Natural Awakenings of Grand Traverse Region Michigan - July 2021

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HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

SIZZLING ON THE GRILL • USING HERBS TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH URBAN GARDENING TAKES ROOT•RUNNING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

FOOD AS THE BEST MEDICINE • HOW TO SLEEP BETTER NATURALLY July 2021 | Grand Traverse Region | HealthyLivingMichigan.com

July 2021

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Armor

Calm Energy

Lost and forgotten for generations, the rare, ancient secrets of the OJAYA “Armor” technique are now shared with you on our 100% online video Course.

Martial Art Of Deep Meditation

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UIETLY hidden and closely-guarded for centuries, the OJAYA “Armor” technique is a supremely rare and powerful meditation that protects your mind and emotions with a calm “armor” of core inner strength. As you meditate, its soothing resonance attacks stress, clears out brain fog, and recharges your vital energies in

just 10-20 minutes — the perfect antidote to the fatigue and frenzy of high-tech living.

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Healthy living at your fingertips.

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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!

July 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from the publishers Ringing the Bell for Freedom

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rom sea to shining sea, Americans come together

Publishers John & Trina Voell III

on the Fourth of July to celebrate our nation’s most

precious treasure… freedom. The American way of life was

Design & Production John & Trina Voell III

Martin Miron Theresa Archer Randy Kambic

built on strong families and sense of community—it is our personal responsibility, courage and actions that are the keys to securing the quality of life we wish to enjoy today

A2 Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

and keep us free.

Detroit Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

TC Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III 734-757-7929

Lobbyists and political campaign contributions have helped corporations come to dominate both the legislative and media landscape. Mergers and acquisitions countenanced by regulators have allowed massive players like Big Pharma, Big Food and Factory Farms to control most of what

CONTACT US P.O. Box 2717, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com HealthyLivingMichigan.com facebook.com/NaturalAwakeningsAnnArbor https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCRIOgIjWHjdMaHeTDeKgARg

citizens see, hear and read, and even control how we heal, eat and learn.

As just one example, government food policies and subsidies encourage agribusiness-

es to overproduce pesticide-loaded corn and soy, creating cheap, high-calorie, nutrientpoor ingredients for processed foodstuffs. Advertising and promoting these “Frankenfoods” contributes to a large portion of mainstream media income, much of it targeting our children.

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

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Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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We must create a more equitable system that treats people and nature with respect

and reverence; holds corporations accountable to behave as responsible custodians of the environment and their employees; and requires government to be a servant of the people, instead of the other way around. The indicators are clear that we need to reevaluate our quality of life and consider how we can personally affect it moving forward.

It’s our task as citizen consumers to separate fact from fiction and truth from propa-

ganda. There’s a lot of information out there both good and bad, and it’s prudent to align ourselves with vetted sources we trust. We urge you to do some research and vote with your dollars, because that does follow trends and tells the market what is acceptable and what is not.

Each new day offers us all fresh opportunities to change our trajectory. May we

encourage the potential in all of us to soar above our fears and face our struggles with the courage and wisdom to make our dreams come true. An Elmer Davis quote rings more true than ever before: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

We hope you find some healthful tips and meaningful insights in our July edition,

because you never know what piece of knowledge or insight will propel you to the next level in your personal or family’s development.

For the love of freedom, happy birthday, America!

God bless humanity!

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 FOOD AS MEDICINE

The Healing Power of Nutrition

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17 SOULFUL STRIDES Running as a Spiritual Practice

18 SWEET SLUMBER Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

20 SIZZLING ON THE GRILL Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

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22 GROWING FOOD SECURITY

The Benefits of Urban Gardening

24 SPICE UP HEALTH

Using Herbs for Flavor and Medicine

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

26 DOGGY DELIGHTS

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Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

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DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 eco tip 11 therapy

spotlight 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 17 fit body 18 healing ways

20 conscious

eating 22 green living 24 plant medicine 26 natural pet 28 calendar 28 classifieds 29 resource guide July 2021

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news briefs

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Secure this ad spot!

734-757-7929

Try Turmeric from Spice and Tea Merchants of Traverse City

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pice and Tea Merchants sells more than 450 of the highest-quality spices, herbs, blends, teas, soups mixes, orzo and rice, coffees and imported African products. Proprietor Nicholas Battista supports other local businesses and includes products from the Upper Peninsula and even Benzie and Grand Traverse counties. He shares recipes and special offers online at Facebook.com/ SpiceAndTeaMerchantsTraverseCity.

Turmeric, and especially its most active compound, curcumin, have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer.

It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis. Consumed daily over time, turmeric can ease joint pain and reduce overall inflammation from a wide variety of conditions. For a simple way to add turmeric to an everyday routine, they offer Turmeric Cider Rooibos tea, Turmeric Comfort Rooibos tea, Turmeric Ginger Rooibos tea, Turmeric Toddy Herbal tea, Turmeric Chai Black tea and Turmeric Truffle Pu-erh tea.

Location: 145 E. Front St., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-947-7423, email Orders@SpiceMerchants.biz or visit SpiceMerchants.biz. See ad page 21.

Help Wanted at Urban Oasis Salt Spa

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avid (Mr. Salty) and Carol Saxton, co-owners of Urban Oasis Salt Spa, are excited to expand and move to their new location at 13709 South West Bay Shore Drive, in Traverse City. They are looking for new team members including spa hostess, massage therapists and estheticians, and offering competitive pay and flexible hours.

Halotherapy (dry salt therapy) has been used for ages in the treatment of many ailments, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, allergies, asthma, sinusitis, colds, coughs, flu, depression, migraines, sleep disorders, COPD, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, cystic fibrosis and weakened immune systems, and their Himalayan salt room is the heart of the spa.

Other services include massage, reiki, reflexology, detox salt wraps, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox bath and organic facials. Packages are available, as well as private consultations.

For more information, call 231-938-6020, email UrbanOasisSaltSpa@gmail.com or visit UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com. See ad page 18.

Have News or Kudos to Share?

Email us at Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com or call/text 734-757-7929.

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Stock up on Birding Supplies at Square Deal Country Store

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he Square Deal Country Store, family-owned since 1982, supports birdwatcher and backyard bird enthusiasts with a wide range of bird seed in bulk and mixed varieties. Co-owners Larry and Nancy Street agree that Michigan’s birds are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures to observe outdoors. “It’s a popular pastime for residents and visitors alike, who can find more than 450 bird species on Michigan’s many birding trails, state parks and recreation areas, state wildlife and game areas, national wildlife refuges, coastlines and in their own backyards!”

Square Deal specializes in whole health pet products and supplies ranging from dog and cat food to supplements, treats and bowls and leashes. They also carry a large selection of Western and work boots. The horse and large animal department is very diverse and wellstocked with competitively priced selections of Western show clothing and tack, and English breeches and saddles.

Location: 900 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-946-5030, email General@SquareDealCountryStore.com or visit SquareDealCountryStore.com. See ad page 27.

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

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t Smith Chiropractic & Wellness, Dr. Perry Smith and his staff are dedicated to serving the Grand Traverse community. Studies have found that chiropractic during pregnancy is both effective and safe, which means that expecting mothers can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic physically, as well as mentally. Smith advises, “Not only can routine chiropractic care help manage pain in your back, hips and joints, it can also establish pelvic balance. That can provide your baby

with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy.”

Approximately half of all women report experiencing some level of back pain during their pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can make pregnancy more enjoyable by effectively treating misalignments creating by the growing fetus, creating a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. By treating subluxations and aligning the spine, the brain is better able to communicate with the rest of the body, which means more stable hormone levels, fewer headaches, less nausea and more benefits.

Location: 920 Hastings St., #B, Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231-421-9229, email SmithChiro33@gmail.com or visit SmithChiroTC.com.

Get a Leg Up on Learning

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orthwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Educational Services is conducting its College for Kids summer program for students entering grades three to 12 through August 20. New classes begin each week. Faceto-face and livestream classes are offered in art, STEM, theatre, writing and more.

NMC has offered enrichment classes for youth for more than 30 years, taught by experienced local teachers and youth coordinators.

Location: 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. For more information or to register, visit nmc.edu/kids.

July 2021

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Try 3-D Imaging at Dentolutions

news briefs

Find Fresh Local Veggie Fare at Poppycocks

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ounded in 1989, Poppycock’s New American Cuisine features daily specials, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options using fresh, locally grown ingredients, handcrafted cocktails and local brews and wine.

Executive Chef Chris Day says, “We also offer playful appetizers, salads, handhelds, seafood, steak, local fish, pastas and more.” The menu

changes seasonally.

Lead bartender Emily Tate creates unique craft cocktails, martinis and other tasty libations. She says, “We enjoy showcasing the abundant local fruits and herbs available in our region to develop house-made syrups, shrubs and infusions which will enhance your beverage experience.” Cocktails are whimsical and inspired by the freshest ingredients available. Eight rotating taps serve local beers and hard ciders, along with many local wines. Live entertainment is featured regularly.

Location: 128 E. Front St., Traverse City. Now hiring. For more information, call 231-941-7632 or visit PoppycocksTC.com.

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he Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City will hold the 38th annual Garden Walk, A Magical Garden Tour, in the Interlochen and Grawn area from noon to 7 p.m., July 17. The tour features four private gardens, the Hofbrau garden and a botanical lab and community gardens in the area west of Long Lake. The gardens are identified by green banners.

The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City, organized in 1923, aims to promote the love of gardening, landscaping and floral design; aid in the protection of native trees, plants and wildlife; and encourage environmental responsibility and civic beautification. Proceeds from this event allow the club to continue serving the Traverse City community with open space logo planting, Arbor Day planting, Blue Star Memorial, the botanic garden at historic Barns Park, the Traverse Bay Area Horticulture Department, the children’s sensory garden, yearly business landscape awards and yearly grants to selected projects.

Tickets are $10, available from all Garden Club members, many local nurseries and online. For details, visit Tinyurl.com/2021GardenClubWalk.

Grand Traverse Region

entolutions, the office of James Reznich, DDS, offers 3-D imaging via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to aid in diagnosis and treatment of lesions of the jaws or teeth, evaluation of bony volume for dental implants and pre-surgical planning for optimal results.

With CBCT, an X-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images called views, providing detailed images of the bone to evaluate diseases of the jaw, James Reznich dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses. They also offer same-day service of 3-D imaging for referring to local doctors.

Reznich says, “Dentistry is a process that can be quite complex.

Clear communication is our goal and way of life. We seek to understand your hopes for health, as well as to help you understand what is possible. We will be honest in our assessment of your current condition and will work together with you to develop an individualized plan to meet your needs and goals.”

Location: 5011 Skyview Ct., Traverse City. For appointments and more information, call 231-947-3530 or visit Dentolutions.com.

Prepare for the Big Race with the Pros

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Tour the Beautiful Area Gardens

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D

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

he Traverse City Trails Festival from July 1 through 25 supports the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA), which builds, maintains and protects the Traverse City Trails Network, the Cadillac Pathway, Glacial Hills, Palmer Woods and more. The 18-mile/25-mile plus virtual race on July 25 is their biggest fundraiser of the year. City Bike Shop works with the NMMBA, including board members and trail experts Tom White and Mike Walters.

Established in 1955, City Bike Shop co-owners Steve and Julie Baesch offer Traverse City residents the best bikes, the best service, affordable rentals and top-notch, professional repairs for racers, commuters and anyone that loves to pedal. Steve says, “Make sure you get signed up and consider donating in addition to your registration, and get your bike ready for big training miles at City Bike Shop! Looking for something a little squishy? We’ve got a few full-suspension bikes left in stock, so get in there!”

Register at Tinyurl.com/TraverseCityTrail. Store location: 747 E. Eighth St., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-947-1312 or visit CityBikeShop.com.

ustini’s now offers a selection of gourmet ingredients that complement oils and vinegars called Fustini’s Pantry, with offerings like pasta, tapenades, honey and more. Also, the tradition of Fustini’s School of Cooking, started by Chef Andy, is being continued with guest chefs since his passing. Participants learn new and better ways to incorporate oils and vinegars in their cooking. Two new white balsamic vinegars—Jalapeno Lime and Citrus Oregano—are perfect for outdoor grilling and celebrating the bounty of the summer season.

Jim Milligan, founder of Fustini’s, was so intrigued by and enamored with the oil and vinegar stores he saw while traveling in Europe he brought the concept home. After a long career in international business at 3M and Imation C orporation, he created Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars as a playful homage to his Italian inspiration and opened his f irst t ast ing room in 2007 in Traverse City.

Locations: 141 E. Front St., Traverse City, and also in Ann Arbor, Holland and Petoskey. For more information, call 231-944-1145, email Orders@Fustinis.com or visit Fustinis.com.

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Traverse City Lake House Retreat

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ulie Miller, owner of Uplift Adventure Retreats, is offering a chance to reset and grow through adventure, mindfulness, nutrition and community from August 6 through 8 on a lovely property on a private lake with great views from large floor to ceiling windows. There is a spacious balcony to do yoga stretches, gather or taking in the morning with a cup of coffee. The backyard has about 20 steps down to the lake for paddling at any time of day. Traverse City is just a short drive away to visit shops or dining spots.

Miller is a licensed counselor, athlete and promoter of women’s health and empowerment. She has 16 years of experience in the fitness industry, including providing group instruction at Lifetime Fitness.

Activities include paddleboard, yoga, hiking, bonfires, healthy meals, optional shopping and more.

Cost is $475, including lodging, meals, group sessions, equipment rentals, exercise, planned activities, program materials, linens, etc.

Location: 166 High Lake Rd., Traverse City. Register (required) at sup_traversecity.eventbrite.com. For more information, call Julie Miller at 586-531-0177 or email Julie@UpliftMindBodySpirit.com.

July 2021

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eco tip Coming Next Month

n A yard bin or pile. Due to critters

AUGUST

and pets, a lid is recommended.

Gardening stores sell compost bins, but they can be made using instructions at Homesteading.com.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS TIPS Plus: Boost Happiness & Well-Being Benefits of Having a Life Coach

Composting Made Easy Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’

Just 3 percent of uneaten food in the U.S. is composted, reported the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2012. The remaining food scraps rotting in landfills account for 23 percent of U.S. methane emissions, a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more powerful than carbon monoxide in global warming. With minimal planning and effort, however, food scraps can be recycled through composting into an organic, high-nutrient fertilizer.

Compost is called “black gold” for its high value in gardening, but it’s simply decayed organic material.

Consider all the organic materials that fall to the forest floor, break down and return to the earth. This process can be easily recreated at home.

To start composting, get a couple of containers.

n A covered kitchen bucket.

Beautiful containers abound, but an old pan will work. Countertop positioning makes it easy to toss in kitchen scraps, but it could also be placed under the sink or 10

Grand Traverse Region

in the freezer. A review of several options can be found at The SpruceEats.com.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Bins in place, start collecting and piling. Organic materials will break down—it’s just a matter of time. The pile should consist of yard waste (grass clippings, plant scraps, small sticks) and kitchen waste (peels, cores, eggshells, tea leaves, coffee grounds, bread). Do not include invasive weeds, meat, bones, dairy products, oils or pet excrement.

The basic recipe is a mix of nitrogen-rich/green materials (food waste, grass clippings, plant trimmings) and carbon-rich/brown materials (dried leaves, sticks, shredded newspaper or cardboard). Shoot for 25 percent green materials.

An unbalanced pile can be amended.

n If it’s wet, moldy or stinky, add more brown materials and stir with a pitchfork to increase oxygen flow and loosen the pile.

n A pile that is too dry will take longer to break down. Add kitchen scraps, green grass clippings or sprinkle with water to encourage microbial activity.

A balanced pile that is stirred or turned weekly will decay the fastest.

Seeing worms and other soil organisms in the pile is a good sign that the process is working.

Finished compost looks like dark, rich soil. Spread it onto the garden in the spring. Scoop some into the holes for new plants. Side dress plants all season.

Compost releases nutrients gradually, improves soil condition and helps retain water. Plants thrive with better root systems. Compost gardeners reap bountiful harvests.

therapy spotlight

Pediatric Behavioral Drug Use

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by Kaycie Noble

any parents warn their children of the risks of using drugs before their developmental cycle is complete. Even with this understanding, many do not realize a child’s body does not differentiate between illicit street drugs or prescribed pharmaceutical medications. Both carry the same risks to the brain, biochemistry and motor functions of a child.

For example, commonly prescribed ADHD medications are stimulants. Many are with mixed amphetamine salts that can engage or exaggerate tics, twitches and stuttering—even after the cessation of medication. Some kids develop dramatic behavior changes ranging from anger, aggression, anxiety, or mania; to emotionally flat, creatively drained or unresponsive, and can develop a poor sense of self.

Dr. Glen Elliot, medical director at California’s Children’s Health, speaks about behavioral medicine in children, “Fortunately, truly urgent side effects are extremely rare.” Elliot’s view is congruent with the average response from pediatric physicians in this country. Contrary to

this statement however, is the fact that urgent side effects do occur. Statistics show adverse drug events remain a leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States. Clinical trials on drugs like Ritalin and Adderall consistently show that only about 50 percent of all studied participants even produce positive responses to their treated conditions taking these drugs.

We are now beginning to see the results of the behavioral drug boom.

Children that have long been medicated are becoming examples of how decades of mood-altering medication can impair their life and wellness. Adults and teens struggling to manage mental health conditions are met with compounding health concerns and deteriorating wellness as direct effects of layered and mixed pharmaceuticals. As many physicians are unable to address these debilitations and concerns, the search for successful, non-harming treatments has now fallen upon the grown children themselves.

These individuals are beginning to seek alternative ways to reduce their dependency and increase their daily comfort.

The number of safe and natural alternative therapy options is expanding.

Wellness seekers are finding drug-free alternatives and techno-therapies that can bring restoration and equanimity.

As we move into the future, sound, light, biofeedback and other cutting-edge technologies are showing promising results that improve the quality of life for those suffering from any number of conditions.

Growing access and more clinical studies are proving that integrative techniques can be used to help our children through hyperactivity, attention and sensitivity disorders, anxiety and more without the use of chemical medicines.

It can be a daunting task to incorporate these new regimes into care plans. In the beginning, natural approaches may be more time-consuming, hard to find information about and often not covered by insurance. It is this challenge that can become the fuel to our journey. Meeting new lifestyle habits or wellness plans with honesty and courage can bring the most satisfying results. When we eliminate the body’s response from chemical medicine and instead focus on the individual’s comfort, positive results and better long-term health outlooks are revealed.

Lasting success can be formed by holistic treatment plans instead of chemical medicines. Facilities that offer access to advanced or unique technologies are beginning to emerge as the human need becomes great. Partner in wellness with practitioners that are trained, informed and experienced in alternative modalities. With proper support, education and access, treatment challenges can transform into treatment successes. That success can have a rippling effect. Families and individuals can become empowered and bloom with new confidence with the understanding that they really do have control over their own health, wellness and attitude.

Kaycie Noble, DMph, ORDM, is the owner of Earth Labs, located at 317A E. Front St., Traverse City. For appointments or more information, call 231-421-1490, email Earth LabsHeals@gmail.com or visit EarthLabs Heal.com. See ads page 19 and back cover.

July 2021

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Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

health briefs

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Saffron, harvested by hand from the stigma of crocus (Crocus sativus L.), has long been used in cooking, dying and fragrances, and a new study also verifies its traditional use for lowering depression. European researchers gave 56 people with poor moods, anxiety or stress either 30 milligrams a day of saffron extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Those getting the saffron reported feeling less depressed and having improved social relationships, and their urinary crocetin levels correlated with a change in their depression scores.

Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Researchers from the UK University of Edinburgh examined records of 2,474 U.S. counties from January to April 2020 to compare numbers of COVID-related deaths to levels of UVA rays from the sun. They found that people living in counties with the highest UVA levels had on average, a 29 percent lower chance of dying from the coronavirus. They ruled out the vitamin D factor by not including counties with UVB levels that would produce the vitamin. Repeating the analysis in England and Italy produced the same results. The Either sideresearchers stepping an theorized argument or that niresolving it on tric oxide the same day released pays off quickby the skin ly by halving when in the reactivity sunlight may reduce the ability of that virus to level—negative replicate. “aftertaste”— A second study of 2,884 high-risk healththat day and care workers in five European countries and often erasing the U.S. found that every additional hour of any darkened sleep reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection emotional reby 12 percent. However, insomnia, disruptsponse the foled sleep and daily burnout are linked to a lowing day, say heightened risk of becoming infected with University of Oregon researchers. Based on surveys of more than 2,000 the coronavirus, having more severe symppeople reporting their emotional ups and downs during an eight-day toms and a longer recovery period, reports period, the researchers found that when people feel they have resolved the researchers in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. People that had problems like difficul- an argument, the emotional response associated with that disagreement is significantly reduced or even eliminated. Stress reactivity has ty falling or staying asleep or regularly using been found to significantly reduce lifespan, studies show, and is linked sleeping pills were 88 percent more likely to to heart disease, a weakened immune system, reproductive issues and be infected with COVID-19 than those without gastrointestinal conditions. such issues.

Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

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global briefs

Gaining Momentum

Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars Traditionally, auto dealerships have presented a skeptical and confusing experience for those seeking to purchase electric transportation. When Tesla launched the Model S electric sedan in 2012, it had to build its own stores to educate consumers about electric vehicles (EV) because dealers wouldn’t sell them in Texas or Michigan, for instance. The subsequent success of Tesla, Ford and GM EV models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.

The American division of German automaker Volkswagen is delivering large quantities of their electric SUV ID.4 as part of a nationwide launch, with more than 650 dealers on board. U.S. CEO Scott Keogh reports that the goal is to have at least one vehicle initially at every VW dealer in America.

He says, “We see the potential for EV sales to double this year. We’re optimistic that this is a turning point year for electric vehicles.”

Local Veggies

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

Doctors’ Orders

All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”.

Patients will no longer be greeted after waking up from surgery with ham, cheese, milk and eggs, the same foods that may have contributed to their health problems.

The family-owned private hospital emphasizes the health benefits of vegan diets, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

The hospital says deciding factors included the World Health Organization classification of processed meat consumption as carcinogenic, as well as the role that animal agriculture plays in spawning diseases and pandemics.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three out of four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals.

The American Medical Association passed a resolution in 2017 requesting U.S. hospitals promote better health by offering plant-based meals to patients, staff and visitors, and similar recommendations have been issued by the American College of Cardiology. New York and California now have laws requiring hospitals to provide a plantbased option with meals.

The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in the South Los Angeles suburb of Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Traditional farms are usually only able to harvest crops a few times a year, but because Plenty’s hydroponic farms are free of the limitations of seasonal changes, weather conditions, pests and natural disasters, they can produce food year-round. The crops are cultivated in a clinically sanitary environment with full personal protective equipment for staff, as well as robots to do much of the picking. The first time produce is touched by human hands is when the consumer opens the package.

Plenty’s project condenses 700 acres of farmland into a 95,000-square-foot warehouse. Its first vertical farm opened in South San Francisco in 2018, and it maintains a research and development farm in Laramie, Wyoming. By building farms vertically, healthy, quality produce can be grown without harming the environment, especially in urban areas, where land is limited and food insecurity may be widespread.

In addition to the vertical plant towers, Plenty uses LED lighting and automation to plant, feed and harvest crops. The warehouses grow plants faster and with more nutritional density with no need for pesticides, using a fraction of the water required by traditional farming.

July 2021

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FOOD AS MEDICINE The Healing Power of Nutrition

by Julie Peterson

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ating is a basic need, but many Americans are not filling this need with healthful choices. Among the more than 700,000 Americans that die each year from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes, about 45 percent eat meals heavy in salt, processed meat and sugary drinks, and low in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, according to a March 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“I fully understand and empathize with people in the public,” says T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the groundbreaking The China Study and founder of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, in Ithaca, New York. Campbell has often stressed that public and professional understanding of nutrition is lacking.

The problems with the Standard American Diet (SAD) start with the very ground it is grown in. Large-scale farming in the U.S. has depleted the soil, producing lower nutrient foods. In addition, many foods are processed by manufacturers to improve shelf life, which further destroys nutrients and requires toxic additives.

“The default choice, the easy choice, is the inexpensive, highly processed food. Our built environment throughout the country has made it easier to find fast food than a produce store,” says Lisa McDowell, director of lifestyle medicine and clinical nutrition at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

SAD is a primary risk factor for high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, increased blood glucose and weight gain, accord14

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ing to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These intermediate conditions can lead to full-blown chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, all of which are on the rise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic disease and 40 percent have two or more, making chronic disease the leading cause of death and disability in the country.

The good news from WHO is that up to 80 percent of heart disease cases, 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases and one-third of cancer incidences could be avoided by a healthier diet, as well as lifestyle changes like stopping smoking and increasing physical activity.

A healthy diet is not as simple as cutting out convenience foods, because many people literally can’t stop eating them. Studies have compared the addictive properties of added sugar and salt to those of nicotine and cocaine. “Additives like sugar release opioids and dopamine in the brain. The same neurochemical changes in the brain occur in addictions,” says Claire Stagg, DDS, founder of Health Connections Dentistry, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, and author of Smile! It’s All Connected, a layperson’s guide that explains the essential connections between the mouth and overall wellness. “People need to be educated, or re-educated, to take ownership of their health by remembering the basic premise that their

bodies can be healthy if they get the right nutrients to facilitate and support that basic process.”

Campbell agrees that more people need to be educated. A major theme in his latest book, The Future of Nutrition, is how to sift through the conflicting information that exists.

Healthier Helpings As the food industry continues to woo Americans with fast and easy processed foods, there are consumer shifts taking place.

“About a quarter of U.S. adults are trying to manage a health or medical condition by making healthy food and beverage choices,” stated the NPD Group consumer research firm in 2019. “Younger adults, ages 18 to 24, are particularly interested in using foods to improve their health.”

It turns out that it’s most beneficial to focus on adding what is needed for optimal health, instead of worrying about what to eliminate. As William Li, M.D., counsels in Eat to Beat Disease, “Human nature abhors deprivation.” As president of the Angiogenesis Foundation, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Li advises us to “practice health care at home every day in our own kitchens.” He suggests frequently eating such simple, but disease-defying foods as dark chocolate, walnuts, kiwis, sourdough bread and sauerkraut.

“I recommend participating in bigger box stores. They do a great job at making high-quality food available at an inexpensive price,” says McDowell. She also suggests batch cooking and planning meals ahead for the week.

The Power of Plants Plant-based eating is finally becoming mainstream, thanks in part to such eye-opening documentaries as Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, PlantPure Nation and Food, Inc. Research backs up the benefits. In a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins researchers report that in a 30-year period, people eating a mostly plant-based diet were 32 percent less likely to die from a cardiovascular condition and 25 percent less likely

to die from any cause. A 2017 report published in International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases and may protect against certain types of cancers.

For treatment, reversal and prevention of chronic disease, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, in Chesterfield, Missouri, recommends eating a primarily plant-based diet containing minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Campbell says that moving to a 100 percent plant-based diet “and staying there for one to three months, provides an opportunity for virtually everyone to finally crave a salad on a regular basis.

This is a place wherein people have little or no interest to backslide because their taste preferences have profoundly changed.”

As plant-based eating gains momentum, there are more imitation meat products. These foods can be helpful to transition away from meat, but Campbell cautions, “They do not replace the whole plant-based foods, even though they are plant-based, because salt, sugar and added oil are usually added.”

Eating by the Colors Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of vibrant colors ensures we get a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends consuming two and one-half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. McDowell suggests including “deeply pigmented fruits and veggies in at least five different colors, so that you’re getting all of the micronutrients and they’re all working together.”

Aim to include a couple different foods from each of the following color groups over a week’s time. Infographics and charts are available for download from the American Heart Association (Heart.org), Vegan.Easy.org, Dr. Ranjan Chatterjee (DrChatterjee.com) and others.

Apps such as Eat the Rainbow Food Journal, Eat Five and VegHunter also make vegetable and fruit intake easy to track.

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Green: Dark greens have cancer-blocking chemicals like allyl sulfides, lutein and indoles, which inhibit carcinogens. They also contain folate for healthy cells and calcium for stronger bones, muscles and heart regulation. Get plenty of asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea, kale, kiwi, spinach and green herbs.

Blue and purple: Anthocyanins wipe out free radicals, boost brain health and reduce inflammation. Resveratrol can delay cellular aging, protect the heart and reduce risk of some cancers. Add blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, elderberries, figs, grapes, plums, raisins, eggplant and purple cabbage.

Red: Rich in lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals, red plants lower risk of certain cancers and boost heart, brain, eye and bone health. Try apples, beets, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes and watermelon.

Yellow and orange: Contain vitamin C, hesperidin and carotenoids such as beta-carotene to inhibit tumors, protect eyes, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system and heart health. Add apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, mango, oranges, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tangerines and yellow peppers.

White and brown: The onion family contains allicin and beta glucans, which have anti-tumor properties and can help lower cholesterol. Nuts contain healthy fats. Other foods in this group contain blood pressure-regulating potassium and antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, along with digestion-boosting fiber. Choose beans, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, mushrooms, nuts, onions, parsnips and whole grains.

Gaining Gut Health The gut contains the organs that make up the digestive tract and the gut microbiome, a balance of microorganisms that survive on food. A healthy gut can prevent and heal illnesses in the digestive tract, immune system, cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain.

If the gut is burdened with unhealthy foods and digestion is impeded, illness may arise. However, shifting to healthier, plantbased foods can cause a measurable shift in the gut microbiome in three to four days, Duke University researchers report in Nature.

Gut health can be enhanced and restored with specific foods: Enzymes to break down food are found in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts and fresh herbs, and can be destroyed by cooking or processing. These work before the body’s digestive enzymes kick in to improve digestion, eliminate toxins and boost energy.

Studies have shown that raw plants also help with weight loss, decreasing cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

Probiotics, live bacteria that promote healthy gut flora, are found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, pickles, miso and cheddar cheese.

Prebiotics, undigestible natural fibers that feed probiotics, abound in apples, asparagus, bananas, barley, burdock root, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, oats and onions.

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Going Local Whole foods grown locally provide the most nutrition. Michael Pollan, professor of science and environmental journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of In Defense of Food, famously said, “Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”

Buying, preparing and eating whole foods may seem laborious at first, but the shift away from “easy foods” can quickly become a way of life as the body begins to feel better. “We hear stories every week about people who have fixed health issues from eating healthy,” says Brock Hall, owner of the Florida Fields to Forks organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Malabar, Florida. He adds that everyone “ought to get closer to your food” by growing it or getting to know organic farmers at local markets, self-pick operations or through CSAs. Healthy eating is about balance. Enjoy comfort foods occasionally, focusing on the bigger picture of more healthful foods overall.

Julie Peterson has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

The Shift in the Medical Field “We, as a society, have gotten locked into focusing on disease cure over health care,” writes T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the bestselling The China Study and the recently released The Future of Nutrition. Fortunately, as studies prove that diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and Crohn’s disease improve with changes in diet, the medical community is slowly shifting toward using nutrition in tandem with traditional care to help manage and prevent disease.

Unfortunately, says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, in Dallas, “The amount of nutritional education in medical school is minimal.” Now, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is aiming to fill that void by training healthcare teams to prevent and reverse chronic disease through lifestyle behaviors.

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one example. After a group of physicians and registered dietitians received ACLM certification, it launched a Lifestyle Medicine and Clinical Nutrition program. “The goal is to provide support to individuals and teach them to hardwire best practices that optimize their own personal health and potential,” says Lisa McDowell, program director.

The Food as Medicine Institute, in Portland, Oregon, also offers a training program for healthcare professionals and nutritionists to implement community-based nutrition programs.

The Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, in Ohio, offers programs that help patients identify genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to shift health from illness to well-being.

The Gaples Institute, in Naperville, Illinois, offers nutritional training and accreditation for medical clinicians, as well as free nutritional instruction online for the public.

Inner Milestones

fit body

Soulful Strides Running as a Spiritual Practice

by Marlaina Donato

For many, running is competitive and involves the pursuit of excellence, but directing attention to inner emotional terrain and bodily sensations can foster a practice that transcends personal goals. “Once we see that we can be with the discomfort, the joy, the pain, the thrill of running, we realize that we can be present in every moment of our lives, no matter what it brings,” says Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, author of Still Running: The Art of Meditation in Motion. Goddard, a teacher of Zen in New York City, underscores intention. “We can practice running not just as exercise, but as a form of moving meditation—what I call ‘still running’. It’s a way of saying to ourselves, ‘Every moment of my life matters. I want to be present for all of it. I want to be awake.’”

Julia Chi Taylor, a London-based life coach and avid runner, highlights the breath as a guide, the option of using a mantra and “being mindful of any dynamic of pushing too hard or internal criticism, and instead practicing quietening the mind as you run.”

The 20-year veteran of international races sees no division between the mundane and the divine. “Running has been a spiritual practice for me since I was a teenager, as I have always been on a spiritual path. Running seemed to me to be my soul expression.”

Taylor’s challenge during her competitive years was to slow down inside. “I was often getting caught up with my ego’s desire for approval and recognition. It was always evident when I was caught up in pushing and losing the presence of the step; I always became ill or injured,” she relates.

Breath as Guide

L

acing up sneakers and going out for a run helps to manage weight, high blood pressure, depression and addictions, but pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise. Runners often refer to the “runner’s high”—attaining a profound sense of well-being after a good jog. According to David Linden, a professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, this boost in mood is due to endocannabinoids, the body’s natural chemicals that are similar to the molecules in marijuana that promote relaxation.

Running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice.

“Something seems to unite the physical and spiritual when pounding the pavement,” says Michael Fitzgerald, a seasoned runner and multi-genre author in Santaquin, Utah. “The discipline of running is a gift I give to myself. It gives me time away from the expectations of daily life and allows me to enter a world all its own.”

Inhaling and exhaling with mindfulness during running, much like yoga, helps to foster the unity of body, mind and spirit. “The breath is the most common object of meditation. I pair my breath with my stride, and this both keeps me connected to my body and it quiets my mind,” explains Goddard.

Taylor concurs, noting, “Running asks that we breathe more deeply, and the more we are in touch with the breath, the mind stills, or at least starts to work in a freer way, and we realize we are not the mind. When we run with no purpose but to run, after a while we become the run, and each step takes care of itself.”

For Fitzgerald, running has helped him to overcome negativity and find a sense of freedom. On the practical level, nixing earbuds for silence helps him to pave the way for a deeper experience. “I find my thoughts are clearer when I am running. Self-discipline for me is a spiritual endeavor. Overcoming internal, trite objections to exercise such as running always feels like a spiritual triumph. Such triumphs give me hope and motivate me to reach higher, again and again.”

Moving the body invites transformation and a broader, deeper perspective. Taylor shares, “As our body gets fitter and develops endurance, it becomes easier to recognize the body as a temple of the soul. The skills we learn to master the art of running can then become skills to help us master the art of living.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at Autumn EmbersMusic.com.

July 2021

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healing ways

Sweet Slumber Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

by Ronica O’Hara

A

good night’s sleep is a challenge for a growing number of Americans. Even before the pandemic, 35 percent of adults reported sleeping less than the recommended seven hours a night, and in a new survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 56 percent said they were sleeping worse due to what’s termed “COVID-somnia”.

Being sleep-deprived not only makes us crabby and accident-prone, but also raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system, studies show.

Fortunately, we can stave off fretting about lack of sleep by adopting some simple, natural practices.

GET A PATTERN GOING. “Keeping to the same routine will signal to the body and brain that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep,” says Dallas nurse educator Jenna Liphart Rhoads. This means sticking to the same bedtime and awakening schedule, and doing quieting activities an hour or so before bed, such as stretching, meditating, drinking tea or journaling.

MUNCH SMARTLY ON SLEEP-INDUCING FOODS. Many experts advocate foregoing food two hours before sleeping. As another option, “sleep snacks”, is suggested by New York University adjunct nutrition professor Lisa Young. She says, “These are foods that contain natural substances that may help promote a good

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night’s sleep.” They include warm milk or turkey (tryptophan), tart cherries (melatonin), kiwi fruit (vitamin C and serotonin), bananas (potassium and magnesium) and nuts and seeds (magnesium).

DON AMBER GLASSES OR AN EYE MASK TO BLOCK LIGHT. The blue light emitted by ordinary light bulbs and device screens prevents the pineal gland from releasing melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, which is why it’s wise to shut down electronic devices an hour before sleeping. If doing so isn’t easy, at least block the blue light by using amber or orange (not clear or yellow) glasses to restore melatonin production, advises former General Electric lighting researcher Richard Hansler, Ph.D., of Cleveland; he also advises replacing regular bedroom bulbs with only those that produce low levels of blue light. To encourage deep sleep, fully darken the bedroom or wear an eye mask: a Chinese study found wearing such an accessory along with earplugs significantly increases the restorative rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

WRITE A TO-DO LIST TO CALM A RACING MIND. Baylor University researchers found that compared to people that journaled about what they had accomplished that day, those that spent five minutes writing a to-do list for the next day fell asleep nine minutes sooner—the same effect as taking a prescription medication. The more specific their list, the quicker the shut-eye.

GET COZY WITH A WEIGHTED BLANKET AND SOCKS. Weighted blankets, ideally weighing about 10 percent of a person’s body weight, lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, reports a Swedish study. Some are filled with natural ingredients like rice and cloves, and can be warmed in a microwave beforehand, providing a fragrant, swaddled feeling. Plus, Korean researchers found that wearing warm socks to bed helped subjects fall asleep about seven minutes sooner, sleep 32 minutes longer and experience fewer light awakenings.

TAKE A NATURAL SLEEP AID. Prescription sleeping pills for insomnia can produce dependency and additional unwelcome side effects such as grogginess, diarrhea, headaches and stomach pain.

Natural choices without these drawbacks include melatonin, a pineal gland hormone that primes the body for sleep; small doses of 0.3 milligram (mg) to 1 mg work effectively by mirroring natural circadian levels, research shows. Half of U.S. adults are estimated to be deficient in magnesium, which relaxes muscles and increases levels of a neurotransmitter with calming effects; 500 mg is a common dose. Valerian (300 to 900 mg) has been found to improve sleep quality in women during menopause.

CHECK OUT HEALTH ISSUES TO GET TO THE ROOT. Apnea, thyroid conditions, anemia, menopausal hot flashes, heartburn, incontinence and depression can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, as can medications such as beta blockers, blood pressure medications, some antidepressants and decongestants. If anxiety or depression is causing tossing and turning, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve sleep in up to 70 to 80 percent of people with insomnia. Whether in-person, via Zoom or by email, even one or two sessions can lower insomnia symptoms, with six to eight sessions typically being more helpful.

Connect with writer Ronica O’Hara can at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

July 2021

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conscious eating

Sizzling on the Grill

Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

by Laura Paisley Beck

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or most Americans, summer smells like fresh-cut grass and barbecue sizzling in the backyard. Approximately 64 percent of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, but common practices are bad for the environment. Fortunately, many great chefs have the problem covered with delicious alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting methods.

The Downside of Grilling

"Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks." ~Charlemagne

When grilling steaks and burgers, choose local, organic, grass-fed beef.

Most charcoal and all lighter fluids contain chemicals that create air pollution when burned, harming our health and the environment. Better alternatives are sustainably sourced, organic and natural materials, such as charcoal made from bamboo or coconut shells.

Entrepreneur Fred Grosse sought to solve another problem associated with conventional grilling materials: the taste of lighter fluid on barbecue foods. He invented Mojobricks, a carbon-neutral alternative to charcoal designed to impart a smoky flavor to grilled foods. “You’re breathing in 50 percent less particulate matter standing at the grill than if you grill with charcoal or wood,” he says about his bricks made with compressed sawdust from wood mills. “They heat food more efficiently, take up less storage space than bags of charcoal and keep trees growing in the forest.”

What Gets Grilled Matters

Americans eat three times more meat than the global average. To meet the immense demand, mass-produced beef is trucked across the nation with dire environmental impacts including cow methane emissions, the burning of fossil fuels for transport and excessive land use. To curtail these impacts, Americans can choose to reduce or eliminate their beef consumption and when they do decide to grill a ribeye or New York strip, choose local, organic, grass-fed beef.

Eliminating meat is simple as vegetarian and vegan options are innumerable. “Question what a burger is, and off you go with legumes, root vegetables, mushrooms, cheese 20

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or whatever you happen to feel like,” says Martin Nordin, author of Green Burgers.

Genevieve Taylor’s new cookbook, Charred, features enticing meals to cook over a flame that include vegetables, spices, nuts, herbs and other inventive ingredients.

Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks, co-authors of Low-Carb Vegetarian, have had a dramatic increase in requests for grilled versions of vegetarian dishes, a sign of increasing outdoor cooking trends.

Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin.

Reach out at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.

Presentation for the Planet

2 lb Brussels sprouts 1 cup shredded carrot (about one large) 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp grainy mustard Kosher salt and cracked black pepper (to taste) 1 white onion (quartered and sliced) 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp of The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub 1 cup BBQ sauce 6 hamburger buns

When hosting backyard dinner parties, consider that paper and plastic dinnerware will end up in the landfill. Ask guests to bring a plate and fork or mix and match whatever dish sets are on hand. Another suggestion is to go vintage. “There has already been so much manufactured of everything, we wouldn’t need to manufacture another plate, for example, for another generation or two,” says Morgan Miller, owner of Rewind Decor vintage store in Madison, Wisconsin.

With a few adjustments, eco-grilling is easy, delicious and much better for the planet. Marinate locally sourced ingredients, burn as carbon-neutral a fire as possible and serve up delicious food on real plates that friends and family will help wash. Guests will be inspired and follow suit in their own homes. As Grosse says, “Each small difference adds up to big change.”

GREAT GRILLIN' RECIPE

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw Yield: 6 sandwiches

First, make the Brussels sprout slaw. Thinly slice enough of the Brussels sprouts to have 2 cups. Reserve the remainder of the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded sprouts with the shredded carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well-incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Makes about 2 cups of slaw.)

Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes.

Cover the grill with a single layer of aluminum foil. Slice the remaining Brussels sprouts in half. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and the onion with the sesame oil, vinegar and BBQ dry rub until everything is coated. Place the Brussels sprouts on the grill for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side, or until the edges are brown and they’re cooked through. Remove sprouts from the grill and place them into a medium bowl. Pour in BBQ sauce. Using a spatula, toss the Brussels sprouts in the sauce until they’re well-coated.

Put the BBQ Brussels aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches. On the bottom part of each hamburger bun, pile on the BBQ and top it with the slaw.

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Store sun tea in fridge until ready to drink. Consume within 2-3 days of steeping.

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green living

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Growing Food Security The Benefits of Urban Gardening

by Laura Paisley Beck

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734-757-7929 Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com 22

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or a lot of Americans, healthy food is scarce. According to FeedingAmerica.org, more than 35 million Americans faced food insecurity in 2019. That number is expected to increase substantially due to the pandemic, which disrupted the food supply chain in ways that most Americans have never seen.

The good news is that urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, healthy, organic, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household. A 2013 abstract from Michigan State University published in Agriculture & Food Security states that urban gardens could not only provide healthy food, but also create a more resilient food system.

During the pandemic, many people jumped at the chance to put in a garden, and in cities, where available land is limited, creative solutions have emerged. Just about any space could serve as a viable garden, including a spare room, rooftop, shipping containers or an empty warehouse. With hydroponics, no soil is required and with vertical systems, planters are stacked, requiring a small footprint.

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Veggies Instead of Lawns Phan Truong, known as A Suburban Gardener on Instagram, turned her entire yard into an organic vegetable garden and invited her Scaggsville, Maryland, neighbors to share in the bounty. “I had this table of abundance in front of my house, but people weren’t taking anything! So, I hid in my garden, waiting for neighbors to walk by, and then I’d rush the fence and encourage them to take food,” Truong says. “My husband thought everyone would think we were weird.” Now, instead of getting polite waves from afar, the garden has become a communications hub among neighbors.

Sharing the Abundance When Truong witnessed friends losing jobs and struggling, she was inspired to lend a hand by assisting some of them to plant their own low-maintenance, high-yield gardens to save money on healthy meals. Once she had assisted people close to her, she decided to expand her reach. “My garden spits out a lot of food. I discovered there are local food banks and charities that collect food. I was surprised that they will take any abundance,” says Truong.

Garrett Livingood, a North Atlanta, Georgia, blogger, developed GrowMy Community.org where local farmers, growers and community gardens can upload their location and what they offer, so that the locals know where to go for

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fruits, vegetables, herbs and other healthy eats. According to Livingood, “Forty percent of produce gets thrown out every year, so it’s not that we don’t have enough food, the problem is access.”

Food Security Equals Health Ashlie Thomas, a research scientist known as The Mocha Gardener on Instagram, started gardening for healthy produce and medicinal plants at home in Graham, North Carolina, when family members on limited incomes living in a food desert had been diagnosed with health issues like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

“Imagine having diet requirements that included mostly plant-based food, but your resources are simply not there,” Thomas says. “I didn’t know there was a term for that: food security. There is an increasing population with disease, and food could be the answer.”

The problem is particularly prevalent in communities with no grocery stores, forcing residents to buy food at gas stations or drive considerable distances to big-box stores. Thomas observed that choices at these kinds of facilities are often between expensive produce or inexpensive junk food. Healthful food is not available or affordable for all.

Thomas believes gardening empowers people to take control of their diet and their health, not only physiologically, but

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psychologically and spiritually. “It doesn’t just stop at the garden,” she says. “How you treat your body and other people has a positive healthy impact, as well.”

Tips to Get Started Follow local gardeners on social media to get ideas.

THINK LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-YIELD. Cherry tomatoes, salad greens, cucumbers and beans are high-producing, low-cost staples.

FLOWERS CAN BE FOOD. Try violets, pansies, nasturtiums and chives to beautify the garden and the plate.

GROW ORGANIC. It’s cheaper and doesn’t harm anyone or anything. “I grow organic because I want to respect my space.

I don’t want to control Mother Nature, I want to work with her,” says Thomas.

HERB IT UP. Mint, rosemary and basil taste great and can deter pests.

Overall, keep it simple. Set up for success with just enough to learn and enjoy a new lifestyle. It can be expanded upon year after year, providing a bounty of nutritious food security.

Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach her at LauraPaisley Beck@gmail.com.

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plant medicine

Spice Up Health

Using Herbs for Flavor and Medicine

by April Thompson

H

erbs add lush flavor to all kinds of dishes, and they are culinary friends that bring the benefits of helping to restore and maintain health. “Food is medicine, and herbs bring out the medicinal properties of food,” says Kami McBride, of Sebastopol, California, author of The Herbal Kitchen: Bring Lasting Health to You and Your Family with 50 Easy-to-Find Common Herbs and Over 250 Recipes. “The spice rack is a

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relic from another time when we knew how to use herbs and spices to optimize health and to digest our food.”

To get a medicinal dose of an herb, consider making teas, vinegar extracts or pestos, says Brittany Wood Nickerson, the Conway, Massachusetts, author of The Herbalist’s Kitchen: Delicious, Nourishing Food for Lifelong Health and Well-Being.

“Parsley, for example, is a nutrient- and vitamin-rich herb. If you garnish with parsley, you won’t get a significant amount of vitamin C, as you would if you make a pesto from it.”

Salads can also pack a healthy dose of herbs into a meal, says Martha’s Vineyard resident Holly Bellebuono, an herbalist and author of The Healing Kitchen: Cooking with Nourishing Herbs for Health, Wellness, and Vitality. “So many herbs, including violets, mints and red clover, can just be tossed fresh into a salad, offering both fiber and minerals.”

Vinegars are one of Bellebuono’s go-to methods to incorporate herbs into a diet, infusing fresh or dried herbs into red wine or apple cider vinegar for salad dressings and other uses. “Vinegar is great at extracting minerals from herbs and making them more bioavailable,” she says.

Drying herbs does not diminish their medicinal properties, but rather concentrates their essence, as it removes excess water, according to Bellebuono. “Dried and powdered herbs are a great way to preserve

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the garden harvest and add herbs into everyday dishes. You can throw a teaspoon of turmeric, a wonderful anti-inflammatory herb, in spaghetti sauce or oatmeal, and you won’t even notice it,” she says.

Best Herbal Buddies

While Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil are often at the front of the spice rack, Nickerson also suggests lesser-used herbs such as sour sumac, anise-accented tarragon and versatile, yet often discarded orange peels, which can be added to soups along with fennel seed and bay leaves for a complex flavor. Thyme is another of Nickerson’s favorites, a hearty herb for fall dishes that’s also a powerful antifungal and aids with digestion, lung health and detoxification.

While some may think of parsley as a garnish, “It offers incredible freshness and livens up almost anything,” says Nickerson. “I use it as a vegetable and make a salad of its leaves or add handfuls of it into a quiche. Parsley is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and has detoxification properties.” Adding it near the end of cooking maintains its vibrant flavor and color, she notes.

McBride loves versatile herbs like mint and coriander that can be used in sweet and savory dishes with antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and flu. She also keeps salt shakers on the table filled with spices like cardamom, an antibacterial, anti-spasmotic

Drying herbs does not diminish their medicinal properties, but rather concentrates their essence, as it removes excess water. and expectorant, to sprinkle onto beverages and dishes. Bellebuono also recommends infusing honey with herbs such as sage or oregano that support the immune system.

Herbal-Aided Digestion

All herbs, whether leafy, green culinary herbs or spices like coriander and clove, are carminative, meaning they help digest food, McBride says. “Digestion can use up to 40 percent of your day’s energy, which is why you often get a nap attack after a big meal.

Every meal needs a carminative, even if it’s just black pepper, which is one of the problems with most fast food.”

Pungent and bitter herbs, in particular, support digestion and absorption of nutrients and make them more bioavailable, says Nickerson: “Activating the taste buds dedicated to sensing bitter stimulates the digestive system.” A salad of bitter greens, for example, can help prepare digestion of a heavier meal to come, whereas a post-meal aperitif can help with digesting the food afterward.

“It absolutely adds up when you add small doses of herbs to your meals every day,” McBride advises. “Many Americans suffer from gastrointestinal inflammation from modern diets and lifestyles, and herbs can help reverse that. Your gut gets a little healing every day.”

April Thompson is a Washington, D.C., freelance writer.

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

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natural pet

Liberate yourself from suffering.

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

Doggy Delights

Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

by Amy Coyle

Experience is better than belief.

Learn more at GnosticTeachings.org

"Cats have it all... admiration, an endless sleep, and company only when they want it." ~Rod McKuen

O

ne morning, Randy Roach awoke to a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen of his Philadelphia home. Mouth watering, he peeked in the oven to find a dozen bone-shaped cookies—meant not for him, but for Woods, the family dog. “Such is life when you live with a dog lover,” laughs Randy’s wife Kate, who had peanut butter, oat and flax seed cookies baking for their rescued Labrador mix, a picky eater.

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians.

A Smaller Pawprint With the focus on decreasing personal carbon footprints, an Earth-conscious dog owner may want to make dog biscuits at home purely for the lower environmental impact.

Research from UCLA shows that industrial production of dog and cat food creates the equivalent in greenhouse gases of 13 million cars annually. Store-bought dog treats require oil, energy and water to produce and transport. The packaging often contains plastic or other non-biodegradable materials, which cause pollution, block drains and harm wildlife.

Making treats at home is simple and less tricky nutritionally than making a dog’s regular meals. “When it comes to regular dog food, I’m not a proponent of home-cooked food. It is far too difficult to balance nutrients. For treats, I am not so concerned,” says Lawrence Gallagher, VMD, at Villanova Vet, in Villanova, Pennsylvania. “But you need to watch calories. Treats should be ‘high-reward’ and low-calorie, not necessarily big in size. They are used as a reward, not to fill the stomach.”

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Grand Traverse Region

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

Homemade dog treats cost less over time. Many popular traditional dog treats are $5 to $10 per bag, with organic costing more. Kate figures she saves as much as $20 a month making Woods’ treats.

A Healthy Choice The labels on many commercial dog treats list dubious ingredients such as meat by-products, sugar, sodium metabisulfite (a bleaching agent), propylene glycol and artificial colors. “My general rule of thumb is if you cannot pronounce or don’t recognize an ingredient, it is probably not healthy for your pet,” says Alison Streit Birken, DVM, owner of Victoria Park Animal Hospital, in Fort Lauderdale.

In addition, some packaged treats are produced in countries where ingredient and manufacturing regulations are less rigorous, which has led to illness and even death in dogs.

Getting Started No special equipment is required. Mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a wooden spoon, baking sheets and a cooling rack will suffice.

More ambitious treat-makers might want a muffin pan for custom shapes. Common ingredients include pumpkin, bananas, yogurt

and peanut butter. When choosing a recipe, aim for no or little sugar. (Honey and molasses are simple sugars.) Also, because homemade treats have no preservatives, be sure to follow storage requirements such as refrigeration or freezing.

Jen Jovinelly, a DVM candidate at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, promotes simple treats. “Treats are not food. Keep the caloric intake from treats under 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric requirement.” She also cautions to avoid foods that could be dangerous, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, certain nuts, onions, garlic or artificial sweeteners. If unsure about the safety of an ingredient, check the online list at The Humane Society of the United States (Humane Society.org) or consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.

For those that aren’t inclined to bake, toys filled with organic peanut butter, then frozen, keep dogs happy, while others love the crunch of raw carrots or broccoli. As Birken says, “You can always go to your own refrigerator and pick out some great, healthy dog treats!”

Amy Coyle is a freelance writer in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

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calendar of events

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

FRIDAY, JULY 2 Free Beginner Bellydance Class – 6-7pm. Is bellydance your vibe? Try it and find out. For absolute beginners of all ages and sizes. Via Zoom and in person at Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Register: 231-941-5805. Tinyurl.com/4shv5swp.

Online: Canning High Acid Foods – 6-7:30pm.

Learn research-tested techniques for canning highacid foods such as tomatoes, pickles, fruits and sauerkraut using a water bath canner and a steam canner.

Instructor: Kara Lynch. Free. Register: Oryana.coop.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

SATURDAY, JULY 3

TUESDAY, JULY 13 Alpenfest – July 13-17. Details: GaylordAlpenfest.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

SATURDAY, JULY 17 Rainbow Flower Water Blessing – 12-4pm. Rain date: July 18. Let’s gather to offer love and blessings to gorgeous Lake Michigan. Our Water Blessing ceremony is simple, a time to come together and give flowers and prayers to the water. Families welcome.

Look for the rainbow flags to find us. Sturgeon Bay, just North of Cross Village. Go to Legs Inn in Cross Village, and then keep going N on M-119, left at the T, and then the beach is on the left. More info: Aria@AriaMae.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 22 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 June 21: MIHolisticMed.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 23 Red Tent Women’s Gathering – 7-9pm. A monthly full moon gathering for Northern Michigan women.

Opens with a sharing circle, then moves into more free-flowing social time. Nursing infants and pre-teen and teenage young women welcome too. Sponsored

by Yoga Bellaire. Donation. Info: Aria@AriaMae. com. Register: AriaMae.com/red-tent-sign-up.

PLAN AHEAD SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

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Grand Traverse Region

Weekly Facebook Live with Dr. McSwain – 5:306pm. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

Mindfulness and Meditation Circle – Thru Dec. 5:30-6:30pm. Every week is different as we learn about the art and science of mindfulness. Co-led by Aria Everts and Eric McDonald. Donation. Yoga Bellaire, 106 W Cayuga St, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

fridays Elk Rapids Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct 8. 8am12pm. Rotary Park, U.S. 31, Elk Rapids. 231-2648202. ElkRapidsChamber.org/farmers-market.

saturdays Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers’ Market – 7:30am12pm. Lot B, SW corner of Cass & Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City. dda.downtowntc.com/farmers-market.

Harbor Springs Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct 16.

9am-1pm. W Main St, Harbor Springs. 231-8811863. HarborSpringsFarmersMarket.org.

ongoing events

mondays Cancer Care Support Discovery Call – 6-6:30pm.

For those looking to incorporate a holistic, functional element of care into their cancer treatment plan by working in conjunction with your oncologists, surgeons, primary care physician and physical medicine practitioners. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

wednesdays Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers’ Market – 8am12pm. Lot B, SW corner of Cass & Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City. dda.downtowntc.com/farmers-market.

48 Hours of Bite-Sized Mindfulness – With Sabina Vitacca, Mindfulness Consultant. Designed to demonstrate how effective the practice of mindfulness can be when applied to work and home situations. Self-paced/pre-recorded and sent to your email over 2 days to watch in your own time. Free.

Register: Tinyurl.com/auvtndn7.

thursdays

Sacred Drum Circle – 7-9pm. 2nd Thur. No drum necessary but feel to bring an acoustic item of your making. Earth Blessing will start each evening.

Dress for outside. Children must be in control of adults; advantageous if kids are old enough to join in on the rhythm that evolves. RSVP nice but not required. Love offering. House of Bear, 4242 County Rd 633, Grawn. Shama Arial’s Lightworks: 231-383-0803. Lightworks@aye.net. Facebook. com/Shama-Arials-Lightworks-579284359208041.

2021 National Cherry Festival – July 3-10. Multiple events for the community to celebrate the summer. Traverse City. Details: CherryFestival.org.

Elk Rapids Garden Club Garden Walk – 10am5pm. Theme: Preserving the Blue: Celebrate Gardening. Tour 6 unique gardens throughout the Elk Rapids community including 2 gardens on Torch Lake & multiple gardens on a 40-acre estate. $12/advance; $15/day of. More info: ElkRapidsGardenClub.com.

to be coached around. $222/mo. AmbrosiAlanimals.

MyKajabi.com/offers/Fcot2cjT/checkout.

Harbor Springs Farmers’ Market – Thru Aug 25.

9am-1pm. W Main St, Harbor Springs. 231-8811863. HarborSpringsFarmersMarket.org.

Online: Conscious Leaders Group Coaching – Thru Dec. 3-4pm. A place to receive continuous guidance for leading with compassion and flow. Includes 2 monthly calls, where you can bring questions or issues

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

InterPlay: Dive Deep into Creative Self-expression – 3-5:30pm. 3rd Sat. An active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body. Through simple improvisational forms, it uses movement, sound, storytelling, stillness, and contact to provide a powerful forum for creative expression, self-exploration, connection and play. New Moon Yoga, 10781 E Cherry Bend Rd, Traverse City. 231-421-3120. SoulWaysHealing.com.

classifieds HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM, this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michiganmade products. We are a licensed, insured, certified Company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).

community resource guide ADVANCED WELLNESS EARTH LABS

FRESH MILK HERD SHARES CHAGA PRODUCTS

U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeals.com

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.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.

Freshest, cleanest wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Immune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 24.

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 15.

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 well-being. See ad page 25.

COACHING & COUNSELING ARIA MAE EVERTS

Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 7.

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.

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 everyday use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 21.

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.

HALOTHERAPY 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 18.

HEALTHY EATING 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.

July 2021

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community resource guide HEALTHY PET

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE

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

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.

LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY EARTH LABS

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

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

Grand Traverse Region

SONG OF THE MORNING YOGA RETREAT CENTER

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

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.

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.

PAIN RELIEF

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com

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

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.

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.

PERMACULTURE & EDIBLE LANDSCAPES 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.

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.

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RETREAT CENTERS

HealthyLivingMichigan.com

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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CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

July 2021

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Grand Traverse Region

HealthyLivingMichigan.com