May/June 2021 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

THE WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE Integrative Wellness Holistic Tips for Pregnancy Sustainable Beauty

PLUS:

An Asian American’s Words Inspire Optimism

May/June 2021 | Gulf Coast AL/MS Edition | HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

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Homegrown & Family-Owned In Lower Alabama Since 1975 Fairhope Health Foods 251-928-0644

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center in Fairhope

Virginia’s Health Foods 251-479-3952 3055 A Dauphin Street in Mobile

Extra savings in May! 20% OFF

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Delicious, organic dining experience with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Catering available.

Fairhope Cafe: 251-929-0055

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Mobile Cafe: 251-479-3200

Located inside Virginia’s Health Foods in Mobile Monday - Saturday 10:30am-3pm;

May/June 2021

3

Less Fat, More You!

Feel great and let go of insecurities...That’s the power of Cryoskin.

Contents 14 INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

22

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do

18 PEACE AND DIGNITY

OVERCOME OPPRESSION

The Cultural Effects of World War II on Three Generations of Japanese Americans

22 THE POWER OF FAITH AND HOPE

24

Japanese American’s Words Inspire Optimism

24 SUSTAINABLY STYLISH Eco-Fashion that’s Kind to the Planet

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26 NATURAL MAMA Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

28 HOMEOPATHY TO THE RESCUE

30

Create a Family First-Aid Kit

In honor of WOMEN’s HEALTH MONTH enjoy

30 STAY FIT WITH

BODYWORK THERAPY

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Call 251-459-0500 TO schedule your consultation TODAY! And ask about Dynamic Therapeutics’ other services that are guaranteed to get you feeling better!

9037 Independence Ave, Ste A2, Daphne, AL 251-459-0500 | DynamicTherapeutics.net 4

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 11 health briefs 12 global briefs 18 diverse

conversations 22 inspiration 24 green living

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

26 healthy kids 28 healing ways 30 fit body 32 eco tip 33 calendar 34 classifieds 35 directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 50 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Caring for someone with dementia is hard.

14 Calling us for help is easy.

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 251-990-9552 or email Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit dated and ongoing calendar events online at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation (includes Quantitative EEG) to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.

Dr. J Douglas Brown DC DACNB, Board Certified Neurology-Chiropractic Dr. Brown is one of only a few functional neurologists in the U.S. providing brain pathway activation therapy in conjunction with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Bredesen’s science-based nutritional program.

We can help. Call today:

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May/June 2021

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letter from publisher Eleven years ago this month I was working on the production of my very first issue of Natural Awakenings. Our oldest son Mays was only 8 months old and we were still relatively new to the area, having lived here for less than two years. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had just occurred and the first article I wrote for the magazine was about the inspiring cleanup efforts of local nonprofits.

Filled with mixed emotions, I write this letter knowing it will be my last as publisher of this magazine. My husband Josh has accepted a new job in the Nashville area and with great excitement, our family will embark on a new life adventure this summer as we relocate inland to Tennessee.

So many memories flood my mind as I reflect on the last 11 years. How exciting it was for little Mays and I to watch an 18-wheeler deliver two pallets of magazines to us that first month! As a long-time yogi, the September yoga edition was always my favorite to put together, and I love thinking about the first Yoga Month event that Natural Awakenings organized with area studios. We were hoping for a couple dozen people to show up, and were overjoyed when around 150 people unrolled their mats in Cathedral Square that beautiful afternoon. As a music lover, I’ll always feel grateful for the opportunities I had to interview health- and planet-conscious musicians such as Michael Franti, Jack Johnson (while I was in early labor with Thatch) and John Butler. And I’ll never forget the sense of reward I’d feel when an eager reader would stop me on my distribution route to request one of the magazines before I had a chance to put them in a rack.

I will not miss dealing with unexpected challenges such as snow storms that delay the delivery of 15,000 magazines, working late hours to make up for workdays lost to motherhood, or a pandemic that turns distribution plans upside down. The national editorial angle of our publication has always been committed to solution-based perspectives versus dwelling on the problems we face, and applying this philosophy to day-today hiccups has proven fruitful.

When a heightened sense of divisiveness took over our country last summer, I overcame my feelings of being emotionally overwhelmed by sharing a constructive, multicultural and interracial dialogue via a new monthly magazine department, Diverse Conversations. Working on this series of articles has been the most fulfilling part of my job for the last 10 months, and with May being Asian Awareness Month, I found it fitting for my final contribution to tell the story of my Japanese American grandparents. Although they endured immense discrimination and hardship through World War II, they lived their lives with dignity and hope; their stories now serving as inspiration for anyone facing adversity.

I will spend the next several months fully focused on transitioning our family to a new place, and while I publish my final edition with tears in my eyes, I look to the uncharted path ahead with a sense of joyful anticipation. My office has always 6

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

been a one-woman operation (with some encouraging pups nearby), but the last 132 issues of Natural Awakenings would not have been possible without a list of supportive individuals.

I’ve leaned on my mom (Anne), my brother Michael, my dear friend Gabrielle and my editor Michelle for tedious editing and proofing each month. You’re able to hold this magazine in your hands thanks to my dedicated team of distributors—Stephanie, Tonya, Linda, Nikki, Beth, Beaulah and Don (to name a few)— who get the magazines on stands for you, rain or shine. This publication has remained free year after year due to the ongoing partnerships with many local business owners who choose to advertise with us. It has been an honor to connect with so many movers and shakers in our local health and wellness community and I wish all of them continued success.

Of course I couldn’t have done this work without the support of my family. From putting extra sand in our outdoor stands before hurricanes to helping me close many of my publisher letters, Josh has been here whenever I’ve needed him. In addition to being the subject of many personal stories I’ve shared, our spirited boys represent the future stewards of this planet and have always inspired the ongoing mission of this magazine.

But the most important part of Natural Awakenings is you, the reader. You are the people we seek to educate and empower and your interest in healthy living and a healthy planet has been the driving force of my work for more than a decade. Whether you’re picking up the magazine for the first time and unfamiliar with natural living, or you’re a long-time reader and Natural Awakenings poster child, thank you for taking the time to read our meaningful content. As we say in yoga, the light in me, honors the light in each of you.

Namaste,

*The Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi edition of Natural Awakenings is taking a short break from our monthly production schedule. Be on the lookout for new editions and a new publisher at the end of this summer.

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

news briefs

Salt Therapy Now Available at Peak Alkalinity GULF COAST EDITION PUBLISHER Meredith Montgomery

EDITING TEAM Michelle Bense Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Michael Wilson LAYOUT Meredith Montgomery

As a compliment to their existing list of natural detox products and services, Peak Alkalinity’s Fairhope location is unveiling their new salt room on May 17 and is now scheduling appointments for Himalayan salt therapy.

“For three and a half years we’ve introduced progressive ideas to address

Gabrielle W-Perillo health in Baldwin County, and today is

DISTRIBUTION MGR. Stephanie Klumpp no exception. We strive to help folks CONTACT US achieve optimal health from the inside P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 out and are excited about the new Ph: 251-990-9552 developments in healthy living that are HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com on the horizon at Peak Alkalinity,” says owner Missy Guitterrez.

Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2021 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.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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

Natural Awakenings is printed on recyclable newsprint.

Guitterrez adds, “When you bask in the glow of the mesmerizing salt blocks, you’ll also feel your blood pressure dropping as stress of the day begins to fade away. Sit, breathe and relax.”

For more information, call 251-270-7200 or visit PeakAlkalinity.com. See ad, page 13.

Celebrate Women’s Health Month with Self-Care Dynamic Therapeutics, in Daphne, is celebrating Women’s Health Month by giving customers 25 percent off any service in May. “Celebrating Women’s Health Month means more than just celebrating the physical well-being of a woman. When we reflect on our personal well-being, it is important to look at every aspect of it, from our emotional and spiritual well-being to personal relationships we have with others, and especially ourselves,” says owner and Community Support Specialist Dr. Tonya Butler.

Maksym Povozniuk/AdobeStock.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to the free digital magazine at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Salt therapy can help remove inflammation and toxins from the respiratory system and improve conditions such as colds, flu, sinus infections, asthma, sore throat, bronchitis, COPD and ear infections. Improved skin healing is also evident in conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. The ambiance of the illuminated salt walls provides a relaxing setting as pulverized, pharmaceutical-grade salt is misted into the air. A 25-minute session costs $39.

As specialists in medical and therapeutic massage, the team at Dynamic Therapeutics often deals with issues of chronic pain. They are very aware that the source is not always a physical injury or accident, but often depression and anxiety. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, research supports exercise and massage therapy as more effective than the leading pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for depression.

A walk or a trip to the park qualifies as exercise, and massage (if just for an hour) can allow the body to heal while giving the mind a much-needed escape.

Butler says, “This month, we want to celebrate women and remind you that taking care of yourself is the most self-less act you can do for yourself and for those that love you.

Stay healthy and show yourself a little grace this month, and for many more thereafter.”

For more information, call 251-459-0500 or visit DynamicTherapeutics.net. See ad, page 4.

May/June 2021

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Correcting Brain Pathways Naturally The Mind Performance Center, LLC, in Foley, Alabama provides non-drug rehabilitation for a range of brain disorders, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A bump, blow, jolt or other head injury can cause damage to the brain pathways—the information highways that connect specialized segments of the brain—and can affect thinking, sensation, language and emotions. Mind Performance’s unique treatment approach can rehabilitate these pathways for improved quality of life.

Owner Dr. J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, first identifies pathway damage with specialized testing including a detailed neurological exam, optokinetics, Montreal cognitive assessment, MRI and interviews with the patient, and their friends and family. “It is not uncommon for subtle to moderate personality changes caused by TBI to be more apparent to friends and family of the patient, than they are to the patient themselves,” Brown says. Once damage is assessed, Brown determines the likelihood of restoration and establishes goals and objectives for the patient with a detailed treatment plan.

Brown is one of a few functional neurologists in the U.S. providing brain pathway activation therapy in conjunction with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (which regenerates abundant release of neurotransmitters) and the sciencebased nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen. “These state-of-the-art techniques are producing real and sustainable results, often delivering improvement when nothing else has.”

For more information, call 251-597-8787 or visit MindPerformanceCenter.com.

See ad, page 5.

Toxin-Free Skincare Products Feed the Microbiome Daphne-based, Skincare Specialist Karen Watson wants women to know what makes TruAura’s products unique to the marketplace. “It’s the best value for a line that supports healthy skin and a healthy body, being that it is 100 percent clean, safe and effective,” she says.

Every skincare, cosmetic and body care product that they carry supports the balance of the microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients. “The skin’s microbiome can communicate with your body’s immune system, temper inflammation and protect you from infection and environmental aggressors. TruAura’s product philosophy is to preserve the health of the microbiome with clean, healthy formulas,” says Product Developer Gary Jones.

The company focuses on safety, concentration and using minimal ingredients at efficacious levels. About 8,800 toxic ingredients are restricted and banned from their products, including synthetic thickeners and artificial fragrances. They are all glutenfree, never tested on animals and come with a money-back guarantee.

“BioLift, our top firming and hydrating product, has a complex of peptides that, combined, provide better results than retinol, without the harm to your microbiome or side effects often associated with products that include retinol,” Watson says. “I see the results in my own skin and my customers’. I truly love all of TruAura’s products.”

For more information or to schedule a complimentary skincare and makeup session, call 256-508-0389, email Spa4uuu@bellsouth.net or visit TruAuraBeauty.com/ trubeauty4u. See ad, page 11.

Online Community Helps Women Thrive Salty Sister Sanctuary is a new online place for women to find respite from everyday stress, to share empowering life skills and to find fellowship with other women. Currently in its infancy stage, Jennifer Killgo of Jubilee Healing Arts, in Daphne, is creating this special space in hopes that soon it will be a physical space that gives back to the community in a unique way.

Killgo clarifies that this is not a vision for a women’s shelter, but rather a group of women helping, mentoring and guiding each other. “It’s an organization to help those women who have been through hard times— women who may be on similar paths, sharing tips, hope and insight to make the paths easier for others,” she says.

Salty Sister Sanctuary teaches skills that are necessary for women to thrive on their own after finding themselves alone from divorce, widowing or simply young individuals that want to be under their own roof for the first time. Lessons will include topics such as self sufficiency, fiscal responsibility, self defense and basic repair and maintenance.

Killgo says, “We’ll also guide women to local professionals in the community which not only helps those who are seeking help, but also helps the community by being a consistent source of self referrals and growth.”

For more information, visit SaltySisterSanctuary.com. See ad, page 16.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Free Mother’s Day Event Celebrates New Moms Two local businesses, Born To Birth Yoga and Butterflies Dancing Perinatal Support, are teaming up to celebrate Mother’s Day by hosting a free event for expectant and new moms.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 8, at the Eastern Shore Centre’s Stage Pavilion in Spanish Fort, attendees will enjoy a mommy-and-me yoga session, a baby-wearing dance class and other bond-with-baby activities while connecting with a community of moms. The Alabama chapter of Postpartum Support International will also be on site to bring awareness to maternal mental health.

“Having a new baby during COVID times has isolated us in ways that may not be healthy, especially in a very vulnerable and transitional season of moms’ lives,” says Veronica Diaz, owner of Born To Birth Yoga. “We want to bring moms together so they can feel supported, uplifted and empowered.” Diaz offers online prenatal, postnatal and mommy-and-me yoga classes with an emphasis on emotional health, birth preparation and community. In-person classes will soon be available.

“Motherhood is such a special time and I want to help mothers discover connection from conception. Find joy through dance, bond with baby and connect with your community,” says Butterflies Dancing owner Amie Kay Martin, who offers baby wearing, music and movement classes to support healthy attachment and improve mental wellness.

For more information, call 251-327-8712 or visit BornToBirthYoga.com and ButterfliesDancing.org. See ad, page 27.

Baha’is’ Prayer for America Fairhope Baha’is, like many others, grew weary of pandemic restrictions over the past year. Nonetheless, they recognized that every difficulty served as an opportunity to learn and grow. The pandemic gave community members unexpected roles and reinforced an understanding that each of us has a part to play in serving our community and establishing unity.

In 2020, they developed technological skills beyond their expectations, deepened reliance on prayer for healing, developed generous hearts to support those in need and expanded bonds of trust through meaningful discussions on a host of topics in small group settings.

Veteran-Owned Hearing Clinic Emphasizes Individualized Care Coastal Alabama Hearing, in Fairhope and Foley, offers free hearing consultations and $500 off advanced hearing aids. “At our clinics we make patient satisfaction our number one goal. We have the best products at the best prices with the best service and if you are not satisfied, I will give you a full refund,” says owner Dr. Andy Tubertini.

Tubertini is a former Marine, a member and past president of the Fairhope Rotary Club and has been an audiologist for 16 years. “Service above self” is the motto he lives by and he enjoys lots of time on the water fishing and boating with his family. He has had a private practice for 11 years, and at Coastal Alabama Hearing, he offers comprehensive care with hearing evaluations; hearing aids, accessories and repair; rehabilitation services and counseling for hearing loss; and educational seminars. All instruments include loss and damage insurance and all services emphasize individualized care.

The practice was founded on two simple truths—that hearing is a vital sense which plays a significant role in your quality of life, and that hearing loss affects everyone uniquely. Tubertini says, “That is why we work to solve hearing problems one individual at a time.”

For more information, call 251-9900535 (Fairhope) or 251-971-1152 (Foley), or visit CoastalAlabamaHearing. com. See ad, page 29.

One gathering reflected deeply on “The Prayer for America” found in Baha’i Prayer Books. Through study of sacred text and meditation, the group’s attention focused on how all of us might contribute to a more just and spiritually strong America. Discussion noted that much like material disease (the coronavirus) invaded our country, so too had spiritual disease (division and injustice) enveloped us. Through prayers and conversation, the group found renewed hope recognizing that America and mankind are in the process of maturing.

They concluded that if we all work together to establish justice and unity, America will no doubt be the beneficiary of God’s mercy as stated in the prayer.

To join the Baha’is of Fairhope groups online (and hopefully in person soon), email BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com. See “Churches” listing, page 36.

May/June 2021

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Using Your Dollars for Good: Investing with Impact, on May 20, is a free virtual symposium about investing in companies that exemplify leadership in social and environmental responsibility. The event is moderated and presented by Jacey J. Cosentino and Chesley Allegri, financial advisors with the Radcliff-Schatzman Group at Morgan Stanley, in Mobile and Pensacola.

Featured presenters include: Lily Trager, Director of Investing with Impact at Morgan Stanley and Co-Founder of Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy (WISE); Sara Nelson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Romero Institute, an interfaith, nonprofit law and public policy center in Santa Cruz, CA; and Courtney Thompson, Executive Director of Global Sustainable Finance at Morgan Stanley, who works with the company’s Plastic Waste Resolution—a firm-wide effort to help leverage capital and other resources to reduce plastic pollution.

The three interactive presentations will offer guidance for individuals, business owners and foundations that wish to achieve unique social and/or environmental impact objectives alongside their financial goals. Attendees will also learn about sources of injustice and life-sustaining solutions, as well as financial innovations that address plastic waste.

For more information or to register, contact Chesley Allegri, Financial Advisor or Jacey Cosentino, Financial Advisor (11 N. Water St., Ste. 16290, Mobile, AL) by calling 850-470-8033, texting 850-600-6382 or emailing Jacey.Cosentino@ MorganStanley.com. Visit Advisor.MorganStanley.com/the-radcliff-schatzmangroup. See full disclosures on ad on back cover.

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IV Therapy’s Fountain of Youth Whether it’s older looking skin, graying hair or just more aches and pains than the year before, the physical effects of aging can be a frustrating experience for anyone. enrG-IV’s preservative-free, nutritional IV cocktail for anti-aging can revitalize the body. Glutathione and vitamin C-infused IV treatments neutralize damaging ingredients in the body that lead to age spots and wrinkles over time. In addition to skin that looks fuller and younger, clients feel rejuvenated.

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“You’ll look and feel younger than you have in years. It’s not immortality, but it’s definitely the next best thing,” says owner Janet Baker, RN. enrG-IV is a nutritional IV lounge and functional medicine clinic with locations in Foley and Orange Beach. Their spa-like IV lounges provide a relaxing rehydration experience and private rooms are also available.

To experience the maximum anti-aging benefits of IV therapy, multiple sessions are recommended and package deals are available. Sessions typically last 20 to 60 minutes and enrG-IV also offers an oxygen bar, bio-identical hormone therapy, b12 injections, physical vascular therapy and extensive, state-of-the-art testing that reveals nutritional deficiencies.

For more information, call 251-240-0842 or visit enrGIV.com. See ad, page 31.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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health briefs

Avoid Coffee When Pregnant to Safeguard Brain Development Join the

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A mother’s coffee drinking during pregnancy can change important pathways in an infant’s developing brain, raising the risk of behavioral issues, attention difficulty and hyperactivity years later, say researchers at the University of Rochester, in New York.

Analyzing thousands of brain scans of 9- and 10-yearolds, researchers found clear changes in how white matter tracks, which form connections between brain regions, were organized in children whose mothers reported consuming caffeine while pregnant. “These are sort of small effects and it’s not causing horrendous psychiatric conditions, but it is causing minimal, but noticeable behavioral issues that should make us consider long-term effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy,” says John Foxe, Ph.D., principal investigator of the university’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study.

Previous studies have found that a fetus does not have enough of the enzyme necessary to break down caffeine when it crosses the placenta.

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Sip Non-Alcoholic Beer to Improve Liver Disease Non-alcoholic beer is booming, with U.S. sales up by 39 percent last year, and it now poses a health benefit as a study-proven dietary supplement for people with cirrhosis of the liver. Many nutritional supplements don’t work for such patients because of limited availability, cost, poor taste and side effects such as bloating, nausea and abdominal pain. Theorizing that non-alcoholic beer has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to consume while having many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, Mexican researchers provided 43 liver cirrhosis patients with dietary improvements and simple exercise routines. Half the patients drank non-alcoholic beer with their meals; the control group drank water. After eight weeks, the non-alcoholic beer group showed improvements in blood vessel health, exercise performance levels and muscle mass, along with a better perceived quality of life compared to the control group.

“A clear trend towards an improvement in social function and mental health was observed in the group receiving non-alcoholic beer,” conclude the authors in World Journal of Hepatology. “Moreover, hops have been shown to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress over a four-week period, partially explaining the results found.”

What is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of

becoming yourself.

-Anna Quindlen

Once you connect with your own unique energy, and your brilliance is recognized in a way that does not diminish your light, but instead fuels it, anything is possible.

Contact me to start your journey to a life that is easy to navigate, regardless of the circumstances.

Peace, love & glitter,

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251-463-1862 | fengshui831.com May/June 2021

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Learn to love cooking.

As cities phase out the installation of gas lines in new buildings to cut down on methane emissions, gas utilities have been staging adversarial campaigns nationwide. In Santa Barbara, California, residents received warnings that a gas ban would dramatically increase their bills. The Pacific Northwest group Partnership for Energy Progress, funded in part by Washington state’s largest natural gas utility, Puget Sound Energy, has spent at least $1 million opposing heating electrification in Bellingham and Seattle, including $91,000 on bus ads with the slogan, “Reliable. Affordable.

Natural Gas. Here for You.” In Oklahoma, Arizona, Louisiana and Tennessee, the industry has worked aggressively with state legislatures to pass laws to prevent cities from passing cleaner building codes.

The American Gas Association even has a website (aga.org) dedicated to promoting cooking with gas. Surveys have found that most people are open to switching water heaters and furnaces from gas to electric versions, so gas company advertising has made gas stoves a symbol of wealth, good taste and status for consumers, builders and realtors. Gas connections in American houses are at an all-time high, but as Americans realize that natural gas is a powerful contributor to climate change and source of air pollution, at least 42 cities have strengthened building codes to discourage expanding gas hookups in new construction.

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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The new Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge connects people with nature in the heart of San Antonio across a six-lane highway at Phil Hardberger Park. Private donations and a fiveyear bond program approved by voters helped fund the $23 million bridge, the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the U.S. Wildlife and vehicle collisions are a big problem across the country, increasing by 50 percent in 15 years, with an estimated 1 to 2 million large animals killed by motorists every year, according to National Geographic sources. In the U.S., 21 threatened and endangered species face extinction partly because of traffic accidents. Wildlife crossings are seen as an effective solution to the problem, with fatality reductions of up to 95 percent, depending on the location. The San Antonio bridge is notable for its size—150 feet wide and 150 feet long—and that it accommodates people, too. Animals in the 330-acre park that benefit from the bridge include ringtails, squirrels, coyotes, lizards, raccoons and deer. They are using it as intended, and it also serves as a habitat for native plants.

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INTEGRATIVE

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Five Top Health Concerns and What to Do

by Ronica O’Hara Anyone walking into a U.S. hospital today will notice something that was inconceivable 50 years ago—one in three practicing physicians is a woman, and among physicians under age 35, it’s three in five. That compares to one in 14 in 1970. For women needing health care, that fact can change everything. “Research says that female physicians provide better care to female patients than male physicians do,” says Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Alice Domar, Ph.D., a pioneer in women’s mind-body medicine. “They are more likely to listen carefully and take complaints seriously.”

That’s just one factor in how health care is improving for women.

Only three decades ago, women were simply considered “small men” in medical research and rarely included as subjects in clinical studies. Today, after a 1993 federal mandate ensured their inclusion, it’s been well established that women metabolize drugs differently than men, respond to health threats with a more robust immune system and are more likely to experience side effects. These findings have helped spur major changes for women in standards, dosages, medications and procedures—resulting in fewer cancer deaths, better treatment of autoimmune disorders and more nuanced cardiac care strategies. Although much has improved about women’s health, much more remains to be done.

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CANCER

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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

About one in three women is diagnosed with cancer in the course of a lifetime, and they have better survival rates than men, of which one in two receives that diagnosis. Between 2001 and 2017, the overall cancer death rate for women declined by 1.4 percent each year as diagnoses and treatments became more refined and targeted. The number one cancer killer for women is lung cancer, although 19 percent diagnosed have never smoked. The next most deadly are cancers of the breast, colon/rectum, pancreas and ovaries.

Breast cancer deaths have dropped by 40 percent since 1989, thanks to greater awareness, early detection and better

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

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

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

Medical advances: Painful, invasive biopsies may become a thing of the past. Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a simple blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer, as well as their location within the body, with a high degree of accuracy, and the City of Hope Cancer Center, in Los Angeles, has developed a urine test that analyzes cell-free fragments of DNA to detect cancer.

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

of the valve with a tiny clip, a safer and less invasive procedure than open-heart surgery.

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

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has grown by one half in two decades, even as medications and targeted therapies have kept more patients active and out of wheelchairs.

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

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

HEART DISEASE

One in three American women die from heart disease, more than all cancers combined. “Unfortunately, awareness that heart disease can and does happen to women remains low, and this results in delay of care,” says cardiologist Nicole Harkin of Whole Heart Cardiology, in San Francisco.

“Women tend to seek medical care later in the course of their heart attack and with more risk factors, resulting in poorer outcomes, and they are more likely than men to die of their first heart attack.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

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The past 20 years has seen significant improvements in the studies and treatments of female hormonal issues.

“There are now treatment options that allow women to transition into menopause, options for prevention of osteoporosis and momentous changes in fertility,” says Stephanie Seitz, a naturopathic family physician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

At the same time, she adds, “I have seen environmental toxins rising in my female population. I see young girls coming in with polycystic ovary syndrome, early menarche and painful menstrual cramping; women having trouble getting pregnant for unknown reasons; the rise of fibroids, premature ovarian insufficiency and endometriosis.”

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, regulating processes

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

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

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

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

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

DEPRESSION

Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression, with one in four having a major episode at some

point in life, yet fewer than half seek treatment. “Many women are too busy caring for others and feel guilty about their depression, fearing it could get in the way of their caregiving goals,” says New York psychoanalyst Claudia Luiz. “Many have the fantasy that if they open that door and allow themselves to focus on their feelings, they won’t be able to keep going.”

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

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

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

Medical advances: For the estimated one in four people with depression that doesn’t respond to medication or therapy, emerging approaches offer fresh hope. Low doses of the anesthetic drug ketamine lifted the depression of 70 percent of hard-to-treat subjects by targeting specific serotonin receptors, Swedish researchers report.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the prefrontal cortex, lifts symptoms for 50 to 60 percent of subjects, studies show.

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

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

May/June 2021

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diverse conversations

Peace and Dignity Overcome Oppression The Cultural Effects of World War II on Three Generations of Japanese Americans

by Meredith Montgomery

Marion Konishi was a happy 16-year-old living a comfortable life with her parents and younger brother in Los Angeles in 1941. They’d go to the movies every Saturday night and they’d attend baseball games whenever they could. Her father, who immigrated to California from Japan in high school, had a produce company, and her Japanese mother, who had been brought to America as an infant, was a homemaker.

But life as they knew it changed drastically when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor that December. “I can still remember how I felt when we heard the news,” says Marion, who is now 96.

There were other Japanese families in the neighborhood, but their school’s student body was predominantly white. “All of us did not know whether we should go to school the next day. We were so worried and scared, but our parents encouraged us to go.”

Teachers and peers were initially warm and accepting, but as the scope of the disaster became better understood, public opinion began to change. “Then we didn’t think it was such a good idea to be Japanese and we wished that we didn’t look like the enemy,” Marion says. FBI agents swept through homes in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii, arresting community leaders and anyone that might be suspected of having sympathetic ties to Japan. All bank accounts belonging to anyone born in Japan were frozen and a curfew was imposed for Japanese people, including Japanese American citizens.

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A HISTORY OF ASIAN OPPRESSION This was not the first instance of antiJapanese acts in the U.S. After Japanese immigrants started arriving in the 1860s, the Japanese Exclusion League formed in the early 1900s and used legislation, boycotts, propaganda and school segregation to oppress these new members of the population. Immigrant quotas that excluded any Asians from entering the U.S. were established, and in 1922, the Supreme Court ruled that Japanese immigrants were not eligible for naturalized citizenship—only free white persons and, since 1870, persons of African nativity or descent. States such as California and Washington further discour-

aged undesirable immigrants from settling permanently in the U.S. with alien land laws that prohibited those ineligible for citizenship from owning land.

both alien and citizens. They were given less than three months to sell their homes and possessions before they were uprooted from their West Coast communities.

Out of fear for future discriminatory laws, many Issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) raised their children in a way that prepared them to live in both Japan and America. However, the Konishis wanted their kids to be as Americanized as possible and did not send their kids to Japanese language school. “That is the reason we have always been able to speak English without an accent. My parents were fluent in English so we spoke only English in our home. It was

“My dad had to sell his business and our house for almost nothing. We lost our car.

Probably what I remember most was that we had to put our dog Brownie to sleep because we didn’t know what else to do with him,” Marion reflects. “Trucks came into our neighborhood and we sold, gave away or destroyed most of our furniture and clothes.

We were allowed to take only one suitcase per person. I remember how very sad and disheartened we felt at that time.”

ourselves without violating the principles of Christian decency.” After only three months in that position, he resigned in protest of the incarceration of innocent citizens, including 17,000 children under the age of 10.

RELOCATING AN INNOCENT POPULATION The Konishis dressed in their best clothes to board the train to the Santa Anita Race Track, oblivious of the fact that they would be housed in filthy horse stalls where they were given feed sacks to fill with hay for mattresses. While at this short-term assembly center, they were tagged with the name of the permanent relocation center they would be detained in until the war was over.

“Our sense of family was greatly changed because we had to wait in lines for every meal and it was uncomfortable having to eat with so many strangers.

It was almost a relief when we were loaded on trains to Amache,” Marion says.

left: Marion Konishi and her brother in Los Angeles before the war; middle: families of Japanese ancestry boarding buses for an assembly center and aerial view of Granada Relocation Center, Amache, Colorado (both photos courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration); right: Ken Takehara of the 442nd during World War II; only when my grandparents came over that we were exposed to the Japanese language, food and customs,” explains Marion.

On February 19, 1942, nearly 10 weeks after the outbreak of the war, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in response to growing fears of further Japanese sabotage. Despite Attorney General Francis Biddle telling the president that more targeted security measures were preferred over a mass evacuation of citizens, Roosevelt ordered the removal of all people who were at least one-sixteenth Japanese,

The War Relocation Authority (WRA) was established to administer the mass removal and confinement of 120,000 Japanese Americans, two-thirds of which were American citizens. With no charges of disloyalty or unlawfulness against the targeted population, there was no means for the victims to appeal their loss of property and personal freedoms. In a propaganda film, Director of the WRA, Milton S. Eisenhower said, “We are setting a standard for the rest of the world in the treatment of people who may have loyalties to an enemy nation. We are protecting

Camp Amache was one of 10 internment camps built in desolate parts of the U.S. It covered approximately 10,500 acres in Colorado south of the Arkansas River, bumping up to the small town of Granada on the east side. Army barracks were used as housing—six families per barrack. As a family of four, the Konishis had a 12-by-12-foot area with steel army cots and two blankets for beds, a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling and a coal-fired heater.

Temperatures ranged from 110 degrees in the summer to 22 degrees below zero in the winter. The walls were not insulated and the windows did not open. Toilets and showers were communal and meal times still required long lines.

While the perimeter of the camp was lined with barbed wire and soldiers standing guard with machine guns, community life and security within camp was up to the evacuees.

To conjure a sense of normalcy, the interned organized basketball and baseball games, held church services, opened beauty parlors and planted prolific gardens despite the desert climate. Japanese American teachers started leading classes in the fall, and in June May/June 2021

19

of 1943, Marion was named valedictorian of her class. She delivered an inspiring and hopeful commencement speech at Amache Senior High School’s first graduation ceremony. (See article, on page 22.)

FINDING PATHS OUT OF INCARCERATION The National Japanese American Student Relocation Council provided a governmentapproved route of resettlement for collegeaged students that helped over 4,000 young internees leave their camps for college.

Through this program, the Methodist Church offered Marion full scholarships to three different schools. She chose to enroll at Simpson College in Iowa because she favored its Midwestern location over the schools in the South or East, where heightened discrimination was more prevalent.

College during Marion’s first year and they met briefly before he enlisted in the army.

After initially designating all Japanese American men of draft age as enemy aliens, the War Department announced in January of 1943 that it was forming an all-Nisei (Americanborn soldiers of Japanese ancestry) combat team—the 442nd. Ken left college to join the 12,000 Nisei who volunteered, and ultimately about 3,000 Hawaiians and 1,000 men from internment camps reported for infantry training that April at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.

A year later they left for their first overseas assignment in Europe and saw some of the war’s fiercest fighting in Italy, France and Germany. Not only were the soldiers fight-

“Leaving camp was pretty tough. My parents were able to give me only $200 in cash for expenses. And I had never been away from home,” recalls Marion, who received a warm welcome at Simpson. But college life also provided a daily reminder that she was not equal to her white peers.

“All my friends lived in sorority houses, but I was never invited in. They always included me in a lot of activities; we were together a lot and I always hoped I would be asked to join a sorority, but I was finally told that even if they wanted me to join them, they couldn’t invite me because of my nationality,” she says.

While Marion was at college, her father was offered an undercover job with the Army Map Service, translating bombing maps of Japan for the U.S. He was one of very few Japanese who was able to read, speak and write both Japanese and English languages, and this position granted the whole family a rare opportunity to leave camp.

“This was a very difficult thing for him to do— mapping places that probably were homes of some of his relatives,” says Marion. “He still wasn’t able to apply for citizenship at that time, but he never regretted that decision and I still have the citation he received for his work.”

JAPANESE SOLDIERS FIGHT FOR AMERICA Ken Takehara, Marion’s future husband, was from Hawaii, where there were no internment camps due to the area’s reliance on the Japanese community. He was at Simpson 20

ing against Germans, they were also proving their loyalty to the U.S.—not Japan—in a fight against racism. To this day, the 442nd is regarded as the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. Military, earning more than 4,000 Purple Hearts, 21 Medals of Honor and seven Presidential Unit Citations. During his two years overseas, Ken received several citations and medals, including two Purple Hearts.

When Ken was discharged, he returned to Simpson to finish school and started dating Marion. Around the same time, internment camps were closing with the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in the Mitsuye Endo case that the WRA “has no authority to subject citizens who are concededly loyal to its leave procedure”.

A NEW GENERATION TRIES TO FIT IN Marion and Ken were married in 1947 and their first daughter Anne Aiko Takehara was born four years later. Like Marion’s upbringing, Anne and her younger brother and sister were raised to be as American as possible in an effort to fit in. They were taught to ignore negativity and were reminded that they would usually stand out in a crowd. Ken often made udon soup and they ate rice at every meal, but the kids always ate it with ketchup.

“I remember when we were little when we would go to the grocery store, people would just stare and point at us and they called us Chinese,” says Anne. It wasn’t until she was in high school that she began to embrace her unique heritage. “I was mature enough to know that it was okay to be different and people accepted us for who we were so we didn’t have to try to hide our identity and be embarrassed by it.”

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Anne started dating her future husband, Butch Wilson, in high school and they married in 1973 after college. “At first my mother refused to come to Anne’s wedding [because he was white] but she finally gave in and got to really love Butch,” Marion recalls.

The Wilson family always welcomed the Takeharas into their lives and Anne was thrilled to have an Americanized name, saying, “It was so much easier to be called Anne Wilson!”

MAKING PEACE WITH THE PAST It wasn’t until 1988 that Congress issued a formal apology for the mass incarceration and President Ronald Regan signed into law the Civil Liberties Act. Two years later, payments of $20,000 and letters of apology signed by President George Bush were sent to over 80,000 survivors of internment as reparations for their treatment.

The National Japanese American Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. on federal land on November 9, 2000 and in 2010, President Barack Obama signed legislation to grant the Congressional Gold Medal (Congress’s highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contribution) collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the Military Intelligence Service and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in recognition of their exceptional service, sacrifice and loyalty to America during World War II. The atrocious acts of discrimination and injustice that Asian Americans faced during that time continue to fly under the radar of the general public. For decades, Marion and Ken never talked about their experiences, even to their own kids. “All we knew was that Dad had been in the army and he had medals that we played with. We had no idea growing up—not until we were adults. And it wasn’t talked about in school or taught in U.S. History,” says Anne.

She and her mom began breaking that silence as they started talking publicly about the multi-generational effects of World War II on their families. What started as a single presen-

opposite page: Takehara family in 1959 (Marion and Ken in back, Anne center); Anne and Marion in 2016; this page: Butch Wilson (left) with the Takehara family in 1975; Ken Takehara at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. in 2011 for the Congressional Gold Medal presentation;

tation for a women’s group in 2008 turned into a long list of events throughout the Houston area (where they have lived for the last 40 years). Invitations to share their story started coming in from throughout the state, and United Airlines has hosted them in Chicago twice in honor of Asian Awareness Month. Over the course of 10 years, the pair gave 50 presentations to more than 1,000 people.

“I am always surprised when I look over the audience and see so many in tears.

An Asian high school student came up and gave us a big hug at the end of one presentation. We are doing our duty to let people know what we went through and how we still feel that this is our home,” says Marion.

“Our hope is that we bring an awareness of diversity and that people are a little more sensitive to people who look different than they do,” says Anne about the mission of their programs.

A few health setbacks for Marion and the global pandemic have put their presentations on hold since 2018, but based on their history of resilience it’s easy to bet that their work is far from finished. In the meantime they’re supporting efforts by the Japanese American Citizens League to ensure that the internment story is included in history books for the state of Texas, Anne serves on several nonprofit boards that promote diversity, and they both share their love for origami with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When asked why she feels no resentment for the injustices she has faced, Marion says in a serene and thoughtful voice, “It’s something that we had to do and we accepted it. I’m very sorry I had to go through that, but it’s made me strong enough to live through a lot more. I’ve been able to live this long at 96!” Faith and positivity such as this provide hope to anyone facing adversity and is sure to inspire many generations to come.

To connect with Anne Wilson or Marion Takehara, email Anne.Aiko.Wilson@gmail.com.

Meredith Montgomery is the daughter of Anne Wilson and publisher of the Gulf Coast edition of Natural Awakenings. To read other Diverse Conversations articles she’s written, visit HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com/ article/category/diverse+conversations.

May/June 2021

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inspiration

The Power of Faith and Hope Japanese American’s Words Inspire Optimism

by Meredith Montgomery

In 1943, Marion Konishi Takehara graduated as the valedictorian of Amache Senior High School, in Colorado, while interned at a camp for Japanese Americans. Despite being forced to relocate from her Los Angeles home after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Executive Order 9066, the incarcerated teenager’s graduation speech epitomizes faith in the human spirit.

She is often asked how she was not angry at the time and why she does not feel resentful today. Takehara, who is now 96, refers to the Japanese term gaman—enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.

“My parents taught us that it was something we had to do—gaman—and as kids we knew that. It was our duty as Americans to go to camp and that’s why I have never been resentful. It was really hard, but my dad is the one who was the strongest in the family and he pulled us through.”

In May of 2016, as a part of the annual Amache Pilgrimage, Takehara returned to Amache for the first time since she left the internment camp in 1943. She was asked to again deliver her graduation speech and after hearing about it on the news, Colorado Senator Cory Gardner read Takehara’s speech on the floor of the Senate the following month. Her inspiring words are now recorded in the Congressional Records of the National Archives and are reprinted with permission here.

Meredith Montgomery is the granddaughter of Marion Konishi Takehara.

I wondered if America still means and will mean freedom, equality, security and justice when some of its citizens were segregated, discriminated against and treated so unfairly. I knew I was not the only American seeking an answer. ~Marion Konishi 22

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

America, Our Hope is in You Commencement Speech, June 25, 1943

by Marion Konishi One and a half years ago I knew only one America—an America that gave me an equal chance in the struggle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If I were asked then—“What does America mean to you?”—I would answer without any hesitation and with all sincerity—“America means freedom, equality, security and justice.”

The other night while I was preparing for this speech, I asked myself this same question—“What does America mean to you?”

I hesitated—I was not sure of my answer. I wondered if America still means and will mean freedom, equality, security and justice when some of its citizens were segregated, discriminated against and treated so unfairly. I knew I was not the only American seeking an answer.

Then I remembered that old saying—All the answers to the future will be found in the past for all men. So unmindful of the searchlights reflecting in my windows, I sat down and tried to recall all the things that were taught to me in my history, sociology and American life classes. This is what I remembered: America was born in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, and for 167 years it has been held as the hope, the only hope, for the common man. America has guaranteed to each and all, native and foreign, the right to build a home, to earn a livelihood, to worship, think, speak and act as he pleased—as a free man equal to every other man.

Every revolution within the last 167 years which had for its aim more freedom was based on her constitution. No cry from an oppressed people has ever gone unanswered by her. America froze, shoeless, in the snow at Valley Forge, and battled for her life at Gettysburg. She gave the world its greatest symbols of democracy: George Washington, who freed her from tyranny; Thomas Jefferson, who defined her democratic course; and Abraham Lincoln, who saved her and renewed her faith.

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Sometimes America failed and suffered. Sometimes she made mistakes, great mistakes, but she always admitted them and tried to rectify all the injustice that flowed from them. I noticed that the major trend in American history has been towards equality and fair play for all. America hounded and harassed the Indians, then remembering that these were the first Americans, she gave them back their citizenship. She enslaved the Negroes, then again remembering Americanism, she wrote out the Emancipation Proclamation. She persecuted the German Americans during the First World War, then recalling that America was born of those who came from every nation seeking liberty and justice, she repented.

Her history is full of errors but with each mistake she has learned and has marched forward onward toward a goal of security and peace and a society of free men where the understanding that all men are created equal, an understanding that all men whatever their race, color or religion be given an equal opportunity to serve themselves and each other according to their needs and abilities.

I was once again at my desk. True, I was just as much embittered as any other evacuee. But I had found in the past the answer to my question. I had also found my faith in America—faith in the America that is still alive in the hearts, minds and consciences of true Americans today— faith in the American sportsmanship and attitude of fair play that will judge citizenship and patriotism on the basis of actions and achievements and not on the basis of physical characteristics.

Can we the graduating class of Amache Senior High School still believe that America means freedom, equality, security and justice? Do I believe this? Do my classmates believe this? Yes, with all our hearts, because in that faith, in that hope, is my future, our future, and the world’s future.

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23

green living

Sustainably Stylish Eco-Fashion that’s Kind to the Planet

by Kajsa Nickels

The trendy “fast fashion” industry standard that originated in the early 1990s has had far-reaching effects that continue today. With a production turnaround time as short as four months, designer knockoffs made with inexpensive materials line the shelves of shopping centers throughout the world. But cheap textiles come with a hidden price tag.

According to the documentary The True Cost, consumers worldwide buy around 80 billion new items of clothing per year, a 400 percent increase from 20 years ago. A report by the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which advocates a regenerative, circular economy, found that more than $500 billion in value is lost globally every year from rarely worn manufactured clothing and the lack of recycling. The greenhouse gas emissions from the production of these textiles total more than 1 billion metric tons per year, more than produced by international flights and maritime shipping combined.

image courtesy of FairIndigo.com

Sustainable clothing is important for both the planet and those wearing the clothing, says Jeff Garner, a fashion designer in Franklin, Tennessee, who founded the eco-label Prophetik. “The worst effect is the washing of clothes.

The synthetic fabrics and dyes come off in the laundry process and go into our groundwater and oceans, including the

24

Clothing from companies like Fair Indigo use more sustainable fabrics and ensure better lives for garment workers.

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microplastics from polyester clothing.”

Jay Charlton, founder of the UK’s Viva la Vegan fashion brand, believes ecofriendly fashion does not have to be poorly produced or poorly designed. Nor does it mean choosing between a million different options, says Charlton, who found her passion for vegan-statement apparel after adopting a vegan diet. “One easy choice here is organic cotton over conventional cotton. While not perfect, it is better for the environment. Most organic cotton is produced under better working conditions for the farmers, too,” she says.

She also stresses the importance of reading labels to determine where clothes originate. “The next time you go shopping, seek out sustainable vegan fabrics and fair wear policies to do what’s right for the planet, people and our animal friends.”

Sustainable Yet Stylish Just because something is safe for people and the planet doesn’t mean it can’t also be fashionable. Fair Indigo, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a sustainable clothing company that specializes in garments made from organic Peruvian pima cotton.

According to president and co-founder Robert Behnke, Peruvian pima cotton is prized for its longevity and durability. “We want to show the world that organic and sustainable does not have to be either too ‘crunchy’ or too trendy. The clothes that people wear every day—the clothes that make them feel comfortable—these are the brands that will have the greatest impact in truly changing the world.”

Fashion doesn’t have to be brand-new in order to be in style. Although secondhand clothing has been regarded negatively in the past by some, it has become more

image courtesy ofVivaLaVegan.com

popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Market researchers predict that resale clothing sales will increase 185 percent in the next decade compared to 20 percent for fast fashion.

Creative ways we can help reduce clothing waste while staying in style include the following:

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Clothing exchange parties. Friends and family members can swap clothes and non-sized items such as purses, hats and scarves in fun, socially distanced events.

Creative mending. People that have extra time on their hands may like to learn a new skill. Also known as visible mending, creative mending includes freestyle stitching around holes and tears, and both beaded and Japanese shashiko embroidery.

Repurpose into something new. If an item of clothing is beyond repair, it doesn’t have to be thrown away. Old T-shirts can be turned into blankets, pillowcases and even coin purses. Men’s dress shirts can be transformed into dresses for young girls or onesies for babies.

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25

healthy kids

Natural Mama Holistic Approaches to a Healthy Pregnancy

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by Julie Peterson

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

risk pregnancies and poor developmental outcomes in children,” says Peplinsky.

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

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

Nutrition for Two

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The right foods nourish the growing baby, the placenta and the mother’s increasing blood volume, maintaining the mother’s body during the complex mission. Whole foods rather than processed are best. The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start, by integrative obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) Jennifer Lang and dietitian Dana Angelo White, makes it easier to select the proper nutrients along the way and provides ways to deal with nausea and cravings.

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

Choose organic foods when possible to reduce exposures to pesticides. If organic isn’t an option for every food, The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, from the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org), can be downloaded and taken to the market.

Either avoid foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list or go organic for those items.

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

“Research has shown that healthy nutrition during pregnancy improves outcomes for mom and baby, while unhealthy food choices can lead to premature childbirth, high26

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

Peplinsky notes, “A holistic approach

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

Support Along the Way A healthy pregnancy includes assistance.

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

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

There are also books and apps to provide week-to-week details on pregnancy.

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

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“Being a holistic mom is about connecting the mind, body and spirit, and approaching wellness with all three in mind,” adds Peplinsky. “The more we listen to our instincts and our needs, the more our health improves during childbearing and afterwards.”

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27

healing ways

Homeopathy to the Rescue

Arnica montana behewa/AdobeStock.com

Create a Family First-Aid Kit

straightforward. “A homeopathic firstaid kit at home is useful for cuts, burns, bumps and bruises, insect bites, poison oak/ivy and minor illnesses,” says Nissen.

by Marlaina Donato

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

Aconitum napellus

scisetti/AdobeStock.com

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

“The word homeopathy is derived from two words: homeo—meaning similar, and pathos—meaning suffering. Basically, it means that a substance has the power to cure the same symptoms it can create,” says Kate Birch, a certified classical homeopath at the HippHealth Center for Holistic Healing, in Minneapolis. “Moreover, the more a substance is diluted through homeopathic preparation, the more potent it can be for healing when given upon homeopathic indications.”

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

Gentle Go-To Medicine Whether treating a child’s skinned knee or an athlete with a mild to moderate injury, regular potencies offer benefits without a high risk of unpleasant or dangerous contraindications. “In general, homeopathic remedies are safe for people of all ages because if taken as directed, there are no side effects or drug interactions.

This is due to the fact that remedies have been made through a process that renders the substances harmless,” says certified classical homeopath Myra Nissen, in Davis and Walnut Creek, California.

Classical homeopathic treatment is based on a person’s unique physical, emotional and mental nature, and requires deeper study to find the most appropriate remedies, but first-aid applications are most often universally 28

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

Soft Tissue Trauma, Burns and Bites Nissen highlights Ruta graveolens and Rhus toxicdendron for soft tissue injury and tendonitis and suggests Symphitum for serious damage to cartilage and ligaments. For puncture wounds or injuries involving nerves, Hypericum perforatum is helpful. She emphasizes the importance of using remedies immediately and properly to maximize the potential for rapid healing and pain reduction.

Birch says that bee stings and allergic responses respond well to Apis mellificia and fevers and headaches to Belladonna.

Using Cantharis or Urtica urens for first-

Ledum palustre olga ionina/AdobeStock.com

and second-degree burns can help to prevent blisters and minimize pain, while Silicea is a good choice for splinters.

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

Fighting the Flu When taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, specially combined homeopathic formulas or single remedies can help to lessen severity and duration of certain viruses.

Bryonia alba is useful for moderate fever, Gelsemium for general flu-like symptoms, Nux vomica for severe chills and nausea, and Arsenicum album for respiratory and stomach flus.

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

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

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Rhus toxicdendron virtexie/AdobeStock.com

Hypericum perforatum Tetiana/AdobeStock.com

Bryonia alba

basicmoments/AdobeStock.com

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

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

Arnica montana: Helpful for cuts and bruises.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women. ~Michelle Obama May/June 2021

29

fit body

minervastudio/AdobeStock.com

STAY FIT WITH BODYWORK THERAPY Enhance Workout Performance and Recovery with Massage

by Marlaina Donato Therapeutic massage and other bodywork modalities are well-known stress-busters, but they can also hasten recovery after a workout or injury. A little restorative TLC with a bodywork practitioner before or after exercise can combat post-workout soreness and stiffness, maximizing our fitness investments in and out of the gym.

Approaches such as Swedish, deep tissue and sports massages, and myofascial trigger point release therapy can boost both blood and lymphatic circulation, giving soft tissues a vital shot of cellular nutrition. Massage modalities affect biochemical processes and on the deepest level, mitochondria—the cell’s energy-producing engines. Research from 2015 published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that massage immediately following injury due to resistance training encourages tissue regeneration.

Tailored Tools “In the context of exercise, someone who trains three to five times per week at a high intensity will likely have a higher level of fitness. However, the demand placed on the soft tissue structures will equally be high, and may require more treatment to offset this. This may vary from once a week to once a month,” says Andy Stanbury, head of soft tissue therapy at Pure Sports Medicine, a London clinic for sports injuries.

After working with high performance athletes for 15 years, he always asks, “What do I need to add to improve a patient’s fitness or performance?” For a patient that wants to improve fitness by running, “I would want to optimize their range of movement and stimulate the nervous system in readiness to exercise. I may look to use some myofascial release techniques, active release therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or muscle energy techniques. This would of course take place before the run.” For post-run recovery, Stanbury suggests more relaxing modalities, such as gentle massage, combined with breathwork.

The Fascia Factor Fascia, a network of connective tissue, wraps the body in protective layers from the most superficial muscle to the deepest organs and plays a central role in flexibility.

This complex netting can become stuck due to inactivity, injury or surgery. Keeping it supple is vital for everyone.

Bodywork like myofascial release that targets trigger points—knots of tension—can help to ramp up postoperative and overall injury recovery. “Myofascial release is a technique used to reduce the tension in the fascial membrane. Slowly stretching the fascia will unwind and reduce the pressure on the muscles and nerves, reducing pain and creating range of motion and flexibility,” explains Anthony Hansen, a myofascial release therapist at Therapy on the Gulf, in Naples, Florida.

Hansen, who specializes in a “fast release” technique, emphasizes the importance 30

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of a gentle approach. “Trigger points are caused by cellular debris encapsulated by the fascia, so it’s much better to stretch it loose than it is to force it. Normally, it takes about three to five sessions, depending on the condition of the patient, for the fascial system to unwind before the patient will feel relief.”

Active trigger points refer, or radiate, pain elsewhere in the body while latent points tend to be more localized and are sore when compressed. “From a whole-body perspective and when we put this in the context of fascial planes, restoration of efficient movement is key, particularly post-surgery and when progressing training load,” says Stanbury. “However, this is not just movement of the body (muscles), but movement of blood, lymph and energy.”

A supple, tension-free body helps deter and bounce back from injuries. Regular bodywork, especially Swedish and deep tissue massage, fosters muscle recovery and helps prevent future issues. Selfmassage using foam rollers and massage balls or canes can also be very helpful.

Bodywork offers full-spectrum perks, points out Stanbury, including “improved tissue mobility and elasticity, more efficient blood circulation and reduced anxiety and stress. This will, in turn, help promote better sleep, which is, of course, where we recover best.”

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

MODALITIES TO HELP EASE PAIN AND STRAIN Swedish Massage: Gentle, gliding strokes to stimulate circulation, lower blood pressure and reduce muscle tension.

Deep Tissue Massage: Specific, focused massage to break up muscle congestion and reduce restrictions.

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Sports Massage: Offered at many gyms, physical therapy facilities and recreational sports events for recovery and prevention.

Muscle Energy Techniques: Stretching and hands-on techniques that enable gentle muscle contraction to improve joint function and lengthen muscles.

Myofascial Release: Modalities that specifically target trigger points in the muscles and fascia to release adhesions, increase oxygen and reduce pain and tightness include the following: Active Release Therapy: May be beneficial for chronic pain due to repetitive movements, especially where muscle weakness, numbness or tingling/burning is experienced in the soft tissues.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Also known as the Graston technique, practitioners use an array of hand-held instruments for deep trigger points in the fascia and muscles—beneficial after injuries and conditions such as piriformis, muscle-induced sciatica and back pain.

Myofascial Cupping: A technique that employs cups to create suction on the muscle tissue to move lymph and blood through the area of deep trigger points.

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31

eco tip

N.O. Soap Co. products, made in Silverhill, AL

Eco-Cosmetics

Choosing Sustainable Beauty Products Beauty is a $49 billion industry in the U.S. That’s a lot of plastic lipstick cases and shampoo tubes buried in landfills and breaking down into microplastics that leach poisonous chemicals into the world’s oceans and our drinking water. As consumers, we can vote with our wallets, sending a clear message to makeup and skincare brands: We want the planet to be beautiful, too.

Sustainability to-do list:

n Instead of using disposable cleansing wipes, make a reusable, washable alternative using a cutup T-shirt or ultra-soft baby washcloths. Online DIY recipes for the liquid solution include water, witch hazel, essential oils and mild soaps.

n Opt for products that eliminate water as the main ingredient, such as shampoo and conditioners that come in paper-wrapped bars, lowering shipping costs, eliminating the need for plastic bottles and conserving water.

n Say no to single-use sheet masks wrapped

n Look for brands that use less packing material and planet-forward shippers.

n Support, applaud and purchase refillable products. n In certain areas of the country, #1 and #2 plastic containers commonly used in the beauty industry are not accepted at local recycling centers.

TerraCycle.com offers a mail-in solution with free shipping labels for packages weighing more than 15 pounds. Among the recyclable items accepted through this program are lip balm tubes, soap dispensers, shampoo and conditioner caps, hair spray triggers, lipstick cases, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, foundation packaging and lip liner pencils.

Eco-friendly beauty brands:

n The local small business NO (Nature’s Offerings) Soap Co (Etsy.com/shop/NoSoapCo) uses plastic-free and minimal packaging. All products are plant-based and free of palm oil, which is a major driver of deforestation.

in plastic or made of petroleum-based materials. Easier, eco-friendly swaps abound, such as cucumber slices for puffy eyes.

n LOLI (LoliBeauty.com) is a zero-waste brand

n Go with glass packaging instead of plastic.

n Cadence (KeepYourCadence.com) offers refill-

that uses food-grade glass yogurt jars that can be repurposed in the kitchen.

Glass is recycled more easily and doesn’t release harmful toxic chemicals.

able containers as an alternative to wasteful, travel-size products.

n Choose brands that use the least amount of

n Lush (LushUSA.com) champions package-less

packaging materials as possible, eschewing plastic in favor of biodegradable, paper-wrapped, 32

cartoned or package-less products.

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products.

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calendar SUNDAYS Discounts on Supplements Every Sunday get 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251-479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

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Open Table Worship Service (United Church of Christ) Progressive Christian worship. Weekly podcast of sermon, song and interview available on our website (under “sermons”) no later than 10am Sunday mornings. 11am gathering for prayer and connection via Zoom. 251-545-1011. Pastor@OpenTableUCC.org.

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Baha’i’s of Fairhope Diversity Devotions On hold due to the pandemic restrictions. Contact BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com for more information and to participate in online gatherings to celebrate our unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community.

Postnatal Yoga 4-Week Series (online) 10-11:15am. For anyone within 36 weeks after delivery. Experience gentle movement and much needed relaxation. Build your community and share emotional/physical challenges of this stage of motherhood. Join anytime, recordings will be provided for any missed class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com.

Social media: @borntobirthyoga.

Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service 11am-12pm. Currently held outside, weather permitting, and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speaker each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com.

FairhopeUU.org.

MONDAYS Yoga with Chris McFadyen 7:45-8:45am. Join Chris McFadyen for some energizing yoga as his breath work, asana and flow calms the mind and also enhances and refocuses the body. Relocate your passion while finding your joy and humor— smile to start your day! Also on Wednesday with Susan Kangal. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@ att.net. Synergyoga.net.

Munchie Mondays Get 10% off CBD edibles at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Monday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com.

CannaBamaCBD.com.

Yoga at Glow Join us for indoor and outdoor classes at our studio plus virtual classes via live stream and YouTube.

Glow Yoga, 314 E 21st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL. 251-968-4569. Glow-Yoga.com.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

5th ANNUAL

Yoga at True A peaceful place to find mind-body wellness. Check our schedule online and on social media for this week’s classes. True Mind + Body Wellness, Daphne, AL. 251-250-9440. TrueYogaTherapy.com.

TUESDAYS Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

Yoga with Sarah Deshauteurs 9-10am. Take a break in your Tuesday morning and enjoy some fluid movement and grace. Join Sarah Deshauteurs as her yoga adds energy to your day, a smile to your face and a bounce to your step... it will make your world right! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net.

Synergyoga.net.

Praying for Peace Devotional Gathering On hold due to the pandemic restrictions. Contact BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com for more information and to participate in online gatherings to celebrate our unity and strengthen the spiritual health of the community.

WEDNESDAYS Wash Up Wednesdays Get 10% off CBD bath products at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Wednesday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155.

CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

MELT Method class for Pain Free Living 3-4pm. MELT is a simple self-treatment that helps prevent pain, heal injury and erase the negative effects of aging and active living. Regardless of age or fitness level, MELT can improve your longevity through self-treatment. Log on to reserve your spot! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251473-1104. Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

EMERALD COAST

HOLISTIC HEALTH

EXP COMING

SEPTEMBER TH TH 11 & 12 DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH CONVENTION CENTER 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach CONTACT FOR VENDOR INFO

Scott@NWFNaturally.com DETAILS COMING SOON PRESENTED BY...

850-687-0825 May/June 2021

33

Restorative Yoga with Patsy Tucker 4:30-5:30pm. Been a tough week so far? No stresses and no worries! Join Patsy and ease down a relaxing path with some restorative yoga. Be supported by all the right props as the poses plus gravity gently melt away the anxieties of the day... oh yeah! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104.

Synergyoga@att.net. Synergyoga.net.

FRIDAYS

Sound Bath & Guided Meditation 7-8pm. Come relax and be inspired! Our crystal singing bowls are tuned to a frequency of 432HZ for deep meditation and sound healing. New to meditation? This experience is for beginners and pros alike. $20/person.Vitality Studios, 26992 Hwy 181 N, Daphne, AL. 251-895-7877.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

THURSDAYS MARK YOUR CALENDAR Thursday, May 20 Using Your Dollars for Good: Investing with Impact 11:30 a.m. Free virtual symposium about investing in companies that exemplify leadership in social and environmental responsibility. Moderated and presented by Jacey J. Cosentino and Chesley Allegri, financial advisors with the Radcliff-Schatzman Group at Morgan Stanley, in Mobile and Pensacola. To register: 850-470-8033 (call), 850-600-6382 (text) or Jacey.Cosentino@ MorganStanley.com.

Flower Friday Get 10% off hemp flower at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Friday. Mention Natural Awakenings and get 15% off! Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155. CannaBama@yahoo.com.

CannaBamaCBD.com.

Yoga with Faye Mahan 8:30-9:30am. What a great way to jump start your weekend! Let breath and body move in sync as Faye Mahan’s seamless style weaves a blend of classical yoga flow and poses. Renew your spirit with a glorious class to begin the day refreshed and re-energized. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

SATURDAYS

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

Gentle Yoga with Mary Ann 12-1pm. A stressful morning? Synergy can fix that!

Join Mary Ann Sinde in the land of “ahhhhs” for a relaxing hour-long gentle yoga class to soothe the spirit, calm the mind and replenish the soul - a meditation in motion to leave class refreshed and focused. Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

Yoga with Chris McFadyen 5:45-7pm. Join Chris McFadyen for some energizing yoga as his breath work, asana and flow calms the mind and also enhances and refocuses the body.

Relocate your passion and find your joy and humor; smile after a long day! Synergy Yoga & Pilates, Mobile, AL. 251-473-1104. Synergyoga.net.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Saturday, May 8 Mommy And Me Day 10am-3pm. Two local businesses, Born To Birth Yoga and Butterflies Dancing Perinatal Support, are teaming up to celebrate Mother’s Day with a free event for expectant and new moms. Mommy-and-me yoga, a babywearing dance and other bond-with-baby activities. Stage Pavilion, Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort, AL. 251-327-8712.

BornToBirthYoga.com. ButterfliesDancing.org.

Super Saturday Get 20% off a surprise CBD item at CannaBama: The CBD Store every Saturday. Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL. 251-255-5155.

CannaBama@yahoo.com. CannaBamaCBD.com.

Yoga at Soul Shine Yoga Heated and unheated classes in studio and online on demand. Visit our website and sign up for our new client special. Soul Shine Yoga, 103B N Bancroft St, Fairhope, AL. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

Farmers Market 9am-2pm. Open Saturdays year round.

C o a s t a l A l a b a m a F a r m e r s a n d F i s h e rmens Market, 20733 Miflin Rd, Foley, AL. 251-709-4469. FoleyMarketMgr@gmail.com.

CoastalAlabamaMarket.com.

Mommy & Me Yoga (online) 9-9:45am. Meet other mamas and strengthen your bond with baby while performing gentle stretches to relieve muscle soreness. Infant touch, singing and movement to assist baby with discomforts such as gas and colic. Ideal for babies 6 weeks up to crawling. Online class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com.

Social media: @borntobirthyoga.

Prenatal Yoga 4-Week Series (online) 10-11:15am. Experience the gift of relief and relaxation. Create balance and alignment of the pelvis to get ready for birth. Learn coping skills for physical and mental discomfort during labor. Join anytime, recordings will be provided for any missed class. 251-327-8712. Veronica.Diaz@ BornToBirthYoga.com. BornToBirthYoga.com.

Social media: @borntobirthyoga.

Saturday, August 14 Soul Shine Yoga Teacher Training 200-hour program for dedicated yoga practitioners who desire to inspire and be inspired through the transformative practice of yoga. Meet personal growth goals in a supportive environment while gaining a deeper understanding of yoga history, philosophy and the physical postures. 251-225-4597.

TheSoulShineLife.com.

Saturday, September 11 Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo Sept 11-12. Explore, experience and embrace natural health, complementary medicine, holistic wellness and inspired living. Emerald Coast Convention Center, Ft. Walton Beach, FL. ECHHExpo.com.

classifieds OPPORTUNITIES BECOME A PUBLISHER – Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS is for sale. Home-based business opportunity.

No publishing experience required. Visit HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY– OsteoStrong is looking for motivated, healthconscious individuals to open new franchises in Alabama. Our proven system for success offers an exceptional business opportunity.

More info: 251-210-6955; OsteoStrong.me.

PRODUCTS

Stay connected.

Like "Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama-Mississippi" on Facebook and follow @NaturallyAwake on Twitter and Instagram.

34

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

FREE EXCLUSIVE PLANT BASED SUPPLEMENTS – Try Terra Power Greens for Free! Just pay shipping. TerraLifeStore. com, click free sample set or Amazon. 954459-1134.

directory

CRYOSKIN

Connecting you to local resources for natural and green living.

To find out how you can be included in the directory, email Publisher@ HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com or call 251-990-9552.

HEALTHY &

GREEN LIVING

DIRECTORY 2021

Contact us to find out where you can find a copy of our 2021 Healthy & Green Living Directory issue or read it online at HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com.

AIR PURIFIERS VOLLARA AIR PURIFIERS

Available at enrG-IV Orange Beach and Foley, AL 251-240-0842 • enrGIV.com Vollara air purifiers use ActivePure Technology (NASA-certified space technology) to eliminate more than 99 percent of harmful pathogens in the air and on surfaces including viruses, bacteria, germs, mold, odors, allergens and VOCs. See ad, page 31.

AUDIOLOGY COASTAL ALABAMA HEARING Foley Location: 251-971-1152 Fairhope Location: 251-990-0535 CoastalAlabamaHearing.com

Offering comprehensive and individualized hearing care: hearing evaluations; hearing aids, accessories and repair; cochlear implants; rehabilitation services and counseling for hearing loss; and educational seminars. Veteranowned. See ad, page 29.

NARO AUDIOLOGY

Locations in Fairhope, Foley, Bay Minette and Brewton, AL 251-929-9397 NaroAudiology.com

at Dynamic Therapeutics 9037 Independence Ave., Daphne, AL 251-459-0500 Achieve facelift results or slim and tone the body naturally. Cryoskin, a revolutionary machine from Europe, destroys fat cells permanently. No suction. No surgery. Results in 30 minutes. Learn more: DynamicTherapeutics.net.

See ad, page 4.

KAREN WATSON

TruAura Skincare Specialist/Makeup Artist Daphne, AL • 256-508-0389 TruAuraBeauty.com/trubeauty4u

NAUTILUS HEARING

8230 Spanish Fort Blvd., Ste. C Spanish Fort, AL 251-250-7343 NautilusHearingSpanishFort.com Nautilus Hearing Clinic offers a personalized hearing health experience. Let us provide you with a comfortable environment and discuss your hearing needs.

Insurance accepted. Follow us on Facebook: Facebook. com/nautilushearingclinic. See ad, page 13.

BEAUTY B-BUTTERFLY SALON

103A N. Bancroft St., Fairhope, AL 251-990-9934 BButterflySalon.com

salon offering B-Butterfly Aorganic products

SALON

and services including hair color and shampoo.

Make a difference today in your hair, your life and the Earth. Visit us for a free hair exam today and go organic! See ad, page 25.

Skincare, anti-aging, cosmetics and body care that are pure, clean, safe and effective with zero harmful ingredients. Prebiotic/probioticbased and microbiomefriendly. See ad, page 11.

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334 TMACsHairStudio.com A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering hair services, facials and massage with 100% organic products.

See ad, page 11.

BREAST SCREENING THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Gulf Coast Locations from LA to FL 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography offers breast screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact.

Valuable for detecting early stage breast disease and more. Also offering ElectroLymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 15.

Offering professional audiological services and hearing health care with individualized attention and compassionate care.

Providing hearing devices and evaluations plus balance testing, functional exercise and more for overall wellness. See ad, page 3.

May/June 2021

35

CBD

CHURCHES

DEMENTIA

CANNABAMA: THE CBD STORE

BAHÁ’ÍS OF FAIRHOPE

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

Downtown Mobile and Daphne, AL 251-255-5155 CannaBamaCBD.com

81 Magnolia Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-928-5692 BahaisOfFairhope@gmail.com

100+ high quality CBD and Delta-8 products from reputable hemp farms including oral, topical, vape and pet products plus educational classes. Listen to our podcast at SweetHomeCannaBama.com. See ad, page 25.

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Join our gathering of people from diverse religions and backgrounds to celebrate unity and support the spiritual health of the community. (On hold due to pandemic restrictions. Email us to participate in online gatherings.)

FAIRHOPE UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-929-3207 • FairhopeUU.org FairhopeUnitarianFellowship@gmail.com

Welcoming people of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or cultural background.

We seek truth and knowledge, care for the Earth and show kindness to others while creating an atmosphere of love.

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 3.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 3.

COOKING CLASSES WILDFLOWERS AND FRESH FOOD Kristin Alpine, RN, BSN 251-656-9112 WildflowersFreshFood.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Offering a simple and colorful approach to cooking, and life! Interactive and fun cooking classes and private parties for all experience levels, plus free online recipes and cooking videos. See ad, page 12.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION BORN TO BIRTH YOGA

Veronica Diaz, RYT-200 251-327-8712 • BornToBirthYoga.com Facebook.com/BornToBirthYoga

COUNSELING

Prenatal, postnatal and mommy & me yoga classes with emphasis on emotional health, birth preparation and community. Online weekend classes. Join our Facebook group for free classes, e-books, recipes, etc. See ad, page 27.

REBECCA WASHBURN, LPC, RYT

36

Licensed Professional Counselor The Chakra Journey, Fairhope, AL 251-929-4634 • RebeccaWashburn.com

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

We are each equipped with innate wisdom to heal and grow. Tune in to this deeper part of you to align with your personal truth, shift limiting beliefs and clear pathways for transformation. Telehealth sessions available.

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

(Located inside Path To Wellness) 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps dementia patients that originally scored in the teens on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment be restored to the point of scoring normal (26-30). See ad, page 5.

DEPRESSION MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC (Located inside Path to Wellness) 240 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

Offering Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Brainsway—a proven tool in the fight against depression that is non-invasive, painless and drug-free) with functional medicine and brain pathway rehabilitation for the most robust changes possible. See ad, page 5.

DISPENSARIES FAIRHOPE HEMP

505 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-928-1910 • FairhopeHemp.com FairhopeHemp@gmail.com A forward-thinking local hemp farm and dispensary specializing in a wide range of cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG and Delta-8. Growing, selling and processing our own products to ensure high quality and care. See ad, page 10.

ENERGY DRINKS

FOOTWEAR

KOMBUCHA

JUST ENERGY

CUSTOM TRIPP-SANDALS

WILD MAGNOLIA KOMBUCHA

Energy Drink Mix by Centurion Labs David Shane, Regional Manager 251-379-6222 • David@CenturionLabs.com

Fairhope, AL • 251-272-2002 Facebook.com/TrippsSandals Text or message to schedule a fitting

Just Energy is an all natural, vegan, multivitamin, caffeinated energy drink. Long acting energy providing bioavailable vitamins with no sugar and no crash.

Order online (CenturionLabs.com) or call for details. See ad, page 25.

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET

20733 Miflin Rd. (Co. Rd. 20), Foley, AL 251-709-4469 CoastalAlabamaMarket.com Open year round Tuesdays (10am-3pm, Nov-Mar; 2-6pm, Apr-Oct) and Saturdays (9am-2pm). During COVID-19 pandemic, open Saturdays only. Featuring local farms with seasonal produce, meat, eggs, honey, jellies, baked goods, seafood, hand-crafted soaps and more.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

FOOD & NUTRITION FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products, CBD and more. See ad, page 3.

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection; organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products, CBD and more. See ad, page 3.

We take pride in providing handcrafted, small batched kombucha infused with love, laughter and a dash of southern sarcasm. #blessyourgut (Check our website for retailers.) See ad, page 12.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

MASSAGE THERAPY

ENRG-IV

ELEMENTS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

3099 Loop Rd., Orange Beach, AL 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste 200, Foley, AL 251-240-0842 • enrGIV.com

enrG

Vitamin IV lounge and functional medicine clinic.

Vitamin IV • Supplements • Functional Medicine IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Call us for a free consultation. See ad, page 31.

I

FARMERS MARKETS

Providing custom made footwear with full barefoot benefits including stronger arches, a proper gait and posture, increased proprioception, prevention and elimination of plantar fasciitis and more. Grounding available on request.

A Coastal Alabama Kombucha Company Info@WildMagnoliaLife.com WildMagnoliaLife.com

INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE OF LOWER ALABAMA 27535 US-98, Daphne, AL 251-210-8615 AlabamaIntegrativeHealth.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine—a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. See ad, page 16.

6920 Airport Blvd., Ste. 111, Mobile, AL 251-342-6415 ElementsMassage.com/Mobile

A therapeutic massage handcrafted just for you. Reduced stress, elevated mood and a strengthened immune system are all part of experiencing a therapeutic massage The Elements Way. Schedule an appointment today. See ad, page 31.

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. See ad, page 16.

JUICE BARS

NATURAL HEALTH

FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY

OSTEOSTRONG

18327 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 704-578-7349 FairhopeJuiceCompany.com Organic, raw, small-batch, cold-pressed juice bottled in glass. An easy and delicious way to get the nutrients you need. Ask about our seasonal detox cleanses. Also available at Warehouse Bakery. See ad, page 23.

333 Greeno Rd. S., Unit 2B, Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Midtown Mobile, AL 251-210-6955 • 251-586-8226 OsteoStrong.me A 7-minute session, once a week provides a natural solution for healthy joints, strong bones and muscles, better balance and flexibility and pain reduction. Accessible to all ages; non-invasive; non-pharmaceutical. See ad, page 12.

May/June 2021

37

PERSONAL GROWTH

PLANT-BASED FOOD

SPAS

ALIGN & THRIVE

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ I

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

Angela Day Fairhope, AL Call/Text: 404-429-1651 Psych-K practitioner, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach offering Psych-K, life coaching, meditation, Reiki and sound bath/ crystal singing bowls.

Become a magnet to what you want! See ad, page 13.

FENGSHUI831

Meryl Hyderally Feng Shui Design Consultant 251-463-1862 • Meryl@Hyderally.com fengshui831.com Gain a better understanding of who you are energetically and then discover how best to use the strengths of that energy to navigate a more productive and holistic approach to life.

See ad, page 11.

PET CARE & SERVICES EVERLOVED VETERINARY

Lydia M. Sullivan, DVM, CCRP, CVMA Serving Mobile and the Eastern Shore 251-229-1043 • EverLovedVeterinary.com Providing in-home, veterinary medical acupuncture (for all ages), plus gentle care of geriatric and terminally-ill pets in the comfort of your own home. Hospice and euthanasia services available. See ad, page 13.

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • Café: 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch Monday-Sunday.

See ad, page 3.

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic cafe offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Open for lunch Monday-Saturday. See ad, page 3.

ROLFING EASTERN SHORE ROLFING Pam Reaves, Certified Rolfer® 22806 Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 706-681-2935

Rolfing® is a holistic approach to manual therapy that seeks to improve your health and function by reestablishing the natural alignment and structural integration of the human body. More information at EasternShoreRolfing.com. See ad, page 31.

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Midtown Mobile, AL 251-270-7200 • 251-586-8198 PeakAlkalinity.com Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower and detoxifying foot spas. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 13.

THERMOGRAPHY THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Gulf Coast Locations from LA to FL 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography (digital Infrared thermal imaging) offers breast screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early stage breast disease and more. See ad, page 15.

WATER FILTERS PEAK ALKALINITY

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 PeakAlkalinity.com Offering in-home alkaline water ionizers so you never have to buy bottled water again. We have countertop and underthe-counter units plus portable marine units. Ask about our affordable rental program! See ad, page 13.

HEAR THEM SPEAK

YOGA

Are your pets acting out?

Try energy healing and telepathic counseling for multi-species families.

Mention Natural Awakenings to purchase a set of four remote sessions at last year’s prices and save $30. See ad, page 29.

MASTERS OF YOGA

Babette de Jongh HearThemSpeak.com

38

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

See ads, page 27.

HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com

Feel the JOY of LOVE again!

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CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

May/June 2021

39

USING YOUR DOLLARS FOR GOOD Investing with Impact Virtual Symposium

Join us for 3 interactive presentations. Each one curated to further explain how to invest in companies that exemplify leadership in social and environmental responsibility.

MAY 20, 2021 • 11:30 AM CST via ZOOM RSVP to register and for Zoom information • Email: Jacey.Cosentino@morganstanley.com Call: (850) 470-8033 Text: (850) 600-6382 11:30 AM CST “Investing with Impact” Learn how to build investment portfolios with purpose. Whether you are an individual, business owner, foundation or endowment you can achieve unique social and/or environmental impact objectives alongside your financial goals

Lily Trager

Director of Investing with Impact, Head of Impact Solutions at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Co-Founder of “Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy” (WISE)

12:45 PM CST “Challenging Injustice and Creating Solutions” Combining public education, grassroots organizing, policy initiation and high-impact litigation to expose the sources of injustice and implement life-sustaining solutions

Sara Nelson

Co-Founder and Executive Director, the Romero Institute in Santa Cruz, CA “Lakota People’s Law Project” and “Greenpower”. Co-Founder and former national executive director of the Christic Institute.

2:00 PM CST

“Reimagining the Plastics Economy” Building a Plastic Waste Resolution through financial innovation and addressing the global problem of plastic waste through new investment solutions

Courtney Thompson

Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Global Sustainable Finance Morgan Stanley’s “Plastic Waste Resolution”

Moderated and presented by JACEY J. COSENTINO and CHESLEY ALLEGRI, Financial Advisors with the Radcliff-Schatzman Group at Morgan Stanley

RSA BattleHouse Tower, 11 N Water St., Ste 16290, Mobile, AL 36602

The guest speaker(s) is neither an employee nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Opinions expressed by the guest speaker(s) are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. Individuals should consult with their tax/legal advisors before making any tax/legal-related investment decisions as Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax/legal advice. The securities/instruments discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Attendance at this Video Conferencing meeting is through invitation by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (Morgan Stanley) only. If someone outside of Morgan Stanley has forwarded you an invitation, please provide your full name and email address above or excuse yourself from this meeting. If anyone else is present with you, please identify them at the start of the session so that the meeting organizer is aware of everyone in attendance. Please be advised that any information, content, products and services discussed during this meeting are intended only for individuals accepted into the meeting and residing in states where the meeting organizer is registered. You may not record, copy, reproduce, print, publish, circulate or distribute any of the content or materials discussed and/or presented during this meeting without the express written consent of Morgan Stanley. Please note that any information or content shared by you as a meeting participant in the Video Conference such as documents or applications will be visible to all other attendees. For that reason, you should only share information that all attendees are authorized to view. Please note that the names of attendees will be visible to all other attendees. By participating in this Video Conferencing meeting you are indicating that you understand, acknowledge and agree to all of these representations. If you do not agree, please do not proceed further.

Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC3498502 4/21