well. Vivid pictures help children imagine what will grow.

Children love something of their very own, so keep them interested and aware of their garden by personalizing it with a sign; say, “Mary’s Plot,” or “John’s Place.”

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Kids also love to water—particularly with the full force of the hose.

Reminders that rain usually falls more gently encourage them to take it easier.

A personalized sprinkling can is a good idea for younger children.

Wait before weeding. Even adults can have difficulty distinguishing small, wanted plants from unwanted weeds.

Often, it’s best to let things grow a little. As they do, let the garden teach recycling. Grass clippings, shredded leaves and vegetable matter, placed into a homemade compost bin, recycle themselves into highly nutritious soil for plants.

“Patience is a virtue,” advises the adage, and the wait for flowers and vegetables to mature can teach the rewards of patience. Watching a garden grow may not be easy: Children may want to pull up young root veggies to see if they are “done.” Even if they do pull sprouting produce, the edibles may be just big enough to wash off and give them a taste of better things to come.

Gardening provides an ideal time

School Gardens

Growing Science, Success, Service

by Susie Ruth

to talk to a child about how plants grow and the role of worms, insects and birds as nature’s caretakers. Ask them, “If you were a plant, what kind would you be, and why? What would you tell the gardener?”

The discoveries and lessons never cease. The often surprising child’s-eye view of their world can help parents guide youngsters’ personal growth, as well as their gardening skills.

Finally, remember that half the fun is to pick, wash and cook the bounty.

Big and small folks alike revel in the joy of the harvest.

Ted Fisher is a county extension horticulturist emeritus with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

For age-appropriate activities and other helpful insight, see: Gardening with Children, by Monika Hanneman; A Child’s Garden, by Molly Dannenmaier; BackyardNature.net; and KidsGardening.org/primer.asp.

Science educators have long recognized the value of school gardens in motivating students to study science. Now, studies by Texas A&M and Louisiana State universities show that participating in Junior Master Gardener (JMG) school gardening programs also significantly boost students’ scores on science achievement tests.

Moreover, “No statistical significance was found between girls and boys.”

JMG is an international 4-H youth program for grades 3 to 8, operated through each state’s cooperative extension service and modeled on the adult Master Gardener program. Curriculumrelated group hands-on activities integrate math, science, social studies and language arts.

JMG’s newest curriculum is Literature in the Garden for grades 3 to 5. Activities revolve around six award-winning books: Plantzilla, by Jerdine Nolen; Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney; Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, by Susan Jeffers; The Gardener,

by Sarah Stewart; Tops and Bottoms,

by Janet Stevens; and Weslandia, by Paul Fleischman.

Such programs also have been shown to prompt healthier snacking, extracurricular community service and improvement in life skills.

Students can participate in JMG through schools, homeschools, after-school programs, summer camps or youth clubs. To date, the program has benefited 970,000 youths in all 50 states and 10 countries.

Learn about the Junior Master Gardener Program at JMGKids.us.

For supporting information on the benefits of school gardens from the National Science Teachers Association, search nsta.org.

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healthycommunity

A Voice for the Children The Guardian Ad Litem Program

E

ven though things were really bad at his house, Tommy was shocked and terrified when people came and took him away from his family. They told him they needed to place him somewhere safe. They took him to an aunt’s house—he had never met his aunt, and she lived in a neighborhood he didn’t know. They told him he would be put in a new school, which frightened him, because he had already missed weeks of school, was behind, and wouldn’t know anyone. His sister was taken to another place; he missed her and was scared that he would never see her again.

“Through no fault of their own, some children are separated from their families because of neglect and abuse,” said Michael Whiting, an Alachua County Guardian Case Coordinator. “They can be separated from the family, the church, the school. It’s a nightmare for them, and they should not have to be alone in this process.”

As of March 2009, there are approximately 32,000 children in the child welfare system throughout Florida.

Often these children also become victims of the

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overburdened child welfare system which cannot always give thorough, detailed attention to each child who comes before them.

Enter the Guardian ad Litem Program. This program exists to make sure that the abuse and neglect these children originally suffered at home doesn’t continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.

The court appoints a Guardian ad Litem to represent the best interests of most of the children who come into the court system.

Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program gives children a person they can count on to advocate for their best interests while they are in the dependency system.

The Guardian is someone who can help them understand what is going on, answer questions, and help ensure the children don’t get lost in the system. The program depends heavily on volunteers who are appointed by their judicial circuit.

Because of budget cuts, volunteers are needed more than ever. There are more than 5,300 children in Florida who need a Guardian ad Litem volunteer. In Alachua county alone, more than 500 children are in the court system.

The Guardians make sure that all areas in the children’s lives are being taken care of including their physical,

of training is required, along with four hours of court observation. Volunteers should be willing to commit to at least one year of service. About 6-12 hours per month is usually required, much of which is done by phone calls and emails. Each Guardian has a Case Coordinator who helps them with their case and Guardian attorneys who help them with legal matters and in court.

Many children are still in need of their own Guardian ad Litem volunteers to help change their lives. Volunteers say their work is among the most interesting, rewarding, and fulfilling experiences they’ve ever had.

If you want to help advocate for children, visit guardianadlitem.org for more information or call 352-3743656, ext.2238 (Alachua, Bradford, Baker, Union, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties), or 352-369-2525 (Marion, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, and Lake Counties).

emotional, and mental health. The Guardian has three primary roles: to serve as a fact finder for the judge; to speak for the child in the courtroom, representing the child’s best interests; and, to act as a “watchdog” for the child during the life of the case, ensuring that it is brought to a swift and appropriate conclusion. They monitor and investigate not only how the children are doing in school, counseling, etc. but they also monitor what progress the parents are making.

“Getting a child into a permanent situation is always the goal,” says Karla Grimsley, Circuit Director for Marion County. “The Guardian’s role in the process is vital because the volunteer brings good information to the judge to make a sound decision.”

The Guardians follow their children through the dependency process until the case is closed and they go back to their families or are adopted. Often the children are in foster care for a number of years during this process. Many times the Guardian is the only constant in the children’s lives.

Guardians ad Litem are ordinary citizens. No special or legal background is required. Volunteers are screened closely for qualities including objectivity, competence and commitment. In order to become a Guardian, 30 hours

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Ginger for Thy Stomach’s Sake

by Carolyn Blakeslee A friend told me she was feeling nauseous from chemotherapy. To make matters worse, the anti-nausea pills were causing her vision to blur dangerously and were making her feel tired. I suggested that she keep the pills nearby but to try candied ginger—and we were both thrilled when she experienced dramatic relief using the ginger alone.

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his is an exciting time for home gardeners. For millennia we have known about the emotional benefits of having flowers, and no one can dispute the wonders of fresh herbs in our kitchens.

Now we are seeing a resurgence of interest in learning how to use our garden goodies to heal ourselves and our families.

The conventional science and medical community is catching on —and in many instances is giving its blessing—to the use of certain alternative medicines, including herbs and everyday plants. Let’s have a look at the wonderful properties of ginger, a root easily obtained at the supermarket or grown in a container at home.

GINGER My first exposure to ginger (Zingiber officinale) had nothing to do with gardening or with health: it had to do with taste. To me, there’s nothing like garlic and ginger to add a marvelous zing to carrots or asparagus. It’s even good with broccoli, chicken or tofu. Add a little butter and teriyaki sauce and voila, an easy crowd pleaser.

Then I started hearing about ginger’s anti-nausea properties.

I’m fond enough of candied ginger anyway, so I decided to give it a try a few years ago when I brought my third child into the world. Sure

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enough, in labor and delivery when I started turning green, I bit off a little chunk of candied ginger, and— blessed relief.

Recently, a friend said she was feeling nauseous from chemotherapy.

To make matters worse, the antinausea pills were causing her vision to blur dangerously and were making her feel tired. I suggested that she keep the pills nearby but to try the candied ginger—and we were both thrilled when she experienced dramatic relief using the ginger alone.

Ginger ale is relatively ineffective, because it is so watereddown and processed. Similarly, powdered ginger is not nearly as potent. For best results, select the raw or candied ginger root instead.

However, if you can find ginger ale manufactured with real ginger, you’re in luck. I’ve found a brand of ginger ale that is effective: “Genuine Jamaican Ginger Beer.” It’s available at most supermarkets. This is fine even “flat” and diluted with water.

It isn’t quite as effective as the root, but it’s a lot easier to consume if the spiciness of the root bothers you. “Vernor’s” ginger ale is another brand that seems to be made with the real thing, but it’s extremely fizzy and the “fumes” will tickle your nose, so consume this brand with care. Personally I prefer the Jamaican.

Candied ginger root is available at most supermarkets in the fresh food section, or filed away in the baking or gourmet imported foods section. If you use the raw ginger root, just peel off the rough bark and smash the root inside—but the texture and taste of the candied ginger is a little more pleasant.

For us gardening wonks, growing ginger ourselves might be the most pleasant alternative of all.

GROWING GINGER Ginger is a tropical plant that grows 2-3 feet high and produces lush, fragrant, orchid-like flowers.

Native to Asia, it is now cultivated

worldwide; Jamaica and China are big producers. In the U.S., it can be grown outdoors in Zone 9 or warmer. Gardeners living in cooler zones can grow it in containers; bring it indoors from before the first frost until late spring.

Ginger can be propagated from the root (technically it’s a rhizome).

In order to grow it will need to have at least one “eye.” Place the root section sideways (parallel to the surface of the soil), cover it with a couple of inches of potting soil, and firm it up. Keep it in a warm, sunny place until it sprouts.

Once it sprouts, repot it into a large container with a rich soil mix of loam, compost, soil and a little sand for drainage. Keep it warm and wet. However, don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t flower; give it some time and patience. In fact, some say ginger rarely flowers in cultivation— but “rarely” does not mean “never.”

MAINSTREAM INFO According to a roundup of studies of ginger in the March 2000 British Journal of Anaesthesia (E. Ernst and M. H. Pittler, “Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials,” British Journal of Anaesthesia 84: 367-71), ginger is effective against nausea in chemotherapy, motion sickness (including seasickness), and morning sickness. However, unfortunately it is said to be no more effective than a placebo in combating post-operative anesthesia-induced nausea, and its results with gastroenteritis are unclear. Hey, nothing is perfect.

But the benefits of some natural medicines like ginger are undeniable, and their use is becoming more accepted in the mainstream medical community.

Next time you feel a bit green about the gills, try ginger; you will be glad you did.

Carolyn Blakeslee is the publisher of this magazine.

naturalpet

Up to Scratch Remedies They might be tiny, but they’re tough, hardy and persistent. If you share your life with a dog or cat, fleas are often a fact of life during warm weather months, which can be year-round in some climates. Implementing a holistically designed prevention and control program is the way to go. These seven suggestions will help you get through, flea-free.

by Ann Brightman

Start with Prevention

Grooming

Don’t wait until fleas make their appearance before acting.

Taking preventative steps before flea season starts will help your dog or cat repel any they happen to pick up and minimize the chance of an infestation.

Frequently brushing your dog or cat removes the dead hair, mats and tangles that provide a perfect hiding place for fleas.

Also invest in a flea comb, a fine-toothed grooming tool designed to snag adult fleas. Pay special attention to areas where fleas can congregate: under the legs, around the head and tail and on the belly area.

Diet The healthier and stronger your companion is, the less he will be affected by fleas. A primary way to keep in peak condition is providing a quality diet of whole, natural ingredients, free of hormones and pesticides. Try a raw frozen or premium canned food.

Supplements Flea-repelling supplements are generally good for overall health, as well. Salmon or flaxseed oils are full of essential fatty acids that promote healthy hair and skin. When introducing any supplement to an animal’s diet, it’s good to first consult with a holistic veterinarian.

Adding a clove of fresh grated garlic to a dog’s food each day helps build his immunity, while generating an odor fleas find unattractive. Note that many vets don’t recommend feeding garlic to cats, because it can sometimes damage their red blood cells and cause anemia. Try brewer’s yeast instead; it acts as flea repellent and is a good source of vitamin B1.

Bathing Regular bathing helps keep fleas off your animal. Use a gentle shampoo with natural ingredients that won’t dry out or irritate skin; aloe and oatmeal is an excellent choice. Soap well, especially in areas where fleas typically collect, and try to leave the lather on for 10 to 15 minutes, to drown existing fleas. Rinse thoroughly.

With dogs, product selections include natural shampoos, conditioners and rinses that contain flea-repelling essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, neem and citrus. These oils soothe and refresh skin and cut through odor and grease without drying the coat. Remember not to use essential oils on cats, as they are toxic to felines.

Control Measures If you already have a serious flea problem, you’ll need to take additional measures. Because fleas reproduce

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prolifically and rapidly, you need to break their life cycle to get rid of them. While direct flea-repelling product applications can help, they don’t actually kill the fleas, eggs or larvae. So, in addition to looking after your animal’s hygiene and health, you also need to tackle his immediate environment.

Topicals For dogs with fleas, topical applications of essential oils can prove an effective alternative to traditional chemicals. Tea tree oil is especially good and will kill fleas. Keep in mind that essential oils are strong and should be used sparingly; it’s best to dilute them with water. Consult with a professional aromatherapist for more detailed advice.

Again, do not use these oils on cats. Use aromatic hydrosols, instead. Herbal flea powders and collars are another alternative—be sure to get a natural product.

Inside the House The next step is to go on a major cleaning spree. Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and upholstery, taking care to penetrate dark corners and crevices and along baseboards; dispose of the vacuum bag promptly. Launder anything washable in hot water, such as cushion covers, curtains or bedspreads; otherwise, use a green dry cleaner. Frequently wash the animal’s bedding and regularly clean all surfaces he lies on. To help keep fleas from returning to the bedding, try sprinkling cedar shavings or lavender seeds in and around it.

You can also carefully sprinkle natural, unprocessed diatomaceous earth on carpets, along walls, in corner and cracks in the floor, even under sturdy upholstery. It will interrupt the fleas’ interior functions and kill them. Helpful, sodium-based flea-killing products act as a dessicant and work to break the life cycle by drying out flea eggs and larvae.

Outside the House In warm weather, fleas can live happily in the backyard, ready to jump on your animal companion as soon as he walks past. Clear the area of any piles of dead leaves, brush or other yard and garden debris where fleas like to hide. Also, keep dog houses or cat enclosures clean and dry.

Consider buying beneficial nematodes, naturally occurring microscopic worms that kill fleas by infesting their larvae. Steinernema (Sc or Sf) varieties are the best. Nematodes usually are available in a pellet or powdered form; just mix them with water and spread them over the area you wish to treat, using a watering can or sprayer.

In many regions, it’s still early in the year to be thinking about fleas.

But, the sooner you put a prevention program in place, the better your companion will cope and the easier it will be to keep the situation under control.

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Invisible Mother Author Unknown

I

t all began to make sense. The blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I’m thinking, “Can’t you see I’m on the phone?”

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more. (Can you fix this?

Can you tie this? Can you open this?)

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, “What time is it?” I’m a satellite guide to answer, “What number is the Disney Channel?”

I’m a car to order—“Right around 5:30, please.”

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude. But now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, “I brought you this.” It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it t o me, until I read her inscription: “To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.”

In the days ahead I would read—no, devour—the book.

And I would discover what would become, for me, four lifechanging truths, after which I could pattern my work.

First, no one can say who built the great cathedrals—we have no record of their names. Two, these builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. Three, they made great sacrifices and expected no credit. Fourth, the passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the

eyes of God saw everything. One story told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built. Seeing a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam, he was puzzled and asked the man, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.” And the workman replied, “Because God sees.”

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, “I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.”

No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin yo u ’v e s e w n o n , n o cupcake you’ve baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder, as one of the people who show up at a job they will never see finished, to work on something their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, “My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.” That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, “You’re gonna love it there.”

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. Maybe we cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

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Removing Toxins that Lurk Within How to Naturally Detoxify Your Body

by Suzy Cohen

“The various features and aspects of human life, such as longevity, good health, success, happiness, and so forth, which we consider desirable, are all dependent on kindness and a good heart.”

—Dalai Lama

I

t’s true that practicing kindness and forgiveness can create more success and happiness in your life.

Your body reaps benefits too, but as a pharmacist for more than 20 years I can’t help but notice that Americans are plagued with illness. They come into my pharmacy expecting that the pills they buy will correct the imbalance in their body. This is not likely to occur. Think of medicine as nudging your body into a better direction for a short period of time.

Sad but true, prescribed medicine is not likely to cure you and in many cases can rob your body of essential vitamins, something I call the “drug mugger” effect.

During spring and early summer I think it’s important to clean up the body. From my experience, many of you are afflicted with chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, headaches, insomnia, nerve pain and excessive weight. Would it shock you to learn that dangerous chemicals may be stuck in your body and causing your disease or discomfort? And even worse, the medications you take may be contributing to your overall toxic load?

This is the case for many people.

Numerous studies have been done and scientists have detected literally thousands of pollutants in people just like you and me. These toxins get into us from all types of food including produce, seafood, meats; they are in shampoo, deodorants, cosmetics; they are in plastics and dinnerware, in

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your furniture and carpets, and even clothing. You can’t avoid them.

Some of these poisons can stay in the body for a lifetime. They disrupt enzyme functions, cause hormone imbalance, squash immune function and destroy healthy cells. Can they cause cancer? You bet. Some of the worst offenders are household cleansers, pesticides, metals (cadmium, mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum), artificial colorants, dioxins, PCBs, phthalates, bisphenol, and POFA (from your coated non-stick pots).

You can eliminate many toxins with a safe, inexpensive formula that is sold over-the-counter called PectaSol Chelation Complex or PCC. PCC has to be one of the most powerful chelating agents that I’ve ever come across. It comes from the inner peels of citrus.

I’m not suggesting that you eat orange peels, but Mother Nature has provided us with a way to cleanse our body naturally. PCC contains “modified citrus pectin” which comes from the white pith of lemons, oranges and grapefruit peels and it’s combined with alginate, a potent seaweed-derived extract that neutralizes toxins. These two components work gently in the circulatory and gastrointestinal tract, binding tightly to prevent reabsorption and redistribution. Human clinical studies show PectaSol Chelation Complex gets rid of about 74 percent of dangerous toxins including the very dangerous and ubiquitous lead and mercury.

These toxins are stuck in your cells, organs or bloodstream and they have the potential to cause all sorts of annoying problems including breathing problems, diabetes, weight gain, thyroid problems, arthritis, breast or prostate cancer, inflammation, memory loss, psoriasis, auto-immune disorders, nerve pain, headaches and neurological tics. So even though I

agree with the Dalai Lama that health depends on “kindness and a good heart,” I’m still going to support my body and soul by making intelligent choices about the foods I eat, and the way I cleanse and detoxify.

PCC can assist your body in getting rid of these chemicals but does not affect your essential minerals like calcium and zinc. It is an allaround systemic supplement that has far-reaching effects because when you clean the body up of toxins and metals, every organ system runs more efficiently. Even children can take it. After detoxing, people often report increased energy, improved memory, healthier hair and nails, relief from arthritis symptoms, better sleep, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, and more normalized blood sugars.

I’m passionate about detoxification of the body and about chelating toxins. I’d rather see you try to improve your health naturally, than get on a merry-go-round of medications. As a pharmacist for 20 years, I know enough about medications to tell you that they are not fun, their side effects are uncomfortable (if not lethal), and they cost a lot of money.

If you have a choice (and you always do) then consider ridding yourself of toxins rather than adding a drug to temporarily mask your pain.

What else can you do?

J Eat lighter. Include more vegetables in your diet.

Plant-based foods have enzymes and antioxidants that naturally cleanse your body. Buy organic when possible.

J Rent a comedy. Laughing causes a surge of your body’s feel-good endorphins and that helps reduce pain and inflammation.

J Meditate. Focus on positive thoughts, even for a few minutes. With training, you’ll be able to resonate in a happy place without even trying.

J Breathe deeply. Your body can discharge almost 70 percent of toxins through your lungs!

J Drink tea. Matcha tea is a form of green tea that is 8 to 10 times stronger than regular green tea.

J Eat guacamole. Avocados contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. When you chop cilantro, you get even more benefits because cilantro binds mercury tightly to remove it from the body.

J Drink 100% juice every day. Tart cherry juice and pomegranate juice are great if untainted by artificial ingredients.

J Exercise. Even just a short walk will get your blood circulating. This helps you breathe deeply and encourages your body to dump out nasty toxins.

Suzy Cohen is a pharmacist, syndicated health columnist and the author of two books: The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Drug Muggers. Sign up to receive Suzy’s free health newsletter and ask your own health question at DearPharmacist.com.

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WELCOME TO

Green Collar AMERICA

A WORKABLE WAY TO NEW JOBS AND SUSTAINED RECOVERY

by Brita Belli Illustrations by Joe Weissmann

Yes, the traditional American economic picture is bleak, with every major sector—retail, banking, automotive and construction— reporting record job losses.

Twenty-two of the 30 companies comprising the Dow Jones industrial average have reported job losses since the economy began crumbling in October 2008, including industries that many experts thought were strong enough to weather the storm; even construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar announced 20,000 jobs would be cut on January 27, and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced 8,000 job cuts the same day. That month, the nationwide unemployment rate reached 7.6 percent, its highest level since the 1980s recession.

But, the previously nascent green economy is taking shape, bringing with it the promise of new jobs.

Among these will be well-paying manufacturing jobs; management and sales opportunities with huge growth potential; and abundant niche positions for enterprising students and others seeking alternative careers. On the upper tiers of the economic ladder, many CEOs and CFOs are already jumping into green jobs. Online green job directories are heavy with listings for those with pertinent business experience.

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Top 10 Green Jobs Government Stimulus To jumpstart this new green economy, much hope rests upon the economic stimulus package called the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan,” which President Obama signed into law in February 2009, and with the business expansion and job creation that legislation promises. By directing federal money to infrastructure building and clean energy, President Obama’s administration has pledged to use the $787 billion authorized in the bill to rebuild the American economy and with it, the struggling middle class.

The ambitious goal of that legislation is the creation of 3.5 million new jobs, some of which will directly contribute to the country’s renewable energy future. The idea is that the stimulus package can solve two problems simultaneously: getting Americans the dependable, well-paying work that will allow them to support their families and stay in their homes; and redirecting the U.S. energy picture away from dirty, polluting fossil fuels like oil and coal and into clean, renewable energies like wind and solar.

“This is a green and bold stimulus package that will help our economy and protect our environment,” said Representative Edward J. Markey, who chairs key energy and global warming panels in the House.

By adding critical job training skills to reach those in greatest need—inner-city kids, former inmates and welfare recipients among them—Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All, believes the federal economic stimulus effort can go even further—to fight poverty and pollution, simultaneously. His nonprofit advocacy organization is dedicated to building an all-inclusive, green economy.

“There’s this whole invisible infrastructure, trying to get people who need jobs connected with work,” says Jones, who also authored The New York Times 2008 bestselling book, The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Solve Our Two Biggest Problems. “There are vocational training centers, return-from-prison work centers and community colleges. But none of that infrastructure is pointed at the green economy.” He’s out to change that.

The goal of the legislation is the creation of 3.5 million new jobs, some of which will directly contribute to the country’s renewable energy future.

by Brita Belli, Kathryn Gutlebar, Julia Hirsch, Jessica Knoblauch and Shawn Query

Across every industry, new job possibilities are emerging for those with the skills to bridge the divide between the old, fossil-fuel-based economy and the new, energy-efficient one. Many corporations are partnering with nonprofits and hiring corporate social responsibility managers.

1) Green Globetrotters: Travel and Hospitality Green travel employees generally work for private companies, government and public institutions and nonprofits. The Green Hotels Association, for example, states that “A ‘Green Team’ can turn hotel employees into educators, showing us how we can be more sustainable.”

Connect: International Ecotourism Society, 202-347-9203, EcoTourism.org; Green Hotels Association, 713-789-8889, GreenHotels.com; Lindblad Expeditions & National Geographic, 1-800-EXPEDITION, Expeditions.com.

2) Sustainability Stewards: Planning and Land Use Local governments are increasingly interested in how they can reduce their communities’ carbon footprint and are turning to city planning professionals for direction. A new view of smart urban planning, which emphasizes sustainable and transit-oriented development, is growing, particularly in the Southeast, California and the Pacific Northwest. Stormwater management and wetlands restoration are other areas coming to the forefront.

Connect: American Planning Association, 202-872-0611, Planning.org; International City/County Management Association, 202-289-ICMA, icma.org.

3) Complementary Care: Health and Medicine A 2008 survey reports that 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of our children use some form of alternative care. The most popular holistic techniques are deep breathing exercise, meditation, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, massage and yoga. While both coasts are stocked with

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natural-care physicians, the need for alternative practitioners is spreading across the rural states.

Connect: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-888-644-6226, nccam.nih.org.

4) Power Pushers: Energy and Renewables “Solar and wind are already multibillion-dollar industries,” says Peter Beadle, president of Greenjobs.com, “but hydrogen and fuel cell production are still in the nascent stages.”

Job seekers will have an easier time breaking into the renewables industry via marketing and sales. Workers also are needed to install and maintain solar panels and wind turbines, and certification is readily available.

Connect: GreenJobs.com; Apollo Alliance, 415-371-1700, ApolloAlliance.org.

5) Planet Protectors: Legal Careers Environmental law groups go to court. Lewis and Clark Law School students, in Portland, Oregon, can get environmental law certification with their degree, and most go on to work in state or federal government offices or private practices with an environmental bent.

Earthjustice, a nonprofit that started as the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund in 1971, employs some 150 lawyers, communications specialists and fundraising and general support personnel. They also keep an online list of job openings.

Connect: Lewis & Clark Law School, 503-768-6600; Earthjustice, 1-800-584-6460, EarthJustice.org.

6) Green Geeks: Information Technology “People think there is some kind of mystery, ‘Where are the green jobs?” says Marie Kerpan, founder of consulting practice Green Careers. “There are a bazillion companies where you can take your skills and put it to work in a green company.” She particularly notes opportunities in outreach, fundraising and political awareness.

Connect: EcoVentures International, 202-667-0802, Eco-Ventures.org.

7) Eco Educators: Green Learning Sustainability coordinators have been joining the ranks of educational institutions looking to go green. Although not many schools offer degrees in sustainability, that’s beginning to change; more schools are either converting existing programs or starting new ones.

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The stimulus package responds by including language from the Green Jobs Act of 2007, part of that year’s larger Energy Savings Act. It includes $100 million for worker training in upgrading the nation’s electrical grid, and up to $500 million for renewable energy and electric power transmission projects, with provisions that all laborers and mechanics are paid fair wages. Another $750 million is designated for competitive grants for “worker training and placement in high growth and emerging energy sectors.”

Some $250 million is directed toward building Job Corps Centers around the country, which the legislation notes “may include training for careers in the energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental protection industries.”

On a larger scale, $16.8 billion of the federal package is directed toward energy efficiency and renewable energy research and projects that include: advanced batteries to power plug-in, hybrid vehicles; geothermal and biomass projects; wind and solar installations; building weatherization; modernizing the electrical grid; and environmental cleanup.

A February 2009 report by Good Jobs First, a smart growth advocacy group, cautions that, in the rush to create a quantity of jobs, it’s crucial that we pay sufficient attention to the quality of those jobs.

To make corporations more responsive to environmental, human rights and health issues, corporate responsibility advocates have persuaded some corporations to move from thinking solely about profits to the three P’s— people, planet and profits.

Private Sector Progress In its State of Green Business 2009, Greener World Media asks the tough questions that must be addressed. Are we moving far enough, fast enough? Do current initiatives represent true transformation? Or, are we just nibbling at the edges of national and global problems?

Joel Makower, chairman and executive editor of Greener World Media and the editors of its flagship GreenBiz.com, see optimistic signs that the shift to a green economy is real.

For example, green building is on the rise, spurring new technologies that save energy and money, while creating more healthful workplaces. The automobile industry seems finally engaged in a green race to introduce electric vehicles.

Leading makers and retailers of consumer products are starting to more rigorously assess the environmental impacts of their products and signaling suppliers that tomorrow’s goods must hew to higher levels of environmental responsibility.

Building on the possibility offered by such public and private investment, along with the promise of a true, “green collar,” workforce, government officials joined with thousands of labor, environmental and business advocates in Washington, D.C., February 4 to 6, for the Good Jobs Green Jobs National Conference and public expo, dedicated to exploring emerging green-oriented career paths. It was sponsored by the Blue Green Alliance, an unprecedented national partnership formed in 2006 between the Sierra Club and the United Steelworkers Union.

Kevin Doyle, president of green consulting and training company Green Economy, advises that the government’s initial investment is only meant to be a launch pad. “The federal government serves best as an innovative leader,” he counsels.

“Money from the private sector should be at least five times that much.”

Green on Top “CEOs and senior level executives across a broad spectrum are entering the environmental field in droves,” says Rona Fried, founder and president of SustainableBusiness.com, which includes a “Green Dream Jobs” online directory. Corporations need strong communicators as they build environmental strategy into their policy, partner with nonprofits and work to respond more quickly to rising public concern over environmental issues.

“Many companies have environmental managers, who are now being upgraded in terms of status,” says Dan Esty, co-director of the Center for Business and Environment at Yale University, and co-author of Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value and Build Competitive Advantage. “To be a successful manager, you need good analytical skills, to understand the environment in a business context—as a core business strategy.”

The 300 largest corporations are now in the initial stages of crafting a new social frontier, writes author Bruce Piasecki, in World Inc. “Business first seeks to sustain and further itself,” he notes from his perch as president and founder of his consulting firm, American Hazard Control Group, “but this revolution has the side benefit of being good for us all.”

Turning Blue and White Collars Green The 10 Midwestern states perhaps suffering most from the disintegration of the country’s traditional middle class are ideally suited for wind energy development. According to the Environmental Law and Policy Center, they could jointly realize nearly 37,000 new jobs by 2020 if the nation’s renewable energy portfolio were set to 22 percent.

Connect: Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, aashe.org, 859-258-2551, aashe. org; Presidio School of Management, 415-5616555, PresidioMBA.org.

8) Better Builders: Design and Construction Green builders already have a competitive advantage over traditional builders in both commercial and residential arenas, advises Ashley Katz, manager of communications for the U.S. Green Building Council.

That advantage will continue to grow as sustainable, energy-efficient building practices become the norm. Opportunities exist for greenminded engineers, contractors, architects and designers as well as more employees in service businesses making green products and materials.

Connect: U.S. Green Building Council, 1-800-795-1747, usgbc.org.

9) Improving Industry: Corporate Social Responsibility To make corporations more responsive to environmental, human rights and health issues, corporate responsibility advocates have persuaded some corporations to move from thinking solely about profits to the three P’s—people, planet and profits. Job seekers need knowledge of labor law and human resource management.

Connect: Social Venture Network, 415-561-6501, svn.org.

10) Organic Occupations: Food and Farming According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land used for organic crops increased from 48,000 acres in 1997 to 122,000 acres in 2005, and that number continues to grow, opening doors for students seeking experience on a working farm through the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF).

Some workers manage organic farms by leasing it through a land trust. Other jobs exist in farmland protection, education opportunities at on-campus student farms and in the restaurant/hospitality niche, with a need for chefs specializing in local foods.

Connect: WWOOF, 831-425-FARM, wwoofusa.org; Northeast Organic Farming Association, 203-888-5146, ctnofa.org.

May May // June June 2009 2009

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On-the-Ground Training Where Students and Graduates Go to Get Their Hands Dirty Environmental Leadership Program Washington, D.C., 202-332-3320, elpnet.org Offers training, mentoring and fellowships to environmental activists and professionals.

Green Corps Boston, Massachusetts, 617-426-8506, GreenCorps.org Trains young people in the skills and strategies of grassroots environmental organizing and advocating for green job creation.

The National Council for Science and the Environment Washington, D.C., 202-530-5810, ncseonline.org Offers three- to six-month internships for students and recent graduates assisting in outreach to academic, governmental, business and civil society communities.

Student Conservation Association Charlestown, New Hampshire, 603-543-1700, thesca.org Offers conservation internships to more than 3,000 high school and college students each year.

A University of California at Berkeley study update in 2006, “Putting Renewables to Work: How Many Jobs Can the Clean Energy Industry Generate?” projects that the renewable energy industry could consistently produce more jobs per megawatt of electricity generated—in construction, manufacturing, installation, operations and management and fuel processing—than its fossil fuel industry counterpart.

Given a 20 percent national renewable energy standard that includes 55 percent wind energy, that could equal 188,018 new jobs by 2020.

Kate Gordon, co-director for the Apollo Alliance, a nonprofit working for American energy independence, summarizes the point. “There’s been a wholesale loss of manufacturing jobs, which are union-protected, highly skilled jobs. But with wind turbines, solar panels, energy-efficient retrofits—there’s a whole world of green jobs. It’s pretty exciting, if you can harness it.”

Doyle advises that there are two key strategies. One is to look at what skills are needed by all industries to solve environmental problems. All need, for example, information management and financing. “So much starts with gathering huge amounts of data,” Doyle says. This includes jobs in information technology, geography and statistics.

Similarly, whether a nonprofit, government agency or business is looking to purchase open space or evaluating smart growth versus sprawl, they need to find funds. This opens up a host of jobs, including sector analysts, green accountants, government finance officers and foundation managers.

The second strategy for green job seekers is to “Pick a niche without any sense of ideological blinders,” advises Doyle. Someone wanting to “fix” climate change would investigate the major sources of carbon emissions—power plants, automobiles and gas flares—and focus on finding solutions within these polluting industries.

Perhaps the report at StateofGreenBusiness.com summarizes it best: “To achieve their increasingly ambitious environmental goals, companies will need to educate, engage, empower and activate their employees to think and act green. And, learn from them, too, recognizing that when it comes to running a leaner, greener business, no one knows where the waste and inefficiencies lie more than those on the front lines. Despite all the oft-repeated dictums about ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ management techniques, effectively greening the corporation sometimes requires that companies learn how to lead from the middle.”

Brita Belli is the editor of E/The Environmental Magazine, where portions of this article and sidebars first appeared.

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Sustainability in your career choice: Acupuncture

A

Licensed Acupuncture Physician treads lightly, and not just because of the Qi Gong training (medical Tai Chi). Working with relatively simple medical equipment and herbal remedies, the practitioner is both mobile and local.

Acupuncture is one of the most ancient disciplines, dating back thousands of years, which has matured into a complete system for healing body, mind and soul. The basis for diagnosis is the wealth of information contained in the 12 pulses found in the wrist, as well as patient history, observing tongue, skin, posture, voice, etc. Acupuncture practitioners carry most of what they need to diagnose “what ails you� in their minds, and in their trained senses.

At Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine in Gainesville, the emphasis on Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis gives students the advantage of being able to do an indepth diagnosis with their patients.

This strong diagnostic tool is not

found in any other Oriental Medicine program.

Let’s face it, some of the most potent healing tools on the planet are herbs grown in China. Using herbs is beneficial for the planet, compared to manufactured pharmaceuticals, even if the herbal products have to travel. Yet, many of these healing herbs grow wild right here in Florida where they can be sustainably harvested and used to the same effect.

What it takes is a good education.

All are invited to experience the healing of Oriental Medicine, affordably, at the Dragon Rises College Clinic, or to come for a visit to explore new career possibilities. For more information, visit DragonRises.edu or call 352-371-2833 or 800-606-6685.

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calendarofevents Friday, May 1 Dancin’ with Daisies, Rockin’ with Roses & Leapin’ with Lilies w/Michael Rebel & Brenda Heim - May 1-3, Fri 6 pm-Sun 2 pm, $285 incl lodging & food.

Horseshoe Lake Park, Ocala. 352-3574838.

Open House w/Music, Refreshments, Mini-treatments - May 1, 4-8 pm, Free.

Gainesville Community Acupuncture, 726 NW 8 Ave, Suite A, Gainesville. 352-7452977.

Friday, May 8 29th Annual Cultural Arts Festival. The Archer Cultural Progressive Organization, Maddox Park Field, Archer. 352-281-0588.

Saturday, May 2 Aura Photos by Kay - 11-5 pm. Mystic Realms, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala.

352-857-9398.

Saturday, May 9 A Mother’s Day Celebration - 11-5 pm, Free. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Folkkeepers Workshops Series begins. 10-12 and 1-3, Crones Cradle Conserve, Citra, FL, 352-595-3377, www. cronescradleconserve.com.

UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners Mini-Plant Sale, 9-2, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala, FL 34470, 352671-8400.

Tuesday, May 5 A Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health - 6 pm. Shady Grove Primitive Church, 804 SW 5 St, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Monday, May 11 Seniors and Oral Health - 10-11 am, Thelma Boltin Center, 516 NE 2 Ave, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Tuesday, May 12 Smoking Cessation Class - May 12 & 26, 3-4 pm. Alachua County Health Department, 224 SE 24 St Gainesville. 352334-8889.

Saturday, May 16 Doc Hollywood Day w/Parade, Classic Car/Bike Show, Health Fair - Free. micanopychamber.com, Micanopy 352466-5005.

Evening Satsang w/Yogi Amrit Desai - May 16 & Jun 6, donation. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. 352-685-3001.

Free Your Mind and Your Soul Will Follow: Fabulous Fluorite Workshop w/ Sharron Britton - 1-4 pm, $20. High Springs

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Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Wednesday, May 20 Eating Well on a Budget - 12-1 pm. St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, 15712 NW 140 St, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Friday, May 22 Couples Beach Retreat & Workshop May 22-24, 7:30 pm-Sun 1:45 pm, $595/ couple. Richard & Diana Daffner, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, FL. 1-877-282-4244.

Saturday, May 23 Chord Cutting Ceremony w/Shenna Raven Moondance - May 23 & Jun 20, 5 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Reiki I Certification w/Rev Kim Marques - 10-5 pm, $100 incl lunch, reg req’d. It’s All Perfect, 2106 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-804-9006.

Tuesday, May 26 Seniors and Oral Health - 6-7 pm. William’s Temple, 628 NW 7 Ave, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Thursday, May 28 Stress Reduction/Integrative Relaxation w/John Ernest Hiester(Chandrakant) - 7-8:30 pm., Free. Downtown Public Library, 401 E University Ave, Gainesville. jehiester@ amrityoga.org.

Friday, May 29 Amrit Yoga Immersion w/Yogi Desai & staff - May 29-Jun 7, $2000/ incl prog, lodging, meals, mat’ls. Amrit Yoga Institute,

calendarofevents Salt Springs. 352-685-3001.

Book Signing; Tantric Sex for Busy Couples, How To Deepen Your Passion In Just Ten Minutes A Day by Richard & Diana Daffner - 7 pm. Books a Million, 2605 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee. 407-552-0077.

Saturday, May 30 One-Day Workshop for Couples by Richard & Diana Daffner - 10-5 pm, pre-reg $199/couple. You Health Center, Orlando. www.IntimacyRetreats.com.

Friday, June 5 Couples Beach Retreat & Workshop

by Richard & Diana Daffner - Jun 5-7, Fri 7:30 pm - Sun 1:45 pm. $595/ couple. Caliente Resort & Spa, Land O’ Lakes.1-877-282-4244.

Learning to Ride the River, Create & Use Synergy w/Michael Rebel & Brenda Heim - Jun 5-7, Fri 6 pm-Sun 2 pm, $285 incl lodging & food. Horseshoe Lake Park, Ocala. 352-357-4838.

Sunday, June 7 Certified Karuna Reiki Level 1: Divine Feminine Energy w/Nena Elantra Roberts - 11 am. pre-reg req. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Thursday, June 11 Birth, a play by Karen Brody - Jun 11-14, $15, $10 students. The Thomas Center, 302 NE 6 St, Gainesville. www. boldgainesville.com/bold.htm.

Restoring The Goddess To Her Throne: An Intensive Workshop For Women - Jun 11-14, $450 incl lodging, meals, supplies.

Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. 352-6853001.

Saturday, June 13 Readings & Aura Photography - 11-6 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs, 386-454-8657.

Friday, June 19 Couples Beach Retreat & Workshop - Fri 7:30 pm-Sun 1:45 pm. $595/couple.

Richard & Diana Daffner, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. www.IntimacyRetreats.com.

Saturday, June 20 Here Comes the Sun: Stones for Positive Action Workshop w/Sharron Britton. 1-4 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Psychic/Holistic Fair & Midsummer Celebration - 10-6 pm. Mystic Realms,

3315 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352857-9398.

Sunday, June 21 Honor the Father: Celebration of Positive Male Energy on the Longest Day w/ Free Gifts for Men - 12-5 pm. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Saturday, June 27 Quantum-Touch Energy Healing Workshop w/Patricia Wagner - Jun 27-28, 10-5 pm, $295 prepay, $147.50 repeat.

Lemire Natural Medicine Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200, Bldg 90, Ocala. 352-369-3029.

ONGOING Sunday Celebrating Community and Inspiring Message - Meditation 9:45 am, Sharing the Science of Mind and Spirit 10:30 am, Youth Celebration 10:30 am, Love Offering.

OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. www.olec.org.

Guided Meditation and Spiritual Lesson - 10 am (children’s church & care avail), Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Sunday Inner Peace = World Peace Services - 11 am. Seraphim Center at the Florida School Of Massage, 6421 SW 13 St, Gainesville. 352-339-5946.

Monday Displaced Homemaker Program: Focus on the Future Empowerment and Employability Classes – Mon-Fri, May 4-22, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Free. Santa Fe College NW campus, Gainesville. 352-395-5047.

Displaced Homemaker Program: Focus On The Future Internet Class For Beginners – Mon-Fri, Jun 1-5, 9-11 am, Free. Santa Fe College NW campus, Gainesville. 352-3955047.

Free Wuji Gong Instruction w/Miranda Smith - 7 pm instruction, 7:30 pm practice.

Florida Institute for Hypnotherapy, 4051 NW 43 St, Suite 37, Gainesville. 352-6426477.

Gentle & Hatha Yoga Classes w/ Marilyn - Gentle Yoga, 8:30-10 am, Hatha Yoga. 10:30 - noon & 7-8:30 pm, 8/$80, 8/$56 if over 60. OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-3690055.

Krpalu Yoga w/Shivani - 6-7 pm, $8.

Yoga, Ayurveda & Meditation w/Richard - Mon, 8-9:15 am, $8. Ayurveda Health Retreat & Spa, 14616 NW 140 St, Alachua.

352-870-7645.

Salsa Aerobics - Mon, Tue, Wed. Various locations & times. Alachua & Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Zumba - 4 pm. Lincoln Middle School, 1001 SE 12 St, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Zumba fitness w/Shannon - Mon, Wed, Fri, 9-10 am, $5/class. Wellness Spa of High Springs, 340 NW 1 Ave, High Springs. 386454-8889.

Tuesday Amrit Yoga & Yoga Nidra w/Shivani Tue & Thu, 9-10 am (yoga), 10:00-10:30 am (yoga nidra), Free. Turkey Creek, Alachua. feryle.wright@sfcc.edu.

Amrit Yoga w/Prakash & Priti - 7-8:30 pm, donation. The Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. prakash@amrityoga.org.

Free Spiritual Reiki Mini-Sessions - Tue & Thu, by appmt. It’s All Perfect, 2106 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-804-9006.

Hatha Yoga Classes w/Marilyn 10-11:30 am, 8/$80, 8/$56 if over 60.

OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-369-0055.

Salsa Aerobics - 6 pm, Free. Eastside Recreation Center, 2841 E Univ Ave. 352334-8889.

Sivananda Yoga w/Vaisnavananda - 6-7 pm, $8. Ayurveda Health Retreat, 14616 NW 140 St, Alachua. www.

AyurvedaHealthRetreat.com.

Yoga Classes Level II Intermediate w/ Susan - 6-7:30 pm, $10/class. Wellness Spa of High Springs, 340 NW 1 Ave, High Springs. 386-454-8889.

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calendarofevents Wednesday Believe In You Business Mixer Network - 12:30-2 pm, Free. Las Palmas Restaurant, 506 S Pine Ave, Ocala. 352-207-2198.

Earth Based Spirituality- 6-7:30 pm.

Mystic Realms, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-857-9398.

Free Anahat Meditation w/Matthew Brownstein - 6 pm. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy/Anahat Center. 4051 NW 43 St, #37, Gainesville. 352-378-5746.

Free Course in Miracles w/Matthew Brownstein - 7:15 pm. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy/Anahat Center. 4051 NW 43 St, #37, Gainesville. 352-378-5746.

Goddess Enrichment Group w/Kim Marques - 11-1 or 1-3 pm, $40/4 wks or $15/wk. It’s All Perfect, SE Ocala location.

352-804-9006.

Meditation and Visioning - 6-7 pm, Love Offering. OakBrook Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897.

Quest Study Group - 7 pm, Love Offering. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39 Ave, Gainesville.

Science of Mind Magazine Discussion - 2nd Wed, 7:15 pm, Love Offering,

OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897.

Silent Unity Meditation Service - 1212:30 pm, Free. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Spiritual Drumming - 3rd Wed, 7:15 pm, Love Offering. OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala.

352-629-3897.

Spiritual Enrichment - Studying the Science of Mind and Spirit- 2nd & 4th Wed, 1:30 pm, Love Offering, Lady Lake Library, 225 W Guava St, Lady Lake. 352-629-3897.

Spiritual Film - 4th Wed, 7:15 pm , Love Offering. OakBrook Life Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897.

S.T.A.R.S. Sticking Together And Reducing Size - 12-1 pm. D’Acosta House, 703 NE 1 St, Gainesville. 352-334-8889.

Tapping the Void: an EFT Tapping Circle - $10. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34 St, Gainesville.

352-283-3909.

Wellness Talk - 1st & 3rd Wed, 6-6:30 pm. Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 SE Williston Rd, Gainesville. 352-3348889.

Yoga w/Ania - 6-7 pm, $8. Ayurveda Health Retreat & Spa. 14616 NW 140 St, Alachua. 352-870-7645.

Thursday Amrit Yoga Nidra - 6:30-8 pm, donation. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs. info@amrityoga.org.

Amrit Yoga w/Veda - 5:30-6:30 pm, free. Downtown Public Library, 401 E University Ave, Gainesville. 352-378-4423.

Hatha Yoga Classes w/Marilyn - 10:30noon & 7-8:30 pm, 8/$80, 8/$56 if over 60.

OakBrook Life Enrichment Center, 1009 NE 28 Ave, Ocala. 352-369-0055.

Ministerial/Ordination Training Classes starting, also correspondence. Seraphim Center, Gainesville. 352-339-5946.

Self-Realization Fellowship Silent Meditation (Paramahansa Yogananda) - 7:15 pm, Love Offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Sivananda Yoga w/Hita - 6-7 pm $8. Ayurveda Health Retreat & Spa, 14616 NW 140 St Alachua. www.

AyurvedaHealthRetreat.com.

Weight Loss Support Group - 12-1 pm.

ACORN Clinic, 23320 N SR 235, Brooker.

352-334-8889.

Yoga w/Mary Ann Holden - 6 pm, $5.

Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352687-2113.

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Friday Amrit Yoga w/Veda - 2:30-4 pm, residents Free. Oak Hammock, Williston Rd, Gainesville. vedalewis@aol.com.

Free Intuitive Readings w/Rev. Kim Marques - 3rd Fri, 7-9 pm, by appmt. It’s All Perfect, 2106 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala.

352-804-9006.

Gentle Amrit Yoga w/Veda - 11-12, Turkey Creek Forest Clubhouse, 441 N, Gainesville. vedalewis@aol.com.

Guided Meditations - 8-9 pm. Soul Essentials, Ocala. Jennifer 352-236-7000.

Kirtan - Devotional Singing - 8-9 pm, Free. Ayurveda Health Retreat & Spa, 14616 NW 140 St, Alachua. 352-870-7645.

Labyrinth for Walking Meditation - 7 pm & by apptmt, Free (call 1st). Wellness Spa of High Springs, 340 NW 1 Ave, High Springs. 386-454-8889.

Ocala IONS Community Group for the Institute of Noetic Sciences - 1st Fri, 6:308:30 pm, $3. OakBrook Life Enrichment Center 1009 NE 28 th Ave, Ocala. 352732-8527.

Psychic Readings & Spiritual Cleansing

by Kayla - Fri & Sat, 1-5 pm. Mystic Realms, 3315 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352857-9398.

S.T.A.R.S. Sticking Together And Reducing Size - 11:45-12:45 pm. High Springs Branch Library, 135 NW 1 Ave, High Springs. 352-334-8889.

Saturday Amrit Yoga & Yoga Nidra w/Veda - 12-1 pm (yoga), 1-1:30 am (yoga nidra), $10 non-members. Gainesville Health & Fitness Women’s Center, Thornebrook. vedalewis@ aol.com.

Amrit Yoga w/Veda - 10-11 pm, $10$12/class. Haile Plantation Community Club, 5400 SW 88 Ct, Gainesville. 352335-1481.

Reiki Circle - 1st Sat, 7-9 pm, Free.

Lady Lake Library, 225 W Guava St, Lady Lake. http:health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ FLReikiCircle/ Upcoming Guardian ad Litem Program - Help Neglected and Abused Children: Volunteers needed to serve as advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the court system. No legal experience required.

Classes begin every two months. Call 3743656 ext 2238 for information.

Language Mastery Series- July 1, 6-7:30 pm, $20/class or $100 advance.

Mystic Realms 3315 Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-732-5433.

Tapping for Your Pet

by Carla Burkle

U

ti, a big beautiful orange kitty so named for the “U-turn” in his tail, had a big problem: He couldn’t contain his bowels. A mortified Uti would leave evidence of his digestion in Maureen’s office, in corners around the house, even in the bathtub. The smell would wake Maureen in the middle of the night— and Maureen’s husband was so tired of it, Uti was about to hit the dusty trail.

Have you and your pet had a similar dilemma, a problem for which neither of you has a solution or the solution is costly and involved? In Uti’s case his inappropriate elimination was the result of a food allergy. To say conclusively how many animals are afflicted with a food allergy would be difficult but if you examine how many pet food products are manufactured for this problem, it’s easy to see the occurrence is widespread.

Perhaps you have gone through the protocols to determine an allergy? If you have, then you know the expense, frustration, and mixed results that come along with this process. However, Maureen helped Uti without spending a dime. How? With EFT. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and is a revolutionary, fairly new healing aid.

Gary Craig, EFT’s developer, describes it as “an emotional, needle-free version of acupuncture that is based on new discoveries regarding the connection between your body’s subtle energies, your emotions, and your health.”

The technique involves tapping on meridian points along the body while repeating reminder phrases to keep the subject focused on the issue they desire to resolve. EFT is believed to work by balancing the body’s subtle energy system, which is presumably disrupted by the presenting problem. Once balance is restored, the symptoms generally fade.

A fascinating application of EFT is its use on animals, which can either be performed surrogately (tapping on behalf of the animal on your own body) or directly on the animal if tolerated.

Though this may sound radical, Maureen was able to resolve Uti’s allergy using this method, bypassing the cost and discomfort for her cat.

And she is only one example of people helping animals in this way. On Gary Craig’s website, emofree.com, there are more than 60 reports people have sent in of their successful use of EFT to help their animals, from resolving a horse’s panic attack to saving a cat who was nearly dead with a collapsed lung.

EFT is obviously not a substitute

for appropriate veterinary care, but it merits exploring if you are caring for an animal with a health or behavioral issue that is not responding to treatment. You can learn EFT through a free download from emofree.com, or a trained practitioner can help you. How exciting to connect with your animal and tap into better health and wellness for both of you!

Carla Burkle is an EFT practitioner in Gainesville. Visit carlaburkle.com.

May / June 2009

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healthbriefs

Energy Drinks Not Created Equal

F

ans of workouts and athletics need to exercise caution when it comes to imbibing so-called energy drinks, according to Johns Hopkins University scientists, who have spent decades researching the effects of the caffeine they contain. They report that caffeinated energy drinks, often marketed as “performance enhancing,” should carry prominent labels that note their caffeine content and warn of potential health risks. Caffeine is a drug, and caffeine intoxication can lead to nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, rapid heartbeat and in rare cases, even death, according to the literature.

Research reveals that the caffeine content of energy drinks varies over a 10-fold range. Some brands contain the equivalent of 14 cans of Coca-Cola, according to the September, 2008 issue of the international journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

The market for energy drinks, now estimated at $5.4 billion in the United States, is expanding at an annual rate of 55 percent. Yet consumers, especially teens and young adults, remain largely unaware of the health risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption.

Cooked or Raw? New findings by Italian researchers confirm that cooking certain vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini and broccoli, preserves or even boosts their antioxidant power, making them, nutritionally, even more valuable than their raw veggie counterparts.—Source: American Chemical Society. 2007

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DID YOU KNOW? In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner for good reason: asparagus is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamins A, C, B6 and folic acid.

The latter is said to boost histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.

Source: TheFoodPaper.com

Altruism’s Sex Appeal

D

isplays of altruism make a potential mate more appealing to the opposite sex, say British researchers. They noted that the altruism, typically defined as unselfish concern for the welfare of others, doesn’t have to be a grand act. Simple acts of selflessness, such as regularly donating blood or volunteering at a local healthcare facility, scored high, especially among women.

“Evolutionary theory predicts competition between individuals, and yet we see many examples in nature of individuals disadvantaging themselves to help others,” comments Tim Phillips, Ph.D., on behalf of the University of Nottingham UK 2008 research team.

“In humans particularly, we see individuals prepared to put themselves at considerable risk to help individuals they do not know, for no obvious reward.”

healthbriefs

Bacteria Bingo

Summer Swimming Alert

H

ere are a few eye-opening facts: The U.S. Census ranks swimming as the second-most popular exercise in the country. A National Consumers League poll shows that nearly 60 percent of us think it’s unlikely we could get sick from swimming in a pool. Yet half of pools tested in a Centers for Disease Control study violated at least one public health code. And pollution-related closings and water quality advisories at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches set a 16-year record two years ago.

Worse, the trend hasn’t reversed. So we must ask questions and use good judgment.

The National Resources Defense Council reports that leading sources of contaminates continue to be sanitary and storm-sewer overflows, urban runoff, boating wastes and “unknown sources.” Few municipalities effectively control such local sources. And windstorms can stir up bacteria in bottom sediments. In all, it’s possible that some 100 human pathogenic viruses may be present in fecal-contaminated waters, the most common of which, E. coli, is found in human intestinal tracts.

Rules of thumb for sensible swimming include: look for clear water, clean pool tiles and no strong chlorine odor; practice good hygiene, don’t swim with diarrhea and don’t swallow water; finally, hit the beach no sooner than three days after a storm.

For beach status at U.S. oceans and Great Lakes visit NRDC. org/water/oceans/ttw/titinx.asp, Earth911.org/usa/WaterQuality/index.asp and CDC.gov/healthyswimming/index.htm, which also covers pools. Campaign for improved swimming conditions at Surfrider.org.

Vigorous Exercise Cuts Breast Cancer Risk

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hile previous studies have shown that exercise may protect against breast cancer, a new study by the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health points out that not all exercise qualifies. In following 32,269 women for 11 years, the researchers discovered that those engaging in vigorous exercise on a regular basis were the ones less likely to develop the disease, regardless of their weight. Their reduced risk amounted to a stunning 30 percent.

Activities that qualify as vigorous include heavy housework, like scrubbing floors and washing windows, or heavy yard work, such as digging or chopping wood. Healthful, fun activities included fast jogging, competitive tennis, bicycling on hills and fast dancing.

The study suggests two possible mechanisms responsible for the benefit measured: enhanced immune function and decreased inflammation in the body. It’s important to note that excess weight is believed to increase the risk of cancer.

—Source: Breast Cancer Research, 2008

Siesta Snooze Midday Break for Middle Age

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ower naps by transcontinental solo pilots, world-class athletes, marine patrols and Broadway actors show that the right nap at the right time isn’t lazy, but lifesaving. Sleep research expert Sara Mednick, Ph.D., author of Take a

Nap! Change Your Life, says that upping our quota of super-efficient sleep maximizes the general benefits of sleep in terms of heart functioning, hormonal maintenance and cell repair. From her offices at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies she’s discovering the secrets of quickly getting into and out of rejuvenative sleep.

For example, morning or early afternoons work well. A warm, clean, quiet, dark spot is conducive to a good nap. Foods high in calcium and protein promote a restorative nap. Caffeine and foods heavy in fat and sugar don’t.

A recent study reported on NewsTarget.com suggests that middleage working men who take three short naps a week cut their risk of a fatal heart attack and heart problems by 37 percent. Mednick’s own recent research shows that power naps also lift productivity and mood, lower stress and improve memory, motor skills and learning. That is, as long as we keep naps to 20 minutes or less. Otherwise, the grogginess of sleep inertia sets in.

Even micro-naps of two to five minutes can work wonders.

For more information see SaraMednick.com.

May / June 2009

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On Manhood

J

esse Lee Peterson uses every communication medium at his disposal to advocate a new culture of self-responsibility and moral renewal in America. As founder and president of the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND), Peterson is all about rebuilding the family by rebuilding today’s definition of manhood. While it is focused on challenges facing America’s families, his message gives meaning and direction to all our relationships.

Here’s what he has to say about spiritual manhood: “When God is first in a man’s life, he becomes responsible, and the spirit of true manhood is upon him. Women respect and love men who both acknowledge a Higher Power and demonstrate individual responsibility; they’re willing to complement such men.

“The truly masculine man loves truth more than anything else. He is not egodriven; he is driven by what is right. He is not ruled by his desire for sex, but he is ruled by his desire to honor the source of his being.

“He looks to a Higher Power to guide him, and to the true knowledge he has about himself. He does not rely on others for approval and satisfaction or emotional support. A masculine man is motivated by the truth alone, and he has the strength of character to go ahead and do what is right, no matter what. Others look up to him, because they’ve consistently seen first-hand that he knows what is right and is committed to it.”

Adapted from passages in From Rage to Responsibility. For information on Jesse Lee Peterson’s nonprofit organization and his nationally syndicated radio show, visit BondInfo.org or call 800-411-2663. An author, speaker and frequent guest on TV newsmakers shows, he also directs the BOND Home for Boys, a characterbuilding after-school program and counseling service in Los Angeles, California.

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consciouseating

green

FOODS

A Natural Nutrient Boost

by Dian Freeman

Which is better for our health: fresh greens or “greenfoods,” dehydrated vegetables in powder or pill form? It’s up to us, as individual consumers, to learn more about

(see GaryNull.com). Among the first to design a greenfood supplement, his version contains a mix of organically grown greens harvested fresh, and then juiced and immediately dehydrated at a low temperature to preserve nutrients. The resulting “superfood” powder can be easily added to foods and beverages.

Most greenfood preparations include immature, nutrient-rich grasses such as oat, wheat or barley grass; microalgae such as spirulina and chlorella; and chlorophyll-rich vegetables like parsley, broccoli and kale. Some formulas include fruit for extra antioxidant value and flavor. Greenfood preparations are designed to meet more of the body’s nutritional needs than the single salad and side serving of steamed vegetables the average American tries to consume each day.

Some greenfoods are even designed as whole food products for people who don’t eat fish, eggs or meat, because vegetarian diets are often low in protein, essential fatty acids and vitamin B12, all abundant in flesh foods.

Spirulina, or blue-green algae, is a favorite of vegetarians, because it is high in protein. Many algae provide the B12 vitamin unavailable in other vegetables and are also a rich source of essential fatty acids.

the choices and make informed decisions.

Dr. Andrew Weil, who offers many nutritional supplements on his website, DrWeil.com, is a staunch proponent of eating fresh, green vegetables; he can be seen on television picking veggies from his garden. “Dark, leafy greens and green vegetables are full of natural agents that can protect health,” Weil advises. “They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Some—including spinach, collards, kale and broccoli—contain antioxidants that help protect aging eyes from developing cataracts and macular degeneration. They may also protect against clogging of the carotid arteries in the neck and help reduce the risk of cancer.”

Weil notes that researchers are finding that some important vitamins and minerals protective against disease are required in amounts that may be difficult to obtain through diet alone. Many Americans don’t have the option of picking fresh vegetables, although more of us are picking up the next best thing from the local farm stand. Instead, most families purchase “fresh” vegetables from a supermarket, which typically stocks produce from distant, massive agribusinesses. Those veggies may have been harvested days or weeks prior to arriving at the store—and every minute a vegetable is exposed to air and light after harvesting diminishes its enzyme and nutrient values. Foods from local farm stands retain more nutrients, but availability is seasonal and limited to regional crops.

Gary Null, Ph.D., believes a more realistic answer to the dearth of green vegetables in the average American diet is greenfoods. This award-winning investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, talk radio host and author of 70 books, leverages his considerable expertise advocating alternative medicine and natural healing

May / June 2009

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Dr. Joseph Mercola, another national health advisor, DrMercola.com, touts chlorella, a natural green algae found in many greenfood preparations.

He credits it with strengthening the immune system and providing enzymes and intestinal flora that support digestion and elimination. Microalgae’s beta-carotene content also provides antioxidants. A paper he published in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine further concluded that “Chlorella works to effectively filter out toxins from your body.”

Microalgae are high in chlorophyll, a common ingredient in all greenfoods, with chlorella offering the highest levels.

Chlorophyll is chemically similar to human blood. Natural practitioners through the ages have used it to help rebuild human red blood cells, especially after blood loss due to injury or childbirth, and to freshen breath and bowels.

Chlorophyll is considered an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is especially high in magnesium. In addition, an article in Nutrition Research magazine writes that some studies

“demonstrate that commercial chlorophyll… is strongly antimutagenic.”

Thus, recent claims for its anti-cancer properties.

The medical science community of dieticians, government- and pharmaceutically-funded researchers and medical doctors mostly remains skeptical of claims about chlorophyll’s healthful benefits, because many studies have been inconclusive. In answer, the natural health community might argue that modern scientific researchers lack financial incentives to test traditional natural remedies fairly; the bigger money is in the drugs prescribed when nutrients become depleted in the human body, leading to illness.

Whole-food purists may prefer fresh vegetables and the medical science community may scoff at the value of greenfoods, but those curious about greenfood supplements still possess the freedom to try them. Because traditional health uses of natural products are strongly censored in the United States, the proof of their value is in the results obtained after trying them. If bowels function better, digestion improves, muscles become toned, energy levels rise and skin and eyes shine after consuming these products on a regular basis, then greenfoods may well be the superfood that their proponents claim them to be.

Dian Freeman is certified in clinical nutrition and holistic health with a private consultation practice in Morristown, NJ. She lectures widely and teaches health seminars, cooking classes and a nutritional certification course. Connect at AboutHealth@att.net or visit WellnessSimplified.com.

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Wife, Mother, Goddess: A Message to Men on Mother’s Day

by Diana Daffner

S

he’s the mother of your children, whether they’re still in diapers or already driving themselves to work. She might even be a grandmother. She’s also your wife and your partner in the day-to-day management of your life, your family, your home, and maybe even your business. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor all of that, and more. Bring on the flowers and gifts and whatever is your family tradition around this holiday.

But remember also that this woman, this vibrant female being, also shares your bed (unless one of you snores too much!) and that, too, should be celebrated. So often, in the privacy of our lives behind closed doors, we forget to honor the very person whose life and breath means so much to us.

Honoring in private can be challenging. Couples know each other very well, and ceremony seems so—formal. Sexual times together may have become habitual, or maybe even infrequent. Or maybe the sex is great, but the intimate bond has loosened a bit, isn’t as snug and rewarding as it was in the beginning of your relationship. This is all very natural.

Much of our mating behavior is directed by our hormones.

Nature very gallantly steps up to the plate when there’s a chance to propagate the species. Once mate selection is over, nature pays less attention to helping us continue that “in love” feeling. We’re left on our own to keep our intimate partnership alive.

S.E.X. can be thought of as Sexual Energy eXchange. Are you sharing and exchanging enough sexual energy with your partner? Michele Weiner-Davis, author of The Sex Starved Marriage, says that “Sex is important nourishment for a marriage.” Is the sex you’re having nourishing your relationship?

Women who have lost interest in sex often find it again, when the lovemaking becomes more about love than about sex. And once that context is created, the goddess loves her lovemaking. When lovemaking is more about giving her the opportunity to reveal her inner goddess, more about sharing energy and intimate presence with you rather than just satisfying a biological drive, your wife—and your life—will be transformed into radiant joy.

So, this Mother’s Day, consider what you can do to honor your lover’s sexual self. This is not the time for a quickie. To truly honor her, you will want to give her your undivided attention for at least an hour. You might start with drawing a bath for her, and giving her a scented oil massage.

Deep strokes can be sensual; light touch is erotic. Mix them up, ask how she would like you to touch her. Where it goes from there, is up to her. This is a ceremony in her honor.

She might not be comfortable, at first, receiving so much attention in this way. Assure her, and continue to assure her, that it is your intention to honor her and attend to her without concern for your own desires. Make a date to celebrate her.

As a mother and wife, when your husband asks what you would like for Mother’s Day, consider how a deeply

meaningful and intimate experience, in your honor, might create a joyful celebration for both of you.

Diana Daffner, author of Tantric Sex for Busy Couples: How to Deepen Your Passion in Just Ten Minutes a Day, provides marital coaching with her husband Richard. Visit IntimacyRetreats.com.

May / June 2009

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Spring—a Time for Renewal

by Sandy Wilson

S

pring is a time to being anew.

The browns and grays, the chill of winter are behind us as we enjoy the flowers and all the shades of green as well as the glorious sunshine.

By now, many New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned and old habits have regained their grasp.

But think about it: Which is a better time to changed unwanted habits and beliefs—when the calendar year moves up a digit, or when the world outside our door is changing?

New Year’s resolutions usually involve changing beliefs or habits.

Many people maintain the same limiting beliefs and habits year after year. Surveys have shown that we adopt many limiting beliefs/habits by the time we are seven years old. Beliefs such as “Don’t expect much out of life (or of others).” “There’s never enough money.” “You have to work hard and sacrifice if you expect to succeed.”

“You’ll never be as good as (fill in the blank).” “You can have a special treat if you keep our secret.” Children who have been abused physically, mentally, and emotionally have many more firmly implanted beliefs about their bodies and their behavior to add to this list.

Pause here for a few moments and think about the last time you asked a seven-year old for advice. When was that? Never. Yet we are often bound by beliefs and habits we formed when we were that young.

Look outside and see the world changing. Is this the time for you to really change a habit or abandon a limiting belief? One way to do this is with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). EFT has brought relief to thousands, helping them moe beyond limits and change habits. EFT involves tapping energy meridians on the face and upper body while focusing on an aspect of the presenting issue. Clients have proclaimed their EFT sessions to be life-changing.

Spring is a time for renewal and EFT is the painless, drug-free way to start your renewal. EFT is easy to learn and anyone interested can download the free manual at emofree.com.

You can also find EFT practitioners at masteringeft.com.

Sandra Wilson has received the EFTAdvanced certificate. She can be reached at 352-454-8959. For more information on EFT, visit masteringeft. com, emofree.com and sandrawilson.

For your free CD contact us at 352-514-3395 or email themaxgxlelite@yahoo.com. Also visit www.themaxgxlelite.com.

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Keep Moving Forward

What Story Are You Believing?

by Cynthia Christianson “If you do not get it from yourself, where will you go for it?”

—Buddha

E

ven though it’s mostly warm in Florida, we do occasionally get these cold snaps that get down to a freezing level. It’s helpful in killing off insects or, in my case, unwanted ground covers.

I planted some beach sunflowers years ago. One winter, they froze and died, or so I thought. So I decided, no more investment in plants that can’t survive our weather and replaced that huge side of our yard with a ground cover that stays green all year round. It’s tough and seems to put up with all sorts of abuse.

The sunflowers are very pretty with their little yellow flowers and, if they are happy, can create a lovely bed—they grow fast and can cover a large area. They are really better off in a more consistent warmer climate such as South Florida, though.

Well, this past year, a small sunflower plant resurfaced right in the middle of my new ground cover. It just popped up its head with a pretty yellow face. I didn’t have the heart to pull it out. That was a mistake. It grew and grew and started spreading itself all over this bed. Since the other ground cover was still growing, I decided to let it have its way, knowing that it would freeze and die back.

But it didn’t freeze and die. It looked wounded, but it was still covering a good part of my side yard. A few months ago I started getting concerned—I was worried that it would choke out my expensive, more suitable ground cover.

This summer, I took my yard clippers and just cut and yanked it out. Once I got it out, there, underneath, was the evergreen, healthy ground cover, happy as could be. I was surprised and pleased to see that the sunflowers had not stopped the preferred ground cover from doing its assigned job.

It felt wonderful to take that mismatched, sorry-looking group of plants out of the bed. As I stood there feeling much more in alignment with my heart, I realized—how many times did I convince myself not to take that sunflower plant out even though it didn’t work well where it was? I believed my story that the plant deserved to stay since it seemed to be thriving just fine even though it actually didn’t look good there and was not helping the other plant do its job.

How many stories have you bought into even though you knew they were not good choices? How many times, even though it didn’t feel right, did you hear about a story that worked for somebody else so you decided it would work for you? Think about the diet programs, money schemes, or

self-help guides you’ve invested in.

When we don’t make decisions from our true selves, our hearts, it’s a cover-up. After a while, when you don’t have success with this story, you wake up and cancel it, but you could have saved yourself a lot of work if you just didn’t believe it in the first place. These alluring stories sure look good, as that sunflower did, but unless it is from who you really are, it won’t work for you. You know by the struggle, the “off feeling” or the lack of success with this story that you made a decision from your head and not your heart.

What I wish for you is that you learn to trust yourself more. Save time and energy in the stories or beliefs you choose to invest your health, life and money into. The more connected you are from the inside out, the more your life will flow effortlessly. Life can be enjoyable, steady, full and green just like the ground cover was when I pulled out the sunflowers. This is who you really are—so why not honor yourself and stop believing stories from outside sources?

There is no power outside of yourself. You have all that you need once you start believing in your own story.

Cynthia Christianson, M.A., CCC, is a self-help coach based in Gainesville, FL. Visit www.AvantiCoaching.com.

May / June 2009

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A Conversation with

Dr. Judith Orloff Integrated physician and wellness advocate

by Barbara Stahura Judith Orloff, a medical doctor, psychiatrist, intuitive and bestselling author, synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy and spirituality to create a new blend of healing wisdom. She believes the future of medicine depends upon integrating all these elements to achieve emotional freedom and total wellness. Her new book, Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life, was released earlier this spring.

What is emotional freedom?

Emotional freedom is your ability to love by cultivating positive emotions and being able to compassionately witness and transform negative ones, whether they’re yours or another’s. This skill liberates you from fear and lets you navigate adversity without attacking someone, losing your cool or being derailed by negativity. With emotional freedom, you can choose to react constructively, rather than relinquishing command of the situation when your buttons get pushed. If you get mired in the muck of negativity, you can’t lead a liberated, happy life.

My spiritual teacher says we make progress on the spiritual path by beating ourselves up a little bit less each day. I believe that. It’s about baby steps.

Why do individuals respond to situations in such radically different ways?

I’ve defined four emotional types: the intellectual, the empath, the gusher and the rock. These are the filters through which you see the world—the default setting of your personality to which you revert, especially under stress. Each type is determined by inborn temperament, upbringing and perhaps, karma. Because emotional freedom means being able to remain sensitive, but centered, in an overwhelming world, it’s essential to know your emotional type. Without this knowledge, many people dysfunctionally hunker down in their type for decades, without examining which aspects do and don’t serve them.

What tips us off that we are absorbing others’ negative emotions?

Many sensitive people come to me as patients and in workshops, who have been labeled “overly sensitive.”

Like me, these people are what I call emotional empaths. Because we are so sensitive, we absorb the energy of others. We sense their fear, anxiety and stress and sometimes take them into our bodies. Then, we get exhausted or

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feel ill. People on a spiritual path tend to gain more sensitivity as they develop and need to learn how to stay centered and be compassionate without becoming an emotional sponge.

How can we calmly refrain from retaliating when attacked by a difficult personality?

“Emotional vampires” is my term for many difficult people such as criticizers, victims, narcissists or controllers.

I say let them be our teachers, rather than tormentors. We must ask ourselves: “How do they teach us to communicate with more heart and better boundaries?

How can we deal differently with feeling irritated, controlled or insulted?”

The old way is to get nasty or withdraw. The new way is to not simply react when your buttons get pushed—a behavior that perpetuates war. Practice what I call the namaste effect, which is, “I respect the spirit within you, even if I don’t like what you’re doing.”

Can emotions serve as a path to spiritual awakenings?

It’s necessary to understand these four basic components of emotion; their biology, spirituality, energy and psychology. My book teaches the tools you need to proactively shift your biochemistry, as well as your energy, and to see the spiritual and psychological meaning of what you’re going through.

I see difficult emotions as a laboratory for spiritual growth, whereas traditional psychiatry often views them more as tormentors; something to get rid of. Each emotion is a prompt for you to get more in touch with your heart and expand your light. This perspective changes how you deal with all emotional challenges.

Part of emotional freedom is making a vow not to lead a fear-driven life.

That must be a deep desire in your heart.

Then, do everything possible to overcome fear and worry with faith in goodness, trying to stay in the moment, rather than catastrophizing the future. Courage or fear is a choice; it’s not something that just happens to you. Emotional freedom is an inner peace movement.

Judith Orloff, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at University of California, L.A. Visit DrJudithOrloff.com.

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

To be included in the Community Resource Guide, visit www.NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com to view the media kit online, or call 352-629-4000, or e-mail info@NaturalAwakeningsNCFL.com.

COLONICS

EFT

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.

Sandra Wilson, EFT-Adv, MCHt Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner/ Hypnotherapist 352-454-8959 / www.SandraWilson.org After you’ve tried everything else, call me about EFT—the painless, drug-free technique that’s brought relief to thousands. Check website for specials. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

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.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Rose Dotson R.N., B.H.A Energy Healing, Reiki Master Teacher 6528 C.R. 248, O’Brien, FL 32071 386-935-2972, rdotson@isgroup.net Experience gentle hands-on healing. Effective for chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, migraine headaches, TMJ, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Central Nervous System disorders.

BUILD YOUR HOLISTIC PRACTICE OR GREEN BUSINESS Advertise! 352-629-4000.

HEALING FACILITATOR Christine Rossiter, MCHt 352-625-6924 1-800-376-0997 cjrossiter@yahoo.com As a healing facilitator, I assist people in discovering ways to help the spirit, mind and body heal. I use hypnosis, energy healing and education. I get to the root cause of problems.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE Michael J. Badanek BS, DC, CNS, DACBN Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition, Promoter of Alternative Complementary Medicine 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #B Ocala, Florida 34470 / 352-622-1151 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com Proudly serving Marion County for 28+ years with alternative holistic complementary health services. “Helping patients achieve optimal health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology.” Treating the body to support all health challenges with Holistic Integrative Medicine. Treatment modalities include, but not limited to: Chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, applied kinesiology, EAV testing, nutritional evaluation and treatment protocols, physiotherapy, massage therapy, functional

medicine diagnostic testing, laboratory testing, heavy metal testing and treatment, detoxification programs and support. Available to lecture to groups and meetings. Same day emergency appointments and courtesy consultations available.

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.

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.

HYPNOTHERAPY Matthew Brownstein, CHt Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy & Associates 352-378-5746 / 800-551-9247 www.tfioh.com / info@tfioh.com Offering the complete line of hypnotherapy services and statelicensed training to become a clinical certified hypnotherapist. Free lectures occur every month.

LIFE COACHES Cynthia Christianson, M.A., CCC Inner Relationship Coaching Body Felt-Sense Therapy www.avanticoaching.com 352-374-7982 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.

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communityresourceguide Vickie Haren , CCLC, CCHt 352-502-3898 / www.VickieHaren.com Office and classroom: All About Art, 5162 SE Abshier Blvd. (Hwy 441), Belleview Vickie is a holistic health educator and co-owner of Endless Journey Retreats. Clinically Certified as a Life Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner with studies in Hypnosis, Reflexology, Reiki (Master/Teacher), Neuro Linguistic Programming, Non-Directive Imagery, EFT, Body Talk, Psych-K and Somatic Healing. “I believe that healing and self-empowerment occurs when the underlying emotional component of an illness or condition is released through education, holistic practices and spiritual counseling.”

Rev. Kim Marques, CHt, Reiki Master Teacher 2106 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 352-804-9006 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 Tiara L. Catey, LMT Center for Balance 1705 N.W. 6th St., Gainesville 352-642-4545 / www.tiaracatey.com Cultivate relaxation, relieve pain and manage stress by including massage as an essential part of your self-care practices. Relaxation and therapeutic massage ($60/hour), lomilomi ($80/hour), shiatsu ($70/hour), includes aromatherapy. Holistic approach. NY massage education. See www.tiaracatey.com for more details. MA41831.

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. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift Certificates available. MA27082, MM9718.

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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. Essential oil therapy, Reiki, Raindrop treatment. Holistic stress and pain relief for you and your horse.

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.

PSYCHIC MEDIUM Rev. Louise Link, ADL, UMC, Spiritualist Clairvoyant Channel, Readings, Spirit Messages.

352-378-9943 / Gainesville linklouise@bellsouth.net The Link to your Angels, Guides and Loved Ones in Spirit. More than 25 years’ experience in Metaphysical Research and Spirit Communication. Bringing you Spirit Messages from your Loved Ones. Readings, Counseling, Classes. Your Spirit Link!

REFLEXOLOGIST Integrated Reflexology and Massage Shayla Blalock, LMT MA51495 Certified Reflexologist 352-871-1944 / www.IntegratedReflexology.com “The soles of the feet are the mirror of the body.” Reflexology improves circulation, cleanses the body of toxins, and balances the whole system. Documented studies show it to be helpful with diabetes, neuropathy, insomnia, and more. Call Shay Blalock for information.

ROLFING 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.

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE Rev. Dr. Janet Claire Moore, Medium, DDMS 352-373-8047 JCMoore1@Gmail.com Extraordinary Psychic, Medium, Teacher and Channeler, as well as an Ordained Minister, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 36 years’ experience.

YOGA Hot Yoga Big Ron’s Yoga College 519-D NW 10th Ave., Gainesville 352-367-8434 / www.bigronsyoga.com Total physical and mental conditioning. 100 minutes, 100° heated class. All fitness levels welcome. Certified instructors. Unlimited classes only $100 per month. Visit www.bigronsyoga.com for schedule.

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF A THRIVING PRACTICE IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2009.

Advertise!

352-629-4000.

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