Natural Awakenings of Grand Traverse Region Michigan - May 2021

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

SPECIAL EDITION

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

HOLISTIC PREGNANCY TIPS EASY DIY BABY FOOD HOMEOPATHIC FIRST-AID NON-INVASIVE FAT REDUCTION

May 2021 | Grand Traverse Region | HealthyLivingMichigan.comMay 2021

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CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

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Find the news, events, cutting-edge articles and products and services that support your healthy lifestyle. The print and digital magazine you’ve come to love and depend on for you and your family’s health since 2006 has a state-of-the-art website to serve you, as well. You will discover exclusive, online-only, healthy living info you won't find in our print version that will help guide you to a healthier, more balanced life. Readers and healthy living, healthy planet practitioners, visit YOUR website today!

May 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the publishers Over the Moon

GRAND TRAVERSE REGION

W

e are super, over-the-moon excited to broaden our

Publishers John & Trina Voell III

reach and welcome our Traverse City readers this

month! We welcome you to the pages of Natural Awakenings

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Martin Miron Theresa Archer Randy Kambic

magazine, which is now being widely distributed from the top to the bottom of our beautiful state. John and I are proud

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and honored to bring together this valuable resource that’s filled with beautiful people to meet and a strong sense of

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togetherness—we feel so blessed!

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We’d also like to welcome all of you business owners and practitioners that are devoting yourselves to the health and well-being of our community and invite you to share

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your news, events, products and services. Giving you a platform to educate and empower individuals to take responsibility and make healthier lifestyle choices is why we have been publishing Natural Awakenings in the greater Ann Arbor area for the last 15 years, and still stands at the heart of our mission.

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May is also time to celebrate Mom. Mothers are in most cases the backbone of the

family, and although roles have changed greatly over the years since we were children, mothers are still a constant caring presence and nurturing source of strength. Mothers are

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ant job in the world.

their children.

I urge all ladies in the throes of their balancing act to take time this month and con-

template their situation; remember who they are and what their goals are, but most of all to nurture a sense of pride, joy and empowerment in that they are doing the most import

Nurturing ourselves and the people around us is a natural expression of our love.

We’re pretty sure you can think of many women that have made a huge impact on your life and inspired you in some way to become a better person—whether it was your mom, your

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best friend or your aunt—they were important because they cared.

Through the years, I have had a great example in my own mother, with her relentless

love for her family. Mom, you never cease to amaze me, and once again on this Mother’s Day, I celebrate you. Thank you most importantly for your wisdom. I love you!

When we open our hearts to those in need we are continuing that sacred tradition of

mothering. Pray for, dance for and meditate on the motherly light that shines on us all.

Happy Mother’s Day to all! To feel nurtured is to feel loved—give someone you love a great big hug right now!

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

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Contents

14 INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

20

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do

18 HOMEOPATHY TO THE RESCUE

Create a Family First-Aid Kit

20 BABY BITES

Healthy Homemade Food for Tiny Tummies

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22 NATURAL MAMA Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

24 NORTHERN MICHIGAN CANNABIS PIONEER

25 GROWING INDOORS

IS FUN AND REWARDING

26 CURBING CANCER ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

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IN CATS

Ways to Keep a Feline Healthy

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DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 17 therapy

spotlight 18 healing ways 20 conscious eating

22 healthy kids 24 plant medicine 26 natural pet 28 calendar 29 resource guide

May 2021

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news briefs

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Secure this ad spot!

734-757-7929

Get Started in a Growing Health Professional Career

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he Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education is accepting early applications up to July 15 for fall classes. The natural health and therapeutic bodywork practitioner programs start August 6. The doula program starts October 8. All classes are held in person at the Mount Pleasant campus.

Many people have turned to natural health modalities to keep themselves safe and healthy while building up their immune system. Become a trained practitioner—licensed massage therapists are in demand across all industry. This one-year program provides all the necessary hours and requirements to take the state licensing exam. Hospitals and midwifery agencies are looking for doulas to help meet the demand of families looking for more natural childbirth services.

The Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education has been offering natural health classes for more than 25 years and is accredited by the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Association. They are recognized by the state of Michigan as an approved provider of massage programs and also by the NCBTMB, VA Tuition Assistance Programs and more.

For more information, call 989-773-1714, email Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.org or visit the NaturopathicInstitute.org. See ad page 3.

Urban Oasis Salt Spa Offers Wellness Options

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rban Oasis Salt Spa is a local, family run business owned by Dave and Carol Saxton, who have a passion for bringing all-natural dry salt therapy, known as halotherapy, to locals and visitors from around the world, with a focus on education, especially in the Carol and Dave Saxton senior and veteran communities.

Halotherapy is beneficial for respiratory and skin health and helps to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, colds, cough, flu, asthma, allergies, sinuses, PTSD, post-Covid-19 symptoms, eczema, psoriasis and more.

The exclusive salt room consists of 15,000 pounds of imported Himalayan salt, combined with LED-lit walls and medical-grade salt in microfine particles dispersed into the room for inhalation, and was built from the ground up by Dave (Mr. Salty) himself. Lie back in anti-gravity chairs and relax while breathing in the healing salt vapors. Clients use their time in the salt room to de-stress, meditate or practice deep breathing techniques, with sound and light therapy creating an ideal setting.

Though the salt room is the heart of Urban Oasis, they also offer organic facials using fruitbased enzymes and botanicals that help to restore skin health, increase collagen and promote cell regeneration. Experienced and professional massage therapists provide luxurious massages to help relax and unwind using hot Himalayan stones, deep tissue, integrative and Swedish massage with essential oils to enhance the experience, as well as couples massage, and offer detox services such as ion cleanse foot detox, detoxifying salt wraps and infrared sauna.

Carol is a certified reiki master/teacher providing reiki healing using sound therapy promoting total relaxation, balancing of your chakras and grounding to aid in the reduction of stress and anxiety.

Location: 1545 S. Division, Ste. 117, Traverse City. For more information, call 231-938-6020, email UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com@gmail.com or visit UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com. See ad page 15.

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Accessing Our Higher Self

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ev. Barbara Disborough (spirit name Shama Arial), owner of Lightworks, says: “When I was ordained as a minister by the Christian Council of Spiritualist Churches of Great Britain, I was designated as a medium–clairvoyant, spiritual teacher and esoteric healer. The energy has been working through me since I was a small child, and ‘knowingly’ for over four decades. I work with chakras, Barbara Disborough crystals, spirit guides, regressions, ceremonies and other inroads. The sacred path is already in your heart. I would be honored to share your journey as you access your higher self.”

Readings and other private activities are scheduled individually.

Class schedules will be published. Private sessions are scheduled where convenient. Group events are scheduled to respect COVID-19 safety and guidelines.

“This is a time of accelerated spiritual awakening on the planet.

Expanding the perspective of our greater selves and our connections to other spiritual beings, Lightworks is a resource for the individual moving forward on this journey,” she advises.

For more information, call 231-383-0803, email Lightworks@aye.net or visit Facebook.com/Shama-Arials-Lightworks-579284359208041.

See ad page 23.

Shared Blessings Farm Offers Fresh Raw Milk

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hared Blessings Farm is a family farm focused on healthy soil to produce healthy animals so they can produce good healthy raw milk for better health.

Owner Paul Mast says, “In the process of breeding cows for high levels of milk production, a gene was introduced that produces a beta-casein protein called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7).

This results in a weak link in the chain of proteins at link number 67. There are seven connected links that can break off and enter

the bloodstream without being properly digested. The benefit of A2 raw milk is it does not have that weak link.

“Research from RealMilk.com shows that fresh milk has been used in the treatment of many diseases. Research also indicates that it does not make a person overweight. Fresh milk is the most nearly perfect food. Research has shown there is nothing better than breast milk for babies. But if breast milk is not available, raw cow milk can be used. Store-bought milk is pasteurized and homogenized. Raw milk is not. Not all raw milk is the same—if care is not taken in how it is handled, it should be pasteurized.

“Milk contains a lot of sugar (lactose), but does not have the side effects of regular sugar (sucrose). It has been found that by pasteurizing the milk, the lactose changes to beta-lactose, which is absorbed more rapidly and can cause intolerance.

“Grass is higher in vitamins and minerals than most vegetables, but humans cannot digest grass. Cows can covert that grass into milk so we can still benefit. Raw milk can be legally obtained through herd share programs.”

Shared Blessings Farm offers fresh milk herd shares and grass-finished beef, and is located at 7291 18 Mile Rd., in Marion. For more information or to place orders, call Paul Mast at 231-743-2286. See ads page 29.

Fueling Tomorrow Today

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uel Your Tomorrow (FYT) provides healthy, organic, GMOfree, nutritionally designed meals prepared by chefs and delivered to the door. They use locally sourced farmers and crops for the betterment of our bodies and the environment and offer a selection of meal prep programs with a variety of diet selections to fit anyone’s healthy living lifestyle. FYT is the highest-rated Certified Green restaurant in Michigan and accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

Coming Next Month JUNE

Treating Depression Naturally Plus: Integrative Approaches to Men’s Health Travel for the Planet Tips for Eating Vegan on Vacation

May 2021

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news briefs FYT allows families, business professionals and kitchen-free individuals the ability to “heatand-eat” a variety of meals quickly. With a rotating weekly menu, clients have choices from cuisines all around the world without all of the prep work.

Executive Manager Kelsi Davenport says, “We honor the coming together of people, families and the community through wonderful food. FYT was founded on the principles of understanding where our food comes from, promoting a healthy lifestyle based on using locally and ethically sourced ingredients, and enjoying the food and people you are with. It is our goal to make life easier by offering home-cooked meals without all the hassle.”

Location: 1375 Yellow Dr., Ste. 100, Traverse City. Order at FuelYour Tomorrow.com. For more info, call 231-252-2147. See ad page 29.

Acupuncture and Nutrition Counseling at Shoreline Center for Healing

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horeline Center for Healing provides acupuncture and nutritional support to give patients natural, non-invasive alternatives for their medical needs.

Heather Campbell, MS, RD, specializes in healing with whole foods.

She has been a registered Jeff and Heather Campbell dietitian since 1994 with a background in critical care nutrition. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human nutrition.

She believes that good foods containing enzymes, healthy fats and good bacteria are the building blocks of good health and teaches natural ways to detoxify the body through individualized services such as nutritional counseling, classes in preparation of traditional foods, shopping and label reading guidance, and menu planning.

Jeff Campbell, MSAc, Dipl Ac, is a board-certified acupuncturist with more than 2,500 hours of classroom and clinical training in acupuncture, botanical medicine, diet counseling, nutrition, massage therapy, exercise and breathing therapy. He also has 18 years of pharmacology experience and offers alternative treatments for digestive disorders, stress, sports medicine injuries, back and joint pain, migraines and infertility, as well as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal therapy and exercise counseling.

Location: 745 S. Garfield Ave., Ste. C, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231-946-4325, email Shoreline Healing@gmail.com or visit ShorelineHealing.com.

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Sleep Soundly with a Clear Conscience

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reen Island Earth Friendly Goods, established in 2001, sells organically grown cotton baby clothing and mattresses made with the least adverse impact to our environment by employees and artisans that are treated fairly and paid a living wage. We all want a mattress that is super-cozy to get a great night’s sleep, but a growing number of people are concerned about the chemicals many companies use to make mattresses. Green Island provides a comfortable mattress that is also climate-friendly, organic and naturally nontoxic.

Savvy Rest mattresses are all Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified, and they are a certified B Corp that values the importance of community, employees and the environment. These customizable mattresses are made with either organic Dunlop latex, Vita Talalay latex, organic cotton or organic wool. The latex is sourced from rubber tree plantations that adhere to sustainable forestry practices. Save 20 percent off all Savvy Rest through May 10.

Location: 120 E. Front St., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-933-8465 or visit GoGreenIsland.com/collections/mattresses.

Say So Long to Silver Fillings

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arborside Dental, the practice of Stephen E. Kozelko, DDS, and Mark D Krull, DDS, is a mercury-free practice, but many people still have silver fillings from years past. These fillings contain 50 percent mercury, a known neurotoxin, and result in a weaker tooth structure. Composite tooth-colored restorations fillings are not only more Mark D. Krull (L) and attractive, but also add Stephen E. Kozelko strength to weakened teeth thanks to new bonding technologies. The process requires only one appointment.

There are many other advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin composite fillings are bonded to the teeth, creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can even be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The finished tooth remains intact and stronger, and the result is a beautiful smile.

Location: 13300 South West Bay Shore Dr., Ste. 1, Traverse City.

For appointments and more information, call 231-946-0207, email Info@HarborsideDental.com or visit HarborsideDental.com.

Naturopathic Bridges Natural and Conventional Medicine

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bigail Ellsworth, ND, RAc, with offices in Traverse City and Frankfort, specializes in promoting integrative health, naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine and resilience medicine in Northern Michigan.

She is accepting new patients and works with alternative pain management, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, skin disorders/rejuvenation, sleep disorders, stress management/anxiety, and more, and says, “If you are looking for an integrative and collaborative approach to your health, I can help!” Services include naturopathic Abigail Ellsworth medicine, dietary consultations, botanical formulations, professional supplements and homeopathy.

“As a naturopathic doctor, I approach every patient as an individual from a holistic perspective. I am uniquely trained in herb/ drug/nutrient interactions and can act as a bridge between natural and conventional medicine. I believe wholeheartedly in truly integrative health care, in which a person can build a multidisciplinary team of providers who can work together to optimize your health journey,” she says.

Locations: 3180 Racquet Club Dr., Ste. B, Traverse City (231-2529000); and 218 7th St., Frankfort (231-871-0191). For more information, visit MiHolisticMed.com or FreshWaterMi.com.

Experience the Healing Power of Nature oil tinctures • gummies • topicals pet products • coffee • tea • kangen water

231-421-1070 1112 E Front St, Traverse City PurelyCBD-TraverseCity.com Call us for free shipping!

A Holistic Care Approach to Health and Wellness

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wner Barbara Meconis founded Holistic Care Approach on the belief that achieving wellness from within is the key to physical and mental well-being. She offers client-centered care and integrated treatment for acute and chronic conditions using Immune Modulation Allergy Elimination Technology (IMAET) and Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques Barbara Meconis (NAET) treatments. She knows that only by balancing the mind, body and spirit can we enjoy good health.

Her 50-year nursing career began in 1972 as a registered nurse and progressed to medical intuitive certification and administrative roles with several healthcare organizations.

After becoming the owner of Holistic Care Approach, she was certified in auricular acupuncture, NAET and as a holistic nurse consultant/nutritionist.

Holistic Care Approach is uniquely qualified to offer alternative treatment for allergies and other ailments through immune system modulation with the use of biofeedback technology.

Meconis says, “You may already be a believer in natural medicine, you may have run out of options in traditional medicine or you May 2021

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would like to obtain natural medicine benefits as a complement to traditional medicine.”

Location: 733 E. 8th St., Ste. 202, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 616-443-3049, email BarbM@Holistic CareApproach.com or visit HolisticCareApproach.com.

Authentic Solutions from Kristy Wiersema

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risty Wiersema, LMSW, provides holistic counseling services to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and complex trauma at Authentic Life. She says, “The search for a therapist can be exciting, but also pretty intimidating knowing this will be the person you open yourself up to. I understand how important it is that you feel comfortable Kristy Wiersema with your counselor. In fact, I believe it is the most important part of the therapeutic process.”

She interacts and connects with clients in a judgement-free space and notes that many are surprised by how comfortable they feel in the sessions.”

Coming from a social work background, Wiersema takes a holistic approach, combining an array of therapeutic methods tailored to each client. She explains, “I place an emphasis on viewing the person within their environment and taking note of the complexities of the individual. Every individual is different, and their story is unique to them. My goal as a therapist is to meet the client where they are at and collaborate on goals for their life. I’d love to hear your story.”

For a free, 15-minute phone consultation, call 231-714-0292. Location: 12935 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Ste. 355B, Traverse City. For more information, email Kristy@AuthenticLifeTC.com or visit AuthenticLifeTC.com.

Infrared Sauna Offers Low Heat Therapy

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r. Jena Hullman, DC, owner of Big Beautiful Life Chiropractic & Wellness, facilitates positive transformation in all areas of health using holistic chiropractic care and Nutrition Response Testing.

She says, “There’s nothing quite like a 30-minute sweat session in a sauna. You feel more relaxed and rested after you’re done, and the heat helps 10

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relieve sore muscles and improves your overall health and well-being. But if the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are just too much for you to handle, an infrared sauna offers the benefits of a sauna without the extreme heat.” Benefits of using an infrared salt sauna include detoxification, help with respiratory ailments (allergies, asthma and bronchitis), help with skin ailments (eczema, psoriasis and other skin issues), stress reduction, pain relief, better sleep, relaxation, weight loss, relief from sore muscles, relief from joint pain such as arthritis, clearer, tighter skin and improved circulation.

“As an undergraduate at Michigan State University, I considered various chiropractic colleges and selected Sherman College for its holistic focus,” says Hullman. “I opened Big Beautiful Life Chiropractic & Wellness in October of 2009.”

Location: 515 1/2 Union St., Old Town, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231-421-9189, email ChiroJena@ yahoo.com or visit BigBeautifulChiropractic.com.

Pain Relief with Myofascial Therapy

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t Zemper Restorative Therapy, owner Dan Zemper says, “Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to top form or someone who simply wants to get back to your active lifestyle, we can help.” Using myofascial release, he is able to help many that are frustrated by the inability to find relief for muscular pain and malfunction, as well as nerve entrapments which might be causing them.

Benefits of myofascial release include improved range of motion, reduced soreness and assisting the tissue recovery process, helping the body relax overall, improved circulation and releasing tension, knots and stress.

“Experience has shown us that we all accumulate traumatic and/or ‘spot weld’ repetitive injuries as we age, especially those of us who are more active. As our bodies heal from these injuries, there is inflammation and restricted blood flow in our muscles, which causes the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue has a strong tendency to continue growing even after the initial healing process is complete, causing stiffness, pain and reduced function,” says Zemper.

Location: in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, 818 Red Dr., Ste. A, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231941-7085, email Zemperzrt@gmail.com or visit ZemperTherapy.com.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

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ruSelf Organics, an organic, natural, cruelty-free skincare line based in Traverse City, has an online store that ships to customers around the world. Co-owners Mark and Ann Bongiorno say, “We created TruSelf Organics to help busy women and

men be their best self and have confidence through using safe, vegan and cruelty-free beauty products at an affordable price.”

Their Natural Deodorant doesn’t clog pores to prevent sweating. It helps absorb sweat and kill the bacteria that cause odor. Conventional deodorants/antiperspirants stop odor by clogging sweat glands to prevent perspiration. Typically, chemicals, additives and ingredients like aluminum are added that present potential health risks. Sweating is a natural and healthy function that rids the body of toxins and helps regulate body temperature.

The average American woman’s beauty routine exposes her to more than 150 different toxins and chemicals every day. Keeping skin healthy and radiant shouldn’t be complicated or expensive; all we need is a simple routine with nourishing, natural ingredients.

With a TruRenew monthly beauty subscription, customers save money on skin-saving products for their skincare regimen. Sign up to automatically receive an order every one, two or three months.

Order at Tinyurl.com/TruSelfNaturalDeodorant.

KUDOS

The Cooks’ House is celebrating their 13th anniversary with “a huge thank you to the farmers and artisans for the amazing product, and our staff for making the cooks’ house what it is today. Also many thanks to our wonderful community and loyal followers for your continued support.”

Owners and chefs Eric Patterson and Jen Blakeslee operate the destination for sustainable fare with a menu comprised almost entirely of local foods.

The food is simple and uncomplicated, with dishes that celebrate singular, intense flavors.

Patterson and Blakeslee worked together in Las Vegas, cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens under iconic French chef André Rochat and hatched an idea to open a small restaurant in Blakeslee’s native Traverse City. The Cooks’ House retains a high staff-to-guest ratio so that diners are never wanting for comfort, and atmosphere is relaxed and social with tables trading conversation.

Location: 115 Wellington St., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-946-8700 or visit CooksHouseTC.com.

Dogs Benefit from Probiotics

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ets Naturally, Northern Michigan’s only holistic pet supply store, carries a complete line of healthy and 100 percent-safe foods, treats, toys and health products for dogs and cats. Four Leaf Rover products are manufactured with the environment in mind, using 100 percent PCR plastic containers which require much less energy and water to manufacture. They are BPAfree and easily recycled.

Four Leaf Rover soil-based probiotics for dogs support the maintenance of a healthy gut with whole-food prebiotics and healthy soils to help safely remove toxic heavy metals from a dog and enhances brain function. Soil-based probiotics are better at surviving stomach acid than traditional probiotics for improved gut health support. They help absorb nutrients from food and remove pesticides and dangerous heavy metals from the body.

A probiotic can help restore and maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria and may even provide other benefits such as increased energy and improved skin. Hidden ingredients and fillers have no place in pet products. Four Leaf Rover products come with a certificate of analysis to prove they’re tested for harmful substances.

Location: 1117 W. South Airport Rd., Ste. B, Traverse City. For more information, call 231-944-1944 or visit PetsNaturallyTC.com and FourLeafRover.com.

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health briefs

Try Infrared Sauna for Weight Loss Regular use of an infrared sauna is a healthy way to shed extra weight. They use heat and light to relax and detoxify the body. The difference between these types of saunas and typical steam or dry saunas is that light directly penetrates the skin, but does not warm the air. Body temperature goes up quickly, causing encouraging perspiration to release toxins that are mostly stored in fat cells, which may effect the body’s ability to lose weight. Recent studies indicate that regular sauna use has a significant effect on body mass loss and can contribute to the healthy shedding of weight.

Infrared sauna use may also improve overall health and well-being, and alleviate a variety of different health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, poor digestion, depression and chronic muscle and joint pain. Additional health benefits may include detoxification, stress relief, a strengthened immune system, pain relief, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, muscle recovery and healthier skin.

Avoid Coffee When Pregnant to Safeguard Brain Development A mother’s coffee drinking during pregnancy can change important pathways in an infant’s developing brain, raising the risk of behavioral issues, attention difficulty and hyperactivity years later, say researchers at the University of Rochester, in New York. Analyzing thousands of brain scans of 9- and 10-yearolds, researchers found clear changes in how white matter tracks, which form connections between brain regions, were organized in children whose mothers

True Health Chiropractic and Massage is located at 1323 Cass St., in Traverse City.

For appointments and more information, call 231-946-1822, email TrueHealth ChiropracticTC@gmail.com or visit TrueHealthChiroTC.com. See ad page 23.

Nix Baby Foods that Harbor Toxic Metals As convenient as storebought baby food is, it can pose hidden dangers for infant brains, say U.S. congressional investigators. A report issued by the House of Representatives on February 4 found “dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals,” including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury, in baby foods made by major companies Hain Foods, Gerber, Beech-Nut and Happy Family Organics. Walmart, Campbell Soup Company and Sprout Organic Foods refused to cooperate with the investigation. On March 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pledged to enact new standards, increase inspections and testing, and support research to lower baby food contaminants.

Low levels of exposure to heavy metals can cause serious, irreversible damage to children’s brain development, studies show. Naturally present in the environment, they enter baby foods through soil, water and air; companies attempt to minimize this impact through processing. In one example, Hain Celestial, which makes Earth’s Best Organic, says it no longer uses brown rice, which can harbor arsenic.

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reported consuming caffeine while pregnant. “These are sort of small effects and it’s not causing horrendous psychiatric conditions, but it is causing minimal, but noticeable behavioral issues that should make us consider long-term effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy,” says John Foxe, Ph.D., principal investigator of the university’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Previous studies have found that a fetus does not have enough of the enzyme necessary to break down caffeine when it crosses the placenta.

Climbing Time

global briefs

Ark Park

World’s Largest Wildlife Highway Crossing Opens in San Antonio

The new Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge connects people with nature in the heart of San Antonio across a sixlane highway at Phil Hardberger Park. Private donations and a five-year bond program approved by voters helped fund the $23 million bridge, the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the U.S. Wildlife and vehicle collisions are a big problem across the country, increasing by 50 percent in 15 years, with an estimated 1 to 2 million large animals killed by motorists every year, according to National Geographic sources.

In the U.S., 21 threatened and endangered species face extinction partly because of traffic accidents. Wildlife crossings are seen as an effective solution to the problem, with fatality reductions of up to 95 percent, depending on the location. The San Antonio bridge is notable for its size—150 feet wide and 150 feet long—and that it accommodates people, too. Animals in the 330-acre park that benefit from the bridge include ringtails, squirrels, coyotes, lizards, raccoons and deer. They are using it as intended, and it also serves as a habitat for native plants.

Critters React to Warming Temperatures in the Rockies

A 13-year study at the University of Colorado at Boulder published in the journal Ecology reveals that the popular golden-mantled ground squirrel and 46 other species of rodents and shrews in Colorado are climbing uphill to escape warming temperatures in the state. The report states that, on average, the ranges of the animals have shifted more than 400 feet in elevation since the 1980s. Montane mammals, or those already living at higher elevations like the ground squirrel, have moved up 1,100 feet on average.

It‘s a significant change that could rob them of their environmental niche. The same species may be harbingers of larger and more urgent changes in the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado has warmed by nearly 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1980s because of human-caused climate change. As the state continues to heat up, scientists say that ponderosa pine forests and other mountain ecosystems will have to move higher to find cooler weather. Beginning in 2008, the team visited multiple sites in Colorado’s Front Range and San Juan mountains to collect records of the current ranges of 47 species of rodents and shrews. They compared their findings with approximately 4,500 historic records from museum collections dating back to the 1880s and included animal specimens stored at the university museum, which houses nearly 12,000 mammals from Colorado.

Ah-Choo!

Climate Change Makes Pollen Season Worse for Allergy Sufferers

A new study by the University of Utah published in the journal PNAS found that pollen seasons have been getting longer and more intense in North America over the last 30 years, aggravating asthma and weakening defenses against respiratory viruses, resulting in more emergency room visits that disrupt lives. Researchers comparing pollen metrics between 1990 and 2018 from 60 monitoring stations indicate that seasons are starting up to 20 days earlier and lasting up to eight days longer, affecting millions of allergy sufferers. The study looked at variable factors such as temperature, rainfall, frost days and carbon dioxide concentrations, and found that an increase in mean annual temperatures was the strongest driver. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 19 million adults have been diagnosed with hay fever, an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder from plants that can come into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth and throat.

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INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do

by Ronica O’Hara

A

nyone walking into a U.S. hospital today will notice something that was inconceivable 50 years ago—one in three practicing physicians is a woman, and among physicians under age 35, it’s three in five. That compares to one in 14 in 1970. For women needing health care, that fact can change everything.

“Research says that female physicians provide better care to female patients than male physicians do,” says Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Alice Domar, Ph.D., a pioneer in women’s mind-body medicine. “They are more likely to listen carefully and take complaints seriously.”

That’s just one factor in how health care is improving for women. Only three decades ago, women were simply considered “small men” in medical research and rarely included as subjects in clinical studies. Today, after a 1993 federal mandate ensured their inclusion, it’s been well established that women metabolize drugs differently than men, respond to health threats with a more robust immune system and are more likely 14

Grand Traverse Region

to experience side effects. These findings have helped spur major changes for women in standards, dosages, medications and procedures—resulting in fewer cancer deaths, better treatment of autoimmune disorders and more nuanced cardiac care strategies.

Although much has improved about women’s health, much more remains to be done.

awareness, early detection and better treatments. “Women learned from the AIDS crisis that making noise gets results,” says Domar. “Look at how far breast cancer research and treatment has come in the past 10 to 20 years, how powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month is, and that everyone recognizes that pink ribbon.”

Cancer

Common symptoms: Bowel changes, lingering sores, fatigue, lumps, unusual discharge, difficulty digesting or swallowing, nagging cough or hoarseness, belly or back pain.

About one in three women is diagnosed with cancer in the course of a lifetime, and they have better survival rates than men, of which one in two receives that diagnosis.

Between 2001 and 2017, the overall cancer death rate for women declined by 1.4 percent each year as diagnoses and treatments became more refined and targeted. The number one cancer killer for women is lung cancer, although 19 percent diagnosed have never smoked. The next most deadly are cancers of the breast, colon/rectum, pancreas and ovaries.

Breast cancer deaths have dropped by 40 percent since 1989, thanks to greater

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New research: An international research team has identified a direct molecular link between meat and dairy diets and the development of antibodies in the blood that increases the chances of developing cancer.

Medical advances: Painful, invasive biopsies may become a thing of the past. Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a simple blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer, as well as their location within the body, with a high degree of accuracy, and the City

of Hope Cancer Center, in Los Angeles, has developed a urine test that analyzes cell-free fragments of DNA to detect cancer.

Common symptoms: Heart pressure, fatigue, breathlessness and pain between the shoulder blades.

Preventive strategies: Vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of mortality across all cancers, German researchers found, estimating that if all Germans older than 50 took such supplements, up to 30,000 cancer deaths per year might be avoided. A 10-year study found that people between 55 and 74 that took a low-dose aspirin at least three times each week lowered their risk of all types of cancer by 15 percent and overall mortality by 19 percent.

New research: Eating more than seven servings per day of refined grains like croissants and white bread increased the risk of heart disease by 33 percent and stroke by 47 percent, concluded a study in The British Medical Journal. In a Stanford study, participants that ate plant-based meat for eight weeks had improved markers of heart health, lower LDL levels and lost two pounds compared to those eating meat.

Heart Disease

One in three American women die from heart disease, more than all cancers combined. “Unfortunately, awareness that heart disease can and does happen to women remains low, and this results in delay of care,” says cardiologist Nicole Harkin of Whole Heart Cardiology, in San Francisco. “Women tend to seek medical care later in the course of their heart attack and with more risk factors, resulting in poorer outcomes, and they are more likely than men to die of their first heart attack.”

Women have different symptoms of heart disease than men, are often misdiagnosed and have a 20 percent greater risk of dying within five years of a heart attack. Pregnant women that develop hypertension are two to five times more likely to later develop cardiovascular disease.

Medical advance: To successfully fix a floppy mitral valve that’s hampering blood flow in the heart, doctors can guide a catheter up a patient’s leg vein and staple the troubled parts of the valve with a tiny clip, a safer and less invasive procedure than open-heart surgery.

Preventive strategies: Eating nuts several times a week lowers by 30 to 50 percent the risk of heart attacks, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease, four large cohort studies have shown. Older women with high fitness levels have one quarter the risk of dying from heart disease as women that are out of shape, report Spanish researchers.

Autoimmune Diseases The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has grown by one half in two decades, even as medications and targeted therapies have

kept more patients active and out of wheelchairs. “Where it used to be the norm for many physicians to consider women with some autoimmune illnesses to be neurotic, that approach is now being recognized as being abusive and unacceptable. This is a critical step towards recovery,” says chronic fatigue expert Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!

About 80 percent of the 23 million Americans that suffer from debilitating autoimmune diseases are women, and those conditions tend to develop during childbearing years. The eighth-leading cause of death among women, these illnesses shorten lifespan by an average of eight years. The 80-plus diseases, including fibromyalgia, lupus, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, are linked to genetics, environmental triggers, some medications, obesity, injuries and stress.

Common symptoms: These vary widely, but may include achy muscles, fatigue, recurring low-grade fever, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, abdominal pain and swelling, hair loss, swollen glands and tingling in hands and feet.

New research: Eating significantly fewer foods containing the amino acid methionine, found at high levels in meat, fish, dairy and eggs, could slow the onset and progression of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis in high-risk individuals, reports a study in Cell Metabolism.

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Medical advance: Evidence is mounting that low doses of naltrexone, a substance-abuse treatment drug, can treat conditions like lupus, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis by normalizing the immune system and relieving pain with few side effects. “It costs only about 70 cents a day, is made by compounding pharmacists and is remarkably beneficial for a host of autoimmune conditions,” says Teitelbaum.

Preventive strategy: To fight inflammation, take a daily turmeric or curcumin supplement that includes piperine (black pepper) for better absorption. A University of Houston meta-study in Nutrients found that curcumin supplements improved symptoms in 14 osteoarthritis, two ulcerative colitis and eight Type 2 diabetes studies.

Hormonal Imbalances The past 20 years has seen significant improvements in the studies and treatments of female hormonal issues. “There are now treatment options that allow women to transition into menopause, options for prevention of osteoporosis and momentous changes in fertility,” says Stephanie Seitz, a naturopathic family physician in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the same time, she adds, “I have seen environmental toxins rising in my female population. I see young girls coming in with polycystic ovary syndrome, early menarche and painful menstrual cramping; women having trouble getting pregnant for unknown reasons; the rise of fibroids, premature ovarian insufficiency and endometriosis.”

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, regulating processes ranging from hunger to blood pressure to mood and playing a key role in reproduction. They have come under assault from endocrine disrupters, thousands of largely unregulated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, abbreviated PFAS. These “forever chemicals” are found in everything from plastics to cushions to canned foods, and are in the blood of 98 percent of Americans. Studies have linked them to girls experiencing puberty one year earlier than 40 years ago; to rising cases of infertility, miscarriages and low birth weight; to menopause occurring two to four years earlier; and to obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and breast cancer.

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Common symptoms: Because hormones regulate all of the body’s processes, symptoms of imbalance run the gamut and may include fatigue, weakness, erratic menstrual cycles and weight gain or loss.

New research: Early menstruation increases the likelihood of hot flashes and night sweats decades later at menopause, according to a University of Queensland study. Eating five teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil daily reduced women’s moderate to severe menstrual cramps by 83 percent in two months, Iranian researchers found.

Medical advance: A major study of 9,000 postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer showed 94 percent that received hormonal therapy, but not chemotherapy, did not have recurrences.

Preventive strategies: To avoid toxic chemicals, buy organics; replace plastic kitchen containers with glass; replace Teflon pans with ceramic or cast-iron; use chemical-free cosmetics and shampoos; nix air fresheners and chemical cleaners; and check out food and care products at the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). To help detox the body, consider working with a naturopathic doctor to develop a program that may include cleansing foods, herbs, saunas, elimination diets and chelators such as activated charcoal and algae.

Depression Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression, with one in four having a major episode at some point in life, yet fewer than half seek treatment. “Many women are too busy caring for others and feel guilty about

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their depression, fearing it could get in the way of their caregiving goals,” says New York psychoanalyst Claudia Luiz.

“Many have the fantasy that if they open that door and allow themselves to focus on their feelings, they won’t be able to keep going.”

Depression occurs most frequently in women ages 25 to 44, and one in five teenage girls reports having had a major depressive episode, a number that has exploded due to social media use. Psychotherapy is effective for 62 percent of adults with depression, antidepressants work for 54 percent and combining the two is helpful for 72 percent.

Common symptoms: Sadness, anxiety, flat feeling, loss of motivation or feelings of pleasure, change of eating or sleeping patterns, low energy, difficulty concentrating or headaches.

New research: Sleeping irregular hours, doing night shifts and working for more than nine hours a day have been shown to put women at higher risk of depression, while eating more dietary fiber in produce, grains and legumes significantly lowers this risk.

Medical advances: For the estimated one in four people with depression that doesn’t respond to medication or therapy, emerging approaches offer fresh hope. Low doses of the anesthetic drug ketamine lifted the depression of 70 percent of hard-to-treat subjects by targeting specific serotonin receptors, Swedish researchers report. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the prefrontal cortex, lifts symptoms for 50 to 60 percent of subjects, studies show.

Preventive strategies: Eating at least two servings a week of wild-caught, oily fish or a daily 1,000-to-2,000-milligram fish oil supplement with a 60-to-40 EPA to DHA ratio has been shown to be effective for symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and postpartum depression. Taking a brisk daily walk in nature with a friend or dog lowers four factors linked to depression: a “nature deficit”, physical inactivity, low vitamin-D levels and isolation.

Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

therapy spotlight

Shaping Self-Confidence with Passive Slimming

U

ntil recently, there have only been a few slimming remedies to lose a belly bump or love handles without cosmetic surgery, dieting or excessive gym time. But with the rising science of non-invasive fat reduction technology, passive slimming has grown in popularity by offering non-invasive, body-contouring options with results like never before achieved.

Passive Slimming: Shaping or reducing body fat with little to no physical exertion. Personal, passive, slimming programs will vary. The best results with non-invasive fat reduction treatments will couple with balanced diet, exercise (or passive exercise), detox, herbs or supplements, plus skin and collagen support of different types. Time investment will also vary, depending on the desired results.

People That Can Benefit: Those that have stubborn fat that diet and exercise won’t eliminate; people that want safe and natural alternatives to surgery; those with limited mobility or health complications; individuals that prefer sedentary lifestyles; people with busy work/life schedules; people in recovery; and senior citizens.

Starting a Program: Wellness and aesthetic facilities offer different technologies. Research the available options as treatments that sound similar can produce very different results. Ask plenty of questions to know which are right for your personal goals. Find out about safety, side

fat is very effective at complete fat cell elimination. Trials and applications have shown incredible results with a new hypothermal therapy called CryoSkin. Average fat elimination in the treated area weighs in at an incredible 44 percent. CryoSkin is the world’s first non-medical fat elimination technology and it allows a trained technician to hand-sculpt the body in the desired places. Many clients say it is like a freezing massage.

Different applications of light and lasers cause release of free-flowing fatty acids, reducing the size of individual fat cells. Laser-based technology can heat up fat cells to the point of total destruction.

Infrared light therapy will reduce subcutaneous and visceral fat, in addition to giving extra wellness benefits.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a type of passive exercise and an amazing slimming program addition. Vibration therapy will increase muscle mass, improve bone density and accelerate the heart rate during the session. Combining WBV with heat and/or infrared therapy will give other added benefits like improving heart rate variability and warming the core of muscles.

People are seeing benefits from passive slimming programs beyond a confidence boost and inch reduction.

Participants say that motivation for their current diet and fitness regimes improves,

CryoSkin is the world’s first non-medical fat elimination technology and it allows a trained technician to hand-sculpt the body in the desired places. effects and down time. Inquire about true inch-reduction results, the science behind the results and how long it will take for reduction to be noticeable. Because many of these methods work best with at least three to five treatments, consider a consultation to understand the length of time and investment required to achieve the desired results.

Common Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Methods: Cryolipolysis, a cold technology, is fast becoming the most widely known method. That’s because freezing

and these quick slims can bring freedom from guilt over the occasional sweet treat or missed gym day.

Kaycie Noble, DMph, ORDM, is a member of the International Light Association and owner of Earth Labs, an innovative, social wellness space and technotherapy lounge located at 317A E. Front St., in Traverse City. For appointments or more information, call 231-421-1490, email EarthLabsHeals@ gmail.com or visit EarthLabsHeal.com. See ads pages 19 and back cover.

May 2021

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healing ways

Homeopathy to the Rescue Create a Family First-Aid Kit

by Marlaina Donato

T

Aconitum napellus

he 200-year-old health system of homeopathy is based on natural sources and is unique in its “like cures like” philosophy that uses extremely diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural defenses.

“The word homeopathy is derived from two words: homeo—meaning similar, and pathos—meaning suffering. Basically, it means that a substance has the p ower to cure the same symp-

toms it can create,” says Kate Birch, a certified classical homeopath at the HippHealth Center for Holistic Healing, in Minneapolis.

“Moreover, the more a substance is diluted through homeopathic preparation, the more potent it can be for healing when given upon homeopathic indications.”

For most health conditions, including chronic complaints, homeopaths recommend tailoring remedies to an individual’s constitution, but first-aid applications are relatively universal and simple. Homeopathic first-aid can be administered for muscle strains, splinters, minor burns and even the common cold. Available in health food stores and pharmacies, homeopathic remedies come in various potencies in the form of pellets, tinctures and topical agents.

Gentle Go-To Medicine.

Whether treating a child’s skinned knee or an athlete with a mild to moderate injury, regular potencies offer benefits without a high risk of unpleasant or danger- ous contraindications. “In general, homeopathic remedies are safe for people of all ages because if taken as directed, there are no side effects or drug Ledum palustre interactions. This is due to the fact that remedies have been made through a process that renders the substances harmless,” says certified classical homeopath Myra Nissen, in Davis and Walnut Creek, California.

Classical homeopathic treatment is based on a person’s unique physical, emotional and mental nature, and requires deeper study to find the most appropriate remedies, but first-aid applications are most often universally straightforward. “A homeopathic first-aid kit at home is useful for cuts, 18

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Arnica montana

burns, bumps and bruises, insect bites, poison oak/ivy and minor illnesses,” says Nissen.

Gentle, but beneficial Arnica montana is perhaps the best-known application, used for acute injury and post-surgery. In a 2016 review of studies in the American Journal of Therapeutics, a team of international researchers found Arnica to be more effective than a placebo for swelling, bruising and post-surgery pain, and suggested it could be an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Calendula is a heavy hitter for wound care, skin ailments, minor burns including sunburn, diaper rash and post-tooth extraction. It offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is available for topical and internal use.

Soft Tissue Trauma, Burns and Bites. Nissen highlights Ruta graveolens and

Rhus toxicdendron for soft tissue injury and tendonitis and suggests Symphytum for serious damage to cartilage and ligaments. For puncture wounds or injuries involving nerves, Hypericum perforatum is helpful. She emphasizes the importance of using remedies immediately and properly to m a x i mize the potential for rapid healing and Rhus toxicdendron pain reduction.

Birch says that bee stings and allergic responses respond well to Apis mellifica and fevers and headaches to Belladonna. Using Cantharis or Urtica urens for first- and second-degree burns can help to prevent blisters and minimize pain, while Silicea is a good choice for splinters.

In general, for all acute cases and injuries, remedies are often taken every hour and tapered down to every four hours upon signs of improvement or lessening of intensity. If results are not seen within two days, it is best to discontinue the remedy.

Fighting the Flu. When taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, specially combined homeopathic formulas or single remedies can help to lessen severity and duration of certain viruses. Bryonia alba is useful for moderate fever, Gelsemium for general flu-like symptoms, Nux vomica for severe chills and nausea, and Arsenicum album for respiratory and stomach flus.

Homeopathic remedies, like all medications, should be properly stored and kept away from children and pets. Also, not all products labeled as homeopathic may be pure. Some products add homeopathic remedies to other ingredients that are not safe; for example, Arnica gel may have alcohol, preservatives and stabilizers, and be harmful if swallowed.

While homeopathy offers many benefits, Birch clarifies that it is not designed to be a quick fix and is best approached from a broader view or “a philosophy that shapes your day-to-day life. When you understand these things, once you have the right remedy, it produces instantaneous results.”

Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Green Living department is sponsored by Earth Labs. See ad this page and back cover.

Homeopathic First-Aid Kit Suggestions from Myra Nissen Aconitum napellus: Known as Aconite, it is useful immediately after an injury when there is a shock or fright, such as a fall or a car accident. Also helpful to fight off a cold after being exposed to a chill.

Apis mellifica: Helpful for insect bites which are red, hot and swollen, like a bee sting.

Arnica montana: Helpful for cuts and bruises.

Hypericum perforatum: Helpful for puncture wounds and injuries involving nerves such as catching a finger in the car door or hitting it with a hammer.

Ledum palustre: Helpful for puncture wounds and most insect bites.

Rhus toxicdendron: Helpful for itchy rashes, such as poison oak or ivy where there are blisters. A curious symptom that indicates Rhus tox is the right choice is when the itch is relieved by bathing or washing with very hot water.

Ruta graveolens: Helpful for sprains, strains, tendonitis and joint injuries.

Symphytum officinalis: Made from comfrey, also known as “bone knit”, it helps recovery from a broken bone or damaged cartilage and connective tissue.

Nux vomica: Go-to remedy for indigestion or overindulgence, including hangovers. It's also useful in the event of food poisoning.

Phosphorus: Useful for nosebleeds, especially after blowing the nose.

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conscious eating

Baby Bites

Healthy Homemade Food for Tiny Tummies

by Sandra Yeyati

F Liberate yourself from suffering.

Gnosis is the practical, fact-based knowledge of consciousness that guides us to our full potential and innate happiness.

Experience is better than belief.

Learn more at GnosticTeachings.org

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or the first year of a baby’s life, breast milk and formula are the main sources of nutrition, but as early as 4 to 6 months, a little one may be suited to try solid foods.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when a baby consistently holds their head up, has started to sit upright, has doubled their birth weight to a minimum of 13 pounds and exhibits an interest in food, they are ready.

Anjali Shah, a board-certified health coach and author of The Super Easy Baby Food Cookbook, is a proponent of homemade purées and soft finger foods. “A store-bought sweet potato pouch can cost $2.50, whereas one sweet potato is under a dollar, and you can get multiple meals out of it,” says Shah. “So, budget-wise, it’s a lot cheaper. It’s also healthier because you can control what’s in your baby food.”

The process is easy. “If you have a spoon and a fork, that’s a pretty good start, and if you have a blender, that’s really all you need,” says Amy Palanjian, author of Busy Little Hands: Food Play! and blogger at YummyToddlerFood.com. A very basic technique, which both she and Shah employ, involves boiling or steaming vegetables and fruits, puréeing them with a fork or blender to the desired smoothness and freezing one-ounce portions in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be popped out, kept in labeled freezer bags and thawed to serve.

They recommend a progression from thin, smooth purées to chunkier blends, and from very mild, single foods to progressively more adventuresome and complex flavors and textures. “Start with a really mild fruit like avocado or a really mild vegetable like carrots, green beans or sweet potato,” Shah advises. “Introduce one food every two or three days to make sure your baby is not allergic and that it suits their digestive system.”

In addition to purées, parents can offer their babies small-cut, softened versions of foods that they can hold in their hands and gnaw, a technique called baby-led weaning. “Your baby will pick it up with their fists, stick it in their mouth and drool all over it and gum it up. It teaches them to chew very early on,” Shah explains.

“Kids need healthy fats for proper brain development,” Palanjian says, suggesting a splash of olive oil in a broccoli purée or a dab of peanut butter in oatmeal. She also favors healthy proteins like a purée made with hard-boiled egg yolk slathered on a piece of toast or a well-blended bit of salmon.

“At 7 or 8 months, you can add lentils, beans and grains, and around 9 or 10 months you can start introducing mild spices—cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, turmeric, cumin,

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coriander. For example, if you’re going to make a lentil soup for yourself, you could add a few fresh, aromatic herbs like rosemary, oregano or thyme, and then for your baby, you can mash up that same lentil soup and serve it to them. The key is to avoid the hot spices like black pepper, cayenne or chili powder,” Shah says, noting that salt should be avoided in the first year because a baby’s kidneys cannot handle it. Added sugar is also a big no-no in her book.

“The best way to feel like you’re feeding your baby safe food is to serve a variety of foods over the course of a week,” Palanjian says. “But most of all, learn to enjoy this phase of your baby’s life. It can be a fun milestone. Let them explore. Trust them if they turn their face, close their mouth or push the spoon away. There’s no reason you need to force another bite. Let them show you and be in charge of what goes into their mouth. That can be a great way to set the foundation for intuitive eating.

We want them as adults to be able to say when they’re hungry and when they’re full, and we often have the tendency to try to override that in our kids. So, if you let that develop as it very clearly does and is present from birth, that can be a great thing to do with little ones.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

Easy DIY Baby Food Recipes Baby Blueberry Smoothie 1 cup frozen wild blueberries 1 pear, cored ½ banana, peeled 1 cup baby spinach ¼ to ½ cup water Put all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer until soft. Once soft, purée in a blender, adding additional water if needed for a thinner purée. Transfer to ice cube trays and freeze for up to four months.

Baby Superfood Purée 16 oz fresh or frozen broccoli 16 oz fresh or frozen cauliflower 4 cups baby spinach ¼ to ½ cup water Put all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer until soft.

Once soft, purée in a blender, adding additional water if needed for a thinner purée.

Transfer to ice cube trays and freeze for up to four months.

Recipes courtesy of Anjali Shah. For more information, visit PickyEaterBlog.com.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

Providing the World’s Best Herbs, Spices, and Teas for Your Kitchen.

HIBISCUS SPICED TEA

Hibiscus tea is a very popular use of the dried hibiscus flower.

Throughout both North and Latin America, this sweetened, chilled version called Jamaica is characterized by its ruby pigment, fruity aroma and intriguing spice. Prep time: 5 min • Cook time: 265 min

INGREDIENTS Makes 2 quarts 2 Quarts Water, divided 1 Cup Hibiscus Flower 1 1-Inch Piece Fresh Ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 2 4’’ Cinnamon Stick 1/2 Teaspoon Whole Allspice 1/8 Cup White Sugar 1 Orange, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS Bring 1 cup water to a boil in medium saucepan over high heat. Remove from heat and add Hibiscus Flowers, ginger, cinnamon sticks and allspice. Stir thoroughly. Let steep for 20 minutes.

Strain tea using fine-mesh sieve and discard solids. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in remaining 1 cup cold water, add orange slices and stir to combine.

Refrigerate tea for at least 4 hours and preferably overnight.

Serve over ice.

231-947-7423 • SpiceMerchants.biz • 145 E Front St, Traverse City May 2021

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healthy kids

Natural Mama Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

by Julie Peterson

D

uring her first pregnancy, Sarah Wallace, a former registered nurse in Atlanta, was chronically anemic. “I was so tired I would fall asleep while I was eating dinner,” she says. That pregnancy resulted in a baby with a low birth weight. Fortunately, Wallace learned more about nutrition and wellness. Her now 4-year-old has caught up to the growth charts and is thriving, and her next pregnancy went smoothly.

No matter how pregnancy is counted—280 days, 40 weeks or three trimesters—mama and baby share blood, nutrition and air for the duration. “Taking a holistic path before and during pregnancy is about embracing the nature of our bodies and committing to maintaining all aspects of wellness during this journey,” says Nancy Peplinsky, founder of the Holistic Moms Network, based in Caldwell, New Jersey.

Nutrition for Two The right foods nourish the growing baby, the placenta and the mother’s increasing blood volume, maintaining the mother’s body during the complex mission. Whole foods rather than processed are best. The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Preg22

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nancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start, by integrative obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) Jennifer Lang and dietitian Dana Angelo White, makes it easier to select the proper nutrients along the way and provides ways to deal with nausea and cravings.

Choose organic foods when possible to reduce exposures to pesticides. If organic isn’t an option for every food, The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, from the Environmental Working Group (ewg. org), can be downloaded and taken to the market. Either avoid foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list or go organic for those items.

A high-quality prenatal vitamin fills nutrition gaps. Wallace saw a difference between her first and second pregnancy by switching brands. “The first time, I took generic prenatal vitamins. With the second pregnancy, I found whole-food supplements. I never got that exhaustion, and my second baby was a healthy weight,” she says.

“Research has shown that healthy nutrition during pregnancy improves outcomes for mom and baby, while unhealthy food choices can lead to premature childbirth, high-risk pregnancies and poor devel-

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opmental outcomes in children,” says Peplinsky.

In addition to clean food, it’s important to reevaluate body care products and household cleaners for toxicity. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has linked personal care and cleaning product ingredients to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive disorders, neurotoxicity and cancer.

Body Love Kristen Burgess, in Fife Lake, Michigan, creator of the website NaturalBirthAnd BabyCare.com, teaches classes for momsto-be. “[Exercise] helps your blood volume increase, brings plenty of oxygen to your baby, increases your stamina and endurance for labor (which is an athletic event), and perhaps best of all, keeps you feeling great,” she writes in her blog.

Options such as stretching, walking and prenatal yoga can be soothing for mom and baby. Burgess also advocates prenatal belly dancing to raise the heart rate “while bonding with your baby and relishing your beautiful pregnant form.”

Peplinsky notes, “A holistic approach to pregnancy also embraces integrative ther-

apies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic, which may assist in reducing stress, minimizing physical discomfort and joint pain, while improving overall life quality for mom and baby.”

Support Along the Way A healthy pregnancy includes assistance. In the U.S., most women choose an OB-GYN, with just over 9 percent of 2017 births incorporating a midwife to support the mother before, during and sometimes after birth. A midwife is medically trained and, depending on state law, may offer gynecological examinations, birth control counseling and prescriptions. On her own or as an assistant to a doctor, she coaches the mother during labor and assists with the delivery, which may be in a home, birthing center or hospital. The American College of Nurse-Midwives, in Silver Spring, Maryland, offers a midwife locator.

Another option is engaging a doula that focuses on emotional support for mom, her partner and the family during pregnancy and birth. During labor, she may offer massage, encouragement and breathing coaching. While doulas only provide non-medical care, they can offer evidence-based resources to inform decision-making. There is a database to find one at DoulaMatch.net.

There are also books and apps to provide week-to-week details on pregnancy. Genevieve Howland, a childbirth educator in

Pregnancy Apps Tracking exercise, nutrition, baby bump images, the joys of the journey and the baby’s development are available options in a variety of apps.

There are even apps for dads.

Ovia has many features that expand based on the data entered. It answers questions about food safety and medications, and even has a community feature to connect with other moms.

Hello Belly offers practical tips and a good dose of silliness with pregnancy jokes and memes.

There are also yoga videos.

Glow Nurture can be customized, has community spaces, symptom trackers, reminders for appointments and a boatload of articles.

Expectful Pregnancy gives reminders to focus on joy by taking a moment to breathe or meditate. With guided sessions for pregnancy, moms-to-be can put regular meditation practices in place.

Sprout Pregnancy has a pregnancy timeline, weight tracker and journal. The 3-D images showing development of the baby are really cool, as well.

Who’s Your Daddy gives Dad a to-do list, weekly updates, a development timeline, suggestions for taking care of Mom and helps him pick baby names.

Destin, Florida, and author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, offers a weekly article at MamaNatural.com about what’s going on with the developing baby and mother.

“Being a holistic mom is about connecting the mind, body and spirit, and approaching wellness with all three in mind,”

adds Peplinsky. “The more we listen to our instincts and our needs, the more our health improves during childbearing and afterwards.”

Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@ gmail.com.

A BOLD VISION FOR MICHIGAN Bringing back passenger rail to Traverse City and Petoskey from Ann Arbor and Detroit is good for Michigan. A2TC.org

Now offering Infrared Sauna sessions, with Chromotherapy!

HHHHH “We’re a membership care office – get all the care you need for a low, flat, monthly fee.

Include the whole family and save!” – Dr. Ryan

231-946-1822 • TrueHealthChiroTC.com Optimize your wellness.

Discover a holistic approach to massage therapy, combining science and intuition.

231-946-1822 TrueHealthTC.com Ask about our $59 special for new clients!

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May 2021

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plant medicine

Kelly Young

Northern Michigan Cannabis Pioneer

T

orch Cannabis Co. and My TCBD provides organically grown flower- and unique-infused products that support and empower holistic, plant-based wellness. Founder and CEO Kelly Young was born and raised in the Torch Lake region of Northern Michigan, and she brings a lifetime of experience in sales and food safety compliance as owner of the Village Market.

Previously president of Graceful Mobility, an extraction and packaging company for hemp and cannabis products helping the small farmer maximize profit margins, and CEO of Graceful Laboratories, a manufacturer of all-natural CBD products, Young promotes an educational approach to cannabis rooted in transparency, safety and service. She started My TCBD in 2018, operating at farmers’ markets in Interlochen, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Boyne City and Saint

Ignace. This summer, Torch Cannabis Co. brand will be launched and available for distribution in marijuana dispensaries across the state.

Torch Cannabis Co. harnesses the full spectrum of the cannabis plant in unique edibles and infused products. Whole-plant extracts preserve the dynamic molecular composition of natural cannabis terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. Young says, “We view cannabis as a uniquely centering element of holistic health, self-love and empowerment. And we’re on a mission to provide an unparalleled collection of the finest cannabis flower, edibles and infused products to help our customers elevate their minds and bodies. Delivering a whole and raw plant product is unique in the industry of cannabis because it gives each individual the opportunity to allow their endocannabinoid system to maximize the synergies of the plant. We offer individuals who may be in recovery the peace of mind of being able to use cannabis without the psychotropic effects.”

She also offers this non-psychotropic product through Free Relief, gifting cancer patients and veterans with access to the cannabis plant to help in their healing, Torch Cannabis Co. will be launching the raw cannabis form product line for sale and distribution under the brand of Torch Cannabis Co. once her pharmaceutical-grade medical and adult-use-licensed cannabis processing company opens this summer.

They also make an insect repellent for ticks, no-see-um gnats and mosquitos called Ticked OFF on sale this month at Village Markets in Elk Rapids, Rapid City and Central Lake, and online.

“The Torch Cannabis Co. will be featuring the marijuana product line and My TCBD will remain as the CBD pillar in our house of brands. Whether you visit us in person at our dispensary in Central Lake or purchase our marijuana products in dispensaries across the state of Michigan or our hemp-derived products nationwide, we want you to know we appreciate you and are here for you,” Says Young.

“We offer free consultations that embody an educational approach so that each consumer can make the best decisions for their comfort level of using cannabis.”

For more information, visit Mytcbd.com. See ad this page.

All Natural CBD products

Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best.

We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty free testing.

Find us at these Farmers’ Markets: + Boyne City - Weds + Downtown Charlevoix - Thursday morning + Downtown Petoskey - Friday morning + Elk Rapids - Friday morning + Boyne City - Saturday + Interlochen - Sunday

Ask about our distributor options where you can

be your own boss!!

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Growing Indoors

is Fun and Rewarding

I

by Paul Watson t’s easy to see why so many people are flocking to the sheer enjoyment of growing their own plants, whatever they may be, inside of their home 365 days a year, no matter where they live.

Just about everything in the world of medicine at first came from plants. Chamomile, an easy-to-grow plant, helps with sleep, as well as calming the nervous system and the tummy. Peppermint soothes the stomach and breaks up gas. Evening primrose flower produces oil that’s said to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and skin conditions like eczema.

There are many reasons why people hang up their first light and flip the switch. Number one and probably most reassuring is to know where that medicine came from. We can grow low-cost natural alternatives to traditional medicine, including cannabidiol (CBD), which has made an explosive entry into the world of natural medicine.

For manufacturers of CDB oil to be compliant with federal law, they must assure that their products fall within government guidelines for acceptable levels of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana). The plant must be considered full-spectrum to be effective, which includes a small percentile of THC. Research shows that all the components need to be present to have an effect. Hemp (a specific strain of cannabis) has all the right government-allowed percentages, and with the addition of a small amount of THC, does work as well as whole-plant infusion.

There are 113 different cannabinoids in cannabis, and that’s what is meant by the term “full-spectrum”. The best full-spectrum, commercial hemp CBD products might have up to 13 cannabinoids and offer at best up to 5 percent CBD, nowhere near the 20-to-one ratio of CBD to THC we’re seeing in the home market strains.

For those of us that live in states that have legalized cannabis, this means that we can now grow and produce our own CBD, which is full of all the plant’s compounds and energies. Seed breeders have done a marvelous job of producing high-CBD, low-THC strains for growing in our own homes. The difference between these plants and hemp is immeasurable.

Commercial producers can only produce what is allowed by federal regulations, so this is one of the main reasons that growing our own to produce the best possible natural medicine available is so important to our health and your pocketbook. Growing your own medicine can be a lot more than just fun.

For more info, email Paul and Kim Watson at TheGrowStoreTC@ gmail.com. See ad this page.

Your Best Grow Ever!

Hydroponic and Organic Products for All Your Indoor Growing Needs!

We have experts on hand to answer your questions and get you started, so drop by soon and talk with our team, the best in the business!

If you are an organic gardener they have everything you need here. – Christina A.

FR

Grow EE Ro Desig om n!

“The Store with More!”

P Locally Owned and Operated Since 2009 P Over 40 Years of Combined Experience P Over 2500 Products in Stock

KILL Y ER POWD EW MILD OD! O FOR G

231-421-5191 TheGrowStore.com 90 US-31 • Traverse City May 2021

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natural pet

Coming Next Month JUNE

Integrative Approaches to Men’s Health Plus: Treating Depression Naturally Travel for the Planet Tips for Eating Vegan on Vacation

Curbing Cancer in Cats

To advertise, call 734-757-7929

Ways to Keep a Feline Healthy

T

by Julie Peterson

he absence of one back leg isn’t slowing down 13-year-old Cougar the cat. In fact, she is doing better than before, as that limb once had a painful tumor. Alyssa Baker Herbst, co-founder of the Autumn Farm Sanctuary, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, was told that, even with chemotherapy, Cougar might only live three more months. Herbst sought out a veterinary oncologist at University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for another opinion. Amputation was recommended and done in December 2020.

Cancer isn’t uncommon in cats; the Animal Cancer Foundation, in Port Washington, New York, states that one in five cats will be diagnosed at some point. This equates to approximately 6 million cats being newly diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the Comparative Oncology Program of the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Diagnosis and Staging Cats instinctively hide pain, so it’s up to pet parents to detect unusual behaviors or symptoms. Karen Shaw Becker, a holistic veterinarian in Chicago who writes Mercola Healthy Pets, recommends that unusual bumps, sores that won’t heal, weight loss, offensive smell, low energy and difficulty eating indicate the need for evaluation by a veterinarian to rule out cancer. If cancer is diagnosed, a referral to a veterinary oncologist is likely. Pet own26

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HealthyLivingMichigan.com

ers can also search for one at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (ahvma.org).

Blood work, biopsies or aspirates, imaging and a thorough exam may be needed to determine the extent of the cancer and any possible complications. These tests help ensure treatment is appropriate, tolerable and humane.

Treatment Options Treatments vary based on the type, site and stage of cancer, the age and wellness of the cat and what is available and accessible to the owner. Traditional remedies may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. While not without side effects, cats tolerate these methods relatively well.

Holistic therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, supplements and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine may also be used. “Herbal therapies can be used with traditional cancer treatment to relieve side effects and to improve outcomes,” says veterinary oncologist Amanda Beck, at the University Veterinary Hospital, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Clinical trials are another option. The Veterinary Cancer Society, in Columbia, Missouri, provides information on current research trials that “may involve novel diagnostic methods or therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures, hypo- or hyperthermia, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy,

among others.” While these trials may offer hope, each has very specific qualifications for participation and they may not be free.

Herbst did her own research after seeing the 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi and learning about cancer patients using turkey tail mushrooms. “We found that dogs taking those mushrooms were living four times as long as dogs that got chemo,” she says. “We wondered if we could use that for Cougar.” Their veterinarian ensured they wouldn’t be harmful and determined an appropriate dosage.

Unfortunately, some feline cancers are extremely aggressive. It started in Doris Gassen’s cat, Meadow, with a few small bumps under the skin that quickly grew and multiplied. “About six days after they first appeared, they were open and draining,” says Gassen, in Madison, Wisconsin.

The diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma was made and palliative care was implemented. Meadow crossed the rainbow bridge within a few weeks.

Preventive Measures Keeping cats at a healthy weight, giving them plenty of exercise opportunities and keeping them indoors more or entirely can all help reduce the risk of cancer. The feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to cancer, are usually contracted from feral cats outdoors.

Genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients such as corn, soy, alfalfa and cottonseed in pet foods are also culprits, because they can contain high concentrations of glyphosates. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, to be a probable human carcinogen, and research indicates that it does cause cancer in animals.

“Many experts who have studied animal dietary patterns in the wild agree that a whole-food diet composed of mostly meats, organs and bones, supplemented to a much lesser extent with vegetables, is the way to go for both cats and dogs,” says Ty Bollinger, the San Antonio-based author of The Truth About Cancer.

Keeping cats healthy throughout life with routine wellness care helps strengthen them against any illness or injury. And while quality of life for pets may be paramount, Cougar seems to be going for quantity, as well. “Clinically, Cougar is doing fantastic. She just can’t jump as high as she used to,” says Herbst. “She’s back to bullying the other three cats and hanging out with the dog.

She’s feisty.”

Julie Peterson writes about health, wellness and environmental issues. Find her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Here at Square Deal we feel pets are part of the family.

Our Knowledgeable staff is here to help you find food, treats, and products that

keep your pets happy and healthy!

We carry the top holistic brands of Dog and Cat food.

We Carry a large seletion of Raw and Freeze dried diets.

$5 off $50 Coupon expires 6/1/21. Not valid with other offers.

$15 off $100 Coupon expires 6/1/21. Not valid with other offers.

(231) 946-5030 • SquareDealCountryStore.com • Square Deal Country Store • 900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City • Local Family Owned since 1982 May 2021

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calendar of events SATURDAY, MAY 1

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Great Lakes CleanUP – May 1 & 2. Organized, safe, public beach cleanups at several beaches and parks along Grand Traverse Bay. For more info & to register: gtbay.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 6 Online: Delicious Superfoods – 6-7pm. Ali Lopez will discuss various superfoods, their benefits and how to prepare them. Get some easy recipes featuring many superfoods. $10. Via Zoom. Register: Oryana.coop.

FRIDAY, MAY 7 Community Yoga Class – 1:30-2:30pm. Kundalini yoga with Jessica. Free; donations accepted. New Moon Yoga, 10781 E Cherry Bend Rd, Traverse City. 231-392-5813. NewMoonYogaStudio.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FRIDAY, MAY 7

Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-974-5225 or MeijerGardens.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 Reiki 1 & 2 Training – May 15 & 16. 10am5:30pm. with Jo & Jeff Currier. Hands-on training combines lecture, discussion and real-life experience. Practice time includes giving and receiving a complete reiki session using all the hand positions. $399. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or HigherSelfBookstore.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 16 Paths to Inspiration: Writing & InterPlay – 11am2pm. Will focus on generative writing from a variety of impulses (music, movement, mark making, images). There will be time for self-exploration, creative expression, writing, and meaningful connection to your own creativity and that of others. $15-$45 sliding scale. Via Zoom. Pre-registration required: Tinyurl.com/e5ecmd4w.

THURSDAY, MAY 20 Online: Organic Facial Class – 7-8pm. Our team of holistic estheticians are ready to share their insider tips and tricks with you. Includes the KPS At-Home Facial Kit shipped straight to your door. Register by May 17: MIHolisticMed.com.

MONDAY, MAY 24 SATURDAY, MAY 8 Michigan All-State Bonsai Show – May 8-9. 9am5pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. See stunning bonsai on display. A great selection of specialty tools, pots, wire and bonsai trees. Experts help you find the tree that fits you. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids.

MeijerGardens.org.

Sacred Drumming: Chants & Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Learn simple drumming patterns and chants from both near and far that relate to the elements, the spirit, and our place as humans within it all. $20. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-941-5805. HigherSelfBookstore.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 13 Fermentation for Everyone – 6-7pm. Laura Cavender will show you how to make sauerkraut and ginger carrot sticks. Learn the dynamics of confidently fermenting at home. $10. Via Zoom.

Register: Oryana.coop.

Contact us today to start doing more business.

FRIDAY, MAY 14

734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com 28

Grand Traverse Region

Downtown Mural Walk: Guided Day Trip – 10am12pm. Join Curator of Arts Education, Amber Oudsema, on a guided walking tour of the murals of downtown Grand Rapids. As a group, discuss your interpretations while exploring visual elements and principles of design. Frederik Meijer Gardens &

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Super Flower Moon & Healing Circle – 6:458:15pm. During this time, we have auspicious Astrological correspondences: Super Moon (26) + Total Lunar Eclipse (26) + Venus/Mercury Conjunction (28). In person & on Zoom. $9. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-941-5805.

HigherSelfBookstore.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 28 Goddess Meditations – 7:30-8:30pm. Last Fri. An original guided meditation where you will receive sacred wisdom and guidance. In person & Zoom.

Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-941-5805. HigherSelfBookstore.com.

community resource guide ADVANCED WELLNESS EARTH LABS

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeals.com Subtle modalities including sound, light, frequency and thermogenic therapies to enhance and transform your quality of life. Our techno-therapy will reduce pain and restore energy. See ads pages 19 and back cover.

AROMATHERAPY ROSY GLOW AROMATHERAPY

Margo Hertzfeld, Certified Aromatherapist 419-360-0169 RosyGlowWellness.com Clinically certified aromatherapist offers holistic consultations with customized blends of professional quality essential oils. Trust Margo to help you understand the complicated world of aromatherapy. Her holistic approach can help you maximize your benefits from this powerful therapy and minimize side effects. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to integrate natural healing into your life. Phone consultations are available.

CBD PRODUCTS MY CBD

Kelly Young MyTCBD.com All Natural CBD products. We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty free testing. Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best. Ask about our distributor options where you can be your own boss. See ad page 24.

PURELY CBD

1112 E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1070 PurelyCBD-TraverseCity.com At Purely CBD Traverse City, we strive to provide our customers with top quality products that help serve their personal needs. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to caring for our community and prioritize your overall wellbeing. See ad page 9.

HALOTHERAPY

COACHING & COUNSELING NIA SPONGBERG, LIFE COACH

734-531-9024 NiaSpongberg.com

Nia is a certified life and productivity coach (ACC, CPC) who helps adventurous people blaze new trails in their time, tasks, and transitions. Nia coaches by phone and Zoom. Get in touch for a free discovery call.

URBAN OASIS SALT SPA

545 S. Division Suite 117 Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com

Dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, Exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 15.

HEALTHY EATING

SARAH MATTEO

Spiritual Counselor, Coach & Consultant NowThatsTheSpirit.com nowthatsthespiritcounseling@gmail.com A safe, playful and sincere space for soul searching that helps build essential capacities for resilience, risk taking, reawakening and self-care.

COOKING & TEA BREWING SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS

145 E Front St, Traverse City 231-947-7423 SpiceMerchants.biz/traverse-cityspice-store Providingthe world’s best herbs, spices and teas for your kitchen. We carry over 200 spices from every- day use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 21.

FUEL YOUR TOMORROW

Kaylee Davenport, Chef Kelsi Davenport, Executive Manager 231-252-2147 FuelYourTomorrow.com Fuel Your Tomorrow (FYT) provides fresh, health-conscious, chef-prepared meals, guided by nutrition and delivered on a weekly basis to your door. FYT aims to optimize your health and life through fully prepared local and organic whole food for you and your family. Simply order online each week for your set of meals or sign up for recurring meal prep and never worry about making a healthy dinner again.

HEALTHY PET SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE

900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 231-946-5030 SquareDealCountryStore.com

FRESH MILK HERD SHARES SHARED BLESSINGS FARM

7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286

We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy animals so they can produce healthy raw milk for your good. Taste to know the difference.

GRASS-FINISHED BEEF SHARED BLESSINGS FARM

7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286

We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy grass-finished animals rich in minerals and omega-3s and omega-6s with real fat that is good for you.

products for your pets. See ad page 27.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the best food, treats and

HYDROPONICS & ORGANIC GARDENING PRODUCTS THE GROW STORE

90 N U.S. Hwy 31 S, Traverse City 231-421-5191 Facebook: The Grow Store Traverse City Serving Traverse City and the Northern Michigan region since 2009. Specilizing in organics, hydroponics and lighting systems for the indoor grower. A locally owned, service-oriented company. See ad page 25.

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community resource guide LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY EARTH LABS

SCHOOL / EDUCATION PAIN RELIEF

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeals.com Advanced technologies in the sound and light lab ease anxiety and relieve chronic pain. Enhance your mood and bring balance to the limbic system. See ads pages 19 and back cover.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 3.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS MICHIGAN FOR VACCINE CHOICE

P.O. Box 1121 Troy, MI 48099-1121 Info@MichiganVaccineChoice.org MichiganVaccineChoice.org Facebook.com/MichiganForVaccineChoice Twitter.com/MI4VaxChoice Voice: 586-447-2418 • Fax: 586-323-4287 Michigan for Vaccine Choice is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to protecting, informing, educating, advocating and supporting parents’ and families’ vaccine choice rights.

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com Need Relief from Arthritis?

Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy with all-natural ingredients to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. Use Aunt Alberta’s Pain Relief Cream and get relief today. 4-oz jar for $15. See the website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy and purchase now on our website.

PERMACULTURE & EDIBLE LANDSCAPES

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 3.

SKIN CARE NUTRI-METICS VEGAN SKIN CARE

Sher Wells 734-239-3344 SherrelWells@icloud.com

Nutri-Metics is Australia’s leading, New Zealand’s second-leading and France’s third-leading skincare line. It is vegan, organic and natural.

Excellent for toning wrinkles and putting the skin back in order again with pH, hydration and nutrients.

MOON BLOSSOM GARDENS

MoonBlossomGardens.com Traverse City

Providing custom garden consulting services, specializing in biodynamics, permaculture, edible landscapes. Donating 10% off profits to the procurement and distribution of free, organic, cotton pads and tampons. See ad page 9.

RETREAT CENTERS SONG OF THE MORNING YOGA RETREAT CENTER

9607 Sturgeon Valley Rd, Vanderbilt 989-983-4107 Office@SongOfTheMorning.org SongOfTheMorning.org

Find spiritual refreshment amongst 800 acres of natural beauty for your own personal retreat or participate in workshops, yoga classes, meditations or Sunday Service. Accommodations and gourmet vegetarian meals available.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS NUTRI-METICS POWER MASK

Sher Wells 734-239-3344 SherrelWells@icloud.com

Nutri-Metics is Australia’s leading, New Zealand’s second-leading and France’s third-leading skincare line.

It is vegan, organic and natural. The Power Mask w/ Brush lifts and tones creating smoother skin. It tones, and strengthens the cells so they remain in good integrity, helping the skin stay strong and healthy.

WELLNESS & PEAK PERFORMANCE BIOFUSE

540 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City 231-645-9123 Hello@BioFuse.net Biofuse Wellness is Michigan's leader in providing IV therapy, integrative wellness, and regenerative health to help you get the most out of our life. Obtain better health, fast recovery and peak performance.

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JOIN THE LARGEST HOLISTIC, CONSCIOUS SINGLES SITE ONLINE

WE CATER TO SINGLES WHO VALUE:

Authentic & Loving Relationships Natural Health & Sustainable Living Living a Conscious Life Honoring Diversity

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May 2021

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