February 2024 Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS by Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS

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Heart-Healthy Living GULF COAST AL/MS EDITION

FEBRUARY 2024

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

SUBSCRIPTIONS

GULF COAST AL/MS EDITION Publisher Michelle Smith Editor Elizabeth Greene Ad Design Helene Leininger Layout Design Melanie Rankin Distribution Veronica Miller 251-422-9114

Subscribe to the free digital magazine at NAGulfCoast.com. Mailed subscriptions are available by sending $12.99 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

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CEO Kimberly B. Whittle National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor/Proofing Melanie Rankin Layout Flip180 Media

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© 2024 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.

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2024 Editorial Calendar January | Health & Wellness February | Heart-Healthy Lifestyle March | Food & Nutrition April | Eco-Travel

May | Women’s Wellness June | Men’s Health July | Keeping It Cool August | Finding Your Tribe

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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September | Emotional Healing October | Whole Body Alignment November | Grateful Aging December | Reconnect & Rejuvenate

Contents 10 Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease 14 Lowering Our Battery Footprint

16 Helping America’s Kids Eat Better

Mind Performance

WE CAN HELP! Discover a cutting edge approach to brain disorders that is drug-free, noninvasive and proven effective for treating: Dementia | Depression | Memory Loss ADHD | Autism | Learning Disabilities & Traumatic Brain Injury

18 Growing Hydroponic Produce at Home

22 Plant-Based Milk Alternatives 26 Homeopathy for Athletes 28 Love on a Leash 30 Mindful Breathwork

32 Mimi Guarneri on Treating the Heart With Love

Departments 5 Local Briefs 7 Health Briefs 9 Global Briefs 10 Feature Story 13 Local Spotlight 14 Green Living 16 Healthy Kids 18 Eco Tip 19 Local Spotlight 20 Healthy Eats

22 Conscious Eating 26 Fit Body 28 Natural Pet 30 Healing Ways 32 Wise Words 33 Gulf Coast Green Living 34 Calendar 34 Classifieds 35 Resource Guide

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Call today: 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com 112 West Section Avenue, Foley, AL Dr. J Douglas Brown DC DACNB, Board Certified Neurology-Chiropractic

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Publisher’s Letter

Web Exclusives NAGulfCoast.com

Dear Friends,

extend a warm invitation to join me on an intimate journey through the pages of Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast. In exploring stories that resonate and practices that inspire, we collectively envision a healthier, more connected community. Together, we are weaving a narrative that celebrates our individual strengths and passions, along with the incredible energy that emerges when we come together in the spirit of holistic well-being for ourselves and those around us. Reflecting on the profound impact of holistic health connections on my own life and wellbeing, I find that the holistic approach promoted so enthusiastically in our magazine is not just preferred but required for a commitment to healthy longevity. Holistic health, more than a buzzword, recognizes the intricate dance between mind, body, spirit and emotions. In a world saturated with screens and deadlines, nurturing these connections has become a lifeline to authenticity and fulfillment. Would you agree?

The Magic of Hugs

Within the pages of our Healthy Living/Healthy Planet magazine, we spotlight the beauty of these connections. From grassroots movements like Clean Water Alabama to personal narratives from our doctors, yoga and bodyworks instructors, health coaches, health food store owners or wellness clinic practitioners, our content echoes the pulse of a community that cherishes every aspect of healing and self-discovery. It’s a celebration of shared experiences and a reminder that our paths are intertwined! Our Gulf Coast community, a vibrant mosaic of stories, struggles and triumphs, is woven together by these connections. Whether through shared wellness practices or simple acts of support, these influencers create a tapestry of resilience defining us as a community.

Food & Nutrition

In a world that too often glorifies individual success, celebrate with me our shared humanity. Let’s look beyond ourselves, fostering empathy, compassion and a sense of belonging to navigate life’s ebbs and flows, hand in hand, supporting each other. This is my hope…that Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast is your space to embrace this collective energy that emerges when we unite in the spirit of holistic well-being. Thank you for being an integral part of our Gulf Coast family. Warm regards,

Eco-Travel

•

Michelle Smith, Publisher

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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Women’s Wellness

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Local Briefs

When You Replace I with WE ILLNESS Becomes WELLNESS

Image courtesy of Amanda Schmidt

Dance Toward Good Health and Well Being

HEALTH COACH = HEALTH PARTNER

Are you struggling to create habits that promote self-healing, improved fitness or weight loss?

A new form of mindful movement called Ecstatic Dance has made its way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This dance wave has taken hold in the U.S. as people recognize the benefits of moving their bodies through dance. Somatic movement is awareness or presence during movement, focusing on the internal experience of the body and mind rather than what the outward appearance looks like. “Ecstatic Dance allows an individual to potentially process emotional and psychological pain in a healthy way by changing the body’s physiology via the dance,” says Amanda Schmidt, owner of Wild Flier boutique in Ocean Springs and co-founder of Gulf Coast Ecstatic Dance. “It’s about having a heightened, elevated and blissful experience without the use of alcohol or substances. It allows one to connect with the earth, as most do this barefoot. Cell phones are left outside to provide a space to connect with oneself.” Talking is not permitted on the dance floor, which allows people to communicate through movement and sounds. It also facilitates an atmosphere of safety, allowing one to express themselves authentically without fear or worry of being exploited or preyed on. Gulf Coast Ecstatic Dance is now holding monthly events. Find them on Facebook or Instagram for dates, times and locations. Amanda Mavar-Schmidt (DJ Ananda Bliss) is a co-founder of Gulf Coast Ecstatic Dance and owner of Wild Flier boutique in Ocean Springs. WildFlier.com. See ad, page 34.

Let’s Put the Focus on What Works for You! “If you are seeking lasting changes aligned with your values, I will take you by the hand to help mobilize your internal strengths and utilize external resources” Coach Michelle

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IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

by doing our Full Body Ionic Cell Cleanse Toxins are drawn from the tissues and exit through the pores of the feet

Before

After

HOW TOXINS AFFECT OUR HEALTH: Mental Fatigue, Headaches, Body Aches, Loss Of Energy, Anxiety-Stress-Mood Swings, Trouble Sleeping, Loss Of Appetite, Poor Immune System

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Local Briefs

Elements Massage Offering Discounts Elements Massage (EM) has been in Mobile since 2007, located on Airport Boulevard across from Providence Hospital. Current specials at EM include a new client introductory discount of $20 off and a Wellness Membership Program that offers deep discounts on monthly massages. There is no long-term commitment, the membership may be shared with an additional person and massages may be received in other cities while traveling.

KateNovikova/DepositPhotos.com

Peak Alkalinity

The therapists at EM tailor massage sessions to fit a client’s specialized needs. Because of that, every session may utilize various types of massage to provide the best experience possible. Some of the varieties include deep tissue, Swedish, sports, stretch and trigger point massage. In addition, Himalayan salt stone massage, hot stone massage, herbal ritual and aromatherapy may be included as part of a session. Rebecca Murphy, Co-owner and Operations Manager at EM is also a licensed massage therapist (LMT). “Massage is one of my passions,” she says. “I enjoy this ‘hands on’ aspect of the business.”

Holistic Wellness Center and Institute For Longevity Studies

Helping you blossom

Manja Podratz DNM, PhD

Hormone balancing coach Brain health coaching Private, group and corporate programs

“We all work together to ensure our clients get the services and care they deserve,” says Murphy.

Get Started

(251)408-9980 Free monthly health talks every third Wednesday at 5:45 pm. Come and get your questions answered! 109A Upham Street, Mobile, AL 36607 DrManjaPodratz.com | contact@drmanjapodratz.com 6

Regina Jackson, Elite Therapist and Manager at EM, has been with the company for 12 years. She likes to remind clients that regular massages can provide physical, mental and emotional benefits.

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

Location: 6920 Airport Blvd., Ste. 111, Mobile, AL. 251-214-0805. ElementsMassage.com/mobile. See ad, page 27.

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything.

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—Katharine Hepburn

Health Briefs

enrG Wellness

Exercise is Good for Cholesterol

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A new study has uncovered details as to why exercise is beneficial for heart health and blood lipid levels at any age. The study reported in the journal Nutrients compared the physical activity and lipid levels of 45 older adults aged 60 to 80 with 63 younger adults aged 20 to 35. In addition to measuring high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol), the scientists also considered the size of the HDL particles, which provides insights into the type and functionality of HDL as it absorbs excess cholesterol from the blood and transports it back to the liver to be recycled or excreted in bile. Researchers found that, regardless of whether the individuals were younger or older, the physically active participants exhibited higher HDL, as well as more of the types of HDL that are cardio-protective, and a greater capacity to process cholesterol back to the liver, which is one of the key anti-atherosclerosis functions of HDL.

Drug May Improve Heart Health in the Obese

Anatta_Tan/Shutterstock.com

According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), semaglutide, a medication sold as Ozempic by Novo Nordisk, may be associated with heart-health improvement. For one year, the researchers followed 529 obese participants that had heart failure with ejection fraction, a condition where the heart pumps normally but is too stiff to fill properly. Half of the participants received semaglutide, and the other half received a placebo. Participants on semaglutide had almost double the heart improvement as measured by a standard heart failure questionnaire. They also experienced an average reduction of body weight of 13.3 percent (compared to a 2.5 percent reduction in the placebo group) and could walk an extra 66 feet in six minutes. In another study of semaglutide also published in NEJM, participants on the drug had a 20 percent lower risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks and strokes than those taking a placebo. The multi-center, double-blind, randomized trial included more than 17,600 obese participants aged 45 or older that had cardiovascular disease, but no history of diabetes. Half of the participants received the drug, while the other half were given a placebo and were followed for approximately 40 months.

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Health Briefs

CBD Products May Be Harmful to Children

In 2018, Congress legalized hemp farming and the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) products as long as they contained less than 0.3 percent of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in cannabis plants that produces a high. As a result, companies began making CBD drinks, foods and other products, some of which may concentrate the delta-8 THC in manufacturing to levels nearing the potency of marijuana-derived delta-9 THC. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has neither approved nor regulated delta-8 THC, it has issued warnings about potential dangers. Oversight by states varies.

The giving of love is an education in itself. —Eleanor Roosevelt

Between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, national poison control centers have responded to 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC-containing products, 41 percent of which involved children. Most of those childhood exposures were unintentional and 45 percent of these kids required hospitalization. During the first 11 months of 2023, poison control centers managed 2,105 cases related to CBD. The FDA cautions that the marketing of these products may be appealing to children, and parents should be wary. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. If there is a question about what a child has ingested, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

New Sickle Cell Treatment Approved

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease. Co-developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, the exa-cel treatment uses new technology to modify a gene involved in red blood cell shape and function. It is too early to say whether the treatment will be permanent and without side effects, as only about 100 people have undergone the procedure, and they have been followed for less than two years.

The 14th Annual Bald Eagle Bash April 27 • 2024 • 4pm-7pm Live music by Dial Street Band, Local Gulf shrimp prepared by over a dozen local restuaruants, beer from Braided River and Fairhope Breweries and a great selection of wine. Ticket sales begin for South Alabama Land Trust members March 7, then to all on March 11. Become a member today!

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According to the National Institutes of Health, sickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen to the body. In sickle-cell patients, red blood cells are crescent-shaped and do not bend, instead of being disc-shaped and flexible. This anomaly can block blood flow to the body, leading to strokes, eye problems, infections, fatigue and severe pain. Until now, a bone marrow transplant was the only cure. CRISPR technology—short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats—allows scientists to strategically modify the DNA of organisms. The exa-cel treatment involves removing a patient’s bone marrow stem cells, editing them using the CRISPR technology, destroying the untreated bone marrow and re-infusing the modified cells to replicate and repopulate the body.

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Global Briefs Respiratory Illness in Dogs Sweeps the Nation

A respiratory illness with an unknown cause is affecting dogs across the United States. While respiratory infections are not uncommon, veterinarians are reporting very sick dogs with chronic coughs or pneumonia that last an unusually long time and do not respond to antibiotics. Common respiratory diagnostic testing for kennel cough has yielded mostly negative results. These cases have caused concern because they are at the severe end of the spectrum. While some deaths have been reported, they represent a small percentage of total cases. Efforts are underway to conduct widespread sampling of cases to diagnose the cause and implement a testing plan.

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Dog parents are advised to contact a veterinarian if their pets exhibit symptoms such as coughing, fever, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, intermittent loss of appetite and lethargy. When attending events or situations with a group of other dogs, owners are advised to ensure that theirs are properly vaccinated, have received all needed health checks and have a veterinarian available to address any health issues.

Quantum Dots to Light Up Televisions and Tumors

The development of quantum dots has won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for chemists Moungi Bawendi and Louis Brus, and physicist Alexei Ekimov. Quantum dots are a new class of nanoparticles roughly a few billionths of a meter across that have significant implications.

Ammonia-Powered Engine

While the world has focused on electric vehicles (EV) as part of a response to climate change, other technologies are being explored. Toyota and Chinese auto maker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) have introduced an engine that is powered by ammonia. Similar to technology used in ships and trucks, these novel engines are said to be able to produce 161 horsepower with a 90 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels. Ammonia-powered cars would likely be less expensive than EVs because they eliminate the environmental, production and disposal issues related to their batteries. Using ammonia as a fuel source does introduce challenges. It is a toxic substance that can dissolve some metals, and excessive exposure in gas or liquid form can be deadly. The slow-burning fuel has about half the energy density of gasoline, making it finicky for use in cars. When it burns, ammonia is carbon-free and produces no CO2, hydrocarbons or soot, but it could release nitrogen into the atmosphere, leading to acid rain and impaired breathing. GAC claims to have reduced nitrogen emissions by increasing the combustion pressure in the engine, so a safe and convenient infrastructure would need to be built to make its use viable. Also, the energy needed to manufacture sufficient quantities of ammonia would need to be factored into any calculation of net environmental impacts.

Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock.com

They are illuminated by light, which energizes the electrons within them. These energized electrons subsequently release energy as fluorescent light, with smaller dots appearing blue and larger dots appearing red. By using different materials or adjusting the size of quantum dots, chemists can alter their properties. Ekimov and Brus independently demonstrated the ability to precisely control the size of these nanoparticles, and Bawendi developed a method to precisely control their growth. These breakthroughs have opened up potential applications for various fields, including medicine and technology. For example, quantum dots could be used to improve the efficiency of LED lights and help surgeons identify tumors by injecting fluorescent dots into the body. The dots also have potential applications in solar cells and quantum computers. February 2024

Feature Story

Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

can also arise when there is an imbalance in the gut microbiome or inflammation of the gums—also known as periodontal disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, gum disease affects 47 percent of adults aged 30 or older and 70 percent of adults by age 65. Bleeding gums are telltale signs of gingivitis, which can promote the growth of disease-causing bacteria and produce substantial, body-wide inflammation.

How Regular Trips to the Dentist Can Save a Life

RossHelen/Shutterstock.com

by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS

eart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and, despite public opinion, it is just as deadly for women as it is for men. The illness was responsible for a staggering one in every four male deaths and one in every five female deaths in 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And yet, it is preventable 90 percent of the time with the right lifestyle choices, such as saying goodbye to cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and keeping stress at bay. Other powerful precautions relate to oral health. Left untreated, gum disease and sleep apnea have the potential to cause dire cardiovascular consequences. The good news is that treatments are available to decrease and often eradicate their threat.

Gum Disease and the Heart

Although blood pressure and cholesterol are considered major risk factors for heart disease, there is another culprit that should not be ignored: inflammation. While arterial inflammation may be the vascular response to harmful assaults such as infections or injuries, it 10

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the effect that oral health problems had on all-cause, cardiovascular disease and respiratory mortality. Scientists followed almost 3,000 white and African American men and women aged 70 to 79, as well as just over 7,700 British men aged 40 to 59 for nine and 15 years, respectively. Researchers reported that periodontal disease was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in the American group, a finding that was consistent with a similar study of older people in Taiwan. The scientists also noted that tooth loss and cumulative oral health problems correlated with higher all-cause mortality and higher respiratory mortality, while dry mouth appeared to be related to only all-cause mortality. A 2012 study published in Kardiologia Polska of people with diabetes and periodontal disease showed that gum inflammation was highly correlated with increasing arterial plaque, as well as increases in markers of inflammation and blood pressure levels, suggesting a significant connection between periodontal disease and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Another study published in 2013 in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed more than 400 subjects over three years and found that greater gum inflammation and higher growth of pathological bacterial species in the gums were strongly associated with increased growth of arterial plaque. The researchers concluded that an improvement in periodontal status was associated with less progression in carotid

Preventing Gum Inflammation

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise and stress management, taking measures to improve dental hygiene will go a long way toward reducing the risk of heart disease. A dental hygienist can easily identify gingivitis and probe for deep gum pockets—an indication of periodontal disease—while a simple saliva test can determine the presence of disease-causing gum species. The following measures are recommended: • Brush teeth for two minutes twice daily, ideally with an electric toothbrush. • Floss and use a Waterpik every day. • Visit the dental hygienist two to four times per year for a thorough cleaning. • Have the dentist measure gum-pocket depth to check for inflammation. • Especially for those with gum disease, have saliva tested for bad bacteria at least annually.

Sleep Apnea

Considered and treated as an oral health issue, sleep apnea increases the risk for heart disease. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million Americans experience sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition where breathing and air flow repeatedly stops and starts. People that suffer from this ailment are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, the Mayo Clinic cautions. Sleep apnea gradually worsens over time. As the airway increasingly fails to deliver air to the lungs, oxygen levels drop, causing adverse impacts on the heart and brain. Three factors decrease airflow: weight gain,

aging and, for some people, genetics. When a person puts on extra weight, their neck thickens, diminishing the airway, and as we age, tissues in the neck become softer and sag. The symptoms for sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, noticeable stops in breathing at night, awakening with a dry mouth and morning headaches. These symptoms should prompt a discussion with a physician or dentist to schedule an overnight sleep test to confirm a diagnosis—either in a sleep laboratory or at home, depending on the degree of symptoms. The mainstay of treatment for those with sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device worn over the nose or mouth to maintain pressure in the airway, keeping it open during sleep. Alternatively, a dentist can fit a patient with a mandibular device to help open the airway. The implement looks like a mouthguard that pushes the jaw forward to make the airway larger and improve airflow at night. Another technique is to tape a patient’s mouth shut while sleeping to force breathing through the nose. Continuous nose breathing helps promote nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which induces the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels and airways. Duct tape or another household tape should not be used for this, as there are specially designed, hypoallergenic strips that are shaped to sit directly on the lips. Some have a small vent that allows for a little mouth breathing. In a small study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, mouth taping led to significantly less snoring and fewer instances of lapsed breathing in 30 patients with mild sleep apnea. After starting a chosen therapy, the overnight sleep test should be repeated to

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atherosclerosis, thereby emphasizing the importance of gum care as a possible preventive health measure.

confirm that the airway is open and adequate oxygenation levels are being maintained. Additional tips to reduce sleep apnea include: • Lose weight. According to the Sleep Foundation, a loss of 5 to 10 percent of total weight improves obstructive sleep apnea by 38 percent, and weight loss of more than 10 percent results in a nearly 49 percent improvement. • Avoid alcohol and sleeping medications before bedtime, which suppress breathing and cause the airway to sag. • Change from back-sleeping to side-sleeping. More than 50 percent of people with sleep apnea find that their symptoms worsen when they sleep on their backs. Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida, chief medical director of KnoWEwell and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Connect at DrMasley.com. February 2024

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Business Spotlight

MANYA Whole Health & Yoga Combining Functional Medicine and Brain-Based Wellness

ANYA Whole Health & Yoga celebrated its opening in midtown Mobile in November 2023. The services offered at this new holistic wellness center combine private and group yoga, holistic health coaching, energy medicine and brain health coaching. Free monthly health talks and Q&A sessions are open to everyone on the third Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at MANYA. “Today, with the rapid development of smart devices, apps and wearables, we are better equipped than ever before to monitor our health. Yet, technology does not make the change for us and looking at measurements without awareness of the many functional links in the body can be confusing,” says Dr. Manja Podratz, board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and founder of MANYA Whole Health & Yoga. “This is where knowledgeable guidance comes in and where health coaches help their clients to participate in their healing.” Podratz has hosted 10 yoga and women empowerment retreats since 2018. During the retreats, women experience a week of clean eating, daily yoga and guided meditation, energy healing, group and individual coaching and customized interventions including BrainTap and HRV training. Many participants report going home with a transformed mindset and new skills for stress management and healthy nutrition. These retreats provided the blueprint for the new wellness center.

with lifestyle changes and non-invasive interventions, and embody their femininity joyfully.” “Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances and stress are closely linked, which is why brain health coaching is such an important part of the holistic approach,” says Podratz, who collaborates with BrainTap and is an affiliate of Amen Clinics. Podratz has contributed to various publications. Recently, an essay about healing from cancer, published with Dr. Joe Dispenza in Wake Up, Miracles of Healing from Around the World (2020), and a peer-reviewed article on breast cancer prevention, published in An Anthology of Non-Conformism, Rebel Women, Ways, Words, and Wonders (2023). Location: MANYA Whole Health & Yoga, 109A Upham St., Mobile, AL. See DrManjaPodratz.com, call 251-4089980 or email contact@drmanjapodratz.com. See ad, page 6.

“Women’s health is close to my heart,” explains Podratz. “I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in my early 20s and healed myself by dramatically changing my lifestyle. Since then, I have been passionate about learning as much as possible about the human makeup and helping others on their healing journeys.” Image courtesy of Dr. Manja Podratz

Podratz conducted a two-year study about holistic breast cancer prevention which will be published later this year. In her coaching practice, she combines nutritional guidance, auriculotherapy and hypnotherapy for their synergistic effects and uses the Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) test to monitor her clients’ results. “While holistic breast cancer prevention is important, it is not the only topic that relates to hormonal imbalances. I find it equally important to help women overcome unpleasant symptoms of PMS, PCOS and fibroids February 2024

Green Living

Lowering Our Battery Footprint A Look at Personal Strategies and Emerging Technologies by Kelcie Ottoes

mericans love their disposable batteries. Every year, they buy and discard about 3 billion of these smallsized power sources that keep cellphones, flashlights, toys and computer accessories running. Lithium-ion and alkaline batteries dominate the market due to their efficiency and versatility. While single-use batteries significantly tax the environment, advancements in production, lifespan and recycling can lead to a greener future. It isn’t easy to create batteries. For one thing, minerals must be extracted from the Earth. Lithium-rich brine is pumped into evaporation ponds, and after the water evaporates, the concentrated brine is processed to harvest the metal. This practice can lead to the contamination of local ecosystems and water basins, toxic emissions and respiratory issues for people living nearby.

dards, conscientious citizens recycle them when that option is available, as they contain dangerous elements, including lead. Button cell batteries used in watches and garage door openers contain tiny amounts of mercury and should be recycled. Rechargeable batteries should be taken to a local recycling facility that specializes in batteries.

back into production chains at a lower cost.” A broad-ranging solution is a circular battery economy: a model of production and consumption that extends the life of a battery and its components as long as possible by sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling its materials.

“Sustainability is everything for battery manufacturers, despite what a lot of people think,” says Chris Groves, manager at Groves Batteries and the proprietor of TITAN Lithium. “Recycling is imperative to a sustainable market, as recycled materials can be put

Fourteen percent of new cars sold in 2022 were electric, up from less than 5 percent in 2020. By 2030 there will be between 145 and 230 million electric vehicles (EV) on the road. The federal government requires manufacturers to warranty that EV batteries

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While sending any item to a landfill is problematic, batteries are especially complicated because they are made with toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, nickel and electrolytes, as well as other chemicals, all of which can leach into the soil and water system. In addition, lithium can ignite and release chemicals into the air. According to Heal The Planet, Americans create 180,000 tons of hazardous waste from batteries annually, including 86,000 tons from alkaline batteries and 160 million cellphone batteries. Although alkaline batteries may legally be thrown out in the regular trash because they fall below federal hazardous waste stan14

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Electronic Vehicle Revolution

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Advances in Battery Technology

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Solutions for more sustainable batteries are being explored. “New chemistries are focused on using non-rare earth materials like sodium or sulfur, which we have in abundance and are a lot less damaging than lithium mines to extract,” says Groves.

will maintain at least 70 percent capacity for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. Because EVs are relatively new, the average life expectancy of their batteries is not yet known. However, each time an EV battery is charged and discharged, it loses some capacity and eventually will need to be replaced. Recycling old EV batteries will help keep up with demand and reduce their environmental impact. A report from the International Energy Agency estimates that by 2040, recycled quantities of copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt from spent EV batteries could reduce supply requirements for these minerals by about 10 percent. Most retired EV batteries still have some storage and energy capabilities, even if they are not at their original power levels. Alternative uses for old batteries are being explored, including solar power storage, energy for streetlights or as backup generators in homes. One study in Nature Communications predicts that short-term power grid storage demand could be met by 2030 across most regions using old EV batteries.

Iron-air batteries are currently being developed as energy storage. They are ten times cheaper than lithium batteries and use iron, one of Earth’s most abundant resources. Lithium manganese iron phosphate batteries could be the only battery a car will ever need. They have a range of more than 600 miles on a single charge and a potential 2.4-million-mile lifetime. Solid-state batteries use lithium, but they generate more power and can take up to seven times more charges in their lifetime without the risk of explosion.

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Tips for Battery Care and Recycling

Everyone can help make the most of their batteries with a few simple practices. Disposable Batteries: Turn off devices and remove the batteries when they are not in use. Store batteries so they are not in contact with each other in a place that is below 72°F, but above freezing. Do not toss them out at the expiration date; this is when power starts to decline, but the battery is still usable. To recycle, batteries may be taken to a participating home-improvement store. Find nearby drop-off locations at Call2Recycle.org/ locator or Earth911.com. Rechargeable Batteries: Do not leave rechargeable batteries plugged in all the time and do not allow them to drain their power to zero. Power down devices to avoid extra use. On cellphones, turn off the location mode and use the lower-power mode and dim-light settings. Kelcie Ottoes is a writer for sustainable businesses and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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Healthy Kids

Helping America’s Kids Eat Better

Putting Nutrition First

Former First Lady Michelle Obama launched the “Let’s Move!” national campaign in 2010 to reduce childhood obesity and teach children and their caregivers how to create healthier eating habits and lifestyles, and her work didn’t end when she left the White House. In May 2023, she helped launch PLEZi Nutrition, a food and beverage company for children with a stated mission “to be a driver of change, creating higher standards for how we make and market food and beverages for our kids, leading with nutrition, taste and truth.”

How Three Women are Leading the Movement

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by Megy Karydes

“I’ve learned that on this issue, if you want to change the game, you can’t just work from the outside. You’ve got to get inside—you’ve got to find ways to change the food and beverage industry itself,” Obama said at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. “I’m proud to announce the national launch of a company designed not just to provide better products, but to jumpstart a race to the top that will transform the entire food industry.”

Teaching Healthy Eating in Schools

The foods and drinks kids consume have tremendous impact on their overall health, and these statistics suggest that many parents and guardians need to do a better job of steering their offspring toward more nutritious options. Mounting scientific evidence reveals that a healthy lifestyle from infancy to adulthood helps people maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Many youngsters today don’t eat enough nutritious meals, playing a major role in how they perform in school, according to a study published in Journal of School Health.

In 2009, Jyl Steinback created the national nonprofit Shape Up US to provide teachers, children, parents and communities with the tools they need to adopt healthy, lifelong habits. Rather than trying to impact school lunch programs that are notoriously difficult to change, the author and co-author of multiple books, including Think Outside the Lunchbox Cookbook, brings her nutritional curriculum into classrooms. She created five booklets with hands-on activities that support sustainable living and plant-based nutrition, as well as the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children that focuses on cardiovascular health. Since 2009, her programs have been used in 34 states, reaching more than 100,000 children.

Prompted by perceived needed changes in childhood nutrition, the private sector is stepping up to improve the ways we teach and feed our youngest, hoping to raise healthier future generations. Here are three examples.

Steinback believes in the power of early education. “If you start with K [kindergarten] through sixth grade, you’re planting

ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of children aged 1 to 5 have not eaten a vegetable today. Each week, nearly one in three won’t eat a piece of fruit, and more than half will have had at least one sugar-sweetened beverage. Kids consume 66 grams of sugar per day—that is a whopping 53 pounds of added sugar a year, according to the American Heart Association.

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that seed,” she explains, adding that children are naturally curious and willing to try new things as long as they’re involved in the decision-making process. One way she coaxes kids to make better choices is by prompting them to go grocery shopping with their parents and pick a food they’ve never eaten before.

Modeling Healthy Behavior

“We have this belief that we can feed children anything,” says public health nurse Meryl Fury, the president and CEO of Plant Based Nutrition Movement. “People will say, ‘Let them be kids; let them eat donuts; let them eat Pop Tarts.’ We feed them mac and cheese and chicken nuggets, and we think it’s fine, but our data shows that children have increasing rates of obesity, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. These are things that never occurred in children before, and it’s very much connected to our lifestyle.” Fury recommends that parents and teachers model better behavior and improve the school food culture in general. Instead of using candy as rewards in the classroom, other incentives can be offered such as stickers, pencils or other non-food treats. She reminds parents and teachers that some children might have attention deficit disorder or other challenges that relate to impulse control or self-regulation, and high-sugar or highly processed foods and dyes are not good for them, or anyone. If children initially resist trying new foods, Fury encourages adults not to give up. “Boil it, mash it, sauté it, simmer it, roast it, serve it raw, serve it with sauce or serve it as a dip,” she suggests. It can take one to two dozen times of exposing a child to a new food before they’re even willing to try it, but the healthy benefits could be lifelong. Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.

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February 2024

Eco Tip

Growing Hydroponic Produce at Home H ydroponics is a method of gardening that does not use soil. The technique has been around since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Aztec floating gardens. It is a fun, easy and eco-friendly way to grow fresh produce all year round.

Simple and Cost-Effective Techniques

For do-it-yourselfers, free, detailed plans and videos for creating a system are available online without spending a fortune. Complete systems can also be purchased and assembled at home. There are several different types of hydroponic systems. The right one will depend on the space it will occupy, the types of plants grown and the cost. Several systems have common components such as a reservoir to hold the water and nutrient solution, net pots to suspend the plants, growing media, and an air pump and air stones to supply oxygen to the plants. Systems that move the nutrient solution also require a water pump. Here are examples of the types of systems for home use.

low-maintenance system. Like the wicking system, DWC is not for large plants.

Nutrient Film: This technique delivers a constant thin film of nutrients and water to the roots, which are not submerged. The nutrient film technique ensures that the roots don’t suffocate, a risk with DWC. Vigilance is required to ensure that the roots do not overgrow and clog the channels. This is a great system for a green house. Ebb and Flow: Also called the flood and drain system, it works by flooding a grow bed with a nutrient solution from the reservoir. Gravity is used to slowly drain the solution from the grow bed and back into the reservoir. A timer is used to allow time for the roots to dry and oxygenate before being flooded again. This system can accommodate a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Aeroponics: This system suspends plants in the air and the roots are misted with the

Deep Water Culture (DWC): In this type of system, the plants are suspended over the reservoir and the roots are submerged in the nutrient solution. DWC is a low-cost,

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Additional Considerations

Begin with sterile seedlings or cuttings, as plants that have been in contact with soil can introduce harmful microbes into the hydroponic system. Use distilled or bottled water to reduce the risk of high levels of chlorine or other chemicals that can harm plants. Lastly, monitor the pH levels to ensure proper nutrient uptake by the plants.

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Wicking Systems: Most beginners start with a passive hydroponic system that relies on a wick to bring the nutrient solution to the growing medium and the plant roots. A wicking system is best for smaller plants like lettuce, mint and basil. They are the easiest to set up and maintain, take up the least space and are the least expensive.

nutrient solution. An aeroponics system is enclosed in frameworks or towers. Because the roots hang naked, the plants take in extra oxygen, accelerating their growth. This type of system uses less water than any other system, and their vertical structure permits them to be used in small spaces. However, aeroponics have the highest initial cost and are more challenging for the do-it-yourselfer. Aeroponics systems require more maintenance and attention than other home systems.

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Therapy Spotlight

Stem Cell Patches Gaining Worldwide Attention

ifeWave X39 Stem Cell patches are a non-invasive, natural and cost effective way to reactivate the body’s dormant stem cells. “The body has over 200 different types of cells. Stem cells are the holy grail of the body because they can morph into any type of cell. For example, stem cells can become brain cells, liver cells, heart cells or any other cell the body may need to mitigate degradation,” says Peak Alkalinity owner, Missy Will. “As we age, stem cell production decreases. Over age 35, the body only produces about 60 percent as much. After age 60, the body is void of stem cell production.” As a result of having over 900 clients on these patches throughout the last year, Will has heard a wide range of positive testimonials. “Wearing X39 patches promotes faster recovery from injuries, reduces inflammation and contributes to overall well-being,” she says. “People have reported less inflammation and pain, as well as reduced PTSD, anxiety and depression. We’ve also had clients report that they’ve experienced better sleep and sharper mental acuity as well as an increase in energy.” Studies have shown that 3,000 to 4,000 genes begin to reset in the body within the first 24 hours of wearing the patch. Within 90 days, collagen begins to increase and hair starts to grow. When wearing

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the patch every day for three to six months, the structural integrity of the body starts to change. When study participants wore the patch every day for 6 to 12 months, 14 out of 15 people were shown to have reversed their vascular age by 8 years. “Per FDA regulations, we must note that these patches are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. However, we have seen amazing results,” adds Will. Olympic athletes and professional athletes have also been speaking out about the results of X39. The U.S. Olympic committee has tested Olympic athletes using the patches as well as the patches themselves, and they have been found to be perfectly acceptable to use prior to and during competition. LifeWave X39 patches are gaining worldwide attention for their health benefits and are categorized with the FDA as a class three medical device. The X39 patches stimulate the production of a peptide known as GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Peptide), which is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes including tissue repair and reactivation of the body’s own dormant stem cells. LOCATION: 217 B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL. 251-270-7200. PeakAlkalinity.com. See ad, page 6.

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Local Healthy Eats Guide

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A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets

Heart Healthy Benefits of Olive Oil from The Happy Olive

Among all edible plant oils, olive oil has the highest percentage of monounsaturated fat, which lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and increases “good” HDL. The AHA points out that it has also been shown to lower blood pressure and contains plant-based compounds that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties known to reduce the disease process. The folks at The Happy Olive have been touting the heart healthy benefits of olive oil for some time now. Research has shown that people raised on diets that include EVOO have lower rates of most chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancers, arthritis and Type 2 diabetes. Some specific risk factors improved with daily intake of olive oil include the following: Blood levels of fasting insulin and glucose: Higher blood levels of both insulin and glucose have been related to an in20

creased risk of heart disease and several cancers. Two tablespoons of EVOO a day was shown to decrease blood levels of glucose and insulin, which can decrease risk of heart disease and cancer along with improve blood glucose control for diabetics. Blood pressure: Two to three tablespoons of EVOO a day has been shown to lower blood pressure. EVOOs with a higher phenol content lower systolic blood pressure in men compared to a lower phenol content oil. Inflammation: High levels of inflammation (measured in the blood) that occur with a disease, like heart disease or cancer, have been related to a less favorable outcome. Oleocanthal, found in some EVOO, is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and works like ibuprofen to limit the production of inflammatory compounds in the body. Blood coagulation: Blood that is too clotty will increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. EVOO high in biophenols has been shown to decrease blood clotting. Body weight: Because olive oil is a fat, people may express concern when recommended they use more EVOO. However, those who use EVOO as part of a weight loss program tend to lose weight better than on a low-fat diet. Studies show that people who

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live oil is derived from the fruit of the olive tree, cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean for over 5,000 years. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the staple fat source for the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the healthiest dietary models to prevent cardiovascular disease.

use EVOO as their main diet fat also tend to have a lower body weight and gain less weight over time. A meal that contains fat leads to quicker satiety. Location: 314 De la Mare Ave., Fairhope. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm. Sundays 11am to 4pm. For more information, visit HappyOlive4.com.

February’s guide to local healthy food in Baldwin County AGAPÉ JUICES Nourishing your body, mind and spirit. Fountain Plaza Shopping Center 3782 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL Agape-Juices.com

MCKENZIE FARMS Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL MckenzieFarmMarket.com

SUNFLOWER CAFÉ FAIRHOPE Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

AHI SEAFOOD MARKET Fairhope Gourmet Market. Guaranteed fresh and highest quality seafood, beef and pork. 18874 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7533 • AhiSeafoodMarket.com

OHANA POKE Poke combines ingredients of a delicious sushi roll into a quick meal. 561 Fairhope Ave. #102, Fairhope, AL OPFairhope.com

THE HAPPY OLIVE Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

OX KITCHEN Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com

THE INTERNATIONAL GOAT Always fresh, all-natural ingredients prepared to melt in your mouth. Located inside Piggly Wiggly 100 Plantation Pointe Rd., Fairhope, AL Call ahead to order, 251-928-0239

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

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TWO SISTERS BAKERY & DELI Gluten-free, keto-friendly options, featuring Boar’s Head meats & cheeses. 19452 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 251-517-0622

FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com

SAFARI CLUB AT ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO Unique casual & fine dining, green certified, family oriented and “wild”. 20499 Oak Rd. E., Gulf Shores, AL 251-256-7007 • AlabamaGulfCoastZoo.com

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS A neighborhood eatery serving made-fromscratch, vegan friendly, gluten-free goodness. 759 Nichols Ave., Fairhope, AL WarehouseBakeryAndDonuts.com

LOCALS FAIRHOPE Quaint, mom-n-pop eatery providing healthy eats in a casual atmosphere. 312 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL LocalsFairhope.com

SAGE LEBANESE CUISINE & CAFÉ A surprising blend of traditional and new Mediterranean & Lebanese cuisine. 319 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL SageLebaneseCuisine.com

WILDFLOWERS & FRESH FOOD Simple and colorful high-vibe cooking classes, events and fresh recipes. 251-656-9112 WildflowersAndFreshFood.com

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For an online list of local healthy food sources, visit NAGulfCoast.com/healthyeats. To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.

February 2024

Conscious Eating

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives Benefits for People and the Planet by Carrie Jackson

ed fund dedicated to plant-based companies. “This is driven by the quality of the products, including oat, almond, soy, pea and hemp milks as proven options. With 65 percent of people worldwide and more than 80 percent of African Americans and more than 90 percent of Asian Americans being lactose intolerant, plant-based milk is a great alternative.”

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When selecting beverage options, many consumers also weigh a company’s ethical choices. Alfano predicts the beginning of the end of traditional factory farming, saying, “People are seeing how inefficient and harmful meat production is and are making the connection between saving the environment and their lifestyle choices.”

hile plant-based milks have been around for centuries, they have historically played second fiddle to other dairy alternatives, but not anymore. As people are becoming more conscious of the impact their food choices have on their health and the planet, plant-based milk has turned into a mainstay in most grocery stores. Touting sustainability benefits, a creamy texture and pleasing flavors, soy, oat, almond, cashew and even macadamia nut milks are having their moment.

According to the Good Food Institute, 41 percent of American households purchased plant-based milk in 2022. Most major milk brands, such as Nestlé, are offering plantbased alternatives, while specialty companies like Elmhurst 1925 and Eden Foods are continually expanding their selection. “Plant-based dairy is now more than 15 percent of the milk industry,” says Elysabeth Alfano, co-founder and CEO of VegTech Invest, a firm that manages the first exchange-trad-

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Leah Hoxie, senior vice president of innovation at Oatly North America, observes, “People opt for nondairy milk for a variety of reasons that are usually personal and nuanced. These can include allergies, nutrition, ethical and environmental concerns, and, of course, taste. Oatly makes nondairy milk alternatives that have the same creamy taste, frothy feel and functionality as cow’s milk while also generally having a lower climate impact. We’re also seeing generational differences in milk preferences, with a recent Oatly flash poll finding that 54 percent of Gen Z and 49 percent of Millennials prefer plant-based milk to cow’s milk.” Like many other plant-based companies, Oatly has expressed a commitment to creating lasting environmental change. “With roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from the food system, and about half of those emissions coming from the livestock or the animal-based sector, the greatest impact we at Oatly can have as a company is to convert people from dairy milk to oat milk. Our research shows that Oatly Barista sold in the U.S. has a 46 percent lower climate impact than

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comparable cow’s milk, supporting our larger mission to make it easy for people to eat better and live healthier lives without recklessly taxing the planet’s resources in the process,” explains Hoxie.

Plant-based dairy alternatives have differing nutritional advantages, and it is best for consumers to make their own comparison. “Soy and pea milk—the protein superstars of plant milks—contain some fat and, when fortified, are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D,” Wolfram explains. “Hemp has a little less protein, and oat and almond milks are very low in protein. Hemp milk is rich in ALA [alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants]. Nondairy milks may or may not contain added sugars and fats or be fortified, so it is best to check the nutrition facts panel to see what levels of nutrients each specific product contains.” Ultimately, the best plant-based dairy may be the one we love to consume. “Enjoyment and taste are highly subjective experiences,” Wolfram says. “I encourage folks to try different options and find what they like.” Carrie Jackson is an Illinois-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJackson Writes.com.

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While plant-based milk alternatives may tout health benefits, the specific ingredients and processing methods play a role in their nutritional value. Just because something is plant-based doesn’t automatically make it healthier. “There are misconceptions that either nondairy milks are automatically less healthy than cow milk or that they are inherently more nutritious, but the truth is it depends on what’s in the milk,” says Taylor Wolfram, a registered dietitian who specializes in vegan nutrition.

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Conscious Eating No-Bake Pumpkin Dairy-Free Cheesecake YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

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1 packet (sleeve) graham crackers, finely ground 4 Tbsp coconut oil, gently warmed 16 oz nondairy cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar ⅓ cup pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp salt

In the food processor, grind the graham crackers until they are as fine as possible. Add the coconut oil and pulse to combine. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch springform pan and firmly press into an even layer, bringing the mixture about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Transfer to the fridge to chill while making the filling. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, or using a hand beater, mix the nondairy cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and salt until smooth and uniform. Pour into the prepared crust and smooth into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge and chill for 3 hours, or overnight. When ready to serve, remove the outer ring of the springform pan. Slice and enjoy. Recipe courtesy of Caroline Schiff, a James Beard-nominated executive pastry chef.

Chef AJ’s Popeye’s Perfection

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YIELD: 2 SERVINGS 1 cup water or unsweetened nondairy milk 12 oz baby organic spinach 1 small shallot

3 oz oil-free, salt-free sundried tomatoes Hemp seeds for garnish

Place the water or nondairy milk and the sun-dried tomatoes in a high-powered blender and process until dissolved. Add the spinach, shallot and date and process again until smooth. Add the avocado and lemon juice and blend briefly until smooth. Sprinkle with hemp seeds, if desired. Recipes reprinted with permission from Unprocessed 10th Anniversary Edition, by Chef AJ, ©2022 by BPC.

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1 large date (or more to taste), soaked 1 cup ripe avocado 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Chef AJ’s Caramel Blondies YIELD: 16-20 COOKIES 8 oz pitted dates 8 oz unsweetened nondairy milk 3 tsp vanilla powder, divided 2 cups white sweet potato flesh 1½ cups rolled oats

½ cup millet, ground into flour 1 tsp cinnamon 2 cups mashed banana (approximately 3 bananas) Reduced-fat shredded coconut

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Soak the dates in the nondairy milk for several hours or overnight so they are very soft. Create a paste by placing the dates, soaking liquid and 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder into a food processor fitted with the “S” blade, and processing until smooth. Remove ¾ cup of the date paste and place in the refrigerator to chill; this will be the frosting. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the remaining ingredients, including 2 teaspoons of vanilla powder, into the food processor with the remaining date paste, and process until smooth. Pour the batter into a 9-inch square silicone baking pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes (a shorter baking time will produce a moister blondie). Turn the oven off and allow the pan to cool in the oven. Once the blondies are completely cool, frost with the chilled frosting. Sprinkling the cookies with reduced-fat shredded coconut is optional. Chill and cut into bars. Chef ’s Notes: White sweet potatoes are also called Hannah or Jersey yams. Japanese or Murasaki sweet potatoes, which have a purple skin and white flesh, could be used as a substitute. Orange and purple sweet potatoes are not recommended for this recipe. Millet helps mitigate the gummy texture of oats. Recipes reprinted with permission from Unprocessed 10th Anniversary Edition, by Chef AJ, ©2022 by BPC.

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Fit Body

Homeopathy for Athletes Remedies to Address Common Sports Challenges by Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA)

eing physically active is vital to good health, but accidents and injuries are bound to happen. This is where homeopathy can shine. The soccer star David Beckham used homeopathy for his broken foot before competing in the World Cup. James Ellington, the British Olympic sprinter, used homeopathy for muscle and joint pain before his competitions. Champion figure skaters Jayne Torvill and Elvis Stojko used homeopathy for their bruises. These world-class athletes recognized that homeopathic medicines speed healing and get them back in training quickly, and without troublesome side effects. Arnica, bryonia, hypericum and ruta are go-to remedies for sports injuries. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 6 million Americans and 200 million people worldwide use homeopathy on a regular basis.

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Evaluating sports and activity injuries has changed. The most helpful remedies may turn out to be those that are not typically thought of for sports injuries. A person’s underlying sensitivities may necessitate a different remedy, one that addresses the whole person, even when their chief complaint is a sprain, bump or bruise. At other times, athletes are looking for ways to get their mind in gear for fierce competitions and extreme training. The following remedies often prove helpful in such situations. These remedies are based on traditional homeopathic practices and have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For dosages, consult with a local homeopath. Gelsemium sempervirens can bolster the timid athlete that reports a weak stomach, a jittery feeling and weak knees before the starting gun goes off. It can restore their calm and equilibrium. This remedy can ease

performance anxiety in other settings as well; it’s a favorite of actors and musicians to relieve stage fright, and executives choose it to calm nerves before major business deals. Nux vomica can help the athlete that is irritable, on edge and needs to chill out before climbing onto the racing block. It can also help the super-competitive kid that loses a game and lambasts fellow team members about how their actions led to the loss. Nux vomica helps them become more amenable to the idea that it is not okay to yell at teammates and shift their focus away from the loss and toward enjoyment of their sport. Aurum metallicum is suited to the intense, idealistic competitor that sets impossibly high goals. From their perspective, it is their duty to win and become depressed if their team does not win. These people, young and old, are hard on themselves. Aurum metallicum can help soften the perspective on winning or losing and shift the mood away from depression. This remedy is also known for its ability to heal headaches that come on after experiencing loss or failure. Natrum sulphuricum can help the athlete that becomes seriously depressed after sustaining a head injury in football, field hockey

or other contact sport. It can also help with other types of mood changes after head injuries, as well as troubling physical symptoms. Magnesia phosphorica, which is made from magnesium and phosphorus, can help alleviate cramps and muscle spasms that would be improved by heat, such as those earned after a hard workout or challenging day on the golf course. It also offers temporary relief of menstrual cramps.

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Cuprum metallicum is another approach to managing sudden cramps, especially those in the limbs, hands and feet.

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Arnica, which is made from a type of mountain daisy, assists the athlete and weekend warrior to relieve muscle aches and stiffness, swelling and discoloration from bruises. It is also available in topical gel, cream and ointment forms that may be applied to the affected area. Lauri Grossman is a chiropractor and certified homeopath in New York City. She has been practicing, teaching and presenting on homeopathy for more than 40 years, and she serves as president of the board of directors for the National Center for Homeopathy, a leader in homeopathic education for 50 years.

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LICENSE # 084682. Limit 5 gift Certificates per Non member, Walk In Rate Only. ©2024 Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC (“ETM”). Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated. Massage session includes time for consultation and dressing. Pricing may vary; see studio for details. Elements Massage® and Elements Massage + design are registered trademarks owned by ETM.

Mobile | 251.342.6415 6920 Airport Blvd, Ste 111 Mobile, AL 36608 elementsmassage.com/Mobile

February 2024

Natural Pet

Love on a Leash Mutual Benefits of Walking the Dog by Dr. Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

he emotional bond between dogs and humans is a powerful force that extends beyond mere companionship. Known for their unwavering loyalty and intuitive understanding, dogs offer a source of comfort and emotional support. In return, the companionship and care provided by humans create a sense of security and happiness for their canine friends. The seemingly ordinary act of dog walking can bring vitality and other benefits to those on both ends of the leash.

Emotional Health Benefits

Spending Time Together: Walking creates shared moments. Whether exploring familiar places or trying new routes, these shared experiences become lasting memories that make the connection between dogs and owners even stronger.

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Strengthening Bonds: In a study conducted at Manchester Metropolitan University, in England, researchers aimed to understand how humans and their animal companions actively share spaces, specifically through the lens of walking experiences. The study called into question a common perception that humans always dominate, showing that during walks, power is negotiated through mutual interaction, disproving the idea that authority goes only one way. This understanding reveals the complex bond formed during walks, emphasizing that power is shared, adding to the special and mutually helpful connection between humans and their dogs.

Communicating Nonverbally: While walking, owners and dogs interact without words. The leash becomes a kind of language, where owners express feelings and intentions through body language and energy, helping them understand each other better. Fostering Trust: Walking builds trust and reliance. Dogs trust their owners to guide and protect them during walks, creating a sense of safety and mutual dependence, which deepens their bond.

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A Better Way

Enjoying Quality Time and Affection: Walking is a time for closeness and affection. A simple pat, a gentle scratch or just being near each other during walks creates moments of connection that strengthen the emotional tie between dogs and their owners.

Physical Health Benefits

Physical Well-Being: The relationship between dogs and humans contributes significantly to the physical health of both parties. For Melissa Sherman, an animal communicator, energy healer and holistic pet health coach, a walk is more than just a routine. It is a holistic strategy to improve her pets’ well-being. Leading her pack of seven dogs through daily forest walks becomes a channel for physical vitality, mental engagement and emotional catharsis. Sherman’s insight reinforces the idea that regular nature walks contribute not only to the physical health but also to the overall happiness of both dogs and their human companions. Exercise Opportunity: Regular activities like dog walks also provide valuable exercise for their human counterparts. Research published in The Gerontologist indicates that older adults that regularly walk their dogs are more likely to meet physical activity recommendations and exhibit greater functional ability compared to non-dog owners. Cardiovascular Health: An assessment of studies and data by the American Heart Association concluded that dog ownership is likely linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This positive association is primarily attributed to the active practice of dog walking.

Quality-of-Life Benefits

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that the presence of a dog can have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress levels and promoting overall mental well-being. The simple act of petting a dog releases feel-good hormones, creating a harmonious cycle of emotional support.

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7857 Highway 59, Foley, AL 36535 (Across from Old Time Pottery)

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Nutritional consults by appointment through 11/30/23. Contact Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN

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Increased Happiness: Dogs bring joy and a sense of purpose to human lives, particularly for those living alone or facing health challenges. The responsibilities of caring for a pet instill a routine and structure that contribute to an enhanced quality of life. Unconditional Love and Companionship: Perhaps the most profound aspect of this bond is the unconditional love and companionship exchanged between dogs and humans. Dogs are non-judgmental, offering a constant source of emotional support and companionship. In return, humans provide the care, attention and love that form the bedrock of this unique relationship. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

February 2024

Healing Ways

Mindful Breathwork Managing Stress and Heart Health by Sheila Julson

he sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are key partners in regulating heart rate, stress levels and breathing. Stressors such as traffic jams, work deadlines, financial limitations and family conflicts can disrupt this synchronized partnership and lead not just to emotional anguish, but also to high blood pressure, inflammation and increased cardiovascular events.

Machaiah suggests breathwork as an effective mind-body practice to balance the nervous system and instill calm. It can serve as a pillar, along with nourishment, movement, restful sleep and connection with community and nature, toward maintaining homeostasis in the body. “Breathing is free medicine,” he asserts. “It is your anchor, and every breathwork technique starts with observing your breath and connecting with yourself and your body.” Stress or anxiousness sends the sympathetic nervous system into overdrive, affirms Meena Malhotra, M.D., a functional medicine practitioner and founder of Chicago-based Heal n Cure integrative clinic. The goal of breathwork, a catchall term for a variety of breathing practices, is to balance the 30

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An inquiry into how breathing relates to the nervous system begins with the vagus nerve, the largest highway within the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve runs from the brain and through the body, down to the gastrointestinal system. “It is the most complex of the cranial nerves and regulates heart rate and the body’s stress response,” says Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation.

autonomic nervous system. Many breathing techniques involve holding the breath, which stimulates the vagus nerve. “Deep breathing is the best way to stretch and stimulate the vagus nerve,” Malhotra explains. “When the vagus nerve is stimulated, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system is calming, which helps bring the body into balance.” Just like how there are various types of yoga to achieve different goals, the same holds

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true for breathwork. “There’s something for everyone,” notes Sandy Abrams, the Los-Angeles-based founder of The C.E.Om and author of Breathe to Succeed: Increase Workplace Productivity, Creativity, and Clarity Through the Power of Mindfulness. “Breathwork is the love language of the nervous system. Being in a state of frequent, chronic stress—even low-grade—makes it difficult to enjoy any experience. Breathwork can calm, balance or boost the nervous system. Simply by breathing in ways that calm the nervous system, you can immediately shift from stressed to calm.”

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Just Breathe!

Abrams recommends simple breathing practices that don’t take a lot of time. “The nervous system can become more balanced and relaxed with even just one slow, light, nourishing breath,” she remarks. For beginners, she suggests shifting from shallow, rapid chest breaths, which can induce stress, to deeper ones that activate the diaphragm. “It helps to place one hand on the belly and feel the expansion outward as you inhale for about six seconds, tracing the breath up to the chest and then slowly exhaling for six seconds.”

Heal yourself with SomatIQTM Breathwork • Reduce Anxiety • Increase Clarity Of Purpose • Remove Blockages

The popular “four-seven-eight” method involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven and exhaling for a count of eight. “Four-seven-eight is a very effective stress reduction tool,” Malhotra says. “I suggest that everyone do it while stuck in traffic or while that hourglass cursor on the laptop is spinning. Instead of checking your email or fidgeting with your phone, do a breathing exercise.” Other techniques may employ longer or shorter counts, but Abrams notes that there is no need to obsess over counting—just go by feeling. “Relaxation comes with extended exhales that are about twice as long as the inhale,” she asserts. Abrams also uses the “bumblebee” technique, which increases nitric oxide to the nasal cavity. Simply inhale lightly and deeply through the nose and during the entire exhale, make a humming sound. The hum can be amplified by gently closing the ears. The kid-friendly “lion’s breath” helps release stagnant energy. “Close your eyes and inhale through your nose. During the exhale, open your eyes wide, stick out your tongue and shake your hands. Hiss like a fierce lion,” Abrams advises. “Adding movement feels good and makes everybody laugh; laughter is breath, too.” Parents can use the lion’s breath to calm rowdy children in the car or while shopping. It can also help children learn to control their emotions. Abrams notes that her breathwork techniques are for relaxation and balancing the nervous system; those with contraindications should consult a physician. Malhotra adds that there are other ways besides breathwork to stimulate the vagus nerve, but some are not safe to do at home and should be done only under the guidance of a medical doctor. “These breath tools are free and accessible to anyone,” Abrams says. “They can be used in so many different ways, at different times. I encourage everyone to play around with their curiosity about these different breath tools.” Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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Contact Morgan Today! Hola, I’m Morgan!

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Morgan Tyner

901-581-0434

somatic@morgantyner.com https://www.morgantyner.com “Let me show you how to Heal through the power of breath. I am the only certified (bilingual) SomatIQ™ Breathwork Practitioner in our area”

Hillstar Health

Previously Integrative Healthcare of Lower Alabama

Discover functional medicine to restore whole-body health. “Our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal themselves.” Tara McLellan Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

28720 HWY 98, Ste1 Daphne, AL

251.241.4346 HillstarHealthAl.com February 2024

Wise Words

Mimi Guarneri on Treating the Heart With Love by Sandra Yeyati

Guarneri is board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, nuclear cardiology and integrative holistic medicine. She is a founder and president of The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine; co-founder and medical director of Guarneri Integrative Health, in La Jolla, California; and a clinical associate professor at University of California, San Diego. In 2012, The Institute for Functional Medicine honored her with the Linus Pauling Functional Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award. Guarneri is the author of The Heart Speaks: A Cardiologist Reveals the Secret Language of Healing and 108 Pearls to Awaken Your Healing Potential.

What is holistic cardiology?

It’s about treating the whole person—body, mind, emotions and spirit. If you have a tree with sick fruit on it, you can keep cutting off the branches, or you can ask, what does the tree need? Does it need more sunlight or water? How is the soil? Does it have minerals? With patients, the question we should be asking is why does someone have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease? And then you ask, what is the soil of a human life made of? That soil is made of micro and macro nutrients, physical activity, having a purpose in life, joy and a good night’s sleep. At our center we call these the pearls of health. 32

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fter graduating first in her class at The State University of New York Medical Center, Dr. Mimi Guarneri began her career at Scripps Clinic, in San Diego, as an attending physician in interventional cardiology, where she placed thousands of coronary stents. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive and holistic approaches, she founded the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and served as medical director for 15 years, combining state-of-the-art cardiac imaging technology with lifestyle programs and alternative therapies like acupuncture, healing touch, meditation and yoga to diagnose, prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

How do you diagnose people by listening to their stories?

We know through research that relationships between patients and physicians affect outcome. People who bond with their physicians have lower cholesterol or blood sugar levels because they’re more likely to be compliant with medications. We also know that events don’t happen in isolation. When people have major, life-changing events—death of a spouse or child, divorce—all of a sudden, they start having cancer, sudden death and heart attacks. So, when I look at someone that had a heart attack, I don’t just want to know about their symptoms the day of the attack. I also want to know what was going on six months before, because that’s where you find the story. “I’ve been under stress. I lost my job. I lost my house. My wife told me they wanted a divorce.” This is where you start to get the stories that add up to the ultimate cardiovascular event.

How do you translate that inquiry into the healing journey?

Everyone needs something different at a different point in their life. Some people need to change what they’re eating or start walking, but then you have to look at why they’re not taking care of their physical body. Depressed people say, “I have 20 friends in this pack of cigarettes.” They don’t say, “Let me eat Brussels sprouts and take a walk.” I have to deal with the underlying issue, which could be things like depression, stress or loneliness. I also want

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Gulf Coast Green Living to know my patient’s spirituality, because if they believe in a higher power, we can tap into that to give them strength and help transform what’s going on.

What tools do you have in your integrative medical arsenal?

Annual Festival of Flowers in Mobile March 8 through 10

The whole framework of integrative medicine is to understand and use the wisdom of other global healing traditions. For a patient with back pain, I may use healing touch, acupuncture, massage and medication. I may send somebody who is stressed to transcendental meditation training. I may pull from Ayurveda to help people with digestive issues.

he award-winning Festival of Flowers will celebrate its 31st year in downtown Mobile’s Cathedral Square on March 8 through 10, where life-sized living sculptures created by regionally acclaimed florists and garden designers will be showcased. The show hours will be Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The most important thing is looking at your life and finding joy, meaning, purpose, looking at where you can serve, where you can connect. This is the piece that is missing in many people’s lives. Also, look at where you are holding onto anger. Have you done your forgiveness work? How can you begin to practice gratitude?

Produced by the Providence Foundation, the 2024 Festival of Flowers will inspire and nurture the gardener in all of us. Recognized in 2021 and 2023 as Alabama Magazine’s “Best of Bama Charity Event,” the Festival of Flowers continues the tradition of delighting and educating visitors of all ages. To give back to our healthcare community and celebrate those that have made their mark in Mobile, this year’s proceeds will be used to purchase advanced electrocardiogram equipment for the USA Health Providence Cardiac Care Unit.

Why do you say that patients are motivated not by fear but by caring?

Artists will compete for the Festival of Flowers People's Choice Award by highlighting the theme “Make Your Mark” in their life-sized living plant sculptures. The artists’ elaborate creations can be viewed in Cathedral Square where visitors can vote via QR code or weblink.

They’re motivated by love. Love is the secret ingredient. People will do everything for three months after a heart attack because they’re terrified, and then they go back to their old ways. They start to gain weight because they never did the deep work to look at what got them there in the first place. A perfect example is one of my heart patients who came in with a walker. She said she had sciatica, and immediately we gave her a shot for her pain. We also did some acupuncture. I got a beautiful message from her the next day, which made no mention of the shot or the acupuncture. Instead, she said, “I felt so much better from the second you gave me a hug.” It’s that kind of connection that makes all the difference. Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Friday’s Loda Art Walk is the usual free monthly event that showcases the visual, performing and culinary arts community (MobileArts.org/art-walk). Saturday includes special events such as the Exotic Car Show, Buds and Brews and self-guided tours of area gardens. On Sunday, visitors can bring a furry friend to enjoy the show during Welcome All Wags from 3 to 5 p.m. The festival will also include seminars and demonstrations to provide expert advice for the home and garden. A donation via card, cash, Venmo or PayPal is required for entry. Buds and Brews is $40 per person and tickets can be purchased online. Be the first to view the festival’s floral displays and sculptures by joining us for an evening under the stars at the Festival of Flowers Gala, Cathedral Square, Thursday, March 7, 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy cocktails and culinary delights by Morrissette and Company. Purchase tickets online $175 per person. Proceeds will be used to purchase advanced EKG monitors for the Cardiac Care Unit at USA Health Providence Hospital. Location: Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL. For more information: FestivalOfFlowers.com. February 2024

Classifieds

Calendar

$1 per word, per month. Email content to MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

For questions or to appear in the calendar, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com by the 10th of the previous month. Free, online-only calendar listings may be submitted anytime at NAGulfCoast.com/calendar.

Help Wanted

Sunday

FAIRHOPE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ IS LOOKING TO HIRE part-time cooks and servers. The Fairhope café is open for lunch MondaySaturday 10:30am-3pm; Sunday 11am-3pm. Apply in store or call Sunflower Café. 251929-0055.

Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday 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. VAFairhopeHealthFoods.com.

Classes/Training

Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service – 11amnoon. Held inside and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speakers each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarian Fellowship@gmail.com. FairhopeUU.org.

ADVERTISE your classes or training here.

For Rent/Lease ADVERTISE your rentals or leases here.

For Sale ADVERTISE anything you’d like to sell here.

Opportunities ADVERTISE your exciting opportunities here.

Services THE MOBILE MEDIUM: Marie Bates Curry offers intuitive guidance, insight and spiritual connections all within the white light of God. Individual and group readings are available by appointment. 251-300-7261. MarieBatesCurry.wordpress.com. HIRE YOUR OWN HEALTH & WELLNESS PERFORMANCE COACH: Are you struggling to prioritize your health best practices in meal planning, daily exercise, managing stress and sleep? Michelle Smith, Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, will take you by the hand to design a weekly ACTION PLAN. Find out how. 251-635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

Mobile Bay Makers Market – 11am-3pm, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Open air, sustainably driven market showcasing 25+ local artisans and growers. Music. Food trucks. Year-round, family and dog friendly. Free. South Park of Fairhope Pier, Fairhope, AL. MBMakersMarket@gmail.com.

Monday Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS – 11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909. Evening of Restoration, Ocean Springs, MS – 7-8pm, 1st Mondays unless holiday. Join us for a meditation journey that wakes up your soul and gives you exactly what you need in the moment. Destress, increase concentration, decrease anxiety and lower blood pressure with this practice. Dress comfortably, sweat pants or jammies welcome. Bring yoga mat, meditation pillow or blanket. $10. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

Wild Flier Gifts

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Mark Your Calendar Mississippi Center for Yoga & Health / River Rock Yoga and Pilates Grand Opening with Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band Concert Join us for complimentary food and refreshments provided by The Fig and The Olive. Friday, March 22 • 7-9pm $45 (discount available for AyurYogi Immersion Participants.) 3670 Groveland Rd., Ocean Springs, MS Contact Kim Jackson 228-369-0266 or visit RiverRockYoga.com.

Wednesday Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS – 11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

Friday Forever Young, Ocean Springs, MS – 11:30am-12:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For Senior adults, this class starts with an assessment which measures balance, flexibility, strength, posture and cognition. $125 per month. Naturally Guided Health, 809B Holcomb Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS. NaturallyGuidedHealth.com or 228-215-0909.

View our full calendar online at NAGulfCoast.com/calendar.

Community Resource Guide Connecting you to local resources for natural and green living. To find out how you can be included in the directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.

Beauty

Breast Screening

Dementia Help

TMAC’S HAIR STUDIO

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC

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 customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar effective hair treatments. See ad, page 15.

Biofeedback Services THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 17.

CBD Health & Wellness

Carolyn Olson, Owner, Therapist Laura Worthington, Assistant, Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225

FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS

Offering multiple biofeedback services such as the AO Scan Technology by Solex™, which includes the scan, consultation and custom imprinted patches that can be worn 24 hours a day to continue frequency balancing, along with listening to daily frequencies on your smartphone. AO Scan provides impactful results as does EVOX BY ZYTO emotional therapy. Call today to determine which service will best meet your needs. The first AO Scan is complimentary. See ad, page 17.

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 23.

Bioresonance Therapy HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-374-7707 HarmonicHealthAlabama.com

Harmonic Health Alabama features the Harmonic Egg, a science-based, sound and light therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual energy healing. Please call, text or visit our website for more information. See ad, page 24.

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

112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 3.

Depression Relief MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC 112 West Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787 MindPerformanceCenter.com

We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%. See ad, page 3.

Detox Spa

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY

Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 6.

3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

Community Fellowship 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.

217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 PeakAlkalinity.com

Energy Healing HARMONIC HEALTH ALABAMA 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-374-7707 HarmonicHealthAlabama.com

February 2024

SACRED FIRE WELLNESS

Cindy Sabogal, Certified Reiki Healer 21040 Miflin Rd., Ste. 7, Foley, AL 251-504-5171 • Find Us on Facebook Sacred Fire Wellness Reiki Studio is a place of healing, using Eastern based energy and sound therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Please call or text to book an appointment or for more information. See ad, page 15.

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND Jeff Nursey, Customer Service 850-207-6621 TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com

Change your frequency, change your life! Our jewelry has an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.

Farmers Markets COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL 251-709-4469 CoastalAlabamaMarket.com

Open year-round on Saturdays only, 9am-2pm. 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.

NATURE NINE FARMS, LLC Foley, AL NatureNineFarms.com

100% sustainable farming practices. Your source for local, ethically grown food. Pasture raised eggs, grass fed and finished beef. Find us at your local Piggly Wiggly Fairhope, Greers Markets or order online at NatureNineFarms. com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Food & Nutrition

VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II

A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE

Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 29.

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 23.

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 23.

Functional Medicine GOOD LIFE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com

Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life— healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 5.

HILLSTAR HEALTH

PRESS & CO.

Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats guide or see ad, page 25.

28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 HillstarHealthAl.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. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 31.

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything. —Katharine Hepburn

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

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MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA 109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-408-9980 DrManjaPodratz.com

Holistic health coaching with an emphasis on brain-based wellness and hormone balance. Services based on quantum medicine principles. Holistic breast cancer prevention and complementary services for cancer patients. Private and group coaching, corporate wellness programs and monthly health talks. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 6.

Healing Jewelry THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND Jeff Nursey, Customer Service 850-207-6621 TheNewYouMiracleBand@gmail.com tnymb.com

Health & Wellness Clinic CONNEXUS CLINIC

2864 Dauphin St., Ste A Mobile, AL 36606 251-300-8724 • TheConnexusClinic.com A wellness clinic specializing in weight loss, body sculpting, lymphatic compression and infrared sauna therapy in a safe, compassionate environment. Live better. Look better. Perform better. See ad, page 19.

ENRG WELLNESS

3099 Loop Rd., Orange Beach, AL 620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com Pilates, weight loss, fat burning systems, food programs, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 7.

Health & Wellness Performance

Lymphatic Drainage

GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING

Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com

Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com GoodLifeHealthCoaching.com Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—healthy meals, exercise, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I’ll offer guidance + tools that work. See ad, page 5.

HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY 217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200 PeakAlkalinity.com

Hypnotherapy ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912 EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE

Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer. See ad, page 17.

Massage Therapy ELEMENTS MASSAGE

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 27.

JUBILEE HEALING ARTS

35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 5.

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.

Love is when you meet someone who tells you something new about yourself. —Andre Breton

February 2024

Metaphysical Shop

Pilates

Rolfing

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

ENRG WELLNESS

EASTERN SHORE ROLFING

Destin HarborWalk Village, FL, Booth 11am-6pm 1018 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS Info@WildFlier.com We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry, yoga apparel and accessories along with men’s and women’s coastal fashion and much more. Find your inner Zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 34.

Personal Growth ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE

Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912 EnergyModelOfChange@gmail.com

35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing & streamlining, pain management. See ad, page 5.

Pet Health

Plant-Based Food THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ

320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch daily. See ad, page 23.

THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com

A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE

An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairyfree options. Open for lunch daily. See ad, page 23.

Reiki SACRED FIRE WELLNESS

Cindy Sabogal, Certified Reiki Healer 21040 Miflin Rd., Ste. 7, Foley, AL 251-504-5171 • Find Us on Facebook Sacred Fire Wellness Reiki Studio is a place of healing, using Eastern-based energy and sound therapy for physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Please call or text to book an appointment or for more information. See ad, page 15.

Somatic Breathwork EASTERN SHORE ROLFING

Pam Reaves, Certified Rolfer® 22806 Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL 706-681-2935 • EasternShoreRolfing.com 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. Now offering Somatic Breath Therapy. Based on the work of Peter Levine, Somatic Therapy helps release stored negative emotions that have been trapped in the body. See ad, page 27.

RESPIRA WITH MORGAN

Morgan Tyner, (Bilingual) SomatIQ Breathwork Practitioner Fairhope, AL • 901-581-0434 Somatic@MorganTyner.com Corporate wellness groups, retreats, 1:1, events: SomatIQ Breathwork is a transformative wellness practice that releases suppressed stress from the body utilizing two breathing techniques. It empowers you to clear mental and emotional blockages, leading to enhanced clarity, wellness and more harmonious alignment in personal wellness and purpose. See ad, page 31.

I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart. —Vincent Van Gogh

Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition

NAGulfCoast.com

Wealth Management

Yoga

Yoga Apparel

MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH MANAGEMENT

MANYA WHOLE HEALTH & YOGA

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE

THE HARTY CARPENTER GROUP 601 N. Section St., Fairhope, AL 251-990-2364 • FA.ML.com/Alabama/ Fairhope/thehartycarpentergroup The Harty Carpenter Group is a distinguished wealth management team that has experience advising professionals, retirees and other business owners with virtually all aspects of their finances including Retirement Planning and Income Strategies, Investment Management and Estate Strategies. Work with advisors truly dedicated to your success. Our approach is simple, transparent and supported by thoughtful investment guidance.

109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-408-9980 • YogaWithManja.com DrManjaPodratz.com

Private, group, and corporate yoga classes, health coaching and retreats. Additional offerings: Reiki, Yoga Nidra, auriculotherapy, meditation classes, monthly crystal bowl sound bath and guided breathwork to erase limiting beliefs and painful trauma and help you blossom. Healing is possible with the right support. See ad, page 6.

Wellness Studio— Fairhope DEXAFIT - FAIRHOPE

Located inside CONNEXUS CLINIC 23937 Hwy 98, Ste. 3, Fairhope, AL 251-929-8233 • DexaFitFairhope.com A wellness studio focusing on body composition analysis, metabolic testing and smart gym resistance training. Guiding you towards a leaner, stronger and healthier self with AI-enhanced DEXA scans, VO2max tests, RMR analysis, Smart Gym workouts and more. See ad, page 19.

Priceless lifetime, life-changing whole health benefits for less than the cost of a smoothie a week!

Wellness Studio— Ocean Springs NATURALLY GUIDED HEALTH

Personal Trainer; Board Certified Health Coach; Traditional Naturopath 809B Holcomb Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 228-215-0909 • NaturallyGuidedHealth.com A wellness studio offering personal training, group classes, coaching and education. Specialize in mature adults, post injury/ surgery recovery and compassionate coaching. Check out our Forever Young class.

February 2024

The New You Miracle Band - TNYMB

Show yourself some love

He was gifted a Miracle Band and didn't think it would work, but he was wrong!

Jeff Nursey (R) with Homer Gibbins 2x world champion boxer (L)

Jeff was hit by a pickup truck in 2007, two years later he was still in pain, and his leg was still broken. 13 years ago, I told my orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roland Hester to cut my left leg off because it hurt so bad.

Dr. Hester told him he was not going to be able to walk again. He was on 100% disability and trying everything to manage his pain.

THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND

PAIN RELIEF AND PROTECTION FROM 5G AVAILABLE AT

FAIRHOPE, AL (251) 928-0644

MOBILE, AL (251) 479-3952

PASCAGOULA, MS (228) 762-6856

FOLEY, AL (251) 943-9355

ORANGE BEACH, AL (251) 240-0842

Disclaimer: The New You Miracle Bands have not been evaluated by the FDA. All claims are the result of testimonials of our satisfied customers and our own product testing. This product is not intended to cure or prevent any illness. We recommend with your physician before use. 40 Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Editionconsulting NAGulfCoast.com