June 2010 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

FREE

MEN’S HEALTH

What Works: 25 Tips from Dr. Oz

CLEAN COMPOSTING Ways to Turn Waste into Assets

YOGA

Everyday Empowerment with Baron Baptiste

GET GRILLIN'

Serve Up a Sustainable Feast

LOCAL FEATURE: CLEANUP EFFORTS ON THE GULF COAST JUNE 2010

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No spotlights... No waterfalls... No massive entrance... ...and that’s the point.

A Conservation Community

25 homesites More than 1100 protected acres Rolling hills up to 275 ft 20 miles of equestrian trails Streams and longleaf pine forests

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251.937.FARM Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com www.dauerwalden.com

letterfrompublisher The seasoned readers among you will notice that there is a new face on this page. Melanie remains an integral part of the Natural Awakenings family, but as publisher of the neighbor publication in Pensacola. I officially took the reins of the Mobile/Baldwin magazine in late April, and have been busy in my new role ever since.

contact us Publisher/Editor Meredith Montgomery Design Michael Wilson Local Ad Sales 251-990-9552 P.O. Box 725 Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375 Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com MobilePublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 © 2010 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. 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 do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Recently I found myself sitting on the floor of my office doing research while Mays, my nine-month-old son played beside me. Deep in thought, I was slightly startled when I felt a small object appear in my hand. It was a little plastic Easter egg. “Is this for me?” I asked as he proudly smiled back confirming that he had intentionally given me that egg. While a master at emptying toy boxes and cabinets, and always welcoming anything that is handed to him, this was the first time he had purposely given something to someone else. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gratitude and delight I felt for the small gift I had received.

A similar combination of emotions came over me while working on this month’s local feature article, Cleanup Efforts on the Gulf Coast. Local organizations and citizens are coming together in an inspiring response to the recent chain of events caused by the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill. With reports on the catastrophe flooding the media, it was refreshing to hear the dedication and sense of duty in the voices of those with whom I spoke. These organizations are a true inspiration to those of us who appreciate the rare gift of nature and its role in the health of our society.

How easy it is to get caught up in our busy agendas. Whether you are like me, welcoming changes and transitions into your life, or continuing along an already established path, I encourage you to use this magazine as an excuse to escape from your demanding schedules. Take time to immerse yourself in the articles and resources published in each issue. Wonderful things are going on in the world around us, and we all deserve to be aware of them and to contribute.

While busy in the whirlwind of taking over this magazine, Mays’ simple gesture of benevolence grounded me in gratitude and lifted me with delight. I hope to generate an equally uplifting experience for you with each month’s publication.

Feel good. Live simply. Laugh more.

Peace and Gratitude,

Meredith Montgomery

Looking for an old issue?

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Stand Out in the Crowd!

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

10 CLEANUP EFFORTS

ON THE GULF COAST

by Meredith Montgomery

14 EVERYDAY LIFE

Be in Demand!

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Eastern Influences • Thai Massage • Reiki Neuromuscular • Deep Tissue • Orthopedic Swedish • Spa Therapies • Sports Massage

FORTIS COLLEGE (251) 344-1203 www.fortiscollege.com 3590 Pleasant Valley Road Mobile, AL 36609

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LESSONS FROM YOGA A Conversation with

Baron Baptiste

16 THE HUNT FOR

BURIED TREASURE Geocaching With

Man’s Best Friend

by Patricia Komar

18 CLEAN COMPOSTING 18 Turning Waste into an Asset

by Brita Belli

20 WHAT WORKS: Dr. Oz’ 25 Greatest Men’s Health Tips

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by Dr. Mehmet Oz

24 SAY “I DO” TO

A GREEN WEDDING

by Tracy DiNunzio

26 READY, SET,

GRILL ANYTHING! Serve Up a

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Sustainable-Style Feast ENJOY OUR STUDENT CLINICS!

1 Hour Massage, only $25 Friday or Saturday appointments Some weekday appts now available!

“Leading the Way in Health Care & Massage Therapy Training.”

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by Contributing Writers at Sustainable Table

30 KAYAKING WITH KIDS

by Larry and Christine Showler

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6 newsbriefs 9 globalbriefs

12 healthbriefs

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14 wisewords 16 naturalpet 18 greenliving 24 inspiration

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Coming in July

NATURAL FOODS Do you cook naturally? Where is the best place to buy natural foods? What is your favorite natural restaurant? Our readers want to know! Email or call us with your ideas for next month’s issue.

MobilePublisher@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com 251-990-9552

26 consciouseating

30 healthykids 32 fitbody

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newsbriefs Back Pain Relief from Mobile to Puerto Rico Cindy Ballis, owner of the family-operated Sacro-Wedgy business in Mobile, recently attended Expo Calidad de Vida, or the Quality of Life Expo, in San Juan. The healthy living event, hosted by the publishers of Natural Awakenings Puerto Rico, is the largest of its kind in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

“What a great experience for my first time in Puerto Rico,” said Ballis, who was also an exhibitor. The SacroWedgy offers people with back pain a natural option for overall balance. In San Juan, Ballis presented demonstrations to hundreds of back pain sufferers and educated therapists about the use of the product.

While exhibiting, Ballis was invited to teach a class for therapists, using the Sacro-Wedgy for self-care and with clients as an aid in the relief of sciatica, back pain, hip pain, and more.

The community is asked to donate dry and canned food for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, as well as cat litter. Smaller bags of 10 pounds or less are preferred. Donations can be taken to the Robertsdale Feed Store; PetSense at the Tanger Outlet in Foley; Get Personal Custom Embroidery in Foley; RW North Salon in Daphne; and the BARC! office in Fairhope. Volunteers will then collect and transport the pet food to the distribution sites of Ecumenical Ministries in Fairhope and Foley and Prodisee Pantry, in Spanish Fort.

For information about volunteering or serving as a collection point, contact BARC! Executive Director, Sonja Presley, at 251928-4585 x102, or visit BaldwinHumane.org.

Anusara Yoga Workshops at Yoga Birds Yoga Birds is offering a weekend workshop, Lightness of Being, with Scotta Brady, E-RYT 500, on June 26 and 27.

A class on Standing Poses, Twists and Backbends, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday. Flight School: Abs and Arm Balances, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday. Cost is $40 for each class. Experience the Nectar of Inversions and Forward Folds, takes place from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. Cost is $35. Register for the entire weekend for $100 to save $15.

For information call 800-737-9296 or visit SacroWedgy.com.

Expo Calidad de Vida 2011 will be held March 4-6, in San Juan. Visit NA-PR.com for details. See ad on page 25.

BARC! Establishes Pet Food Pantry Due to the economic climate, more and more families are giving up their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. To help struggling pet owners, the Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) is establishing the region’s first pet food pantry. Partnering with community food banks, BARC! will assist income-eligible families by providing food for their dogs and cats.

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“Using the universal principles of alignment from Anusara yoga methodology, participants will find a balance of power and softness to open their hearts more fully in backbends and take flight in arm balances,” says Brady. “More stability in inversions and arm balances will be attained through an unusual use of feet.”

Brady, a certified Anusara yoga teacher, began her formal yoga studies in 1996 after graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. She has studied with teachers from around the world, including Anusara yoga founder John Friend.

For more information and registration, visit YogaBirds.com, email Melanie@YogaBirds.com or call 251-990-3447. See ad on page 39.

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Lab Work Helps Identify Nutritional Needs

Outdoor Family Adventures in South Alabama

Doctor’s Nutrition in Mobile is now offering lowcost hormone lab work to help clients determine what supplements are most needed and if those supplements are working.

The Christian environmental stewardship organization, Outdoor Family Adventures of South Alabama (OFA), is offering a variety of family outings this summer.

Profiles for men and women are $125. The male profile includes testosterone (free, bound and total), PSA, DHEA and vitamin D. The female profile includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and vitamin D. All lab work is completed

by LabCorp, the largest lab in the country.

According to owner Dr. Arthur Tripp, the profiles remove the guesswork from nutrition and supplementation. “Different bodies have diverse needs, and individual body systems assimilate nutrients differently,” he explains.

Doctor’s Nutrition offers bioidentical, natural hormone therapy and carries a full line of pharmaceutical-grade supplements, including Biotics, Pure Encapsulations, Thorne Research, Parmax and Douglas Labs.

Location: 2502 Schillinger Road South, at Cottage Hill Road. For more information, call 251-445-7898 or visit DocsNutritionMobile.com. See ad on page 38.

Need Clean? Go Green!

Green Clean, LLC is a new company that provides environmentally friendly cleaning services for commercial and residential properties, using only plant-based cleaning products with essential oils for disinfecting and deodorizing. According to owner Nicoll Mastin, the natural oils kill germs and bacteria as effectively as their toxic counterparts without causing harm to the homeowner or environment. This approach is ideal for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies.

“We are willing to work with every client individually to come up with an effective combination of services that will cater to that client’s set of unique needs,” says Mastin.

In addition to regular and deep cleaning, Green Clean also offers special services, such as organizational assistance. Gift certificates are available.

For more information, call 251-508-3796. See ad on page 29.

Hiking, birding, camping, canoeing and kayaking are among the activities that OFA coordinates, along with visits to pitcher plant bogs, state parks and special spots along the coastline.

Events and activities are posted online.

The OFA program was founded by Ronald and Angela Ballard as a way to encourage families to get outside and breathe the fresh air, while enjoying quality family time.

School groups and preschools are also welcome and are encouraged to attend the educational activities offered by OFA. For more information, visit OutdoorFamilyASA.com or call Angela Ballard at 251-937-1199.

Tiger Encounters at the Zoo Three golden tabby Bengal tiger cubs have arrived at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, on loan from the Marcan Tiger Preserve, in Florida.

Reservations for Tiger Encounters are being accepted through June 20 for ages four and up. After June 20, only reservations for ages 13 and up will be accepted, due to the size of the cubs. Thirtyminute encounters will be scheduled at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with no 11 a.m. encounters on Monday or Wednesday. The cost is $25 for children ages 4-12 and $50 for adults, plus the cost of regular zoo admission. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The zoo is located just blocks from the beach and is home to more than 290 animals. Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and macaws are just some of the creatures that inhabit the park. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house and aviary, plus daily animal shows in the summer.

Location: 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For information or to make a reservation, call 251-968-4910. Visit AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.org.

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newsbriefs A Walk in the Park... Off Leash!

The Fairhope Dog Park, located at Volanta Park, has officially opened.

The two-acre, off-leash venue includes separate sections for small and large dogs. Both areas are equipped with watering stations, benches and waste bag and collection receptacles.

The Fairhope Dog Park Coalition was instrumental in the creation of the new park, first by petitioning the mayor and city council, and then raising private funds for the fencing. The city provided the property and many of the resources necessary to complete the project.

The park is open daily and is maintained by the City of Fairhope Public Works and Recreation departments. Dog owners are asked to abide by Dog Park rules that are posted onsite. The coalition meets monthly and will continue to be an active partner in this endeavor. All interested parties are invited to join the coalition.

For information, email FairHopeDogPark@aol.com or call 251929-1466.

Gulf Coast National Trails Day Celebration The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society and 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center will host the Gulf Coast National Trails Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 5.

The free event, suitable for both beginning hikers and veteran backpackers, will be held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, across from Meaher State Park on the Mobile Bay Causeway, in Spanish Fort. Presentations will be given on numerous topics, including hiking destinations in Alabama, backpack cooking, long-distance adventures and plant identification. Hiking and backpacking gear demonstrations are also scheduled.

The mission of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society and its members is to plan, build and maintain safe hiking trails throughout the state and educate the public about the careful use and enjoyment of Alabama’s great outdoors.

For information, visit HikeAlabama.org or contact the LA Hikers at 251-533-1812.

mw

MICHAEL M. WILSON creative & graphic designer mmwilson@gmail.com www.mmwilson.com

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SGBC LEED Class in Mobile

The Gulf Coast Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Alabama will be hosting a Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) green associates eligibilty and exam prep class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 21, in Mobile. Taught by Piedmont Green Building Solutions, attendees will learn about green building fundamentals and LEED to prepare for the LEED green associate exam.

According to board member Rebecca Bryant, “The course is great preparation for anyone interested in becoming accredited as a LEED green associate.” The class is geared toward understanding the core concepts of LEED and basic sustainable strategies as they relate to the LEED rating system. However, it is necessary that attendees commit ample self-preparation time to learn the material discussed in the class.

Included with registration is a class workbook and practice quizzes. A certificate is awarded with completion of the class.

For details and to register, visit USGBCofAL.org.

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

Good Fathering

Dad’s Involvement with Young Kids Aids Achievement A study by the University of Illinois attests that fathers who change diapers and engage in a range of playful activities with their young children stay more involved as their offspring grow older.

Families also realize positive effects on the youngsters’ academic achievement and social skills, findings that are supported by earlier studies. Significantly, the researchers found that when fathers build close, loving relationships with their children in the preschool years, they’re “writing a script” that determines how connected they are, and that script will continue past early childhood.

Affectionate gestures establish and continue that involvement. “That can be as simple as a father winking at his three-year-old,” says Brent McBride, professor of human development at the university. In contrast, fathers who seek to establish a close bond when the child is older have a more difficult time because, McBride warns, “the moment has passed.”

Growth in Grace

Spiritual Pilgrimages on the Rise Worldwide Spiritual pilgrimages, religious retreats and other faith-based journeys comprise one of today’s fastest-growing travel markets, according to the World Tourism Organization. The first International Conference on Religious Tourism in 2006 estimated it to be an $18 billion industry worldwide. A Travel Industry Association of America survey found that one in four travelers said they were currently interested in taking a spiritual vacation, and the interest is spread evenly among all adult age groups.

Packaged tours embrace everything from formative Christian destinations to sites sacred in Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and other ancient religious traditions. The oldest known pilgrimage site is said to be Mount Kailash, in Tibet, a holy travel destination for about 15,000 years. Those not up to the physical demands of travel can alternatively take advantage of the growing number of DVDs available online and at local libraries that allow individuals to take “armchair” pilgrimages around the world.

New Newscape

Americans Want More News about Health and Spirituality Nine in 10 American adults now get their daily news from multiple media platforms, including the Internet, television, radio and local and national newspapers, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. The Internet is at the center on how people’s relationship to news is changing; it has become increasingly portable, personalized and participatory. Today, 33 percent of cell phone owners access news on the device; 28 percent of Internet users have customized their home page to include news sources on topics of personal interest; and 37 percent of Internet users have contributed, commented on or disseminated news via postings on social media websites.

The third most popular online news subject, following weather and national events, is health and medicine. The top three subjects people want to receive more coverage on are scientific news and discoveries, religion and spirituality, and health and medicine, closely followed by state and community news.

Source: PewResearch.org

All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. ~Walt Disney

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Cleanup Efforts on the Gulf Coast How Mobile and Baldwin County Organizations Are Making a Difference

by Meredith Montgomery Early last month, Wolf Bay Watershed Watch (WBWW) gratefully enlisted the aid of eight Indiana volunteers who traveled more than 600 miles to join the Deepwater Horizon spill cleanup efforts on Wolf Bay. First-time visitors to our coast, the travelers were welcomed with Southern hospitality. Delighted to see stingrays and dolphins while hard at work, these helpful volunteers brought with them a cash donation. Their weekend visit was inspiring and just one example of the widespread support local organizations have experienced in the wake of April’s spill.

Already one of the nation’s worst environmental disasters on record, the recent spill is destroying and endangering marine and bird life, nature’s balance and Gulf Coast livelihoods. While everyone is invited to get involved and the citizen response to this disaster has been tremendous, individuals are not encouraged to visit damaged or potentially threatened areas on their own.

It is breeding season for many species of fish, reptiles, invertebrates, shorebirds and sea birds, making area wetlands, marshes and shorelines particularly sensitive. Simply stepping into these fragile habitats can be devastating to nesting species.

Proper volunteer training is crucial, and many local organizations are reworking their already busy agendas to respond to this disaster in a way that provides opportunities for concerned citizens to lend a hand.

Wolf Bay Watershed Watch

A grassroots citizens’ advocacy organization, WBWW exists to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Wolf Bay Watershed, which includes the municipalities of Foley, Elberta, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The group samples water quality at 30 different sites, in affiliation with the Alabama Watershed Watch, to create a baseline of environmental data and to identify sources of pollution. WBWW also works to raise public awareness about the bay and its tributaries, while trying to reduce the effects of water pollution.

Although the watershed does not include much open beach area, a significant amount of marsh and important habitat will potentially suffer from the oil spill. WBWW hosted a volunteer cleanup of the bay’s undeveloped areas and provided dumpsters for residents of the developed areas who were encouraged to perform their own cleanups. These vital efforts help limit the amount of trash and debris that must be removed as hazardous material once the oil comes ashore. Participants were required to be mindful of the current nesting season during their efforts. WBWW Vice President Paul Ware commented, “The cleanup was a productive way to get people outside in the nice weather while doing something to help.”

In addition to initiating cleanups, the organization researches water quality; its data will serve as a baseline for future comparisons when the effects of the spill are being studied.

To learn more about Wolf Bay Watershed Watch, visit WolfBayWatch.org.

Mobile Bay National Estuary Program

The mission of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is to promote wise stewardship of the water quality characteristics and living resource base of the Mobile Bay estuarine system. This non-regulatory program brings together citizens; local, state and federal government agencies; businesses and industries; conservation and environmental organizations; and academic institutions to meet the environmental challenges that face the unique and imperiled resources that characterize the area’s coastal estuaries. MBNEP engages these groups in determining how to best treat the bay, associated coastal waters and the surrounding watersheds to ensure their protection and conservation for our lifetime and beyond.

In response to the oil spill and in partnership with several other organizations, MBNEP is gathering contact information from people interested in volunteering.

The compiled list includes information on the potential volunteers’ interests,

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areas of expertise and available resources. The group has also helped organize several beach cleanups that welcomed a great community response and were effective in putting enthusiastic individuals to work.

To learn more about the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, visit MobileBaynep.com or call 251-431-6409.

Share the Beach

Every morning from May 1 to August 31 during the last 10 years, volunteers from Share the Beach have walked the entire Alabama coast to identify and monitor approximately 80 loggerhead and Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests each year. Their mission is to protect sea turtle habitat and assist hatchlings in reaching the ocean safely.

Volunteers collect pertinent data on the turtle nests and report their findings to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Photography has recently been added to the Share the Beach volunteer duties. In response to the oil spill, each of the 300 volunteers was responsible for taking two photos, one to the east and one to the west from their assigned section of the beach to document the current state of Alabama’s coastline. This photo documentation will be referenced when researchers examine the effects of the spill.

The organization currently needs more volunteers for their monitoring efforts on Dauphin Island. To get involved, visit AlabamaSeaTurtles.com or call 866-SEA-TURTLE.

Mobile Bay Keeper

The mission of the environmental group Mobile Baykeeper is to provide citizens a means to protect the beauty, health and heritage of the Mobile Bay watershed. With more than 3,500 members, their priorities are clean water, clean air and healthy people, along with responsible government and a healthy economy.

Partnering with other area organizations, Mobile Baykeeper is gathering information from potential volunteers. Outreach and Education Director Tammy Herrington says, “We have had a huge response, with thousands of people calling in to volunteer.”

The group is also in contact with officials in Alaska who have experience from the Exxon Valdez disaster 18 years ago. To avoid repeating the mistakes made in Alaska’s cleanup efforts, Mobile Baykeeper is learning how to properly utilize volunteers so that no long-term health impacts are experienced.

To learn more about Mobile Baykeeper, visit MobileBayKeeper.org, call 251-433-4229 or email SaveOurGulf@mobilebaykeeper.org.

Mobile Bay Audubon Society

The Mobile Bay Audubon Society believes the goal of conserving, protecting and restoring habitat is best accomplished by working together with governmental agencies, nonprofit groups and others to promote awareness, understanding, enjoyment and sciencebased stewardship of our environment. It strives to achieve this goal by keeping its 800-member base interested, informed and involved.

This local Audubon chapter works to educate the public about environmental issues and helps maintain sanctuaries and other important bird areas. Programs, lectures and field trips are offered to provide opportunities for members and the public to enjoy and appreciate birds and the natural world. The society is

also involved in advocacy to protect the environment and natural resources, with an emphasis on birds and their habitat.

At the end of April, the National Audubon Society asked the local chapter to provide information on the chapter’s website for those interested in responding to the oil spill. Mobile Bay Society President Dr. John Borom says, “We have received calls from all over the country. Many want to volunteer, and some are offering their services.” The Gulf Coast Zoo has volunteered its facility as a site for housing and cleaning oiled birds. Within a week of posting volunteer information on the website, 11,000 people had responded.

To learn more about Mobile Bay Audubon Society and to

sign up to volunteer, visit MobileBayAudubon.org or call 251990-0423.

In addition to these local resources, BP has released the following important contact information: To report oiled wildlife, please call 866-557-1401. To discuss oil-related damage, please call 800-4400858. To report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information, please call 866-448-5816.

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5 convenient locations in Birmingham and Mobile www.askpsp.com

natural awakenings

June 2010

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healthbriefs

Why Late Night Snacks Put on Weight

Brains in Trouble

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early all of us are high-tech jugglers these days as we race to keep up with emails and instant message conversations while jumping between websites or watching television. But be aware that people who are regularly bombarded with multiple electronic media streams are paying a big mental price, according to recent research from Stanford University. “They’re suckers for irrelevancy,” concludes Professor Clifford Nass, who participated in the study. “Everything distracts them.”

The researchers found that heavy multitaskers consistently underperform those who prefer to complete one task at a time.

Weaknesses include their inability to pay attention to detail, organize memory and switch from one job to the next.

Train Less to Run Faster

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unners can improve both their short- and long-term performance results by reducing the amount of training by 25 percent and introducing speed endurance work into their regimens. By doing short sprints three to four times a week during a recent study, runners improved their times in 10-kilometer runs by a full minute after just six to nine weeks of such altered training.

Source: University of Copenhagen, 2009

Nutrition for a Healthy Prostate

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ased on prolific research, experts generally agree that diet plays a key role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. They recommend eating foods low in fat, keeping portions of meat and dairy small and avoiding highly processed or charcoaled meats, while loading up on fruits and vegetables.

The kinds of produce identified as having anticancer properties include tomatoes, papaya, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli. Drinking green tea also helps, as it contains an active compound that prevents and curbs the progression of prostate cancer.

In addition, various studies propose vitamin E, zinc and selenium as aids in reducing the risk of this type of cancer.

Plant oils, nuts and seeds are naturally rich sources of vitamin E. Zinc is abundant in pumpkin seeds and oysters. Brown rice and whole grains supply selenium.

Sources: American Association for Cancer Research, 2009 and Wiley-Blackwell, 2009

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ating less and exercising more isn’t quite enough when it comes to pursuing or maintaining a healthy weight. New research from Northwestern University shows that eating at the right times helps, too. The researchers believe that eating later at night, when the body wants to sleep, may influence weight gain because its natural circadian rhythms (the internal clock that responds to light and dark cycles) also regulate energy use and prompt the body to burn nighttime calories less efficiently than during daylight.

Source: American Association for Cancer Research, 2009

Can Soft Drinks Cause Cancer?

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recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention found that individuals who consume two or more soft drinks a week had nearly twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared with those who don’t drink sodas. Pancreatic cancer is rare, but often lethal, because it is seldom detected in early stages, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Natural Ways to Quiet Snoring

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noring can interfere with any couple’s rest, but a recent article published in the Mayo Clinic newsletter offers good news if the snoring is due to ordinary causes not linked to the more serious condition of sleep apnea, a serious health concern in which breathing stops during sleep.

Counselors suggest six natural ways to reduce snoring or eliminate it altogether: n Avoid alcohol ~ Alcohol consump-

tion can cause excessive muscle relaxation in the tongue, mouth and soft palate, causing them to sag into the airway.

Avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before bedtime may help. n Lose weight ~ Extra bulk may con-

strict airways, contributing to snoring. n Relieve nasal obstruction ~ Adhesive nasal strips or saline nasal sprays can help

reduce nasal obstruction and congestion that contribute to snoring. n Change sleep positions ~ For those who sleep on their backs, the tongue can

sag and narrow the airway during sleep. A physician can suggest techniques to learn how to sleep comfortably in other positions. n Stop smoking ~ Smoking is associated with an increased risk of snoring. People

who stop smoking have a lower rate of snoring. n Try assistive devices ~ The most effective treatment for snoring is a continu-

ous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. It delivers pressurized air through a mask, keeping the upper airway open during sleep. If a person has difficulty wearing a mask at bedtime, an oral appliance supplied by a specially trained dentist or orthodontist can help keep the throat open.

Though most snoring is harmless, snorers should consult a doctor to rule out sleep apnea.

Hypnotherapy Eases Irritated Bowels

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ypical dietary tactics to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually have short-lived effects because the avoidance of certain foods doesn’t seem to tackle the root of the problem, which is an overly sensitized digestive system reacting to stress.

Reporting on this widespread problem, the British Medical Journal notes that an increasing number of gastroenterologists are now looking to hypnotherapy to help their patients cope with the unpleasant and often painful symptoms.

Dr. Roland Valori, editor of the journal Frontline Gastroenterology, said that of 100 patients treated, 90 found that hypnotherapy significantly improved their symptoms and gave them more control over the condition.

Yoga Boosts Heart Health

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esearch published in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics supports a direct link between the regular practice of yoga, with its breathing exercises, stretching, poses, relaxation and meditation, and heart health.

The researchers point to yoga’s impact on the nervous system, which regulates heart rate through the sympathetic nervous system that causes the heart rate to rise, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows it down. When the two systems work well together, they ensure that the heart rate is steady, yet ready to respond to external changes if needed, such as the fight or flight response.

The study of 84 volunteers showed that regular yoga practitioners have a stronger, more flexible parasympathetic control, which helps them ease out of stressful situations more easily. The researchers concluded that this translates into the desirable qualities of higher heart rate variability, more resistance to stress and an overall healthier heart.

Source: Inderscience Publishers, 2009

natural awakenings

June 2010

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Serving the Public for 33 Years 14

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F

or 20 years, Baron Baptiste, founder of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, has served as an inspirational yoga teacher, author and leader in the realm of personal transformation. He has influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world and across cultures. Here, he comments on yoga’s life-changing benefits.

as with the effects of the universal language of music, people feel the rhythm and power of yoga in their bodies.

How has yoga helped you?

Baptiste yoga focuses on what creates results for people on the physical, mental and emotional levels, so that they can feel more empowered and at ease in their everyday lives. I developed this style of power yoga over many years of working with men, women and youths. It adapts to an individual’s level of ability and encourages students to integrate universal timeless and spiritual principles into their daily lives.

Yoga is an anchor in my life. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without yoga. Physically, it’s always been there for me from childhood. In my teens and early 20s, I surfed and participated in martial arts competitions. Yoga not only gave me a background for all the sports I participated in, it provided a platform for my athletic training and helped heal and rebuild my body after injuries.

In my 30s, and now my 40s, yoga has been my pillar as I enter new phases of life. In challenging times, yoga has been like a friend that helped me work through stress and emotions. It’s a tool that continues to help me find peace and freedom, as well as personal power.

Why should yoga students feel part of a global community?

Which yoga skill is the most useful in everyday life?

Yoga means union, and is practiced throughout the world, regardless of language or cultural barriers; in a sense, we are all connected via our humanity. Just

In Baptiste yoga, we emphasize being present in the moment by connecting with the body, which we consider to be an anchor for the mind. For example,

What is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga?

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center. This simple act empowers us in all situations and in our relationships.

How have yoga disciplines bettered relationships within your family?

when an individual who lives largely in their head is asked to connect with their breath, foot or leg while holding a yoga pose, they immediately come into the present moment. This is a strong tool to take off the mat and into everyday life.

When we take the time to connect again and again throughout the day to our breath or to our body, we are drawn away from the mental concepts and imaginings of the mind and back to our

The true effectiveness of yoga shows when we take our practice into life situations. I have three sons, ages 17, 14 and 10. Teenagers communicate on a different level because they are trying to make their own way in the world and find their sense of self; I now find myself interacting with my two older sons on a new level. When they were younger, I called the shots, but now they want to do that, which results in a back-and-forth dance of communication. When I am practicing yoga, I find that instead of reacting to their challenges from a position of control, I am centered, calm and less reactive.

Rather than giving them something to rebel against, I am able to respond more consciously.

Overall, when I am centered and grounded in my body and breathing, I’m not in my head, intellectualizing about

what is happening. Rather, I’m connected with my heart center. Immediately, my perception shifts from thoughts of the past or future into the present, which is the best place to be, because I’m with “what is, as is,” and I can respond from a place of compassion. I like that I feel more complete when I’m engaged with my children.

What advice do you give someone who wants to begin a yoga practice?

An all-day immersion experience is a great way to start. Then, practicing yoga daily for at least 20 to 30 minutes is better than practicing for one hour three times a week A regular yoga practice has cumulative results: The body changes and becomes stronger, deals better with stress and benefits from enhanced energy flows; practitioners enjoy an overall feeling of well-being and a sense of ease within their own body.

For more information, visit http:// BaronBaptiste.com/index.htm.

natural awakenings

June 2010

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Photographs by Edward Komar

naturalpet

The Hunt For

BURIED TREASURE

Geocaching With Man’s Best Friend

by Patricia Komar

S

ummer trailheads can tempt even the most diehard computer fans to push away from desktops, lace up hiking boots, pack dog treats and trek into the great outdoors to become their own search engines in pursuit of hidden treasures. What they’re after is the next geocache.

Geo means “Earth” and cache is French for “a hiding place to temporarily store items.” This year, Geocaching.com celebrates its 10th anniversary, with nearly 2 million Earthfriendly hunters seeking a current total of more than a million active caches around the world.

A geocache searcher ventures forth equipped with a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a set of designated longitude and latitude coordinates, trail descriptions and cryptic clues posted on the website. New Jersey geocacher Jeff Smith also takes along his Scottish terrier mix.

“What fascinates me is that there’s a goal to the hike,” he grins. “My pooch loves it.”

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But he adds that it’s important to be a bit secretive and avoid attracting attention from non-geocachers who may become alerted to the presence of treasure. “Bringing a dog can be helpful; after all, you’re ‘just out walking your dog.’”

The fast-growing sport started in 2000, when Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, filled a container with software, money and a video, book, cassette recorder and can of black-eyed peas, as well as a slingshot handle and a logbook with the notation “GPS Stash #1.” He hid it in the Oregon woods, made note of the coordinates using his GPS, posted it on a website and called it “The Great American GPS Stash Hunt.” His only rule: “Take something, leave something.”

The idea took off like wildfire and the word stash soon changed to cache. Delve deeper and we discover the story of a 19th-century traveling salesman who left his calling card hidden in a jar in the English countryside with instructions that whoever found it should add his own card. Soon, people

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

began planting boxes with self-addressed letters or postcards as their calling cards. The next traveler who came along and found one of the boxes would take the letter, mail it and leave a letter in its place. It sounds a bit like “Who’s got mail?” (See Letterboxing.org.)

To get started as a geocacher, simply log onto the geocaching website, type in a location and sort through the many hits of hidden caches. Caches can be concealed anywhere, from wilderness areas to inner-city parks. Forms also vary, from traditional (ammo can or Lock & Lock brand divided tray) or micro-caches (film canister, breath mint tin) to theme or benchmark caches and virtual caches that designate a special point of interest, such as a dazzling sunset overlook, secret grove or panoramic view.

Earth caches promote education; visitors learn about geological processes, resource management and scientific investigation procedures. Mystery and puzzle caches challenge searchers by offering puzzles, problems or mathematical equations to be solved in order to determine the coordinates.

Items hidden in caches may be geocoins, trinkets or dog toys. Some include a “travel bug”—a metal dog tag with a unique tracking number stamped below the picture of a bug. The number can be tracked on the geocache site and by definition, a bug must hop from cache to cache.

After finding a cache, there are three basic rules to follow: 1. Sign the logbook, and if you take an item, leave an item of equal or greater value.

2. Return the cache to its original hiding place.

3. Cache In Trash Out (CITO). Geocachers often participate in cleaning up the environment by bringing a trash bag and picking up the occasional litter. For coordinated worldwide cleanup events, log onto Geocaching.com/cito.

George Hornberger, an avid geocacher from Vienna, Virginia, echoes a common sentiment: “I’m a kid at heart,” he says, “so hunting for hidden treasure using grown-up technological toys is perfect for me. I’ve been introduced to several nearby parks and natural areas that I’d never visited until going to hunt for a cache there. The moment of joy when my family finds the cache we’re hunting for is very satisfying.”

Geocaching, say organizers, helps indoor entertainment junkies put the active back into interactive.

Patricia Komar is a freelance writer in British Columbia, Canada. She, her husband and their Lab/border collie and cairn terrier dogs are avid geocachers. Connect at Komar2 @telus.net.

Geocaching on the Gulf Coast

by Anita Havel Pack a lunch, grab the GPS, download some caches from Geocaching.com, make sure you have plenty of “swag” to trade, and you’re ready to spend a Saturday morning geocaching on the Gulf Coast. With some amazing natural hidden treasures, Mobile and Baldwin counties are perfect places for a geocaching adventure; there are now more than 1,130 geocaches hidden within 50 miles of Fairhope.

Since 2007, geocachers Gene and Cindy Havel have been pursuing these technological treasure hunts.

Their adventures include finding a hidden graveyard in Fairhope, a secret path down by the bay, a tiny cottage underground in Daphne and a nature preserve featuring some unusual plants. The rewards are not limited to the trinkets they find in the cache containers. “We have discovered some beautiful and interesting places to visit while searching for local caches, including some wonderful walking trails,” says Cindy. “Geocaching is not just a treasure hunt for us; we are also getting exercise, spending quality time together and taking photographs of the natural beauty in our community.”

In addition to the rewards a geocacher can receive from the adventure, the community also benefits. Most geocachers carry a trash bag to gather any litter they find during their hunts. Because they appreciate the beauty of their community, geocachers are careful to help preserve it.

The Havels enjoy their geocaching adventures, especially when their grandchildren come along. “Our youngest grandson, who is 5 years old, particularly loves watching out for ‘Muggles,’ people who do not geocache,” says Cindy, explaining that the term comes from the Harry Potter book series, in which Muggles are non-magical people. “If a geocacher sees a Muggle, he or she should pretend nothing is happening, to avoid giving away the location of the cache to an unsuspecting person,” Cindy continues. “Our grandson plays lookout and alerts the entire group when someone is approaching.”

Many of the Gulf Coast geocaches are hidden within walking distance of each other, while others require some driving time. Nearly every cache requires some walking after parking in a lot, however, and some walks are longer than others. A GPS unit should be accurate enough to estimate how long the walk will be.

Geocaching is a fun adventure for all ages. Enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise and find some treasure in your own community.

Anita Havel is a freelance writer in Fairhope, AL.

natural awakenings

June 2010

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greenliving ADOPTION OPTION

Marty is the man! He is a short-

haired kitty who is about 7 years old.

Don’t let his age fool you though; he still has energy and has a lot of love to give. It would be an understatement to say he is by far the friendliest cat to walk on the face of the earth. He gets along OK with other cats but would prefer to be an only child.

Clean Composting Turning Waste into an Asset

by Brita Belli

D

DANDELION Look at those eyes, how can you resist them! This is Dandelion and she is approx. a 4 year old hound mix with loving eyes. If you’re looking for a calm laid back girl then this is the dog for you. She loves to be pet and loves attention from everyone, so if you’re in the market for a calm mature dog then come see us.

To adopt, please download an application or view other homeless animals in need of a great home on our website. www.havenforanimals.org or call 251-929-3980 or email mmcgrath@ havenforanimals.org The Haven is a non-profit no-kill sanctuary located in Fairhope. Help always needed and appreciated!

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iscarded vegetable ends, eggshells, coffee grounds and lawn clippings… most of us throw away a huge amount of compostable material. What could be a significant environmental asset, if transformed into nutritious garden soil, has become instead a major environmental problem.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that yard trimmings and food residuals together account for 26 percent of our total municipal solid waste stream. Also, unnecessary food waste doesn’t just happen at home— it’s a fact of life for most restaurants, stadiums, convention centers, hotels, schools and anywhere else people gather to eat.

Choosing to turn scraps into rich fertile soil, courtesy of beneficial bacteria and fungi, has multiple advantages.

It creates rich humus for high-yield crops, works to suppress plant diseases and pests and limits the need for chemical fertilizers. Those same organic scraps have a devastating effect on the Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

environment when they are trapped in oxygen-starved landfills. Due to their highly compacted nature, organic waste is not able to fully decompose and releases methane—a global warming gas that’s 25 times more damaging to air quality than carbon dioxide.

Part of the challenge is that there’s no widespread collection system in place to encourage or require municipal composting. Unlike the bottles and cans we place in handy curbside bins, or the newspapers and cardboard we tie and separate for recycling trucks, food waste doesn’t yet have designated places to be taken to. A few cities are changing that model, but others are slow to follow.

Seattle was the first to require households to compost food waste; San Francisco was the first to add businesses and restaurants. These progressive cities provide green compost carts for food scraps, including meat, bones, seafood and dairy plus soiled paper, like tea bags, coffee filters and greasy pizza boxes;

and yard trimmings including grasses, branches and leaves. All of these can thus be safely diverted from landfills.

But where city collection of compostable materials is not yet a reality, clean composting at home is an answer.

Whether in an urban apartment or a suburban home, composting has never been simpler.

“Keeping your pile aerated is key to keeping it odor-free,” counsels Elle MacKenna, a home improvement contractor and design consultant. “A good mix of materials will allow oxygen in, keeping smells away and helping your pile compost quicker.” She suggests adding moist, shredded newspaper or thin cardboard to give some variety to the compost make-up.

Farmer Annie Farrell, of Millstone Farm, in Wilton, Connecticut, which specializes in heirloom, organic vegetables and heritage (pure-bred) chickens, sheep and pigs, says composting at home is as simple as investing in three metal or plastic garbage cans designated for the purpose of food waste and yard scraps.

She sets the three cans off the ground using cinder blocks, drilling half-inch holes into the cans to allow air to circulate. Next, she layers foliage clippings, food matter and old newspapers in what she describes as a “lasagna-like mix,” in bin number one. As the mixture begins to decompose, she dumps it into the second bin, followed by the third bin when it’s almost ready for use. (Using multiple bins to “turn” the compost also allows oxygen in, an essential part of the process.) Farrell

likes to use bungee cords to secure the lids to prevent animals from getting in.

Other store-bought variations on composting bins range from compact ceramic, bamboo and stainless steel crocks and pails for indoor storage to outdoor tumblers (for easy turning) and stackable “worm bins” that can hold up to 90 gallons. When worms are enlisted, composting goes by the name of vermiculture.

Worms—ideally, red worms, which do well in confinement and eat more than their own weight in food each day—produce the most fertile garden soil. They also speed the process of breaking down waste into soil, while helping to keep smells at bay. Kids also are more likely to get involved when adults enlist the help of a few hundred wiggling allies.

Composting 101 Each of these websites offers basic information, plus its own helpful advice.

CompostInstructions.com EarthEasy.com/grow_compost.html Earth911.com/blog/2007/04/02/ composting-with-worms TreeHugger.com/files/2007/07/ green-basics-compost.php VegWeb.com/composting VermiComposters.com Kids’ game at http://www.Cal Recycle.ca.gov/Vermi

Brita Belli is the editor of E – The Environmental Magazine.

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June 2010

19

WHAT WORKS: Dr. Oz’ 25 Greatest Men’s Health Tips

by Dr. Mehmet Oz

P

atients are among my best teachers.

They’ve taught me how to communicate clearly—and how to live a better life.

On The Dr. Oz Show, I’ve learned that once people are emotionally involved, change happens quickly, especially if they feel that their behavior is letting loved ones down.

Large-scale change seems daunting. We want simple routines that we can automatically follow.

Adopt some of the steps described here, which work for me and that anyone can do, and you will like your life more in just a couple of weeks. Plus, you’ll live longer.

1: Roll on the Floor Laughing Laughing not only eases stress, promotes social bonding and lowers blood pressure; it may also boost your immune system. So bring some humor into your life, whether it’s through friends, a television show or something else that tickles your funny bone.

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2: Don’t Skip Breakfast Eating fiber in the morning means less hunger late in the afternoon, when you’re most likely to feel tired and gorge yourself on sugar. My morning dose comes from steel-cut oatmeal, usually mixed with raisins, walnuts and flaxseed oil. An early start on eating also keeps your metabolism more active throughout the day; breakfast eaters are thinner than people who just rush out the door.

3: Hit the Sack Jay and Dave are funny, but they’re not worth the strain on your system. Seven hours of sleep a night not only helps you live longer, it also lowers your stress, sharpens your memory and reduces cravings for pantssplitting foods. Set a bedtime and stick to it. My target is 10:30 p.m. I record the late shows and then watch them the next day as I pedal a stationary bike.

4: Admire Your Work

Don’t be so trigger-happy with the flusher.

Turn around and take a look at your poop, which speaks volumes about your gut and overall health. Poop should be smooth and Sshaped, like your colon. If it comes out too lumpy, or drops into the bowl like marbles, you’re constipated; increase your fiber and water intake.

5: Don’t Pamper Your Bad Back

Even if you’re hunched over in agony, spending more time in bed will only make a bad back worse. The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. Married men with this problem may suffer more than single men because they’re tempted to lie back and enjoy all the pampering they receive. The best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever and be a soldier.

6: Taste the Colors

Foods with bright, rich colors are packed with flavonoids and carotenoids, powerful compounds that bind with the damaging free radicals in your body, lowering inflammation. Eat nine fistfuls of colorful fruits and vegetables each day and you’ll reap the benefits without having to give up other foods. Whenever I shop the produce aisle, I’m reminded that these foods are often more powerful than the drugs sold in pharmacies. My favorites are arugula and blueberries.

7: Brushing is Not Enough If you plan to spend your later years eating more than yogurt and apple sauce, invest in some floss. No matter how thoroughly or long you brush your teeth, you’re missing a good portion of their total surface. That’s like washing one armpit after a workout. But the dangers of skipping floss go beyond hygiene: The bacteria that linger can increase your risk of heart disease.

8: Take a Deep Belly Breath

Do this anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your nose until your lungs are full. They’ll fill with nitric oxide, a chemical found in the back of your nose that opens up blood vessels. The dose of oxygen will make you feel happier and more alert.

This is my secret technique for calming down in the face of challenges.

9: Join a Yoga Class

Yoga is the most important exercise of my daily routine.

Being surrounded by beautiful women in spandex should be reason enough to join a class, but if you need more motivation, consider this: Yoga eases stress, lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and increases flexibility.

There’s nothing mystical about it. Loosening your muscles will make them more adaptable, so you may be less likely to injure yourself playing sports. Sure, some of the poses may look ridiculous, but that’s for a reason. Yoga can reach and work muscles that are ignored during routine sports and daily life. My favorite maneuver is the sun salutation.

10: Don’t Be an Island

Ever wonder why women live longer than men?

One major reason is that they form tight networks and actually talk about their problems. If you face life’s stresses alone, you will make yourself older. With another person’s love and support, the inner aging associated with stress can be reduced.

11: Avoid Fad Diets

The secret to weight loss is not to avoid carbs, fats, yellow foods, solid foods or foods that start with the letter G. The real trick is to lower your daily intake by about 100 calories.

You’ll hardly notice, but it’ll add up to a loss of about 10 pounds in a year. Calorie restriction has been shown to lengthen life (in rats and monkeys). I cut back once a year to reset my appetite and taste buds. Healthy foods taste great afterwards.

12: Be a Smart Patient

Professionals can help keep you in good health, but the responsibility ultimately falls on you. Seek a second opinion before undergoing any medical procedure, because 30 percent of the time, that opinion will change the diagnosis or plan.

Keep a written medical history and educate yourself about any family problems. You might even consider signing onto Microsoft HealthVault or Google Health, so your files would be accessible in case you find yourself in trouble away from home. natural awakenings

June 2010

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13: Lose the Beer Belly

Most men fasten their belts below their waists. It’s just another way of avoiding the truth about their gut. Grab a tape measure and put it around your body at the level of your belly button. That number should be less than half your height. For my six-foot, one-inch frame, for example, I need to keep my waist under 36.5 inches. If avoiding heart attacks and diabetes isn’t enough motivation to eliminate that gut, consider this: For every point your body mass index is over 25, your testosterone drops 3 percent, which isn’t very manly.

14: Go Green

I drink green tea three times a day.

It’s packed with heart-boosting and cancer-stopping polyphenols that black tea doesn’t offer. These beneficial chemicals are lost when it’s fermented. Green tea also delivers a boost of alertness, but from a smaller dose of caffeine than black tea.

Green tea can even fight dandruff, although only if you pour the cooled tea directly onto your scalp.

15: Sweat Until You’re Wet

If you can work up a sweat for just one hour a week, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including a reduced risk of heart attack, better mood and lower blood pressure. I like interval training on the elliptical, with 15 pull-ups and 15 dips after every 10 minutes. Your muscles will become more efficient, so you’ll have more stamina for more enjoyable activities that also work up a sweat.

17: Have as Much Sex as Possible

If a 50-something man could have sex 700 times a year, the exercise and stress reduction would make him look and feel years younger. I wouldn’t recommend quitting your day job in order to hit that number—but what’s the harm in trying? The next time your loved one says she has a headache, tell her she’s literally killing you. It works for me.

18: Know Your Numbers, then Aim Lower

Take the part of your brain dedicated to your local steak house’s phone number and reassign it to your heart’s vital signs. These include blood pressure (which ideally should be below 115 over 75), LDL cholesterol (under 100), resting heart rate (under 70), and fasting blood sugar (under 100). If your numbers aren’t ideal, change your diet until they improve.

19: Add Some Weights

Just 30 minutes twice a week spent lifting weights can build significant muscle mass. What’s more, working all that muscle burns tons of calories, making it a great way to lose your gut, too.

Don’t have weights? Try lifting yourself: Pull-ups are the most valuable muscle-building exercises I do. Trainer Bob Greene pointed out to me that pull-ups work the back, pecs, arms and belly all at once. Because you’re lifting yourself, you’ll think twice before eating that doughnut, because you’ll just have to lift it later. A simple setup in a door frame is convenient and inexpensive.

20: Grab Your Nuts

16: Save Some Money

Most people rank personal finance as their number one stressor, usually because they feel powerless about it. Stress not only shortens lives, it also drives people to habits like smoking, drinking or binge eating. Keep some money in a special bank account, safe from your lust for a new television, and you’ll establish an emotional comfort zone with major health benefits.

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Nuts are among the best sources of healthful fats and protein around. I keep a bag of walnuts in my fridge and use their massive dose of omega-3 fatty acids to boost my brainpower while I see patients. Half of a handful eaten about 30 minutes before a meal will temper your appetite and help you avoid the drive-thru.

21: No, Seriously, Grab Your Nuts

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35, but it’s usually curable if caught early enough. I strongly urge you to grab your testicles and check them for bumps at least once a month. Each testicle should feel smooth and slightly soft, and one should hang slightly lower than the other, like two avocados (which, in Aztec, actually means “testicles”) growing on a tree.

22: Hit the Dance Floor

Crosswords and card games aren’t the only way to keep a brain razor sharp.

It turns out that any kind of dancing with complex moves is stimulating enough to give neurons a workout.

Even the simplest moves provide some physical exercise. So don’t be such a wallflower on your next night out. As a bonus, dancing may help you with tip number 17.

23: Do Your Penis a Favor

Step on a treadmill. Men who exercise enough to burn 200 calories a day significantly lower their chances of impotence. That’s because impotence often has the same cause as heart attacks: blocked arteries. Your penis is like a dipstick for your arteries, so check it. If you’re interested in keeping it up later in life, lace up the sneakers now.

24: Learn to Cook

Do you think you know how much butter goes into preparing those mashed potatoes at a restaurant?

You’re probably off by half. If you can cook, you not only save money, but also gain control over what goes into your meals. Plus, for most women, a man who knows how to cook is as sexy as one who stars in movies. I have trouble boiling water. Thankfully, I’m already married.

25: Some Pills Should Be Popped

The indoor life gives modern man protection from the elements. Unfortunately, roughly half of us are deficient in vitamin D, for which the sun is a major source.

This crucial vitamin may aid in fighting cancer, diabetes and heart disease. I take a 1,000 IU supplement each morning.

WHAT DOESN’T WORK According to information found in the Congressional Record (S.J. Res. 179), many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations for reasons ranging from fear to lack of information or cost. Dr. Harvey Simon, author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men’s Health, says that 30 percent of American men don’t have a regular doctor and that many of those men fall into two mentalities: n The John Wayne mentality: The macho idea holds that men have to be strong and just grit their teeth and not think about their vulnerabilities, but go straight ahead. n Ostrich mentality: Afraid to face up to their vulnerabilities, these men feel that by putting their head in the sand, maybe the problem(s) will all just go away.

Dr. Simon suggests that such attitudes, combined with other risky or foolish behavior, could be responsible for the shorter life expectancy of men compared to women.

Dr. Mehmet Oz is a professor of cardiac surgery at Columbia University and a founder of the Complementary Medicine Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is co-author of the award-winning Healing from the Heart: A Leading Surgeon Combines Eastern and Western Traditions to Create the Medicine of the Future and YOU: The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. He has frequently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and currently hosts The Dr. Oz Show. natural awakenings

June 2010

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inspiration

Make the Connection Join the online Natural Awakenings national directory, filled with natural living business listings from around the country.

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“I DO” to a Green Wedding

by Tracy DiNunzio

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opportunity to nurture their personal and financial well-being,

alternatives to standard wedding practices.

There’s No Place Like Home ~ From venues to menus, couples are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and cut their budgets by keeping celebrations “all in the neighborhood.”

Backyard weddings are helping guests cut back on travel, and caterers are responding to clients’ demands for more locally produced food. Wedding favors and decorations now come from local artisans and shops.

Floral Options ~ Conventional cut flowers are expensive, plus, they’re

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grown with pesticides and have a huge carbon footprint, so couples are instead decorating with living succulents and paper flowers. Many will eschew the floral look altogether by using soy candles, fruit and found objects for table centerpieces and bouquets.

Wedding Planning Goes Digital ~ From blogs to Facebook, wedding planning has become an online community affair. “More and more, brides are turning to wedding forums to look for fresh wedding ideas and the latest wedding

trends, as well as resources,” says Christine Dyer, founder of BridalTweet. com. Brides are connecting with each other for advice, support and are even trading recommendations for vendors and other service providers on community-based social networks like BrideShare.net.

The Times Are A-Changing ~ Romantics are scheduling their nuptials on weeknights, Sundays, and even early mornings in 2010. It’s less expensive to book a venue or caterer on these days at these times, and as telecommuting becomes increasingly popular, workers have more flexible schedules. Sunrise ceremonies can be bookended by chic mid-week dinner receptions and brunch parties.

More than 2 million weddings take place each year in the United States.

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SCIATICA? BACK PAIN? HIP PAIN?

POOR POSTURE? Relaxing 20 minutes daily on the Sacro Wedgy® may be all you need. Placed under the sacrum (tailbone), it allows the hips to suspend and relax, letting go of nerves and ultimately “rebalancing.” Only $29.95.

For the therapist:

Demonstrations or info, call 251-653-9258 or 800-737-9295 www.sacrowedgy.com

Bright Bridal Shoes ~ Bridal shoes in bright and bold hues like fuchsia, emerald green and electric blue are in. Colored shoes are a stylish surprise under a white wedding gown and, unlike white and dyed pastel satin versions, can be worn again and again.

Something Old, Something New ~ The hottest sustainable trend for 2010 weddings is incorporating recycled elements like gently used bride and bridesmaids dresses, pre-owned wedding decorations and vintage bridal jewelry. Brides now joining the wedding resale revolution are using sites like RecycledBride.com and discovering how easy it is to save money and be a little greener by buying and selling their wedding items.

Tracy DiNunzio is founder and CEO of Recycled Media, Inc., which operates the eco-resale websites RecycledBride. com and RecycledTyke.com. natural awakenings

June 2010

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consciouseating

READY, SET, GRILL ANYTHING! Serve Up a Sustainable-Style Feast

by Contributing Writers at Sustainable Table

G

ood backyard chefs know the distinction between barbecue and grilling and revel in trying new tricks with their favorite tools while they cook up a fun feast for family and friends.

Few, however, may know that the original barbecue, or barbacoa, was the term that Spanish explorers used to describe the meat smoking and drying methods introduced to them by native peoples in the Americas.

Smoke originally was used to drive away bugs while lending a tasty flavor to their meat-preparing process. This slow, low temperature method of outdoor cooking still employs an indirect heat source, like hot coals, and cooking times of between two and 12 hours. In some recipes, burning Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified mesquite or wood chips adds a smoky flavor to the food; in others, it tenderizes it. Grilling, by contrast, uses higher temperatures and direct heat from flames. Cooking times range between three and 30 minutes and grilled meats rarely have a smoky taste.

Charcoal Choices

Lump Charcoal ~ A favorite choice of “green” grillers, lump charcoal is made of

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NA Mobile / Baldwin Edition

either natural wood (from trees or sawmills) or processed wood (from building material scraps, furniture remnants, pallets, flooring scraps, etc.). FSC-certified charcoal and coconut shell charcoal are good bets. Lump charcoal will burn hot and fast if unlimited oxygen is available, so it is best suited for grills that allow the user to control the airflow.

Charcoal Briquettes ~ Briquettes are useful when cooking on an open grill or whenever airflow can’t be controlled. But avoid self-starting instant-light briquettes and lighter fluid, which contain several harmful additives. Note that most commercial briquettes consist of crushed charcoal mixed with some additives that improve combustibility and bind the charcoal together. The mixture is compressed into uniform, pillow-shaped chunks that generally burn slowly at a constant temperature, regardless of airflow.

Be aware that additives in briquettes can leave a bad taste in food and even be harmful if not fully burned off; always burn charcoal for the time recommended by the manufacturer before putting food on the grill.

A good lighting method begins with an electric charcoal starter or a metal charcoal chimney starter. Other igniting

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Perishable foods should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours; if the temperature outside is 90° F or higher, refrigerate after one hour. aids include natural wood lighters or lighter cubes.

Cleaner and greener grills avoid charcoal altogether. They may be fueled by propane, electricity or even solar energy.

What to Grill

Grassfed Meats ~ The number one rule for cooking pastured meat is not to overcook it. It needs about 30 percent less cooking time than fattier conventional beef and tastes best if cooked medium-rare to medium. If cooking hamburgers made with pasture-raised beef, add caramelized onions or other moisturizing ingredients to compensate for the leaner meat.

Chicken or Pork ~ Consider brining the meat beforehand to ensure that it is extra tender and won’t dry out on the grill. Submerge the meat in a mixture of one cup of table salt and one gallon of very cold or ice water for up to 24 hours before grilling. For a crispy skin, remove meat from the brine, pat dry and refrigerate for a couple of hours before cooking.

Ultimate Burgers ~ Shannon Hayes, author of The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook, cites Loren Olsen’s “Tips for Cooking the Ultimate Hamburger.” Before placing over medium-high heat on a clean, hot grill (which may be swiped with olive oil), Olsen recommends preparing patties by gently pressing the center to create a small depression in

SAUCY SECRETS

by Ying Chang Compestine Marinating is an often-overlooked technique for optimal grilling, imparting the flavors of fresh herbs, spices, oils and vinegars to foods while increasing moisture content to reduce the potential for charring and the development of carcinogens during cooking. Even brief dips before cooking are beneficial, but for best results, marinate food for at least one hour or overnight before grilling.

The homemade marinades featured here contain far less fat and sodium than most commercial brands (they can even double as salad dressings or stirfry condiments). So feast with a glad heart on a warm summer’s day or eve— the heat is on and the eating’s good.

Ginger-Garlic Sauce Makes about 1½ cups

This basic marinade is your jumping-off point for a host of variations. Any leftover sauce can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container.

2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 green onion, white part only, minced 6 tbsp low-sodium organic soy sauce ¼ cup rice wine or sake 2 tbsp lemon juice ¼ cup rice vinegar 1½ tbsp sesame oil Mix all ingredients in a small container. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Spicy Sesame Sauce

To the ginger-garlic sauce, add 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds and 2 teaspoons minced fresh red chili pepper. Mix well.

Honey-Basil Sauce

Using the ginger-garlic sauce recipe, replace ginger and green onion with ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, minced, and replace the sesame oil with 1 tablespoon of flavored olive oil. Add ½ tablespoon honey and mix well.

Apricot-Ginger Glaze

Use the ginger-garlic sauce recipe, but replace the rice wine, lemon juice and rice vinegar with ¾ cup apricot jam. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, whisking steadily.

Ying Chang Compestine is the author of several cookbooks, including Secrets from the Healthy Asian Kitchen.

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June 2010

27

For a sustainable table, use cloth napkins and reusable plates, cups and utensils. For larger crowds, choose recycled or compostable goods made from non-food biomaterials.

Retail brands include Verterra (Verterra.com), Preserve by Recycline (PreserveProducts.com) and Whole Foods 365 (Whole FoodsMarket.com). For online stores, see WorldCentric.org and GreenHome.com.

one side to assure even cooking. But don’t press or poke the burgers while cooking, in order to preserve the juicy interior. Season with natural salt and freshly ground pepper. Leave the grill uncovered and cook to a minimum internal temperature of 160° F. For sixounce patties, grill 2-1/2 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes after flipping for a medium burger. Toast split buns on the grill rack for the last 45 to 60 seconds of the cooking time.

Special Veggie BurgersSimply clean a few portobello mushroom caps and brush them with garlic-infused olive oil (put a couple of crushed cloves in the oil 30 minutes before using) and set aside. Next, slice an apple lengthwise to get the biggest possible slices and soak in water and lemon juice, which will keep them from drying out on the grill. Then, put the mushrooms on a hot grill, gill side down and carefully lay the apples down on the coolest part of the grill. When the mushrooms have softened (5-8 minutes), flip them, place the apples on top and cover with slices

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NA Mobile / Baldwin Edition

of brie cheese. Serve on a grill-toasted bun. Hot Dogs ~ Choose hot dogs that are produced by sustainable meat companies and do not contain any fillers, byproducts or additives, like MSG or nitrates. Or, skip the meat altogether and try a vegetarian soy dog.

Veggies ~ The key is to use locally grown, sustainably raised/organic fruits and vegetables. Natural flavors come through from produce picked within a day or so of eating, preempting the need for many seasonings or sauces.

Just brush on some extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle on natural salt and freshground pepper to taste to enjoy both favorites and exotic veggies straight from the grill. Vegetables don’t need the same high heat that meat does, so it’s best to cook them over medium heat toward the sides of the grill.

Corn on the Cob ~ Just pull out the silks at the top of each ear and brush a little oil on the husks. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once to cook both sides.

Grilled Asparagus ~ Brush with olive oil, season to taste and grill for 4 to 5 minutes.

Potatoes ~ It’s easy to slice or dice potatoes and onions; wrap in foil, throw in some organic butter and place on the upper rack of the grill. Put them on first, because potatoes take 35 to 45 minutes; flip the package over half-way through cooking.

Vegetable Kebabs ~ Experiment with a variety of veggies. Metal skewers are best, but wood or bamboo also work fine if first soaked in water for at least 30 minutes, so they don’t catch fire. To help prevent food from falling through the slats, use larger pieces, and then cut before serving.

Fruits ~ Fruits cook most evenly over low heat. The best option for grilling fruit is to wait until the coals begin to die down. Fruit is done when it gets soft and shows dark grill marks. The natural sugars will caramelize where the grill touches the fruit, creating tasty

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

crunchy bits.

Some grilling aficionados say that almost any fruit can be grilled and taste delicious, even with the skin on. Some people like to brush on olive oil or melted organic butter; others feel the taste can overpower the flavor of the fruit. Softer fruits and vegetables like peaches and squash might need to be placed on foil poked with holes or a cooking tool equivalent. Note that fruits tend to have a high water content that can make them extremely hot to touch, so cool a little before eating and taste test before digging in.

Set up containers for recycling and compost only, and post signs to let guests know what goes where for easy cleanup.

Cheese ~ Halloumi, a white, semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, is a wonderful grilling cheese. Brush it with oil and grill in large chunks, or pair it with fruit, like apples or pineapple, in a kebab. It is done when it softens and shows grill marks.

Pizza ~ This is an easy show-stopper.

Roll out a favorite pizza dough and oil one side liberally. Place oil side down on a hot grill and cook until a crispy crust forms. Flip and add pregrilled toppings, then close the grill.

Cook until the bottom of the pizza has turned golden brown and toppings have melted together. Remove using tongs.

For a dessert pizza, follow the same process, but top the pizza with a sweet cheese like mascarpone and grilled peaches, then sprinkle fresh mint on this special treat.

For more information and tips search SustainableTable.org.

Shrimp and Fruit Kabobs Serves 6. Serve with noodles.

1 lb large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined 1½ cups apricot-ginger sauce as glaze, divided 3 medium plums, pitted and cut in half 3 medium red Bartlett pears or 3 fresh peaches, pitted and cut into quarters 1 small pineapple, skinned and cut into 1-inch chunks 1. Combine shrimp and 1 cup glaze in a large bowl and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Remove shrimp from glaze. Alternately, thread shrimp, plums, pears or peaches, and pineapple onto six 15-inch skewers, leaving about 1/8-inch between each piece to allow even cooking.

3. Preheat grill to medium. Grill shrimp kabobs, turning occasionally, until shrimp turns opaque throughout and fruit is browned and tender; it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Baste with remaining glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

art by mer petportraits byMeredithMontgomery

Honey-Basil Veggie Kabobs Serves 6. Serve with grilled tofu, seafood or pasta.

3 small green zucchini, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks 3 small yellow squash, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks ½ lb baby bella mushrooms 1 lb cherry tomatoes 1 cup honey-basil sauce Wash vegetables and place in a large bowl. Add sauce; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Onto six 15-inch bamboo skewers, alternately thread zucchini, squash, mushrooms and tomatoes. Leave about 1/8 inch between each piece to allow even cooking.

Preheat grill to medium. Grill kabobs, turning occasionally, until golden and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Recipes by Ying Chang Compestine, author, Secrets from the Healthy Asian Kitchen.

Specializing in Original Portraits Painted from Photos of your Pet Gift Certificates Are Available meredithmontgomery.com natural awakenings

June 2010

29

healthykids

Kayaking with Kids

by Larry and Christine Showler

W

e began kayaking with our son, Justin, when he was only a few months old, understanding that the earlier children become accustomed to being in a boat, the sooner everyone can enjoy the benefits of exploring the outdoors together.

By the age of five, Justin was paddling his own recreational kayak, and a year later he was confidently in charge of his own sea kayak.

Unlike a canoe, where small children have limited visibility and support, a kayak provides a more interactive experience. Some cockpits are even large enough for a small child to be safely supported on an adult’s lap, so they can take in the new world around them while maintaining the warmth and security of direct contact with Mom or Dad. What a wonderful way to solidify the bond between a child and parent, by sealing it with nature itself.

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NA Mobile Mobile // Baldwin Baldwin Edition Edition NA

The first few trips together must be a positive experience to set the tone for future adventures, so make a special effort to create fun and interesting paddling experiences. Pick short destinations not more than 30 minutes away, so the family can stop and picnic.

Bring snacks and drinks for the cruise along the shoreline, noting and explaining nature’s intriguing sights and sounds.

Unlike in canoes, young children sit low enough in kayaks so that regardless of size, they are able to touch the water and splash it around. A wooden kitchen spoon makes a great first paddle; just remember to drill a small hole for a wrist leash, unless everyone wants to spend the day retrieving it 50 times.

Often, a youngster will fall asleep to the rhythmic motion of the kayak long before reaching home.

Even rainy weather won’t over-

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

come the fun, as long as paddlers are dressed properly in rain gear and a positive attitude. Some of our family’s most enjoyable adventures have been out on the water on quiet, rainy summer days.

By the age of two or three, we suggest moving a child’s assigned seat from a lap to the rear hatch of an adult’s kayak, facing the stern. This provides both comfort and legroom. A cushion or blanket placed on the bottom of the back hatch insulates the child from a chilly hull.

By age five or six, youngsters may wish to paddle on their own. Coping with the length and weight of the paddle may lead to awkward technique at first, but with a little help and guidance, children quickly catch on. It’s a rewarding experience, akin to letting go of a bicycle with a child on board sans training wheels for the first time.

Initially, a child piloting a kayak will tire quickly, so using a towline helps ensure a longer, more positive day for all. When Justin would say “Dad, I have no energy,” we would hook up the tow line; after a while he would say “Dad, I have new energy,” and we would unhook the line and away he’d go again, water flying everywhere.

The safety of a child while kayaking is the sole responsibility of the accompanying adult, and the principles of safe kayaking—such as never go out on the water alone—must be instilled at a young age. It is essential that grown-ups know their own paddling limitations, can read changing wind and weather conditions and use common sense to minimize risk.

Necessary equipment includes properly fitting, quality personal flotation devices, which everyone must wear; sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses; shoes that can withstand water and grip well; cover-ups; and lots to drink, even for short excursions. Make it fun, and the essential skills will be quickly learned. Today, at 13, Justin paddles a sea kayak better than many adults.

As people today seek release from the pressures of daily life through a return to simpler family values, we remember that what fascinated us as children reverberates throughout our life. Exploring a nearby island and swimming off a secluded beach inspires children’s minds with the thrill of discovery on nature’s terms by choosing a paddle instead of a motor.

Larry and Christine Showler own Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre, just north of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit http:// Frontenac-Outfitters.com.

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Knowing Gratitude Oneness Accepting Celebration Co-creating Personal Responsibility Creative process Awakening

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natural awakenings

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31

Kayak Paddling Tips

fitbody

by Christine Showler n Avoid higher seat backs; they may look comfortable, but can actually impede smooth torso rotation and contribute to lower back pain. n Maintain good posture in the kayak to allow for greater rotation of the torso and minimize lower back strain. Try to paddle leaning slightly forward, about five degrees. n Keep a low profile to each paddle stroke to minimize wind deflection and help keep arms and shoulders aligned. Try to have the top paddling hand reach its highest point at eye level. n It’s common for kayakers to develop some numbness in their feet over the course of an outing.

Here are a few tricks to help eliminate the problem: l Use an inflatable or foam

cushion to hold thighs in a braced position to help alleviate pressure points. l Ensure foot braces are cor-

rectly positioned on the balls of the feet. l Install heel pads to relieve

stress and keep feet warm in cold water conditions.

w

l Stretch the legs and wiggle

toes often while paddling.

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Kayaking for Health

by Christine Showler

F

or years, much media coverage of kayaking has characterized it as a young person’s adrenaline sport.

Lately, the focus has changed to encompass a wider audience by spreading the word on sea kayaking, day-touring and recreational paddling. Now, enthusiasts of all ages and from all walks of life are on the water, communing with nature, exploring lake systems and even kayaking among whales. Thus, more people are becoming aware of kayaking’s multifaceted health benefits, which typically include a harmonizing effect on mind, body and spirit.

Tone and Strengthen Core Muscles Contrary to what many believe, kayaking does not demand aggressive arm action or upper body strength. The biomechanics of stroke efficiency are readily achieved through coordination between the paddler, paddle, boat and water. Power for propelling the kayak comes from the paddler’s core muscles and is primarily achieved through torso rotation; this engages the larger, more powerful, back and abdominal muscles.

It makes sense that toning the core muscles helps to alleviate lower back Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

pain often associated with middle age.

The forward stroke also draws power from the lower body, which is why it’s important to have a firm foot brace system in the kayak; as the paddler uses his right arm to draw the right paddle blade through the water, he pushes with the corresponding foot, which transfers that energy from the lower body through the upper portion of the stroke.

At the same time, his left arm bends and pushes out from the shoulder towards the bow of the kayak, providing each stroke an added kick of thrust.

Thus, kayaking becomes an all-encompassing workout.

Whether to help maintain a high level of fitness or indulge in more relaxed “lily dipping” on nature’s ponds, using proper techniques makes kayaking both enjoyable and physically beneficial.

Improve Bone Density and Stimulate Joints Experience shows that the rhythmic movements of paddling help keep the joints fluid while increasing overall flexibility and balance. Water provides a natural resistance and paddlers make use of this basic workout principle to main-

tain bone density and boost metabolism.

Of course, burning extra calories functions as an aid to weight loss, which in turn relieves stress on joints, as well.

Advances in equipment, such as lighter paddles with narrower blades and ergonomic shafts, help to maximize efficiency and offset the effects of the repetitive motions of paddling.

Mental Benefits Most people in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world are looking for ways to relieve stress associated with their busy lives. For those seeking greater adventure, kayaking can be elevated to offer the challenges of expedition travel.

Those seeking the solace of softer adventure revel in gliding through secluded lakes and hearing unforgettable bird calls. Always, kayaking can serve as a meditative, environmentally friendly

water sport alternative that everyone can enjoy.

Social Benefits Kayaking clubs and paddling centers provide opportunities to meet and mingle with kindred spirits who share a healthy respect for nature. It’s often considered to be a leisurely social activity and a preferred, environmentally conscious way to feel at one with nature.

Paddling, a necessary means of transportation for native peoples and explorers in the Americas, is today a pleasant and healthy way to integrate with history, heritage, nature and geography.

Christine Showler, owner of Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre, in Ontario, Canada, is happy to answer questions about the benefits of kayaking. Call 613-376-6220 and visit http:// Frontenac-Outfitters.com.

localresources

Source: Baykayaker.blogspot.com.

Paddling with the MBCKC The Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club (MBCKC) is a group of individuals who enjoy paddling and sharing their experiences with others. An informal organization, it has no dues, application forms or membership lists. In order to join, simply show up at a paddle, attend a meeting—or just decide to be a member.

MBCKC meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. Anybody and everybody is welcome to attend. There is no charge and the typical meeting lasts less than two hours. Meetings comprise a review of the previous month’s paddles; plans for and announcements of paddles for the following month; and a presentation that may include guest speakers, slide shows of past club member paddling trips, member reviews of paddling gear or information about safety and skills.

Natural Awakenings recently visited the MBCKC blogspot and rounded up some useful information for individuals interested in paddling trips.

Where is a good place to paddle?

The answer is, just about anywhere.

The best source of print information about put-ins and paddling trips in this area is MBCKC’s paddle reports, posted at mbckcPaddleReports.

Blogspot.com.

To get acquainted with local paddling destinations, consider paddling with MBCKC. Keith Map Service, in Mobile, is the most comprehensive source of maps and charts, but Fairhope Boat Co. also carries some.

Where can I buy or rent a boat?

Sunshine Canoes (251-344-8664); Fairhope Boat Company (251-9283417); and Five Rivers Outfitters Rentals (251-626-8464).

Where can I buy or sell a used boat?

MBCKC regularly posts want ads on its website for individuals seeking and selling used boats. Inquiries about where to buy a used boat are referred on to any and all sellers.

How can I participate in a posted paddle, and what should I bring?

It’s best to contact the trip leader for any paddling trip to let them know you plan to join the paddle and to get directions to the meeting place and/or put-in. If they don’t know you are coming, trip leaders cannot contact you with changes in plans or cancellations.

Bring a personal flotation device and drinking water on every paddle, in addition to snacks or meals. By law, paddle trips that extend after dark require the paddler to have a single, white light. Paddlers who choose to carry a trash bag to collect litter along the way are particularly appreciated.

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calendarofevents

All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines.

Go to Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to submit entries.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

5th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser – Jun 4-6. Will include local and national music acts, silent auctions, draw down on a 2010 Jeep, a regatta and poker run. It is a packed, fun weekend. Pirates Cove, Foley. HighHopes4PDD.org.

Friday Night Flicks – 8pm. The Blind Side. Free, family-friendly outdoor movies sponsored by the City of Mobile. Bring a picnic basket, a blanket, and neighbors. Movies and park locations vary. Honor Park. 251-208-7540 or 251-470-7730.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

5th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser – Jun 4-6. See Jun 4 listing. Pirates Cove, Foley.

HighHopes4PDD.org.

Reflexology Proficiency Workshop – Jun 5-6.

8am-5pm. Laurie Azzarella teaches Phase III of the International Institute of Reflexology Certification Program. Students must have attended both Phase I and II to register. $350. Office/Home Bay Branch Estates, Off Rte. 90, Daphne. Laurie: 251-625-0080 or LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com.

Reflexology-USA.net.

Gulfcoast National Trails Day Celebration – 9am4pm. Celebrate hiking and backpacking in Alabama with presentations and demonstrations. Whether a beginning hiker or an advanced backpacker, there will be something for everyone. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. Joe Cuhaj: 251-533-1812 or JCuhaj@gmail.com. LAHiker. blogspot.com.

Bald Eagle Bash – 3-7pm. The Weeks Bay Foundation will host the first-ever Bald Eagle Bash to celebrate the return of the Bald Eagle to the Weeks Bay area. Advance tickets $25 at Bank Trust locations. Tickets at the gate $30. Weeks Bay Resource Center, Fish River Bridge, Fairhope. 251-990-5004.

BaldEagleBash.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

5th Annual Illuminating Autism FUNraiser – Jun 4-6. See Jun 4 listing. Pirates Cove, Foley.

HighHopes4PDD.org.

Reflexology Proficiency Workshop – Jun 5-6.

8am-5pm. See Jun 5 listing. Office/Home Bay Branch Estates, Off Rte. 90, Daphne. Laurie: 251-625-0080 or LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com.

Reflexology-USA.net.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Free Concert: Air National Guard Band of the South – 7pm. This large group performs a varied program of light classics, popular favorites, instrumental features, as well as traditional concert band pieces. Patriotism is alive and well in Gulf Shores.

Free. Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores.

251-968-1172. GulfShoresAL.gov.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15

Life in Balance Concert at Synergy – 6-8pm.

Experience omni-dimensional sound-healing frequencies for living a life in balance. Combine Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls, Shakuhachi flute & synthesizers create a sound current to expand awareness, heal the body and bring peace to the soul.

Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104.

SynergYoga.net.

The Shadow Effect Workshop – 7pm. Participants will discover how inner shadows can limit one’s potential by studying NYT best-selling author Debbie Ford’s book. Bring pen and journal. The Center for Joyful Living, 60 N Ann St, Mobile, AL. 251-391-6960.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

Meet Your Earth – Self-Meditation – 7-8pm.

“This guided meditation is profound. It helped me to identify and utilize a part of myself and my ancestry that had been out of reach. I am grounded and more present than I have ever been. Thanks Pele & Julie!” - S. Vorisek. $11 prepaid. 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope. Julie Brent: 251-504-5328 or JulieEBrent@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 17

Free Concert: Cool Change – 7pm. Walter Tatum, John Andrews, David Horton and Charlie Hathcock bring smooth harmony and rich vocal sounds to favorite songs from the ‘50s through today. Free. Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores. 251-968-1172.

GulfShoresAL.gov.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival – Jun 18-20. Over 45 balloons from across the United States will participate in this year’s 3-day festival. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, local cuisine, the World Famous Frisbee Dogs show, and the WhatAKite 60’ kites on display and flying throughout the day. Free. 18507 Hwy 98 W, Foley.

GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival – Jun 1820. See Jun 18 listing. 18507 Hwy 98 W, Foley.

GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com.

The Causeway 5K Run/Walk – 7am. Out and back certified course from Battleship Park and on Causeway. Post-race party and age group awards.

Register at McCoy Outdoor until 12pm, June 17.

Benefits Alabama Teen Challenge. $25 day of race.

Battleship Park, Mobile. 251-580-0091.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival – Jun 1820. See Jun 18 listing. 18507 Hwy 98 W, Foley.

GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 21

USGBC Leed Exam Prep Class – 8am-5pm. Attendees will learn about Green Building Fundamentals and LEED so that they may successfully prepare for the LEED Green Associate Exam. Mobile.

Complete details and registration: USGBCofAl.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

Digestive Health – 1-3pm. Learn how one’s body digests foods and how digestive problems form.

Learn natural ways to improve acid reflux, indigestion, eating patterns, elimination problems, and more. Free. Curves, Hwy 13, Daphne. Laurie: 251604-9532 or LaurieAzzarella@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Anusara Yoga/Lightness of Being – Jun 26-27.

1pm. Butterfly Yoga’s Scotta Brady, ERYT500 and Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher will be offering 3 Anusara Yoga workshops over the weekend. Yoga Birds, Fairhope. 251-990-3447. Complete details and register online: YogaBirds.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 27

Anusara Yoga/Lightness of Being – 10am and 3pm. See Jun 26 listing. Yoga Birds, Fairhope.

251-990-3447. Complete details and register online: YogaBirds.com.

ongoingevents

All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines.

Go to Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to submit entries.

Sunday Service – 10:30am. Explore one’s spiritual pathway. Mobile Unitarian Universalists, 6345 Old Shell Rd, Mobile. UUFM.org.

sunday Conscious Mile Spiritual Center Service – 10am.

Make every step we take, every choice we make, every word we speak a conscious one. New Thought Spiritual Center, 1230 Montlimar, Mobile. David Ault, 251-343-0777. CMSpiritualCenter.org.

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NA Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Sunday Worth-ship Celebration – 10:30am. Find, strengthen and celebrate one’s connection with Divine Spirit. Donation. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US Hwy 98, one mile north of US Hwy 104, Montrose. 251-990-8934. UnityEasternShore.org.

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Sunday Worship – 11am. Celebrate Spirit in this special and sacred space. Unity Mobile, 5859 Cottage Hill, between Hillcrest and Knollwood, Mobile.

251-661-1788.

monday Pizza Night – First Mon each month. Have a little fun while getting healthy. Free pizza for members.

All Planet Fitness locations (3 in Mobile, 1 in Daphne). For details: 251-414-2700.

tuesday 10% Terrific Tuesdays – 10% discount entire stock.

The Health Food Center, 5238 US Hwy 90, Ste G, Mobile. 251-661-3065.

Bagel Morning – Second Tues each month. Have a little fun while getting healthy. Free bagels for members, the second Tuesday morning of each month. All Planet Fitness locations (3 in Mobile, 1 in Daphne). For details: 251-414-2700.

Complimentary First Facials – Tues-Sat, by appointment only. First-time facial customers receive their first facial free. Monette’s Family Hair, Magnolia Place, Hwy 98, Ste J, Daphne. Dixie: 251-621-8511.

West Mobile Success Circle – 8-9am. First Tues each month. Female business owners are invited to join a networking/mentoring group to learn to grow their businesses. Free. Legacy Financial Planning, 5901 Airport, Mobile. 251-219-4574.

Align & Flow Yoga – 9:15am. Melanie Buffett, RYT. Become stronger in one’s poses for added stability and benefit. $15. Yoga Birds, Fairhope.

251-990-3447. More classes at YogaBirds.com.

Chair Yoga – 11am. With Nancy Beck, RYT. Innovative modifications of yoga poses using a chair.

For the benefit of every body. $15. Yoga Birds, Fairhope. 251-990-3447. YogaBirds.com.

Alabama Hiking Trail Society Meeting – 6pm.

First Tues each month. Members and nonmembers are invited to attend and enjoy discussions on hiking and backpacking. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. LAHiker.Blogspot.com.

Yoga Foundations – 6:15pm. With Melanie Buffett, RYT. Build strong foundation of body and knowledge through yoga poses. All levels. $15. Yoga Birds, Fairhope. 251-990-3447. YogaBirds.com.

CWG Mobile Group – 7-9pm. Second and fourth Tues each month. Read and discuss books by Neale Donald Walsch. Contact Joy N Love, 171 Crenshaw St, Mobile. 251-382-4215. CWG_Mobile_Group@ yahoo.com.

Rosie Blu’s Free Mediation Classes – 7pm. Guided meditation is a relaxation exercise and a way to reconnect with the divine spirit that resides in each of us individually; however, mostly, it is just a nice break from a crazy pace and hectic lifestyle.

Free. Healing Hands Massage, 409 N Section St, Fairhope. Jennifer: 251-517-5483.

Spiritual Cinema Group – 7-9pm. First and third Tues each month. View and discuss spiritual DVDs. Contact Heiner, 251-607-9089.

wednesday

friday

Discounted Perms for Seniors – Seniors 65 and over receive discounted perms. Monette’s Family Hair, Magnolia Place, Hwy 98, Ste J, Daphne. Dixie: 251-621-8511.

Yoga with Annette – 8:30am. With Annette PorterHam. An energizing yoga experience. Relieve stress, focus one’s mind and relax one’s body.

Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104.

SynergYoga.net.

Pilates Plus – 9:15am. Pilates and some yoga. Work deep core and more. Transform one’s body. Equipment may be used. Call first; some Pilates experience please. $5 first class. Integrated Fitness, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope. 251-554-4121.

Yoga with Faye Mahan – 4:15pm. A relaxing and refreshing yoga class to ease one’s stress and quiet one’s mind. Finish the day in the land of “ahhhhs.”

Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104.

SynergYoga.net.

$5 Yoga Flow – 5:30pm. Learn proper alignment and body awareness. Relieve stress from hips and shoulders. Great for beginners and seasoned yogis. $5 first time. Integrated Fitness, 456 Morphy Ave, Fairhope. 251-379-4493.

Power Flow with Angela – 5:45pm. Revitalize and energize with the sweet sweat of Angela’s Power Flow yoga and leave class feeling refreshed and recharged. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251473-1104. SynergYoga.net.

Pranic Healing and Meditation – 7pm. Pranic Healing clinics offered to the public followed by the meditation on Twin Hearts. Learn to heal oneself in upcoming classes. Free. Mobile. RSVP: 251-454-0959.

thursday Kids Days – Thru July 8. 10am-1pm. Bring the kids out for some summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire Departments and much more. Free. Bienville Square.

Yoga with Dana – 10am. Take a break and highlight one’s day. Soothe one’s spirit and transform one’s body. Find one’s bliss. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. SynergYoga.net.

Spring Market in the Park – Thru July 29. 3-6pm.

The Mobile Museum of Art serves as a beautiful backdrop in Langan Park where one can get the freshest spring crops in South Alabama. Shop for locally grown honey, produce, flowers, breads, casseroles, plants, plus seafood and much more. Enjoy live music, children’s activities and free admission to the Museum during the Market. Langan Park.

Fairhope Outdoor Farm Market – 4-6pm. Everything at this growers’ market is straight from the farm, or fisherman, to the family. Fresh fruit and vegetables, local honey, fresh cut flowers, fresh Gulf shrimp, and homemade baked and canned goodies, plus live entertainment and face painting fun for the kids. Bancroft behind the library, Fairhope. Alex Robinson: 929-1466.

Fortis College Massage Clinic – By appointment.

Receive a one-hour massage by a highly skilled student. $25. Fortis College, 3590 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile. Call for an appointment, 251-344-1203.

Sunrise Yoga with Chris M. – 6am. Start the weekend with some revitalizing morning yoga. Bring the zest back into one’s day. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. SynergYoga.net.

Family Fridays – 7am-10pm. Offers children a balloon and coloring page. Free. Smoothie King, 720 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile. 251-633-9033.

Yoga with Adrienne – 5:45pm. Relax and renew at the end of a long work week. Enhance balance, strength, and suppleness with Adrienne. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile. 251-473-1104. SynergYoga.net.

First Friday Artwalk – 6-8pm. First Fridays. Enjoy an artsy and fun-filled night with an evening of exhibit openings, guest artists and live entertainment throughout beautiful downtown Fairhope. Map of participating venues available at the Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St, Fairhope. 251-928-2228.

EasternShoreArtCenter.com.

LoDa ArtWalk – 6-9pm. 2nd Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be.

With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 4th year, the event seems to be getting better each month. Cathedral Square Arts District, Mobile. 251-208-7443.

saturday Fortis College Student Clinic – By appointment.

Receive a one-hour massage from a highly skilled student. $25. Fortis College, 3590 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile. Call for an appointment, 251-344-1203.

Market on the Square – Thru July 31. 7:30-11am.

Fresh, locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods, much more. Stay for live music on the green. Cathedral Square, Mobile. 251-208-7443.

NCSMobile.org.

Flow Yoga – 9:15am. Staff rotation. Connect mindful breath with movement. Experience vinyasa yoga. $15. Yoga Birds, Fairhope. 251-990-3447.

YogaBirds.com.

Fairhope Walking Tours – Thru June.10-10:45am.

Guided tours in the downtown area for visitors and the local community covering Fairhope and Single Tax History, public art in Fairhope, the Colony Cemetery and the Fairhope Museum of History.

Free. Meet at the Fairhope Welcome Center. 251929-1466.

Restorative Yoga – 11am. Staff rotation. Relax, rejuvenate and restore one’s energy. Yoga poses supported by props. Beneficial bliss. $15. Yoga Birds, Fairhope. 251-990-3447. YogaBirds.com.

Farmers’ Market, Music and Movie – 4pm. Shop for fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods and so much more. Plan to stay for live music beginning at 6pm followed by a movie on the big screen at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. Chicago St, Heritage Park, downtown Foley. 251-943-1200.

natural awakenings

June 2010

35

naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email MobilePublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our media kit. Rates begin at $36 a month.

beauty

Essential Oils

Rikki m

LAURIE AZZARELLA, LMT, CRR

Threading Expert Licensed Cosmetologist, Master Stylist 251-508-1983 Threading expert (facial hair removal). 34 years experience Color Correction Specialist.

Long hair foil highlights. 20 years experience Brazilian Wax. See ad page 25.

churches

Creative & Graphic Designer mmwilson@gmail.com Mmwilson.com For all of your graphic design needs, including but not limited to websites, logos, brochures, posters, postcards, business cards reports, greeting cards, mailers, newsletters, menus, and door hangers. See ad page 8.

Experience the healing, uplifting and detoxifying benefits of therapeutic grade essential oils and supplements. Contact us for personal consultations, in home classes, household products, health supplements, diffusers, group presentations and business training.

FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sundays @ 10am 1230 Montlimar, Mobile cmspiritualcenter.org, 251-343-0777

Burris farm market & Bakery

Rev. David Ault invites you to visit a loving, inclusive spiritual community where we aim to make every step we take, every choice we make, every word we speak a conscious one. See ad page 31.

mobile CENTER FOR JOYFUL LIVING 60 N Ann Street, Mobile, AL 36695 251-391-6960

3100 Hickory Street Loxley, AL 36551 251-964-6464

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 Café 251-929-0055 Va-fairhopehealthfoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café, featuring organic food, free-range meat, organic wine. Store open 7 days a week. Serving the public 33 years. See ad pg 14.

CLEANING SERVICES GREEN CLEAN, LLC

virginia’s health foods AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFE II

Nicoll Mastin 251-508-3796

Green Clean, LLC provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning services for commercial and residential properties. Regular and deep cleaning services are available, as well as special services such as organizational assistance. See ad page 29.

ASCENSION FUNERALS & CREMATIONS SPRING HILL MEMORIAL GARDENS 1016 Hillcrest Rd, 251-634-8055 600 Pierce Rd, 251-639-0962 Ascensionfuneralgroup.com

Conserve, sustain, and protect the earth by returning to it naturally. An eco-friendly alternative to existing burial practices. Call or visit our website for details.

On Hwy 59 on the way to Gulf Shores, AL. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh baked strawberry shortcake, ice cream and much more!! Your “first and last” stop to the beach or anytime.

fairhope health foods and the sunflower cafÉ

The Center for Joyful Living—practicing disorganized religion. Come live the Question with us, Sundays, 10:30am, 60 N Ann Street, Mobile, AL 36609.

251-391-6960.

NA Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Michael M. Wilson

GREEN BURIALS

Conscious Mile Spiritual Center OF MOBILE

36

Young Living Educator, Sponsor #327923 251-625-0080, AzzFoot@aol.com Youngliving.com/azzfoot

GRAPHIC DESIGN

3952 Airport Blvd, Mobile 251-345-0494 Café 251-345-0495 Va-fairhopehealthfoods.com

Supplements, Wheat & Gluten Free, Organic produce & meats, Vegetarian, Low carb, Sports nutrition, Books.

Café features a juice bar. Store open 7 days a week. Serving the public 33 years. See ad pg 14.

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

HEALING ARTS pranic healing in mobile Deana Lannie 251-454-0959

Free healing nights and group meditations every Monday.

Pranic Healing classes and the advanced technique of Superbrain Yoga.

massage therapy FORTIS college

Student Massage Therapy Center 3590 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile AL 251-344-1203, Fortiscollege.com Massage Really Works!

Schedule a therapeutic massage with our Student Clinic. Friday and Saturday appointments, along with some weekday appts. See ad page 4.

PETS MOBILE PET CEMETERY

Honoring a Pet’s Life 600 Pierce Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 251-607-0102 Ascensionfuneralgroup.com We understand the important impact pets have on us throughout our lives. Mobile Pet Cemetery offers a peaceful, final resting place for your beloved pet.

PET PORTRAITS FROM YOUR PHOTOS Art by Mer, Fairhope, AL 601-918-2833, Art.By.Mer@gmail.com MeredithMontgomery.com

Commission a portrait of your pet. Portraits are original acrylic on canvas paintings from your photos. View online gallery for examples. Gift certificates are available. See ad, page 29.

reflexology LAURIE AZZARELLA, LMT, CRR

251-625-0080 Daphne, AL 850-380-4943 Pensacola, FL AzzFoot@aol.com, Reflexology-usa.net Upcoming Workshops: May 22 & 23 in Mobile, Certification in Ingham Reflexology through the International Institute of Reflexology. 16 CEUS per workshop. Available to everyone, these workshops provide education in better health naturally.

Young Living Essential Oil Education also available.

schools FORTIS college

Massage Therapy Program of Study 3590 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mobile AL 251-344-1203, Fortiscollege.com Train for a career as a professional Massage Therapist.

1060-Hour Program. Fortis offers the most comprehensive and in-depth training in the region. See ad page 4.

shelton academy

1050 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile AL 36695 251-639-1311 SheltonAcademy.org No entrance/exit exam. Work at own pace. Get diploma whenever you complete all requirements. One-on-one instruction. Small classes, Grades 5-12. School MondayThursday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fully Accredited.

sustainable living DauerWalden

First Conservation Community in Gulf South, Located in Baldwin County, AL Dauerwalden.com 251-937-3276 Minutes from Pensacola, Mobile and Gulf Only 25 homesites, more than 1100 protected acres. Rolling hills up to 275 feet. 20 miles of equestrian trails. See ad page 2.

KALOOSA BUILDERs, LLC

Fairhope, AL 251-928-6980 JeremyFriedman@bellsouth.net Kaloosa Builders are custom home builders specializing in energy conscious construction.

We build comfortable, healthy energy-efficient homes on our lot or yours. See ad page 25.

middle earth healing and learning center 20205 Middle Earth Road Citronelle, AL 251-866-7204

Middle Earth is an evolving education center modeling permaculture, sustainable living, and the interconnection of the health of the planet and the health of her inhabitants.

See ad page 25.

wellness products

Why natural awakenings? readers Our targeted readership is seeking natural resources to improve the quality of their life. editorial Each month cutting-edge articles written by both nationally known authors and local leaders in our community provide valuable resources for living a healthier lifestyle.

Circulation Our 9,000 magazines have targeted distribution and are read by over 20,000 health-conscious customers in your neighborhood.

Advertising Low-cost display ad rates make it affordable for you to build your business. Take advantage of our free editorial opportunities.

Audited Research Results • 80% of Natural Awakenings readers purchase products or services from ads seen in Natural Awakenings magazines.

• Over 51% of Natural Awakenings readers have a household income of over 50k.

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5650 Old Pascagoula Rd, #203 Mobile, AL 251-653-9258 800-737-9295 Back Pain? Sciatica? Poor Posture? SacroWedgy has worked when all else failed.

Simple, economical self-help.

Testimonials & info at www. sacrowedgy.com. See ad pg 25.

• 72% of Natural Awakenings readers are between 25-54.

• Natural Awakenings magazine rated higher over TV, radio, internet and other print publications as the #1 source for health related information in audited markets.

natural awakenings

June 2010

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classified Rates for classifieds start at $16 per month. Listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Email MobilePublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com for details.

For SALE

opportunities

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CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES – For sale in Birmingham/Huntsville, AL; Boulder, CO; Morris County, NJ and Southwest VA. Call for details, 239-530-1377.

Become an ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT Training provided. CoastalDreamsTravel@earthlink. net.

BIONETIC BODY SCAN FOR PEOPLE & PETS – Non-invasive testing for over 10,000 substances in minutes: allergies, parasites, chemicals, metabolism, vitamin deficiencies, emotions, etc. Bring body back into balance. Serving FL/AL Gulf Coast. Cell: 239-560-6667.

AllIsWellHealthAndInspirations.com.

STOTT PILATES PROFESSIONAL REFORMER – Like new. Less than half price. $2,000.

251-344-0590.

help wanted PILATES INSTRUCTORS – Pilates Master Trainer Certifying Instructor with own studio looking for certified instructors to teach Pilates on Reformer, Ladder Barrel, Chair. Mobile. 251-3440590 or 251-554-7733.

WANT UNLIMITED INCOME POTENTIAL – To support a balanced lifestyle that makes a positive difference? SherryCook.NSEDreams.com.

CAREER IN COSMETOLOGY – Are you a creative individual that has dreamed of a career in cosmetology? Formerly known as Capps College, Fortis College School of Cosmetology can help you reach that dream. Call us today at 251-342-3230.

LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER? – Pilates Master Trainer Certifying Instructor now offering Pilates certification classes. Reformer, Ladder Barrel, Chair. Mobile. 251-344-0590 or 251-554-7733.

PRODUCTS ORGANIC FERTILIZERS – Organic lawn care and pest control products available at Household Do It Yourself Pest Control Store, across from Hood’s on Hwy 59, Foley, or call 928-7874 or 943-7873.

WHY BUY? RENT TO OWN! – $1,250 Ionic Detox Foot Bath Only $49/Mo. $1,500 Water Ionizer $39.95/Mo. Ozone Generator $29.95/Mo. Handheld Laser $29.95/Mo. 239-649-0077. BeWellU.com.

38

NA Mobile / Baldwin Edition

Mobile.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

FEEL BETTER NOW WITH EFT – Diana Sturm, Ph.D., 251-219-4574. SourceOfAbundance.com.

IMPROVE YOUR ANIMAL’S HEALTH – Canine and equine acupressure, therapeutic massage, bionetic body scan, muscle testing for allergies, TCM nutrition, intuitive animal communication.

Serving FL/AL Gulf Coast. Cell: 239-560-6667.

IntegratedAnimalTherapy.com.

NEED CLEAN? GO GREEN! – Green Clean provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning services for commercial and residential properties.

Schedule a free in-home consultation and estimate today. 251-508-3796.

MASTERS OF YOGA & PILATES Synergy yoga & Pilates

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www.synergyoga.net 3152 Old Shell Road, Suite 2 Mobile, Alabama 36607

251.473.1104

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Master Trainer/Certifying Instructor NSCA Certified, Strength & Conditioning Specialist

251-344-0590 • 251-554-7733 natural awakenings

June 2010

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