Columbia 0412

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

Special Edition

GREEN LIVING

Green Home Checklist

Natural

Allergy Relief

ECO-KIDS RULE

Ways to Help Them Grow Up Green

NATURE POWER

Take a Forest Walk

April 2012

Columbia Edition

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

letterfrompublisher Happy Earth Day, and thank God for spring!

contact us Publisher Keith Waller Assistant Editor Sara Gurgen Design & Production Kristina Parella Stephen Gray-Blancett Advertising Sales Annette Briggs Judi Burton To contact Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition: 404 64th Ave. N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 Phone: 803-233-3693 Fax: 803-753-8096 ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com www.HealthyLivingColumbia.com

© 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

2

Columbia Edition

All of us tree huggers, granola crunchers, yoga people, old hippies, natural wellness followers, hikers, and artists look forward to springtime and Earth Day as children anticipate Christmas. It’s when we can forget about the news, politics, economy and jobs for a little while and revel in the beauty of the fresh new season.

Even though we don’t suffer through terrible winters in South Carolina, spring still seems to evoke that same power of renewal here that it does in the frozen North. This time of rebirth and revitalization is indeed a prescription for the health of mind, body and spirit; a time for getting outside to join in the celebration of life.

There are a zillion clinical studies that verify the health benefits this season has to offer—except for those with terrible-achooo-allergies—including the effects of increased sunlight, exercise, social interaction, viewing wildlife, and the healthy support from spring and summer raw foods, herbs and aromatherapeutic scents. Here on the Coast, even a swim supports health; the Lowcountry swamp water tannins were historically known to heal skin problems, and we all know a little salt water and sun at the beach seem to bring out smiles and a healthy glow.

Over the years in Natural Awakenings, we’ve published articles on so many of nature’s healing effects, and in this issue, our Fitbody department features a piece on Forest Bathing. It’s not skinny dipping or anything shocking; just regular walks in the woods that reduce stress, provide exercise and fight depression.

Immunity is boosted, and there are even cancer-fighting effects. Carry a backpack, and the spine-compressing exercise boosts testosterone, another anti-aging therapy.

Sunshine boosts vitamin D, and we’re just now learning how important to health that has become. Avoid the need for sunscreen by keeping your sunbathing brief and mostly during morning or late afternoon hours. Dark-colored fruits help prevent sunburn, and miraculously ripen just when we can benefit from them most.

Lots of concerts, festivals and Earth Day celebrations are bursting forth this April, and they’re perfect for knocking off the winter cobwebs and renewing those connections with friends and nature. Personally, for my own renewal of spirit and health, I love being in the yard planting organic herbs and edible plants, as well as getting out on the water and walking through the woods with the dogs.

Take your cues from us: Get outside and soak in nature’s energy, right now.

Absorb the love and healing power of the Earth, and this Earth Day return that love with plans to take steps to protect Mother Nature.

contents

7

4 newsbriefs

7 healthbriefs

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

9 globalbriefs 13 healingways 19 consciouseating

9 23 fitbody 26 calendar 30 classifieds

23

29 resourceguide

11 THESE BEST KEPT SECRETS Can Change Your Life

by Larry Green

12 BIKE AND BUILD 13 13 NATURAL REMEDIES

by Judi Burton

FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

advertising & submissions

15 GREEN HOME

how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

19 WASTE NOT,

calendar submissions Submit Calendar Events at HealthyLivingColumbia. com/submit_calendar.htm or email to ColaCalendar@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month prior to publication. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 803-233-3693. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

CHECKLIST

15

by Crissy Trask

WANT NOT

10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste

by Amber Lanier Nagle

19

25 GROWING

UP GREEN

Lessons to Help Lighten Future Footprints

by Hilary Ferrand

25

www.healthylivingcolumbia.com HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

3

newsbriefs Jubilee! Circle Movie Night

J

ubilee! Circle’s Community Movie Night on Friday, April 20, at 7 pm, will feature a screening of the 2004 movie Saved, starring Mandy Moore and McCauley Culkin.” This film, which is about a girl attending a Christian high school who becomes pregnant and finds herself ostracized and demonized as all of her former friends turn on her, gives a keen, satiric critique of Christian fundamentalism and intolerance”, according to critics. The screening is free and open to the public, and will be followed by an audience discussion. Snacks will be provided, but you are invited to bring your own drink (alcohol is OK).

Jubilee! Circle is located at 2730 Millwood Ave in Columbia. Call Rev. Chellew-Hodge for more details at 803491-5116. See ad, page 18.

son, of Columbia Family Chiropractic, 224 O’Neil Ct; and Dr. Sarah Losby, of Capital City Chiropractic, 1221 Bower Pkwy.

For more info, contact Dr. Tom Stetson at 803-788-8831 and Dr. Sarah Losby at 803-708-4258.

Spring Season at Springbank Eco Retreat

Introduction to Jin Shin Jyutsu

P

resented by Margaret Self, Reiki master/teacher and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, and sponsored by Belladonnas Gift Shoppe, this two-hour workshop will introduce you to the Japanese art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. You will learn very simple techniques to use on a daily basis that will bring about dramatic changes in your health, both physically and emotionally. This workshop also serves as a taste of the in-depth two-day class being offered later in the year. Attendees will be eligible for a discount on the two-day class fee. Cost of this workshop is $35. Registration ends April 26. Late registration fee of $50 may be accepted if space is available.

For more info, contact Margaret Self at 803-551-1191.

Send payment to Carolina Reiki Institute Inc. 112 Wexwood Ct, Columbia, SC 29210. Workshop date is May 6, 2 to 4 pm, at Belladonnas, 612 St. Andrews Rd, Ste 1, Ashland Park Shopping Center.

London Games 2012 with Maximized Living

M

aximized Living is a movement in which its followers believe in five essentials for healthy living: maximized mind, maximized nerve supply, maximized quality nutrition, maximized oxygen and lean muscle, and minimized toxins. The Maximized Living group, made up of about 1,200 chiropractors around the world, employs this strategy that’s meant to move away from the mindset of overcoming disease and instead focuses on building health.

100 doctors from the US from the Maximized Living Wellness Advisory Council are headed to the London Games in 2012 to provide wellness support for multiple US teams and athletes who will compete in the London Olympics. Two of the doctors are from Columbia: Dr. Tom Stet-

4

Columbia Edition

A

s Earth renews itself with the blossoming of spring, staff members at Springbank Retreat are looking to their celebration of 50 years of providing spiritual renewal, creative arts, and a healing environment. The public is invited to come out to the center near Kingstree on Sunday, May 6, for a 50th anniversary party. From 1 to 5 pm, visitors can enjoy live music, song, great food, poetry, painting and an exhibit by local artists and other crafts persons. There is no charge.

April programs at Springbank Retreat combine spiritual practices with artistic creativity. In the workshop Icon Painting as Prayer, participants will experience the deep prayer time of Lent through the writing of an icon of St. Michael the archangel. They will learn basic techniques of iconography and spirituality of the icon. Art instructor Christopher Marie Wagner will help each person complete an icon using acrylics and gold leaf. No experience is necessary. The materials fee is $40, and the class is limited to 10 participants.

Wagner restores stained-glass windows and is dedicated to the study of iconography in the Russian style.

The Christian season of Easter will be observed in Easter Triduum: Easter Hope in a Time of Ecological Decline. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Jim Profit, the executive director of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Ontario, Canada.

The experience of Easter gives hope in a time of ecological decline. The workshop leader will ask the question, “Can we hear the cry of Jesus on the cross in the cry of Earth and experience the resurrection in the regenerative power of

Earth?” This retreat includes Holy Thursday, Seder/Eucharistic liturgy, Good Friday, Way of the Cross, Holy Saturday, Great Easter Fire/Vigil, early Easter Sunday liturgy.

Cerantha Corley will lead Awakening the Spirit Within: Learning to Play the Flute. Participants will learn how playing the Native American-style flute can express their inner song. They will let their souls speak through flute-playing and expressive painting. Corley is a writer and painter in addition to playing the Native American flute.

Planting Seeds of Hope: Growing Your Own Veggies will explore the current food system and look at ways to become more conscious of Earth’s sustainability through food choices we make. Rita Wienken will show participants how to build a 5- by 8-foot raised bed for growing their own food.

Louise McCormick and Cindy Barkei will lead Healing Remedies: Self-Care. They will teach participants how to care for themselves through herbal medicine, aromatherapy, healing touch, nutrition, mindfulness techniques, and guided imagery. Participants will learn how to create herbal tinctures and aromatherapy combinations. McCormick is the cofounder and president of McCormick Green Center for Holistic Therapies and is certified in herbal and aroma therapies. Barkei is a certified healing touch practitioner and wholistic nurse. She integrates complementary/alternative healing into her nursing practice.

In Creative Beading, artist Melinda Crowe will show participants how to work with natural stone beads and metals to create a finished neck piece that will become a unique treasure. A graduate of the University of Georgia in fine arts, Crowe has worked in fabric design, weaving, metalworking, and jewelry design. Her artwork features natural fibers, stone, and beadwork with an organic flair.

Family therapist Christie Derrick-Guess will lead “Like Changing Clothes”: Vitality in Aging. She paraphrases the Dalai Lama who says, “Aging is like changing clothes.” In this workshop, Derrick-Guess will help participants explore their resources for resilience and vitality as they age.

In May, a 12-step workshop for men will blend the 12 steps of recovery with Native spirituality.

Dates for the event can be found in Natural Awakenings’ Calendar section. Program fees include lodging and meals. For more info, contact Springbank Retreat for EcoSpirituality and the Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd, Kingstree, or 843-382-9777 or SpringbankRetreat.org. See ad, page 22.

Earth Day at Garner’s Natural Life

G

arner’s is hosting an all-day Earth Day Weekend Celebration April 21 and 22 with gifts and fun, including one special benefit just for Natural Awakenings readers.

Mention the magazine during the weekend event and ask for your free, beautiful, eco-friendly reusable shopping tote bag. Help keep plastic bags out of the environment by bringing your shopping tote to the store, the farmers’

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

market, and everywhere you can avoid taking a plastic store bag.

There will be other gifts, prizes and festivities, too. Stop by the Columbia store, 4840 Forest Dr, in Trenholm Plaza next to Starbucks.

For more info call 803-454-7700 and check Facebook: Garner’s Natural Life Columbia. See ad, back page.

Natural Awakenings Discount Deal at Rosewood

C

heck the Natural Awakenings Calendar for 20 percent off discount days just for Natural Awakenings readers.

The discount days are different days through the month, all day from 8 am to 8 pm. To get your discount, all you need to do is mention Natural Awakenings at the checkout counter and 20 percent will be taken off your bill on the spot.

Discounts don’t apply to deli purchases or to sale items already discounted.

Take advantage of this opportunity to explore new recipes, new diets and better nutrition, while keeping the budget in check. Exceptional health begins with the best nutrition. Rosewood Market and Deli is located at 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia.

For more info, call 803-530-3270 or visit RosewoodMarket.com. See ad, page 17.

Earth Day Music Festival

O

n April 21, from 11 am to 6 pm, in the Grand Park at the Market Common in Myrtle Beach, the Wellness Council of South Carolina is holding its fourth annual Earth Day Music Festival. While in its fifth year, last year’s outdoor event was cancelled due to dangerous storms.

The festival will have live music all day from great local bands, including Bullfrog, Finnegan Bell, Sai Collins, Soulful~I, Treehouse, Sideways Derby, and the Strike-O-Matics. There will be a kids’ zone, many artisans, natural health professionals, charities, conservationists, and all-around Earth-loving people celebrating this beautiful planet that we live on.

For more info, contact Kristi Falk at 843-995-3199 or visit WellnesscouncilCSC.org.

April 2012

5

turn your passion

into a business... own a Natural Awakenings magazine!

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

Your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, Earth-friendly lifestyles. You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security.

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

Be part of a dynamic franchised publishing network that is helping to transform the way we live and care for ourselves.

Now available in Spanish as well.

To determine if owning a Natural Awakenings is right for you and your target community, call us for a free consultation at 239-530-1377.

For information about how to publish Natural Awakenings in your community, call

239-530-1377 6

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Columbia Edition

Phenomenal Monthly Circulation Growth Since 1994. Now with 3.6 Million Monthly Readers in: • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • •

•

• • •

•

• • • • • • • • •

•

• •

•

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Birmingham, AL Huntsville, AL Mobile/Baldwin, AL Little Rock/ Hot Springs, AR Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA* Santa Barbara/ Ventura, CA Denver/Boulder, CO Hartford, CT Fairfield County, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL Melbourne/ Vero Beach, FL Miami & Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tallahassee, FL Tampa/ St. Petersburg, FL Florida’s Treasure Coast Atlanta, GA Western NC/ Northern GA Chicago North Shore, IL Indianapolis, IN Louisville-Metro, KY Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Middlesex Co., MA Ann Arbor, MI Grand Rapids, MI East Michigan Lansing, MI Wayne County, MI

• • •

•

• • •

• •

• • • •

•

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Asheville, NC* Charlotte, NC Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ North NJ North Central NJ Somerset/Middlesex Counties, NJ South NJ Santa Fe/ Albuquerque, NM* Las Vegas, NV Long Island, NY Manhattan, NY Rockland/ Orange Counties, NY Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY Cincinnati, OH* Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA* Harrisburg, PA Lehigh Valley, PA Northeastern PA* Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC* Grand Strand, SC Greenville, SC Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Austin, TX Dallas, TX Houston, TX North Texas San Antonio, TX Tyler/Longview, TX Richmond, VA Southwestern VA* Seattle, WA Madison, WI Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico

*Existing magazines for sale

Low Investment Work from Home Great Support Team Marketing Tools Meaningful New Career

healthbriefs

coverartist

National Start! Walking Day

I

mproving overall health can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other—and April 6, National Start!

Walking Day, is the ideal opportunity to begin a regular walking routine. American Heart Association (AHA) research shows that individuals can gain about two hours of life for every hour engaged in regular, vigorous exercise—a two-forone deal that’s hard to beat. Walking just 30 minutes per day, five days a week, can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, promote better sleep and assist in maintaining healthy body weight.

Visit StartWalkingNow.org for resources to kick-start a heart-friendly regimen.

The site offers links to local walking paths, heart-healthy recipes, an online progress tracker and an app that helps walkers find and create paths while traveling. To find walking buddies or start a walking club, visit AHA’s MyWalkingClub.org.

Unplug During Screen-Free Week

T

he American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6.

CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.”

Learn more about the weeklong event, efforts to restrict marketers’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org.

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

Mother Earth Jenness Cortez

Renewal and purpose are repeating themes in the contemporary works of Jenness Cortez, symbolically portrayed in luminous layers. Internationally recognized and collected as a master realist painter, Cortez is revered for her remarkably intimate landscapes. Her vision comprehends all nature as a manifestation of the divine.

Inspired by the light, color and form of the great masters, Cortez’s dynamic and rich compositions invite the viewer’s eye to move eagerly through her paintings again and again, savoring every nuance. Cortez says she hopes her work inspires the beholder to rediscover, revalue and reintegrate their own creative force into the hurried regimen of modern life. “I want to lead people to something good and eternal,” she says.

The Indiana-born artist began her studies under the guidance of noted Dutch painter Antonius Raemaekers.

She further developed her fine arts background as a graduate of the Herron School of Art, in Indianapolis, and a student of Arnold Blanche, at the Art Students League of New York.

View the artist’s portfolio at CortezArt. com. Cortez is also co-founder of the nonprofit American Meditation Institute (AmericanMeditation.org).

April 2012

7

healthbriefs

Are Cell Phones Safe?

Q

uestions about how cell phones might impact our health have sparked significant controversy. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.

Caution was also urged in an article about cell phone safety published this past October in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. It reported that cell phones that are switched on and carried in shirt or pants pockets can exceed US Federal Communications Commission exposure guidelines, and also that adults and children absorb high levels of microwave radiation from the phones. According to the paper, children are at greater risk than adults, absorbing up to triple the amount of microwave radiation in their brain’s hypothalamus (which links the nervous and endocrine systems) and hippocampus (vital for memory and spatial navigation) compared to adults.

Absorption into their eyes was also greater, and as much as 10 times higher in their bone marrow than adults’.

The IARC concludes that these findings call for cell phone certification consistent with the “as low as reasonably achievable” approach taken in setting standards for using radiological devices. “It is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones,” says IARC Director Christopher Wild. “Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure [directly to the head], such as handsfree devices or texting.”

Additional resource: Epidemiologist Devra Davis, PhD, reports on this topic in Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation.

8

Columbia Edition

Qigong: a Boon for Cancer Patients

C

ancer patients who regularly practiced qigong, a 5,000-year-old combination of gentle exercise and meditation, for almost three months experienced significantly higher levels of well-being, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation, compared to a control group. Dr. Byeongsang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Medical School, in Australia, who led the study, says the reduced inflammation in patients who practiced medical qigong, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, was particularly significant.

The project involved 162 patients, aged 31 to 86; those assigned to the medical qigong group undertook a 10-week program of two supervised, 90-minute sessions per week. They were also asked to practice an additional 30 minutes at home each day.

When the study began, there were no significant differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, mood status and inflammation between the intervention and control groups. However, “patients that practiced medical qigong experienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physical, functional, social and emotional well-being, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” reports Oh.

He remarks that the study is the first such trial to measure the impact of medical qigong in patients with cancer. “Several studies have indicated that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and even survival,” Oh explains. He presented the findings at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.

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

Whale Watching

One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Whales Greenpeace Executive Director Philip Radford reports that the discredited practice of vote buying at the International Whaling Commission has been ended. “Countries like Japan can no longer bribe poorer countries to support their pro-whaling stance. This means that whale conservation finally has a fighting chance.”

The US delegation supported a measure intended to increase transparency in membership fees after hearing from millions of whale lovers. Initiated by the United Kingdom and backed by a number of countries, the proposal passed via a rare consensus among the 89 participating countries.

It is believed that payment of membership dues in cash allowed wealthy countries to purchase the votes of other nations. Dues for the commission must now be paid via bank transfer from government accounts.

Pocket Calculator New Gadget Measures a Family’s Eco-Footprints

A brand-new online environmental tool from Low Impact Living, the Impact Calculator, measures the many footprints of a household’s lifestyle.

With it, families can assess their specific carbon, energy, water, trash, wastewater and stormwater-runoff amounts. Then, by entering the ZIP code and home size, it encapsulates in one number the overall environmental footprint compared with a typical home in the region, suggests green home and lifestyle projects and saves a profile, along with project notes, for future reference.

To use the calculator, visit Tinyurl. com/59ksp3.

Find Out

Hallmarks of a Smart Green Development

Eco-Chic 100% Organic Cotton Clothes, Toys & More For Ages 0 -14

Anyone who has ever wondered whether a new community development is environmentally friendly and should be supported will appreciate the hands-on introduction in A Citizen’s Guide to LEED for Neighborhood Development, published by the National Resources Defense Council. NRDC experts developed the guide to help promote more widespread adoption of sustainable practices and create more inclusive, healthy and environmentally sound places.

Download the guide at Tinyurl. com/4xuuxsz.

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

9

globalbriefs Pastries, Cakes, Cookies Etc...

• Juices • Vegan • Raw • Organic • Smoothies

• Delicious Entrees & Salads!

• Gluten Free “Coffee After Hours” Friday & Saturday 9pm - Midnight

Welcoming

Sharon Hatch

Sharon joins us with 20+ years experience in Natural Foods!

7am-8pm (803) 454-3516 Open Monday-Saturday Sunday 10am - 3pm 3681-D Leaphart Road • West Columbia

www.goodlifecafe.net Facebook.com/GoodLifeCafe

10

Columbia Edition

Egg-ceptional Fun Natural Easter Colors to Dye For

From toddlers to tweens, many children eagerly anticipate one of spring’s most pleasurable rituals: coloring Easter eggs. This shared family activity allows kids to be hands-on artists, as they choose from a palette of cheerful hues to fashion little edible treasures. But youngsters who dip their hands into synthetic dyes can absorb chemicals through the skin that have been linked with allergic reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with ADHD and hyperactivity, per a 2011 report by Science News. Keep their creations healthy and chemical-free by avoiding commercial food coloring and using easy-to-make, fruit- and veggie-based dyes instead.

The simplest way to use Earth-friendly shades is to add natural materials when boiling the eggs. Some suggestions: purple grape juice or crushed blueberries, for blue; liquid chlorophyll or spinach, for green; organic orange peels or ground turmeric, for yellow; cranberries, pickled beets, cherries or pomegranate juice, for pink and red; and yellow onion skins, cooked carrots, chili powder or paprika, for orange.

Then, follow these directions: Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan and add water to cover. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar (this helps the eggshells absorb color) and the natural dye material; use more material for more eggs or a more intense color. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 15 minutes. Remove the eggs and refrigerate them.

These naturally colored treats, more beautiful than their artificially enhanced cousins, will mimic Mother Nature’s softer, gentler tints. For a shiny appearance, rub some cooking oil onto the eggs when they are dry. Also remember that hard-cooked eggs are more perishable than raw ones, and should remain outside the refrigerator no more than two hours (so the one possibly found the day after Easter needs to hit the compost pile) and be consumed within one week.

by Larry Green

D

id you know you can remove fears, anxieties and worries in minutes? Or get rid of headaches and other pain quickly and without medications? Or switch on happy feelings like a light bulb?

Here is a simple technique for quickly reducing stress: Think of something stressful (it does not need to be the biggest stress in your life; it can be some current stress). Rate how stressful it is on a scale of 0 to10. Now, hold your hand gently across your forehead while thinking of the stress for 30 to 60 seconds. After you finish, remove your hand. Now, think about the stress again and re-rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. Most people report that their stress level decreases.

When you are stressed, blood flow and neural activity shift to the back brain (also called the primitive brain). This shift in blood flow is one of the many biological responses “hard wired” into our systems that occur during the flight-or-fight response. Lightly holding your hand across the forehead reactivates the brain’s frontal lobes (sometimes called the brain’s “executive center”). This simple exercise re-

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

turns blood flow and neural activity to the areas of the brain geared for conscious decision making. The result is diminished stress and an improved ability to think clearly, in just moments.

Amazing discoveries like this have emerged in such fields as Applied Kinesiology, Touch for Health, Energy Medicine, BrainGym, HeartMath, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Energy Psychology and other specialized trainings. All of these disciplines have multiple advanced techniques for helping people. And each of these disciplines includes one or more very simple skills that everyone can learn and successfully use for themselves, with no prior training or background.

Sandy Concar, from Wake Forest, NC, had claustrophobia for 51 years.

After just 10 minutes of “tapping” on some of her own acupuncture points (no needles needed), she felt safe enough to intentionally walk into a tiny broom closet and close the door.

Her lifelong claustrophobia was gone for good.

A psychologist in Hawaii, Dr. Debra Greene, had a headache for

days. A simple mental exercise helped her to focus in a new way, and in minutes, the headache disappeared and did not return.

Jennifer Price, from Lenoir, NC, reported her daughter was failing every subject in school. In just two months, her daughter became an A student. She learned an easy exercise (like a game) to help re-pattern her brain, making learning easier.

The entire staff at an Illinois hospital has been trained in a simple self-help technique. It is based on activating the body’s “health enhancement meter.” The technique isn’t meditation—it’s easier! Hospital employees spend 10 minutes a day using this skill.

Since the training, the hospital’s employee turnover rate dropped from 27 percent per year to 6 percent, and its patient satisfaction rate skyrocketed. The hospital has received numerous national employee and patient satisfaction awards since then.

Amazing and consistently reliable techniques like these exist, but are mostly unknown, except to a few specialized practitioners within each discipline. Now, a wide variety of these effective skills are taught in a two-day workshop called the Miracle Workers Training. These profound and reliable techniques can be learned by everyone. No previous training or background required.

For more than 30 years, the creator of this workshop, Larry Green, has studied and taught many systems and trainings with the goal of discovering these kinds of remarkable skills. You can learn them at the Miracle Workers Training on April 28 and 29 in Columbia.

For more info on the two-day workshop in Columbia, other trainings, articles and testimonials, visit USKinesiology.com. See ad, page 26.

April 2012

11

d n a e k Bi Build

by Judi Burton

“I

t is more mentally exhausting than physical,” says Brittany Simmerman, first-year law school student at Indiana University.

She is one of four route leaders in charge of 30 young adults between the ages of 18-25 who will each raise $4,500 for Bike and Build, an organization whose members bicycle across the country to raise money and build houses for an array of affordable housing associations. “We bike about 75 to 80 miles a day for 80 days, 4,109 miles, from Charleston to the shore of Santa Cruz, CA. No matter how good of a shape you are in, you are expending so much energy and so many calories, you are really pushing the line. The first week and a half is very physically demanding. After that you get into a groove. The hardest part is getting done with one day, going to sleep, and getting up to do the next.”

Marc Bush, the former leader of the Habitat Bicycle Challenge, founded Bike and Build in Pennsylvania 10 years ago. Bush believes that this type of community work helps to empower and raise awareness for the growing situation in unaffordable housing.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, in 2012, 3.5 million people will experience homelessness: 23 percent will be children on any given night, and at least 100,000 will be veterans. “So far, we have donated more than 3 million dollars; built for more than 100,000 hours; pedaled 12

Columbia Edition

over 5 million miles; and engaged more than 1,500 young adults in spreading the word about the affordable housing crisis in America.”

The South Carolina trip will have the most build days in history. They will stop and build for 18 days in between traversing the country. Simmerman is excited and a little proud about this.

“This route was one of my two top picks because I’m from Indiana and have done a Northern route, but not a Southern, and the South is so beautiful!”

The riders will leave Charleston May 24 and bike through 12 states. They will journey across the country, staying in churches, gymnasiums and in the homes of some good-hearted folks, and help build houses along the way. The hosts are repaid by a donation made in their name to one of the grants that Bike and Build is sponsoring.

They will raise $135,000 before they leave, but will always be taking on more donations as they go. A donor can track a particular rider online to see how he or she is doing with fundraising, building and distance covered. Everyone has a different way of gathering donations. For a lot of riders, it is simply writing letters to old

friends and relatives, but some people get very creative and help neighbors teach their kids how to ride their bikes safely, or ride around the mall parking lot with a helmet laid out for cash donations. Some riders have even shaved their heads for the money. Whatever it is they do, they must come up with the money before the deadline. The donations are used throughout the trip at building sites, and the cyclers actually get a say in where their money goes.

For handling the haul of supplies, a large van will carry their stuff for them on their journey all through to the end. And then many of the families will meet the riders at the finish line in Santa Cruz. Once they reach the final destination, the riders are left to their own devices to get back home. Some even turn around and ride the whole distance back, if you can believe it.

The trip offers excellent benefits for students who want an impressive resume or an extra bonus on a graduate school application. “A lot of people get very interested when you tell them about it. They like to hear the story, which in turn, builds awareness,” says Simmerman, happily.

To learn more about Bike and Build or to donate, visit BikeAndBuild.org.

healingways

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

by Dr. Lauri Grossman

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

F

or many, spring brings joy via outdoor activities amid blossoming flowers and blooming trees, as they visit parks, hike through meadows and jog along roads in the warming air. For millions of allergy sufferers, however, the attendant airborne pollen brings bedeviling sneezes, congestion, teary eyes and runny noses. Hay fever alone, which affects 35 million Americans, shuts many of us indoors. Before resorting to such an extreme measure, try controlling allergic reactions using some of these simple suggestions.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that we begin by reducing exposure to allergy triggers: n Stay indoors on dry, windy days and early mornings, when pollen counts are high. The best time to be outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. n Remove clothes previously worn outside. Immediately after coming inside, shower thoroughly to rinse off pollen. n Don’t hang laundry outside, because pollen may stick to it, especially

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

sheets and towels. n Keep indoor air as clean as possible by turning on the air conditioner in both the house and car, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in the bedroom; most cost less than $100. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, too. Keep indoor air comfortably dry with a dehumidifier.

For those who love being outdoors, several natural remedies can help. Dr. Roger Morrison, a wholistic physician in Point Richmond, CA, likes targeted, widely available, over-thecounter homeopathic medicines.

Carefully read labels to match specific symptoms with those noted on individual remedies.

For example, for a badly dripping nose, Allium cepa may be the most helpful remedy. It helps lessen nasal discharge, plus reduce sneezing and congestive headaches that can accompany allergies.

If allergy symptoms center around the eyes, causing itching, burning,

REGISTER for your FREE business listing. It’s easy.

SEARCH for hundreds of green and healthy-living companies with products and services good for people and the planet.

FIND local Natural Awakenings magazines publishing in communities across America.

Follow your path to well-being…

Visit NaturalAwakeningsMag. com/directory to sign up for your FREE listing and to find the resources you need for a truly good life.

April 2012

13

Coming in May

WOMEN’S WELLNESS The Latest Great Tips and Technologies for Aging Beautifully Experience Life at its Best

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

803-233-3693 14

Columbia Edition

redness and tears, then homeopathic Euphrasia is a better choice. If nighttime post-nasal drainage leads to coughing upon waking, Euphrasia can help, as well.

Pulsatilla helps people whose allergies are worse when they enter a warm room or feel congested when they lie down at night.

Homeopathic remedies generally are available for less than $10. If symptoms don’t improve in three days, stop and try a different homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic practitioner Dr. Greg Meyer, in Phoenix, AZ, says that many of his patients benefit from taking herbs and other natural supplements, and one of the most effective for hay fever is Urtica dioica (stinging nettles). Studies reported in Planta Medica: Journal of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, showed that after one week, nearly two-thirds of the participants taking two 300 milligram (mg) capsules of freeze-dried nettles experienced decreased sneezing and itching. Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson, recommends taking 250 mg of freeze-dried nettles extract every two to four hours until symptoms subside.

Quercitin is another useful herb.

By preventing release of histamine, it also works to lessen the sneezing and itching that accompany allergies. Take 400 mg twice a day before meals.

Diana Danna, an integrative nurse practitioner in Staten Island, NY, suggests the age-old remedy of a neti pot to relieve congested nasal passageways. It may take a bit of practice, but she’s seen how rinsing the sinuses with

a warm saltwater solution can reduce congestion and make breathing easier.

An over-the-counter squeeze bottle can substitute for a neti pot, as can NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Danna suggests rinsing twice a day for best results.

Simple dietary modifications often yield promising results, as well. Stick to non-mucous-producing foods and eat more foods that give a boost to the body’s natural immune system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and raw nuts and seeds fit both categories, as do lean proteins like fresh fish and organic meats. Drinking plenty of clean water flushes the system and thins secretions. Foods that tend to cause the most problems for allergy sufferers include dairy products, fried and processed foods and refined sugars and flours.

Adding essential fatty acids to a diet has benefits beyond allergy relief.

In my own practice, I’ve seen how patients who take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or three grams of fish oil during the spring months breathe more easily when outdoors. They also delight in healthier looking skin, shinier hair and harder nails.

Trying these approaches may well turn spring into a favorite time of year for everyone.

Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiropractic and certified classical homeopath, practices in Manhattan, NY. She also chairs the American Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of humanism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe. com.

GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

by Crissy Trask

G

reen living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small, giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awakenings’ room-by-room green checklist.

You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.com, says that reducing waste, conserving water and increasing

energy efficiency are all important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

4 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474 pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost. Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green.

Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

4 Dispense with disposables. Replace disposable paper and plastic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth napkins instead of paper; dishwashersafe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or recycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

4 Clean naturally. Chemical powerhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven.

4 Shop for the Energy Star logo.

Appliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operating costs.

4 Filter water with less waste.

Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Instead, purchase a home-filtering system that uses recycled or reusable filters. On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle.

4 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off.

4 Phase out non-stick skillets. Teflon coatings can leach toxins when damaged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick.

4 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of highquality reusable bags that will give years of use.

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

15

Bedrooms

“Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson.

“So it’s important to focus on making bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

4 Start with a good foundation. Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formaldehyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

Find more big ideas in Natural Awakenings’ article, “Spring Green Rehab,” at Tinyurl.com/3nhan6s.

4 Block the afternoon sun. During the day, shut off air-conditioning vents inside bedrooms and block the afternoon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

4 Go wireless. It’s impossible to completely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed.

4 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemicals. 4 Forget fabric softeners. Most “If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson.

Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to comply with US Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocarbon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mattresses (wool is a natural fire retardant) filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting.

Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

16

Columbia Edition

fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin.

Instead, add a quarter-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry.

4 Leave the lights off. Motion-detecting nightlights save energy while allowing safe passage in the wee hours.

Laundry Room

In a typical US home, the washing machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 percent of home energy demands.

Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreenPurse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, explains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number

of loads and drying items on outdoor clotheslines or indoor racks.

MacEachern says, “You can probably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.”

Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is non-toxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

4 Select cold water. On average, only 10 percent of the energy used by a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water. The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

4 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluorescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus.

4 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to operate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

4 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problematic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for coldwater brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free.

4 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value.

4 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and always dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

Monday, April 2 Tuesday, April 10 Wednesday, April 18 Thursday, April 26 Friday, May 4 Saturday, May 12 2012

Bathroom

The smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservation-minded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,” says MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as well, where they could get into local natural water supplies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.”

Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.”

Revision 1

4 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient showCreative Proofer 1:

erheads use as little as 1 Creative gallonProofer per2: minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between 0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

8:00am – 8:00pm

Days

Basil is giving Natural Awakenings readers

20% off

*

Almost Everything in the store when you mention this ad!

Insertion Date: Client: SEI- Columbia Job Number: 540-1221-NA-future-col-4x3 Product/Pub: Natural Awakenings 2803 Rosewood Dr. | 803.530.3270 | Columbia, SC Revision 3 Revision 4 Size: 4.75 x 3.25 www.rosewoodmarket.com Production: JM AS Proofer 1: Work Date: 3/12

*Deli not included. Other exclusions may apply Revision 2

AS Proofer 2:

Your Future Begins Now Offering hands-on training in: Professional Clinical Massage Therapy

4 Flush responsibly. According to the

Medical Assisting

EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher efficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush.

Medical Billing & Coding 4 Financial aid available to those who qualify 4 Day or evening classes 4 Placement assistance for graduates 4 Approved for VA benefits

4 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a

1.877.249.6455 Columbia

Main Campus: 1420 Colonial Life Blvd. W., Suite 80

SoutheasternInstitute.edu

540-1221-NA-future-col-4x3.indd 1

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

3/12/12 5:23 PM

April 2012

17

traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most.

4 Shun a plastic shower curtain.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been called “the poison plastic” for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer.

PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be recycled, so switch to a PVC-free alternative. Organic hemp is the eco-shower curtain gold standard.

increasingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product.

Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects.

4 Use recycled and unbleached

This Natural Awakenings checklist suggests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the family’s ecological footprint right away.

paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment.

4 Ban antibacterial products.

4 Remove bad odors instead of

Triclosan is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. It’s also a registered pesticide and probable human carcinogen that’s showing up in the environment and children’s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

covering them up. In a University of California study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher

4 Install a shower filter that removes chlorine. Chlorine, which is

GO-TO RESOURCES Urban composting solution BokashiComposting.com Toxins in consumer products Toxipedia.org Eco-water filters Brita.com/your-brita/recycle-your-filter BritishBerkefeld.com TerraFlo.com/recycle.htm Textile certifications Tinyurl.com/7wd9vlr

18

Columbia Edition

Crissy Trask is the founder of GreenMatters.com and author of the bestseller, It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

PVC fact sheet MyHouseIsYourHouse.org/pvcfacts. html Radiation exposure facts epa.gov/radtown/index.html Safe cosmetics and personal care products ewg.org/skindeep

consciouseating

Coming in May

Waste Not, Want Not 10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste

by Amber Lanier Nagle

M

ost of us regularly discard food items—week-old cooked pasta, stale cereal, half a loaf of moldy bread, suspicious leftovers and other foods we fail to eat before they perish. But consider that the Natural Resources Defense Council reports that 40 percent of all edible food products in the United States—comprising 34 million tons—is wasted each year.

Food waste occurs at all levels of the supply chain. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are often left unharvested because their appearance does not meet aesthetic standards imposed by grocery stores, and pieces bruised or marred during shipping and handling are routinely discarded. Many restaurants serve supersized portions of food, even though much of it is left on plates when customers leave, and thrown into dumpsters. Plus, many shoppers buy more than they need.

With a little care and a more enlightened system, we could help prevent much of the waste and better address hunger in the United States.

Researchers estimate that Americans could feed 25 million people if we collectively reduced our commercial and consumer food waste by just 20 percent.

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

From an environmental standpoint, wasted food equals wasted water, energy and chemicals. Producing, packaging and transporting these food items generate pollution—all for nothing: a zero percent return on our dollars. Food waste represents the single largest component of all municipal solid waste now going into landfills.

Although it is biodegradable when properly exposed to sunlight, air and moisture, decomposing food releases significant amounts of methane, a heattrapping greenhouse gas that is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Ten tips make it possible to reduce our “food print”.

Shop smarter. Preplan meals for the week, including non-cooking days and leftover days. Make a shopping list and stick to it after inventorying the pantry, fridge and freezer. Buy produce in smaller quantities to use within a few days. Because we tend to overbuy when we’re hungry, don’t walk the aisles with a growling stomach.

Organize the refrigerator. Place leftovers at eye level in the fridge, so they are front-and-center anytime someone opens it. When stowing groceries, slide older items to the front.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS The Latest Great Tips and Technologies for Aging Beautifully Experience Life at its Best

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

803-233-3693 April 2012

19

Pay attention to use-by dates and understand that food is good for several days beyond a sell-by date.

Freeze foods. Many food items will last for months in the freezer in appropriate storage bags and containers.

Share surplus food. For larger dishes such as casseroles and crockpot meals, invite a friend over for supper, deliver a plate to an elderly neighbor or pack leftovers to share with co-workers. Donate extra nonperishable or unspoiled food items to a local soup kitchen, food bank or pantry or homeless shelter.

Store food properly. To maximize food’s edible life, set the fridge between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange containers so that air circulates around items; the coldest areas are near the back and bottom of the unit. For fruits and vegetables stored in plastic bags or designated bins or containers, squeeze out air and close tightly to reduce the damaging effects of exposure to oxygen.

Buy ugly fruits and veggies. Grocery stores and markets throw out a substantial volume of vegetables and fruits because their size, shape or color is deemed less than ideal. Purchase produce with cosmetic blemishes to save perfectly good, overlooked food from being discarded as waste.

Use soft fruits and wilted vegetables. Soft, overripe fruits can be converted to jellies, jams, pies, cobblers, milkshakes and smoothies. Wilted carrots, limp celery, soft tomatoes and droopy broccoli can be chopped up and blended into soups, stews, juices and vegetable stocks.

Dish up smaller portions. Smaller portions are healthier and allow leftovers for another meal.

Take home a doggie bag. Only about half of restaurant diners take leftovers home. Ask to have unfinished food boxed in a recyclable container, and then enjoy it for lunch or dinner within two days.

Compost routinely. If, despite daily best efforts, food waste still occurs, recycle it with meal preparation scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Create an outdoor compost heap, or compost cooked and uncooked meats, food scraps and small bones quickly and without odor in an indoor bokashi bin.

“Earth Day—April 22nd—serves as a reminder that each of us must exercise personal responsibility to think globally and act locally as environmental stewards of Earth,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “Reducing food waste is another way of being part of the solution.”

Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer specializing in how-to articles pertaining to Southern culture, healthy living and the environment.

Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we’ll soon be in trouble. ~Roger Tory Peterson

For more information

803-233-3693 20

Columbia Edition

wisewords

Eco-Mind: Creating the World We Want

A Conversation with Frances Moore Lappé

by Linda Sechrist

F

rances Moore Lappé, author of 18 books including Diet for a Small Planet, is the co-founder of Food First: The Institute for Food and Development Policy, and Small Planet Institute. She also serves on the board of advisers of Grassroots International.

In her most recent release, EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want, Lappé explores the latest in climate studies, anthropology and neuroscience. She aims to dismantle the seven widely held messages, or thought traps, that undermine our responses to current eco-crises.

How can civilization think more like an eco-system to better handle environmental challenges?

Ecology is the science of relationships among organisms and their environment. Seeing life through an ecological lens allows us to see the world and our place in it without managing quantities of limited things. The most stunning implication of this way of seeing

is its endless possibilities, as we learn to align with the laws of nature. With an “eco-mind,” we see that ours is not a finished, fixed world, but rather an evolving and relational world. Through an ecological worldview, we realize that everything, including ourselves, is co-created, moment-to-moment, in relation to all else. Separateness is an illusion and notions of “fixed” or “finished” are fanciful.

With an eco-mind, we can move from fixing something outside of ourselves to realigning our relationships within our ecological home. Making such leaps of thought can uplift us from disempowerment and despair to empowerment and hope.

How are our culture’s current stories about the causes of environmental crises disempowering us?

Current metaphors pointing to such causes of environmental crises as “insatiable consumers” and this “age of irresponsibility” fix attention on our character failings. They make us feel

Make your community a little GREENER...

Support our advertisers.

blameworthy and incite feelings of guilt and fear. Fear doesn’t motivate humans to be more engaged and giving; rather, it too often has the opposite effect, and leads us to objectify and dismiss the “other,” even if the other is nature.

Metaphors of contemporary environmentalism, such as “power down” and “we’ve hit the limits,” keep us locked in quantitative thinking. They don’t encourage us to see the underlying patterns of waste and destruction.

They also fail to offer emotionally compelling, alternative ways of seeing current challenges and their rich, positive possibilities. People need to see a new path, a way ahead, in order to leave the old.

Which of your seven “thought traps” do you see as most significant?

I encourage all of us to examine and

For every $100 spent in locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the community.

source: the350project.net

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

21

Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts

Healing Self/Healing Earth Spring & Fall Sabbaticals (1-, 2-, & 3-months) February 1-May 2 & September 12-December 5 Sabbatical participants can enjoy programs/retreats at no extra charge.

Rest the body, Renew the spirit, Refresh the mind

Spring Retreats

Easter Hope in a Time of Ecological Decline w/ Rev. Jim Profit, April 5-8

Awakening the Spirit Within: Playing the Flute

w/ Cerantha Corley, April 10-11 Planting Seeds of Hope: Growing Your Own Veggies w/ Rita Wienken, April 13-15

Healing Remedies: Self Care

w/ Louise McCormick & Cindy Barkei, April 20-22 “Like Changing Clothes”: Vitality in Aging w/ Christie Derrick-Guess, April 27-29 Register by calling 843-382-9777 or e-mail Springbank@earthlink.net

1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree, SC 29556

l

www.SpringbankRetreat.org

reshape the stories we tell ourselves and others. “We’ve hit the limits of a finite Earth and greedy consumers that overtax the planet are to blame,” is a thought trap that engenders fear. People then think there isn’t enough to go around, so they have to grab what they can now. This thinking locks our imagination inside an inherited, unecological worldview that focuses on separateness and lack; that’s precisely the thinking that got us into this mess.

Considering the power of frame and language, we can ask ourselves: What is the one piece of my current mental map—my core assumption about life—that limits me? How could I reframe it to free myself? How do I keep my thinking from being mired in the world of separateness and lack?

What are other terms I want to start using?

What “thought leap” can move us forward?

In some ways, my “thought leaps” all reflect a shift from focusing on limits to that of alignment. We’re in the mess we’re in because our economic rules are perversely unaligned with the laws of nature and with human nature itself; they bring out the worst and keep the best in check.

We need the opposite.

For example, we now know how to align food production with ecological principles so that there’s enough for all, while regenerating flora and fauna. In this thought leap, we shift from fixating on quantities and focus instead on the quality of ever-changing relationships with all life. We work to replace fear with curiosity—asking why we are together creating a world that none of us as individuals would choose? We see the nature of life as connection and change—realizing, therefore, that it’s just not possible to know what’s possible. How freeing.

When we put our eco-minds into action with the power of connection, we can reach out and spark faceto-face gatherings with others that are also eager to move from feeling overwhelmed to taking rewarding action.

Everyone benefits.

Visit SmallPlanet.org.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.

A good photograph is knowing where to stand. ~Ansel Adams 22

Columbia Edition

fitbody

Reach Your Target Market Secure this ad spot!

FOREST BATHING The Healing Power of a Walk in the Woods

Contact us for special one-time ad rates.

803-233-3693

by Maggie Spilner

“N

ature doesn’t bang any drums when she bursts forth into flowers, nor play any dirges when the trees let go of their leaves in the fall. But when we approach her in the right spirit, she has many secrets to share. If you haven’t heard nature whispering to you lately, now is a good time to give her the opportunity.”

~ Osho, in Osho Zen Taro: the Transcendental Game of Zen

As we all innately know, spending time in nature is good for our body, mind and spirit. It’s why we’re attracted to green places, flowers, lakes, fresh air and sunshine. Taking a nature walk—affording plenty of fresh air and exercise in a quiet setting—has traditionally been prescribed for good health. That raises a question: How much natural healing are we sacrificing when we spend most of our days indoors?

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

In Japan, a group of medical researchers and government-affiliated forest organizations support the creation of forest therapy centers, where people enjoy the trails and guided walks and also receive free medical checkups under the trees. Since 1984, they have been studying the health benefits of walking in the woods, termed shinrinyoku, or forest bathing. There are now more than 30 such officially designated sites.

In related studies, scientists from Japan’s Nippon Medical School and Chiba University tracked positive physiological changes in individuals walking in the woods compared with city walkers. Early results were published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, European Journal of Applied Physiology and Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents. Forest walkers showed: n Lower concentrations of salivary cortisol, known as the stress hormone n Lower blood pressure and heart rate

April 2012

23

n Reduction of adrenaline and noradrenalin, also stress-related hormones n Increase in immunity-boosting natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the numbers of NK cells and anti-cancer proteins known to combat cancer

Newest Findings

The researchers theorized that organic compounds called phytoncides, produced by trees and other plants as a protection from disease, insects and fungus, were also producing beneficial natural killer cells in people in the forests. In a study that exposed participants to phytoncides via aromatic oils fed through a humidifier in a hotel room, the researchers found similar increases in NK levels.

A 2011 study by Nippon Medical School’s department of hygiene and public health showed that the resulting increase in NK cells lasted for 30 days. They concluded that a monthly walk in the woods could help people maintain a higher level of protective NK activity and perhaps even have a preventive effect on cancer generation and progression.

Qing Li, PhD, the assistant professor leading several of these studies, suggests that dense forest areas are more effective at boosting immunity than city parks and gardens.

He also reports that phytoncide concentrations increase during summer growing seasons and decrease during the winter, although they are still present in tree trunks even when the trees are deciduous.

Li further suggests that walks in the woods should be conducted at a leisurely pace. For stress reduction, he suggests four hours of walking, covering a generous 3 miles, or 2 hours walking about 1.5 miles. For cancer-protecting effects, he suggests regularly spending three days and two nights in a forested area.

“Carry water and drink when you’re thirsty,” says Li. “Find a place that pleases you and sit and enjoy the scenery.” He adds that relaxing in a hot tub or spa counts as a perfect end to a day of forest bathing.

Li foresees a future in which patients diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension may receive a forest bathing prescription, but counsels that shinrin-yoku is considered preventive, rather than therapeutic, medicine.

Now Available at

14 Carrot

Enhancing Nature’s Power

Whole Foods 359-2920

What are Essential Oils?

• Extracts from plants • 50 - 70 Times more Powerful than herbs

Natural Alternative to Synthetic Drugs

James 5:14

• Essential oil has hundreds of compounds • Each compound has different medicinal benefits

The Only Certified Pure Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils!

24

Certified Aroma Touch Therapist

Columbia Edition

Ecopsychologist Michael Cohen, PhD, executive director of Project NatureConnect, adds, “If you want to increase the healing effect of being in nature, it helps to change the way you think and feel about connecting with it.” He has students repeat the word “unity” as they encounter natural attractions—be it a tree, bird, brook or breeze—until they feel that they are part of nature, not separate… part of the healing wisdom of the planet. More, he states, “Sharing helps solidify the experience and opens you to greater personal healing.”

Maggie Spilner, author of Prevention’s Complete Book of Walking and Walk Your Way Through Menopause, leads walking vacations for her company, Walk For All Seasons.

healthykids

GROWING UP

GREEN Lessons to Help Lighten Future Footprints

by Hilary Ferrand

P

arents schooled in environmental principles strive to guide their children in like-minded directions.

How can we inspire them to join in addressing larger challenges without coming across as a lecturer about yet another obligation? Thankfully, there are many ways to make green living a feel-good, even easy and fun habit.

Cutting Consumerism

The most important factor is to live as an example. Parents best teach children to buy less by buying less themselves.

Discuss various considerations and ask for their opinions.

According to a recent study by Empower MediaMarketing, kids see 12 to 14 minutes of commercials for every hour of television screen time.

Talk about ads that target kids and how some retailers manipulate young audiences. Compare the advertised benefits of a new toy with their own experiences with it; does it measure up?

Give kids attractive options and practice in making choices. “I tell them what a product contains and if it’s proven to cause health problems,” says Mary Marsh, a mother of three in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. “I also will tell them about a natural alternative. I really want them to make these important decisions themselves. I can’t decide for them later on.”

Taming Trash

Challenge children to find reusable alternatives to disposable household

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

items. Turn it into a game; conduct experiments to see how well the alternatives work and try their ideas.

Put a spin on recycling. Instead of rinsing milk jugs and putting them out for recycling, save some to create an igloo indoors. Unwind that old sweater and use it in artwork. Cut apart old jeans and turn them into skirts. Decorate glass jars and repurpose them as storage for pantry foods and miscellany.

Take children to the local dump to identify items that could be recycled or reused. University of Utah research attests that half of all US garbage could be recycled. In practice, we settle for about 2 percent.

Encourage youngsters to make their opinions known. When a toy’s package is much larger than it needs to be, help them write the maker a letter asking the manufacturer to green their business.

Creating Concern

Help children become experts. “Kids can inspire their friends and parents to be more environmentally conscious,” advises Dr. Moshe Lewis, chief of physical medicine and rehab at the California Pacific Medical Center, in San Francisco.

Surround the family with nature. “Kids are naturally curious. As they learn about the natural habitat of animals, their importance in the ecosystem and how beautiful they are, they develop an appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna species on

Earth,” says Lewis.

Barbara Smith started the Bow Wow Meow Kids Club at the Almost Home humane shelter, in Fort Dodge, IA, so that more children could visit the animals. “Volunteering at the shelter has more benefits for kids than just playing with cats and dogs,” says Smith. “It teaches how to be kind, how to earn trust and try to heal. It teaches them to be humane.”

Involve kids in choosing good food. “I like to produce some food at home so we can lessen our footprints a bit more,” says Marsh. Two of her children help care for the family’s quails and collect eggs. The third creates cartoons about the downside of factory farms.

Tough Talking

Environmental challenges can appear daunting, and may make children feel fearful or even guilty that they can’t help. A parent can help calm their nerves, offer constructive perspective and help them feel like part of the solution.

“Keep the tone of conversation on possibilities, rather than impending doom,” counsels licensed mental health counselor Brooke Randolph, of Indianapolis, IN. “Focus on what could happen, instead of what will.”

Look for the positives. “A single choice is not causing global warming or the extinction of a species; rather, it is a build-up of several choices, made by many people, over and over again.”

Talk about current incremental changes that are helping.

Make doable, Earth-friendly goals and act together to make a difference.

“No matter how small it is,” says Randolph, “if children feel they are doing something positive, they can feel more in control.”

Finally, encourage self-expression.

“For kids, being able to verbalize or express their feelings is critical,” says Lewis. “Sometimes, this requires more than just talk therapy. I have found that art and other creative expressions are a way to work through various emotions.”

Hilary Ferrand is a freelance writer in Fort Dodge, IA.

April 2012

25

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar listings must be received by April 10 (for May issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Submit calendar entries and check for calendar guidelines, updates and cancellations online at HealthyLivingColumbia.com ALWAYS CALL AHEAD BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS TO AVOID LATE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

MARCH 27-APRIL 3 Icon Painting as Prayer w/Christopher Marie Wagner. Enter deep prayer time of Lent through the writing of the icon of St. Michael the Archangel.

Complete an icon using acrylics and gold leaf; no experience necessary. Materials fee, $40; class limited to 10. $675 fee includes lodging and meals.

Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the

Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree.. 800-6710361 or SpringbankRetreat.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Men’s Spirituality Group at Unity−9:3010:30am. Discussion of “The Twelve Powers of Man” by Charles Filmore. Love offering. Unity of Columbia SEE Room, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Colum-

Miracle Workers Training Class Curriculum includes: A baker's dozen of the very best, most amazing skills everyone can easily learn and use: • Emotional Freedom Technique - Permanently remove fears, anxieties & worry in minutes • The Inner Headache Relief Remedy Drugless and works in ten minutes • Anchoring - How to create your own 'I can be happy anytime' button • The Forgiveness Formula - Transformation without trauma, drama or dogma • Cross Crawl Repatterning - Re-wire your brain to accomplish your goals • Heart Signals - Your body's way to optimize health and how to activate it • Muscle Testing/ Energy Testing - Access your deep intuition and inner wisdom

Blue Ribbon Sunday: “Relax, God Loves You”−11am. Holiday Service. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia. 803-530-6199, UnityColumbiaSC.org The Healing Circle at Unity–12:30-2pm. Discussion & education, map, prayers, peace “Letting Go of Fear”. Love offering. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-530-6199 or email unitycolumbia@att.net.

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

TUESDAY APRIL 3 Reiki Clinic w/Margaret Self–10:30am-12:30pm.

Join us as we share Reiki treatments in a group.

Open to all, no training necessary. Great intro to Reiki energy. $10, must preregister. Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Columbia. Info: 803551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

Green Drinks–5:30-8pm. For all in green building, sales, conservation, recycling, nature & politics to gather for fun & shared enlightenment. This month at Jake’s Bar & Grill, 2112 Devine St, Columbia, Check Facebook Green Drinks Columbia.

• Video Rewrite - Quickly release subconscious and reactive responses

THURSDAY APRIL 5

• The Clearing Breathe - How to dissolve old unwanted feelings and patterns

Reiki Clinic w/Margaret Self–5:30pm-8pm. Join us as we share Reiki treatments in a group. Open to all, no training necessary. Great intro to Reiki energy. $10, must preregister. Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Columbia. Info: 803-551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

• The Magic of Spindle Cells - Easily relax most tight muscles or cramps in seconds • Emotional Stress Release - The nervous system's re-set switch • And More (some of which is best discovered in the class!)

“I loved your course and am continuing throughout the week to find it one of, if not THE most helpful experience I have ever had. I will be happy to recommend your class to anyone.

Thank you so much, it was everything I hoped and more.“ – Karen T. - R.N.

Learn powerful, practical and user-friendly skills drawn from many disciplines and designed for everyone’s success.

Imagine walking out of this class feeling better than ever before and knowing you’re capable of achieving miraculous results.

“Great handouts on information about the class. Well explained, Larry listened to student's questions.

Great attitude towards this work I would take any classes with Larry Green.

This class is very uplifting.” – Donna Somers - Massage Therapist

Workshop Fee: $275

April 28 & 29 Columbia, SC 9:00AM - 5:30PM both days

100% Money Back Guarantee If at the end of this workshop you are not convinced that these techniques are worth the price, we will cheerfully refund your money.

Space is limited. For more information and registration visit www.USkinesiology.com. Questions call 919-933-9299

26

bia, 803-736-5766 or email unitycolumbia@att.net.

Columbia Edition

5th Annual Columbia Urban Tour–5pm-8pm.

Free self guided event featuring special offers, giveaways from retailers and restaurants, live street performers and musicians, local artists, and a glimpse into downtown living. 1200 to 1700 block of Main.

Horse carriage rides, brochures with map and door prize at end. City Center Partnership program. Info 803-779-4005x2040, CityCenterColumbia.sc

APRIL 5-8 Easter Triduum: Easter Hope in a Time of Ecological Decline w/Jim Profit. Can we hear the cry of Jesus on the cross in the cry of Earth and experience the resurrection in the regenerative power of Earth? Our experience of Easter gives us hope in a time of ecological decline. This retreat includes Holy Thursday, Seder/Eucharistic liturgy, Good Friday, Way of the Cross, Holy Saturday, Great Easter Fire/Vigil, early Easter Sunday liturgy. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and

the Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree. $375 fee includes lodging and meals. 843-382-9777 or SpringbankRetreat.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Easter Flower Ceremony: “Everything’s Going to Be Alright”–11am. Holiday Service. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia. 803-5306199, UnityColumbiaSC.org.

Community HU Sing–10am. HU (pronounced Hue) is a spiritual sound that connects us with the Holy Spirit (God’s Life Force). It is a love song to God and is very uplifting, especially in a group setting, sung for about 20 min. Refreshments follow.

Free, all are welcome. 7 Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane. Info: Steve, 803-318-1887, ECK-SC.org, or Meetup.com/Columbia-spiritual-seekers/.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Green Drinks–5:30-8pm. For all in green building, sales, conservation, recycling, nature & politics to gather for fun & shared enlightenment. This month at Jakes Bar and Grille, 2112 Devine St, Columbia.

Check Facebook, Green Drinks Columbia.

Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

through food choices we make. Learn to build a 5- by 8-foot raised bed for growing your own food. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree. $200 fee includes lodging and meals. 843-382-9777 or SpringbankRetreat.org.

savethedate Triom Touch Healing Workshop – Level 1 w/Dr. Olympia Freeman−6:30-8:30pm Fri, 9:30-6pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun. Relieve stress, pain, allergies, & illness easily for family and clients with gentle touch system of 6 seconds on specific points of body. Restores fluid flow of energy and light between higher self, body, & mind. Simple, effective techniques for symptoms of almost every illness including CFS, sciatica, and diabetes. For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Intensive handson training.

APRIL 13-15 $355 Early Bird fee until 4/5, $399 after.

About Your Health, 120 Kaminer Way Parkway, Suite J, Columbia, Info: Dr. Olympia Freeman, 828-226-0660, Olympia@soulsmidwife.com, SoulsMidwife.com.

savethedate Earth Day Celebration & Gifts at Garners– 9-8am Sat, 11-5pm Sun. Gifts for everyone, festivities and fun to celebrate Earth Day and natural health. Natural Awakenings readers get free beautiful, eco-friendly reusable shopping bags - just mention the magazine (while supplies last).

APRIL 21-22 Located in Trenholm Plaza next to Starbucks.

4840 Forest Dr, Columbia, 803 454-7700.

GarnersNaturalLife.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Meditation Hour w/LaVoice Kallestad–9:3010:30am. Love offering. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia. 803-530-6199, UnityColumbiaSC.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

APRIL 27-29

Awakening the Spirit Within: Learning to Play the Flute w/Cerantha Corley. Find out how a Native American-style flute can express your inner song. Let your soul speak to you through flute-playing and expressive painting. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree. $250 fee includes lodging and meals.

843-382-9777 or SpringbankRetreat.org.

The Raw Truth Wellness Conference w/Lere Robinson–9am-1pm. Free Wellness Conference that will revolutionize the way you think about weight loss, colon health and your overall health.

RSVP requested, bring friends. Snacks provided.

Columbia Conference Center, 169 Laurelhurst Ave, Columbia. Info: Leré Robinson, Nutritional Consultant, Alive Again, LLC, 803-403-4777, lere@ aliveagainonline.com.

“Like Changing Clothes”: Vitality in Aging w/ Christie Derrick-Guess. To paraphrase the Dalai Lama, “Aging is like changing clothes.” This workshop helps participants explore their resources for resilience and vitality. Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts, 1345 Springbank Rd., Kingstree. $275 fee includes lodging and meals.

843-382-9777 or SpringbankRetreat.org.

APRIL 11-12

MONDAY, APRIL 16

Miracle Workers Training w/Larry Green−9am5:30pm both days. Over a dozen miraculous techniques presented for everyone to use successfully. No prior background required. The best self help skills from Energy Medicine and Holistic Health systems. $275. Location TBD- Columbia.

Info and registration: USkinesiology.com or call 919-933-9299.

APRIL 10 & 11

Reiki Level I, Traditional Usui Reiki System w/Margaret Self, Reiki Master, NHD–5pm-9pm.

Entry-level class combines 4 attunements, instruction, discussion & practice time. Can be used in any situation to promote healing & wellness, on self & others. Manual included. Preregistration reqd. $250 before 4/1, $300 after, Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Cola. 803-551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Slow Food at Indie Grits Kickoff Chefs’ Tasting Party−6:30-9pm. Hosted potluck w/beer, wine, and a critical mass of Columbia, SC’s food and sustainability luminaries. The All-Local Farmers Market building and veranda, 711 Whaley St, Columbia. $20 Slow Food and Nickelodeon members, $40 General Admission. SlowFoodColumbia.org.

APRIL 13-15 Planting Seeds of Hope: Growing Your Own Veggies w/ Rita Wienken. This workshop will explore the current food system and look at ways to become more conscious of Earth’s sustainability

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

Gluten Free Dining Out w/Central SC Celiac Support Group–6pm. El Chico, Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803 463-2321 or email centralscceliac@live.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

APRIL 28-29

Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

lookingforward

Community Movie Night w/Jubilee! Circle–7pm.

Screening of the 2004 film “Saved”. When a girl attending a Christian high school becomes pregnant, she finds herself ostracized and demonized, as all of her former friends turn on her. Starring Mandy Moore and McCauley Culkin, gives a keen, satiric critique of Christian fundamentalism and intolerance. Followed by discussion. Free and open to the public. Snacks provided, can bring your own drink (alcohol OK). 2730 Millwood Ave Columbia. Info: Rev. Chellew-Hodge, 803-491-5116.

Meditation Hour w/LaVoice Kallestad–9:3010:30am. Love offering. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia. 803-530-6199, UnityColumbiaSC.org 803-530-6199. UnityColumbiaSC. org.

TUESDAY, MAY 1 Reiki Clinic w/Margaret Self–10:30am-12:30pm.

Join us as we share Reiki treatments in a group.

Open to all, no training necessary. Great intro to Reiki energy. $10, must preregister. Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Columbia. Info: 803551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

April 2012

27

Green Drinks–For all in green building, sales, conservation, recycling, nature & politics to gather for fun & shared enlightenment. This month Green Drinks will join the post-Annual Conservation Lobby Day After Party. Columbia, Check KeeptheMidlandsBeautiful.org/Calendar for info.

THURSDAY, MAY 3 Reiki Clinic w/Margaret Self–5:30-8pm. Join us as we share Reiki treatments in a group. Open to all, no training necessary. Great intro to Reiki energy. $10, must preregister. Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Columbia. Info: 803-551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 4 Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

SUNDAY, MAY 6 Atom Smashing Power of Mind Book Study Class w/LaVoice Kallestad–9:30-10:30am (Sundays 5/6-6/24). In-depth book study by author Charles Filmore. Fillmore approaches the spiritual realm from the viewpoint of science, takes it apart, demystifies the “holiness” of our relationship to God and the universe and “remystifies” Jesus’ teachings as scientific theory. Love offering. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, 803-530-6199.

UnityColumbiaSC.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 12 Reiki Level I, Traditional Usui Reiki System w/Margaret Self, Reiki Master, NHD–9am-5pm.

Entry-level class combines 4 attunements, instruction, discussion & practice time. Can be used in any situation to promote healing & wellness, on self & others. Manual included. Preregistration reqd. $250 before 5/2, $300 after, Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Cola. 803-551-1191 or CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

Natural Awakenings Discount at Rosewood– 8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price at Rosewood Market, Deli and other sale items not incl. 2803 Rosewood Dr in Columbia. RosewoodMarket. com, 803-530-3270.

SUNDAY, MAY 13 Columbia Eckankar Worship Service–10am.

“Put Yourself on Sacred Ground” Free, all are welcome. 7 Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane. Info: Steve, 803-318-1887, ECK-SC.org, or Meetup. com/Columbia-spiritual-seekers/.

SATURDAY, MAY 26 Reiki Level II, Traditional Usui Reiki System w/Margaret Self, Reiki Master, NHD–9am-1pm.

Attunement connects student to a higher, more focused vibration of the Reiki energy. Techniques for distance healing. Healing of spiritual/emotional issues taught. Discussion, practice time & manual included. Preregistration req. $300 before 5/16, $350 if paid after. Carolina Reiki Institute, 112 Wexwood Ct, Cola. Info: 551-1191, CarolinaReikiInstitute.com.

28

Columbia Edition

ongoingevents Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? Meet in a comfortable and informal setting where all Spiritual points of view are appreciated, nondogmatic approach. Free, sponsored by Eckankar.

Past discussion topics: Past Lives, God Realization, Dreams, Coincidences. an important forum for all who love God who are serious about their Spiritual growth. Dates and times vary, see contact info for update. Steve at 803-318-1887, ECK-SC.org, or meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers/.

Christ Unity Celebration Service w/Rev Lisa Thorpe & guest speakers−11am. Prayer, meditation, song, messages & family. Bookstore open 9-11am, youth programs. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia, 803-530-6199. UnityColumbiaSC.org.

Jubilee! Circle w Rev. Candace ChellewHodge–11am. A progressive, inclusive community influenced by Creation Spirituality, ecumenical, feminist, and traditional Christian theologies. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome. 1st Sun-Potluck and guided discussion, 2nd Sun-Celebration Service, 3rd Sun Faith on Film, 4th Sun-Celebration Service with Communion, 5th Sun-Jubilee! The Musical.

Love offering, 2730 Millwood Ave, Columbia, JubileeCircleUCC.com.

Aikido w/James Patterson–7am. A martial art that truly strives for peace. Strengthen the spirit while exercising the body. Open to the entire human family. $10/month for non-UUCC members. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Columbia, 803-319-1438.

Healthy Carolina Farmers Market–10am-2pm.

Locally grown produce, fresh seafood, boiled peanuts, kettle corn, freshly baked bread, and other goods including natural soaps and lotions.

By Healthy Carolina, Parking Services, and the SC Dept of Ag. 1400 Greene St in front of the Russell House University Union, USC, Columbia.

Info: sc.edu/healthycarolina/farmersmarket.html or marti448@mailbox.sc.edu.

Free Beginner’s Intro Tai Chi Class w/Wes Adams–6pm. Tai Chi—a beautiful art people fall in love with, both for the benefits & for the joy. Fitness, health, relaxation, clarity, energy, confidence, peace & balance. Sign up online at ColumbiaTaiChiCenter.com/signup. 2910 Rosewood Dr. Info: Wes, 803-873-2100, or ColumbiaTaiChiCenter. com.

Nia w/Nancy Whitlock−6pm. Nia teaches you to consciously move in gentler ways to bring greater

comfort and ease into your life. It revitalizes your mind and body as it uplifts your spirit and emotions.

Moves are adaptable for all ages and fitness levels.

Still Hopes Wellness Center, West Columbia. Info: Nancy 803-779-8077, niacolumbia@gmail.com, nianow.com.

Unity Prayer and Meditation Hour−7-8pm in the Unity SEE Library. Unity of Columbia, 1801 LeGrand Rd, Columbia, 803-530-6199. UnityColumbiaSC.org.

All Local Farmer’s Market–4-8pm. Produceronly farmers’ market offering fresh, local food straight from South Carolina farmers. 711 Whaley St, Columbia. Info: stateplate@gmail.com. Facebook-All local Farmers Market.

Jin shin Jyutsu Self-Help Thursdays w/Margaret Self–(Call to Schedule). Have your 12 pulses assessed and receive a self-help protocol to use at home. $10 Columbia Margaret Self, Carolina Reiki Institute Inc., 803-551-1191.

Aikido w/James Patterson–7am. A martial art that truly strives for peace. Strengthen the spirit while exercising the body. Open to the entire human family. $10/month for non UUCC members. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St, Cola. Info: 803 319-1438.

Coffee After Hours w/Good Life Café–9pmMidnight. Drop in at Good Life Café for organic coffee, healthy snacks and an acoustic musical jam session of local talent, conversation

Preparing Raw Foods Class w/Good Life Café.

Alternating Saturdays, check website for day and time. Class series to show how and why raw foods work, how to prepare. Recipe themes: Mexican, Thai, Italian and others. 3681-D Leaphart Rd, West Columbia. 803-454-3516, GoodLifeCafe.net.

All Local Farmer’s Market–8am-12pm. Producer-only farmers’ market offering fresh, local food straight from South Carolina farmers. 711 Whaley St, Columbia. Info: stateplate@gmail.com.

Coffee After Hours w/Good Life Café–9pmMidnight. Drop in at Good Life Café for organic coffee, healthy snacks and an acoustic musical jam session of local talent, conversation and friends. 3681-D Leaphart Rd, West Columbia, 803-454-3516. Facebook: Good Life Café WC, GoodLifeCafe.net.

communityresourceguide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email colapublisher@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request a media kit, or visit our website at HealthyLivingColumbia.com.

CHIROPRACTIC SHELLY JONES, DC Chiropractic Wellness Center Inc.

INTEGRATED HEALING PHOENIX RISING

5209 Forest Dr, Ste C Columbia803-771-9990 doc@drshellyjones.com DrShellyJones.com

Katz Delaney-Leija, MSW EFT CC, Psych-K Advanced, Energy Medicine 803-530-6199 kdelauney@sc.rr.com

I provide you and your family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support your body’s natural ability to heal, feel better and enjoy living an active lifestyle! Call me to schedule your appointment or discuss how I can bring our on-site chiropractic care and healtheducation services to your business, school or athletic team.

Discover an alternative to conventional therapy that produces lasting results, quickly. Katz Delaney-Leija incorporates her therapy skills, insight, intuition and spiritual guidance to hone in on the issues that block self-healing and success.

Specialties include health issues, stress, trauma, self-worth, sexual issues, service-related PTSD, and relationships. Call for a free assessment.

ECO-TOURISM RETREATS

INTUITIVE READINGS

ENOTA MOUNTAIN RETREAT 1000 Hwy 180 Hiawassee, GA 30546 800-990-8869 706-896-9966 www.enota.com

Enota is a family-friendly retreat many say is their best cabin or campground experience ever. The natural springs, hiking trails and rushing waterfalls each hold the promise of adventure.

Cabin rentals, motel rooms, RV sites, tent sites, a spa and wellness center, an organic farm, more than 300 animals to delight the kids, trout fishing and the best home-cooked meals available anywhere. See ad, page 22.

FITNESS COLUMBIA TAI CHI CENTER

Wesley Adams, Owner/Instructor 2910 Rosewood Dr, Columbia 803-873-2100 ColumbiaTaiChiCenter.com Wes Adams is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, more balanced lives by teaching traditional lineage tai chi. In this day of "cardio tai chi" workouts and one-day tai chi instructor certification seminars, there is a strong need for authentic instruction in the complete art of tai chi. Wes is a certified instructor under the American Center for Chinese Studies, NY. See ad, page10.

THE SOURCE WITHIN YOU Rev. Julie E. Bradshaw 803-800-9211 TheSourceWithinYou.com

Julie Bradshaw offers intuitive life readings, akashic record readings, and angel and spirit guide readings. She is a Reiki master and certified hypnotherapist who is also certified in Psych-K and NLP. Using various methods of energy psychology, she assists clients in releasing issues as they are identified during a reading. Julie has been studying and working with energy healing for more than 20 years.

MASSAGE, HEALING ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

Lana Garner, LMT SC #7318 120 Kaminer Way, Ste J, Columbia 803-646-7916 Lana Garner is an experienced massage therapist/body worker who specializes in deep therapeutic work. If you are looking for relief, you will find it on Lana’s table. She uses a variety of techniques including cranio-sacral work and the Left Lemon system.

By appointment only. Call or email lana@ aboutyourhealthsc.com. See ad, page 10.

MINISTRY THE REV. LISA M. THORPE Unity of Columbia 1801 LeGrand Rd Columbia 803-736-5766 UnityColumbia@att.net

Interfaith/non-denominational weddings, wedding renewals at Unity or other venues —holy unions, christenings, house blessings, spiritual counseling, and personal rituals.

See ad, page 8.

RESTAURANT - VEGAN/RAW GOOD LIFE CAFÉ

Sharon Wright, Owner/Executive Chef 3681-D Leaphart Rd, West Columbia 803-454-3516 GoodLifeCafe.net facebook.com/GoodLife Café Sharon Wright, also known as “the raw foods lady,” has been preparing natural, delicious and nutritious meals for more than 20 years. Raw, vegan foods consist of unprocessed plant foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees, which preserves the enzymes and nutrients, thus allowing for better absorption into your body. Stop by Good Life Café and experience what raw food can do for you! See ad, page 10.

SPIRITUAL SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUP

803-318-1887 Contact Steve ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/Columbia-spiritual-seekers Have you had a spiritual experience that you

HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

29

would like to share in a relaxed, non-dogmatic setting? Eckankar hosts open discussions (meetups), worship services and more at no charge. All are welcome. These are important forums for all who love God and who are serious about their spiritual growth.Topics include understanding past lives, dreams, coincidences, God’s creative life force and more. Call ahead: time and date may vary.

JUBILEE! Circle

Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge 2730 Millwood Ave Columbia 803-491-5116 JubileeCircleUCC.org Looking for spiritual direction? Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge is a certified spiritual director trained through the Omega Point program from the Episcopal Diocese in Atlanta. Spiritual seekers and people of all faiths are welcome. $60 per session. For a free consultation, please call. See ad page 18.

THERMOGRAPHY

programs, and thermography as featured on the health segment on WIS TV. We offer a full line of hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, and some specialty items that include raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 10.

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803- 454-7700 garnersnaturallife.com

At Garner’s Natural life we offer the purest, most innovative high-quality natural products.

With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience, our expert staff provides the most unsurpassed customer service in our industry.

We are proud to say that our knowledge allows us to encourage choices that will positively impact the heath and future of our community and environment. See ad, back page.

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J Columbia 803-798-8687

About Your Health Inc. is a small business whose main focus is health education and health-enhancing services.

These services include, but are not limited to, one-onone nutritional counseling, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss

GROW Your Business Secure this special ad placement!

Contact us for more information

30

Columbia Edition

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FARMLAND SHARE - Have good soil, need farmer to utilize small farm in Lexington. Will trade for percentage of harvest. Call Lana 803646-7916.

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC.

803-233-3693

classifieds

FOR SALE CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES – Be part of a dynamic franchised publishing network that is helping to transform the way we live and care for ourselves. As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, Earth-friendly lifestyles. You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security working from your home. For sale in Birmingham, AL; North Central FL; Lexington, KY; Santa Fe, NM; Cincinnati, OH; Tulsa, OK; Northeast PA; Columbia, SC; Southwest VA. Call for details 239-530-1377.

CLASSES/INSTRUCTION Art Lessons by Beth Akers, MEd. Now enrolling by appointment. Children, Adults, Groups, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced. Award-winning educator w/over 20yrs exp. Bonded. In studio or will come to you. 803-331-6426.

Join the Wave of Green Business and Be Your Own Boss.

Natural Awakenings Magazine, Columbia Edition,

FOR SALE

Receive training, established contracts, existing distribution network and support.

Includes city of Columbia, and surrounding counties: Richland, Lexington, Sumter, Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Calhoun and Orangeburg.

(239)-530-1377 ~ (803) 233-3693 HealthyLivingColumbia.com

April 2012

31

32

Columbia Edition