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November is here—which means it’s officially fall on the Gulf Coast. Our community really comes alive this time of year. Between the Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market, the 2025 Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile Bay Makers Market, Orange Beach Holiday Market and the Gulfport Fall Festival, there is no shortage of things to do and friendly faces to see.
If your joy comes through food, you might even hop over to New Orleans where Suis Generis and the Tiki Food Labs are serving up exotic culinary experiences like Flavor Science & Probiotic Foods and the Fishing Rodeo & Pig Roast. And for film lovers, the Fairhope Film Festival returns November 13–16. Craving something nourishing and plant-based? Chickpeas Mediterranean Grill in Mobile has you covered. There truly is something for everyone this season.
Wherever I go, I love being a voice for natural health and holistic wellness. So many people are hungry for alternatives for healing that doesn’t just mask symptoms, but restores peace, function and joy. I can personally testify that some of my most powerful “treatments” have been as simple as sitting by Mobile Bay, listening to the waves and wind in the trees until a headache disappears. Yes, I still keep Advil in the cabinet—but nature wins every time.
Speaking of creating space for healing, my husband and I have been designing our own little backyard retreat—a pool with a hot tub, natural stone hardscape, lush landscaping and all. It’s almost complete, and I can already see how it will become our sanctuary—a place to restore, connect and breathe again.
Our feature story this month is a beautiful reminder that we are not machines. We are nature—made to live in rhythm with it. When we align with seasonal shifts instead of resisting them, we give our bodies a chance to reset and recover from the constant push and grind. My intention in this new backyard haven is to honor that rhythm all year long: to slow down, move my body, breathe fresh air, and let nature do what it does best—restore balance.
Just a few finishing touches left, and I will officially be ready to “dive in,” body and soul. Stay tuned—next month I hope to be writing from a place of deep exhale and celebration, right in my own backyard.
With gratitude, Michelle
Michelle Smith, Publisher
Each month, a credentialed expert in natural or integrative health shares clinical insights, success stories, or emerging evidence from their field. Professional Pulse offers an informed and inspiring look at the positive impact of holistic approaches to health and healing. If you would like to contribute evidence-informed stories from your practice—client successes, emerging research, or innovative approaches that are making a difference—please email your name, credentials, area of expertise, and a brief summary of your story idea. We would love to hear from you!
Tapping into Healing
Therapist Susan Brunson Shares Energy Psychology Tools for Positive Outcomes in Emotional Balance
As a seasoned therapist with extensive experience exploring the role of energy in healing, Susan Brunson, MSW, LICSW, integrates both modern neuroscience and ancient energy concepts into her practice. With a background spanning outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment, she began studying the intersection of quantum physics and healing more than 20 years ago. Today, two of her primary tools for helping individuals decrease negative thoughts, feelings and body sensations—and to heal trauma and PTSD—are Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
“Emotional Freedom Techniques, or Tapping, is a powerful yet gentle self-help tool,” Brunson explains. “By tapping on energy
pathways on the body while speaking and working through a negative emotion or situation, people can create measurable shifts in their physiology and mood.”
EFT is easy to learn and quick to use, often bringing relief in 10 minutes or less. Brunson has seen remarkable results: one client who experienced panic attacks and nightmares from childhood trauma learned to use tapping and soon slept peacefully again, even calming herself quietly at work when stress arose. Another client who came in with deep depression and suicidal thoughts felt a noticeable lift after a single 45-minute tapping session. “The changes can be immediate,” says Brunson. “People feel lighter, calmer and more in control.”
While EFT can be practiced independently, EMDR therapy is a specialized, neuroscience-based talk therapy that must be facilitated by a qualified EMDR-trained therapist. Using a bilateral stimulation technique, the therapist helps clients process traumatic or painful memories so the brain can reclassify them as past experiences.
Brunson recalls several striking “one-hit wonder” stories of healing. A five-yearold boy developed severe anxiety and fear of storms after tornadoes struck his town. After a single EMDR session, his mother reported that his symptoms disappeared completely. Another client, a 27-year-old man traumatized by a difficult hospital stay, overcame his PTSD within weeks. A woman who had survived a sexual assault also experienced full relief after just one EMDR session. “It doesn’t matter how recent or long ago the trauma happened, or how big or small it was,” Brunson notes. “Sometimes the healing is truly miraculous.”
She emphasizes that the power of EMDR lies in the brain’s own ability to heal. “It’s the EMDR brain science and the client’s mind that heal them,” she says. “I’m simply their guide.”
Extensive research on EMDR therapy has been conducted over the past 35 years, and more information is available at the EMDR Institute online.
Brunson maintains a private therapy practice in Alabama and Texas through Talkspace’s online teletherapy platform and collaborates with Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider in Alabama, offering Restoring the Foundations Agape spiritual healings and Spiritual Energy Healing Retreats that weave together therapeutic and spiritual modalities for deep, holistic transformation. To connect, call 205-641-9869.
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Natural Beauty
Discover beauty rooted in nature. NATURAL BEAUTY partners offer products and services that nourish the body and honor the planet, prioritizing clean ingredients, holistic care and sustainable practices. From holistic skincare to therapeutic treatments, this page celebrates gentler, healthier, natural ways to look and feel your best.
Thermography Advantage Hosts Quantum Wellness Open House
Thermography Advantage invites the community to experience cutting-edge, noninvasive therapies during its Annual Christmas Open House events being held December 10 in Foley and December 12 in Mobile.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore advanced technologies designed to promote relaxation, balance and overall well-being. They will experience complimentary sessions on the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed, Cognyva Immersion Chamber or lymphatic facials. Attendees are encouraged to spend the day discovering how quantum wellness supports the body’s natural energy and vitality.
Each Open House will feature refreshments, special guests and exclusive package pricing available only during these dates. It’s an ideal opportunity to experience the latest innovations in holistic health and discover how Thermography Advantage integrates science, energy and care into every service.
The Foley Open House will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 314 East Laurel Avenue, Unit 4, in Foley. The Mobile Open House will take place on Friday, December 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 6925 Cottage Hill Road, Suite D, in Mobile.
For more information, call or text 251-623-2225 to discover how quantum wellness can help you feel your best. See invitation, page 23.
Gift Yourself Balance This Holiday Season
This holiday season, hypnotherapist and wellness coach MaryBeth Svatek invites new clients to book a free discovery call to explore how hypnotherapy can bring calm, clarity and balance amid seasonal stress.
As a hypnotherapist and wellness coach, Svatek helps clients restore harmony through a holistic mind-body-spirit approach. “Hypnotherapy allows for deep healing by identifying and releasing emotions and trauma stored in the body—often the root of disease,” she explains.
Her three-step process—Identify, Release, Nurture—guides clients toward emotional balance and renewed vitality. First, emotions are identified where they live in the body—grief in the chest, anxiety in the gut—and gently released. Then nurturing begins, through practices that replenish body and soul.
“Nurturing means feeding yourself what truly restores you,” Svatek says. “Prayer, meditation and spiritual readings replenish what stress depletes. Avoiding what bleeds the soul—drama, overstimulation, toxic environments—is just as vital. And choosing whole, healing foods supports physical restoration.”
According to Svatek, healing begins with willingness—the quiet decision to try something new when the old no longer serves. “It’s about choosing balance over burnout, connection over chaos, and peace over pressure,” she says.
Svatek provides hypnotherapy and coaching using the Energy Model of Therapeutic Change to help clients release old patterns, align with their passions and create purposeful, empowered lives. “Change is inevitable, but you have the power to guide it,” she adds.
2026 Editorial Calendar
Book a free discovery call at HypnoByMaryBeth.com. January
Pesticides and Pregnancy Outcomes
Pesticides disrupt endocrine function, potentially interfering with reproductive health. A 2018 study in JAMA Internal Medicine investigated the impact of pesticide exposure on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization and sperm injection.
The study included 325 women that completed diet assessments and underwent 541 ART cycles over 10 years. Researchers discovered that women consuming more than 2.3 servings daily of highpesticide-residue vegetables had an 18 percent lower chance of clinical pregnancy and a 26 percent lower chance of live birth compared to those eating fewer than one serving daily of the same vegetables.
Remarkably, women consuming more high-pesticide-residue vegetables had lower pregnancy and live birth chances than those eating fewer servings of any vegetables, highlighting the need to consider pesticide content in foods, not just their nutritional value, when trying to conceive.
Veterans Embrace Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain
A recent survey by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, published in the journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, found that military veterans widely use natural products for chronic pain. Of the 52 veterans surveyed, 67 percent used prescription non-opioid medications for their chronic pain, 15 percent used opioids and 17 percent did not use prescription pain drugs. The natural products used included vitamins and minerals (94 percent), herbal or botanical supplements (60 percent) and cannabis (40 percent). One-third of the veterans replaced their prescribed pain medications with natural products.
Approximately half of the veterans were concerned about possible interactions, but only about half of those discussed their use of natural products with a healthcare provider. Nearly all veterans believed providers should discuss the use of natural products with patients to prevent harm. The study highlights a communication
Meditation for Pain Relief
Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Dartmouth College used advanced brain imaging and artificial intelligence to study how various interventions influence the brain’s perception of pain. The 2025 study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed data from two previous trials involving 115 healthy adults randomly assigned to one of four groups.
The mindfulness meditation group was taught breathwork and how to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. The sham-mindfulness group did not receive proper mindfulness instructions. The placebo cream group received a cream without active ingredients. The control group listened to an audiobook. Each group completed four, 20-minute sessions of their assigned activities, followed by brain scans while pain was applied to their leg.
The researchers discovered that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness more than the other groups. Brain scans revealed that mindfulness meditation decreased activity in neural patterns associated with both physical pain and emotional response to pain.
These findings suggest that mindfulness meditation reduces pain by directly altering sensory and emotional pain processing in the brain, whereas the placebo effect changes pain expectations. Further research is needed to confirm that mindfulness meditation can produce similar results for people with chronic pain.
gap between patients and providers, with a need for better information. Researchers recommend improving provider knowledge and patient communication to support safer and more effective pain management for veterans.
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Life Beyond Earth Is Highly Probable
Researchers from Durham University in England surveyed more than 1,000 scientists, both astrobiologists and non-astrobiologists, to assess their beliefs about the existence of basic, complex and intelligent life beyond Earth. Their findings were published in nature astronomy. Almost 87 percent of astrobiologists agreed or strongly agreed that at least basic extraterrestrial life likely exists in the universe, while less than 2 percent disagreed and 12 percent remained neutral. Similarly, more than 88 percent of other scientists concurred that other life forms exist.
These results align with mathematical reasoning. With an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the universe, each containing billions of stars, and our understanding of habitable planets and moons, the probability of no other life forms existing is less than one in a billion billion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000).
Zodiac Signs Are Outdated
The ancient Babylonians believed the movements of the planets and stars were omens predicting the future, prompting them to track patterns in the night sky. They established the Western zodiac signs 2,500 years ago by naming the constellation behind the sun each day from Earth’s perspective. However, the constellations no longer align as they did 25 centuries ago. For instance, 2,000 years ago, September 16 was in Virgo, but today it is in Leo.
The Earth spins like a wobbling top, causing our view of the stars’ positions to shift by one degree every 72 years. Since Babylonian times, this has resulted in a nearly 35-degree change. Our current view of the constellations today will not be seen again for 2,600 years.
The Babylonians originally identified 17 zodiac constellations but reduced the number to 12 to match the number of months in their calendar year. However, the slices of the night sky are unequal. The
Cloud Forests Face Climate Challenges
A study in the journal Science examined the movement of plant species in Mesoamerican cloud forests, which span the mountain ranges of Mexico and Central America where warm Pacific air meets cooler Caribbean air. Despite occupying only 0.4 percent of Earth’s land, they are diverse ecosystems containing about 15 percent of all birds, mammals, amphibians and tree fern species.
Using satellite images and data from the Global Diversity Information Facility, scientists tracked plant movement in these forests. They discovered that plants have been moving up the mountains at a rate of six to nearly nine feet per year since 1979 due to rising temperatures. Scientists worry that these ecosystem changes could lead to biodiversity loss and changes in the water cycle. Without the storage and release of water by the cloud forests, downstream farms and drinking water could suffer negative impacts.
sun spends twice as long in front of Virgo as in front of Cancer. This change also excluded Ophiuchus, which, when combined with Scorpio, only appears in front of the sun for a week. It may be time for astrologers to reconsider the zodiac signs.
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Rebalancing the Mind
Nourishing Brain Health Through Holistic Wellness
by Amanda Mohammed
In today’s fast-paced world, mental fatigue and overstimulation have become the norm. True energy, however, doesn’t come from caffeine or quick fixes—it’s sustained by a healthy, balanced brain. When the brain is nourished, mind, body and spirit align—creating sustained energy, sharper focus and a calmer outlook.
The Mind–Body Connection
The brain is the command center of the body, and when it’s depleted, everything feels off—mood, focus, energy and even digestion. A holistic approach means supporting the brain through nutrition, rest, stress management and the power of natural therapies. By nourishing the brain, we also restore balance to the body and elevate the spirit.
Natural Allies for Brain Balance
Virginia’s Health Foods offers trusted, research-backed products that nurture brain health, enhance memory, and restore mental vitality:
• Nordic Naturals Omega-3s – Cod Liver Oil, Ultimate Omega-2X, and Memory Support with Curcumin for focus and brain function.
• Trace Minerals Magnesium Glycinate Stick Packs – promote relaxation, restful sleep and a calm, focused mind.
• Terry Naturally Focus and Cognitive Health – With Bacopa monnieri and green mountain tea to enhance memory, focus and mood.
• Host Defense Mushrooms – Lion’s Mane and MycoBotanicals Brain blends support mental clarity and circulation in capsules, powders or delicious drinks.
• Rising Phoenix Apothecary Energy and Focus Herbal Tea – Featuring gotu kola, yerba mate, ginkgo, bacopa and more for balanced, caffeine-free clarity.
Resetting the Mind, Body and Spirit
Brain health isn’t only supported through supplements—it’s also deeply influenced by daily habits. Lifestyle rituals that promote balance, calm and clarity play a vital role in nourishing the brain and supporting emotional well-being.
Simple practices can make a powerful difference. Starting the day with quiet reflection or gentle breathwork before reaching for a phone helps set a centered tone for the day ahead. Staying hydrated and choosing whole, balanced meals fuels the brain with essential nutrients needed for focus and sustained energy. Incorporating short walks or stretch breaks throughout the day boosts circulation and oxygen flow, both of which enhance mental clarity and mood.
Limiting overstimulation is equally important. Setting healthy screen boundaries, creating moments of stillness, or stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air can help reset an overtaxed nervous system. As evening approaches, wind down with calming herbal tea or a dose of magnesium encourages the body and mind to transition smoothly into rest. These small but intentional rituals, practiced consistently, support a balanced brain, a resilient nervous system, and a calmer outlook on life.
Virginia’s Health Foods is located at 3055A Dauphin St. in Mobile. For more information, call 251-479-3952. See ad, page 17.
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The Burnout Reset
Whole-Body Recovery for the Season Ahead
by Hannah Tytus
It’s six o’clock in the evening, and the sun has already set. The body is whispering for a warm cup of tea and rest, yet the to-do list stretches on: emails and carpools, fundraisers and school practices, appointments and dinner still to be cooked. The desire for rest is overridden by our self-imposed need to get it all done. The colder season, however, brings an opportunity to shift how we see rest and productivity, inviting us to move in harmony with the cycles of nature.
“Our culture has fed us the myth that we can grow and achieve ceaselessly,” explains Kari Leibowitz, Ph.D., a psychologist, speaker, workshop facilitator and author of How to Winter. “The idea that this growth is linear and steady, with no breaks, is a myth and a fantasy. So much of the winter woes and the burnout of the season comes from a mismatch between our natural rhythms, our expectations and the demands of the world. Winter is an invitation to slow down.”
Lost Wisdom of Seasonal Living
As with every other living being, we are intimately connected to nature’s cycles. “We are animals, and we live on a planet. And almost every other living thing on this planet changes its behavior with the seasons,” observes Leibowitz. “Because we have electricity, artificial light and calendars, we have deluded ourselves into thinking that we can—and should—maintain the same routines and productivity levels year-round.”
This spirit of connectedness is echoed by Shamini Jain, Ph.D., adjunct professor at the University of California San Diego, founder of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health. “When we own that we’re part of a universe that has its ebbs and flows, we pay attention to the seasons,” she notes, adding that Indigenous medicine and wisdom have long honored natural cycles, seeking to answer the same question we ask ourselves today: “How can I show up and be most efficient in my service?”
This ancient orientation toward seasonal rhythms is not just a philosophical concept. Anthropological studies suggest that our ancestors likely slept more in the cooler months, falling asleep soon after sunset and rising before dawn. They got the most sunlight in the morning, aligning their body’s cycles with temperature and light cues provided by nature. Contrast this with modern life, where we stay active well after dark, are exposed to sleep-disrupting blue light, wake with alarms and regulate our environment with thermostats that erase natural temperature shifts. By structuring our lives around modern demands, we resist nature’s rhythms. The result, says Jain, is chronic stress, fatigue and burnout.
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Modern Stressors
As autumn transitions into winter and the holidays approach, many of us face greater demands to cook, shop, perform, travel or coordinate complex schedules, yet our resources of time and energy remain the same—or even ebb—as daylight hours shorten and our bodies naturally slow down and produce less vitamin D because of a decrease in sunlight exposure.
“Whenever demands exceed resources, we become stressed,” says Dr. Sharon Grossman, physician and author of The Burnout Solution. Chronic stress has a cumulative effect on our bodies, causing what is known as an allostatic overload, which, according to Yale Medicine, can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, reduced creativity, brain fog, disrupted sleep, physical aches and pains, or even social withdrawal.
Improving Our Mindset
“We often think of stress as a thing that lives ‘out there’, but stress is actually an internal perception that we have. It’s not always about the circumstances themselves; it’s about what you’re telling yourself about the circumstances that creates the stress,” explains Grossman.
A 2016 study in Anxiety, Stress, & Coping examined the effects of altering our perspective on stress. Participants were encouraged to see it as a potential source of energy and resilience, rather than harmful. Those that applied this change in mindset reported better moods, enhanced cognitive performance and healthier physiological responses during a stressful task.
Try this psychological exploration: Identify limiting beliefs by journaling about the specific fears and guilt that come with saying “no” to a request for help. Next time someone asks for something, politely decline and observe the outcome. Check if expectations of conflict or hurt were unfounded. This approach challenges limiting assumptions and helps us set healthier boundaries, thereby reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
We often have countless ideas about how we should behave, and many of these beliefs hold us back. Grossman emphasizes that every “yes” adds to our demands. “If you’re going to say ‘yes’, understand why you’re saying it,” Grossman cautions. “It should serve a purpose, because our resources are limited.” In practical terms, we have to either lower the demands we accept or increase our resources, such as time or support, to meet them.
For Leibowitz, setting boundaries becomes easier when guided by values. If we want Thanksgiving to feel lighthearted and memorable, that might mean skipping elaborate dishes, accepting a less-than-perfect home and prioritizing rest so we can be present and joyful.
When a new request comes in, pause and reflect on how it aligns with personal values. Consider whether we are acting out of pressure. Release such commitments to make room for a new, better-aligned invitation.
Breathing Out the Stress
Simple breathing practices can profoundly calm the nervous system. “The point is to breathe—nice inhales, long exhales—and in letting out a long exhale, make a sigh of relief,” Jain advises, suggesting that sounds like “ooo” or “ahh” during exhalation enhance emotional release.
Just five minutes of intentional breathing can make a measurable difference. Studies have demonstrated that longer exhales stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the rest-and-digest system, while calming the fight-or-flight response. This reduces heart rate and blood pressure and signals the brain to relax.
Try this breathing exercise: Sit or recline comfortably. Inhale gently through the nose, then exhale through the mouth, allowing sound to escape—this can be a sigh, a groan or a vowel tone. With each round, allow the exhale to lengthen naturally, releasing tension.
Transformative Singing
According to Jain, “Singing, whether by yourself or in groups, helps harmonize the body’s rhythms, decreases inflammation and activates the nervous system’s rest-and-digest response.” A 2016 study by London researchers, published in ecancermedicalscience, demonstrated that just one hour of group singing reduced stress and improved mood, with saliva tests indicating lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and changes in immune markers associated with resilience.
Bringing the benefits of song can be as simple as singing or humming a tune while washing dishes, showering or driving to work. Knowing the lyrics isn’t necessary; the vibrations alone create a positive resonance in the body.
Nature Therapy
Every breath we take is a dance between humans and plants. The oxygen they expel fuels us, and our exhaled carbon dioxide sustains them. This exchange is part of the deep bioelectric communication connecting us to the natural world.
“Fresh air, movement and connecting with nature are all natural antidepressants. Even a few minutes outside can be a powerful way to shift your experience,” says Leibowitz. A 2016 review of 52 Japanese studies found that spending time in nature measurably relaxes the body. Being around forests, plants or green spaces calms the nervous system, improves brain function, balances hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Try this outdoor palliative: Find a patch of earth and stand barefoot. With eyes closed, imagine releasing the day’s energies down into the ground. After a few breaths, visualize energy flowing back up, reinvigorating the body.
Calming Movement
Mind-body-spirit practices offer powerful ways to find inner serenity. “They are effective in harmonizing the nervous system, reducing inflammation and opening our connection with heaven and Earth,” asserts Jain. Tai chi and qigong, which blend flowing movements with focused attention, breath and relaxation, have been shown in studies to pacify the overactive sympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation. Yoga offers similar effects. A 2020 review of 12 studies with nearly 675 healthy adults found consistent reductions in perceived stress, confirming yoga’s power to ease everyday tension.
Practicing these modalities under the guidance of a professional helps reduce risk of injury. Look for a tai chi, qigong or gentle yoga class in the community. Many studios offer a free first class or sessions in a local park.
Rest as Wisdom
In a culture that glorifies hustle, reclaiming rest is an act of healing. Jain asserts, “We can move through the winter of our mind and body, allowing it to deeply rest so that when spring comes, we can move forward with more energy—for the right things, as opposed to everything.” Nature offers a model for this wisdom. Although the natural world seems to be still in winter, vital work occurs beneath the surface. Just as fruit trees need a cold dormancy period to bloom again, we also require periods of quiet renewal. Our cycles of stillness are as essential to growth, creativity and productivity as our cycles of action.
Rest is more than sleep; it is a way of tuning in. “When we slow down, it’s not just about regeneration,” explains Jain. “It’s about listening to the body’s wisdom, slowing down enough to access deeper intuitions and guidance about our next steps.” Our cycles of rest serve as a teacher. By slowing down, we gain the wisdom, focus and resilience to fully embrace a life renewed.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
Honoring the Earth and Each Other
The Thanksgiving table offers a feast of our favorite dishes to share with loved ones, but this annual gathering can lead to food waste, increased energy use, more national travel and other unsustainable excesses. With some planning and simple adjustments, we can make the holiday more environmentally conscious. Reducing our carbon footprint is the best way to show our gratitude to Mother Earth.
Sustainable Feast
• Assign others to bring specific dishes and remind them to use reusable containers for leftovers.
• Shop for seasonal produce and meats at nearby stores and farmers markets to minimize food travel.
• For turkey or other meats, choose pasture-raised and certified-humane options.
• For plant-based eaters, consider a savory lentil loaf, vegan bisques and satisfying baked squashes, including pumpkins stuffed with quinoa and roasted vegetables.
• Avoid packaged foods and make some things from scratch, such as quick baking-powder biscuits.
• To reduce food waste, save produce scraps such as the outer layers and ends of onions, carrot bits, celery leaves, mushroom stalks and herb stems to make vegetable broth for soups and gravies.
• Set the table with cloth napkins and reusable tableware.
• Inform guests of the recycling bin’s location.
Conscious Travel Tips
• Drive on off-peak days for less stress,
quicker transit and less fuel wasted sitting in traffic. Consider taking a train or bus instead of flying or driving.
• When driving, bring reusable containers and water bottles for snacks and beverages.
Choose Meaningful and Natural
• Decorate the table with leaves and dried plants from the yard, baskets of real grapes and other fruits, or beeswax candles.
• Express gratitude to each guest around the table for joining the celebration and for the qualities that make them special.
• Volunteer at a local food pantry or community Thanksgiving meal.
Maximize Leftovers
• Freeze leftovers, including soup, stuffing and desserts for subsequent meals and snacks.
• Pack up a generous plate or two for a neighbor, single mom or friend.
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Tools for Fitness Recovery
Modalities That Prioritize the Mind-Body Connection
by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
In today’s fitness landscape, recovery extends beyond rest days. Holistic therapies are revolutionizing the way we approach physical restoration by integrating mental clarity, emotional resilience and energetic balance. From ancient techniques to
cutting-edge innovations, these modalities offer comprehensive support for restoring harmony to body and mind. Selecting the best modality depends on personal preference and availability. Here are some popular recovery techniques.
Sauna Therapy: Infrared and traditional saunas can reduce inflammation; improve oxidative stress; alleviate pain, stiffness and muscle soreness; and improve perceived readiness or recovery time. In addition to its benefits for recovery, research suggests that regular sauna therapy may reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, stroke and neurocognitive diseases.
Contrast Therapy: Exposing the body to alternating hot and cold temperatures, such as sauna therapy followed by a plunge in a cold-water bath, has become a staple in many athletic and integrative wellness settings. A 2023 systemic review published in PLoS One found that contrast water therapy significantly reduces muscle soreness.
Massage Therapy: Regular massages can support athletic performance. A 2020 systemic review and meta-analysis in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine involving more than 1,000 participants in 29 studies reported that massage improves flexibility and delays muscle soreness. It also benefits emotional well-being by lowering stress and anxiety while improving mood and self-image.
Self-Myofascial Release: This technique uses foam rollers to massage the fascia—the connective tissue that wraps around muscles and organs. A 2024 review of 25 articles, conducted by researchers in Spain, found it improves flexibility and range of motion, decreases muscle soreness and enhances perceived recovery.
Chiropractic Care: This modality includes spinal manipulation, joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to manage the health of athletes and non-athletes. By focusing on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic adjustments promote optimal function and pain relief, while reducing muscle stress. This type of care is effective in treating common conditions, such as lower back pain, muscle strain and joint dysfunction, caused by fitness activities. Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation also support the regulation of the autonomic nervous system to ease depressive symptoms.
Acupuncture: A pillar of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate energy points along the body’s meridians, decreasing muscle soreness and tension while increasing muscle activation to prevent injury. “Acupuncture helps relieve inflammation by lowering the levels of oxidative stress in the body,” explains Ayako Mizuno, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. “It also stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems, which can help create calming and relaxing effects that reduce stress.”
Float Therapy: Also known as sensory deprivation, flotation involves a tank filled with magnesium-rich Epsom salt water, allowing the body to float effortlessly, free from external stimulation. This results in deep physical and mental relaxation. A 2024 randomized controlled study found that multiple sessions of float therapy were well-tolerated, safe for anxious and depressed individuals, and induced positive emotional experiences in individuals with anxiety and depression.
Compression Garments: These specialized elastic garments apply consistent, firm pressure to a body area to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and support recovery. A 2017 New Zealand meta-analysis found that compression garments benefited strength recovery following exercise. A 2022 study in Scientific Reports found that compression tights worn after exercise enhanced blood flow and recovery. Another systemic review and meta-analysis in
2025 concluded that these garments reduced the decline in muscle strength after exercise-induced muscle fatigue.
These therapies support the body’s natural healing abilities while honoring the deep connections between physical health, emotional regulation and energetic alignment. Integrating one or more of them may enhance physical recovery, emotional well-being and vitality. Listen to the body’s needs and explore the modalities that resonate most.
Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.
Ivan Rodriguez
Indoor Oasis
How Houseplants Transform the Winter Blues
by Maya Whitman
As winter draws near and we seek refuge indoors, many of us notice a dip in physical energy and emotional well-being. Houseplants offer more than aesthetic appeal in our homes and workplaces; they rebalance our indoor environments and foster inner calm. Whether it’s a lush philodendron cascading from a bookcase or an elegant orchid on a coffee table, plants infuse life into any space.
With a variety of colors, sizes and maintenance levels, a green thumb isn’t required to create inviting, mood-lifting corners of greenery. Caring for plants can be an enjoyable, calming and uplifting experience, but simply being around them enhances our well-being. Research indicates that spending time with houseplants lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduces worry and improves post-surgical outcomes in hospital patients.
Indoor plants transform the ambience wherever they are placed. “Their presence alone lifts mood. My home feels softer, calmer and more alive when plants are around me in winter. Even one thriving plant in your space can shift the energy,” says Dana Carpenter, a horticultural advisor and founder of the Fancy Plants Club, an online resource for successful houseplant management.
Practical Beauty
Plants add moisture to dry indoor air, benefiting skin and respiratory health during the cold season. Varieties with broad, large leaves have a greater humidifying effect. For lush appeal and moisturizing benefits, choose dracaena, ficus benjamina, philodendron, peace lily, areca and bamboo palms. A 2005 study presented to the American College of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology suggests that English ivy is ideal for allergy sufferers because of its potential to reduce airborne mold spores.
“Plants are sensory by nature and stimulate the senses through touch, sight, sound, smell and taste,” says Alicia Green, a horticulturist and coordinator of Buehler Enabling Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Tending to a plant also subtly promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability that can contribute to emotional grounding.”
Carpenter agrees, stating, “When I am watering, pruning or just checking on my plants, my senses are engaged as I notice the texture of the leaves, the smell of soil, even the sound of water trickling. Caring for my plants offers a natural break in the rhythm of my day.”
A Refuge From the Winter Blues
Plants provide solace for those that find the colder months challenging, particularly individuals with seasonal affective dis-
order. “In the winter, when the light feels scarce and the days drag, even one corner filled with a few thriving plants, a cozy chair and maybe a grow light disguised as decor can change the energy of a room,” Carpenter reflects. “Just sitting near your green zone with tea in the morning turns it into a place you look forward to, especially during gray months.”
Plants add comfort, warmth and support in spaces where we practice mindful meditation, prayer or yoga. Beautiful blooms beside photographs of loved ones celebrate happy memories. A group of plants in varying shades can transform a cozy reading nook, enliven a kitchen corner, add vibrance to a kids’ playroom or lend an exotic touch to a sunny bathroom.
Choosing the right plants that fit our individual lifestyles makes it easy to follow our bliss. “Snake plant tolerates very low light and can be placed in almost any room with a window. It also has very low
watering requirements, thus making it a very low-maintenance houseplant,” advises Green. “Pothos and peace lily can also be placed away from a window, as they are very tolerant of low light.”
Green also recommends using flowering plants such as amaryllis bulbs during winter months to add color to a room, and she encourages novice indoor gardeners to consider succulents and phalaenopsis orchids for their beauty and low-water requirements. Festive-blooming cyclamen is also a favorite for its tendency to thrive in autumn and winter.
According to Carpenter, all plants are joyful additions to the home, including fragrant herbs on a windowsill. “Brushing your hand across rosemary releases that fresh, grounding scent, which feels especially comforting when the world outside is cold and bare.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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Bon Appétit!
A directory of local restaurants, eateries and markets
Tiki Food Lab Brings Flavor Science to Life
Chef Ernie Foundas doesn’t just cook—he farms, ferments and explores the science of flavor. As a food scientist, he conducts research to accentuate taste and harness beneficial microbes that support the microbiome. Adrienne Bell complements his work by crafting beautifully complex non-alcoholic beverages and teas using fruits and flora sourced directly from SG Tiki Farm.
The Tiki Food Lab, located in Pearlington, is where the magic happens. Designed as an umami research and learning center, it’s also available for private events. The moment visitors arrive, they feel as though they’ve stepped into a South Pacific paradise.
Situated on SG Tiki Farm, a wonderland of exotic and unusual edible plants, the Food Lab was created to supply distinctive produce for Suis Generis, the New Orleans restaurant where Foundas and Bell have crafted weekly changing menus for 14 years. Their culinary philosophy focuses on zero-waste cooking, fermentation and probiotic-rich foods that boost immunity and support the brain–belly pathway for optimal digestion and overall health.
The food experiences and cooking classes at the Tiki Food Lab are unlike anything else in the region. Each event features a farm tour, a class or demonstration on fermentation and zero-waste cooking, and a chef-curated tasting menu full of unexpected twists and turns.
This fall’s schedule includes:
• November 1: Flavor Science Kaiseki Dinner featuring probiotic foods
• November 22: Miso Making Class and Food Experience
• November 29: Fishing Rodeo and Pig Roast
• December 6: Fermentation Orchestra Sonic Food Pairing, where music is created from fermented items and performed during dinner
• December 13: Making Molasses and Fermented Beverages
For more information, visit TikiFoodLab.com.
Brooke Lark/unsplash
BB'S HEALTH FOODS
Personalized guidance through living right for your blood type. 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL BBsHealthFoods.com
CHICKPEAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
Amazingly delicious home cooking options and more for the entire family! 850 Blackburn Dr., Mobile, AL 251-264-2461
COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET
Committed to Baldwin County’s local community & agriculture. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com
CROOKED CARROT FARMS
Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY
Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market
GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE
Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards & Boxes, Stress-Free & Delivered to your door! 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-408-9551 • GrazeCraze.com
HEALTH HUT
Experience the Difference. 40+ years earning your trust. 680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485 • Daphne 251-621-1865 HealthHutAL.com
MCKENZIE FARM
Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com
OHANA POKE
Poke combines ingredients of a delicious sushi roll into a quick meal. 561 Fairhope Ave. #102, Fairhope, AL OPFairhope.com
OX KITCHEN
Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL TheOxKitchen.com
Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE
Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 • Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
THE HAPPY OLIVE
Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com
TIKI FOOD LAB & SUIS GENERIS RESTAURANT
Exotic food experiences including fermentation processes, healthy living classes, farm tours and private parties Pearlington, MS • 3219 Burgundy St., NOLA 504-338-2986 • TikiFoodLab.com
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS
2024 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
WILD MAGNOLIA KOMBUCHA
Brewed with love, laughter and a dash of Southern sarcasm. Info@WildMagnoliaLife.com 251-463-6233 • WildMagnoliaLife.com
Balancing Act
Blood Sugar Stability for Better Health and Mood
by Marlaina Donato
Approximately 34 to 36 million people in the United States live with Type 2 diabetes, yet many cases go undiagnosed. Additionally, about 88 million individuals have prediabetes, a reversible condition marked by higher blood sugar levels that have not yet reached diabetic status. Glucose stability is crucial for everyone and can be the root cause of symptoms like low energy (especially in the afternoon), mood swings, increased belly fat, food cravings, brain fog, hormonal imbalances and loss of libido.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels affect all of us, especially after high-carb meals or skipping meals. Our diet directly influenc-
es our metabolic processes. By choosing nutrient-dense foods, replacing high-sugar and high-carbohydrate snacks with healthier options and timing meals wisely, we can achieve balance. Incorporating blood sugar-stabilizing spices and herbs into daily meals can also have a positive impact.
Blood Sugar Basics
“Because glucose is a crucial fuel of the brain and body, there are many backup systems and ways to create glucose,” explains Iginio Stoppa, a naturopathic doctor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, in Tempe, Arizona. “The absorption of glucose from our food, the production of glucose mainly from the liver and the breakdown of the storage
form of glucose called glycogen is what contributes to what we see as blood sugar.” Stoppa also notes that we may notice when our blood sugar is off. Low blood sugar, for example, is often felt through symptoms like anxiety, weakness, tingling, sweating and palpitations.
“Everyone experiences natural rises and dips throughout the day. Skipping meals, leaning on caffeine for energy, eating a lot of refined carbohydrates or grabbing quick, processed snacks can all cause sharp spikes, followed by sudden crashes,” says Jennifer Ribaudo, a clinical herbalist, educator and owner of Desert Moon Botanicals, in Gilbert, Arizona.
It is advisable to avoid high carbohydrate and sugary foods, especially in the morning or before bed. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates like lentils, beans, sweet potatoes and oats to provide essential macronutrients and prevent glucose spikes. Sonoran University recommends eating certain foods in a specific order, such as eggs or avocado before bread and roasted vegetables with olive oil before pasta, to manage glucose levels.
Eating and Snacking To Thrive
Jacqui Garrison, a San Diego-based health coach, suggests eating most calories before dinner and having an earlier, lighter evening meal to reduce overnight blood sugar spikes that can negatively affect sleep quality. She recommends 30 to 40 grams of clean protein per meal; if animal protein is included, five ounces or the size of a loose fist is ideal. Aim for two servings of leafy greens, colorful veggies or whole fruit per meal, equivalent to half the plate or two open hands. Add one to two thumb-sized portions of healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil or nuts to complete the meal.
For snacks, Garrison suggests a hard-boiled egg or hummus with a handful of carrots, a cup of edamame in the pod or nitrite-free turkey slices in the afternoon. For an evening boost, she recommends “something light and protein-forward like half a cup of cottage cheese with cinnamon and berries.”
Stoppa supports high-quality protein and naturally low-glycemic index foods like wild blueberries, blackberries and chickpeas, which provide polyphenols and saponins that slow glucose absorption.
Herbal Help
Ribaudo emphasizes that blood sugar-supportive herbs can smooth out fluctuations. “Using herbs for blood sugar balance doesn’t have to be complicated. A
little cinnamon can be stirred into oatmeal, blended into a smoothie or sprinkled into roasted vegetables or beans. Fenugreek seeds work beautifully in soups, curries and lentil dishes, while moringa leaf powder blends smoothly into salad dressings, sauces or soups.”
Ribaudo also recommends Gymnema sylvestre tincture for pancreatic support and long-term glucose balance, making sugary
foods less tempting. Stress-reducing holy basil (tulsi) tea is beneficial during afternoon slumps. She stresses the importance of consulting a professional, especially for those on blood sugar-lowering medications or prone to hypoglycemic dips, as effects can accumulate.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE
YIELD: 1 SERVING
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 scoop collagen powder
2 Tbsp basil seeds
½ cup water
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup frozen mango
¼ cup frozen pineapple
1 cup frozen greens
½ cup cauliflower, riced
Combine all ingredients in a blender and whip until smooth.
Recipe courtesy of Jacqui Garrison.
OVERNIGHT CINNAMON DATE OATS
This is a perfect late-autumn breakfast or snack with protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
½ cup organic rolled oats
1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
¼ cup organic, unsweetened peanut, almond or sunflower butter
1 to 2 Medjool dates, finely chopped
¾ cup unsweetened coconut, almond or soy milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp powdered Ceylon cinnamon
Place all ingredients in a bowl or Mason jar and stir well. Store overnight in the refrigerator for cold oats or on the counter for room-temperature oats in the morning.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
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VELVETY SWEET POTATO BISQUE
YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
5 medium-sized, organic sweet potatoes
3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 13.5-oz can unsweetened Thai coconut milk, well-stirred before use
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp regular or vegan ghee
1 to 2 tsp Grade-A maple syrup or increase coconut sugar, below 1 tsp coconut sugar (2 to 3 tsp if omitting maple syrup)
¼ tsp powdered cinnamon
¼ tsp powdered ginger
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
OPTIONAL TOPPING
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Smoked salt, to taste
Coconut sugar, a sprinkle to taste
½ tsp curry powder
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
ASIAN SALMON POWER BOWL
This delicious, nutrient-dense meal is packed with healthy fats, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
4 oz salmon
½ cup whole grain brown rice
½ cup edamame
½ cup carrots, shredded
½ cup cabbage or bok choy, shredded
½ Tbsp sesame seeds
1 Tbsp coconut liquid aminos
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp scallions, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Steam and shell the edamame. Sauté the cabbage or bok choy, if using. Grill the salmon and season to taste.
Layer cooked rice, edamame, carrot and cabbage or bok choy in a bowl. Add salmon.
Whisk coconut aminos and rice vinegar together then pour over the contents of the bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top with scallions and cilantro.
Recipe courtesy of Jacqui Garrison.
Chop sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks and add to a medium-size pot; cover with broth. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Place the cooked sweet potatoes, hot broth, half a can of coconut milk and all other ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the sweet potato bisque into bowls until half full. Spoon a tablespoon of coconut milk in a swirling pattern into the soup. Serve immediately.
For the optional pumpkin seed topping, heat olive oil in a pan with the smoked salt, coconut sugar and curry powder. Add pumpkin seeds to the hot pan and toss around until they are browned but not burned. Remove from heat and sprinkle a tablespoon or more of the toasted seeds on top of the sweet potato bisque.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
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Tired but Wired
Rebalancing the Cortisol-Sleep Cycle
by Hannah Tytus
Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, plays several important roles in human physiology. Produced by the adrenal glands, this multifunctional messenger operates on a 24-hour clock, peaking in the moments just before waking from sleep in the morning, slowly tapering off throughout the day and returning to low levels at night to support rest.
When in balance, cortisol helps regulate inflammation, blood pressure and blood glucose, allowing the body to adapt to life’s changing demands. This rhythm is intimately connected to the circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. But when sleep is irregular or stress becomes chronic, cortisol levels can fall out of sync—too high at night, too low in the morning or fluctuating unpredictably.
“Stress is neither good nor bad. It gets us out of bed in the morning. Cortisol is part of that natural rhythm,” says Dr. Sharon Grossman, a burnout recovery strategist and author of The Burnout Solution. “When cortisol becomes imbalanced, it can affect memory, sleep and even immune function. The key is to find the sweet spot.”
Shamini Jain, Ph.D., an adjunct professor at the University of California San Diego, founder and president of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health, explains, “If we have dysregulated cortisol rhythms
because we don’t have regular sleep, or we have too much stress and we’re not handling the origins of the stress, then we could create chronic inflammation in the body, and we could have mental health issues as a result.”
Restoring Evening Serenity and Morning Clarity
The seasons affect our circadian rhythm. The sleep-wake cycle becomes more stable in autumn and winter, with longer time spent in bed, slightly more total sleep time and higher daytime activity compared to warmer months. While cooler weather often encourages more rest, it can also intensify feelings of sluggishness if cortisol and sleep cycles are not aligned. Jain recommends these simple practices that help keep cortisol and circadian rhythm in balance, even as the seasons change.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking at the same times each day helps the body reset. Ayurvedic wisdom, the ancient science of life originating in India, recommends being asleep before 10 p.m. and rising before 6 a.m. to align with the body’s natural cycles.
• Create wind-down rituals. Just as children benefit from bedtime routines, adults can cue the body for rest through calming activities like reading, journaling or reflecting on the day’s positive aspects.
• Establish bedroom boundaries. Reserve the bedroom for sleep and intimacy and practice a digital detox in the evening to reduce stimulation. Avoiding blue light from screens before bed allows melatonin, a sleep hormone, to rise naturally. “But it’s not just about the light,” Jain points out. “It’s about the activation of the mind. Consider a book instead.”
• Add simple relaxation practices. A warm foot soak or shower before bed, deep breathing exercises or restorative yoga asanas like waterfall pose can prepare the body for rest.
• Curb caffeine. Limiting caffeine in general, and particularly after noon, can help ensure a more restorative sleep.
Waterfall pose
• Start the morning well. Exposure to natural sunlight shortly after waking can reset the circadian rhythm, prompting alertness and energy.
Inviting Sleep With Natural Ingredients
Certain supplements, herbs and lifestyle swaps can help calm the nervous system and prepare the body for restorative slumber.
• Magnesium Glycinate: This highly absorbable form of magnesium is gentle on the stomach and has been shown to improve both the quality and onset of sleep.
• Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Supplementing with this inhibitory neurotransmitter may ease an overactive mind before bed.
• Beverage Swaps: Replacing late-day coffee with alternatives such as herbal tea, a mushroom-based latte or ginseng can reduce cortisol spikes that interfere with sleep.
• Herbal Allies: Adaptogens like ashwagandha help modulate cortisol levels, while calming herbs such as chamomile or passionflower promote relaxation and better sleep quality.
Incorporating these strategies can help synchronize cortisol rhythms and encourage deep, restorative sleep. As the days grow shorter and colder, honoring the body’s natural rhythm becomes even more important. Slow down, embrace rest, and work with the cycles of light and dark.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
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Baldwin County Expands Recycling Access with New CHaRM Facilities
Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast—where environmental responsibility is a way of life— Baldwin County is taking major steps to make recycling more accessible and convenient for every resident. The Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) continues to expand both curbside recycling and its network of CHaRM facilities (Centers for Hard-to-Recycle Materials), with rapid progress this fall. The Authority isn’t just changing recycling for Baldwin County, we are expanding beyond our area to Mobile County and all of Southwest Alabama. Transforming our mindset and strategies for managing future waste and recycling for future generations. Curbside recycling officially launched June 2 and is rolling out in phases through 2026. Residents can check their service start date at BaldwinCountySWDA.org/recycling.
• Bay Minette Transfer Station Renovation and New CHaRM – Contract has been awarded
These efforts support the county’s circular-economy goals, keeping valuable materials out of landfills and in the manufacturing supply chain for reuse. In August alone, the Baldwin County Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) received nearly 370 tons of recyclable materials—more than half successfully processed and shipped to certified end markets.
What You Can Bring
FREE DROP-OFF:
Accepted items include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, plastics #1–7, mixed paper, small household batteries and light bulbs.
At the same time, permanent manned CHaRM drop-off centers are opening across the county to accept items that don’t belong in curbside bins—including electronics, paint, household chemicals, bulky plastics and more.
• Fairhope CHaRM opened August 7 and has already served more than 600 residents in its first month.
• Magnolia CHaRM is preparing to open in mid-November, coinciding with America Recycles Day taking place November 15.
• Orange Beach CHaRM has formally received its Notice to Proceed, with development now underway.
Residents are invited to celebrate this progress in person at the America Recycles Day Fall Festival, November 15th at the Baldwin County MRF in Summerdale. The event will feature guided tours, local food trucks, hands-on learning, crafts, music and more.
“Whether through curbside services, CHaRM locations or community outreach—Baldwin County residents now have more opportunities than ever to be part of the solution,” says Terri Graham, CEO of the Solid Waste Authority. “Every household, business and industry plays a role in protecting our coast—join us in our efforts to be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future,” she says.
For full details, visit BaldwinCountySWDA. org or stop by the central office at 15093 Landfill Dr., Summerdale.
Propane or fire extinguisher tanks
$4/each
Electronics (TVs, phones, laptops)
$5/unit
NOT ACCEPTED:
Items not accepted include tires, mattresses, construction debris, furniture, large appliances and medical or biohazardous waste.
Location: 20609 Bishop Rd., Fairhope. Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. No appointment needed.
For more information, call the Solid Waste Disposal Authority at 251-972-6878.
Start Strong
Morning Rituals for Energized Kids
by Christina Connors
Mornings set the tone for a child’s entire day. When rushed or chaotic, they can cause stress, fatigue and difficulty focusing in school. By using simple, intentional routines, mornings can become a source of grounding, positivity and energy, helping kids feel calm, nourished and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
The Science Behind Structured Mornings
Research confirms what many parents intuitively know: Consistent routines significantly impact a child’s development. “Morning routines create rhythm and predictability, which lower stress and help kids feel safe,” says Dr. Joel Warsh, an integrative pediatrician in Los Angeles. “A calm start sets the tone for better focus, mood and energy throughout the school day.”
A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review found that childhood routines are linked to improved cognitive ability, self-regulatory and executive function skills, enhanced social and emotional skills, and better academic outcomes.
Building a Nutritional Foundation
The morning meal is vital for sustaining vitality and focus throughout the school day. To stabilize blood sugar and support steady energy, Warsh recommends combining protein, healthy fats and fiber, such as eggs with avocado, chia pudding with berries or a smoothie with spinach and nut butter. This nutritional approach aligns with
research showing that proper breakfast consumption directly impacts classroom behavior and academic performance, with students demonstrating improved attention and participation when well-nourished.
The Movement Connection
Incorporating gentle movement into morning routines achieves more than physical activity. “Short bursts of movement like stretching, yoga or dancing help release nervous energy and signal to the body that it’s time to focus. They also regulate mood and attention,” notes Warsh.
But too much too quickly may not have the desired effect. “Movement will get the blood moving and support in transitioning. But I wouldn’t go from no movement to awake to ‘let’s hustle’. The shift cognitively can become overwhelming,” advises Dr. Isaura González, a clinical psychologist and educator. She suggests a gradual approach, using an alarm with lighting options that slowly transition from dark to bright, and soothing music that supports the nervous system, rather than overstimulating it.
The Sleep-to-Wake Connection
Successful mornings begin the night before. “Good sleep hygiene is the foundation for calm mornings,” emphasizes Warsh. “When kids sleep enough, their mood, focus and cooperation improve dramatically. Set out clothes, prep breakfast, pack lunches and keep backpacks by the door. These small steps prevent chaos and free up space for connection in the morning.”
Organizing a child’s activities takes this preparation further. “Getting a calendar with the month’s school activities is crucial. You don’t want to miss the green T-shirt day, and then we have a meltdown,” says González. She suggests placing a calendar in a common area such as on the refrigerator so children can independently reference upcoming events.
Fostering Teamwork and Joy
Sustainable morning routines thrive on cooperation, rather than forced compliance. “Add playfulness and use music, countdowns or games to get tasks done,” recommends Warsh. “Kids are more engaged when mornings feel fun, rather than rushed.”
Involve children in routine creation. “Empowerment is the long game. By doing this, you are scaffolding the behavior, letting them do with your support,” adds González. “Children will often surprise even the most involved parent when you include them in asking for their ideas. As they grow, they will need less and less support, and that’s okay because they will always need you.”
Age-Appropriate Implementation
When developing a routine, ensure that it adapts to the child’s age and developmental stage. Warsh offers a simple template: “Wake up, open blinds for morning sun, make the bed, brush teeth, get dressed and eat a nourishing breakfast. End with a hug as you head out the door.”
Creating Connection, Not Conflict
Both experts agree that successful morning routines require patience and creativity, but the investment pays off in a child’s daily energy, mood and school readiness. With a little effort, families can transform their mornings from sources of stress into launching pads for successful, joyful days.
Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and SEL integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
(Black Friday offer valid Nov. 24-2
Community Resource Guide
Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory, email MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.
Acupuncture
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC Patrick Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Offering 25 years of combined experience in successfully treating a variety of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, headaches and tinnitus. See ad, page 19
THE HEALING POINT ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS, LLC
Kelly Kiviko, LAc 17218 Doc Lizana Rd., Gulfport MS KivikoAcupuncture.com
Discover vibrant, radiant skin with holistic microneedling and cosmetic facial acupuncture. Experience the power of facial cupping, gua sha and acupuncture to improve. Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 7
Arts & Festivals
FAIRHOPE FILM FESTIVAL
122 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 1, Fairhope, AL 251-725-2040 FairhopeFilmFestival.org
The Fairhope Film Festival brings films to big screens in the picturesque small town of Fair hope. The Monthly Film Series, January through May, offers two screenings a month in the Ben Gall Theater locat ed inside the Festival office. The 13th annual Fair hope Film Festival, Nov. 13-16, 2025, brings film enthusiasts, industry professionals and film makers to Fairhope for four days of films and events. Registration and ticket information is available on the website. See ad, page 4
Beauty
BALDWIN GYN & AESTHETICS
1506 N. McKenzie, Ste. 104, Foley, AL 251-424-1100. BaldwinGYN.com
For over thirty years Dr. Judy Corbett and staff at Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics have served the Gulf Coast community to bring innovative, state of the art technology and services to enhance wellness and beauty. Check us out online or visit our wellness studio. We look forward to personalizing your wellness journey. See ad, page 7.
TMAC’S
HAIR STUDIO
Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334 TMACsHairStudio.com
A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 7
Brain Health Coaching
MANYA WHOLE HEALTH AND YOGA
Dr. Manja Podratz 109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-234-4771 • DrManjaPodratz.com Manja@DrManjaPodratz.com
Dr. Manja has been trained by Dr. Daniel Amen to apply the Amen Clinic brain health coaching protocols to assist with ADD, depression, PTSD and anxiety. Modalities offered include hypnotherapy, auriculotherapy, Irlen screening, brain nutraceuticals, HRV monitoring and EEG monitoring. See ad, page 24
Brain Therapy
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our unique approach is non-invasive and merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation, and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine, to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory or behavior issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients. See ad, page 5
Breast Screening
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 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 23
CBD Health & Wellness
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 27
Christian Counseling
PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS
Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider, Christian Counselor and Healer PurposeWithoutLimits.com Dallas@DallasTeague.com
You have a Unique Soul Expression. Unlock your limiting beliefs and get unstuck from patterns that no longer serve you. As an intuitive vessel for the Holy Spirit, Dallas offers inspirational messages, Christian counseling, healing prayer and Agape Healing Sessions.
Community Teaching Farm
HOPE COMMUNITY
Corner of Twin Beech Rd. & S. Section St., Fairhope HopeCommunity23@gmail.com Info@HopeCommunityAL.org
Hope Community envisions a thriving and interconnected community where all individuals have access to locally sourced healthy foods, employment opportunities, and cultural enrichment through a teaching farm, teaching kitchen, and community center. Learn more at HopeCommunityAL.org.
Dementia Help
MIND PERFORMANCE
CENTER, LLC
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. 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 5
Depression Relief
MIND PERFORMANCE
CENTER, LLC
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. 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 5
Detox Spa
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
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 31.
Electromagnetic Therapy
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
RIFE therapy uses targeted electromagnetic waves to promote healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and enhance immunity, addressing symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue and inflammation. Receive a complimentary consultation to determine eligibility and learn more about our introductory offer. See ad, page 30
Essential Oils
THE HEALTH HUT
680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL
6845 Hwy. 90 Ste. 108 Daphne, AL
Mobile 251-633-0485
Daphne 251-621-1865
HealthHutAL.com
Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years! “Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.
Farmers Market
MCKENZIE FARMS
17558A S. Greeno Rd. S., Fairhope, AL 251-278-4669 • MckenzieFarmMarket.com
Locally grown, fresh from the farm. For more than 50 years our mission has been to provide the Fairhope community as well as our distributors with fresh produce direct from our family farm. See Healthy Eats listing, page 21
Food & Nutrition
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 19
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB's. See ad, page 4
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 27
THE HEALTH HUT
680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy. 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485 • Daphne 251-621-1865 HealthHutAL.com
Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years!
“Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.
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 21
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Exten sive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 17
Functional Medicine
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
HILLSTAR HEALTH
Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner 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 4
MANYA WHOLE HEALTH AND YOGA
Dr. Manja Podratz 109 Upham St., Mobile, AL 251-234-4771 • DrManjaPodratz.com Manja@DrManjaPodratz.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—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.
Dr. Manja, board-certified doctor of natural medicine, offers hormone balancing, detox and longevity wellness programs based on functional lab testing including the DUTCH test, hair tissue mineral analysis and GI mapping. Full list of available modalities on our website. See ad, page 24
Healing Retreats
PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS
Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider PurposeWithoutLimits.com Dallas@DallasTeague.com
Awaken the Spirit Within retreats to restore your soul through sacred ceremonies: healing body, mind and Spirit. Group sizes are limited to allow an intimate personal experience for those who attend. Your best life awaits. Reserve your spot today.
Health & Wellness Performance
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 4
Aprille Williams is a brand consultant for multiple wellness brands. Shop natural, organic foods, vitamins and supplements anytime, anywhere. Enjoy a wide variety of trusted brands—protein drinks, bars, meal replacements, electrolytes, super greens, even skin care—available 24/7 to support energy, balance and healthy living. To purchase: Linktr.ee/awaffiliates_106109
GOOD LIFE HEALTH 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—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.
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
HypnoByMaryBeth.com
MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Infrared Sauna
HILLSTAR HEALTH
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346
HillstarHealthAL.com
Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 4
Iridology
IRIDOLOGY ACADEMY
Betty S. O’Brian, ND, CII, MS 228-257-1946
DrBettySueOBrian@gmail.com IridologyAcademy.org
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 31
Betty O’Brian, current IIPA Instructor of the Year and Past President of the International Iridology Practitioners Association, offers online training, books, in-person analysis, charts, eye scopes and mentoring for IIPA Certification to Iridologists around the globe. Location doesn’t matter. Zoom and Facetime available. See ad, page 11
Lymphatic Drainage
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
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 23
ELECTRO-ASSISTED LYMPHATIC THERAPY is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the proper flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid, enhancing immune function at a cellular level. By promoting optimal circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid through frequencies that align with the body’s natural rhythms, it helps to decongest and detoxify, restoring balance. See ad, page 14.
Massage Therapy
JUBILEE HEALING ARTS
Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com
Intuitive integrative massage techniques are used to facilitate the body into a state of healing without the “no pain no gain” mentality. Over 15 years’ experience in the bodywork and natural wellness field. See ad, page 7
The experience of being cared for is profound, and it nourishes the soul as much as the food does the body.
—Mariska Hargitay
Metaphysical Services
REGRESSION WITH DEBRA
Debra Richardson Baxter, M.Ed., Regressionist
251-769-3580
IntuitiveRegressionist@gmail.com
Explore your history, tap into your consciousness, and find clarity on your life’s journey. Debra, a certified Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) and Introspective Hypnosis Facilitator, Reiki Master, Experiential Medium, and Akashic Record Reader, guides you toward healing and self-discovery through powerful insights and imagery.
Dr. O’Brian teaches around the world - iridology, naturopathy and herbalism. Join any of our online classes via Zoom as available or attend in-person iridology classes in Biloxi. Virtual appointments available for iridology and naturopathy. See website or contact Pathway Health for more information. See ad, page 11.
Personal Growth
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, M.A. Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912
HypnoByMaryBeth.com
MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Pet Health
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 19
Physical Therapy
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY & COMPLEX SPINE THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling, high intensity light therapy, shockwave, PEMF and joint alignment. See ad, page 19
OSTEOSTRONG
FAIRHOPE - FOLEY - MOBILE
Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength
Josh Fandrich, Owner 333 Greeno Rd., Ste. 2B, Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D, Mobile, AL 3828 McKenzie St., Foley, AL Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me
Just 15 minutes, once per week with your personal coach, on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 13
Plant-Based Food
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 27
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 17
Plant-Forward Medicine
USA HEALTH INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Fairhope, AL: 21950 Hwy. 181 Mobile, AL: 75 S. University Blvd., Ste. 6500 251-660-6441
The Integrative Health and Wellness Program at USA Health combines evidence-based nutrition and culinary medicine to promote healthier eating habits. Through hands-on cook-ing classes and demonstrations, participants learn to make delicious, nutritious meals that support overall well-being and prevent chronic disease.
Quantum Therapy
QUANTUM ENERGY
WELLNESS BED
Thermography Advantage
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
Raise your voltage with the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed. Featuring full body grounding, personalized frequency therapy, infrared radiant energy, Quantum Light Energy Antenna Technology and magnetic polarization. Improve cellular function and blood flow, stimulate ATP production, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation and more. See ad, page 23
Vitamins and Supplements
THE HEALTH HUT
680 Schillinger Rd. S., Mobile, AL 6845 Hwy. 90, Ste. 108, Daphne, AL Mobile 251-633-0485
Daphne 251-621-1865
HealthHutAL.com
Locally owned and operated health food store for over 40 years.! “Experience the Difference” at both of our locations, Mobile and Daphne. We have knowledgeable staff who are here to help and will treat you like family. See ad, back cover.
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 17
Weight Loss
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
Pilates, weight loss, fatburning 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 30
HILLSTAR HEALTH
Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner
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 4
Wellness Studio
OSTEOSTRONG
FAIRHOPE - FOLEY - MOBILE
Unique System for Developing Skeletal Strength
Josh Fandrich, Owner 333 Greeno Rd., Ste. 2B, Fairhope, AL 2724 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D, Mobile, AL 3828 McKenzie St., Foley, AL Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me MidtownMobile@OsteoStrong.me
Just 15 minutes, once per week with your personal coach, on our proprietary, osteogenic loading equipment can help you build a stronger you. See ad, page 13
$1 per word, per month (minimum $40; maximum 50 words). Email content to MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.
Classes/Training
IRIDOLOGY/SCLEROLOGY: SUMMER
SPECIAL PRICE. Looking for a new modality? Learn Iris analysis. It reveals genetic and health weaknesses and strengths. Email or text for 1/2 price classes online or in person. DrBettySueOBrian@gmail.com. 228-257-1946.
For Rent/Lease
OFFICE SPACE for Holistic Health and Wellness Professionals available at MANYA Whole Health & Yoga. If you are looking for the right space to offer your services and integrative collaboration with others, join our holistic wellness center in Mobile Midtown. Call 251.234-4771 or email Contact@ drmanjapodratz.com to schedule a showing.
Opportunities
Flexible opportunity to earn extra income! Help generate leads or sell ad packages for Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast to local businesses and wellness practices. Must live locally and have reliable transportation. Performance-based pay: commissions or lead fees. Covers AL/MS Gulf Coast counties. Contact Michelle Smith at 251990-9552 or MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com.
Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting.
—Brian Tracy
Mark Your Calendar
ChickPeas Mediterranean Grill VEGAN BUFFET
First Saturday every month November 1 . 6pm -9pm December 6 . 6pm -9pm
Join us daily for Ms. Ramona’s fine Mediterranean home cooking, and once a month for the Vegan Buffet. A variety of fresh vegetables, perfectly seasoned and lovingly prepared. 850 Blackburn Drive Mobile, AL 251-264-2461 • Follow on Facebook
Mark Your Calendar
Tiki Food Lab & Learning Center
Executive Chef Ernest Foundas fosters a daring “food lab” where the unusual is celebrated and the phrase “we can’t do that” simply doesn’t exist.
Food Experiences & Classes
11/1 - Flavor Science & Probiotic Foods
11/22 - Miso Making Made Easy
11/29 - Fishing Rodeo & Pig Roast
12/6 - Fermentation Orchestra
Location: 5167 Florida Blvd., Pearlington, MS Register now at TikiFoodLab.com & @sgtikifarm on Instagram
OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ONCE A MONTH distributing Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast monthly magazines to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Ocean Springs to Long Beach. Must have a clean driving record, reliable transportation and be available the last week of every month. Get paid per location. Call for details, Michelle Smith 251-990-9552.
Services
LIVE NUTRITIONAL BLOOD ANALYSIS to Eat Right For Your Blood Type. BBs Health Foods, 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley. 251923-5700. BBsHealthFoods.com. Call for an appointment or stop by the shop.
HIRE YOUR OWN HEALTH & WELLNESS PERFORMANCE COACH: Are you struggling to prioritize your health with 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. 251635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.
find out how to be
Mark Your Calendar
13th
November 13–16
Four days of world-class cinema on the Eastern Shore! Locations includeFairhope Public Library, Coastal Community College, University of South AL Baldwin County. Enjoy award-winning films, filmmaker panels, and festive parties in the heart of Fairhope. The 2025 lineup announcement in October. Follow @FairhopeFilmFestival. Be the first to know! Subscribe to our newsletter. Visit FairhopeFilmFestival.org for details.
Into a Business Turn Your Passion
Own Your Own
Natural Awakenings Magazine!
Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming the owner of a Natural Awakenings magazine. Empower others with current, valuable insights and resources to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
As a franchise owner, you’ll inspire positive change, provide readers with tools for healthier living and connect local businesses with an audience eager for transformation.
Why Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine?
n Create a Healthier Community: Be the go-to resource for wellness and personal growth in your area.
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n Enjoy a Flexible Lifestyle: Work from home while pursuing a fulfilling, dynamic career.
What We Offer:
n A proven business model with low startup costs.
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n Access to a network of like-minded franchise owners.
n Financing Options Available.
Join a thriving network of passionate franchise owners reshaping the future of holistic health and wellness.
Call 239-206-2000 for a FREE evaluation of your community’s potential. Learn more or apply today at: Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com
Own a business that makes a difference.
Add Your Community to Where Natural Awakenings Is Now Publishing:
• Atlanta, GA
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• Western Michigan Call for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.
